In collaboration with Slow Food Italy, Silversea Cruises has designed an exclusive three-night program that will highlight the culinary and cultural traditions of Tuscany and introduce participants to local wine producers and products that adhere to the Slow Food philosophy of preserving biodiversity and gastronomic traditions.
More euros for your dollar?
Things aren’t going well for the euro, which has lost 3 percent of its value against the U.S. dollar in the past couple of days. This morning, the common currency of 17 European nations hit an 11-month low of $1.29. Some analysts suggest the beleagured euro could hit $1.25 — possibly lower — in the coming months.
We recently sailed from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens on the Azamara Quest (30,000 tons with 694 guests and 407 crewmembers) in a Club Continent Suite. We enjoyed the service provided by our excellent Butler and Stateroom Attendant. I was asked what the butler does for you onboard – the welcome letter in our suite gave us some ideas: assistance with unpacking/packing, daily news delivery, in-suite breakfast, lunch and dinner service, evening hors d’oeuvres daily, afternoon tea service, shoe shine service, assistance with reservations for specialty dining, shore excursions, and spa appointments, etc. Our butler, Eyup, also assisted us when we encountered rough seas tendering in Sorrento and our clothes were soaked – off they went to be returned clean and dry the next day!
Venice, Italy –
Venice, Italy
Before my voyage began I stayed for three nights at the Hotel Flora. Venice equals romantic – quaint – canals – gondoliers – carnival – palaces – glass – art – fashion – people! Venice is as wonderful today as it was 20 years ago, but it takes a little more work and a little more patience as the crowds today are significant. A pre or post cruise stay allows time to enjoy the city and such sights as an evening concert in St Mark’s Square without all the tumult present during the day. Venice is a city for pedestrians, it’s a city made for wandering – it’s hard to get lost and each turn exposes a charming balcony, a small plaza, a narrow canal.
A busy day in the port of Venice, like most days during the summer months.
We spent a couple of days in Venice, Italy, filming for the new Avid Cruiser travel show.
Venice ranks right up there with Barcelona with regard to the number of ships and cruise passengers it handles. This city of 118 islands, 150 canals and 450 bridges surely woos cruise passengers who set out in search of its charms before or after their cruises. Venice is a living museum.
Norway was the dream, Regent made the dream come true. For over fifteen years I have wanted to return to Norway. Having been completely enchanted on prior visits by the midnight sun and the stunning beauty of Norway’s mountains, valleys, lakes, fjords waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, I always hoped that I would return one day.
As sometimes happens, if we keep wishing and begin taking a few steps, our visions become reality.
This past June I sailed from Lisbon to Barcelona aboard Silversea’s beautiful all-new Silver
Teresa in Lisbon
Spirit. We chose to fly in a day early for our Silversea cruise in order to have a little time to see Lisbon. The Hotel Marquês de Pombal on the Avenida da Liberdade provided great 4-star service with clean, comfortable and quiet accommodations and a full breakfast. It was easy walking distance to all the major points of interest and only a short ride from the pier.
Exotic Hong Kong is on our list of favorites.
So many spectacular places to visit, so little time. Here are six of our favorites.
We’re not suggesting by the title of this article that it’s time to begin disembarking from that great journey known as life. Far from it. Cast your eye farther down the page, and you’ll see what we consider to be life’s greatest cruise itineraries.
Is river cruising the best way to explore Europe? We think so. Nothing quite compares to the convenience of unpacking once for a trip through multiple countries. Here are the top ten reasons why you should consider taking a river cruise on your next vacation.
Rhine Valley from Uniworld
On my recent trip to Europe to attend the Christening festivities for Avalon Waterways
Panorama
brand-new Avalon Panorama I had the opportunity to visit some distinct and interesting cities. The Rhine River is most famous for its legendary Lorelei rock and the imposing medieval castles that line its banks. Aboard Avalon Waterways you sail through cities like Amsterdam, Cologne, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Basel. Today I want to share with you two other cities that I enjoyed.
