Category: Europe

 

I never tire of visiting the many countries that make up Europe.  I share all my stories, photos and travel experiences from my many travels to this continent.

My Magna Carta Barge Review – History, Heritage, and Haute Cuisine on the River Thames

This Magna Carta barge review is all about our luxury cruise on the River Thames to celebrate our special anniversary

All wedding anniversaries are special, but those ending in a “0” are doubly so. So, when my husband and I were looking for an extraordinary way to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, another luxury barge cruise with European Waterways quickly came to mind.

After three other cruises with European Waterways in France and Italy, we knew there was no more indulgent way to celebrate this memorable event. For a week, we would be wined and dined like royalty. And since we were doing a barge cruise on the River Thames in England, the royal treatment was quite appropriate.

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“Quilter on the Orient Express” Original Quilt Design

I used fabric that were inspired by the colors of the Orient Express train to celebrate and commemorate our 3oth weding anniversary

Quilt Inspiration –  I wanted to commemorate our 30th wedding anniversary trip on the Orient Express from Venice to London with a special quilt.  Continue reading ““Quilter on the Orient Express” Original Quilt Design”

Luxury Without Murder – My Orient Express Experience

I am sharing my personal Orient Express experience to inspire your next luxury holiday train trip. Let this detailed review inspire your next luxury experience.

Exotic destinations, quirky sleuths, and twisting story lines are all hallmarks of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novels. Her most famous story undoubtedly has to be “Murder on the Orient Express,” which takes place on the luxurious and legendary train traveling from Istanbul to London. That same elegant train experience and legendary service can now be experienced again as you travel on the Orient Express from Venice to London, like I did.

This post was recognized by the North America Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) in 2017 awards competition with a Bronze award in the Luxury and Resort Travel Online Publication category

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Discovering Northern Europe With My Baltic Cruise Excursions

A Baltic cruise was an easy way to see this part of Northern Europe. I am sharing my Baltic cruise excursions as I independently explored each port stop.

I cruise for many reasons: to get some me time, to get pampered, and to enjoy unending views of the ocean are just a few of them. I also cruise to experience new destinations, which was why I chose this particular Baltic cruise  itinerary. I have long wanted to visit the Scandinavian countries and the Balkans, and this cruise made that wish come true.

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Touring the Real Downton Abbey – Channeling My Inner Countess With a Visit to Highclere Castle

Sharing my visit to Highclere Castle. This is all about my real Downton Abbey tour.

“What IS a week-end?”

The Dowager Countess of Grantham, as played by Dame Maggie Smith in the Downton Abbey series, delivered many pointed one-liners that defined her indomitable character. This is one of my favourites.

Downton Abbey would not be the same without Maggie Smith, nor without the backdrop of the imposing structure of Highclere Castle, the real-life estate that stands in for the fictional Crowley home.

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“Not Your Grandfather’s Herringbone” – Original Quilt Design

A rainbow quilt inspired by the traditional English herringbone pattern

Quilt Inspiration – The herringbone pattern may be a traditional tweed pattern used in country gentlemen’s clothing, but bright colors on a light grey background update the pattern to a modern look.

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How I Spent 2 Days in Bath, England With Romans, Jane Austin, and Quilts

I loved my 2 days in Bath, England. I discovered a lot of history, connected to Jane Austen, and saw some beautiful quilts

Ahhhh………….

A huge sigh of contentment escaped my lips as I sank into the warm water. After a full day of sightseeing, the enveloping warmth was a soothing balm for tired feet and aching joints.

Like many others had done for thousands of years before me, I was “taking the waters” in Bath (UK).  Over 2000 years ago, the Romans built the first thermal baths here. 200 years ago, Jane Austin’s family came here for the health benefits. Today, it was my turn, but my experience was in total modern comfort and luxury at the Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel.

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Have Only One Day in London? I Made It a Perfectly English Day!

With only one day in London, this is how I made it a perfectly English Day!

I enjoy visiting London, and try to schedule a long stopover in between flights to other points in Europe if I can. On a recent visit, I had a perfectly English day in London!

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Discovering Photogenic London – Some of My Favorite London Photos

London is one of my favorite cities to visit and these are some of my favorite London photos and London photo spots that show off the city’s unique personality.

London is one of my favorite cities to visit. It’s busy and vibrant and easy to get around in. The city also offers great opportunities for fun photography. These are some of my favorite London photos that showcase those experiences that make this great city so special for me. Continue reading “Discovering Photogenic London – Some of My Favorite London Photos”