When in Provence, be sure to spend at least a day or two in Arles and save a day for the Camargue. This small city, half the population of what it was in Roman times, is just teeming with Roman ruins and culture and the Camargue is a natural wonderland. Any visit to Arles should start with the Arènes (Roman Amphitheatre). It has one of the most well preserved Roman amphitheaters (1st ... Read Full Article
Tasty Munich Cuisine and Restaurant Recommendations
Cuisine of Southern Germany The cuisine of southern Germany capitalizes on abundant natural resources and temperate climates to produce incomparable gastronomic delights. The distinctive cuisine of the south, especially the Black Forest, is renowned throughout the world. Regional specialties from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg include Leberkase; a kind of meat loaf made of minced beef and pork ... Read Full Article
Agritourism: Traveling to Europe to Hang Out on a Farm
Agritourism is gaining in popularity as a way to learn more about the country you are visiting in a very personal way. Agritourism is a vacation taken on a farm, a vineyard or other rural venue. Typically vacationers will book a room, cottage, or villa on a farm or rural property. In many cases, vacationers are able to assist in chores such as picking fruit, helping in the grape harvest, and ... Read Full Article
Enjoy Charming Cassis and Visit the Calanques
"Qui a vist Paris se noun a vist Cassis, a ren vist" (He who has seen Paris and not Cassis has seen nothing). This quote by Frédéric Mistral is probably a bit exaggerated, but you may want to check it out for yourself. When staying in Provence, we love to spend a day in Cassis. A small fishing town on the Mediterranean, Cassis is extremely charming and friendly. You can have a delicious meal at ... Read Full Article
Sightseeing in Germany’s Historic Cities
Germany has launched a great website for travelers who are interested in particular historic and cultural aspects of Germany. Historic Germany highlights thirteen smaller but historically important cities including Augsburg, Erfurt, Freiburg, Heidleberg, Koblenz, Lubeck, Muenster, Potsdam, Regensburg, Rostock, Trier, Weisbaden, and Wurzburg. The site also offers Dream Routes that focus on ... Read Full Article
German Christmas Markets: A World of Christmas Magic
During the Holidays, Germany reveals its most magical side. More than 2,500 German Christmas markets invite you to share in the joy of the Christmas season and enter into Germany's festive spirit. If you want to enjoy these enchanting markets, you will need to plan ahead. In October and even sooner, tour companies roll out their Winter Escorted Tour brochures and online offerings. December is a ... Read Full Article
Enjoy a Magical Vacation in Montpellier
Montpellier, the capital of Languedoc Roussillon is one of those cities you may never heard of, but once you visit, will never forget. I spent a few days in Montpellier and have been trying to find my way back ever since. It seems to be a perfect sized city; it has everything you need, but you are not overwhelmed. I like the ancient streets lined with trees and lovely architecture, and I love the ... Read Full Article
Wine, Dine and Dream: Hotel-Restaurants in Languedoc Roussillon
As you can can tell from my previous posts, I am in love with the Languedoc Roussillon region of France. Aside from the fabulous sightseeing and wonderful weather (300+ days of sun a year), it has its share of charming and many-times inexpensive hotels with gastronomic restaurants. I wouldn't call myself a "foodie", but I do love good food, prepared by someone who loves to prepare good food, ... Read Full Article
Best Luxury Hotels in Paris – by Arrondissement
These are, in our opinion, the best luxury hotels in Paris. They each have special amenities and services that make them stand head and shoulders above the thousands of other hotels in the city of light. 1st Arrondissement The first Arrondissement is in the very heart of the city. It is walking distance to most tourist sites and to some excellent restaurants and some of the best luxury hotels in ... Read Full Article
Switzerland’s Beautiful Montreux and Vevey
Montreux and Vevey are known as the "Pearls of the Swiss Riviera," and I can only concur. I will never forget the stunning beauty of this area and the wealth of things to do and see. Be sure to take a boat ride on the lake; you will not forget it. Blessed with an extremely mild micro-climate, Montreux-Vevey features a several-mile promenade with beautiful arrays of palm trees and tropical ... Read Full Article