California Dreamin’

Mindy’s family of 4 (2 adults and 2 teens ages 18 and 16) traveled to Carmel Valley and San Francisco this month for a fun and relaxing family getaway.  Their first stop was the Carmel Valley Ranch, an upscale resort that sits at the base on the Santa Lucia Mountains.  Activities at the ranch include golf, tennis, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, organic garden, learning about honey bees, equestrian center, spa, mountain-top yoga, pools and daily activities such as geocaching and s’more making.  Their huge suite had a separate living area with sofa bed.  They enjoyed exploring the seaside towns of Carmel-by-the Sea, Monterey and Pacific Grove which offered plenty of great dining options, shops and place to watch beautiful sunsets.  One day was spent visiting Big Sur, the second most visited tourist attraction in the US (after Times Square) and where the mountains meet the sea. There are plenty of spots to pull over for undeniably beautiful photos.  A stop at Julia Pfeiffer State Park included a hike.  After two nights, they moved onto San Francisco with a stay in a one bedroom suite at the Hotel Monaco (with separate living room with sofabed and rollaway). This small, boutique hotel offers attentive service, nightly wine receptions and complimentary coffee and tea each morning.  The staff was friendly and helpful– quickly learning their names and lending to the “homey” feel of the hotel.   As a Kimpton Karma member (free membership) they got coupons for their minibar, a free movie and free internet.  Day one in the city included a small group highlight tour which featured the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, the Haight, Twin Peaks, the Presidio, Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghiardelli Square.  They learned about the history of the city and about local politics, sports, culture, architecture and life style unique to San Francisco. The tour proved to be a great orientation of the city and to figure out which neighborhoods to further explore.  Day two included a walking tour of Chinatown, home to the 2^nd largest Asian population in the country.  They learned how and when the Chinese arrived in San Francisco and how they live today.  The tour was led by Linda Lee, a second generation Chinese American who was born and raised in the neighborhood.  Linda was a pleasure and delight to walk with and her sense of humor added to the experience.  They learned about Chinese medicine (herbs and other natural healing elements), religion, language (an incredible variety of dialects are spoken) culture, art, and food.  They even toured a small factory where fortune cookies are still made. A dim sum lunch was the perfect ending to this tour.  The Valenci’s also biked over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, explored various neighborhoods, visited family and friends and enjoyed a comedy show.  Overall a great trip!

A Journey to Israel

The Silverstein Family from Parkland, FL (traveling with parents and 3 young adult children; 2 who had already been on Birthright trips) ventured to Israel this summer for a custom, private tour.  They took off running upon landing to make the most of their 10-night journey.  The itinerary first took them to north to Caesarea with its Roman theater and aqueducts, Haifa and throughout the Galilee and the Golan.  Their northern adventures included river rafting, wine tasting on a kibbutz, meeting with an active military unit as well as with a local border resident to better understand what life is like.  The trip then ascended to Jerusalem for the Sabbath and to explore the many facets of this unique city both old and new.  Private tours of the Knesset (Parliament) and Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial) were included.  Walking along the walls of the Old City afforded interesting views and was a trip highlight.  They also went underground at the Western Wall Tunnels and really enjoyed seeing the Dead Sea Scrolls and menorahs from around the world at the Israel Museum.  On the way to the Dead Sea they visited the Ayalon Institute, a former ammunitions factory hidden in a laundry that was a trip highlight and the caves at Beit Guvrin.  They hiked up and down Masada, floated in the Dead Sea and then spent the afternoon hiking in Ein Gedi where they were fortunate to witness a herd of ibex.  The trip ended in Tel Aviv for some down time and to visit Jaffa.  They enjoyed renting bikes to explore the city (part of the city’s Tel-O-Fun bike share program) and traveling along the city’s beach promenade.  They stayed in a variety of hotels and inns.  A favorite was Mitzpe Hayamim in Rosh Pinah which was also a working farm.  The trip was thought provoking and informative on many levels. Overall a successful trip full of history, culture, religion, lots of fresh food, amazing photos and outdoor adventures.

UK Adventure

The Kaplan and Naab Families (4 adults and 3 teens) from Philadelphia traveled to the United Kingdom in July.  The families started their trip with several nights in London at the St. Ermin’s Hotel (rich in British spy history).  They filled their days with a nice variety of tours, sights and museums and used the London Pass to make the most of their stay.  The families let us know that the Harry Potter themed Muggle Tour was really fun, but they do not recommend the Ghost Bus Tour that they decided to try.  Bad actors, but lots of laughs and taking in new neighborhoods as a result.  The teens loved Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge Tour.  They said the later tour is not to be missed- the views and glass floor are wonderful.  The London Dungeon Tour also turned out to be better than expected with lots of laughs and learning.  The only other bomb was the Sherlock Holmes Museum –  it is a bust!  Most of the group took the train out to Windsor Castle (while others checked out Wimbledon) which was spectacular and easy to do. In a visit to Parliament, they got in to see the House of Lords in action which was a highlight for the adults. After London, the two families headed to Bath by train and really loved this charming town.  They took a full day Mad Max tour to Stonehenge, Avebury and The Cotswold’s and thought that the tour was perfect and the guide marvelous.  The small bus was ideal.  They explain that their hotel, The Queensberry, was a little tired, but the staff made up for that – they were helpful and agreeable. The sights and shopping in Bath were also excellent – they loved the Roman Bath Museum and the abbey. From Bath they trained to Oxford for a day trip and visited the Great Hall at Christ Church (the dining room from the Harry Potter films) and its surroundings.   The Naabs headed home and the Kaplan Family then flew up to Glasgow, Scotland from nearby Bristol.  They loved Scotland and their relaxed stay at Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort just outside town.  They agreed with us that at this point they would need a break after so much touring.  They had a rental car and found it easy to get around the countryside and cities.  They spent a day in Glasgow and drove up to Lock Lomond.  The boat tour we suggested was a hit and they completely enjoyed the sights, views and the peacefulness.  They even had fun getting lost and driving in circles!  They moved onto Stirling and really liked the Stirling Castle, the history and the town.  They used points to stay at the Hilton in Dunblane which wasn’t so great, but just for the night.  The trip ended in Edinburgh which they completely loved. The hotel was borderline, again using Hilton points, but the staff was very good.  They loved the Edinburgh Castle and also got to see the Holyrood Palace – which was wonderful and not crowded – the Queens marksmen were there having an archery competition in the gardens; so that was a nice surprise.  All in all both families had a marvelous trip.  They can’t wait to go back!

The Valenci’s Italian Adventure

Mindy and her family ventured to Italy in August 2014.  Here are some of the trip highlights and photos:

The family stayed opted for a B&B in the Jewish Ghetto (Cannaregio), a quiet and residential area.  With easy vaporetto service to the main attractions, the family explored all parts of Venice by foot and by boat.  They hired a private water taxi to meet them at the airport and take them to the hotel– an absolute must especially after a long flight and total lack of orientation upon arrival.

They took a private gondola ride on the day they arrived then went to bed early to catch up on the time difference and begin fresh the next day.  On day two they went to Doge Palace where Mindy had prebooked a Skip the Line Secret Itineraries tour.  This small group tour included the underground of the palace including the prison cells, dungeons and torture chambers.  They learned all about Casanova, the Palaces’ most infamous criminal and his infamous escape.  Immediately after the tour they met up with Andrea of Litera Tour who is a private historian/musician.  This walking tour included the city’s main attractions along with interesting, historical commentary.  They then boarded a lovely private water taxi (that looked like a limousine) for a tour of the Grand Canal followed by a cruise to Murano where the finest glass blowing factories of the world are located.  A private glass blowing demonstration at a 4th generation family owned glass factory was a highlight.  They got to meet the owners and witness a 3rd generation glass blower at his craft.  Not your typical tourist glass blowing experience!  The kids even got to try their hand at blowing glass.

On day 3 they picked up a rental car and drove to Tuscany to their apartment at Il Paluffo, outside of Certaldo (in Chianti) on the site of a former 17th century olive mill. Il Paluffo has a particular historical interest because it is one of the oldest building in Certaldo area. The property has 4 hotel rooms and 4 apartments.  They stayed in the largest apartment with two bedrooms, a loft, 2 baths and full kitchen.  With breaktaking views and other guests from all over the world, it was an incredibly special stay.

A small group pasta making lesson one evening with other travelers from Vienna and Frankfurt was a highlight for all.  They got to make pasta from scratch and prepared three different types of raviolis, two of which they had never heard of before! After the prep, everyone enjoyed a lovely meal with  local wines and new found friends.

They enjoyed Florence for the day from Il Paluffo taking the train to and from a local station.  Mindy prearranged a small group Skip the Line tour of The Accademia and in one hour they experienced an incredibly interesting tour of Michelangelo and his magnificent work.  It was fascinating to learn about the artist’s life from the time he was four years old and his rivalry with Leonardo DaVinci.

One important note when traveling by train in  Italy is to validate your tickets at the station even if purchased in advance with a stamped time and day of travel. If you do not, you are subject to a 80 euro fine per ticket.

Mindy’s favorite day in Tuscany was spent with a local private tour guide, Giancarlo.  He picked them up at the apartment in the morning and  they spent the next 12 hours together touring Southern Tuscany.  Giancarlo spent 16 years in the US; so his English is perfect. But is it his personality that made the trip so enjoyable.  He showed them his favorite small hill towns where they got to taste wine, cheese, olives, gelatto and other local delicacies.  He taught them about local life (simple and rustic), local culture, art, history and of course, wine. They discussed politics, sports, religion, art, and every other topic under the Tuscan sun.  They saw fantastic views of the Val D’Orcia.  Some of the towns visited were Monteregioni (a fortress town built to protect Siena from invasion by the the Florentines), Montepulciani (for great wine), Pienza (for Pecorini cheese) and Buonconvento.

They were sad to leave Tuscany, but Rome was still ahead!  The rental car was dropped off outside of Rome and a taxi was used to reach to their adorable home for the next four nights, Albergo del Senato.  The 54 room hotel is centrally and conveniently located across the piazza from the Pantheon. The spacious bi-level apartment had two bedrooms and a delicious breakfast was served each morning.  The staff could not have been more helpful. Their directions, assistance and dining recommendation were spot on!

Mindy prearranged a small group Twilight Walking Tour of the city on their day of arrival.  It was a great way to get orientated to this city that is not so easy to get around!  They visited the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navonna and Campo de’Fiori and took in stories from the past. Of course the tour ended with a stop at a gelatto shop that offered 150 flavors!

The next day the family experienced a truly divine and inspirational private tour of the Vatican including the Vatican museums, St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.  Mindy prearranged this private tour with Icon Tours with Skip The Line tickets (a must at the Vatican if you don’t want to wait in line for over two hours just to get in). Their guide was a South African woman who had moved to Rome 12 years earlier to study art history and religion.  Her expertise and knowledge blew them away!  She presented the information in such a way that the teens were just as enthralled as the parents.  The Vatican Museums contain hundreds of thousands of masterpieces of painting, sculpture and other works of art collected by the popes through the centuries. The Museums include several monumental works of art, such as the Sistine Chapel, the Chapel of Beato Angelico, the Raphael Rooms and Loggia and the Borgia Apartment. The number of tourists here is intense… so many groups from all over the world.  Mindy was so thankful she had arranged a private visit. To stop where they wanted to and linger was worth the additional cost.

Another amazingly fun day was spent touring ancient Rome by golf cart!  They used our long time guides to experience what we often recommend for clients.  It was great to have a personalized the tour to visit attractions they had not yet seen and to discover new ones they would have missed otherwise.  The carts are permitted to go where cars can’t go including Borghese Gardens, Circus Maximus and many piazzas. They got to visit a few markets, the Jewish Ghetto, the Coliseum, Forum and Palantine Hill and other historical monuments.  They even got to see an Andy Warhol exhibit that happened to be in town!

So after walking miles and miles of cobblestone streets and consuming way too much pizza, pasta and gelato, it was time to say arrivaderci to the Eternal City of Rome and to Italy.  But as they wished when they threw coins into the Trevi Fountain, they know will return one day.