Welcome back to my Travel Bucket List Series. I hope you have enjoyed the destinations I have highlighted throughout the year. Today my series continues with a river cruise down the Danube River during the holiday season. The European Christmas Markets have been high on my list, and what better way to see them than on a river cruise with AmaWaterways luxury cruise line. I was delighted to see the cruise line had partnered with Adventures by Disney for a few of these sailings. We cruised with AmaWaterways and Adventures by Disney last fall when we toured the Rhine River. It was a spectacular vacation, and I look forward to this sailing soon.
Where does the Adventure Begin?
Before the start of the cruise, we plan on spending a few days exploring Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is the capital of Hungary and the ninth-largest city in the European Union. The city is split in half by the Danube River, Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Budapest’s central area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle. We want to be close to the cruise terminal, so we plan to stay at the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge Hotel. It is near the river and the downtown area. The hotel has 357 rooms and suites, most with a stunning view of the river.
First, a walking tour of the Buda, the western part of the city. The must-sees are
- Buda Castle- the Royal Palace
- Matthias Church-Catholic Roman church built in 1015 A.D.
- Fisherman’s Bastion- Built in the 19the century as a look-out tower.
- Budapest Castle Hill Funicular is a railway that links the Adam Clark Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge at river level to Buda Castle above.
Next on the list, a Tuk Tuk tour of the eastern part of the city, Pest. I look forward to seeing
- St. Stephen’s Basilica-A Roman Catholic basilica named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary, whose mummified right hand—Hungary’s most sacred treasure—is housed in the shrine.
- Vajdahunyad Castle- considered the most romantic castle in Budapest.
- Hero’s Square- noted for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes.
- Shoes on the Danube’s Bank-A memorial to honor the Jews massacred by Fascist Hungarian militia during World War II.
- Hungarian State Opera House
After a whirlwind couple of days in Budapest, we board our home for the next week on one of AmaWaterway’s beautiful ships and set sail to beautiful Vienna, Austria.
Vienna is home to 20 or so Christmas Markets. One of the biggest is at Marie-Theresien Platz. There are 70 booths full of handicrafts, gift ideas, and food. In addition to all the shopping, there are children’s rides, live music, and more.
Another must-do, visit a Heurige. A Heurige is a traditional wine tavern. I love authentic experiences like this.
Other points of interest in the city of Vienna:
- Panoramic tour of the city.
- Schonbrunn Palace- main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers.
- Strudel Making at the Palace
- Visit Naschmarkt – large outdoor market
- Ice Skating in Vienna
After two days in Vienna, it is time to move on to the town of Durnstein. Durnstein is famous for ruins and wine taverns.
A tour of Dürnstein includes the famous ruins of the castle Burgruine Dürnstein. There are incredible views from the castle of the river, vineyards, and villages. Then it is back on the ship to enjoy sailing through the Wachau Valley. I am sure this will be just as spectacular as sailing through the Rhine River Gorge.
After a beautiful sail along the river, the next stop is Melk, Austria. Our visit to Melk will include:
- Melk Benedictine Abbey- contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty.
- Marmalade making
- Dance lessons
- Wine tasting
Salzburg
The last stop in Austria is Salzburg. Here we will explore the Salzburg Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Monastery, and Old Town, as well as the hidden alleys and shops that line Getreidegasse in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hometown. Oh, how do a visit to the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and other significant sights made famous from the movie The Sound of Music sound?
The Salt Mines of Hallein is among the oldest mines in the world that are open to the public. Take a raft through the underground salt mines and zoom down a mineshaft slide—all while learning the rich history of Austria’s “white gold.”
Passau, Germany
Our cruise takes us into Germany to the city of Passau. How does a tour led by a local expert dressed in 18th-century period clothing sound?. Then, experience a marzipan-making activity that will satisfy your sweet tooth—with enough yummy delights made to take some home!
Vilshofen, Germany
Our trip wraps up in Vilshofen. Vilshofen has a unique Christmas market in that it is a floating market along the Danube. Before heading to Munich to catch our flight, I plan on spending at least one day here exploring the market. It looks too beautiful to pass up.
So, what about you? Are you ready to add the Danube River cruise to your bucket list of destinations? Or perhaps a trip to Greece or Ireland is on your list? Wherever you choose, I hope you have the adventure of a lifetime.
Last fall, The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s flagship resort, opened a new lounge. Inspired by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’s live-action version, the Enchanted Rose is not to be missed. The lounge had only been open a couple of months when my friends and I stopped in for a drink. It is stunning. The decor and atmosphere are magical and do what Disney does best; it tells the love story between Belle and the Beast.
The lounge divides into four sections. First is the garden room. It takes its inspiration from the forest that surrounds the Beast’s castle.
The inspiration for the outdoor patio is the Beast’s garden terrace. It overlooks the grounds of the Grand Floridian. It is a perfect place to enjoy a drink after a long day in the parks.
The library is my favorite area in the lounge. It is decorated in French furnishings, and you may see a familiar face or two.
The main bar area has an enormous chandelier that symbolizes Belle’s yellow gown.
My friends and I sat right next to the main bar area. We had come from tea at the Garden View Tea Room and were quite full. However, we had to give the drinks a try.
The menu has small bites, such as the House Flat Bread, Artisan Cheese Platter, Truffle Fries, etc. Their signature cocktails caught our eye. The Enchanted Rose has two tableside cocktails, Envy and Love. The presentation was fantastic. Here is our server making the Love cocktail. Make sure to turn it up to hear the “story,” she tells.
I chose the Lavender Fog for my drink. My drink is made with Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, Rothman Crème de Violette, English Breakfast Tea, vanilla, and cream. It was a bit strong but good.
One of my friends was Cast Member at Disney and knew the manager in charge of opening the lounge. He was there, and we spent some time chatting with him. It was fascinating to hear what it takes to open an establishment such as this. I would say Disney hit it out of the park.
Last October, Rüdesheim am Rhein was one of six stops we made during our Rhine River cruise. Rüdesheim is located in Germany, along the banks of the Rhine. It is a German wine-making town in the Rhine Gorge. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in this region. We had about 6 hours to explore this charming German town. Here are seven things to do in Rüdesheim.
Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet
Our first stop of the day was to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet. Honestly, we were not sure what to expect, and I was afraid I would be bored. Not so! It is a beautiful and unique place. Here you enjoy one of the most extensive collections of self-playing instruments in the world. What is a mechanical or self-playing instrument? I am glad you asked! The instruments work like computers. On their website is an excellent description of how these instruments work.
“You have a data store and an attachment that can implement stored information in a targeted manner. It is of secondary importance whether only a single sound, a signal, or a sequence of sounds is made to sound. Although the term “data storage” in the heyday of self-playing musical instruments – from the 17th century to the 30s of the 20th century – was unknown, even the oldest data storage system, the bribed roller, works according to the same yes/no principle as the modern PC. Pen in the reel means clay, no pen in the reel means no sound.”
Our guide was fantastic and quirky. She loved her job, and it showed. For 45 mins, she took us from room to room and demonstrated various instruments.
Fun Fact- In the last photo, our guide was holding up a music box. These are called singing bird vending machines. It is rumored that Walt was inspired by these little boxes, and the Enchanted Tiki Room was born.
Drosselgasse
Drosselgasse is the main street that runs through the old town. It is lined with historical buildings, shops, restaurants, bars, bakeries, and more. At approximately a mile long, some of the city’s best entertainment can be found here. One can experience and immerse themselves into the German Rhine culture by enjoying regional dishes and wine.
Cable Car
Rüdesheim’s Cable Car transports guests all the way to the Germania monument. Though the weather was not great, we could not pass up a ride on the cable car. I had heard the views of the Rhine, and the vineyards are beautiful. We were not disappointed.
The views were worth the ride.
Niederwald Monument
We exited the cable car at the top of the hill and went to see the Neiderwald Monument. However, it was so foggy, and we could not see it unless we were right in front of it. None of my photos came out, so the one above will have to do. On a clear day, you can see miles around and take in the Rhine Gorge’s beauty.
The monument was built in 1977-1983 to mark the re-establishment of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War. The central figure is the Germania holding the imperial crown in her raised right hand and the imperial sword in her left hand.
Walking Wine Tour
Take a walk through these vineyards. Learn how the grapes are picked and about the winemaking process. Of course, enjoy samples of delicious wine!
Eat Baumstriezel
Otherwise known as chimney cakes, these yummy treats are made from enriched yeast dough cut into long strips and wrapped around a thick spit. The cake is sprinkled with sugar and baked over an open fire or in small electric ovens.
Drink a Rüdesheimer Kaffee
Brandy and sugar cubes are added to a cup. The brandy is flambeed and stirred for a minute until the sugar dissolves. Coffee is added, followed by a topping of whipped cream sweetened with vanilla sugar.
We could easily spend a few days in this charming town. I look forward to going back someday.
This past February, the family and I went on a four day Disney Cruise to the Bahamas and then spent three nights at Walt Disney World so I could run the Princess Races. We took this opportunity to visit the newest Disney resort and restaurant.
Disney’s Riviera Resort opened on December 16, 2019. It is located between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Caribbean Beach Resort is right next door and is served by the Disney Skyliner gondola system. It is a Disney Vacation Club Resort with a French and Italian Riviera theme. It is gorgeous. I had plans to stay there in April, but a little old virus ruined that. We plan to head down in October so that I will be doing a full review of the resort at that time. Today I want to talk about Topolino’s Terrace, Disney’s newest restaurant located at the top of the Riviera Resort.
Topolino’s Terrace- Flavors of the Riviera serves both breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is a character meal with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy. Dinner is a bit more upscale. It is a signature dining experience with an Italian and French flair. With the terrace right outside, it is a beautiful place to dine and then watch the fireworks. I have reservations in November for dinner. Right now though, I want to discuss breakfast.
Most character meals we attend for the atmosphere and character meet and greets. The food is okay, and some places are better than others. However, breakfast at Topolino’s was delicious! By far, it was one of the best meals we have had on property in a while. And the characters were adorable!
I forgot to take a photo of the menu, but you can see it here at the Disney Food Blog. To start, we had French Press coffee, chocolate milk, juice, and I had one of their signature cocktails to celebrate my first race of the weekend.
I had a floral mimosa made with elderflower. It was delicious. While everyone was looking at the menu, an assortment of pastries was delivered to the table.
There were seasonal danish, croissants, chocolate chip muffins, Epi-bread, honey butter, jam, and chocolate hazelnut spread. Everything was yummy, and with two growing boys, we polished off two of these.
The menu has nine entrees, ranging from a fruit platter, eggs, quiche, smoked salmon, steak, and more. Of course, for the kids or the picky adults, there are always pancakes or Mickey waffles.
I had a Sour Cream Waffle. It had Roasted Apple, Chantilly, Orange-Maple Syrup, and served with choice of Smoked Bacon, Ham, Sausage, or Plant-based Sausage. It was delicious.
Bill had eggs and bacon. The boys had pancakes.
As we were eating, the characters made their way around to the tables. The characters are dressed as artists from the Riviera.
The service, the character interactions, and the food were excellent. If you are looking for more gourmet breakfast, Topolino’s Terrace is the place. Just beware, you will pay the price. Breakfast is $42.00 per adult and $27.00 per child (ages 2-9).
Oh, and before I forget, check out the view from the terrace! I am looking forward to having drinks here on my next trip.
On our Rhine River cruise, we toured the city of Heidelberg. Heidelberg is located along the Neckar River in south-west Germany. It is approximately 50 miles south of Frankfurt. It is a college town and home to Heidelberg University, one of Germany’s oldest universities. It dates back to 1386. It is a hub for the arts and attracts many poets, writers, and other artists. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network has as designated it the “City of Literature.”
Fun Fact #1 – US Army General George Patton had a car accident in the nearby city of Mannheim. He later died in Heidelberg, US Army Hospital. He is buried in Luxembourg.
Heidelberg Palace
During the 13th century, the palace was once the residence of the Prince of Electors of Palatinate. Though due to war and natural disasters, it saw much destruction. In the 17th century, the Palatinates were involved in the Thirty Years and the Nine Year Wars. The Prince no longer had any interest in the destroyed palace and moved his residence to Mannheim. The castle continued to fall to ruins from neglect and two lightning strikes.
Taken from Wikipedia, here is a timeline of events at the castle.
Timeline of events for Heidelberg Castle:
- 1225: first documented mention as “Castrum”.
- 1303: mention of two castles.
- 1537: the destruction of the upper castle by a lightning bolt.
- 1610: the creation of the palace garden
- 1622: Tilly conquers city and castle in the Thirty Years War
- 1642: renewal of the Castle plants.
- 1688/1689: destruction by French troops.
- 1693: renewed destruction in the Palatinate succession war.
- 1697: (start) reconstruction.
- 1720: transfer of the residence to Mannheim.
- 1742: (start) reconstruction.
- 1764: destruction by a lightning bolt.
- 1810: Charles de Graimberg dedicates himself to the preservation of the Castle ruins.
- 1860: first Castle lighting.
- 1883: the establishment of the “office of
building of castles of Baden.” - 1890: stocktaking by Julius Koch and Fritz Seitz.
- 1900: (circa) restorations and historical development.
We were fortunate enough to have a guided tour. The guides dress from different historical periods. There are 150 guides and tours are offered in 20 languages. It is quite a process to become a guide. There is a 3-month training program with an exam at the end. Our guide was funny and never broke out of character.
Though you can tour both the interior and exterior of the palace, we only had time for the exterior. Just another reason to go back, right?
The tour was interesting and just long enough that it held our interest. Though we did not tour the inside, we were able to go into one building, the Fassbau (wine cellar), from 1590, which houses the largest wine barrel in the world, Heidelberg Tun, which holds 58,124 gallons of wine.
Fun Fact #2- Mark Twain, who visited the castle and later, on a boat trip, he wrote a chapter to his famous book, Huckleberry Finn.
Old Town Heidelberg
Altstadt is the oldest part of the city and sits right below the palace. The Hauptstraße is the main road through the Altstadt and is where most of the shopping is centered. Other points of interest that can be found in the Altstadt include the Marktplatz, the Kornmarkt, the Church of the Holy Ghost, the Palatinate Museum, Synagogue Square, The University, Marstall, Heuscheuer, the Friedrich Memorial, and the Old Bridge.
Philosopher’s Walk
Philosopher’s Walk is a path located along the banks of the Nect
Heidelberg is beautiful and I would have loved to have seen more. Another place I want to return to someday.
Fun Fact #3 – College is free in Germany and open to anyone, regardless if a citizen or not.
As much as we love being around our children, especially on vacation, it is nice to take a break or two. The last few cruises that we went on, Bill and I made sure to have some adult time. This includes the option of adult-only dining. Our boys are old enough to either head to the dining room by themselves or grab a quick bite to eat on deck. This past week Bill & I enjoyed not just one but two meals at Palo, one of two adults-only restaurants on Disney’s Dream.
Palo, named after the long poles used with the gondoliers in Venice, is an elegant, intimate adult-exclusive venue serving Italian fare. Surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, the view serves as a romantic place for two. There is live music played during dinner that adds to the experience. Proper dress is required. Bill wore a collared shirt and dress pants. I wore dress pants and a sweater for both the dinner and brunch. Note, this is a highly sought after reservation, so make sure to book it the same day you book all your other excursions. There is also a charge for both the dinner and brunch. However, we felt it is well worth the price, and in fact, a bit underpriced for the quality of service and food one receives.
Dinner
Dinner is served nightly on the ships. The cost is $40.00 per person, or if you add a wine pairing, it is $65.00 per person. We are not big wine drinkers, so we passed on that.
The menu is a perfect size—just enough variety for everyone. We started the meal off with an appetizer each. Bill chose the heirloom tomato buffalo mozzarella caprese with basil pesto and aged balsamic vinegar.
I had the
Between courses, we had some sorbet to cleanse the palate.
For entrees, Bill chose the grilled prime beef tenderloin with pancetta potatoes, sautéed spinach with gorgonzola cheese sauce. It was cooked to perfection. I had my all time favorite meal on the ship. Butternut squash filled with buffalo mozzarella, amaretti with sage brown butter and basil. OH MY! I could have had two plates full.
However, knowing what was to come, there was no way I could have ordered a second plate. Palo is known for their chocolate soufflé. It takes about 20 minutes to bake, and it is by far, one of the best things I have tasted. It comes with a vanilla and chocolate sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It melts in your mouth. Unfortunately, my photo did not come out. You will have to google it to see for yourself.
Brunch
As much as we love dinner at Palo’s, brunch is in a class of its own. Brunch is offered on sea days, so again make sure you grab those reservations. The cost is $40.00 per person.
The buffet is divided into four sections. Set back in the restaurant, is a section that every pastry imaginable. We highly recommend the hot cinnamon rolls. They melt in your mouth. Next is the seafood section. There are king crab legs, shrimp, sushi, herring, and more. The shrimp cocktail was delicious. Next, are your meats and cheeses. My husband enjoyed this section of the buffet. Finally, dessert! Oh my, so many yummy things to choose from, so be sure to save room.
In addition to the buffet, we each ordered an item off the ala carte menu. Bill had pizza, and I had lasagna. This was real lasagna, just like we had in Italy. No ricotta cheese for this girl. This delightful dish is made with bechamel sauce. Delicious!
So, are you hungry yet? If you find yourself on a Disney Cruise, please make time to visit Palo. You will not be disappointed.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Riquewihr is a beautiful town located in the Alsace region of France. A medieval village with colorful half-timber houses dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries. Riquewihr is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (the most beautiful villages of France association). Surrounded by a fortress and overlooked by a castle, it was one of the few towns not destroyed in World War II.
Located 25 mins from the town of Colmar and the 45 mins from the city of Strasbourg, it makes for a wonderful day trip. We were on a river cruise down the Rhine, and Riquewihr was our first stop. I fell in love with this quaint village.
It is known for its Riesling and other wines, which is evident by the miles of rolling vineyards surrounding the town. Also, if you are a Disney fan, this village may remind you of somewhere. Riquewihr was one of two French villages that were the inspiration for Belle’s “Little Town,” in the movie Beauty and the Beast.
So what is there to do and see in this storybook town?
1) Explore Old Town.
Stroll along the cobblestone streets and take photos of the colorfully painted houses. There are two main streets and lots of little alleys. One can find wineries, restaurants, bakeries, and plenty of little shops.
2) Grab some lunch or dinner.
We had a delicious lunch of meats and cheeses and, of course, wine at Relais de Moines. The restaurant has three dining rooms, plus an outdoor terrace. The décor was charming.
3) Musee du Dolder.
The museum houses 13th-century artifacts, such as weapons, guns, and fortification parts. It tells the story of Riquewihr. Housed in a tower, it is also a watch and a bell tower. We did not have time to go in, but I have heard it is quite impressive.
4) Visit a Winery.
During our visit to Riquewihr, we visited Dopff au Moulin.
Taken directly from their website:
The
We met with a team member and heard the story behind the winery. We learned the history of the family and the town. We learned how the grapes grow, the harvesting process and production. We tasted quite a few wines and had time to browse in the store. It was a lovely experience. One thing to keep in mine, tastings in Europe are not small. Each wine tasting was about half a glass. I was feeling good when we left and a bit tired on the bus ride back to the ship.
5) Have a sweet treat.
One simply can not go to France without experiencing these delectable macarons.
Our day in Riquewihr was terrific. I would love to go back and experience more in this region. Oh, and perhaps have a macaron or two.
Welcome to the 1st edition of the Travel Bucket List Series. Our first stop, the Canadian Rockies. I chose to highlight the Rockies first, as this is our big family trip this year.
We chose the Canadian Rockies for a couple of reasons. First, we fell in love with Canada when we explored Vancouver and the Yukon a couple of years ago. Second, our kids are not fans of extreme heat. The last big trip we did as a family was the Mediterranean in July. Can you say HOT?? We knew we wanted something a tad cooler and a bit closer to home. Lastly, Adventures by Disney offers a trip to the Rockies. We have loved the last two trips we took with ABD, so it made sense to book this trip through them. The Rockies seem like the logical choice.
Calgary and Surrounding Area
Our journey will begin in Calgary. Calgary is located 150 miles north of the US/Canadian border. Located in the province of Alberta, Calgary is the largest city in all of western Canada. For three nights, we will be staying at the Fairmont Palliser.
Calgary’s premier hotel, The Fairmont Palliser, is located in the heart of the city. It is within walking distance to the city’s retail shopping, museums, and entertainment venues. It is a historical landmark offering distinctive accommodations in elegant surroundings.
The hotel has 407 newly renovated rooms that include high speed internet and entertainment, such as in-room movies. There are three categories of rooms, as well as suites. Want to be treated like a queen? Stay in the Royal Suite when Queen Elizabeth II stayed while visiting Canada in 1990. The hotel has one restaurant, the Hawthorn Dining Room and Bar. It offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a Sunday brunch. Afternoon tea is held on Saturday and Sunday. I have heard it is fantastic and I think we may give it a try.
The hotel has a fully equipped health club and a unique guest service hotline called Royal Service. The Royal Service is a dedicated team on hand to assist with your every need.
We plan to arrive a day early and we will have some free time to explore the city on our own. The two
Heritage Park is a living historical village that spans Western Canadian history from the 1860s to 1950s, and is broken out into four time periods:
- 1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment
- 1880s Pre-railway Settlement
- c.1910 Prairie Railway Town
- 1930s, ’40s and ’50s Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square
There are over 100 exhibits. The exhibits include an aboriginal encampment representing the First Peoples in southern Alberta in the 19th century. There is a working smithy, bakery, hotel, and several shops and restaurants. Horse-drawn wagons are all around. For those that love the rails or transportation of any kind, check out the streetcar from the Calgary Street Railway, or a re-creation the paddle steamer, S.S Moyie. Open year-round is the Gasoline Alley Museum. This museum houses the park’s extensive collection of antique cars and memorabilia.
Another must-do on our list is the Calgary Zoo. We love a good zoo. My kids are
While in Calgary, we will not be limiting ourselves to the city. We are in the wild, wild west, and it would only seem right that we spend the day along The Cowboy Trail. The Cowboy Trail is a scenic route through the Canadian Rockies. Nestled between the Canadian Rocky Mountain foothills and the Canadian Praire, it features horseback trail rides, ranches, western-themed attractions, historical sites, and more. Our first stop will be the Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch.
The Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch is a 540-acre ranch home to bison and elk. Here we will tour the ranch and get an up-close and personal visit with these magnificent animals. Next on our list, Saskatoon Farm.
One of the region’s signature food is the Saskatoon Berry. Though it resembles a blueberry, this delicious berry is more closely related to the apple family. After a tour of the farm, we will be treated a delightful lunch and get to try one of the tantalizing desserts made with these berries.
Our final stop of the day will be the Chinook Honey Company. We will learn and taste some honey wine. Afterward, we will have the opportunity to see the inner workings of a honeybee colony.
Dinner will be on our own. Though there will be some suggestions from our guides, I have taken upon myself to research a couple of places. So far Starbelly, Sky 360, CIBO and River Café has caught our attention. I will let you know what we pick after our trip.
Banff & Surrounding Areas
For the second part of this trip, we head to Banff. We are staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Another gorgeous hotel that has been called Canada’s Castle in the Rockies. The hotel is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open year-round; it has a championship golf course, winter skiing, and an award-winning spa. The hotel has over 700 guest rooms, including suites with rooms to accommodate everyone’s needs. It is also pet-friendly!
We will spend two full days discovering what Banff has to offer. First, a float trip down the Bow River. Starting in the picturesque town of Canmore, we will float down the Bow River and take in the majestic mountain views. After, we will have some free time to explore the town of Canmore. Canmore consists of just over 13,000 residents. Though small in population, the town is spread out due to wildlife corridors, railway highway, and the Bow River. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, though I am not entirely sure how much time we have on our own. I prefer to walk the downtown area and get some lunch. The Wood Restaurant and Lounge has an excellent menu that would please all the picky eaters in my family, plus it boasts the best patio in the Rockies.
For our second full day in Banff, we have planned a jammed packed day. First up, a bike ride along the Bow River. Here we will stop and hike to see Bow Falls.
Next is a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. At the top of the mountain is hiking trails, restaurants, cafes and a new Interpretive Center. It offers observations and hands-on experiences for the whole family. There is a rooftop observation deck that looks amazing. It looks down at the town of Banff and six mountain ranges. While up at the top, we will be eating lunch at the Northern Café, taking in these views.
Later that day, we will have dinner on our own in Banff. I am excited to check out this picturesque town.
Lake Louise and the Surrounding Area
The last couple of days we will spend at Lake Louise, Alberta. Again , we will have the pleasure of staying at a Fairmont Hotel. We get to rest our weary heads at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This gorgeous hotel is a luxury mountain resort open all year. It has world-class skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the winter, hiking, fishing, and canoeing in the summer, a kid’s camp, spa, and award-winning dining. There is something here for everyone. I am looking forward to checking out the spa!
For our first day in Lake Louise, we will venture out to the Columbia Icefield, located in Jasper, Alberta. This is the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. It feeds eight major glaciers. We will walk on the icefield and drink from the Athabasca Glacier. Also, if we dare, take a walk along with the glass-floored Skywalk at the cliff’s edge. After our tour, we will have lunch at the icefield. (Though we will be warm in cozy in a restaurant). Dinner that night will be at the hotels Laga Italian Kitchen.
Our last full day will take us to Moraine Lake.
Moraine Lake is at an elevation of 6,183 feet. It is a glacier-fed lake; hence the brilliant blue-green color that it is a result of light refracting off the small particles of rock. Due to the elevation, the lake does not begin to melt until June. The color and water levels are at its peak in late June. Just in time for our visit! While at the lake, we will hike and take in this beautiful scenery. I have heard from friends that have been; the color is just a vibrant in real life as it is in the photos.
Later in the day, we head back to Lake Louise to have a picnic lunch. After lunch, we have various options. We could canoe on the lake, go horseback riding, biking or hiking on your own, hang back at the hotel and take advantage of everything it has to offer or take a hike to Lake Agnes Tea House. We plan on hiking to Lake Agnes Tea House.
The Tea House is on the shores of Lake Agnes, at an altitude of 7,005 ft. The hike is approximately 2 miles long, with an elevation gain of 1,300 ft. It is a family-run tea house that serves homemade sandwiches, hearty soups, baked goods, and more than 100 varieties of tea! Our evening will consist of our farewell dinner and soaking up our beautiful surroundings for one last night.
Stay tuned for the second edition of the Travel Bucket List Series, where I will highlight a U.S destination. Until then, happy travels!
Today our adventure began in Genoa, Italy. Genoa is the largest and most ancient port in Italy. We docked in Genoa and started the day with a drive through Piazza Caricamento and Old Medieval Port. We saw the 1st bank of Europe and where the traveler’s check was created. We saw where Marco Polo traveled and wrote his book. Finally, we stopped at Christopher Columbus’s house and spoke to the man himself.
After meeting the famous explorer, we continued with a walking tour of Genoa and took some photos in Piazza De Ferrari.
After our walking tour, we boarded a private boat to Portofino. It was a beautiful boat ride with magnificent views.
In Portofino, we toured Castello Brown, where we watched a pesto demonstration and treated to a wonderful, one of a kind lunch in a castle. It wouldn’t be Disney, without a castle, right? The castle was on top of a hill, so we made our way up, taking in the beauty of this magnificent place. On our way up, we saw the Church of San Giorgio, breathtaking views of the sea, and so many pretty flowers. Lunch was terrific, and the focaccia bread was to die for. After lunch, we had a little time to shop and grab some gelato. Here, I began my love affair with gelato! Soon, it was time to catch a boat and head over to Santa Margherita Ligure, located in Genoa’s Tigullio Bay. Here we hopped on a bus and headed back to the ship. All had another great adventure!
In my last trip report (you can check it out here), I shared our adventures in Monaco. Later that day, we were off to the village of Eze. Eze is a hilltop town on the Cote d’Azur. Overlooking the Mediterranean, this medieval village hosts a 12th-century castle and the Jarden Exotique with its graceful statues and beautiful vistas. It was simply stunning. Throughout the village, you can find local shops and art galleries. There were lots of unique, hand-crafted gifts. I bought an adorable bear, made out of quilting material, for my nephew.
On the way back to the ship, we took a little tour along the outskirts of Nice. We stopped at the memorial to Princess Grace, and there was also a stunning view of our ship.
France was amazing, and it is a place I would like to visit again. Next stop on this tour, Genoa, Italy!
Until next time,
Heather
