05 December 2024

I was extremely fortunate experience the Danube river cruise on the fabulous Avalon Impression with 7 other travel counsellors, was a new experience for me but a a one I would repeat, loved it ! Whilst slow travel is perfect for those already retired & perhaps already appreciating a slower pace of life, it’s not an exclusive to any age bracket, there was great mix of ages from about 35 years and above. River cruise a perfect way to explore a region or multiple cities, without the need to unpack & transfer in between, you can sail into the heart of the cities, think waking up in the most comfortable bed to the most spectacular ever changing view. I was lucky to be on MS Impression with Avalon, Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet, features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. I had the pleasure of a panoramic suite in which on a morning you can sail along the Danube and watch the world go by in the comfort of your suite, having a cuppa, so relaxing. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. The sky deck is open 24 hrs so always available for cold and hot drinks and snacks available plus a great way to meet fellow guests. The staff on board cant do enough for you, always asking how you are an interested in your day, they are so helpful if you have questions and service in the restaurant is outstanding. The Danube is just as fitting for the first-time river cruiser, Winding through ten fascinating countries, no other river offers a more encompassing view of the Old World. Yet passing clifftop castles, hillside vineyards, ancient villages, and even older forests, this wonderful waterway flows through four vibrant capital cities, the Danube is truly a bucket-list-maker's dream. Where else can you do one holiday like this and visit so many countries, such good value as everything is included from amazing choice of food that cater for all tastes, drinks with lunch and dinner and lots of excursions to choose from also included. Highlights have to be visiting Passau, Vienna and Budapest, sailing past huge castles overlooking the river, breath-taking, wondering through some of the riverside towns, like something from a Hansel and Gretel story, so pretty. If you would like to find out more about my trip, please just ask.

05 December 2024

We stayed at the Mayia Exclusive resort in Kiotari on the beautiful island of Rhodes. WOW. Our stay at the Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa in Kiotari, Rhodes, offers a luxurious adult-only experience on Greece’s southeast coast. The private beach with Balinese beds were so relaxing, food was also available at the beach clubhouse where staff manned this all day, There were 3 heated pools with pool service all day, and a wide range of dining options, including nine restaurants and five bars serving a wide range of options, (amazing freshly made cocktails) all at no extra cost, definitely fully inclusive here, even the champagne was included at the stunning champagne bar. The food was simply divine with lots of choice, the Greek, Asian and Italian were all a la carte for lunch and dinner with an additional separate restaurant serving a daily buffet for breakfast all day plus a street food area if you still were hungry. Activities include yoga, cooking classes, and watersports, while the spa provides ultimate relaxation with a sauna and Turkish bath. Deluxe rooms are spacious, featuring modern amenities like a Nespresso machine and a daily-stocked minibar with snacks included, always topped up daily. We stayed in a swim up bungalow with sea view, it was immaculate, so relaxing and spacious with 24 hr room service. The attention to details was outstanding. Rhodes is steeped in history plus plenty to do and see, a great place to hire a care or use the local ferry service to other parts of the island, you can even get the ferry from Rhodes town to Marmaris Türkiye. One day we got a taxi to nearby Lindos to spend the day looking around the famous Acropolis, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches. The white washed buildings had some lovely rooftop restaurants overlooking the town serving fabulous Greek food, there was an abundance to try. Other places to visit in Rhodes is the main town at the north of the island, UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval walls, the Palace of the Grand Master, and charming streets, Pristine beaches like Tsambika and Anthony Quinn Bay, Valley of the Butterflies, a lush nature reserve with thousands of butterflies in summer plus you can also discover some gorgeous Greek wines at one of the traditional wineries. The weather in October was perfect at a minimum 26 degrees daily , slightly cooler on an evening but still pleasant. I would recommend Rhodes as I has something for everyone, Contact me for information on a holiday, hotels, restaurants or details of any of the experiences I can organise to make it the perfect trip for you.