Category

Europe

Jan 14
0

βš“οΈβœ¨ Sail the Mediterranean in Style on Celebrity Xcel – July 18 Departure! βœ¨βš“οΈ

By | Blog, Cruise, Europe, Mediterranean, Sightseeing | No Comments

Hey travel lovers! If you’re dreaming of pristine seas, timeless history, and luxury cruising, we’ve got a special gem to share with you. Picture yourself aboard one of the newest and most elegant ships at sea β€” the Celebrity Xcel β€” setting sail July 18 on a dazzling Mediterranean voyage that touches Greece, Turkey, Malta, and ends in vibrant Barcelona. This is not just any cruise; it’s a premium experience tailored for the discerning traveler.

🚒 Why Celebrity Xcel?
The Celebrity Xcel combines cutting-edge design with sophisticated comfort. Expect spacious, modern concierge level cabins designed to be your sanctuary at sea, outstanding dining options, and world-class amenities. This isn’t just a cruise; it’s a floating luxury retreat.

πŸ“…Β Your Mediterranean Itinerary β€” A Journey to Remember

  • Sat, 18 Jul:Β Board in Athens (Piraeus), Greece at 5:00 PM β€” the gateway to ancient wonders and Greek hospitality
  • Sun, 19 Jul:Β Santorini, Greece (7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, tendered) β€” wander through iconic whitewashed buildings perched above stunning caldera views
  • Mon, 20 Jul:Β Mykonos, Greece (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, tendered) β€” enjoy the lively streets, beautiful beaches, and charming windmills
  • Tue, 21 Jul:Β Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, docked) β€” deeply explore the ancient city during your exclusive shore event, soaking in the grandeur of history
  • Wed, 22 Jul:Β Cruising β€” relax and indulge in all the ship’s luxurious amenities while sailing the Mediterranean
  • Thu, 23 Jul:Β Valletta, Malta (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, docked) β€” step into a medieval treasure trove of Baroque architecture, quaint streets, and stunning seaside views
  • Fri, 24 Jul:Β Cruising β€” another glorious day at sea to enjoy the endless ocean and onboard experiences
  • Sat, 25 Jul:Β Disembark in vibrant Barcelona, Spain at 5:00 AM β€” ready to explore a city with incredible art, food, and energy (or continue your travels!)

πŸ’ΌΒ Exclusive Group Space & Pricing
We’ve secured a special group block of space onboard the Celebrity Xcel β€” and here’s the kicker β€” concierge level cabins are available with nearly $1,200 off the current best rates! This is an unbeatable opportunity to enjoy the premium lifestyle onboard while saving big.

🌟 Perks Just for You
Booking within our held group space unlocks incredible extras to elevate your journey:

  • A dedicated onboard host ensuring your trip is seamless and stress-free
  • An exclusive private reception for all guests in the groupβ€”great chance to mingle and toast to an unforgettable voyage
  • An included exclusive shore event exploring the ancient wonders of Ephesus, where you’ll step back in time and uncover the stories of one of history’s greatest civilizations

🎟️ Perfect for the Discerning Traveler
If you value refined experiences, exclusive access, and traveling in style, this Mediterranean sailing on the Celebrity Xcel is made for you. Spaces are limited in this special group block, so don’t miss your chance to sail in comfort and sophistication at a fantastic rate.

See a few snapshots of life aboard Celebrity Xcel at this link shot on a recent cruise experience I had on board the naming ceremony in November

Ready to reserve your cabin or want more info? Reach out to Scott at EZTravelPad β€” your gateway to the cruise of a lifetime – but DO NOT delay – this special pricing is for a very limited time only, now is the time to decide to save!

πŸ“§ Email:Β scott@eztravelpad.com
πŸ“ž Phone: +1 317-731-2293
🌐 Visit: www.eztravelpad.com

Set sail this summer and create memories that last forever aboard the Celebrity Xcel. Your luxurious Mediterranean escape awaits!

Jan 08
0

πŸ›³οΈβœ¨ Discover the Luxury and Charm of European River Cruises with AmaWaterways βœ¨πŸ›³οΈ

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

If you love ocean cruising but are curious about something new and uniquely enriching, it’s time to consider a European river cruiseβ€”especially with AmaWaterways, a leader in luxury river cruising. Whether you’ve dreamed of exploring Europe’s rich history and culture or want a magical holiday markets adventure, a river cruise offers an intimate and elegant way to immerse yourself deeply in Europe’s most iconic destinations.

Why Consider a European River Cruise? Here’s Why It’s Perfect for Ocean Cruise Lovers Seeking Something Different:

  • Up-Close and Personal Experiences: Unlike vast ocean ships, AmaWaterways’ stunning river ships glide through the heart of cities like Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Paris, and Strasbourg. You dock right in town, meaning less time at sea and more time exploring charming streets, local markets, and UNESCO treasures.
  • Luxury and Spaciousness Redefined: AmaWaterways ships combine elegant design, spacious staterooms with river views, and high-class amenities. You’ll enjoy world-class dining, wellness facilities including spas and fitness centres, and personalized service that rivals the best ocean cruise lines.
  • Rich Cultural Immersion: River cruises are tailored to enrich your senses with authentic European experiences. Daily excursions include guided tours of historic castles, local artisan workshops, wine tastings in boutique vineyards, and visits to centuries-old cathedralsβ€”all curated to bring history and culture to life.
  • Seasonal Magic: Summer & Holiday Markets: Dreaming of a summer vacation full of sunshine and festivals? Or maybe a winter escape surrounded by twinkling lights and festive stalls? AmaWaterways offers perfectly timed itineraries: from idyllic summer cruises on the Danube or RhΓ΄ne to enchanting holiday market voyages that feel straight out of a fairy tale.
  • Intimate Social Atmosphere: With smaller ships hosting far fewer guests than large ocean liners, you get an intimate vibe that fosters friendships and a personal touch with your crew and fellow travellers. It’s luxury without feeling crowded.

Why Choose AmaWaterways Over Larger, More Famous Brands Like Viking?

  • A Boutique Experience with Big Benefits: While brands like Viking are household names, AmaWaterways offers a distinct, boutique cruise experience that feels more personalized and less β€œcookie-cutter.” With fewer ships and smaller groups, you often get a more tailored experience designed to delight every type of traveller.
  • Innovative Itineraries and Unique Extras: AmaWaterways stands out with thoughtfully crafted routes that explore lesser-known gems alongside iconic sites. Plus, they offer extras like complimentary bicycles for onshore exploration, wine and cheese tastings onboard, and a partnership with luxury wellness brands, resulting in spa and fitness options that many competitors lack.
  • Exceptional Culinary Experiences: AmaWaterways consistently receives praise for its cuisineβ€”from regional dishes crafted by expert chefs to extensive wine pairings included with dinner. The food experience feels elevated and authentic, adding a luxurious layer to your journey.
  • Personalized Service You’ll Remember: Because AmaWaterways maintains a smaller fleet, your journey benefits from a crew that often goes the extra mile to remember your preferences and create memorable moments. It’s the kind of service that bigger brands can sometimes struggle to consistently deliver when managing a larger guest volume.
  • Value with Luxury: AmaWaterways strikes an incredible balance between high-end luxury and value, often including extras in the base fare like shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and drinks package options. This means less concern about add-ons and more focus on enjoying your cruise.

If you’ve always loved ocean cruising but crave a more immersive, culturally rich, and truly tailored way to travel Europe this summer or holiday season, explore the AmaWaterways river cruise experience. It’s luxury reimagined on some of the world’s most scenic and historic waterways.

You can see just a tate of the sights, sounds anf flavors of what cruising with AmaWaterways is all about in the photo album at this link – this is really just a sliver of what awaits on a cruise through southern France on the Essence of Burgundy and Provence itinerary – you can also see a video of the cruise on YouTube at this link

Ready to explore this elegant new way to experience Europe?

Reach out, and let’s start planning your unforgettable river cruise adventure!

β€”
Scott Jones
EZTravelPad
πŸ“§Β scott@eztravelpad.comΒ | πŸ“ž +1 317-731-2293
www.eztravelpad.com

May 08
0

Ready for an Adventure? How about Iceland with EZTravelPad in March 2025 – Space is limited so don’t delay!

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

The Adventure of a Lifetime Awaits in March 2025 – Space is limited so don’t delay!

1. Experiencing Iceland’s Enigmatic Aura Together
As the chill of winter thaws and gives way to the budding stir of spring, what better time to embark on an adventure that promises not just scenic views but an emotional uplift?

Join EZTravelPad and Collette Tours for an unforgettable journey to Iceland, set for March 14-21, 2025. This unique tour, titled “Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights,” isn’t just a trip; it’s an experience crafted to leave you in awe and bring together like-minded adventurers. With a harmonious group dynamic, limited to 44 travelers to keep the experience intimate and immersive, you’re not just a tourist but an active participant in a wandering tribe of explorers.

2. Iceland’s Northern Lights: A Spectacle of Nature’s Beauty
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomenaβ€”and seeing it is nothing short of spellbinding. Scheduled understanding the peak season for auroral activity, our “Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights” tour is timed perfectly for you to witness this celestial ballet. With Collette’s expert guides and EZTravelPad’s personalized touch, you’re virtually assured of a front-row seat to the skies’ own dramatic show. Imagine the vivid colors dancing across the night sky as you stand in the icy air, surrounded by new friends equally mesmerized by the spectacle.

3. More Than Just Lights: Iceland’s Top Experiences
While the Northern Lights are the centerpiece, the tour is robust with a spectrum of Icelandic wonders. From the steaming geysers erupting into the cold air at the Geothermal Fields to the majestic waterfalls of Gullfoss, each site offers a new element of the raw, compelling beauty that defines Iceland. Explore the stark beauty of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Each location has been carefully selected to enhance your understanding and appreciation of this incredible country.

4. The Value of Group Travel: Learning and Sharing Together
Traveling with a group of like-minded individuals not only eases logisticsβ€”it enriches your journey. Each member brings a unique perspective, allowing for shared experiences that become collectively richer. Group travel with EZTravelPad means benefits like enhanced safety, shared cost, and a ready-made community. With the support of Collette’s knowledgeable guides and the thoughtful curation of EZTravelPad, you’ll discover stories and form bonds that resonate well beyond the return flight home.

5. Why Choose EZTravelPad and Collette for Your Iceland Adventure?
Choosing EZTravelPad, along with our trusted partner Collette Tours, means opting for an experience that’s both magical and meticulously planned. Recognized for excellence and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction, we take pride in offering journeys that are thoughtful, well-organized, and truly transformational. Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights tour is more than just travel; it’s an exploration of the outer world and an introspective journey into the heart.

See a brief video link below featuring just a little bit of what’s in store during this Epic adventure

https://youtu.be/NxR-mRvLvrc

Join us as we explore the ethereal beauty of Iceland under the shimmering veil of the aurora borealis.Β Spaces are limited, so reach out today, and let’s plan your spot in this extraordinary adventure!

Email today info@eztravelpad.com

Jul 21
0

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.Β  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 2021Β  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”

 

 

Apr 23
0

Europe THIS Fall? Maybe?

By | Adventure, Europe, Family Travel, Honeymoons and Weddings, Luxury, Romance, Sightseeing | No Comments

Europe This Year? It May Be Awesome!

During this global pandemic especially, but really anytime- trusting experts to rely on vetted in-destination experts may be the key to most fully enjoying your experience.

Over the years I have built a reputation on knowing the destinations that I help people experience. Some of that is a result of direct, on the ground time spent in various destinations and resorts throughout the Caribbean – or on a variety of cruise ships both large and small….but I can’t go or know everywhere, and the other part of the equation that you may not realize is that I spend a significant amount of time at conferences networking with the top experts in destination to better understand what they offer, and who they are.

Going wide-open at a conference for 3 days can be fun, but it’s also hard work – and I do that to prepare to be able to better guide you when you want to experience a destination that I am less familiar with.

One of those destination experts is Titanium Tours specializing in Spain, Portugal and France. They may not be “the cheapest”, but I am not here to guide you to the cheapest experience possible – I am here to guide you to the BEST experience that you will long remember fondly. For that type of experience, Titanium is one of the best!

Below are some ideas from Titanium Tours – ideas that may inspire you to get a trip plan started – and maybe as soon as this fall, the best time of the year to go!

When to Go?

September – November are great months for travel to Spain, Portugal or France. The weather is still beautiful and autumn seasonal activities abound. According to the news coming from each country, we are confident that tourism will resume by then. As you can see above September and October are great months for travel in a typical year.

Furthermore, you can now find good fall airfares going to any of our airports. For example IND – BCN for well under $1000 ($600-700)Β  with one connection!

What to Book?

The beauty of custom independent tours and partnering with a company like Titanium Tours is that they can guide you to areas where COVID-19 is not present or has had little impact. They can help us help you to pick boutique hotels, less crowded routes, private experiences, etc where you will feel safe while traveling abroad. Their 3 countries in which they specialize have been impacted very differently and different areas of each country have been affected very differently. They can guide you to create an itinerary that’s both exciting and safe.

For instance, Portugal has had significantly less cases than France and Spain. If you want off the beaten path experiences, they can for example, take you 90 minutes north of Lisbon to our Castles and Wild Horses experience.

In France, you can avoid crowded areas to visit the Hill Top Villages of Luberon in Provence and go truffle hunting. Winter truffles are more aromatic and their season starts in November.

In Southern Spain, where COVID-19 has also had a much smaller impact, you can go to the private workshop of a silk shawl craftsman who’s family has been embroidering silk shawls, most typical in this region, for generations. Not only will you observe an artist at work, but you can even try your hand at it.

Or perhaps this is the year to go admire the beauty of the Azores….

The point is simply this – there is a big wonderful word of experience and the tourism industry is eager to help you discover them. In Europe it’s not all about cafes and museums – there are wonderful experiences to enjoy and still be safely guided!

EZTravelPad is here to guide you to the best tour operators with the best guides – who will help you have the best experience possible – custom designed for YOU!

We’re here to help when you are ready. Contact us today for more info

 

 

Aug 19
0

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 ofΒ  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).Β 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 EZTravelPadΒ for sound advice and the ability to leverage our relationships to make sure that you have the best possible experience!

 

Aug 15
0

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.Β  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.

Aug 07
0

Escape to Imperial Europe

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

The more I experience Europe the more I want to go back…it gets under your skin…it lures you to return…it stays with you

A couple hours at SzΓ©chenyi Thermal Bath is the perfect way to unwind after a long flight

Imagine an 8 night itinerary beginning in Budapest for 2 nights, then 2 nights in Vienna, 2 nights in Prague, and finishing with 2 nights in Berlin

  • Transfers included
  • 8x Breakfast Included
  • 3x Dinner included
  • Guided Tours included
  • Good hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Mercure, Crown Plaza, etc) in the heart of the cities

    • Vacation Highlights

    BUDAPEST
    Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion

    VIENNA
    Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral

    PRAGUE
    Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit the Hradčany Castle grounds; [LF] farewell dinner at a local restaurant

    BERLIN
    Guided sightseeing, take pictures of Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial, visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church; farewell dinner

    Now imagine this

    …all of this

    Including International flights (from Chicago for example)

    All for under $1999 per person (based on double occupancy)

    Perhaps it’s time to get in touch with “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad

    Jul 24
    0

    Escape to Ireland

    By | Europe | 2 Comments

    There are many ways to vacation. You can go luxury (EZTravelPad specializes in more luxury accommodations normally relying on the best travel partners and the best locations) – or you can go more budget (normally this is what people do on their own in an effort to achieve the lowest price possible)

    Well now EZTravelPad has a very modest budget solution for several popular destinations, and you don’t have to sacrifice stability by risking doing business with a less well known provider

    Globus Tours is widely recognized as the world leader in escorted tours across the globe. They operate 4 distinctly different brands serving 4 different travel styles with the Globus brand being the flagship luxury solution.

    Now Globus is operating some itineraries that are achieving some unheard of price-points on some of the more popular destinations such as Italy, Great Britain, Greece, Peru (think Machu Picchu) & many others

    Below is a Globus brand itinerary that hits an unbelievably low price point from $659 per person on set departures for 6 nights including several meals, transfers, hotels & even some guides in the destination. Add flights from any US points of departure and and you can come in around $1300 per person!

    Unreal!!

    So what do you sacrifice?

    Well, normally on a Globus tour or other great EZTravelPad custom tours in Ireland you would be staying in luxury hotels, Manor Houses and even Castles.

    You would experience in depth guided tours of some of the most unique destinations and experiences on the island. In this case, at this price you would have fewer guided tours, fewer amazing meals, and would stay in nice but more basic yet still clean and nice accommodations

    See much more detail and specifics below-

    Inclusions of tours and transportation as well as a Full Irish breakfast daily; 2 three-course dinners with wine and choice of menus including a welcome dinner in Dublin

    Overview

    Vacation Overview

    Escape to the lush landscapes, charming cities, and friendly people of Ireland during the low season so you can experience it all without the crowds and, most importantly, without the high-season prices. This Ireland tour is an ideal introduction to the Emerald Isle for first-time visitors who have limited time. You’ll relish in some of Ireland’s most magnificent scenery as well as its most famous towns. You’ll start and end in Dublin, and you’ll also have overnights in Ennis, Killarney, and Waterford. Highlights of this tour include the 668-foot Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s west coast, where you’ll savor breathtaking views of these sheer cliffs dropping into the ocean, and the Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile panoramic drive through rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes. Words cannot capture the magnificence of this natural beauty; it must be witnessed in person!

    You’ll also have time to enjoy bustling Dublin, the β€œFair City,” Adare with its pretty thatched cottages; medieval Waterford, home to the famous crystal; and Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s prettiest and liveliest towns. From the scenic beauty to the unique interactions and experiences with the down-to-earth locals, this Ireland trip is sure to delight all of your senses, and at a price you just can’t miss!

    Itinerary

    Day 1 –Β ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND

    CΓ©ad mΓ­le fΓ‘ilte! A hundred-thousand welcomes! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax in Ireland’s capital city. This evening, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

    DinnerDinner

    Day 2 –Β DUBLIN

    The morning’s orientation drive in the β€œFair City” includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares with their tall red brick townhouses, colorful doors and wrought iron-decorated windows, Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the city further, or you could join an optional excursion to the Guinness Storehouse and learn all about the world-famous beer: from how Guinness is made to the ancient craft of barrel-making in the cooperage. The evening ends with a sample of β€œThe Black Stuff,” followed by dinner.

    BreakfastΒ Breakfast

    Day 3 –Β DUBLIN–GALWAY–CLIFFS OF MOHER–ENNIS

    Your day begins with a drive to Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan center with colorful shops and a busy cafΓ© and bar culture. Then, a scenic route takes you across the limestone plateau of The Burren with its strange and beautiful karst landscape to the 668-foot CLIFFS OF MOHER, where you savor the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast.

    BreakfastΒ Breakfast

    Day 4 –Β ENNIS–RING OF KERRY–KILLARNEY

    A day full of splendid scenery as you head south and stop at quaint Adare with its pretty thatched cottages. Continue on to Killorglin on Dingle Bay to join the famed RING OF KERRY for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. There is plenty to focus your camera on here: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Travel on to the popular resort of Killarney for an overnight stay.

    BreakfastΒ Breakfast

    Day 5 –Β KILLARNEY–BLARNEY–WATERFORD

    Across the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork, the route brings you to Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone. There is time here for lunch, to walk up to the castle, and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. In the afternoon, proceed via Cork to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings, and home to the famous crystal. After dinner this evening, enjoy anΒ Β IRISH COFFEE DEMONSTRATION.

    BreakfastΒ Breakfast
    DinnerDinner

    Day 6 –Β WATERFORD–KILKENNY–DUBLIN

    Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s prettiest towns with medieval cobblestone streets and Old-World charm, is your first destination today. You will have time to discover the town on your own, visit the castle or the Design Centre or simply wander through the charming streets and be part of the Irish day-to-day life. Then, travel back to Dublin, and tonight, as a fitting farewell to Ireland, consider an optional evening with dinner, followed by dance, song, and laughter.

    BreakfastΒ Breakfast

    Day 7 –Β DUBLIN

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

    BreakfastΒ Breakfast

    Sound awesome?

    Then get with “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad to pick your dates and get this scheduled….check this amazing destination off your bucket list!

    Jul 10
    0

    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 –Β 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