First-timers are quickly won over by French Country Waterways' definition of luxury barging, so its no surprise that more than half the guests are repeat travelers. But what if you're a die-hard, traditional cruiser? How will you fare? Fabulously if you adore gourmet cuisine, fine French wine, and intimate accommodations.
Even before arriving at Paris' stunning Hotel Fouquet's Barriere, we were contacted by the concierge staff. Do we prefer roses or orchids in our suite? How about our pillow and soft-drink preferences? Oh and what type of music would we like programmed in the state-of-the art TV/sound system and for the TV over the soaking tub?
Pink lampshades cast a romantic glow over the ancient buildings lining the Grand Canal. Light danced on the water as the Vaporetto glided towards one of the most unique luxury hotels in Venice. Docking at Ca D'Oro, I gazed across the canal at the quiet Rialto fish market, which in a few hours would be bustling with life. Hotel Ca'Sagredo is located at the heart of the city, and was the ideal place to begin my exploration of one of Italy's most mysterious cities.
The Tower of London - The ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and pampered ravens strut the grounds. The Tower of London is one of the world's most famous fortresses and has seen service as royal palace, prison, armoury and even zoo! It is still home to the Crown Jewels and Beefeaters.
Paris and London...what better destinations for the ultimate girlfriend's getaway! Our goal is to recreate the glamour days of travel. Culture, shopping, haute-cuisine and luxury spa treatments are all part of the plan, so the first important choice is our selection of where to stay.
When Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony recently escaped for a family vacation, they chose Ischia, a gem of an island just thirty kilometers off the coast of Naples. By-passing Ischia's better known neighbor, Capri, the singing mega-star and her family settled into the Mezzatorre Resort and Spa with its award-winning treatment facility and a breathtaking view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
For golfers of all levels, Badrutt's Palace Hotel is situated at Europe's highest 18-hole golf course. This challenging championship course designed by Les Furber offers not only exceptional golf, but also spectacular scenery set amidst the breathtaking mountain panorama of the Engadine.
Two major exhibitions showcase the works of two of the world's most important artists: Joaquín Sorolla and Henri Matisse.
When I read, 'there is the first time we go abroad, and the first time we go to Provence' (Cyril Connolly, 1938) I was skeptical of finding a magic so drastically different from other destinations in Europe.
The train had rocked me to sleep after leaving Paris. A short three hours and few stops later, the whistle of the conductor announced we were pulling into Bordeaux. I almost expected the train station to be surrounded by chateaux, vineyards in long straight rows and winemakers carefully tending their vines.
Notre Dame looked even better in the sunshine. With only a few small clouds for contrast, the 13th century church stood firm and tall, while visitors gazed from its flat top over expansive Paris.
Dorset is a glorious blend of thatched villages, prehistoric earthworks, literary resonances, geological treasures, and sweeping chalk cliffs.
Far from the bustle of the city, it isn't traffic I hear when first waking, but the steady rushing of the River Sheen outside my window.
