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Cruise

Best Deals of the Year with Virgin Voyages – Join the presentation and get more!

By | Cruise | No Comments

Here’s an invite for a webinar presentation on Monday Feb 19 that you won’t want to miss if you are thinking of an adults-only cruise with the hottest most awarded new brand at sea – Virgin Voyages!

 

AHOY Sailors!

Learn what it means to SET SAIL THE VIRGIN WAY with Virgin Voyages! Join your Travel Advisor (SCOTT JONES), along with members of the Virgin Voyages Sales Crew to hear about all the excitement and BRAND NEW ITINERARIES:

Monday, February 19  7PM – 7:30PM CST/ 8PM – 8:30PM EST

*Sailing Caribbean, Mediterranean, Australia, UK, Iceland, Norway, Bahamas – Featuring Beach Club at Bimini – Virgin’s Private Beach Club
*Adults Only – No Kids! *Food + Tips + WiFi + Basic Bevvies + Fitness Classes – $1000 Value
*Find out about the latest promotions and offers, including an exclusive booking offer, up to $400 OBC!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER:

Grab a bevvie, hop on, say HI and join a 30 min webinar to learn about it all!
Sea you soon,
Virgin Voyages Sales Crew

Want to do a bit of homework first? Here’s a few reasons why Virgin is so popular and such a great overall experience – Here’s a link to more

10 Reasons Why Virgin Voyages Should Be Your Next Cruise Choice

As a travel agency owner with years of experience in the industry, I’ve had the pleasure of recommending various cruise lines to my clients. However, there’s one that stands out from the rest: Virgin Voyages. Here are ten compelling reasons why you should consider cruising with them for your next vacation.

  1. Unique Adult-Only Experience: One of the standout features of Virgin Voyages is its adult-only policy, offering a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere for travelers seeking a getaway without children. Guests consistently rave about the peace and tranquility onboard, allowing for a truly rejuvenating escape. But it’s not just about peace and tranquility – there’s plenty of opportunities for fun too!
  2. Modern and Stylish Ships: Virgin Voyages’ ships, including the Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady & soon coming Brilliant Lady boast contemporary design and luxurious amenities. From chic lounges to sleek staterooms, every aspect of the ship exudes casual elegance and comfort, earning praise from travelers for its attention to detail.
  3. Innovative Dining Options: Foodies rejoice aboard Virgin Voyages, as the culinary offerings are nothing short of extraordinary. With a diverse array of restaurants curated by top chefs, guests can indulge in gourmet cuisine ranging from traditional favorites to avant-garde creations, earning accolades for both quality and variety.
  4. Immersive Shore Excursions: Virgin Voyages goes above and beyond to curate unforgettable shore excursions that cater to every interest and preference. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, or simply relaxation on pristine beaches, their carefully crafted experiences ensure that every moment ashore is memorable.
  5. Entertainment Like No Other: From captivating live performances to innovative immersive experiences, entertainment is a highlight of the Virgin Voyages cruise experience. Guests are treated to world-class shows, interactive events, and themed parties that keep the excitement going from morning till night, earning rave reviews for their creativity and energy.
  6. Wellness and Fitness Focus: For travelers prioritizing health and wellness, Virgin Voyages offers a wealth of options to nourish the body and soul. From state-of-the-art fitness facilities to rejuvenating spa treatments, guests can embark on a journey of self-care and relaxation that leaves them feeling refreshed and revitalized.
  7. Exceptional Service: The crew onboard Virgin Voyages consistently receives high praise for their professionalism, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor. From the moment guests step onboard, they are greeted with warm hospitality and personalized service that enhances the overall cruise experience, leaving a lasting impression of excellence.
  8. Environmental Sustainability: As a company committed to sustainability, Virgin Voyages implements eco-friendly practices and initiatives to minimize its environmental impact. From reducing single-use plastics to investing in alternative energy sources, guests can cruise with peace of mind knowing that their vacation is contributing to a more sustainable future.
  9. Flexibility and Freedom: Unlike traditional cruise lines, Virgin Voyages offers a flexible approach to cruising, allowing guests to customize their experience according to their preferences. Whether you prefer to relax by the pool, explore new destinations, or immerse yourself in onboard activities, you have the freedom to design your perfect vacation.
  10. Unforgettable Memories: Above all, cruising with Virgin Voyages is about creating unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, embarking on a romantic getaway, or simply seeking adventure and relaxation, their unparalleled combination of luxury, innovation, and excitement ensures that every moment at sea is nothing short of extraordinary.

IVirgin Voyages offers a cruise experience like no other, combining sophistication, style, and adventure to create a vacation that exceeds expectations. From the moment you step onboard to the final farewell, you’ll be immersed in a world of luxury, relaxation, and excitement that leaves you longing to return again and again.

Trust “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad for help all along the way – Best Service & Best Price = Best Deal!

Cruising on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady – a wonderfully different experience

By | Caribbean, Cruise | No Comments

Cruising on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady is a cruise like no other

There are many aspects that set Virgin Voyages apart from the rest of the brands in the world of ocean going cruises. Most apparent is that the brand is exclusive to adults only. This alone sets Virgin apart from most other cruiselines, but there are many other things that are different cruising on Virgin.

Dining –

Like other cruise brands, there are a variety or dining options to choose from – more than you will be able to experience in a typical 5 night voyage (unless you are eating your way through the entire cruise) – and the food is very good!

Popular evening dining options include-

  • The Wake (Steakhouse)
  • Extra Virgin (Italian)
  • Gunbae (Korean BBQ)
  • Razzle Dazzle (Vegan forward with a naughy list that allows for adding protein)
  • Many other options (with a total of 20+ eateries) including….

My personal favorite was Pink Agave (Mexican)…excellent traditional Mexican cuisine. Check out the 1st course-

Also notable is that many cruise ships these days offer specialty dining options at a premium price (sometime $65 additional per person) but not on Virgin – it’s all included here! There are some occasional premium items on the menu for special celebrations, but you don’t miss much if you just stick to the menu.

Wellness –

It is apparent early on that a tremendous amount of space, time and equipment that has been dedicated to wellness. Several group classes (Yoga, Spin, Core & more) – all offered complimentary (as opposed to most cruises where group classes incur additional costs), or just do your own thing in terrific workout facilities with excellent equipment and facilities – even a boxing ring.

Relax –

You can relax in your own style – whether it’s taking some time to paint a mural

 

or relax at one of the 2 pools on board…

 

or doing some shopping at one of the unique shops on board….

 

It’s not uncommon to relax on a cruise… but it is uncommon to take a nap in a most comfortable hammock on your own private balcony…

Note – this hammock, along with every other hammock in the fleet, was designed specifically for the ship, and crafted by a group of artisans in a remote village in Northern Thailand…just one of the small things in a long list of commitments to sustainability that is the Virgin way.

Unique Destinations and Itineraries –

Virgin will soon have 3 ships cruising various itineraries in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Transatlantic on 4, 5, 7 and longer cruises.

Whether it’s in the Caribbean, or the Mediterranean, there are unique itineraries that feature destinations that you may not have previously experienced (like overnighting in Ibiza for example) or a crown jewel in the Caribbean – the Bimini Beach Club

Bimini Beach Club –

The private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini combines beauty, style, fun and luxe comfort. You can make the day what you want it to be – from full on pool party…

to enjoying excellent food & beverage offerings,  to chilling on a pristine beach and an incredible sunset…

 

Bar Tab –

Virgin’s Bar Tab is a good value for those wanting to add some premium coffees from the baristas or premium alcoholic beverages from the mixologists. Alcohol drinks price resonable to start with (they are not included in the cruise fare and beverage packages are not offered) but you can get a better value by pre-purchasing a Bar Tab for $300 and when you do you get an extra $50 for a total of $350 on-board spend (at the time of writing this post). My wife and I like to enjoy a nice glass of wine (or 2) with dinner, and a pre-dinner cocktail (or 3), and we had plenty of room on our bar tab…even enough to “Shake for Champagne” on the app (where you can literally shake your app to have a bottle of Moet & Chandon deliverd to your specific location on board)!

See much more in the video with some cruise highlights below…

Looking for a Couples’ Getaway? A Bachelor or Bachelorette vacation solution? Looking for a unique way to spend a Honeymoon or a welcoming solution for a vacation friendly to the LGBT community? This may be for you!

There are far too many things to say about the commitment to diversity, the uniqueness in entertainment, and the overall different vibe that is offered by Virgin Voyages, but for full details, best deal, and help all along the way, get with “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad

Essence of Burgundy & Provence – a River Cruise with AmaWaterways – Join us!

By | Blog, Cruise, Romance, Sightseeing | No Comments

Join us on 7 Nights through France THIS September 30 – Oct 7, 2021

EZTravelPad is delighted to announce that we are headed back to Europe this September and would love for you to join us.

We will be embarking the AmaWaterways ship AmaCello at Chalon-Sur-Saone on Sep 30 to cruise the Rhone and the Saone rivers in route to Arles, France. Additionally, there are options to extend pre-cruise for 3 nights in Geneva, Switzerland and/or 3 nights in Barcelona, Spain post-cruise.

With a maximum of just 130 guests, the AmaCello is a perfect size to relax, enjoy, and meet new friends along the way.

Indulge in French flavors on a palate-pleasing itinerary that highlights the essence of France’s Burgundy and Provence. Uncover the Roman history of Chalon-sur Saône and delight in charming Tournus with its towering Romanesque abbey and historic apothecary shop. Visit French châteaux from Burgundy to Provence, taste your way through the French culinary capital of Lyon and visit the Papal Palace in Avignon. While you’ll get more than a taste of Burgundy and Provence during this itinerary, the essence of these destinations will linger on your palate – and in your heart – for a lifetime!

Along the way we will experience cities and towns including Tournus, Macon, Lyon, Vienne, Avignon, Arles & more

 

Celebrating a birthday in style

On day 5 (October 4) we will celebrate Scott’s 60th birthday with a Tasting Tour in Lyon – “France’s Culinary Capital” followed by a bike tour along the ViaRhona Bike Route. These are just 2 of the daily tour options which include many hiking, biking or tasting options multiple times per day (over 30 options throughout the week).

 

Every day you can choose to relax, or you can choose to explore, and every day your tours and your meals are included in the fare along with champagne for breakfast plus local beers & wines for lunch & dinner.

If you have always wanted to experience a river cruise

– or you have always wanted to explore more of France outside of Paris

– or you are just itching to get back to traveling and want to be included in a terrific experience that you will never forget, then this may be for you.

Pricing starts from only $3395 per person based on double occupancy (just $4814 for single occupancy)

Learn much more about AmaWaterways in this eBrochure or this video

We hope that you can join us, but if not then do consider this type of experience in the future – it is a wonderful way to experience Europe and beyond.

For more info contact us today!

 

Cruise with the 2 Virgin “Ladies” and EZTravelPad in 2021

By | Caribbean, Cruise, Europe | No Comments

EZTravelPad set to cruise Caribbean and Mediterranean in 2021

Scarlet Lady in Caribbean and Valiant Lady in Mediterranean

Bimini Beach Club on Virgin’s private island in Bahamas

 

Join us on either or both – each will be awesome and unique as we cruise-

  • Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from Miami to Bimini Beach Club + Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic
  • Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady from Barcelona to Mallorca, Malaga. Gibralter & an overnight in Ibiza

In case you are not aware, Virgin Voyages is a new brand and a new style of cruising as imagined by Sir Richard Branson.  They brought in some of the world’s best designers to completely re-imagine what an open-ocean cruise is all about. Some of the unique differences include-

  • It is exclusive to adults-only (18+)
  • 20+ unique dining options All-included (and NO buffets!)
  • Unlimited Wifi is included!
  • Group workout classes are included!
  • Basic Bevvies (waters, sodas, juices & more) are included!
  • Gratuities are included!

See more about the Virgin Voyages brand at this link

2020 has been a long year already, and it’s only a little more than 1/2 over with at this point, but here are a couple reasons to look forward to 2021  I know I am!

Dominican Daze

On February 28, 2021 we will set sail from Miami on a 5 night trip to the Caribbean on board Scarlet Lady with this itinerary-

Without a doubt, the highlight is the Bimini Beach Club on Virgin’s private island – it’s all day and most of the evening enjoying an unspoiled beautiful Bahamian paradise

But the best part of this entire cruise experience is the price – starting at just $902 per person based on double occupancy ($1804 total) – complete!

That’s 30% off right now, but that price won’t last long…. so reach out now to EZTravelpad for details

OR

Spanish Obsession

Choose to join us on an epic journey from Barcelona through the Baleaeric Islands and even on to one of the most geographically significant places in human history -Gibraltar

The cruise begins on October 3, 2021 and extends for 7 nights aboard the newest ship in the Virgin fleet – Valiant Lady

The itinerary looks like this-

Amazingly, pricing on this 7 night itinerary starts at a total cruise fare of just $1044 per person based on double occupancy. It’s a steal! But again, it won’t last long. You’re not going to want to miss this….

But wait, there’s more!

Pre-pay your bar tab of $300 before departure (cocktails, beer, wine) and get $350 credit – so $50 more bonus beverage!!

There’s much more to relate….and plenty of questions to answer…like, what are we going to do on Palma de Mallorca for Scott’s 60th? Who is going to get a new tattoo at Squid Ink while on board? and what might we do post-cruise in Barcelona?

Join us on either – or BOTH – it’s gonna be fun!

As always – we are “Your friends….in the travel business”

 

 

Bora Bora & more on a Paul Gauguin Cruise

By | Adventure, Cruise, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance, South Pacific, Uncategorized | No Comments

A Cruise on MS Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia’s Society Islands is Unforgettable and Completely Unique

Cruising with Paul Gauguin is unique and different in so many ways.

First, there is the size on the ship. With a maximum capacity of 334 passengers and a staff to guest ratio of 1 staff member to every 1.5 guests, the vibe, feel & level of service are a complete departure from what you may have experienced on a larger mass market ship.

The check-in experience was jaw-dropping. Literally, from the time that we arrived at the embarkation pier through the medical screening process** to the greetings, documents, getting a cabin key & making out way to our cabin where our luggage was already in room took approx 22 minutes.  We were enjoying what waited in no time!

 

Compared to a larger ship this is unheard of and a brilliant way to start the cruise off right.

The same convenience is to be enjoyed on a daily basis in catching the tender from ship to pier at each of the destinations experienced. It just couldn’t be more convenient.

True, you will give up a certain amount of diversity in cuisine and entertainment options vs a much larger ship, but the entertainment staff is engaging and authentic. They amplify the experience of the destination beyond just “putting on a show”. Beyond the entertainment staff known as “Le Gauguines”, the access to and the  ability to interact with the chef & other officers is truly a big plus!

Of particular interest while in Taha’a was the carving of the catch of the day – freshly caught Moon Fish was for dinner a couple hours after this video was shot…

As for the itinerary, it is iconic. Bucket List islands such as Tahiti, Bora Bora & Mo’orea as well as off the radar gems like Huahine and Taha’a were included in our itinerary which was the ever-popular Tahiti & Society islands for 7 Nights, but other itineraries a bit longer or incorporating the Cook Islands or the Tuamotus Islands or even Fiji are options as well.

One of the main reasons to choose MS Paul Gauguin is that it offers unmatched access to these iconic destinations. Other ships simply can’t get close enough, but this ship was built for the destination and even includes a watersports marina on the aft of the ship which allows for Stand-up Paddleboarding or Kayaking directly from the ship – and if you are a SCUBA diver then you’re in luck because not only is the team outstanding but the convenience of taking the zodiac from the marina to a dive site usually not more than a 5-10 minute ride is outstanding (as are the dives, with abundant sharks, sea turtles & of course…more!)

 

Beach Party on Private Motu off of Taha’a is an unforgettable Day in Paradise!

One of the highlights of the entire cruise is the beach day on the Paul Gauguin private motu (one of several small islands surrounding the main island) just off the coast of the island of Taha’a on the 2nd full day of the cruise. It’s like you and several dozen of your best new friends arrive at a comfortable paradise waiting with abundant beach chairs in the sun or the shade of hundreds of coconut palms. The cookout is terrific with lots of engagement with Les Gauguines including a demonstration on how to process a coconut by hand (there’s much more to it than you might imagine but it’s easier than you might think) and yes, there is a floating bar which could not be more relaxing…

On to Bora…

Then of course there’s THE most iconic island – Bora Bora. No island conjures up visions of an idyllic paradise quite like Bora Bora and there’s good reason why – it is simply one of, if not THE most beautiful island on the planet. If you enjoy dramatic mountain peaks, crystal blue lagoons and epic skyscapes it’s tough to beat. Whether it’s biking around the island, catching the food truck rodeo for dinner, paddle boarding on another small motu with private beach or simply enjoying the views as you sail away at sunset there are few destinations more memorable.

But Wait, There’s More!

A full day at Huahine followed up with a full day at Taha’a are then topped with 2 full days to experience Bora Bora, but there’s still 2 more full days to experience Mo’orea, which most people tend to agree tops even Bora Bora for sheer beauty on the island.  The view from the top of Magic Mountain is surreal – and the satisfaction of knowing that you hiked it from sea level is a reward in itself!

While the exhilaration of the 45-60 minute hike to the top is worthwhile, the entire thing can be avoided and still not miss a thing with an organized small group guided tour on an ATV or open back jeep with 8 passengers. The excursion stops at Magic Mountain as well as a few stops at Opanohu Bay, Cook Bay, a pineapple plantation (cooler than it sounds), a juice distillery for some tastings and the highlight of the day –  Belvedere Lookout- stunning!

One thing that a short blog post like this can do is to open your eyes to this type of bucket list experience, but one thing this blog post cannot do is come even remotely close to capturing the full experience. French Polynesia’s Society Islands feature unmatched beauty for sure, but the warmth and beauty of the crew and the people who call French Polynesia home is something that must just be experienced for yourself.

When it’s time for you to check this off of your Bucket list then reach out to “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad.

Email us

We’re here to help – we have experience that a call center cannot match – we know people – and we work to help make your experiences as memorable as they are seamless.

Krka National Park in Croatia – simply gorgeous

By | Adventure, Cruise, Europe, Sightseeing | No Comments

Croatia is a HOT Destination in Europe

Well, it’s warm in the summer and cool in the winter – but as far as popular destinations are concerned Croatia is HOT!

Why? Well there are many reasons –

  • Croatia is one of several destinations made more popular by the HBO series Game of Thrones
  • Croatia offers a terrific array of  medieval cities
  • Croatia offers some amazing small ship cruises (mostly from cruiselines you have never heard of)
  • Croatia offers some of the most spectacular natural beauty to be found

Krka

Krka National Park is a popular place for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of pristine waterfalls and more. On a recent cruise vacation we enjoyed a stop in the port city of Zadar (famous for it’s Sea Organ – a very unique piece of musical art). The Krka National Park was an offered excursion from Celebrity cruises so we checked it out and here’s what we found….

 

a beautiful forest populated by dozens of cascading waterfalls (too many and too vast to experience them all)

 

The hike was too short,..but it was beautiful

 

with some swimming possible…

 

in the waters just past the most beautiful of the falls in this area

 

Zadar-

Whether spending some time in port or staying in a hotel or nearby resort, the city of Zadar is a good place to spend some time shopping or dining. Actually I could not believe how affordable it was to purchase some great pastries!

There are some cool tours that allow you to experience the city by foot, bike, segway, kayak or e-scooter – or do something really exhilarating like going skydiving!

Yes…Croatia is beautiful with several national parks and other places of outstanding beauty, but there is so much more. Whether it’s an excursion while cruising on a mass market cruise ship, or a small ship cruise with several stops along the long Croatian coastline, or a fully independent yet structured tour incorporating several stops such as Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik & other parts of the interior of the country you can count on “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad for sound advice and the ability to leverage our relationships to make sure that you have the best possible experience!

 

Cruising into or out of Venice as a Port

By | Cruise, Europe, Family Travel, Romance, Sightseeing | No Comments

Venice, Italy – A lovely city to start or end your cruise vacation

There are not many things more enchanting than arriving to your Venice hotel in a water taxi.

Words and photos are not entirely capable of describing the emotions that you experience- the sounds, the sights, the sunshine on your face – the anticipation of visiting such an iconic destination.

Hotels-

Of course there are dozens and dozens of terrific hotels with varying levels of service. We chose the lovely Hotel Danieli located just steps from The Bridge of Sighs leading to Doges Palace and Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Plaza) – terrific service and as convenient as it gets.

Venice is a city built on 118 islands (some small and others tiny) connected by hundreds of bridges that make up the city. The history of Venice dates back around 1600 years so as you might imagine there are some amazing examples of many different types or architectural influences including Gothic, Byzantine, Islamic & more.  Below is but 1 of many gorgeous buildings

If you are a lover of any style of art and craftmanship then a visit to Murano is a must-do. Murano is a small island about 15 minutes boat ride from Venice. Complimentary tours are available and you will not see a better array of glassworks than you will here. The island is home to hundreds of glassblowers who have different specialties. The glassblowing demonstration is amazing

but what is more amazing is the showroom which consists of room upon room with unbelievable displays of artistic genius ranging from chandeliers to wine glasses and every type of glassware in between

St Marks’s Square & Basilica along with the Doges Palace are also must-see

Water Taxis and Gondolas

Of course no trip to Venice would be complete without spending some time on the water. Whether touring by water taxi…

or enjoying a gondola ride complete with serenade…

 

these are the memories that you will carry with you for many years to come (and of course taking a few photos helps too)!

Shopping

There are more shops that you can ever hope to get to even if staying for weeks – and cafes & restaurants are also in no short supply so save up some energy for that!

After a few hours of touring and shopping then a Spritz or 2 in a cafe is not to be missed

 

In short – Venice is simply magical and unforgettable.

When it’s time for your trip to Venice (or other bucket list destination) then you know you can turn to “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad for expert guidance and the best values to be found.

2 Days in Barcelona Pre-cruise

By | Cruise, Europe, Family Travel | No Comments

Barcelona – easily one of the most enjoyable cities on earth

La Ramblas – the tourism hub of Barcelona

 

There are many reasons why Barcelona is generally regarded as one of the Top 5 cities to visit in Europe….

I’m not gonna lie, flying all night then arriving in a foreign country, checking into a hotel for a quick change then off to a e-bike tour on virtually no sleep is a bit aggressive, but I’m glad we did it (not sure my wife feels the same lol). It’s either go tour and be active or go to sleep and lose several hours of exploring time. We chose to see all we could in the short time we had there

e-bike tour booked through Viator – 12 participants – a good time all around

We covered alot of ground on those bikes – From landmarks to archaeological excavations to parks to the beach and more

Interestingly the beach area in Barcelona is relatively new, and a key component of the revitalization of the city. Investments into re-imagining the city as a tourist destination rather than an industrial powerhouse led to the 1992 Summer Olympics being held in the city and they haven’t looked back – now Barcelona is widely regarded as one of the top cities in the world for tourists

 

After some sightseeing on the e-bikes then it was time to sample some tapas from one of the more famous tapas restaurants – Els Quatre Gats (4 cats) which is widely known as one of Pablo Picasso’s favorite bars

 

But on to other things….

La Sagrada Familia

If there is one thing that Barcelona is know for (besides tapas) it’s Antoni Gaudi’s masterpience – La Sagrada Familia

Construction continues at La Sagrada Familia

Imagine a work so vast that the architect knew, at less than 30 years of age, that construction would last well beyond his death. While this looks massive now, it will eventually soar to a much taller height and a much broader footprint when complete

Construction began in 1882 – they are hopeful of completion by 2026 (in honor of the 100th year anniversary of Gaudi’s death)

The inside is an homage to nature as much as it is to Jesus and to fully understand I recommend a good guide – it’s so worth the extra $$ and photos just do not do justice to this masterpiece

We booked a 3 hours guided tour of La Sagrada Familia in conjunction with a tour of the Hospital Sant Pau. Initially I was indifferent to the tour starting at some hospital, eventhough I was understanding that for there to be a tour it must be something worth seeing. That said, I was blown away. Not only was this once public hospital a masterpiece of efficiency it was also architecturally amazing and beautiful.

our Context Tours guide Zaida was both charming and an expert in the Catalan culture

Once again photos are difficult capture the overall feel but imagine that this is just one of the many separate buildings serving patients with varying illnesses

and here is a model of the fully functional hospital where the main building served as an admittance and admin building then patients were transferred to the appropriate wing via underground tunnels that were well lit from skylights strategically placed throughout the gardens filled with healing herbs and aromatic plants.

So what else does Barcelona offer?

Well…the $15.50 EU bottles of Cava at the cafe across the street from the hotel were pretty great….

and there is SO much more to relate!

For help planning your next great getaway – be it Barcelona or anywhere else amazing please consider turning to “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad where we leverage relationships on a daily basis to help insure that you have the time of your life on each and every vacation

 

Wine themed River Cruise on Danube

By | Blog, Cruise, Europe, Uncategorized | No Comments

Wine, wine and more wine!

As I write this I am sailing down the Danube river through Austria on AmaWaterways gorgeous ship AmaCerto enjoying a 7 night wine themed river cruise.

If you know anything about a river cruise with AmaWaterways you probably know that they include wine and beer for both lunch and dinner (and champagne for breakfast!) – but what you might not know is that on a wine themed cruise there are so many more opportunities to discover new favorites during several tastings that are included, such as the tour and tasting at Castle Gobelsburg pictured below.

I can’t speak for every single wine themed cruise, but on this one there is a vineyard from California named Graveyard Vineyards that is hosting even MORE wine tastings.
So what does that look like? Well here’s our experience during a week on AmaCerto

  • Monday – board ship – lunch (with wine)  – Dinner at Chef’s Table with several courses and wine pairings – late night City Illuminations tour (outstanding cruise along Budapest waterfront with buildings lighted)
  • Tuesday – Morning excursion consisting of Budapest city walk, city market then back to the ship for lunch and an afternoon wine tasting courtesy Graveyard Vineyards and a terrific dinner in the main dining room
  • Wednesday – Breakfast (with Champagne), Lunch (with wine), Dinner (with wine) then an evening of traditional Viennese fun with lots of wine, dancing & song at Winery & Heuriger Christ
  • Thursday – Breakfast (forgot the champagne) then excursion -Bike ride in Vienna then lunch (with wine). Mid-afternoon wine tasting and aroma sampling courtesy Graveyard Vineyards then an after dinner excursion to Castle Gobelsburg for wine tastings
  • Friday – Hike to Durnstein castle then wine and apricot tasting in Durnstein, Austria. Back to the ship for lunch with wine then late afternoon excursion to Castle Clam for a wine tasting before dinner (with wine)
  • Saturday – Most people with full day excursions so late breakfast (champagne if desired) then late dinner in private dining with plenty of wine!
  • Sunday – Breakfast (champagne again??) – lunch (wine again??) – pre-dinner champagne toast to the week that has been – pre-dinner Oktoberfest celebration in port of Passau (lots of beer) – dinner (with wine)
  • Monday – Time to leave, but friends made and experiences shared will last a lifetime….

Oh – and it is TOTALLY not just about the wine…this was an outstanding cruise with terrific tours included – much more on the highlight destinations of Budapest, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz & more coming up on future blog posts

Oh…and the cuisine!

To learn more about AmaWaterways, River Cruising, or all sorts of other vacation planning just get in touch with “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad

Join EZTravelPad as we Cruise the Mediterranean in 2018

By | Cruise, Europe, Uncategorized | No Comments

Cruise the Mediterranean in Style with EZTravelPad

That’s right – please consider joining us on a Mediterranean cruise aboard Celebrity Constellation sailing from Barcelona, Spain on June 30, 2018

We will be hitting some of the best and most historic ports in Europe such as Rome –

Italy, Rome, Colosseum, monument, historical, couple, scooter, Shore Excursions, Europe, sightseeing, Vespa

Italy, Rome, Colosseum, monument, historical, couple, scooter, Shore Excursions, Europe, sightseeing, V

 

…and many more!

You will never forget the times we share as we sail the Italian Renaissance itinerary to the following cities-

 

DAY PORT ARRIVE DEPART
1 Barcelona, Spain 5:00 PM
2 Cannes, France 10:00 AM 8:00 PM
3 Genoa, Italy 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
4 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy 7:00 AM 7:00 PM
5 At Sea
6 Kotor, Montenegro 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
7 Zadar, Croatia 11:00 AM 7:00 PM
8 Venice, Italy 6:30 AM
 Number of Nights: 7

 

If you prefer a visual, here’s the map

Italian Renaissance Cruise map

 

Seriously – how awesome is this itinerary!!??

Of course we will be doing lots of exploring on the mainland and we will be kicking things off a couple days early arriving in Barcelona early enough to catch a few of the sites and doing the same in Venice at the end of the cruise

Pricing is as follows (just a sample of some)

  • $1209 per person on a Cat 9 Inside Cabin
  • $1689 per person for a Cat 4 Oceanview cabin
  • $2159 per person for a Cat 2A Balcony cabin

Also the current sale gets 1 free perk with options including-

  • Free Unlimited Beverage Package (includes alcohol drinks)
  • Free WiFi
  • Prepaid Gratuities

So are you interested in joining us to go see Europe in style?

Contact Scott for complete details!