Search results for 'captiva island'

Join Collette on a new leisure-stay tour for 2015 named Spotlight on Madrid that features a six-night stay in Spain’s lively capital city and includes many excursions to nearby historic towns. Learn the secrets of Castillian cuisine during a fun-filled, inter-active cooking class. Visit the Prado Museum, one of the most celebrated and comprehensive art galleries in the world. See the birthplace of author Miguel de Cervantes, creator of the novel, “Don Quixote.” This new tour is perfect for travelers looking to discover the many wonders of Madrid. With a six-night stay there will be plenty of time to relax and watch the city go by as well as taking in all the history and culture Madrid has to offer. 

Join Ed "The Cuban Guy" as he shares the colorful culture, history and people of his native island. Cuba, here we come!

Havana is absolutely beautiful. Such a classic and vintage city! As you walked down the street, the colorful vintage cars passed by on the street, more variety of colors in the buildings than ever, bicycles zooming by, and the smell of the ocean fills your nose! All of this “newer” city, taking almost 100 years to build, has been “frozen” since 1959. The city has received no maintenance, hardly even a paint job, for the last 50 years. There is truly a sense of cultural beauty without franchise name ads like McDonald’s, Starbucks, or KFC. Instead the shops and stores are all owned by “Ma and Pop stores”.

From the moment you land on an island, you feel it – the special uniqueness that belongs to Hawaii.  The islands are infused with the spirit of Aloha, and a heartfelt hospitality permeates the culture in this tropical paradise.  You’ll find the warmth of the people, the majestic beauty of the islands and the diverse experiences offer something for everyone.

Enjoy the best of both worlds as you explore Hawaii by both land and sea! Start your incredible tour of this paradise with a luxurious stay at a Waikiki Beach hotel, and “Remember Pearl Harbor” as you visit the moving USS Arizona Memorial. Explore historic Honolulu, including the National Historic Landmark, the Iolani Palace. You’ll visit the impressive state Capitol building, Kamehameha’s statue, and the moving National Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl. Now, when it comes to hopping around the Hawaiian Islands, cruising is the best, and most enjoyable, way to get around! Next on your tour, you’ll embark on a 7-night cruise aboard the Pride of America where you will journey to Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. Don’t miss your very own corner of paradise when your ship docks for two days on each island, with spectacular tropical flowers everywhere you look.  Before and after your cruise you’ll enjoy the up-close experiences only guided travel can provide!

Havana has been called a City of Porches. Located on the northern coast of the Big Island of Cuba, it is geographically on Latitude 23.14 North. This means the sun beats mercilessly upon its streets and squares. Why would any city be known for its’ porches?

The American South is a region just waiting to be discovered! There’s an incredibly unique culture and welcoming hospitality that you just can’t find elsewhere. 

May is Lyme Disease Awareness month, the start of summer travel season and a good time to share information about staying protected from ticks. There are more ticks in more places than ever before. Lyme disease has now become one of the fastest growing epidemics to date. The CDC estimates the number of cases in the US alone to be about 300,000 cases a year. Tick encounter rates are soaring and it is time to get tick savvy to avoid bites and lessen the risk of Lyme disease. 

From our home base in Everglades City, we headed out to get an up close look and feel of the Everglades. We wanted to photograph its beauty and somehow understand how this amazing “River of Grass” works. We went in February so there were few bugs and temperatures were between 55º to75º. We walked on boardwalk trails, drove our car way back non-paved roads and took a 2 hour boat ride. What we found left us amazed. The interconnections between the animal and plant life with the salt and freshwater underline the international importance of this natural wonder.

New England’s miles of sandy beaches, majestic coasts, and rolling surf invite relaxation. The Islands of New England tour spends eight days exploring New England’s charms, from the cobblestone streets of Nantucket to a dry harvest cranberry bog, cultivating that relaxed atmosphere. Step back in time at Plimoth Plantation to sample traditional recipes from that period. Here, you’ll come to know some Pilgrim etiquette and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast where you’ll learn to “eat like a Pilgrim.” In Provincetown, the choice will be yours – set out on a whale watch cruise or embark on a scenic adventure through the iconic sand dunes of the Cape. You’ll also get to visit the historic locations of Boston and Providence, the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, the lively artist colony of Provincetown, and the beautiful islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. 

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.

“The value of a relationship should not be measured by the length of time the relationship lasts, but by the strength of the bond that exists every moment you are together. When you eventually say goodbye, you need to appreciate the moments you had, more than you dread the moments you won’t have.”

Five Photography Tips from Richard and Amy Lynn, the authors, photographers, and publishers of The Sarcastic Lens:  An Ordinary Couple’s Photographic Journey through the Animal Kingdom.

One of the great advantages of visiting a European capital is the proximity to the cultural and culinary opportunities that surround you. One of the disadvantages is the noise and the crowds. What if I said you could have the best of both worlds in Stockholm? Well, you actually can! The Hotel Skeppsholmen is situated on an island encompassed by the sea and nature, yet a short walk into the City. It is located across the bridge from the National Museum. The building, a former Navy barracks, dates back to 1699 and offers a variety of room types. Be sure to read the descriptions for each one to see what suits you best. There are 79 rooms, a tennis court, fitness center and a restaurant. You can rent bicycles here, go fishing or just enjoy the sea and garden. Room amenities include a TV, DVD player, minibar, modern shower and more.

Five Photography Tips from Richard and Amy Lynn, the authors, photographers, and publishers of The Sarcastic Lens:  An Ordinary Couple’s Photographic Journey through the Animal Kingdom.

Ireland is a gorgeous “Emerald Isle” that evokes thoughts of stately castles, and rolling hills. Behold those famous shades of green that stretch as far as the eye can see on the Elegant Ireland tour. This is Ireland- an adventure you’ll thoroughly enjoy with memorable overnight stays at luxury properties. Mix in a plethora of standout experiences, and every day will be a special experience. Enjoy two nights at Dromoland Castle – including a formal evening that will truly make you feel like a royal! Experience another overnight stay in the country at the Castlemartyr Resort, giving you the chance to explore some of its 220 stunning acres. While on this remarkable island, you’ll gaze down upon the mighty Atlantic from the awe-inspiring 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Journey to Blarney Castle where you can lean back and kiss its famous stone, and step inside a traditional farmhouse for lunch with an Irish family. The accommodations and experiences are truly phenomenal on this once-in-a-lifetime trip, where you will retrace a beautiful history in a timeless destination.

“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. 

Along the northern coast of Africa sits the amazing country of Morocco. It boasts incredibly diverse – and beautiful landscapes, and is home to a wonderfully diverse population. On the “Highlights of Morocco” tour, you’ll get to know the vibrant culture and colorful backdrops that distinctively define Morocco. 

The Canadian Rockies and Alaska tour takes you through some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery in all of northern North America! Here, you’ll soak up the breathtaking views of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain on a gondola ride to the summit. You’ll travel aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian to discover the majestic Canadian Rockies from a truly unique perspective – a domed car giving you a 360-degree view of your surroundings. Some things just have to be seen to be believed! Explore Vancouver’s Stanley Park, stroll Granville Island’s fascinating markets and have a unique breakfast at the Vancouver Aquarium. Also included on this tour is a seven-night cruise aboard the upscale Celebrity Infinity. Here you will be discovering the gorgeous Alaskan wilderness including Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau and the famed Inside Passage with spectacular scenery at every turn.  

When’s the last time you got lost? I mean truly let go from the day-to-day grind and unable to be located from the contemporary chaos? In the never-ending, take-no-prisoners, 24/7 plugged in, forever-online world we live in, when is the last time you stopped to enjoy the actual world around you? Honestly?  When was the last time you appreciated life’s simple outdoor pleasures like jumping in a lake in the summer heat, inhaling the cool mountain air, feeling the salty ocean mist hit your face, gazing up at the stars on a still night, or feeling the wind hit your face on the Great Plains? It’s time to stop staring down the proverbial barrel of your computer screen and put a few miles in the rear-view. Work will always be there, it's time to make some memories and enjoy what life has to offer outside of the status quo.  

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.

Join Collette on an in-depth exploration that reveals the artistic and cultural treasures of Florence, the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance” and discover one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Long a cultural capital, Florence is home to a third of the world’s art treasures. This new leisure-stay tour features five nights in a centrally located hotel with free time to independently explore the city. Immerse yourself in art on an expertly led tour of the Uffizi Gallery to view works from some of history’s greatest artists. Take a step back in time in the charming village of Certaldo Alto. Explore the Academy Gallery and see Michelangelo’s magnificent sculpture of David. You’ll be sure to leave your tour with everlasting memories of the unforgettable city of Florence. 

When you begin your research to places you wish to venture, I strongly advise not to limit yourself to the “top ten things” from most visitor websites, but instead to find a novel indigenous to the area either fiction or non-fiction.  Goal - to gain a deeper understanding about the city and or country you wish to visit.