Cyprus Meze for Lunch

If you are visiting Cyprus I strongly urge you to try a Meze lunch which consists of a variety of different Cypriot delicacies. This style of meal is one of the 'musts' on any visit to Cyprus. The most simple way to describe it is a large choice of small dishes served family style, sort of like appetizer sized portions. The meal can consist of 20-30 dishes! Locally eat the meal slowly so they can enjoy each others company, have a few drinks and enjoy the different flavors of Cyprus. Typically a meze meal includes breads, cheeses, olives, salads and either a selection of grilled meats and poultry or fish such as calamari. My personal favorite is Halloumi Cheese which is made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk. This white cheese has a texture similar to mozzarella, but with a salty flavor. The cheese is often grilled and served warm. If you get the chance, take a taste of Cyprus with a Meze meal.

The Beautiful city of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean region. In addition to its outstanding natural beauty and well preserved cultural and historical heritage, Dubrovnik also offers high-quality tourist opportunities. The walls of Dubrovnik girdle a perfectly preserved complex of buildings representing all periods of the city’s history, beginning with its founding in the 7th century. Particular mention should be made of the city’s main street, Stradun, the Prince’s Palace, the church of St Vlaho, the Cathedral, three large monasteries, the Custom’s Office and the City Hall. With 2,554 hours of sunshine a year, Dubrovnik ranks among the sunniest towns of southern Europe. Maybe its time for you to visit. Take a Look.

The legend of Aphrodite

A tour in Cyprus can help you discover the legend of Aphrodite. In ancient Greek legend, Ge (the Earth) asked one of her sons (Kronos) to mutilate his father (Uranus). To obey his mother, Kronos cut off his father's testicles and throw them into the sea. From the sea a white foam arose, and from this foam came a maiden, named Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. She arose at a famous rock, now called the Rock of Aphrodite, a beautiful spot with dramatic views of the sea. Take the tour!

Lunch in Italy

A nice Lunch in Italy can be a lifetime memory. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid disappointments. Most restaurants have a cover charge. This will be listed somewhere in the menu as pane e coperto (bread and cover). It will be higher for outdoor tables, especially if there is a view, and will be charged whether or not you touch the bread. Don’t quibble over these charges. The tip or servizio is also listed in the menu, and is usually 15-20%. Waiters are paid very well in Italy and it is a well respected profession. If servizio is listed, do not feel that you need to leave any extra money as a tip. However, if the service was exceptional you might leave some change. Take time to enjoy a nice Italian lunch. A sandwich on the go might save you time and a few Euro, but trust me, a nice lunch in Italy can be a lifetime memory.

Meet Your Private Shore Trip Guide

The biggest point of anxiety for many clients is the question, "How will we meet our guide?" When you make a reservation you are asked to provide a client or group name. This name is the contact name that the guide is given. Guides gather at the piers and hold signs with client names much like limo drivers waiting outside of customs at the airport. For large groups the sign is often posted on the windshield of the coach. If at first you don't see your guide, don't panic, be patient in looking as in some ports there may be dozens of private guides meeting clients. It is rare for there to be a problem, but of course, you would also have the phone number of a local contact.

Istanbul- Bosphorus Cruise

I'm surprised to see how few people take a private boat tour of Istanbul. It is a little expensive (compared to other tours in Istanbul) but it is a great way to see some of the historic Ottoman palaces, wooden mansions and bridges connecting Europe and Asia. Not to mention you get to see how big Istanbul. You cruise for 2 hours (in one direction) and you are still in Istanbul. All the other tours are concentrated in a small part of the city. If you are on a cruise in the Mediterranean, this is all new ground to cover. If you are on a Black Sea Cruise then you will see this part of the Bosphorus. Check it out.

Europe with a wheelchair

Many clients ask us about tours with guests in wheelchairs. In most of our tour descriptions we mention that the tour is not wheelchair accessible. European towns and cities are not as accessible as those States. Also, many sites visited are ancient ruins without accessibility. However, if you are traveling with a guest who uses a wheelchair, please let us know, so we can advise you on what we can arrange. The larger issue is the fact that the vehicles and coaches are not designed for wheelchairs. So in most cases, if a limited mobility guest can stand and walk enough to board a coach or get in and out of a vehicle, then chances are we can arrange a special driving tour with photo stops for you. Please ask.

French Riviera- Off the Beaten Path

Many people have taken Mediterranean cruises which stop in the French Riviera. So maybe you've seen the main highlights. If you are going back, consider a visit to the Loup Region, which sits in the foothills of the Alps. The area offers stunning views of the mountains and the sea in the distance. You will see dramatic waterfalls and visit hilltop towns such as Gourdon which is perched on a hilltop. My favorite is a stop at the Florian Candy Factory. You'll learn how the areas flowers are also used to make delicious candies, jams, chocolates and the Provençal favorite, nougat. These things are featured on the Provençal Hilltop Towns tour which is rarely chosen by first time visitors, but well worth it. This tour is available from Villefranche, Nice, Monte Carlo, Monaco and Cannes

Athens- Acropolis climb

Good information about the Acropolis. My advice is to go for it if you can climb stairs at home, and if you are a bit unsure just ask a friend to go slowly with you as you take their arm. There are places to rest along the way, and the top is absolutely wonderful.

Athens- Getting to the Acropolis

Many people ask how difficult it is to walk up to the Acropolis, or if visitors with limited mobility can make it. It is about a 10 minute uphill walk which is sometimes very steep. As you reach the Beulé Gate (original entrance) you then climb a series of steep stone stairs which are often uneven and slick. This leads you to the new (437 BC)entrance called the Propylaia. Once you are on top of the Acropolis there are not designated walking paths and the surface is rocky and uneven. In the summer months it is also very crowded and hot, so please bring water. A visit takes about two hours. If you are taking a private tour and have someone who cannot make this trek, then we can suggest a nice cafe where they can enjoy a tremendous view while the others enjoy the visit.

New Ports Coming Soon

Many of our clients have asked about new ports. We are currently working to add the following new ports to the selection: Limassol (Cyprus), Tunis (Tunisia), Funchal Madeira (Portugal), Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir and Safi (Morocco), Le Havre (France) and Rostock / Berlin (Germany).

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