Archive for category Europe
Heart of Ireland
Posted by TravelDesigned in Europe on July 12th, 2010
Heart of Ireland Escorted Tour
FROM CHICAGO OCT 27-Nov 3 2010
$1600
First Class Hotels private bath/shower for 6 nights. Full Irish breakfasts daily, except day of arrival.
Bonus: (5) hotel dinners – 1st night in Dublin dinner is included.
Tea/coffee &Irish Farmhouse scones at actual Irish working farm-we see sheep shearing & watchsheepdogs maneuver the flock.
Daily sightseeing by luxury coach,services of driver/guide, includes visits to
Blarney Woollen Mills
Dingle Peninsula
St. Brendan's Cathedral
Kilmainham Jail
Guinness Brewery Storehouse
Porterage of 1 suitcase per person
Optional pub entertainment
Tips and taxes in Ireland
Gratuities to driver/guide not included.
$1600 Per Person /double occupancy- Save $106 per person
Singles Welcome $2100- Save $201
Limited Space Available
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01, Wednesday:
Day 02, Thursday: 
This Special Tour has an added Dinner in Dublin – at our hotel, the Maldron Hotel, Cardiff Lane.
Day 03, Friday: Cashel –
Day 04, Saturday: Killarney –
Day 05, Sunday: Killarney – 
Day 06, Monday:
Day 07, Tuesday:
Day 08, Wednesday:
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Travelling More
Posted by TravelDesigned in AndrewgHayes, Australia, Canada, Europe, France, My Travelin' Tweeps, New Zealand, Scotland on December 16th, 2009
Please follw Andy on Twitter: andrewghayes
I'm that travel guy. Here to help travellers & small businesses in travel with online tech. What can I do for you?
Travelling More
I’m not talking about how often you travel – I’m asking, do you immerse yourself while on the road and take advantage of the opportunity to make it a rich, authentic travel experience? From tasting local food and drink to adventure touring or simple walks along the beach, I’ve travelled a lot and am always making a concerted effort to make the most of the destination. There have been few places that I haven’t liked, but I’d like to share with you a few of my true favourite gems. Places where travelling more is alive and well. Places that you should add to your bucket list if you haven’t been already.
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Everyone who me even remotely well knows that New Zealand is my favourite country and I get there every chance I can get. My most memorable Kiwi experience was walking in the Abel Tasman National Park. An incredible place full of blue waters, green forests, and few people, it is the perfect place for a digital detox or to and get yourself grounded, both mentally and physically. Absolutely wonderful. The South Island is non-stop beauty, so give yourself plenty of time to get around and soak it up.
Lille, France
Lille is one of those places that should be crazy popular, but isn’t. It was a tiny spec on the map until it became a transit terminal for high speed trains between London, Brussels, and Paris. It now has a chic, modern railway station just minutes from the gorgeous old world town. Don’t get me wrong – tourism has increased – but you’ll still find yourself enjoying a crowd-free environment in the old streets of Vieux Lille, the world class museums, or the expansive park of the Citadel. Next best thing to Paris.
Edinburgh, Scotland
I suppose I’m biased on this one because I live here (and wrote a book about the place). But it’s a true gem and so many folk, when they think of the UK, think “London.” Jokes aside, Scotland is so different than life down south, and the Edinburgh experience is second to none. Splash the cash and come for the Edinburgh Festival, or go off-season and enjoy hill walks – it is very easy to get out of town – cozy pubs, and of course our iconic architecture.
Melbourne, Australia
If I were in love with a city, it would be Melbourne. From the gorgeous, glistening skyline that rises from the Australian bush, to the gorgeous locals hanging out at the beach, what’s not to like? Good food, great shopping, amazing weather (albeit a touch too hot and too dry lately), and a European/cosmopolitan charm, Melbourne is my pop star icon. May I always worship her.
Montreal, Quebec
I do love cities and Montreal is just one of those places that pulls at your heartstrings. Even their “chain” coffeehouse, Second Cup, is an experience not to be missed, but of course their Japanese gardens and inner-city “mountain” are world class must-sees. Montreal is in Quebec, which they will be quick to point out isn’t exactly Canada, and you should also know that it gets damn freezing here in all but the summer. But you know – some places just look great with a dusting of snow, and as a result of short days and long nights there’s all the more reason to pop into the many restaurants and curl up with a glass of wine surrounded by candlelit ambience. Like I said – travel more.
Andy is the Managing Editor of Sharing Travel Experiences , a website offering resources to help you travel more. He is also the Managing Director of Travel Online Partners , the go-to resource for small businesses in travel and tourism for help with online technology.
Andy, thank you so much for sharing some of your favorite places (yes, favOrite-I am American and refuse to spell with u-hehe!). Thanks to you my bucket list is getting longer and longer.
Watch your back- you know, I am stalking you on twitter!
–Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
If you happen to be in the neighborhood…
Posted by TravelDesigned in BuyCruises, Europe, Italy, My Travelin' Tweeps on December 3rd, 2009
Please follow Jill Love on twitter : buycruises
The daily best deal (or two) plus cruise news. Consultant for Travel + Leisure Industry with a specialty in cruising. Need a vacation?
If You Happen To Be In The Neighborhood…
“If you happen to be in the neighborhood I know of a great place for lunch.” That’s what I was told. I had been asking for local recommendations for our trip to Florence. I didn’t want to listen to guide books: this time I wanted small trattorias with wonderful homemade food. Nothing fancy; just simple Tuscan home cooking.
The directions were scribbled down on a piece of paper and I was hoping that we would find the place (My handwriting- I can’t even read it though no need to analyze it now) South of the Pitti Palace seemed to be the key clue along with the name La Mangiatoia. I was told the front of the restaurant says: Trattoria Tavola Calda and below in script will be a small sign: La Mangiatoia. This was intriguing me (and maybe it wasn’t unusual in Florence) but I found it rather odd that the restaurant had two signs when there was only one restaurant. Like Alice in Wonderland: “It would be nice if something made sense for a change.” But we were in Italy and it probably made perfect sense. And so we gleefully sang out in unison: “It’s Italian!”
After a nice stroll and being side tracked and photos every two steps; we were there. As you walked in was a display case with all the foods that were available for the day (and take-out). Each one looking tastier than the other and so fresh. Decisions were going to be painful (my first response to myself: maybe we’ll have one of each) We were led up a narrow staircase to a very noisy and lively dining room. No English was detected. A local trattoria, a treat. Yes, we were in for a treat. We started looking at all the dishes on the tables, hoping to get a glimpse of everyone’s lunch.
The menu was full of delicious grilled meats, fresh vegetables, pasta dishes (hot and cold) and wonderful crispy pizzas. We had to try the pasta, the pizza, the vegetables and some wine. We ordered our meal. And then it all arrived; the fragrance of the food: it had to be wonderful. I took my first bite and Bob (waiting for my response) looked very relieved when I gave out a sigh. It was incredible. (I make assorted food noises- when I really appreciate something) He knew I loved it. He loved it too. (by then there was not a morsel left on the table) And how could you describe flavor so perfect. It was a concerto; everything just came together. It was the simple Tuscan dining experience we were looking for.
Fresh and Simple!
We were pretty happy that afternoon. We found the restaurant with two signs and we had a most satisfying meal.
La Mangiatoia: Via Romana 8r Tuesday – Sunday; Lunch and dinner
On the other hand we were really saddened by a change in one of our longtime favorites: Caffe Giocosa; a venerable institution founded in 1815 (Via della Spada 10) close to Via Tornabuoni. All roads always led to Giacosa where we grabbed a quick expresso, cappuccino, biscotti and were on our way.
Roberto Cavalli now owns this landmark and it has changed. Much to our dismay the original charm is gone and so were the morning, mid morning and afternoon crowds that came for that quick snack at the bar. Actually Caffe Giocosa had changed so much we walked right past it a dozen times. We had to go into the Robert Cavalli store next door to be personally escorted there.
Jill- Bella! Grazie, mille grazie!! Your adventure in Firenze (Florence- to my non Italian speaking friends) is delightful, thanks for sharing with us! I hope you will take us on more of your escapades again real soon. –Stephanie aka TravelDesigned
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