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MORE THAN JUST A CRUISE – IT’S AN ADVENTURE!

Late 2019 saw me travelling to Europe with a group of 25 clients. We started our journey with a couple of nights in Singapore where we explored the beautiful Gardens By The Bay, took the local HopOnHopOff Bus to the Singapore Flyer and experienced local cuisine at the Singapore Food Trail.

Staying at the Holiday Inn Express at Clarke Quay gave us the perfect location to walk down to Clarke Quay for an authentic Singapore meal before boarding one of the local boats on a trip down the river to see Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion lit up at night.

Rome, Italy – The centre of the Roman Empire

A couple of nights stay in Rome before our cruise was spent exploring. The Colosseum, The Pantheon and The Trevi Fountain were a few highlights during our tour around Rome’s famous sights. Take the time to explore and immerse yourself in the history of this beautiful city. Part of the Rome experience is the food. You have to try some Gelato and don’t forget the Pizza and Pasta. Ask your hotel staff to recommend a local place nearby your hotel to taste the authentic Rome. With lots of walking around on cobblestone streets make sure you have comfortable flat shoes. And don’t forget a hat and an umbrella for the sun or occasional rain shower.

Vatican City – The smallest country in the World

If you have the time, take a visit to Vatican City and experience the grandeur of St Peters Basilica. If you are there on a Wednesday you can join the crowds to witness the Pope blessing the people. Be prepared to line up if you want to explore them in-depth or want to have a tour inside them. Some places you can pay an additional fee to Skip The Line to make sure you don’t wait for hours.

Santorini, Greece – The most popular island in Greece

Sailing on the Norwegian Jade into Santorini was an amazing sight. The towering cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea was breathtaking. Exploring Santorini with a private guide was the perfect way to find the little hidden gems on the island. You can visit quiet little beaches, the town of Oia which is built on the rim of Santorini’s caldera. At the end of the day enjoy the spectacular view looking out over the white houses with their blue rooftops and the beautiful blue water below.

Athens, Greece – The home of the first modern Olympics

The port of Piraeus is the start of our journey into Athens. Our tour today takes us to the Stadium of the first modern Olympic Games, Panathenaic Stadium and to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The Acropolis is the most famous attraction of Athens featuring the Parthenon. You can easily spend an hour or so wandering around the ancient ruins. A walk through the Plaka, where the local markets and tavernas are, offer a good variety of souvenirs and Greek food to savour.

Mykonos, Greece – The Island of the Winds

Mykonos is the home to traditional white washed houses and windmills. We were lucky to be there during a local festival where the school children of the island were dressed in traditional dress and paraded along the seafront area. The local music and dancing created a lively backdrop. Stop at many cafes and restaurant on the seafront and try their fresh produce and you will find many friendly faces.

Dubrovnik, Croatia – The Pearl of the Adriatic

Walking around the Old Town of Dubrovnik, the Franciscan Monastery and along the City Walls you will discover why it’s called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. There are many little alleyways with their shops, houses and bars to explore.  Sometimes you can be lucky enough to find a hidden gem in a secret bar perched on the outside of the city walls overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Take a 4 minute, 778 metre cable car ride up the mountain for an birds eye view of Dubrovnik and the Old Town. Why not stop and have lunch and just take in the breathtaking views and the delicious Croatian cuisine.

The Magic of Venice, Italy

Cruising into Venice gives you a magnificent view of Venice and it’s many canals and bridges. The Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are buzzing with shops, tourists and pigeons. You have to experience a romantic Gondola ride whilst in Venice and don’t forget to pick up a Venetian Mask or some Murano Glassware. Venice has over 400 bridges with the Rialto Bridge being the oldest. The Bridge of Sighs was designed by Antonio Contino, whose uncle designed the Rialto Bridge. Whilst you are in Venice take a short boat trip to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. You can experience the Venetian art of glass blowing on Murano and see the beautiful lace and coloured buildings which make Burano famous.