Breathtaking Bruges – Days 4 and 5
After several days of exploring Bruges, we can confidently say it is one of the loveliest European cities we have ever visited. The medieval architecture, brick and cobblestone walkways, and the meandering canals weaving through the city really make a beautiful impression and leave you feeling like you were back in time. Even in the rain, Bruges has a fairy tale-like quality that is endearing. With 2000 chocolate shops in Belgium, Bruges certainly has its share, which doesn’t hurt when you want to stay warm and dry on a cold or blistery… Read More
Paris – Exploring the Louvre and Montmartre Day 3
Day 3: Paris Part One – We took a private tour of Montmartre with one of our favorite guides, Audrey, on Day 3. She was excellent and we learned so much about this special area of Paris. We especially loved the quaint, narrow, cobblestoned streets winding up and down this hilly area. Please note however that as charming as this area is, its steep streets are not ideal to explore for those who have mobility issues. The white Sacré-Cœur Basilica crowns the Montmartre area at the summit, which is the highest point… Read More
Paris The Eiffel Tower and Monet – Day 2
Day 2: Paris – There are far too many beautiful museums in Paris to enjoy in a week, but we were going to try. Day two began with a morning visit to the Musée de l’Orangerie where we got to enjoy Monet. We’d never visited this museum in past trips, and had no idea what to expect. It is stunning…so simple and elegant and L’Orangerie does an amazing job of displaying Monet’s most beautiful art in a way that we can sit and just take it all in. Amazing if you have… Read More
Paris Culinary Tours and Vintage Cars – Day 1
Paris! For years, I fought the temptation to “love” Paris because – well – everyone loves Paris. This almost always equates to an overwhelming number of tourists, crowded streets, shops and museums, tourist traps, and pickpockets. This famous “City of Lights” or also known as the “City of Love” however, has slowly chipped away at my resistance over the years, and I am finally brave enough to admit that I, too, love Paris! Join me on my little journey. Day 1: Paris – We took an overnight nonstop flight Chicago to Paris… Read More
AMA Magna
Exploring Europe by river is a unique and rapidly growing favorite trend for people who want to enjoy Europe in a leisurely yet extraordinary way. We have clients sailing on the AMA Magna next Spring. They’re starting in Prague for three nights on a pre-cruise land package, then beginning their cruise in Vilshofen, and sailing down the Danube to Budapest. This is one of the best river cruise itineraries you could sail! But let’s talk about the ship they will be sailing on – as it is a destination onto its own!… Read More
Budapest, Hungary
Well, we returned from Portugal, only to turn around and head straight to Budapest! Ryan, the kids, and I spent a few weeks in Budapest in 2015, living as the locals in a rental home. This time around, the experience was much different, as I experienced it from a tourist’s perspective – but by land and “sea” (or should I say “river”?) Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share a little more of my time in Budapest – but mostly with photos. First, let’s start with Central Market Hall, one… Read More
Madeira Island, Portugal
There is so much I could share about our time in Portugal. As a child, I knew deep down that once I visited Italy and a few other countries, I would fall in love with them, and I was right. But Portugal…it was never really on my radar. I can’t explain why. When I found out that our European Travel Forum conference was being held on the Island of Madeira, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. Why not Italy, France, or Switzerland…the Netherlands, Spain? I’ve never been so thankful… Read More
Exploring Portugal – First Stop Lisbon
We’ve always wanted to visit Portugal but amazingly have never been. We have even sent clients there, but somehow never managed to make it ourselves. I have no explanation, and now that we finally went…I can’t believe we waited this long. Portugal is beautiful, the people are kind and thoughtful, and the culture is fascinating. More specifically in Lisbon, we loved the architecture, the friendly markets, the many narrow cobblestoned streets filled with shops, restaurants, churches, bakeries, and so much more. While I could write a book on all there is to… Read More
Fairytale Prague Photoblog!
Prague is one of the most charming of all thirty countries we visited during our Round the World journey! It’s magical and the fairytale like castle transports you back in time as you wander through narrow, winding, cobblestoned streets packed with a myriad of people from all walks of life! Take a peek… Prague’s Astronomical Clock Stunning Architecture. Can you believe the second photo is a Starbucks?! I can easily say this was the most beautiful Starbucks we have ever seen. And take a look at the Lesser Town Bridge Tower. What… Read More
Switzerland Photoblog
While Switzerland is known for its chocolate (yum!), cheese, watches, and even pocket knives (Danny’s favorite thing), there is no denying that it’s most famous for it’s stunning pristine scenery with views everywhere you look! In addition to this, beautiful mountainous Switzerland is divided into three different regions – German, French, and Italian with four official languages. It is one of the few countries where you can experience several cultures and languages in one visit. This makes it an appealing choice when you want to experience a lot and yet have only a limited amount of… Read More
Deena Gainor
Six Hearts One Journey 
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