Search results for 'Villa d'Este'

I love the South of France, my favorite place on earth.But, just over the French/Italian border is another piece of Heaven. The Riviera of the Flowers – they grow in wild profusion and greenhouses all over the hillsides of this area. The flower stands are places of immense delight, just to stand and smell, and see God’s miracle of color and growth illuminate our lives.

Where can you mingle with Tunis Sheep, bird watch right out of your window and walk through 50 acres of woods? How about the middle of Amish country in Millersburg, Ohio? I’m talking about the Inn at Honey Run. This is an adults-only property located somewhat in the middle of the state between Cleveland and Columbus. There are 40 guestrooms with a two person maximum per room.

We all remember the FIRST TIME! Yes, that first time, but all the other wonderful ones that fill our lives with joy and happiness. I was living in San Francisco, a fine place to live, and like so many places I have lived; it’s in the center of so many other things. It’s a hub, to the north and the wine country, to the south LA, Palm Springs, the heat and Hollywood. And, just a short ride away into the mountains for skiing.  And there I fell in love – with skiing and Squaw Valley.

Join us on an incredible journey to a land of unparalleled beauty – Scandinavia. Explore Norway’s breathtaking fjord region. In Denmark’s bohemian capital city of Copenhagen, enjoy a leisurely cruise through historic canals. Discover why Copenhagen is dubbed the gastro capital of Scandinavia and experience the ‘New Nordic Cuisine Movement’ at a local restaurant inspired by its founder.” Embrace the tranquillity of the Swedish countryside at family-run manor house before traveling to the cosmopolitan capital of Stockholm. Toast the end of a fabulous adventure that brings together Scandinavia’s natural wonders, history and culture at Fem Små Hus, a 17th-century restaurant the captures the flavor of a bygone era.

Arizona has been a popular retirement destination for decades and continues to be in demand. Active adults and retirees have been drawn to this lovely state for its warm climate, picturesque desert scenery and diverse living options. The Tucson area, specifically, offers many options, from large resort-style communities with nearly 6,000 homes to more quaint neighborhoods with less than 100 homes. Regardless of your desired living options, you’re sure to find a home that suits your taste.

Whenever a trip is being planned, there are usually many “wishes” to be fulfilled. One thing for sure is the desire to taste the most fantastic food in the most luxurious settings. Of course, there is fabulous street food, but we’re all about making reservations, dressing up, and enjoying a dining experience for a true foodie!

We’ll journey to many great restaurants in these travels, but let’s start with a couple of my favorites, in my ultimately most favorite place – the French Riviera.  And, we’ll start at the top of a mountain. COLUMBE D’OR in St. Paul de Vence is arguably one of the most famous restaurants in the world. It has appeared in numerous movies, and attracts Royalty, Presidents, Movie stars, and the global uber-rich out for an amazing experience. 

Traveling whets the taste buds, and when you’re in the most glorious, glamour spots on earth, dining is pure pleasure. A feast for the eyes, the nose, the mouth and the stomach.  Something to be desired, something to be appreciated, so let’s visit a few more wonderful places in great towns.

On a recent family trip to Disney World my family decided to visit EPCOT.  It happened to be during the FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL so we packed our bags and our rented electric scooter and joined a bus full of happy people.

What comes to mind when I say Mozart, Weiner Schnitzel, Sacher Torte and Waltz? You are correct if you said Vienna, Austria. With the Euro being almost on an equal par with the U.S. Dollar, a trip to Europe should be on your agenda this year and Vienna should be one of the stops.

We live in a hectic world where the days seem to fly by at warp speed and we tend to miss some of the beauty that surrounds us, but I found a spot where time stands still and nature stands out. Join me as I take you to Mohawk Valley, just outside Eugene, Oregon to the Tipi Village Retreat.

Looking to discover storybook castles and glittering palaces amidst stunning vistas? Then the ever-popular Exploring the Alpine Countries tour is exactly what you’re looking for! You’ll delight in discovering the picturesque countries of Austria, Germany and Switzerland, all on one tour! Immerse yourself in Vienna and get to know the incredible Schoenbrunn Palace and magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Along this amazing guided tour, you’ll enjoy a lovely cruise along the Danube River and get to savor a dinner at centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant in Salzburg, the "City of Music." Journey to Oberammergau, which is famous for the “Passion Play” that it enacts and it’s expert woodcarvers. Enjoy picture stops at Bavaria’s famous castle, Neuschwanstein, and a professionally guided tour of the Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva. Inclusive on this amazing adventure is a scenic train ride aboard the Matterhorn Gottard Bahn, taking you into the relaxing pedestrian village of Zermatt. 

Most of baby boomers are familiar with the history of Hong Kong, especially with the  July 1, 1997 new ruling principle for the Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. With this agreement, China allowed Hong Kong to remain autonomous, keeping their capitalist system and independent judiciary and rule of law – all separate from Mainland China's influence. Free trade and freedom of speech was to be tolerated though recently we have witness the students in the streets, objecting to the policy of China's approvals of politicians running for office in Hong Kong.

Panama. The beautiful country situated between North and South America is just waiting to be discovered, and this 9-day guided tour is the perfect way to do it!

“Splendid Sicilia” will allow you to discover the wonderful blend of cultures that converge on this beautiful Mediterranean island! On this grand tour, you’ll see the influences left by ancient Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans. 

You know it has to be close to Paradise, when one of America’s truly richest men at the time buys a part of Heaven on Earth and sets out to create Paradise. 

Heading to the west coast and looking for a touch of Mediterranean luxury – the Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego is the place to go if you have a decent budget for your stay. Rooms start at $495 per night and in addition Villa style suites are available.

Located on Lake Erie between Cleveland and Sandusky is the charming city of Vermillion, known as the Village of Lake Captains. It was incorporated in 1837 and became a popular shipping port. Today, it feels like a place where time stands still.

New Lanark is an eighteenth century restored cotton mill village on the banks of the River Clyde, close to the Falls of Clyde in Southern Scotland. If  you plan a visit to Scotland – especially to St. Andrews golf facilities, a visit to New Lanark during a beautiful day should be at the top of your list!

Perfect for seasoned travelers who seek exploration of culturally rich and historic urban destinations, Collette’s Explorations product line delivers a deep-dive into some of the globe’s most celebrated places. With only 12 – 24 travelers on these small group tours, Collette Explorations tours allow you to dig deeper into the culture than ever before. When you travel with a small group, you’ll be closer than ever to these new people, new places, and unforgettable moments.

Join Collette on the brand new Wonders of Newfoundland tour and discover a blend of natural beauty, quaint villages, stunning ocean views and friendly people on your exploration. Newfoundland has it all! 

Now that it is officially fall, temperatures across the country are starting to drop. While it’s initially exciting to dig the scarves and sweaters out from the back of the closest, it won’t be long until we miss the sunshine! Now is a fantastic time to start planning winter trips to go visit friends in retirement communities in warmer parts of the country. 

This is a celebrity studded place to visit. It is also an island favorite.  It is a destination island to so many people all over the world. The world respected Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's restaurant is a sand bar On the Rocks. Fresh seafood is brought in daily and you will have dishes full of creole flavors, exotic and light. The dishes are dazzling and the views are exquisite. You can even see the coral reefs. Be sure to also come down for a pre or post cocktail or maybe both!

When I mention Florida, do your thoughts go to the southern part of the state? Most people do, but if you haven’t explored the northeastern region, you’ve missed a lot of history and beauty.

Susie is ready to pack up and head to Scotland after being told about a fabulous property in Crail right on the Scottish coast northeast of Edinburgh. Just picture staying for a week in an immaculate fisherman’s cottage perched directly above Crail harbor.