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Video: What Happens on a Visit to the Juno Beach Centre?

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 23 Apr 21 16:23:46 +0000

The Juno Beach Centre is Canada's WW2 DDay Landing Beach war memorial and museum, right on the site where Canadians joined British, American, French and Allied Forces on a fateful day in 1944 that was the beginning of the end of the War.

Veterans, their families, anyone interested in history, or the sacrifices of ordinary young men on an extraordinary moment for the world, all Canadians as well as citizens of all the nations who fought or were affected by these momentous times... all should make a pilgrimage to the Juno Beach Centre and the other DDay sites along the Normandy coast.

Many things have changed since that fateful day. Here's what you can expect on a visit to the Juno Beach Centre today.

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Video: Seabourn Chef Celebrates Quebec's Harvest: Cooking with the Chef

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 23 Apr 21 16:23:36 +0000

Seabourn specializes in culinary memories.

This luxury cruise line has long been famous for its tradition of 'Shopping with the Chef'. In Quebec City on a Seabourn fall colors cruise from Montreal through Canada and New England, we took Shopping with the Chef one step further – to its natural conclusion, in a delectable Seabourn dish.

Shopping with the Seabourn Quest's Executive Chef Jes Paskins at the Old Port Market just steps away from the ship, we returned laden with the bounty of Quebec's harvest season.

Seabourn's beloved culinary demonstrations usually take place in the Grand Salon.

(Seabourn Executive Chef Jes Paskins in the Grand Salon of the Seabourn Quest during a Culinary Demonstration)

With the Seabourn Quest docked at the foot of Quebec City's picturesque hill and in the shadow of the famous Chateau Frontenac, Chef Jes decided to celebrate his interpretation of Quebec's local flavors on deck in full view of the Quebec skyline.

Chef Jes' Roasted Quebec Pumpkin Risotto is as delicious as it looks, and he was kind enough to share the recipe for our fall harvest feasts at home.

Seabourn Pumpkin Risotto

4 cups warm Chicken Stock
Splash of Olive oil
2 cups Arborio rice
½ pound of Diced Butter
1 cup Parmesan Cheese Shavings
1 cup Diced Roasted Pumpkin
½ cup Diced Shallots
1 cup good quality White Wine
Salt and Pepper to taste
¼ cup Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (recipe below)
Fresh Rocket Lettuce
Pumpkin Seed Oil drizzle (optional)

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Heat a pan with Olive oil and butter; once hot, sprinkle in your Pumpkin Seeds.

Gently pan-fry them, keeping them moving so not to burn until they start to pop. Lightly season and then put into a strainer to remove most of the oil and butter and put the rest of the seeds onto absorbent paper to remove the rest of the oil and butter allow to cool and use for garnish.

Pumpkin Risotto

Peel the Pumpkin, de-seed and cut the pumpkin into nice diced pieces. Coat with Olive oil, Cracked Black Pepper, and roast in the oven for 25 minutes at a high heat until golden brown. Allow to cool, and set aside.

Drizzle a little Olive Oil in a pan. Sautee Shallots with butter, then add the Arborio rice, and slowly add the White Wine until it absorbs. Then add pre-warmed Chicken Stock little by little, waiting for it to be absorbed by the rice each time before adding more.

As the rice is almost cooked and still a bit firm, al dente (not fully cooked) when you test it, stir in the roasted Pumpkin, Parmesan Cheese and diced Cold Butter. Mix until the cheese and butter are fully melted and incorporated, then test and season to taste.

Serving

Place a serving into the center of a bowl, sprinkle fresh-shaved Parmesan Cheese and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds over the top. Add a little Rocket Lettuce on top of the Risotto, drizzle some Olive or Pumpkin Seed Oil on top to finish, and serve immediately. Bon Appetit!

Pair Chef Jes' Roasted Pumpkin Risotto recipe with some sparkling – or if you can get it, Quebec iced cider – and you'll experience Seabourn's interpretation of the taste of Quebec at home. Of course, we recommend trying Seabourn's renowned cuisine in person on one of Seabourn's Canada & New England Fall Colors cruises – or on any Seabourn cruise anywhere in the world. Your taste-buds will thank you!

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Fact or Fiction? 3 Things You Need to Know About 'Dracula's Castle'

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 23 Apr 21 16:23:22 +0000

Before every travel destination had a ghost tour and haunted hotels, there was Dracula's Castle.

Irish author Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic horror novel 'Dracula' popularized the vampire genre of fantasy fiction that today is more popular than ever.

And although the character of the undead Transylvanian Count is fictional, the Romanian national monument known all over the world as 'Dracula's Castle' is real. 14^th century Bran Castle is about a hundred miles from Bucharest and has long been considered the 'home' of Dracula - even though the genuine Romanian nobleman that supposedly inspired Dracula has only a weak connection to Bran Castle.

Characters in a novel, historic rulers, and real castles? How's a fan of vampires or Halloween to know what to believe about the world's original 'horror'-themed attraction and travel destination?

Here's some help sorting out what's fact and what's fiction for a trip to Dracula's Castle.

Is Bran Castle really 'Dracula's Castle'?

Fictional Count Dracula lives in what Stoker describes as a ruin of a castle in the Carpathian Mountains. Real-life Bran Castle is no ruin. It's a well-preserved medieval stronghold with fairytale turrets, hidden passageways, grand hall, and a stone courtyard.

But it's the only castle in Transylvania that matches Stoker's description of its location: dramatically perched on the rocks 200 feet high above a flowing river gorge through the forest.

Dracula author Bram Stoker never visited Romania. But he did years of research. And the illustration of Dracula's Castle in the first edition looks like the image of Bran Castle that appeared in an earlier book published in London about Transylvania. The illustration does not resemble any other Romanian castle.

Was there a real 'Dracula'?

Since Stoker's novel, the name 'Dracula' keeps readers awake with the lights on at night. But the term in reality is horror-free. 'Dracul' means 'Dragon' and the title originates with a Crusader 'Order of the Dragon' whose knights vowed to protect against the Ottomans.

So there were a number of 'Dracula's, including the Transylvanian-born, real-life prince now connected to the fictional character Dracula. Vlad III / 'Vlad the Impaler' was a 15^th century local ruler associated with the Order of the Dragon, so he was also titled 'Vlad Dracul'.

100,000 people or more are said to have died at his hands, many by impaling. However, they were brutal times, and Vlad Dracul was a local hero for fending off Ottoman invaders.

His own castle (now in ruins) wasn't even in Transylvania, but he was imprisoned for a time during local conflicts in… Bran Castle.

Stoker mentions his 'Dracula' fought against the Ottomans and was later betrayed, which dovetail with the history of the real Vlad III Dracul.

How about Vampires?

If Dracula's name and pieces of his back story were borrowed from a local prince, the vampire myth was borrowed from Transylvanian folklore. 19^th century works in English describe Eastern European legends about evil souls coming out at night to cause trouble and feed on the blood of the living to sustain them in immortality.

Stoker would have had access to these legends, as well as reports of local myths coming out in real life with cases of 'sightings', corpses being staked and people being accused of being vampires. Prior to 'Dracula', a couple other works of fiction created the persona of a pale, sophisticated, aristocratic vampire. The popularity of Stoker's novel fueled the rise of the vampire genre as we know it today.

Our Conclusion?

There was no 'real-life Count Dracula', certainly not one living at Bran Castle.
Stoker borrowed the name 'Dracula' and bits of Vlad's history, as well as documented Transylvanian folklore, local stories and previous novels to create a character and story of his imagination.
Bran Castle is probably the real-life location the author pictured from books when he described the home of his fictional aristocratic vampire.

Bottom line: if you're a fan of vampire fiction, we do think Bran Castle qualifies as the 'spiritual home' of the modern vampire legend.

(G Adventures' Halloween Tour of Translyvania and Dracula's Halloween Party in Transylvania)

The castle is the country's first private museum, displaying the historic furniture, weapons and armor collections of its last inhabitant, Queen Marie of Romania. It towers over the picturesque historic village of Bran. And it's part of a region with other medieval castles, towns and fortresses, winter ski hills, and some of Europe's richest forests with rare wildlife.

How To Get There?

You can travel to Transylvania pre- or post- Danube river cruises sailing out of Bucharest, or as a dedicated tour, cycling, or hiking trip. There are even special Halloween tours to pay homage to 'Dracula's Castle' and celebrate the haunted holiday inside its walls.

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3 'Starter' Greek Islands

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 23 Apr 21 16:23:08 +0000

'Greece' evokes two pictures in most people's imagination: the ancient cradle of Western civilization, democracy, philosophy, literature and drama, marathons, the Olympics, and some of your favorite math principles.

You also picture one of the most alluring modern travel destinations.

Greece's mountainous mainland and hundreds of islands surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian, Cretan and Mediterranean Seas are among the top Mediterranean vacation locales. Over two hundred of the islands are inhabited, many of them rich in history, mythology, and the Mediterranean culture, cuisine, a maritime and beach lifestyle that's cemented Greece on so many travel lists.

Some travelers in the know take holidays to Greece year after year, and Greek islands are a highlight of Eastern Mediterranean cruises. If you've never visited Greece, here are just a few of the islands to begin your exploration and your 'collection'.

Santorini

When you hear 'Greek island', chances are that the sight that pops into your head is one of the iconic pictures of Santorini. The island's sky blue domed church roofs, white washed buildings on the edges of cliffs, and steep, narrow cobbled streets overlooking brilliant blue seas stand in to represent the iconic Greek island vista of everyone's travel dreams.

Santorini is what remains of an island after the eruption of an ancient volcano. Now, a giant lagoon is encircled by 300 m (980 ft) high steep cliffs of a crescent shaped island and a much smaller island opposite where the remaining volcano rim is still above the sea. Visiting ships, yachts and local fishing boats approaching the shelter of the curve are afloat in the crater of the volcano. Inside the caldera, the water is so deep - over 400m - that only the largest ships can anchor. Santorini's capital, Fira (Thira) clings to the top of the cliff over the lagoon.

Don't Miss: volcanic-sand beaches in unique black or red sands, brilliant sunsets, a traditional and a growing modern food culture. Santorini's micro-climate nurtures tomatoes and capers of famously exquisite flavor, and an indigenous grape varietal that local vintners turn into celebrated crisp, dry white and amber-toned wines.

Mykonos

Mykonos is the Greek island where Ibiza party and French Riviera beach lifestyles meet. Cosmopolitan, glamorous, Mykonos may be Greece's most fashionable holiday destination. Luxury hotels, stylish bars, clubs and parties where beautiful people come to see and be seen until dawn, and sleep it off on magnificent beaches or private yachts… if that is your style of travel, Mykonos is for you. It's also known for being an LGBT-friendly destination and party central.

Mykonos is both the island and its main town, which is also called Chora (meaning 'town', in the Greek style of towns with the same name as their islands). Picturesque local architecture, sunsets, people watching and shopping appeal to younger and more mature visitors.

The island's nickname is 'the Island of Winds'. Windmills are one of the defining and unique features of the Mykonos landscape, built by Venetians in the 16^th century to grind flour and used until electricity took over only a few decades ago.

Don't Miss: Romantic, artistic Little Venice, where rows of 18^th century colorful fishing houses with overhanging balconies line the seaside, many of them shops, cafes, and galleries.

Rhodes

Rhodes' nickname is The Island of the Knights. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the best-preserved mediaeval towns in the world. Walking its Street of Knights, you feel transported back to the Middle Ages, when conquering Crusaders built fortifications, Palace of the Grand Masters, towers, inns and rest of the city and streets that remain today.

But Rhodes' history pre-dates mediaeval knights by thousands of years, when the island's strategic position made it central to ancient history. One of Rhodes' lasting claims to fame is a landmark that no longer exists. The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Erected in 280 B.C. at the Mandraki harbor to mark a battle victory, the Colossus was a bronze statue the unbelievable size of the modern Statue of Liberty. It stood for less than a century before an earthquake toppled it. The Colossus' remains lying on the ground drew travelers who came to awe at its size for another 800 years. Today the statues of deer on pillars mark where the Colossus' feet were said to straddle the harbor and allow ships to pass beneath.

Don't Miss: The beaches. Don't be so distracted by the history you miss its stunning beaches. The wine. Rhodes is said to have been the first island in the Aegean to cultivate vineyards for wine; that tradition continues today. The lush, green interior and emerald fresh waters inland from the beaches

When to go:

In most of the Greek islands, the sun shines 300 magical days a year. Summers are high season for travelers arriving by air, yacht, and cruise ship, but April- June and September- October are blessed with lovely weather. Looking for mild weather, quiet exploration – and a bargain? More and more people are discovering Greece in early and late winter months too.

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Video Cruise Review: Tulips and Much More on an Avalon Spring Netherlands River Cruise

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Fri, 23 Apr 21 16:22:52 +0000

If you're a flower lover, a Tulip Time spring cruise in the Netherlands is already on your bucket list. If you're not a particular flower lover, it should still be on your bucket list.

BestTrip sailed on the Avalon Vista and discovered there's so much more to a Tulip Time cruise than spring flowers.

We'll never forget the incredible sights of fields of tulips and Europe's largest spring garden in full bloom. But also the sights and many different flavors of not just the Netherlands, but also next-door Belgium, from jaw-dropping Amsterdam to more off-the-beaten-path towns like Ghent and Antwerp in Belgium, to picturesque villages in the Dutch countryside.

It's not until you take a river cruise that you realize the perfect way to see the countryside is sailing through the heart of a destination on a river ship. On the Avalon Vista, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors facing your bed bring the outdoors to you, and early morning and daytime sailing means we enjoyed the journey as much as the destinations.

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About Us

anabelunga@gmail.com (Anabel Fernandez) — Mon, 08 Jul 19 15:17:54 +0000

This Travel Site for members of the {{agency.name}} was built by and is regularly updated with new inspiring stories, videos and exclusive travel offers by travel technology and content experts Travel Agency Tribes and BestTrip.TV.

When you inquire about a travel idea or offer, you'll be connected to a professional, accredited travel advisor who can provide you with the expert advise and access to these special deals and travel opportunities.

5 Stars and Social Consciousness; A Paris Hotel Creates the Future of Luxury Cuisine

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

The first luxury hotel to win 5 Michelin stars is putting its money where its guests' mouths are. And committing to the cause of tomorrow's food and cuisine.

The Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris has three restaurants. Between them, they've earned record recognition by Michelin. 3 stars for Le Cinq, 1 star for Le George (pictured, top) and 1 star for L'Orangerie. It's put this historic landmark Parisian hotel on the top of many foodie travel lists.

Now an historic garden is where the Four Seasons Hotel George V is taking the future of social and environmental cuisine.

In the late 1700's, French King Louis XVI gave his sister a 20-acre(8-hectare) estate in the heart of Versailles, the royal residence on the outskirts of Paris. Princess Elisabeth cultivated a fruit and vegetable garden and gave her produce to the underprivileged.

Today, the Estate is a public garden, and now part of it has been turned into a sustainable Kitchen Garden for the Four Season Hotel George V's Le George restaurant. Executive Chef Simone Zanoni has a vision of a multi-faceted approach to lead the future of food production as he forges ahead with the highest levels of fine dining.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Country hotels may have their own on site gardens. Not so for big city hotels. The hotel's Kitchen Garden is less than 10 miles (15 km) from the hotel in the heart of Paris, reducing the carbon footprint of transporting produce from garden to the hotel kitchen.

Organic is Just the Start

The garden has been free of chemicals for over 10 years, ensuring completely organic produce. Testing planting began a year ago, and resulted in fine harvests of a broad range of fruits and vegetables including 15 varieties of tomatoes and vegetables from humble carrots, potatoes and beets through squash,pumpkins, eggplants, and green beans and even fruits: strawberries, raspberries and bush peaches.

Helping Hands

The garden has been developed with the assistance of the local 'Green Brigade', a team of twenty people on return-to-work contracts. Their on-site work to harvest at the point of perfect ripeness ensures the produce is served in the restaurant's dishes at peak flavor and texture.

Fighting Food Waste

Green waste recycling? The new Kitchen Garden ups the ante. The hotel has partnered with a Paris start up called 'Les Alchimistes'. They collect organic waste from Le George restaurant, process it into 'made in Paris' compost, and return it directly to the soil at the Versailles garden. The garden's bio-system is a now an elegant plate-to-plate cycle.

Passing on Knowledge and Awareness

Chef Zanoni acknowledges the new generation of chefs even in food-conscious France has grown up without personal experience of agriculture, gardens and green space. So sharing that experience of hands-on gardening and awareness of food production is part of the hotel's Kitchen Garden vision. Two to three days a week, staff from Le George are on-site at the Kitchen Garden learning about raising produce and selecting premium produce at its source.

Getting Guests Close to the Land and the Source of their Food

The final connection: hotel customers and diners. Not only will people enjoying the cuisine at Le George benefit from the locally-raised, environmentally- and socially-conscious produce on their plates.

Four Seasons Hotel George V is unveiling a parallel guest experience at the Versailles Kitchen Garden. In a hybrid Porsche Panamera, guests are taken to the Kitchen Garden for a chance to explore, discover, and participate in ingredient selection. Back at the hotel, they'll have a tasting of the produce with Chef Zanoni.

For this Michelin-starred chef, it's the ultimate in the concept of sharing at the table: inviting guests to learn the many facets of this next-generation hotel kitchen garden and share in the pleasures of the soil and its produce on their plates.

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5 Fun Facts Plus 1 Travel-Inspired Tequila Recipe

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

Tequila has grown up. No longer a frat house or a blurry vacation cliché, Mexico's national spirit has returned in recent years to its roots, with new premium brands sprouting up that are perfect for sipping and stylish cocktails at home or on holiday.

Here are 5 things you might not have known about Tequila – and a great recipe from our friends at Altos Tequila to get you in the 'spirit' for your next trip to Mexico.

Mezcal or Tequila?

It all starts with the agave plant. Contrary to myth, agave is not a cactus! It's a desert succulent actually more closely related to lilies. The core is cooked, and the juice distilled into mezcal.

Tequila is a specific type of mezcal, with two distinctions: it must be made from the blue agave plant, and in a designated area around the city of Tequila northwest of Guadalajara, and in the highlands (Los Altos) of central Mexico. Tequila is sold around the world as a designation of origin product. Like true 'champagne' is only from Champagne, genuine Tequila must come from its namesake region too.

Recognized by UNESCO

The region responsible for producing the world's Tequila is also one of Mexico's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila site is vast – close to 100,000 acres. The area was home nearly 2000 years ago to the Teuchitlan civilization famous for its ball courts, as well as agriculture that led to the cultivation of agave for cloth and the early fermented spirit pulque that set the stage for the distillation of tequila beginning in the 1500's.

It's worth a trip to Mexico's highlands and agave farming areas – before or after your beach vacation, or even as a dedicated journey of its own. The village of Tequila was founded in 1530 and has been designated a 'Pueblo Magico' by the Mexican government. Stroll through the village square, and pay a visit to Tequila's 18^th century church between distillery tours and tastings.

Tequila By the Numbers

6-12 years: the time it takes blue agave plants to mature to harvest.
1 life: Agave plants are cut down to harvest the core, so must be replanted for future harvests.
1 Agave core (pina) can weigh a hundred – even hundreds! of pounds when it's harvested.
More than 100 distilleries produce more than 600 brands of Tequila, totaling around 60 million gallons (250 million L) every year.
0 worms. The worm-in-the-tequila-bottle myth may have come from a larva that dines on agave plants and ended up in bottles of mescal – but should never be in distilled Tequila.

Tequila Variations

We said Tequila could only be made with blue agave, right? That's true, but it only has to be 51% of a bottle of Tequila. If Tequila is labeled 'Mixtos', it may be up to 49% other types of sugars than blue agave. Tequila purists say only 100% blue agave will do; you be the judge.

Once Tequila is distilled, it becomes one of these 4 variations:

Blanco (white) or Plata (silver) Tequila is clear and un-aged.
Reposado Tequila is aged a minimum of 2 months in oak barrels. Reposado means 'rested', and this process mellows and smooths the Tequila.
Añejo (aged) Tequila is yet more refined, spending 1-3 years in small oak barrels.
Extra Añejo Tequila is a premium spirit that has aged over three years, with corresponding increases in price.

Sipping and Celebrating

If you actually need an excuse to celebrate Mexico's national spirit, put these two dates on your calendar. July 24^th is National Tequila Day, and February 22^nd is National Margarita Day. Would you have guessed the margarita is the world's most famous cocktail? An unbelievable 25% of cocktails sold around the world are margaritas, and Americans are said to drink 4.5 million margaritas every day!

But in Mexico itself, 40% of tequila is mixed into Palomas. Mexico's most popular tequila cocktail has two versions, and our friends at Altos Tequila have shared their recipes for the Paloma and the Sparkling Paloma.

Altos Sparkling Paloma (pictured above)

2 oz Altos Plata Tequila
½ oz Agave syrup or honey
½ oz Lemon or lime juice
Pink Grapefruit Soda
A pinch of salt

Pour tequila, syrup and lemon juice in a highball glass. Mix to dissolve the agave syrup. Add ice, top with soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Altos Paloma (pictured above)

2 oz Altos Plata
2 oz fresh pink grapefruit juice
1 oz lemon juice
½ oz part agave syrup
A pinch of salt

Pour all the ingredients, except the juice, into a glass. Mix to dissolve the agave syrup. Fill the glass with ice and finish with the pink grapefruit juice. Garnish with a half slice of pink grapefruit, and rim glass with salt and smashed pink peppercorns for those without nut allergies.

So if you want to drink Tequila like the locals do, mix up one of these cocktails or order one on your next trip to Mexico.

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Amtrak's Only Great Dome Car Returns to the East in Time for Panoramic Autumn Colors New York to Montreal

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

It's a vintage train car whose windowed dome makes the fall foliage seem even more brilliant on one of the most scenic train routes in the world.

For about six weeks late September to early November during the height of autumn colors, Amtrak's only remaining dome car in service travels the renowned Adirondack route. Northbound from New York City, you make your way by rail through Upstate New York including the Hudson Valley wine country and the famous Adirondacks, across the border to the world's second largest French-speaking city: Montreal, Canada.

The Great Dome car's upper level has windows on all sides for panoramic views over the spectacular changing colors of the trees in rolling hills, rural vistas and scenic views of Lake Champlain. Its autumn return to the Adirondack route elevates the famous train ride to one of the world's iconic rail trips. (Image courtesy of Amtrak).

That's just the 1-day, 10-hour train ride. Bookend it with a couple of days each in two of the East's most dynamic and diverse cities, and it's an autumn vacation you'll never forget.

Here are a few tips to get the most out of a Fall Foliage train trip in Amtrak's Great Dome car:

Advance reservations for the route are required.
The Great Dome car and its views come at no extra cost, but…
Seats in the upper, panoramic level are non-reserved and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Discounts are available for children, so you can bring more members of the family – make it an extended / multi-generational family celebration of the autumn season.
The Great Dome car generally travels northbound from New York City on one day, and southbound from Montreal the next on the same route, with one day a week not in service.
There are a number of stations along the line where you can embark mid-route, and arrive in one of these two, world-class terminus cities by dinner. Or you can disembark and explore the local sites along the way before picking up the route again on a subsequent day.
Amtrak has partnered with the National Park Service in an America-wide 'Trails and Rails' program to connect train passengers to U.S. national parks. On the Adirondack route, Saratoga National Historic Park, Roosevelt Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, and the National Parks of New York Harbor are among the National Park Service Sites participating in the 'Trails and Rails' program. Volunteers from National Park sites board select Great Dome car trips to provide local and historic insights that enrich your journey even beyond the unforgettable scenery.

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Video: This is the New 'City of Light'

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

Move over, Paris. There's a new 'City of Light' and it's the second-largest French-speaking city in the world.

Festivals, style, cuisine, nightlife and cosmopolitan French Canadian lifestyle. The first time you visit Montreal, it goes to the top of your repeat visit travel list.

And now Montreal is even more exciting when the sun goes down.

BestTrip's Lynn Elmhirst and Designer/Lifestylist Ulya Jensen spent a long weekend in Montreal before a Seabourn cruise.

(The Seabourn Quest in Montreal's Old Port).

We discovered an extraordinary city that lights up after dark with one-of-a-kind experiences combining light, art, and technology.

Here are ground-breaking ways a trip to Montreal will light up your evening.

Aura:

The breathtaking transformation of the luminous design and architecture of Montreal's famous Notre-Dame Basilica takes place nightly (except Sundays, when the Basilica holds Mass, as Montreal's flagship church). Aura is the perfect title for this powerful, jaw-dropping program combining light, video-projection mapping and uplifting music. Visitors of all ages and walks of life all end up with goose-bumps and awed faces experiencing Aura, and you will, too.

Jacques Cartier Bridge Illuminations:

The Jacques Cartier Bridge commemorates the explorer who sailed the mighty St.Lawrence over 400 years ago. But today, this architectural jewel is illuminated nightly using techniques that are nearly futuristic. Real-time social media that tags Montreal animates light particles that dance in spell-binding patterns on the bridge. Creativity, design, architecture, and smart-city infrastructure combine in a one-of-a-kind light spectacle on one of Montreal's most famous landmarks. (Thanks to creative production company Moment Factory for the incredible footage of their productions of Aura and the illuminations of the Jacques Cartier Bridge).

Cite Memoire:

An incredible interactive experience throughout the city streets of Old Montreal. Cite Memoire is the world's largest video projection project, with over 2 dozen installations. Some are interactive or also use augmented reality. They pop up on 'blind walls', sidewalks and even trees, as well as indoor installations and highlight Montreal history, culture and contributions to Canada. An app guides and informs users through an evening exploration of Montreal.

La Grande Roue de Montreal:

Translation: The Big Wheel of Montreal. Canada's largest observation wheel lights up Montreal's Old Port, and takes visitors soaring 200 feet above the city for some of the best views in town. Approaching the wheel at night reflected in the water of the Port, it's hard to imagine it can get any more stunning once inside the climate-controlled gondolas, but it does. La Grande Roue de Montreal has the most beautiful view of Old Montreal and the illuminations of the city's historic buildings.

If you are planning to take a cruise, train or flight to Montreal, don't miss these new ways the city lights up the night.

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10 Things Before You Travel to Turks and Caicos

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

The British Overseas Territory of Turks and Caicos has 8 main islands, 300 smaller islands, almost all virtually unpopulated. There may be fewer than 50,000 residents, but it punches above its weight as an offshore financial center and a favored Caribbean island destination for travelers by land or sea.

Most people live on Providenciales (nickname: 'Provo'), in the Caicos Islands. Grand Turk is a popular port of call for cruise ships big and small. It may be a British Overseas Territory, but the US dollar is used locally.

All photos: Brilliant Studios

Here are 10 other things to know about the Turks and Caicos:

1. What's in a Name?

The intriguing name refers to the 'Turk's cap' cactus and the local indigenous term 'caya hico' meaning 'string of islands'. Turks and Caicos is southeast of the Bahamas. It is made up of the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands, separated by the Turks Islands Passage.

2. 350 Days of Sunshine a Year

Unlike other islands in the West Indies, Turks and Caicos has few dramatic geographic features. The islands are mostly flat, low, limestone islands with plenty of marshes and mangrove swamps that provided Turks and Caicos with an early, important salt industry. They are also blessed with almost exclusively sunny weather and 130 square miles (320 square kilometers) of beaches. Water is sourced from collected rainfall or desalination.

3. Canada's 11^th Province?

Bizarre as it seems, there have been attempts for over a century to incorporate Turks and Caicos as a province of Canada. Canadians historically sourced salt from the islands to pack fish, and these days provide many services from tourism to banking. Canadians are the largest per capita group of overseas visitors, and from their point of view, a province in the sun would balance Canada's winters. A majority of the islands' citizens also endorse the plan. But at the moment, the thought remains just a sunny dream.

4. Conch

Turks and Caicos' primary natural resources these days are shellfish. They harvest Caribbean spiny lobster and other crustaceans, but what's really unique is the only conch farm in the world. ** The sea farm was damaged by recent hurricanes so check in advance if it has re-opened. Visitors to the Caicos Conch Farm can see the process of raising what may be the world's most iconic shellfish, a show with trained conchs, and even conch pearls.

Conch Salad is one of the Caribbean's most authentic dishes. Try some at a local restaurant, or, if you are spending time on your own on the islands, buy some fresh conch and get a recipe to make your own.

5. Island Fish Fry

Hang out with locals and enjoy the best of local cuisine on Thursday evenings in Provo. The Island Fish Fry has local chefs and restaurants showing off their best specialties including lobster, competing recipes for conch salad, crab 'n' rice, lobster mac and cheese and corn on the grill all under the island's starry skies with local bands on stage. Don't miss handmade crafts for sale, 'Henry the Conch', local folklore stories, dance and a 'junkanoo rush' that brings the crowd to their feet.

6. Grand Turk Cruise Center

Coming in on a cruise ship? The island of Grand Turk welcomes cruise guests with a 14-acre, landscaped cruise center complete with a lagoon-like pool, beautiful, direct-access beach, a surfing simulator, private cabanas, the largest Margaritaville by Jimmy Buffet in the Caribbean and other food and beverage facilities, local and duty-free luxury shopping, as well as changing rooms, showers, and lockers. It's the launch point for shore excursions like fishing, snorkeling, whale-watching and more.

7. John Glenn Exhibit

Fans of America's Space program have a special pilgrimage to make: Splashdown Grand Turk. On the south side of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, this free exhibit commemorates the 1962 landing of the Friendship 7 capsule just offshore Grand Turk with replicas of NASA's historic space programs, statue of John Glenn in his spacesuit, and a glimpse into the future of space exploration.

8. Humpback Whales

North Atlantic Humpback Whales make Grand Turk and Salt Cay waters their home for mating and calving from late January through early April. Whale watching trips give you the opportunity to experience the unforgettable sight of whales breeching and playing with their babies. Some tours provide hydrophones to hear the 'songs' of the whales above or underwater. Others also offer diving experiences.

Make sure you use a tour operator with experience and a commitment to ethical whale watching that does not interfere with or disturb these magnificent creatures in their essential breeding grounds.

9. Glass-Bottom Kayaking & Eco Safari

You can explore coastal Grand Turk in a see-through, 2-person kayak through gentle, shallow mangroves and coves. On this tour, you'll see stunning marine life through the bottom of your kayak, and plants, birds and Osprey nests on shore. You'll go ashore for an eco-adventure walk to experience the best of the island's coastline.

10. Conch Bar Caves

This unique attraction involves neither conch, nor a bar. Conch Bar is a village on Middle Caicos with a spectacular secret: one of the largest cave systems in the Caribbean. The 15 miles (24km) of underground caverns with lagoons, stalactites and stalagmites and (harmless) colonies of bats have significant human history in the islands from pre-Columbian times. A National Park encompasses the cave system and the land overhead that is home to rare plants and animals.

Start your Trip!

Video: This is the New 'City of Light'

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

Move over, Paris. There's a new 'City of Light' and it's the second-largest French-speaking city in the world.

Festivals, style, cuisine, nightlife and cosmopolitan French Canadian lifestyle. The first time you visit Montreal, it goes to the top of your repeat visit travel list.

And now Montreal is even more exciting when the sun goes down.

BestTrip's Lynn Elmhirst and Designer/Lifestylist Ulya Jensen spent a long weekend in Montreal before a Seabourn cruise.

(The Seabourn Quest in Montreal's Old Port).

We discovered an extraordinary city that lights up after dark with one-of-a-kind experiences combining light, art, and technology.

Here are ground-breaking ways a trip to Montreal will light up your evening.

Aura:

Jacques Cartier Bridge Illuminations:

Cite Memoire:

La Grande Roue de Montreal:

If you are planning to take a cruise, train or flight to Montreal, don't miss these new ways the city lights up the night.

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Yes he did! 'Luke Skywalker' Opens New Skywalk at One of the World's Most Symbolic Lookouts

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

And he even used a light saber. The actor famous for his role as one of space's greatest heroes didn't need to use the Force to launch the new Skywalk at the top of the Rock of Gibraltar.

The best part may be the Stormtroopers chilling in the background.

Mark Hamill's appearance at the Rock of Gibraltar Skywalk was a dramatic opening for the state-of-the-art glass platform and viewpoint 340 meters (over 1100 feet) above the narrow channel where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. The Skywalk's unrivalled 360-degree panoramas at the southern most point of Europe span two continents and three countries from one of Europe's – and the world's - most strategic viewpoints.

Historically, the nation to control the Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco controlled sea traffic into and out of the Mediterranean. The entrance/exit between the Med and the Atlantic is unbelievably only 8 miles (13 km) wide. Gibraltar is the southern most point of Europe, jutting out from the tip of Spain. It's famously inhabited by Europe's only wild monkey population. Gibraltar consists mainly of an 1100 foot craggy rock with a town, sea port and airport hugging the base of the Rock.

It's like Nature designed the perfect military lookout point over the Strait.

The British have held Gibraltar since the early 1700's and it's now a British Overseas Territory. As recently as World War 2, Gibraltar was the maritime chokehold that had a make-or-break role controlling wartime naval and shipping movements.

The new Skywalk gives visitors to Gibraltar the same view over the surrounding lands and seas. It's built on top of the former military lookout with a view unimaginable anywhere else in the world: Europe and Africa. Morocco, Spain and the rest of Gibraltar below the Rock. And the place where two legendary bodies of water meet.

The sleek, modernistic Skywalk is made up of 42 panels of 4 cm (1 ½-inch) thick laminated glass. The walkway extends nearly 7 meters (22 feet) off its base on the Rock. 70m (230 feet) of rock anchors and 30,000kg (66,000 pounds) of steel secure the Skywalk to the Rock.

The Skywalk is within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve and links via walking trails to other sites within the Reserve including the Windsor Suspension Bridge and the famous Apes’ Den. Admission to the Skywalk is included in the Nature Reserve fee. The Skywalk is limited to 50 people at a time, so allow plenty of time to venture out onto the Skywalk and explore the Rock's peak.

Tongue-in-cheek Star Wars-themed opening ceremonies aside, a walk to the edge of the Rock of Gibraltar Skywalk truly does feel like being in another world. Towering over thousands of years of momentous human history. Straddling two continents. And suspended over epic seas and vistas.

Gibraltar is one of the world's most extraordinary places, a tiny but epic mountain outpost on the sea. For 3000 years Gibraltar has been a naval crossroads where history was made at the hands of nearly every early European civilization. Ancient Greek mythology says the Strait of Gibraltar was created by Hercules, and the Greeks called Gibraltar one of the Pillars of Hercules. Moors from North Africa settled Gibraltar en route to invade Europe. Gibraltar is named after a Muslim commander, derived from the Arabic 'Jabal Tariq', meaning 'Mountain of Tariq'.

A visit to Gibraltar will change the way you think about Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. If you're traveling in southern Spain, you can easily reach Gibraltar by land (by car, public transportation or even walking). Ferries from Morocco and other points in North Africa go to Gibraltar or the closest nearby ports in Spain.

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Video: This Hotel Has the Top Views of Edinburgh

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

There are a few important things on our check list of a great hotel: alluring architecture and design, lifestyle, dining and sipping... and if possible, an amazing view.

The Balmoral Edinburgh has it all. This storied hotel in Scotland's capital is located at 1 Prince's Street. It's an unrivaled position overlooking some of the best views of the city: Edinburgh Castle, Prince's Street, New Town, even Arthur's Seat, the park on the remnants of an ancient volcano rising out of the city.

The Balmoral Edinburgh also stands out in Edinburgh's streetscape. It crowns the head of Edinburgh's famous Prince's Street, which ties with the Royal Mile as the city's two signature streets. It's said to be the only hotel in Edinburgh that was purpose-built, that is, built to be a hotel. Other historic buildings have been converted into hotels, but The Balmoral Edinburgh was conceived as the city's luxe train station hotel, and has remained a hotel ever since, the center of society for generations of luxury travelers to the capital of Scotland.

Its historic clock tower is a city of Edinburgh landmark. The clock traditionally runs a couple of minutes fast so travelers rushing to their trains have just a bit more time than they thought they did. We were told a story that when new owners took over the hotel and corrected the clock's time, there was an uproar of people missing their trains. So it was returned to being that couple of minutes off and has remained so ever since - except on New Year's Eve, when it accurately counts down to the New Year.

Now a Rocco Forte luxury hotel, the Balmoral Edinburgh has appeal for any traveler whose check list for a great hotel matches ours. Design that honors the historic building and Scottish atmosphere, yet has modern design hotel credentials. A culinary partnership with the renowned Alain Roux brand. A fabled collection of whiskies. And those views from above 1 Prince's Street.

Take a look at the view, and our other top reasons to stay at the Balmoral!

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Video: Get Shot Out of This World-First Bungy Catapult in New Zealand

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

Maybe it's been too long since you've been shot out of a cannon. Or dangled and bounced hundreds of feet above a ravine. Or had your head snapped back with 3 G's of force in only 1.5 seconds of acceleration.

There's a new experience in New Zealand that will give you all those thrills and more. The Nevis Catapult has launched – literally – on New Zealand's South Island outside Queenstown.

Even the walk on the arm leading to the experience tests your head for heights. When you reach the pod, you're 500 feet (150m) high overtop of the remote Nevis River canyon.

Make the walk to the pod situated 150 metres above the Nevis River before daring to try the world-first Nevis Catapult. Tourism New Zealand. Credit: James D Morgan

The Nevis Catapult experience is 3-4 minutes of pure adrenaline from release to recovery. Harnessed up, thrill-junkies are lifted into an almost horizontal 'flight' position using a customized and advanced system of winches. Then you're 'shot' 500 feet forward into the canyon, reaching 60 mph (100 km/h) in just 1.5 seconds. That's when the bungy (or bungee) kicks in, snapping you back for a dramatic series of bounces over the canyon floor hundreds of feet below.

Hit speeds of up to 60 mph/ 100km/h in 1.5 seconds when you try out the world-first Nevis Catapult. Tourism New Zealand. Credit: James D Morgan

Unlike original bungy jumping experiences, which involve passive release – just jumping - off a high point, the Nevis Catapult adds the action of 'flight' in the first, horizontal propulsion stage.

Height, flight, and speed. It's a daring combination that's never been done before and already has rave reviews.

Queenstown, New Zealand is already on the map of the global adrenaline junkie set. It's the location of the world's first permanent bungy jumping site, at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge. It was established in 1988 by the same pioneering bungy company that has now developed the Nevis Catapult. As the 'original home of bungy' reaches 1 million jumps on its 30^th anniversary, the Nevis Catapult takes bungy to another, insane level.

See? It's pretty fun being fired out from the world-first Nevis Catapult. Tourism New Zealand. Credit: @barekiwi

But you can tell your inner nervous voice or your mother it's all perfectly safe. This one-of-a-kind rush has been years in the making and testing. It meets global safety and New Zealand adventure sport and amusement device standards. Even kids as young as 13 can experience the Nevis Catapult.

So if it's been a while since your heart was beating through your chest and you screamed in excitement, the world's biggest and most extreme catapult awaits you in the adventure sport center of New Zealand.

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The World's Largest, Most Spacious Luxury Expedition Yacht Unveiled

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

It's an ice-class ship with the latest technology, able to navigate spring and fall in the world's polar regions. It's also one of the most luxurious vessels the globe's remote regions – from sub-zero to tropical climes - will have ever seen.

The Crystal Endeavor sets sail in August 2020, with bookings now open to reserve a suite in her inaugural season. Already this latest addition to the Crystal Expedition Yacht fleet is making waves as the largest and most spacious ship in its class.

Don't be confused by the word 'large'. The Endeavor is no mega-ship; it's a mega-yacht. Crystal's commitment to personalized luxury means the Endeavor will be home to fewer than 200 guests. The ship's 100 suites are larger than any other expedition cruise ship now sailing, all with balconies. Between spacious suites and expansive public areas, guests luxuriate in the company of like-minded guests interested in exploring the distant seas and out-of-the-way destinations the Endeavor will take them.

What a way to experience the world! The Crystal Endeavor has a marina so guests can enter local waters right off the ship.

And it's equipped with more exploration 'toys' than even private yachts:

2 helicopters on 2 landing pads for flightseeing expeditions,
2, 7-person submarines,
8 electric amphibious zodiacs,
jet skis,
wave runners,
kayaks,
paddle boards,
snorkeling and scuba equipment, recompression chamber, dive support tender and
a multi-person ATV.
Even a first in expedition cruising: Crystal Endeavor will be equipped with SEABOBs – the world’s most technically advanced and powerful underwater scooter – that allows you to move gracefully underwater.

Plus innovations to ensure guests can explore any part of the world without roughing it:

The Pool Deck is in a 2-story solarium under a glass-domed roof, providing a welcoming atmosphere in any expedition climate. Elegant 'mud rooms' accommodate preparation for the day’s adventures and offer cleaning of boots and equipment upon guests’ return from a day exploring ashore. There's heated storage to dry your parka. And spa-like bathrooms with adjustable heated floors ward off chills in the coldest climes.

These expedition innovations are in addition to Crystal's unparalleled level of luxury and service in its spacious and exquisitely appointed suites, famous butler service, multiple, all-inclusive international restaurants and venues for wine, cocktails, good company and tremendous views, winemaker dinners, enrichment programs and more.

Restaurants and Venues on the Endeavor include:

Waterside: the expedition yacht's main dining room, Prego: traditional Italian cuisine as well as Crystal's signature winemaker dinners, Umi Uma: sushi and specialties in partnership with Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Silk Kitchen & Bar: Asian-inspired cuisine taking over the 2-story solarium in the evenings, Bistro Café: European breakfasts, lunches and all-day café, Palm Court: as the name suggests, and elegant venue for afternoon tea, cocktails, dancing and floor-to-ceiling 270 degree views.

And more public spaces:

Connoisseur Club: cigar lounge, Crystal Cove: the social heart of the ship for pre-dinner cocktails, late evenings, guest speakers, social interaction and the only expedition-yacht based casino, Captain's Lounge, Expedition Lounge, Helicopter Lounge, the Library and the Promenade running from Crystal Cove to Waterside for intimate cocktails, conversation and breathtaking views, Fitness Center and Crystal Life Spa & Crystal Life Salon with men's and women's steam and sauna, plus relaxation and salon rooms.

The Crystal Endeavor's elegant interiors contrast with the rugged outdoor adventures that await you in this ground-breaking expedition ship's exotic global destinations.

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Explore 'Undiscovered Italy' – Book 2019 Europe Early and Save 10% PLUS Exclusive Member Discount with Globus

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

Combine exclusive member savings with 10% off when you book 'Undiscovered Italy' or Europe Globus 2019 Tours by November 27th.

Let Globus send you on a new adventure in Italy in 2019.

Maybe you've already fallen in love with Rome, Florence and Venice and feel you've “done Italy.”

But there’s an entire country of culture, traditions, art and cuisine waiting to be seen, experienced and tasted.

Now, award-winning escorted tour company Globus is inviting travelers to uncover “secret” Italian destinations with a new series of “Undiscovered Italy” tours that explore palate-pleasing places on roads less traveled to breathe in breathtaking views and historic sites.

High-end hotels and VIP access to wondrous attractions give you an undiscovered Italy vacation in style.

Globus' Italy tours provide an inspired vacation without the hassle and stress of planning, so you get an Italian vacation unlike anything you could plan on your own.

Globus tours of Italy are the premier way to experience even more of this European gem outside of Rome, Florence and Venice, with included experiences like:

Taste prosciutto in Parma, and olive oil in a hillside Umbrian town called the 'most beautiful in Italy'.
Get up close to 13^th and 14^thcentury Masters in the fabled and picturesque Tuscan city of Siena.
Wander through Taormina, a Sicilian summer oasis abounding with breathtaking mountain-side views.

Book Early and SAVE!

Book any 2019 Globus European vacation – including Globus' “molto bello” selection of Italian tours – by November 27 and save 10%.

PLUS enjoy Exclusive Membership Savings of $150 per couple – $75 per person -

on select 2019 Globus Europe or North America vacations.*

Ask for code RTSM75 to get your member savings on top of the 10% early booking bonus!

Globus Tours spotlighting more of Italy in 2019 include:

NEW! Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy

9 Day Tour from Naples to Sorrento Starting at $2,139 USD

This 9-day Italy tour takes you on a journey to discover world-renowned treasures in art, architecture, and history. You’ll begin in Naples – home to centuries of some of the most important art and architecture Italy has to offer. Throughout your guided tour of Southern Italy, you’ll visit royal residences, as well as ancient Greek archaeological marvels, before arriving in the Mediterranean-style town of Cellino San Marco. You’ll find the perfect respite from your sightseeing adventures with an overnight stay at the Salento estate of singer and winemaker Al Bano Carrisi. This peaceful countryside estate – near the Adriatic Sea – offers delicious wine from its vineyard with other delicacies, including local produce, olive oil, and homemade pasta. Stroll the grounds or lounge by the pool before embarking on discoveries in Lecce and Otranto. This Southern Italy escorted tour will introduce you to local favorites in delectable pastries and coffee, as well as truly remarkable architectural and historical structures. You’ll visit a traditional Trullo in Alberobello, and you’ll discover amazing ancient treasures that await you in Paestum – as you traverse from the “heel of the boot” of Italy across to the opposite coastline to Sorrento. As the picture-perfect ending to your Southern Italy vacation, you may also choose to join an optional excursion to Positano on the spectacular Amalfi Coast. Truly a feast for the mind, body, and soul, your escorted tour of Southern Italy will satisfy your curiosity in art and history – as well as your spirit of adventure – with hidden local treasures waiting to be discovered along the way.

NEW! The Sicilian

10 Day Tour from Palermo to Taormina Riviera from $2249 USD

Your 10-day Italy tour of Sicily is packed with architectural treasures that have withstood the ages. You’ll begin your tour with guided sightseeing in Palermo’s ornate city of piazzas, markets, and churches. You’ll relish the baroque style of the city’s historic sites, and savor authentic Sicilian culinary specialties that have been handed down for generations. From panelle, arancini, and cannoli – to almond biscuits and Marsala wines – your escorted tour of Sicily is an epicurean’s dream when it comes to cuisine. You’ll also be treated to a tasting at Sicily’s oldest chocolate factory. As you tour the perimeter of the beautiful island of Sicily, you’ll also enjoy a cruise to the small island of Motya for a museum tour, as well as escorted tours through Sicily’s centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the elaborate Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. From palaces to churches, you’ll encounter ancient works of art, architecture, and archaeological treasures. You’ll visit the Valley of the Temples with its Greek structures that have endured 24 centuries, the iconic St. George Cathedral and Ibla district of Ragusa, and the adorned tiled Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte in Caltagirone. You’ll travel to Syracuse – birthplace of mathematician Archimedes – for a guided sightseeing tour that includes the 5th-century-BC Greek theater. You’ll also enjoy seeing the Church of Santa Lucia – filming location of Michael Corleone’s wedding scene in The Godfather – then relaxing with a granita and brioche at a local bar. Your Sicily tour package concludes on the beautiful Taormina Riviera with an opportunity to visit Mount Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano. A sumptuous meal will put the finishing touch on your beautiful Italy tour of the ancient island of Sicily – with new memories to cherish for years to come.

Gems of Umbria & Tuscany

9 Day Tour from Rome to Rome Starting at $2,299 USD

The name of this escorted Italy tour—Gems of Umbria & Tuscany—says it all, as you’ll visit some of the medieval hill towns and see some of the beautiful gems that call central Italy home. You’ll begin and end in Rome, and in between you’ll overnight in Spoleto, San Martino in Campo, Siena, and Orvieto. History fans will be thrilled throughout this Umbria and Tuscany tour. As you travel through the towns in these regions, you’ll learn about the Etruscans, who lived here for centuries before the Roman Empire, and you’ll see remains from periods throughout Italy’s history, including medieval times. Orvieto sits atop a volcanic rock and has a labyrinth of caves carved by Etruscans. You’ll visit these caves as well as Orvieto’s cathedral, dating back to the early 14th century. In Siena, one of Italy's best-preserved medieval towns, you’ll walk through its narrow lanes to Piazza del Campo, perhaps one of the finest piazzas in Europe. From Siena, you'll also take an excursion to Volterra, a former important Etruscan city, and San Gimignano, a picturesque, perfectly preserved medieval town with its 14 towers from the 13th century. In Narni, a guided visit of the Convent of San Domenico basement reveals a cell where prisoners of the Inquisition wrote graffiti on the walls. Of course, these regions are known not only for history, but also for wine and olive oil. That’s why we’ve arranged a Brunello wine tasting in Montalcino, beautifully located in the Tuscan Hills, and an olive oil tasting at an authentic mill in Frantoio di Spello. From the historic gems and the wonderful piazzas to the special adventures, this Umbria and Tuscany escorted tour offers all of this and much more. A vacation of a lifetime!

10% Early Booking Bonus

Also Applies to North and South America 2019 Globus Tours!

Ask us for details!

*Terms and Conditions Include: Book and deposit a 2019 Globus Europe, South or North America (excluding Cuba, 2020 Oberammergau and Escapes by Globus) vacation to save 10% per person on the land-only portion of the core tour not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes, fees, tips or supplements. Booking must be made and under deposit by November 27, 2018 for travel in 2019. Offer not valid with any other offer except Repeat Traveler benefit and air credit. Not applicable to custom tours. Discount will apply to individual members of groups adding a name and non-refundable per person deposit WITHIN the promo window. Not applicable on TBA space. Applies to new 2019 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. May be withdrawn any time. Available from participating GFOB office only. EBD

Golf Multiple, World-Class Courses While Sailing on Europe's Most Innovative New River Cruise Ship

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

At almost twice the width of traditional European river cruise ships, AmaMagna provides guests with sprawling spaces and intimate pockets never experienced before on a river cruise ship - so inspiring you may never want to leave!

This revolutionary river cruise ship debuts in May 2019. There's more ship to love and more experiences, too.

AmaMagna’s Exclusive Concierge Golf Program

Imagine golfing at world-class courses in different countries all on one trip. Imagine not having to organize tee times, transportation, club cleaning and so on.

Imagine having your favorite luxury hotel follow you wherever you go with everything you need for the perfect vacation.

AmaWaterways has created a match made in heaven to enable you to do just that—luxury river cruising and golf.

***

AmaWaterways’ Exclusive Concierge Golf Program

includes 7 nights on board our newest and most innovative ship to date, AmaMagna,

sailing along the iconic Danube

and taking you to some of Europe’s most prestigious golf courses

with seamless, luxurious ship-to-shore golf experiences.

Rates start at around $4000 per person for your most memorable golf trip ever.

What's Included:

In addition to the wonderful selection of experiences and amenities available during your river cruise, both on board and ashore, our Exclusive Concierge Golf Program provides a seamless golfing experience from the moment you arrive to the moment you bid us farewell.

Concierge service, including club care
Private luxury Mercedes transportation to and from courses
A la carte lunch at each course with beer and wine
Once on the course, you need only golf and enjoy—your tee time, practice balls and golf cart are prepared in advance.
1 round per golfer at each golf course
1 shared golf cart per round
1 range token per round
1 Welcome Packet: a dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls per golfer, 1 pitch repair tool, 4 or 5 course guides, leather shoe bag.
When it’s time to transfer back to the AmaMagna, your clubs will be cleaned and ready for the next course on your golf adventure.

AmaMagna's Exclusive Concierge Golf Program

is Available on 2 Danube Itineraries,

on select May-October departures in 2019:

Melodies of the Danube with Golf Program

Journey along the Danube and see firsthand why this storied river has inspired generations of artists, poets and musicians. Indulge your passion for timeless architecture and art in three magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. Cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley and let the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time.

Romantic Danube with Golf Program

Framed by rolling hillsides, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River has captivated musicians, artists and poets throughout the centuries. Travel to legendary destinations on a 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest. Explore a 2,000-year-old city, savor Wachau Valley wines, and experience the timeless beauty and fascinating history of Vienna and Budapest.

The Courses

Terms & Conditions Include: All rates are per person, based on double occupancy unless stated otherwise. Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select 2019 Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AmaMagna (May through mid-October); contact us for details. Golf Program deposit is non-refundable; is in addition to any other deposits for cruise or air; and is required on or before the deposit due date on the confirmation. Standard cancellation penalties and policy apply. Visit our website for full terms and conditions www.amawaterways.com. Cruise fare, land programs, roundtrip airfare, and gratuities are additional. Concierge Golf Program not available on Wine Cruises; also not available on July 7, 2019 embarkation of AmaMagna. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-40.

6 Reasons to See Sicily

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

It's the largest island in the Mediterranean, with 14,000 years of history.

Sicily is in the center of the Mediterranean Sea and has been central to several world-changing civilizations including the Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans. It is rich in artistic, musical, literary, culinary, and architectural heritage, and has some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the Med. Yet many travelers never go beyond mainland Italy.

Don't let this be you! Even if you've already done the 'big three' Italian destinations of Rome, Venice and Florence, there is so much more to Italy.

Here are half a dozen reasons Sicily should be your top destination on your next trip to Italy or the Mediterranean.

Mount Etna:

The slopes of Mount Etna dominate views of the island. 3300 meters (11,000 feet) high, Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy south of the Alps. In the balmy Mediterranean, Etna's seasonal snow cap is a startling sight, as is the black ash it occasionally sprinkles over the island. Mount Etna is the symbol of Sicily, a source of myths, legends and spiritual mystique.

Any trip to Sicily will include opportunities to get great views of the volcano – a classic view is from Taormina - but you can also journey up the heights of the mountain. You'll want warm layers in the upper reaches of Etna even in the sunny Mediterranean.

Taormina:

This mountaintop town has some of the best views of Mount Etna, including the most famous view of the volcano and the coast from its Greek amphitheater. The amphitheater is not just a scenic ruin, it's still used for concerts and plays that bring it alive. Taormina is the bustling resort town of Sicily. Within its medieval walls, most vehicles are excluded. That creates a special atmosphere, with vacationers strolling the stone streets between restaurants and shops.

It's a must-visit place for the view, and a great base to explore eastern Sicily and enjoy nearby beaches.

The Valley of the Temples:

Valle dei Templi is not, in fact, a valley – but it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ridge in Agrigento in southwestern Sicily is covered by not one, not two, but seven temples dating back to the 5^th century BC. They are in classic Greek Doric style and each dedicated to a different god. Zeus, Hera, Heracles and the usual suspects of Greek mythology remain memorialized at this site that is almost overwhelming in its beauty and scale.

If you can, return in the evening, when lighting creates an even more other-worldly atmosphere.

Teatro Massimo

Move over, La Scala. Palermo's Teatro Massimo is Italy's largest opera house, third-largest in the world. Many people say they are not in love with opera, but this grand opera house on the city's Piazza Verdi is the place to treat yourself to an Italian classic: Verdi, Puccini, maybe a Bellini. The theater experience will transform you and the level of music, ballet and opera is truly world-class. Bask in the splendor of the architecture and design and indulge in people-watching the local community of arts supporters.

Still not convinced? Then go to re-live the 'Godfather'. The closing scenes of Part III of the mob movie classic were filmed here.

Cuisine and Cannoli

Sicily is so renowned for its cuisine and regional specialties, it's often nicknamed 'God's Kitchen'. Among the most famous of its specialties are sweets, both iced and pastries. Cannoli are a staple of Sicilian cuisine which of course has crossed the Atlantic to also become an icon of Italian-American cuisine and culture. It's thought cannoli, tubes of fried pastry filled with a sweet, creamy, ricotta cheese-based filling, may have started as a fertility symbol. Originally, they were only served as a treat during Carnevale. Luckily, you can now try Sicilian cannoli at the source year-round on the island.

Just like when they're made by your grandmother, you don't have to limit yourself to one. Different regions of Sicily have cannoli variations, like the enormous versions near Palermo you'll want to post pictures of yourself eating.

Wine

Like its regional culinary specialties, Sicily has its own unique wines, a few you won't be able to taste at the source anywhere else in the world, like Nero d'Avola cultivated near the baroque town of Noto. There's archeological evidence that Sicily was one of the first regions in Italy to embrace winemaking. Sicily's limestone-based land, hills, sun, and sea breezes provide the base for remarkable wines.

The western part of Sicily is the home of Sicily's most famous wine, Marsala. This liqueur wine was the first DOC wine in all of Italy, and of course is the basis for savory dishes like Veal Marsala, and enhances sweet dishes like zabaglione and tiramisu.

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5 American Wine Regions You Need to Visit Next

lynn@influenceproductions.com (Lynn Elmhirst) — Thu, 09 May 19 18:46:33 +0000

Hopefully, you've already crossed California's legendary wine regions off your bucket list. The Golden State's famous wineries have the weather, the scenery, the lifestyle, and of course, the wines, for romantic escapes, destination weddings, girlfriend getaways, group tours and even business conferences.

But don't stop there. Go North, South, East and West. In spite of the vastly different terrains of America's states, you might be surprised at how many have thriving and award-winning wine scenes. Plus, in the United States as well as in the rest of the world, wine grapes grow in beautiful places. It's a win-win if you love discovering new wine and exploring close to home.

So pack your bags for these 5 states, and remember to leave plenty of space in your luggage for bottles of the delicious new wines you're sure to discover!

By Lynn Elmhirst, Producer/Host BestTrip.TV

Texas

The very first vineyard in North America… was in Texas. Franciscan priests in the mid-1600's toiled to grow the continent's first vines and produce its first wines in mission outposts. European immigrants brought more grapevine cuttings to continue expanding the region's wine through the 19th century. Prohibition wiped out all of America's wine production in the '20's, but Texas has reclaimed its historic wine roots – literally.

These days, the Longhorn State boasts 8 AVA's (American Viticultural Areas) producing wine from grapes that thrive in the state's unique climate and soil. The Texas Hill country AVA is the 2nd largest in America, 9 million acres in the heart of Texas north of San Antonio and west of Austin. The vast wine region is home to a range of one-of-a-kind microclimates that produce cool climate wines to Bordeaux and Italian varietals.

Idaho's Snake River Valley

Idaho

Move over, potatoes. Idaho's most famous crop has competition. Idaho lies to the west of the Continental Divide of the Rocky Mountains. The terrain, explored by Lewis and Clark and a central feature of the Oregon Trail, these days is home to a fruitful wine industry you'll want to explore too.

You may think of Idaho as a very new wine region, but in fact, it dates back to the mid-19th century. The first grapes in the Pacific Northwest were planted in Idaho by French and German immigrants. Prohibition in the 20's took out this wine region, too, but in the '70's, grapes took root again in Idaho. The Snake River Valley became the state's first AVA, and now covers 8000 square miles at latitudes similar to other global wine-growing regions, with a unique combination of seasonal temperatures, rainfall, and soil not only rivaling other wine regions, but even giving Idaho wines an edge in quality.

Idaho now has more than 50 wineries producing cool climate wines, especially whites like Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewurtztraminer, and more recently, reds like fan favorite Cabernet Sauvignon.

(Shore Lodge, McCall, Idaho)

Michigan

Michigan is the 5th largest wine-producing state in the US, producing nearly 3 million gallons of wine a year. The unique, Great-Lakes microclimate that makes Michigan a famous cherry producer also nurtures acclaimed wines. Most of the state's wine grapes are grown within 25 scenic miles of Lake Michigan, benefitting from 'lake effect' moderation of both winter and summer climate.

There are over 100 wineries in Michigan, and 150 tasting rooms where visitors can sample and buy the wide range of Michigan wines from red, white, dry, sweet, even ice wine, sparkling wine, and wines made from its famous cherry crop. Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail in the north-west part of the state is considered one of the best in the country.

Washington State

This newcomer on the global wine scene has been a quick learner. Washington State is already the country's 2nd largest wine producer. Its wines are distributed in all 50 states, and around the world in more than 40 countries, where they win acclaim and awards that rank Washington as one of the world's top wine regions.

Wine has a pedigree in the state. In 1825 the Hudson's Bay Company planted the area's first wine grapes at Fort Vancouver. French, German and Italian immigrants followed suit, importing cuttings and planting in Puget Sound and the Walla Walla Valley by mid-century.

The early wineries were lost to Prohibition, but the last decade or so has seen a resurgence of wine-making in Washington. Now, over 55,000 acres are devoted to vineyards. The viticulture trend is growing fast, drawing wine-makers from Europe and New World wine regions to the state's unique terroir and conditions for producing premium white and red wines.

Washington's young and internationally-influenced wine culture exhibits some of the latest trends in wine-making that visiting oenophiles will love. Hand-crafting, sustainability, as well as organic and biodynamic wines make visits to this Pacific North West wine region so unique. (Top Image: Walla Walla Wine Region, courtesy WashingtonWine.org).

Shea Wine Cellars, Oregon/ Carolyn Wells Kramer

Oregon

It's America's 3rd largest wine grape producing state. Oregon has over 700 wineries growing 72 grape varietals in a thousand vineyards. In spite of that scale, Oregon's famous for its small-batch wineries and artisan wines. Most Oregon wineries produce fewer than 5000 cases a year of an incredible range of wines from Riesling to Viogniers, Pinot noir to Syrah, with sparkling, rose, and dessert wines to tempt your palate.

For wine-loving visitors to Oregon, that means two things. In winery tasting rooms, you'll have the chance to taste small-batch vintages that will never see wide release on store shelves in your home town. And hands-on, artisan vintners love to share their passion for wine, their vines, and wine-making styles with visitors to wine estates.

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Video: Seabourn Chef Celebrates Quebec's Harvest: Cooking with the Chef

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Fact or Fiction? 3 Things You Need to Know About 'Dracula's Castle'

Before every travel destination had a ghost tour and haunted hotels, there was Dracula's Castle.

Is Bran Castle really 'Dracula's Castle'?

Was there a real 'Dracula'?

How about Vampires?

Our Conclusion?

How To Get There?

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3 'Starter' Greek Islands

'Greece' evokes two pictures in most people's imagination: the ancient cradle of Western civilization, democracy, philosophy, literature and drama, marathons, the Olympics, and some of your favorite math principles.

You also picture one of the most alluring modern travel destinations.

Santorini

Mykonos

Rhodes

When to go:

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Video Cruise Review: Tulips and Much More on an Avalon Spring Netherlands River Cruise

If you're a flower lover, a Tulip Time spring cruise in the Netherlands is already on your bucket list. If you're not a particular flower lover, it should still be on your bucket list.

BestTrip sailed on the Avalon Vista and discovered there's so much more to a Tulip Time cruise than spring flowers.

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5 Stars and Social Consciousness; A Paris Hotel Creates the Future of Luxury Cuisine

The first luxury hotel to win 5 Michelin stars is putting its money where its guests' mouths are. And committing to the cause of tomorrow's food and cuisine.

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5 Fun Facts Plus 1 Travel-Inspired Tequila Recipe

Mezcal or Tequila?

Recognized by UNESCO

Tequila By the Numbers

Tequila Variations

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Amtrak's Only Great Dome Car Returns to the East in Time for Panoramic Autumn Colors New York to Montreal

It's a vintage train car whose windowed dome makes the fall foliage seem even more brilliant on one of the most scenic train routes in the world.

Here are a few tips to get the most out of a Fall Foliage train trip in Amtrak's Great Dome car:

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10 Things Before You Travel to Turks and Caicos

1. What's in a Name?

2. 350 Days of Sunshine a Year

3. Canada's 11th Province?

4. Conch

5. Island Fish Fry

6. Grand Turk Cruise Center

7. John Glenn Exhibit

8. Humpback Whales

9. Glass-Bottom Kayaking & Eco Safari

10. Conch Bar Caves

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Video: This is the New 'City of Light'

Move over, Paris. There's a new 'City of Light' and it's the second-largest French-speaking city in the world.

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Yes he did! 'Luke Skywalker' Opens New Skywalk at One of the World's Most Symbolic Lookouts

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The World's Largest, Most Spacious Luxury Expedition Yacht Unveiled

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Plus innovations to ensure guests can explore any part of the world without roughing it:

Restaurants and Venues on the Endeavor include:

And more public spaces:

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Explore 'Undiscovered Italy' – Book 2019 Europe Early and Save 10% PLUS Exclusive Member Discount with Globus

Combine exclusive member savings with 10% off when you book 'Undiscovered Italy' or Europe Globus 2019 Tours by November 27th.

Let Globus send you on a new adventure in Italy in 2019.

Book Early and SAVE!

Ask for code RTSM75 to get your member savings on top of the 10% early booking bonus!

Globus Tours spotlighting more of Italy in 2019 include:

3. Canada's 11^th Province?