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  • Eastern Mediterranean Cruise

    Eastern Mediterranean Cruise
    MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
    Fly to RomeArrive in RomeRomeRomeRome
    Cruise Starts    		Naples, Italy
    At SeaCrete (Chania), GreeceAt SeaKusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus)Mykonos, GreeceAthens Cruise EndsAthens
    Fly Home

    Day 0 – Fly to Rome

    Day 1 – Rome

    Morning- arrive at rome airport
    Afternoon – getting to rome

    Booking a private driving tour of the Appian Way or hidden Rome, staying mostly in the car with optional short stops (catacombs, aqueduct park views, or Piazzas)

    We’ll Check in at our hotel, Hotel Mancino 12, and relax for a bit.

    evening – walk & dinner

    We’ll take a walk from the hotel to:

    • Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva (open 2 – 7:30pm)
    • Pantheon (open until 7pm)
    • Church of Saint Louis of the French (open 2:30 – 6:30pm)
    • Piazza Navona (for dinner)
      •  Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini
      • Sant’Agnese in Agone Church by Francesco Borromini
      • Fontana del Moro by Bernini
      • Stadium of Domitian (closes at 6:20pm)
      • Fountain of Neptune by Bernini

    4 Star Restaurants on Piazza Navona are 4 Fiumi – Piazza Navona or Ai Tre Tartufi. We’ll walk back to the hotel along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II (about a 1/2 mile) and stop by the Templo Fortuna del gioro site – Where Ceasar was murdered.

    Day 2 – Rome

    Morning – Vatican Early Access
    Sistine Chapel with and without the crowds
    Afternoon – Castel Sant’Angelo

    From the Basilica walk down the Via della Conciliazione to the Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Angelo Bridge built in 134 AD by Hadrian.

    Take a bus back to Piazza Venezia to spend the afternoon relaxing

    Evening – Colosseum Night Tour

    Seven days in advance, tickets for the night tours of the Colosseum go on sale. https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en/eventi/una-notte-al-colosseo/

    Day 3 – Rome

    morning – piazza venezia & roman forum
    Afternoon Pasta-making class – Make Pasta & Gelato in Rome’s Best Cooking Class $90 per person
    Lunch – Piazza del Popolo
    evening – Trevi fountain WALK

    Then lets finish off our special time in Rome with a rooftop drink at Notos to start the evening off!

    Around the corner we’ll check out to the Galleria Sciarra (closes at 8pm)

    And then dinner at Don Pasquale Restaurant & Bar and after a walk to see the Trevi Fountain in the moonlight

    Day 3 – Rome – Start Cruise

    Day 4 – Naples

    Day 5 – At Sea

    Day 6 – Chania, Crete

    https://www.getyourguide.com/crete-l404/from-chania-olive-oil-wine-cheese-honey-tasting-tour-t746235/?ranking_uuid=e473d58b-b7ed-4d90-b232-bbe20c312703

    Embark on an unforgettable day tour that dives deep into the heart of Cretan culture through its rich and celebrated culinary traditions. Perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, and curious travelers, this experience offers an authentic taste of Crete’s heritage, nature, and warm hospitality.

    Tour Highlights:

    A Step Back in Time: Marvel at the ancient Olive Tree of Vouves, the oldest known olive tree in the world, estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. Its gnarled, sculptural trunk tells the story of Crete’s timeless relationship with nature and tradition.

    Local Bakery Visit: Witness the art of traditional Cretan baking firsthand. See how rusks, breads, and other savory treats are made, and savor their irresistible flavors.

    Olive Grove & Honey Experience: Stroll among ancient olive trees and learn the fascinating story behind Crete’s prized olives and golden honey.

    Cheese Factory: Step inside a renowned, multi-awarded cheese factory. If cheese production is underway, observe the process; if not, enjoy an engaging introduction before indulging in an exclusive cheese tasting experience.

    Family-Owned Winery Tour: Explore the Pnevmatikakis Winery, where you’ll discover the secrets of Cretan winemaking. Taste a variety of celebrated local wines, paired perfectly with delicious Cretan delicacies. (Children are also warmly welcomed with a specially crafted platter and beverages!)

    A Taste of Cretan Nature: Indulge in a traditional tasting platter featuring the best of Crete’s natural bounty—olive oil, fresh tomatoes, olives, cheese, honey, and more—offering a true feast for your senses.

    Day 7 – At Sea

    Day 8 – Kusadasi, Turkey

    http://ekoltravel.com/tour/kus-tour-4/

    Meet with your Private Professional Licensed Guide at Kusadasi Port with your name sign and start the trip with a beautiful landscape drive to reach The House of Virgin Mary, the place where she is believed to have spent her last years. It is recorded that St. John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus after the death of Christ and that a small house was built for her on Bulbuldagi Mount. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited The House of Virgin Mary and declared one of the pilgrimage center.

    Continue on to Ancient Ephesus which has been a religious center of the early Christianity in ancient time– Apostol Paul and Apostol John stayed and preached in Ephesus! Our days, one can see the extensive ruins including the The Odeon, State Agora, The Prytaneion, Domitian Square, Hercules Gate, The Fountain of Trajan-one of the finest monuments in Ephesus, Temple of Hadrian, walk through the Curetes Street, Celsius Library-was the third largest library with the capacity of 12,000 scrolls, The Gymnasium, The Grand Theatre-most magnificent structure in Ephesus, The Arcadian Way..and much more monuments remained preserved till our days, constantly reminding us the great history of this ancient city.

    Our next stop is at The Basilica of Saint John. Saint John who came here with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel. Emperor Justinian believed that a tomb dating from the 300s was Johns and he built a great church above it. The last stop is The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders on the Ancient World, a famous temple build for the goddess Artemis, known as Diana in ancient world.


    After the tour,drive back to Kusadasi Port.

    NOTE!
    The Terrace Houses section is located inside of Ancient City of Ephesus and has an extra entrance fee – 15 USD per person. So called as the houses of rich, the oldest building dates back into the 1C BC. You will be able to see fine mosaics and frescoes and the famous heating system thru clay pipes. Inside this section are over 100 steps and glass scaffoldings. Not recommended for people with physical disabilities. Minimum require time to visit is 30 minutes.
    Recommended to inform us prior the tour date if you want to add its visit!

    Ancient city of Ephesus it’s an open air museum and includes 1.5 km. walking.

    Program order: The order in which visits are mentioned might be changed and/or adjusted, according to circumstances.

    Day 9 – Mykonos

    Walking around Mykonos

    • Holy Church of Agios Nikolaos of Kadena
    • Mykonos Castle (Ruins) & Church of Panagia Paraportiani
    • Windmills of Mykonos
    • Il Forno di Gerasimo Bakery – Best Baklava & Spanakopita, Carrot Cake

    Day 10 – Athens – End Cruise

    Day 11 – Athens

    Day 12 – Fly Home

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  • Christmas in Vienna

    Christmas in Vienna

    There is something so special and magical about Vienna at Christmas time.  A perfect trip would be 5 days I think. Time to slowly move through the town exploring all it has to offer. https://www.austria.info/en-us/inspiration/christmas-markets/

    SaturdaySundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
    FlyArrive in ViennaViennaViennaFly Home

    Hotel Options

    Stay at the Vienna Guesthouse or Motel One Wien-Staatsoper or

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  • What’s Next 2026 & 2027 – Options

    What’s Next 2026 & 2027 – Options

    We’ve talked about several options for trips for 2026 & 2027 but we need to start narrowing down the options. How do we want to spend our time? Land Journeys? Cruises? a Mix? and how many trips can we afford to take? So here are some options we’ve talked about:

    Some land options:

    Cruises (all per cabin rates below)

    Most cruise lines don’t have 2027 cruises listed yet so here are the 2026 cruises for the most part we can use as a guide:

    Virgin Voyages – from the reviews I’ve watched, we are going to mostly want to stick to the warmer weather

    • East Coast
      • 3/28-4/6/26 – 9 nights (Puerto Rico, BVI, DR, Charleston – SC, Newport – RI, NY) $4,862
    • West Coast
      • 4/7-4/12/26 – 5 nights LA RT (LA, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Ensenada, LA) $3,000
      • 4/12-4/18/26 – 6 nights LA RT (LA, Cabo, Mazatlán, LA) $3,538
      • 5/3-5/11/26– 8 nights (Los Angeles, Catalina Island, San Francisco, Astoria, Victoria & Vancouver) $4,562
      • 9/11-9/19/26 – 8 nights (Vancouver, Astoria, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Catalina Island, San Diego & Los Angeles) $4,322
    • Mediterranean/Europe
      • 5/10-5/17/26 – 7 nights (Barcelona, Rome, Amalfi Coast Salerno, Catania, Mykonos &  Athens) $4,200
      • 10/4-10/11/26 7 nights (Athens, Mykonos, Catania ,Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Barcelona) $4000
      • 8/20-8/27/26 7 nights (Portsmouth(UK), Bruges, Amsterdam, Hamburg <overnight>, Portsmouth) $4200

    Viking River Cruises

    • 5/27 – 6/10/26 – 15 nights Grand European Voyage – (Budapest to Amsterdam) $16,998
    • 5/1 – 5/8/26 – 8 nights Danube – (Regensburg, DE – Budapest) $10,598

    Explora Journeys – this is a luxury fully all inclusive cruise line

    • 10/5-10/12/26 – 7 nights Eastern Med – (Athens, Paros – GR, Rhodes-GR, Corfu-GR, Hvar-CR, Rijeka-CR, Venice) $8760
    • 10/12-10/19/26 – 7 nights Eastern Med (Venice, Rovinj-CR, Dubrovnik-CR, Brindisi-IT, Kotor-MN, Santorini-GR, Athens) $9340
    • 5/3-5/10/27 – 7 nights West Coast (LA, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Astoria, Victoria, Vancouver) $7180

    Celebrity – I included drinks, wifi and gratuities to compare with the cruises above. if we don’t do the full package it could be cheaper (or not) and these can be booked on Costco so you get the costco cash

    • Mediterranean
      • 9/7 – 9/18/26 11 nights (Barcelona, Nice, La Spezia, Rome, Naples, Olympia, Ephesus, Santorini, Athens) $7,083.44 (Eclipse) $5,543.44 (with no everything package)
      • 5/15-5/25/56 or 9/18-9/28/26 – 10 night (Rome, Sicily, Olympia, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Split, Bar, Naples, Rome) $9,051.68 (Ascent)
      • 5/5-5/14/26 or 9/22-10/1/26 – 9 night (Rome, Naples, LA Spezia <overnight>, Portofino,  Nice, Marseille, Barcelona) $5,614.98 (Equinox)
      • 10/9 – 10/19/26 – 10 Nights (Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Ephesus-TKY, Mykonos, Dubrovnik-CR, Kotor-MO, Split-CR, Venice) Balcony – $5,607.00 (ECLIPSE)
      • 10/30-11/9/26 10 nights (Barcelona, Malta, Crete, Olympia, Sicily, Naples, Rome, Barcelona) $5,468.16 (Equinox) $4068 w/o package
      • 10/30-11/10/26 11 nights (Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Naples, Rome, La Spezia <overnight>, Nice, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona) $6,686 (ECLIPSE) $5,146
    • New England
      • 9/5-9/17/26 – 12 Nights (Boston RT) Balcony -$6,321 (SILHOUETTE)
    • New Zealand
      • 1/29-2/12/26 13 Nights (Sydney RT with 8 stops in NZ) Balcony $10,270.72(Edge)
    • Norway
      • 6/14-6/21 or 7/26-8/2/26 7 Nights (Amsterdam RT) Balcony $4,437 (Eclipse)
      • 8/29-9/12/26 14 Nights (Southampton RT) Balcony $9,927 (7547 w/o package) (Apex)

    Princess (premier package – all included) and Brand New Ship

    • 9/27/26 7 nights ( Vancouver <overnight>, Victoria, San Francisco <overnight>, LA) $5,944
    • 4/19/27 7 nights (LA, Mazatlán, Cabo, LA) $6740
    • 10/3-10/10/26 7 nights (Athens, Bar, Montenegro, Corfu, Sicily, Naples, Barcelona) $5,504
    • 10/3-10/17/26 14 nights (Athens, Bar, Corfu, Sicily, Naples, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Marseille, Genoa, La Spezia, Rome) $10,920.64
    • 10/10-10/17/26 7 nights (LA, Cabo, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, LA) $4694
    • 5/12-5/19/26 7 nights ( Rome, Naples, Santorini, Ephesus, Olympia, Rome) $6,594

    How do we fill in this calendar?

    Feb-MarApr-JunJul-SepOct-Dec
    2025Xmas Markets
    2026
    2027

  • Belgium

    Belgium

    Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent

    SatSunMonTueWedThuFri
    Fly InArrive in BrusselsBrusselsBrussels GhentGhentBruges
    BrugesBrugesAntwerpAntwerpBrussels Fly Out

    Day 1-4: Brussels (4 Nights)

    Day 1: Arrival & Grand Place

    • Arrive in Brussels and check into a centrally located hotel.
    • Stroll around Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and surrounding streets.
    • Relaxed dinner at Chez Léon (classic Belgian food).
    • Drinks at A La Mort Subite (historic beer café).

    Day 2: Museums & Parks

    • Visit Royal Museums of Fine Arts (Magritte Museum included).
    • Lunch at Noordzee Mer du Nord (casual seafood).
    • Stroll through Mont des Arts and Parc de Bruxelles.
    • Optional: Visit the Royal Palace or Sablon district (chocolate shops).
    • Dinner at La Roue d’Or (Belgian brasserie).

    Day 3: Atomium & Beer Experience

    • Morning visit to Atomium & Mini-Europe.
    • Lunch at a café near the Atomium.
    • Afternoon beer tasting at Cantillon Brewery (slow-paced lambic beer experience).
    • Early dinner at Nüetnigenough (beer-focused cuisine).

    Day 4: Leisure & Transfer to Antwerp

    • Free morning to explore local markets or have a relaxed brunch.
    • Afternoon train to Antwerp (~45 min).
    • Check into a hotel in Antwerp’s historic center.
    • Easy dinner at De Groote Witte Arend.

    Day 5-8: Antwerp (4 Nights)

    Day 5: Old Town & Cathedral

    • Visit Cathedral of Our Lady & Grote Markt.
    • Lunch at Den Engel (local favorite).
    • Relaxing afternoon wandering the historic center.
    • Dinner at The Jane (Michelin-starred, book in advance).

    Day 6: Museum & Port Area

    • Visit Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) for Antwerp’s history & great rooftop views.
    • Lunch at Café Storm (next to MAS).
    • Leisurely afternoon walk along the river.
    • Dinner at Bourla (classic brasserie).

    Day 7: Fashion & Shopping

    • Visit the ModeMuseum (MoMu) and explore Antwerp’s designer district.
    • Relaxed lunch at a terrace café.
    • Optional: Visit Rubens House.
    • Evening drinks at Den Uilenspiegel.

    Day 8: Leisure & Transfer to Ghent

    • Free morning in Antwerp.
    • Afternoon train to Ghent (~1 hour).
    • Check into a hotel near the Graslei.
    • Relaxed dinner at De Graslei.

    Day 9-12: Ghent (4 Nights)

    Day 9: Historic Ghent

    • Visit Gravensteen Castle & Patershol district.
    • Lunch at De Rechters (near Saint Bavo’s Cathedral).
    • Visit Saint Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
    • Drinks at ’t Dreupelkot (jenever bar).

    Day 10: Leisure & Canals

    • Morning stroll through the Vrijdagmarkt and local shops.
    • Lunch at Pakhuis.
    • Afternoon canal boat tour.
    • Relaxed dinner at De Abt.

    Day 11: Museums & Brewery Visit

    • Visit SMAK (modern art museum) or STAM (Ghent’s city museum).
    • Lunch at Balls & Glory (famous meatballs).
    • Afternoon beer tasting at Gruut Brewery.
    • Evening at leisure with light dinner options.

    Day 12: Transfer to Bruges & Relaxation

    • Easy morning in Ghent.
    • Afternoon train to Bruges (~30 min).
    • Check into a hotel near Markt Square.
    • Dinner at De Stove.

    Day 13-16: Bruges (4 Nights)

    Day 13: Exploring Bruges

    • Visit Belfry of Bruges (optional climb).
    • Walk through the Begijnhof & Minnewater Park.
    • Lunch at Cambrinus.
    • Afternoon free for chocolate shops & quiet canal walks.
    • Dinner at Den Dyver.

    Day 14: Day Trip to the Coast (Optional)

    • Morning visit to Ostend for a seafood lunch.
    • Relaxing beach walk or visit to the James Ensor Museum.
    • Return to Bruges for the evening.
    • Light dinner & drinks at Le Trappiste.

    Day 15: Leisure Day in Bruges

    • Optional museum visit (Groeningemuseum).
    • Chocolate tasting at Choco-Story.
    • Afternoon beer at De Halve Maan Brewery.
    • Final dinner at Bistro Bruut.

    Day 16: Departure

    Return to Brussels for flights home.

    Final morning walk in Bruges.

  • A week in Rome

    A week in Rome

    Coming Soon…

    Hotel: Hotel Mancino 12

  • Champagne Birthday Trip

    Champagne Birthday Trip

    Someday, for one of Kris’ major birthdays, we are going to France to the Champagne Region visiting Reims and Epernay

    SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
    9/219/229/239/249/259/26 – Kris’ Birthday9/27
    Paris ReimsReimsReimsReims
    Take OffArrive in CDG.
    Drive to Reims     		Champagne Houses in ReimsNotre Dam Town of ReimsVisit Epernay Champagne Houses Visit Vineyards Fly Home

    Fly into Paris CDG Airport, rent a car and drive 1 1/2 hours to Reims. Stay at Best Western Premier Hotel De La Paix

    I think we’d want to get a guide for at least for 2 or 3 of the days.

    TOURS IN CHAMPAGNE – Stéphane Demissy has great reviews.

    Champagne Houses in Reims

    • Veuve Cliquot
    • G.H. Mumm
    • Champagne GH Martel & Co
    • Champagne Pommery (has a restaurant and would be a good one to visit for a lunch)

    Champagne Houses in Epernay

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  • Northern Italy

    Northern Italy

    Just Notes for now….

    Emilia-Romagna

    • Bologna
    • Parma
      • Parmesan Cheese
      • Ham
    • Modeno
      • Balsamic Vinegar

    Liguria

    • Genova
    • Portofino

    Tuscany

    Possible places to stay –

    1. Tuscan Fizz Airbnb $580/night 5 bedrooms 7 beds 4 baths

    2. Villa Chianti $309/night 4 bedrooms 5 beds 3 baths

    3. In Florence Terrace on Ponte Vecchio $565/night 3 bedrooms 3 beds 3 baths

    • Florence
    • Siena
    • Asisi

    Rome

    San Marino ??

    This is the suggestion from ChatGPT

    Day 1-3: Rome, Lazio

    • Day 1: Arrival in Rome
      • Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum
      • Visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona
    • Day 2: Rome
      • Tour Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums
      • Explore the Sistine Chapel
    • Day 3: Rome
      • Wander through the Trastevere neighborhood
      • Visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

    Day 4-6: Florence, Tuscany

    • Day 4: Travel from Rome to Florence
      • Explore the historic center of Florence
      • Visit the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo’s David)
    • Day 5: Florence
      • Climb to the top of the Duomo for panoramic views
      • Visit the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
    • Day 6: Day Trip to Tuscan Countryside
      • Visit the vineyards of Chianti for wine tasting
      • Explore the medieval town of San Gimignano

    Day 7-8: Bologna, Emilia Romagna

    • Day 7: Travel from Florence to Bologna
      • Explore the historic center of Bologna
      • Climb the Asinelli Tower for city views
    • Day 8: Bologna
      • Visit the University of Bologna, one of the oldest in the world
      • Try authentic Bolognese cuisine, such as tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù

    Day 9-10: Verona, Veneto

    • Day 9: Travel from Bologna to Verona
      • Explore the historic center of Verona, including Juliet’s House and Arena di Verona
    • Day 10: Verona
      • Visit Castelvecchio Museum and Bridge
      • Explore the Giardino Giusti and enjoy views of the city from the hilltop

    Day 11-13: Portofino, Liguria

    • Day 11: Travel from Verona to Portofino
      • Explore the picturesque harbor and colorful buildings of Portofino
      • Hike or take a boat tour around the Portofino Natural Park
    • Day 12: Portofino
      • Relax on the beaches or enjoy water activities like snorkeling or kayaking
      • Visit the Church of San Giorgio and the Castello Brown for panoramic views
    • Day 13: Portofino
      • Explore nearby Santa Margherita Ligure
      • Take a scenic drive along the Ligurian coast

    Day 14: Departure from Rome

    • Travel back to Rome for your departure home
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  • Lake Constance

    Lake Constance

    In the southwest corner of Germany where it meets up with Switzerland and Austria is a beautiful lake called Lake Constance. Every time I do any research about it, I think about planning a week-long visit to the area. Its finally time to do that and then maybe we can go for my 50th birthday

    ITINERARY IN PROGRESS…

    SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
    Arrive in Zurich Drive to Lake KonstanzStein am Rhein
    St Gallen    		MeersburgLichtensteinLindau
    Tettnang    		Zurich
    Fly Home

    Sunday

    Arrive in Zurich and rent a car for the week. The drive from Zurich to Lake Konstanz is about an hour. Since we want to visit some areas around the Lake, I’m leaning towards a Southern lake hotel location. Right now I’m thinking about the Best Western Rebstock in Rorschacherberg. Pretty views, AAA rates and reliability. It also has a restaurant with great views and outdoor seating.

    from Best Western

    Monday – Konstanz

    Photo by M. X. on Unsplash
    Photo by Datingjungle on Unsplash

    Map to Konstanz

    Konstanz is a 50 min drive around the lake. Once we arrive in Konstanz there is a nice 1/2 mile walk from Schnetztor, Emperor’s Fountain, Münster Unserer Lieben Frau to Rheintorturm and then a walk down the promenade back to Schnetztor is about a mile. Somewhere in between we can find a nice place for lunch and maybe a drink after.

    After a fun day in Konstanz there are

    Tuesday – Friedrichshafen & Meersburg

    Perhaps a stop at the Zeppelin Hangar Restaurant to watch the Zeppelins take off and land (a ride is 300-500E so we probably won’t be coughing up the cash for that!)

    from Zeppelin Hanger Restaurant

    Spend the afternoon touring Meersburg

    Just Beyond Meersburg is the Prähistorische Pfahlbauten um die Alpen (UNESCO-Welterbestätte) that look to be completely worth the visit before looping back to Meersburg to spend the rest of the day.

    from https://welterbedeutschland.de

    Tour the town of Meersburg with its old and new Castles.

    from ExploreAlp

    Have an afternoon snack or dinner at Gutsschänke with a beautiful view of the town and lake.

    from tripadvisor.com

    Here are some local winery recommendations:

    1. Winzerverein Hagnau eG:
      • Location: Weinstraße 3, 88709 Hagnau am Bodensee (around 10 minutes by car from Meersburg)
      • About: This cooperative winery in Hagnau, a nearby village, offers a wide selection of wines produced by local growers. They often host tastings where you can sample different varietals, including Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).
    2. Weingut Haltnau:
      • Location: Seestraße 9, 88079 Kressbronn (about 30 minutes by car from Meersburg)
      • About: Situated in Kressbronn, along the northern shore of Lake Constance, Weingut Haltnau is a family-owned winery known for its high-quality wines. They offer guided tours of the vineyards and cellar, followed by tastings of their award-winning wines, including Riesling, Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and more.
    3. Weingut Graf von Kesselstatt:
      • Location: Hauptstraße 37, 78465 Dettingen-Wallhausen (about 20 minutes by car from Meersburg)
      • About: This historic winery, located near the town of Wallhausen, has been producing wine for over 650 years. They specialize in traditional grape varieties such as Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder, and Kerner. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the elegant tasting room and learn about the winemaking process.
    4. Weingut Hirschhof:
      • Location: Rosenstraße 12, 88709 Meersburg
      • About: Located right in Meersburg, Weingut Hirschhof is a small family winery producing a range of wines, including Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder, and Spätburgunder. They offer tastings in their cozy courtyard or wine cellar, providing a convenient option for visitors staying in Meersburg.

    Wednesday – Stein am Rhein & St. Gallen

    Stein am Rhein is a hour drive from Hotel Rebstock. About 20 min into the drive stop in St. Gallen and visit the Abbey and its library…

    from http://www.worldhistory.org

    Once you arrive in Stein am Rhein walk around town. The town’s medieval centre retains the ancient street plan. The site of the city wall, and the city gates are preserved, though the former city wall now consists of houses. The medieval part of the town has been pedestrianised and many of the medieval buildings are painted with frescoes.

    1. Old Town (Altstadt):
      • Wander through the picturesque Old Town of Stein am Rhein, characterized by its beautifully painted medieval buildings adorned with intricate frescoes. The main street, Rathausplatz, is particularly scenic, lined with historic houses and quaint shops.
    2. Rathaus (Town Hall):
      • Admire the stunning façade of the Rathaus, or Town Hall, which dates back to the 16th century. The building features ornate frescoes depicting scenes from local history and legends, making it a highlight of the Old Town.
    3. St. George’s Abbey (Kloster St. Georgen):
      • Visit the Benedictine Abbey of St. George, located just outside the Old Town. Dating back to the 11th century, the abbey boasts Romanesque and Gothic architecture, as well as a beautiful cloister. Guided tours are available to explore the abbey’s history and architecture.
    4. Museum Lindwurm:
      • Discover the history of Stein am Rhein and the surrounding region at the Museum Lindwurm. Housed in a historic building near the town center, the museum features exhibits on local art, culture, and archaeology, including artifacts dating back to Roman times.
    5. Schloss Hohenklingen:
      • Take a short hike or drive to Schloss Hohenklingen, a medieval castle perched on a hill overlooking Stein am Rhein and the Rhine River. Explore the castle grounds, enjoy panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside, and visit the castle museum to learn about its history.
    6. Rhine River Promenade:
      • Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River promenade, which offers scenic views of the river and the surrounding landscape. Relax on one of the benches or grab a drink at a riverside café while taking in the tranquil atmosphere.

    GPSmycity has a walking tour – https://www.gpsmycity.com/blog/stein-am-rhein-a-perfect-day-trip-from-zurich-5891.html

    Photo by Ilia Bronskiy on Unsplash
    Photo by Samuel Svec on Unsplash
    Photo by Denisa Trif on Unsplash
    Photo by Denisa Trif on Unsplash
    Photo by Ilia Bronskiy on Unsplash

    Travel a little farther up the Rhein to Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland and have dinner overlooking the falls.

    on the way back travel along the river and lake with a hour+ drive. Take a quick stop to watch the sunset (around 8-8:30pm) at Werd island with the beautiful Wallfahrtskapelle St. Otmar.

    Thursday – Lichtenstein & Heidi House

    Map for the Day

    1. Vaduz Castle (Schloss Vaduz):
      • Perched on a hill overlooking the capital city of Vaduz, Vaduz Castle is a symbol of Liechtenstein and one of its most recognizable landmarks. While the castle itself is not open to the public as it serves as the residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, visitors can admire its exterior and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
    2. Vaduz:
      • Explore the charming capital city of Vaduz, which offers a mix of historic landmarks, modern architecture, and cultural attractions. Highlights include the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein (Liechtenstein Art Museum), the Postage Stamp Museum, and the pedestrianized Städtle area with its shops and cafes.
    3. Gutenberg Castle (Schloss Gutenberg):
      • Located in the town of Balzers, Gutenberg Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Liechtenstein. Visitors can tour the castle grounds, explore the museum inside the castle, and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhine Valley from the tower.
    4. Red House (Rotes Haus):
      • The Red House, located in Vaduz, is a historic building dating back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the oldest surviving structures in Liechtenstein and is now home to the Liechtenstein National Museum. The museum showcases the history and culture of the principality through exhibits on archaeology, art, and folklore.
    5. Liechtensteinisches Landesmuseum:
      • The Liechtenstein National Museum, housed in the Red House, offers a comprehensive look at the history and heritage of Liechtenstein. Visitors can explore exhibits on topics such as archaeology, natural history, and the princely family’s art collection.
    6. Alpine Scenery:
      • Liechtenstein’s picturesque Alpine scenery provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing (in winter). The country’s mountainous terrain offers stunning vistas, peaceful trails, and the chance to connect with nature.

    First Stop in Vaduz, the capital of Lichtenstein. Make sure to stop at the Post Office to get our passports stamped!

    Just south of Lichtenstein is Heidi’s House a must visit when someone in the group is named Heidi.

    Friday – Lindau & Tettnang

    Map for the day

    In Lindau, the city has created a great walking tour of the best sites to see. Spend the morning walking around this charming island on the lake.

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    Next drive up into the Northern hills to visit Hopfengut N° 20. HOPFENGUT No20 in Tettnang combines hop production, a brewery, a museum, a shop and a restaurant; Here, the fourth generation of the Locher family produces the finest aroma hops for breweries around the world and transforms them into high-quality beer specialities. Whether you are tasting the beer, visiting the museum, checking out the shop making the most of a convivial end to the day in our restaurant, enjoy a fascinating journey into the world of hops.

    from Bodensee.eu

    This is a beer making region and the town is picturesque. Its worth a short visit. Tettnang

    Day 7 – Zurich

    Map to Zurich

    Take the long way back to Zurich. Stop at the Lindt Home of Chocolate for a tour and a bite.

    Photo by Fidel Fernando on Unsplash
    Photo by Henrique Ferreira on Unsplash

    Day 8 – Fly Home

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  • Pacific coast cruise

    Pacific coast cruise

    Looking for a quick getaway full of relaxation, food and music. We are! So we’ve decided on a October getaway on a Pacific Coastal Cruise. Here are the details.

    MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
    PDX to San DiegoSan DiegoCatalina Island
    At SeaSan FranciscoSan FranciscoAt SeaEnsenadaSan DiegoSan Diego to PDX

    Day 1 – Friday

    Alaska Flight XXX
    PDX to San Diego, BC
    6:59pm – 9:47pm
    Staying at Manchester Hyatt Grand (Costco deal)

    Day 2 – Saturday

    Breakfast in San Diego at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern.

    Boarded Ship by 1:30pm.

    A little about the ship… Holland America Koningsdam

    Dinning

    Day 3 – Sunday

    Catalina Island – 7am – 5pm

    Day 4 – Monday

    Day at Sea

    Day 5 – Tuesday

    San Francisco Arrive 9am

    Day 6 – Wednesday

    San Francisco Depart at 10 pm

    Day 7 – Thursday

    Day at Sea

    Day 8 – Friday

    Ensenda

    Taco Trail Tour

    Day 9 – Saturday

    Return to San Diego

  • California Wine country & More

    California Wine country & More

    Coming Soon