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Austria – home to Strauss, the waltz and world famous Vienna Boy’s Choir

By Jennefer | Published April 16, 2008 | Posted in Europe

 
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 Austria- Europe’s home to Strauss, the waltz and world famous Vienna Boy’s Choir-

Vienna is one of Europe’s easiest cities to explore, with a compact city center that is surrounded by the Ringstrasse (ring road), and like Paris it has boroughs or districts that circle out from there.

In the city center proper you’ll find such treasures as St. Stephens Cathedral, it’s one of the city’s landmarks and one of Europe’s supreme examples of Gothic building from the 14th century. Entering through the Giant’s Doorway you could spend hours inside seeing the tombs and sarcophagus’ of kings and emperors as well as towers, monuments, chapels and altars all dating from different times and added as each leader or king deemed important. I’ve found that one of the best views of the interior is from beneath the organ loft and if you can visit on a sunny day the stained glass is phenomenal.

Vienna is known for its music and no visit to Vienna would be complete without a visit to the Opera House. Opened in the 1860’s then almost destroyed in 1945 from a direct hit during a bombing raid, it was rebuilt and re-opened in 1955. The main entrance opens onto the Ringstrasse and is decorated with beautiful frescos of life at the opera.

Moving along with the musical theme, we’ve all heard of the Vienna Boy’s Choir or the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, not to mention Strauss and Mozart, Vienna’s favorite composers. Those are just a couple examples of Vienna’s love of music and don’t forget that those who don’t play can still be a part of the music by dancing the Viennese Waltz.

Vienna is also known for the Spanish Riding School, it takes place in Hofburg Palace from March to June and again September to December. Throughout Europe and the world, admirers of classical riding will go to great lengths for the sought after tickets which must be reserved in advance. During the off times, tickets are available to watch morning the training sessions.

Vienna is home to many coffee houses and cafés that could put Starbucks to shame. A great place to try some Viennese coffee is at the Sacher Hotel where you can try the renowned Sachertorte invented in 1832 and still made and served the same today as well as shipped worldwide.

Just outside Vienna you’ll find Schönbrunn Palace and its beautiful park. Schönbrunn was intended to outshine Versailles and it comes close so you’ll want to spend at least a half day there exploring the palace and grounds.

This is just a taste of what is offered in and around Vienna, you can see it on your own or maybe as part of an escorted tour. Either way you decide to travel, if you’re thinking of exploring Austria and Vienna contact Jennefer, the Europe Specialist at Totem Travel – jennefer@totemtravel.com.

Prague, the city of a hundred towers

By Jennefer | Published March 19, 2008 | Posted in Europe

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Prague– The Golden City, also known as the City of a Hundred Towers. It was virtually untouched by WWII and made it through the communist era without many changes so the historic center remains much as it was in the beginning.

Prague is broken into areas- the Castle District, Little Quarter (Mala Strana), the Old Town and the New Town.The Castle District of course brings you Prague Castle and within the walls the Holy Cross Chapel, Castle Gallery, Spanish Hall, the Convent of St. George and St. Vitus’s Cathedral. Around the castle there is plenty to explore as well. The Baroque Gardens, Schwarzenberg Palace and Hradcany Square are just a few options.

Leaving the Castle District and heading towards the river you enter the Little Quarter where you can visit the Strahov Monastery, Lobkowicz Palace the Mala Strana Square and the Church of St. Nicholas among others.

As you hit the river you come to Charles Bridge, Europe’s most famous medieval bridge. It has massive towers on both sides and is adorned with 30 statues, mostly saints and religious figures. Gathered on the bridge you’ll find locals and artisans selling their wares, street musicians and some of the usual touristy stuff. The tower on the Old Town side of the bridge was the workshop of Peter Parler who produced much of the statuary on the bridge.

As you walk off the bridge you are entering the Old Town that dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Wander the little cobbled lanes for shopping and find your way to the Old Town Square where the big draw is the Town Hall’s medieval Astronomical Clock, constructed in 1410. When the clock strikes the hour, figures parade across the clock face, it’s very cool. Other sites not to be missed in the Old Town are the Baroque Hall Library, the Church of St. James and of course Celetna for the shoppers.

With all of the above some don’t even take time to explore the New Town but it’s definitely worth a visit. You can start in Wenceslas Square and check out the monument to Prague’s patron saint, other options include the National Museum, Charles Square, Church of St. Wenceslas and the Botanical Gardens.

And lastly I can’t mention Prague with out a word about the pubs. You won’t find comfortable chairs and TV’s broadcasting sports like you do at home, but I have it on the best sources that with the quality of the beer brewed there you’re sure of a more than decent drink no matter where you stop in. Try the Staropramen, I’ve heard it’s fantastic.

There is so much more to see and do in Prague, it’s hard to say it all here, so if you’d like help with your travel plans to the Czech Republic, contact me and I’d be happy to help you. -Jennefer

Rome

By Jennefer | Published February 20, 2008 | Posted in Europe

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Italy is one of the most romantic countries anywhere and Rome has to be one of the most exciting cities in the world.  What a combination!

When asked to describe Rome I’d respond by saying its loud, fast paced, disorganized, somewhat dirty and has a real traffic problem.  Yet, in the same breath I’ll say it’s spectacular, animated, full of stunning architectural and artistic feats and a place I’d return to again and again. That’s Rome, a bit of everything and who can beat that?

Known as the Eternal City because it has survived for nearly 3000 years, even when it was founded in the 700’s it was a place that drew travelers. As noted the architecture is on a grand scale; starting with the Colosseum and Pantheon and onto St. Peter’s Basilica, places like that just aren’t built these days. There are so many ruins to explore; The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus and Trajan’s Market, all mingled in with 21st century life that it seems surreal.

A visit to Rome brings to mind the Vatican and St Peters Basilica, the Pope, Sistine Chapel and certainly the Vatican museums, not to be missed.

When you are tired of the big you can stroll through Piazza Navona, on past Trevi Fountain to the Spanish Steps and maybe up to Via Veneto for world class shopping or a walk in the Borghese Gardens.

Rome has something for everyone and a lot for most of us. History, art and architecture, churches, cathedrals and basilicas, museums, night life, great food, and lots of other options you can choose. If you’d like more info on travel to Rome, please call Jennefer at Totem Travel and I’ll tell you more.

Paris

By Jennefer | Published January 29, 2008 | Posted in Europe

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The Louvre, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, San Chapelle, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, where else can you find all of this?  Why of course it’s none other than Paris, France and since I just returned from a study tour where I became a Certified France Agent, I thought I’d tell you a bit about it.
 
Paris has long been known as the city of light, a great place to be in the spring time, a city of fashion, a city of art and a very easy city to sightsee and navigate in.

I love the night life, like Moulin Rouge, or strolling down the Champs Elysees to see the Arc lit up at night.
Daytime brings museums like the Musee de Cluny, the Louvre, the Pompidou Center or Musee Picasso, take your pick as there is a museum for every taste and any kind of art.

Don’t forget the Churches and Cathedrals, there are those mentioned above as well as others such as St. Sulpice made more famous by author Dan Browns ‘Da Vinci Code.’
 
For a break in your day, why not stop at Angelina’s for world famous hot chocolate and a fabulous French pastry, or the stop into the Welcome Café for some Crepes Sucre or Crème Brule?e and a Café au lait, both are across from the Tulleries along the Rue De Rivoli.
 
And lastly, don’t forget to stroll along the Left Bank and just enjoy the sights of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I’ll return to Paris again as there are always new things to see and in the meantime, please call if you need help with your travel plans to France, because you get “Personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost” when you call Totem Travel.

Jennefer~

Sandals Royal Bahamian

By Jennefer | Published January 16, 2008 | Posted in Sandals Resorts

I just came back from a trip to the Bahamas, where I stayed at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort. We had a great time and were treated like royalty.

We arrived to beautiful 80 degree weather with blue skies. Once at the resort we were taken to our rooms almost immediately. Our room looked out over the ocean and I could see the cruise ships coming and going from downtown Nassau, and from the right vantage point I could even see Atlantis Paradise Island in the distance.

We checked in, changed in the room and then relaxed by the pool for an hour or so before we grabbed some dinner at the buffet before crashing. As usual, coming form the west coast always does a number on you when you head to east.

We awoke to sun and sand and as per my usual Sandals routine I slipped into my swim suit and flip flops and headed for the pool. We made a quick stop for some breakfast and then spent the day strolling between the pool and our lounge chairs, books in hand. That evening we had dinner at the Crystal Room restaurant, it was wonderful food and I fully recommend it.

After that the days are pretty much the same except that the next day was a beach day with dinner at the Baccarat French restaurant. The next day it rained for most of the day so we read books and watched movies and played games in the Royal Theatre with lots of others escaping the rain and had our dinner at the Italian restaurant, Casanovas.

The next morning dawned bright and beautiful and we had a choice to make…beach or pool or town? We headed into Nassau for some duty free shopping; electronics, jewelry and liquor and to see what we could find at the straw market such as purses, shells, beaded bracelets, t-shirts and more. We finished our day with dinner on the off-shore restaurant called Bombay’s.

I forgot to mention the English Pub with authentic furniture imported from Scotland and England, the wedding gazebo where couple after couple had their free weddings, the off-shore island we’re you can spend the day swimming, lounging in the sun or relaxing in the Zen Garden as well as have dinner at night, hot tubs, fitness room, aqua aerobics classes, snorkel and scuba boats and more.

That’s a Sandals stay, everything’s included, so many activities I couldn’t do them all, I was lucky enough to hit every restaurant and that was the only work I did the whole week!

France – Chateaus of the Loire Valley

By Jennefer | Published December 31, 2007 | Posted in Europe

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On my most recent trip to France I visited Villandry Chateau in the Loire Valley. I arrived by bicycle after pedaling 6 miles along the Cher River.

Villandry Chateau is beautiful, built mostly in 1536, they started with the original keep from the 12th century and added on from there. It has changed ownership a few times since and in 1906 was purchased by Dr. Joachim Caravallo whose grandson Henri is still the owner today and I was lucky enough to have him give us a tour of the Chateau.

What impressed me most were the gardens, like the Renaissance architecture of French Castles they combine the Gothic tradition with the Italian gardens using floral, medicinal plants and kitchen gardens and flower beds all planted in squares of geometric patterns of colors like those found in the monasteries and princely estates of that time. They are replanted each season with different plants and always have the special geometric pattern within each square.

Something I never realized before is that the gardens include what they call a kitchen garden, where all the vegetables are grown and even that is planted with seasonal vegetables in beautiful colorful squares. There is also a herb garden and then of course the flower gardens, the ornamental garden and the water garden. All are extensions of the Chateau and used during the summer and warmer months as the places to gather, visit and even take their meals, Henri Caravello described them as the living rooms of the 14th century. Who knew they had such functional gardens back then??

Inside the Chateau you’ll find some of the rooms are set up as they were centuries ago for the  guests viewing, but Villandry still retains a homey feel. The Caravello family has also spent years attaining a beautiful art collection which can be seen in the painting gallery as well as the Oriental Drawing Room which has the most beautiful ceiling made of 3600 separate pieces of wood made in the Mudejar style by Moorish craftsmen for Spanish gentry similar to what you would find in Alhambra Palace in Spain.

Henri Caravallo says he often takes groups thru his Chateau himself, so you may be lucky enough to have a guided tour with him as well. Don’t forget to look at the gardens from the upper floors of the Chateau as they are magnificent!  Jennefer – Totem Travel France Specialist
 

Jennefer is a Certified France Agent

By Jennefer | Published November 29, 2007 | Posted in Europe

I am happy to announce that since returning from my recent study trip in France and the Loire Valley last week I have completed all requirements to be a Certified France agent.  I started the program a couple years ago with book study and an intense test to update my knowledge of France and its regions. Completing a study trip to France was the last thing I needed to do.

 

I’d traveled in France a few times before starting the specialist program, but the more time I spend in France the more I learn. 

 

There is nothing like first hand travel experience!

 

I’ve made it my job not only to complete as many of the European Destination Specialist programs as possible, but also to travel in Europe at least once a year so I can return home with new and wonderful suggestions to make your Europe vacation the best vacation possible.

 

So if you’re planning to explore Europe soon, there’s a pretty good chance I’ve been where you want to go, so call me and check back on this blog for more information on the Chateau’s of the Loire Valley and my most recent trip to France.

 

Jennefer

Scotland Festivals for 2009

By Jennefer | Published November 9, 2007 | Posted in Europe

I recently attended a Scotland seminar and am excited to tell you about “Homecoming Scotland” and “The Gathering in Scotland” which both take place in 2009!

 “Homecoming Scotland” will be a year long celebration of Scotland’s past, present and future. It started with the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, one of Scotland favorite writers, and has been expanded to the theme “Scotland is the home of”.

 

Of course Scotland is the home of Robert Burns. It’s also the Home of Whisky with numerous distilleries throughout the country, the Home of Golf with courses almost everywhere including famous St. Andrews and Carnoustie and its the Home of Ancestry withmillions of Americans tracing their history back to Scottish roots.

“The Gathering” will be the summer of 2009 with hundreds of Clans in attendance. Those Scottish Americans that join them can try on the kilt of their clan or explore their clan castle and The New Register House Edinburgh would be a great place to begin that search.

Scotland is known worldwide for the Highland games, the International Festival and of course the Military Tattoo which takes place each August. So with the announcement of Homecoming Scotland you can count on all these wonderful events plus many additional festivals throughout 2009.

If you’d like to learn more about The Gathering and Homecoming Scotland, I hope you’ll keep an eye on this blog. If you’d like more information about a vacation or honeymoon in Scotland please call. I’m a certified SCOTSmaster and would love you help you experience the country.

Jennefer

Independent, Hosted & Escorted Tours in Europe

By Jennefer | Published September 13, 2007 | Posted in Europe

There are so many different way to experience Europe! In my years of travel and especially since I started working at Totem Travel I’ve been to most every Western European country and some Eastern European countries as well.
I’ve toured independently using the train, I’ve been on escorted tours, I’ve been hosted by tourism boards and I’ve done city hops and stays on my own. Each type of travel has its good points and different types seem right at different times, so let’s talk about some of the options.

Hosted touring is a little different than escorted tours in that it includes transportation, accommodations, daily breakfast and sightseeing, but you will travel from place to place on your own using pre-arranged rail or bus. At each hotel there will be a host that will take you on a sightseeing excursion or two, answer questions and make suggestions of other things to see & do. However there will be a different host in each city you visit and you’ll also be on your own for most lunches and dinners. This type of touring has a basic structure but leaves more free time and flexibility to do as you please.

Independent touring is what the name suggests – you’re on your own. We often recommend hotel reservations that include daily breakfast and pre-planned transportation between cities via rail or car rental. As an option, we can also plan day tours to avoid long lines for popular attractions and museums, but you will be on your own schedule. You can stay wherever you’d like for as long as you’d like and what you do in between is totally up to you!

I’ve written in the past about escorted tours which are a great value and certainly worry free. Everything is taken care of from accommodations to sightseeing, meals and baggage plus you have the full time services of a guide to help with the language and any special services you might need. Escorted tours are available worldwide and range from a few days in length to more than a month long and everything in between. A few of my favorite tour companies are featured on our Europe page. Just click on Globus or Trafalgar for descriptions and details on their tours and read my earlier posts for more info.

For any type of travel to Europe I hope you’ll call or email us atlinda@totemtravel.com.  Our next Europe Night is October 3rd at 6p so please join us!

London is Calling

By Jennefer | Published July 31, 2007 | Posted in Europe

 

One of my favorite cities is London; I was actually born there so I may be a bit partial! London is the largest of the cities in the UK and so full of things to see and do that you can go over and over and always have new experiences.

Let’s start with the obvious like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Tower Bridge.  From there you can visit such sites as the London Bridge, London Aquarium, the London Eye and the London Dungeons. There are monuments everywhere but don’t miss the Marble Arch or Nelsons Column in Trafalgar square.

Why not take a stroll in Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, St. James Park, Kensington Gardens or Kew Gardens. You can people watch everywhere in London but at Piccadilly Circus it’s a swirl of people, traffic and lights and non-stop action day or night. How about shopping? There’s Oxford Street, Fleet Street, Regent Street, the Strand, Harrods and the list goes on.

There are too many museums and galleries to mention, but a few are the Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Gallery, National Gallery and the Natural History Museum. And you can’t forget cathedrals such as St. Paul’s, Westminster and Southwark Cathedral. There’s Covent Garden and the Theater district, Trocadero, the up and coming Docklands area and again the list goes on and on.

The Tube, London’s underground is one of the best I’ve been on and will get you anywhere and everywhere easily so don’t be shy about using it. So my message, make sure you have time when you’re in London, there is so much to see and if possible go again and again to see new things each time.

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