Top 5 Things To Do In Amsterdam

Time to Enjoy the Simple Pleasures

It's no secret that Amsterdam is one of the most exciting places on this Earth to visit. With its

rich history, artistic legacy, intricate canal system, and abundance of museums, you will find that

there is so much to do and see in the time you are there to visit. To help you come up with

somewhat of an itinerary for your vacation, we've decided to write out a list of the top 5 things to

do while you're in Amsterdam.

1. Take a historical canal ride. The water tours of Amsterdam are some of the most desired.

Since there are hundreds of canals throughout the nation that were created just for travel,

there is no reason not to give this popular attraction a try. During your gentle water ride, you'll get to view some of the country's most detailed architecture and most beautiful

landscapes.

2. Take a walk through the wildflowers. Amsterdam takes great pride in its bulb flowers,

especially tulips. Visit the amazingly vibrant bulb flower park in Lisse if you wish to see

the tulips in all their glory. If you happen to miss the tulip season, don't worry. There are

plenty of bulbed flowers that grow year-round at the park.

3. Visit one of the many spectacular art museums or history museums. Check out paintings

by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, or other world-renowned artists or revisit history by walking into the Anne Frank House, where you can see the secret annex where Anne hid during World War II.

4. Walkthrough De Wallen, the nation's red-light district. Although it's famous for some

risky behavior, there is much more to the city. Try out one of the district's fine restaurants,

small boutiques, or find more responsible entertainment at any of the places not lit up

with red lights. For a faster way to venture through, rent a bicycle. You'll find that you

rent a bike nearly anywhere in the country.

5. Last but not least, you mustn't leave the country without trying some of its authentic Dutch cuisine or experiencing one of its cannabis coffeehouses. People travel all over the world

to Amsterdam to encounter these coffee shops in person. In Amsterdam, marijuana is

simply a way to unwind, and these coffeehouses are some of the most reputable and

reliable sources to enjoy a delicious bite to eat and a puff of smoke as you dine.

Call (909) 990-1124 today to book your Amsterdam Vacation.

Discover Amsterdam

5 Great Stops on Dubrovnik for Game of Thrones Fans

Are You a Fan?

The Game of Thrones has gained impressive popularity over the years. Dubrovnik, Croatia, is the lovely city where the production of the show takes place. The land has a rich culture, and these five places are top attractions for fan visitors.

The Jesuit Stairs – These famous Baroque stairs appeared in Season Five of the series during the infamous 'Walk of Shame' scene. The stairs extend from Gundulic Square to St. Ignatius Church and embrace Spanish architecture. The iconic scene catapulted the location's popularity and has become a frequently visited landmark. The view from the top is charming and gives you a great view of the city.

Fort Lovrijenac – This area is often referred to as St. Lawrence Fortress and is a theater located on the outskirts of the western walls of the Old Town in Dubrovnik. The interior of the fortress is used for filming the halls of the 'Red Keep' while the exterior captures Blackwater Bay. Visitors are welcome to navigate the fort and experience the ancient history that lies within.

City Walls – The amazing City Walls of Dubrovnik were a major deciding factor with producers when selecting Dubrovnik to shoot this beloved series. Countless scenes feature the Medieval style walls, including scenes near the Narrow Sea and many private walks taken on the show. You can take a tour of the walls for a small fee. There are three main entrances, and while taking the tour, you will get a chance to see Lovrijenac Fortress and capture beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.

Tresteno Arboretum – This site is a major filming location, known as the Kings Landing and Red Keep's Garden on the show. It's located 10 miles from Dubrovnik. The park is stunning and encapsulates the privacy that's represented in the series. It's one of the oldest arboretums in the world, and the hedges combined with the floral selections are immaculate.

Island of Lokrum – This island is located 600 meters from the city and is home to the popular 'Iron Throne.' The throne is housed in the Visitors Center and is free for spectators. You are welcome to pose and snap a few pics sitting on the throne if you'd like. Other Game of Thrones points of interest in Lokrum include the botanical gardens (located off the coast) featured in the city of Quarth as well as the monastery.

The essence of the show is everywhere in Dubrovnik. As you walk the streets you will surely recognize details and signature scenes from the series.

Call (909) 990-1124 today to book your Croatia Vacation!

Enjoy Croatia

Destination - London

8 Top Greek Island Vacation Destinations

Greece is a Must Visit Destination!

Greece has always been an ideal Mediterranean vacation destination. With over 1,400 islands (230 inhabited), it can be hard to choose which one to visit first. Hopefully, these eight guidelines will assist with your decision.

Best nightlife: Mykonos, also known as 'The Island of the Winds,' is world-renowned for their vibrant nightlife. Little Venice and Paradise Beach are popular party destinations where clothing is optional, and the LGBT scene is major. There are male go-go dancers everywhere, and parties typically last all night. July and August are the primary months for tourism and the wildest parties.

Best traditional village life: The island, Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and has a little over 6,500 inhabitants and a bit over 20 small villages. Naxos has ancient towers, paved streets, and has maintained its unique Venetian architecture.

Best kiteboarding and windsurfing: With gusty winds that can be seen from a mile away, Paros island is best known for kiteboarding and windsurfing sports goers. Santa Maria, Prassonisi, and Pounda are the main beaches where the sport is practiced. The Thalasea Sports Center is the bay of Mikli Vigla and is a popular hub for the sport.

Best beaches: Located in the Aegean Sea, Milos is a beautiful volcanic island that is rich in minerals as well as rich history. Firopotamos, Kastanas, and Paliorema are some top beach destinations in Milos. The white-washed Cycladic villages and black sands are picturesque backdrops. Although some may be only accessible by boat, there are over 80 mini beaches throughout Milos that you can explore.

Best for nature lovers: Ikaria has some of the World's most pristine and untouched nature territories. It has been identified as a place that promotes life longevity and better overall health.

Best Robinson Crusoe destination: Koufonisia is comprised of two islands, Pano (upper) and Kato (lower). The preferred way to navigate the area is by foot or cycling, as everything is within walking distance. The island has a museum and many sightseeing options.

Best couples getaway: Folegandros does not get the crowded tourist scene as most Greek towns do. They have a broad selection of restaurants and cafes. Chora is the main village and has been preserved well, noting open landscapes and clifftop housing.

Best food: Cretan cuisine focuses on all-natural ingredients and can be enjoyed at any local tavern throughout the islands. Some dishes include Dakos, Gamopilafo, Mizithropita, and Apaki.

Now you're all set! With a myriad of beautiful architecture, scenic waterfronts, and rich history. There is much to enjoy.

Call (909) 990-1124 to book your Greece Vacation!

London, Just Like in the Movies... Well Sort Of!

London Should Be On Your Bucket List!

Have you ever watched a movie and fallen in love with where it took place? I remember the first time I saw Notting Hill with Julia Roberts and deciding for sure that I was going to live in London one day, right there in Notting Hill. And hopefully, meet my version of Hugh Grant in a bookstore. And then when I saw Under The Tuscan Sun, I decided for sure that I'd like to one day buy a farmhouse in Tuscany and convert it to a bed and breakfast.

Movies have such a powerful effect on our imagination, and no doubt, they have influenced many people by inspiring them to travel to their favorite movie or television locations.

If London is on your travel bucket list, be sure to check out these movies to get you and your travel companion in the mood. Are you trying to convince a group of friends to go with you? These movies will help!

What's your favorite movie set in London? Comment below.

Pst. Mine is a toss-up between James Bond and Bridget Jones Diary - so similar, I know!

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Floppy-haired Charles (Hugh Grant) is looking for The One in Richard Curtis's sweet, soppy movie. The capital provides a picture-perfect backdrop as Grant and his band of twenty-something aristo Londoners date, flirt, and consider settling for sub-standard partners in an effort to get down the aisle. Proof that spending every sunny Saturday at a friend's wedding is not a modern affliction.

London location Charles lives (and has that romantic, rainy reunion) on Highbury Terrace in Highbury Fields, the lucky sod. He also wanders along the South Bank and has a matrimonial meltdown at Smithfield's St Bartholomew the Great.

A Fish Called Wanda

John Cleese hauled Ealing comedy legend Charles Crichton out of retirement to co-write and direct this acid-tongued shout-out to the classic comedy crime caper. Cleese plays a barrister swept up in a robbery plot; Michael Palin outraged stutterers worldwide as an animal-loving getaway driver; and two Yanks, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kevin Kline offer scathing observations on British life.

London location The iconic scene where Kline dangles Cleese out of a window was shot at New Concordia Wharf in Bermondsey. TH

Sherlock Holmes

Sir Conan Doyle's sleuth gets a post-modern update, with Robert Downey Jr playing a beefed-up version of Holmes.

London location Shot in and around London (as well as Liverpool and Manchester), Ritchie's London of yesteryear is a romantic place of heaving bosoms and ridiculously cool heroes.

Notting Hill

It's from the same makers as out Love Actually, but Notting Hill is a funny, light-hearted fantasy romance that has its tongue pressed enough into its cheek just about enough.

Only In London: Notting Hill is one of London's most multicultural hot spots, which means it's odd that Curtis' film doesn't reflect that. Still, the area looks the best it ever has – though Portobello Road is where you'll find Grant's bookshop.

Bridget Jones Diary

Renée Zellweger stars as the perpetually-single Bridget in this canny update of Pride & Prejudice.

Only In London: Visit Borough Market and you'll easily spot Bridget's little flat near the pub, not to mention the restaurant that's the setting for Firth and Grant's hilarious dust-up.

Bend It Like Beckham

Two 18-year-old girls aspire to become professional football players in Gurinder Chadha's gentle comedy.

Only In London: Chadha captures the city's cultural diversity beautifully as Parminder Nagra rebels against her orthodox Sikh upbringing – with Hounslow providing the perfect suburban backdrop.

Oliver!

Carol Reed's classic musical in which young orphan Oliver (Mark Lester) falls in with a gang of street urchins who've been trained as pickpockets.

Only In London: The city's a smoggy place filled with danger in this movie adaptation of Dickens' novel – you believe somebody like Fagin could live here.

28 Days Later

Sci-fi horror from Danny Boyle in which an incurable virus sweeps the UK, transforming people into ravenous zombies.

Only In London: Trust us, it's never this empty in London – not even at 4 am when the clubbers are all tucked up in bed. Which makes the sight of a deserted central London all the creepier…

The Bourne Ultimatum

Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) continues his hunt for answers while dodging the CIA.

Only In London: Waterloo Station is a battlefield at the best of times. Still, it becomes a hustle-bustle setting for a fantastically tense action scene in Damon's last Bourne film, as he attempts to protect Paddy Considine's journalist.

Mary Poppins (1964)

Joyous musical romp starring Julie Andrews as the titular nanny, who's hired to look after two very unhappy children.

Only In London: This is London as envisioned by Walt Disney Pictures, where everybody's smartly dressed, the townhouses are towering and gorgeous, and there's not so much as a single turd in the parks. Dare to dream, Disney…

Brick Lane

A Bangladeshi woman arrives in London, leaving behind her family and friends.

Only In London: Cultural diversity is all part of London's charm, and here we get a look at the East End's Bangladeshi community, where the aftershock of 9/11 is strongly felt.

Harry Potter

Eight films adapted from JK Rowling's bestselling book series, with Daniel Radcliffe as the lightning-scarred boy wizard.

Only In London: Sad to say, Diagon Alley doesn't exist in our beloved capital. That doesn't stop Columbus, Yates et al. from lavishing the city with adoring screen time, whether it's the Millennium Bridge getting destroyed in Half-Blood Prince or those gorgeous over-city shots in Phoenix. And, of course, there's King's Cross station…

The King's Speech

Oscar-nabbing historical drama starring Colin Firth as King George VI, who struggles with a debilitating stammer.

Only In London: Rush's Harley Street practice should look familiar – it's a Georgian townhouse 33 Portland Place, a popular location used in everything from Amy Winehouse's 'Rehab' video to some less-well-known gay porn films…

Sliding Doors

A 1998 British-American romantic drama film written and directed by Peter Howitt and starring Gwyneth Paltrow and John Hannah, while also featuring John Lynch, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Virginia McKenna. The film alternates between two parallel universes, based on the two paths the central character's life could take depending on whether she catches a train and causing different outcomes in her life.

Only In London: The bridge featured is the Albert Bridge between Battersea and Chelsea. The late-night scene when Paltrow and Hannah walk down the street was filmed in Primrose Gardens (formerly Stanley Gardens) in Belsize Park.

Ready to head to London? I'd love to help you plan that trip for you and the people you care most about. Reach out and contact me today.

Call (909) 990-1124 today to book your London Vacation!

Ohh La La!

Have you Been?

Paris is sweet on the eye, sweet on the romance and sweet on the palette. It is a sugar lovers' dream, and the only problem you'll have when it comes to the delectable French deserts is which one to choose. To help you navigate that yummy last course, we've broken down the top 10 must-try desserts for your visit to France. And if you have to eat more than one a day to get through them? Well, c'est la vie!

10 Sweet Treats to Eat While Visiting Paris

The Tartes Aux Fruits – The tartes aux fruits are prepared with fresh fruit inside a buttery pastry. The fruit sits atop a heavenly Chantilly cream. You can enjoy these tartes in both miniature and pie sizes.

The Éclair – The éclair is a popular dessert in Paris. The long French choux pastry can be filled with either a rich custard or pastry cream and topped with a sweet fondant. By definition, the term éclair means lightning in French. Go figure!

The Paris Brest – This pastry was created to celebrate the Paris to Brest bicycle ride in 1891. Naturally, it's circular and contains praline flavored crème and choux pastry.

Macaron – Macarons are undeniably delectable. There are so many flavors to choose from. The base ingredients include meringue and almonds. Be sure to not confuse with coconut macaroons, in which the English added the -oon to the word in the 16th century.

The Tarte Au Citron – Tarte Au Citron, also known as the lemon tart, are also very popular. Donning a pastry crust and delicious lemon filling. The filling, however, is not made with fruit. The cream is a mixture containing lemon juice, lemon zest, and of course, eggs and sugar.

The Mille Feuille – This fluffy treat comes in a vanilla or custard slice and is comprised of several layers of puff pastry. Between the puff pastry lies an additional two layers of pastry crème. Another name for the Mille Feuille is the Napoleon.

The Tarte Tatin – Named after the hotel that serves the dessert (Hotel Tatin), the tarte Tatin is a unique upside-down pastry. Its ingredients include caramelized fruit prepared with sugar and butter. It pairs famously with a bit of tart crème Fraiche.

The Choux à La Crème – These cream puffs are created using puff pastry as well. They swell while cooking and are hollow. The oozing center can be either whipped cream or custard. Interestingly enough, once you add chocolate as your topping, it then becomes a profiterole. There are various toppings you can add to this pastry, from ice cream to fruit and even spun caramel.

Croissant – This buttery, flaky wonder is a signature French pastry. There are so many ways to top it; you can use fruit, chocolate, fondant, or a compote of your choosing. You will not be disappointed.

The Petits Four – Translated, petit four means small oven, and are also known as mignardises. The fours are little bite-sized pastries that can also be savory if you choose. The sweet option includes a sugary glaze atop a crispy biscuit. These pastries are perfect for tea parties.

Call (909) 990-1124 today to book your Paris Vacation!

Guide to Seeing Rome in 3 Days

Is Rome on Your Bucket List? Why?

Rome is an extraordinary capital, and it can take weeks or more to get in all the sites, cuisine, and culture.  Travelling can often be stressful when visiting a place that has so much to offer.  This list will pinpoint the absolute best places to visit if time is of the essence.

Day 1 - Vatican, St. Peter’s, Trastevere

To get the most out of your day, start early!  You want to arrive at the Vatican in the morning to beat the crowds.  Be sure to dress humbly in reverence of the religious city-state.  Take an early walk and explore the global city streets.  You can sit on the gorgeous Spanish Steps and take in the ethos, and people-watch before beginning your adventure.  Next, head over to the Vatican museums.  There are over 54 Christian and art galleries within the city, and the collections are stunning.  Be sure to visit the Sistine Chapel, which holds the striking ceiling art done by legendary artist, Michelangelo.  Once you’ve gotten your fill of art, stop by Via delle Grazie and grab some lunch.  To top your day off, have some fun at the beautiful neighborhood Trastevere.  If possible, check out the award-winning La Gatta Buia, they have an unbelievable Fiori di Zucca!

Day 2 - Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum

The best way to begin your second day is to hop aboard the Metropolitana (subway) and take a ride to the Colosseo station.  Once you've arrived, stop by the ticket counter and purchase your one ticket that will grant access to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum (If possible, avoid first Sundays)!  Be sure to do some research on this ancient wonder beforehand so that you understand what you’re exploring.  There are many spigots throughout the area with fresh water, grab a bottle before leaving.  Now, it’s time to hike up the Palatine Hill!  It may be wise to get a private tour if possible.  The views from the hill towers are stunning and overlook the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus.  On your way back, keep left to arrive at the Forum to take in even more majestic views.  Grab some dinner and get some rest for your final day!

Day 3 – Pantheon, Largo di Torre Argentina, Piazza Navona

Begin your last day with an espresso and head over to the Trevi fountain.  Keep with tradition and toss in a coin for good luck!  Next, head over to the Pantheon church.  While there, be sure to be respectful and keep your voice low.  After a good lunch, stroll over to Largo di Torre Argentina, which is also known as a cat sanctuary.  The cats are well taken care of by a local charity, and feeding them is prohibited.  Lastly, we have Piazza Navona to explore.  This elegant showcase Square in Rome is built on the Stadium of Domitian. If possible, visit at sunset as the sight of the Square is awe-inspiring. 

Now that you’ve accomplished an impressive three-day tour.  Enjoy a great glass of wine and rest up before heading back from this wonderous city.

Call (909) 990-1124 today to book your Rome Vacation!

Belgium Waffles Anyone?

Belgium is a small European country that is nestled between Germany, The Netherlands, France, and just across the channel from England. One of the categories of things that Belgium is best known for is its’ food and beverage indulgences. Chocolate, Beer, fries, and (likely the most famous, the Belgian waffle.

The waffle was first made in 1839, but the world didn’t get to indulge in these wonderful delights until 1964. They were first served in the United States at the World’s Fair and they were called Bel-Gem Waffles. These waffles have done such amazing things the world over that they even have a day dedicated to them. August 24th is the world waffle day. 

Make sure to throw your diet out the window before heading to Belgium. You are not going to be able to go to Belgium without indulging. Belgium here you come!

World Heritage Site

UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. UNESCO assigns the designation to a place as being a world heritage site. They bestow this designation on places that have scientific, cultural, historical, or some other form of significance to the world. Daintree National Park is one of those places.

Daintree Rainforest National Park sits within Daintree Rainforest and it is a World Heritage site. The rainforest itself is said to be around 180 million years old, which makes it the oldest rainforest in the world. It is located on the east coast of Queensland, Australia. It also borders another World Heritage Site, the stunning Great Barrier Reef.

If you like the movie Braveheart, and the Country of Scotland

Whiskey, kilts, bagpipes, and “Braveheart” are the things that come to mind when someone says Scotland. The city of Edinburgh has so much to offer a worldly traveler. It is a place of history that dates back to 1000 BC and is still a modern place. Edinburgh has been Edinburgh since the 600s AD and it is one of those European cities that is a wonderful mix of modern and ancient.

There is a lot of fantasy to be found in Edinburgh (and Scotland as a whole). The unicorn is a national animal and it is the land which inspired J.K. Rowling to pen the infamous “Harry Potter” series (which I have read and they are amazing). Edinburgh has over 16,000 historical buildings throughout the city and there are over 100 whiskey distilleries for you to tour. It is also one of the world’s premier festival cities. There is always something going on in Edinburgh.

The Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland is also referred to as The Land Of Fire And Ice. Part of the island is formed by the activities of the still active volcanoes and the other formed by the glaciers. It is a land of extremes and these extremes make it a great place to spend some time before you head over to mainland Europe. 

Iceland is a place of wonder and history. You can hang out and view the Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) while looking upon the same sky the Vikings did over 1000 years ago. You can also gather in local restaurants to hear stories of elves and trolls. A land of such extremes supports a population of only around 300,000 people.

The Beauty of Greece

Is there any reason as to why the island of Santorini isn’t romantic? But, we will humor this question. This is one of the many picturesque Greek Islands situated in the middle of the dreamy Mediterranean Sea. Santorini is a caldera, which means it is the remnants of a collapsed volcano.

From its’ Mediterranean views to the quaint towns and wonderful shopping, Santorini has it all. Spend a day with your love on a scooter seeing the island or book a couple of nights in a cave hotel where the rooms are built into the side of a cave. Then there is always the wine tasting tours that you can do. If you can’t find something romantic to do, you aren’t looking.

Eiffel Tower Desserts

You can make a day of going to the Eiffel Tower. You can make a day of going to the Louvre. You can make a day of going to Notre Dame. The cuisine in Paris (and All of France for that matter) is something that you will be able to enjoy everyday, three times a day. You definitely don’t want to skip dessert while in France.

One of the desserts that you have to make sure to try is the tart. There are so many different kinds with different fillings that you can have a different kind every night. There are ones to suit all tastes and preferences. Tarts are going to differ from restaurant to restaurant and chef to chef. Apple, lemon, strawberry, blueberry, sweet tart, and so many more. You have to make sure to try the tarts (and maybe a couple of tartelettes).

The Greek Islands

Take a look around Rome

There is so much culture in Hawaii

In places where multiple cultures converge, there is a blending of those cultures. The music begins to blend to create some wonderful. The people begin to blend to create a mixed culture that begets more beautiful people. The food also blends to create a cuisine that is different and traditional all at the same time.

Hawaii is one of those places that is a convergence of cultures and, thus, the food. Southeast Asian, American, and Polynesian all converge on the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Poke, Poi, Kalua Pig, and the many native fruits are some of the amazing foods you need to try in Hawaii. They will be perfect on the beach with one of those drinks with the little umbrella in it.

Windmills, clogs, and canals... oh my!

Festivals are a way to get in touch with the music, food, dance, and culture of a place. It puts you in touch with people and they allow you to have some real fun. These festivals show what is important to a particular place or culture and what they celebrate. Every part of the world holds different festivals for all the things they love, including the Netherlands.

Windmills, clogs, and the canals of Amsterdam are what usually come to mind when you think of the Netherlands. It is also a place celebrates tulips. They hold a yearly tulip festival throughout the country in the spring. Different colors mean different things and to this day they are a symbol of Holland. There are even tulip festivals held in New York and Michigan, states in the U.S. with many dutch roots.

There's so much to planning a trip

There is so much that goes into planning a trip. There is the airfare, hotel rooms, and rental cars that all need to be arranged. You have to plan out all of the different things that you are going to do and it is going to be based on where you are going and who you are going with. A great idea to add some flavor to the trip is to do some of it by bike.

Sightseeing by car pales in comparison to sightseeing by bike. Bike riding through a Dutch countryside or the streets of Paris will let you beautifully see these places. It will let you smell the fresh scents of the flowers or hear the hustle and bustle of the streets. It puts you in close with the people and the place in which you are visiting. Not to mention, it is a great way to get in some exercise while on vacation (you know no one ever eats healthy on vacation).