Rome is called the Eternal City because ancient Romans believed that no matter what happened to the world, or how many empires rose or fell, that Rome would go on forever. The enduring quality of the city continues to this day and it’s no surprise with all its beauty and intrigue that Rome remains one of the most beloved tourist destinations in the world.

Getting around the city is easy. There’s walking, the metro, or one of Rome’s hop-on-hop-off narrated bus tours. To truly experience the magic of Rome, these are the experiences that shouldn’t be missed.

Tour the Colosseum
No matter how many times you view photos of Rome’s iconic and magnificent Colosseum, seeing it in person is amazing due to its sheer enormity. Gladiators once fought in this massive stadium, built in 70 A.D. The amphitheater is incredibly impressive from the exterior, but walking through its interior is a must. Although ravaged by time and human destruction, what remains powerfully echoes the glory and grandeur of Rome. We were astonished by its intricate underground infrastructures that supported the staged spectacles above. One word of advice is to arrive early in the morning or book a tour for front-of-the-line privileges.

​Walk the Roman Forum
There’s something humbling yet magical about walking in the footsteps of Rome’s emperors like Caesar Augustus. The Roman Forum flourished as the center of Roman life in the days of the Republic and early Empire. Though much of the ruins are mere shells of the original temples, arches, and basilicas, what remains is both moving and archaeologically fascinating. Climbing nearby Palatine Hill provided spectacular panoramic views of the Roman and Imperial Forums, Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum.

Visit the Vatican Museum
The glories of the ancient and medieval world are on display in the lavish papal palace known as the Vatican Museum. It can be overwhelming to decide what to see due to its enormity. Having a guidebook is a tremendous help. Arriving early is imperative to beat the crowds. Filled with a treasure trove of statues, mummies, tapestries and Renaissance art, every room provides another awe-inspiring experience. No matter how many times we’ve visited, our favorite showstopper remains Michelangelo’s painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The astonishing achievement took four years to complete as the artist laid flat on scaffolding while creating this magnificent work of art.

See St. Peter’s Basilica
From the Sistine Chapel, there’s a time-saving shortcut leading to another world-renowned site, St. Peter’s Basilica. Considered the holiest shrine of the Catholic Church, the basilica is built on the site of St. Peter’s tomb. The Pope delivers Mass within its glorious walls and Bernini’s massive bronze canopy towers over the altar. The basilica also contains Michelangelo’s famous Pietà. The marble statue, completed when he was only 24 years old, depicts a grieving Mary cradling her crucified son Jesus.
Be aware, the Vatican adheres to a dress code.

Toss a Coin in the Trevi Fountain
Rome is the city of fountains—and there are thousands. But, its most treasured and famous is the Trevi Fountain. Legend proclaims that if you throw a coin in the fountain, right hand over left shoulder, it ensures your return to Rome. True or not, there’s a lot of coin tossing happening at this exquisitely sculpted, ever-flowing Baroque masterpiece.

Explore the Jewish Quarter
One of the most underappreciated places to see and explore in Rome is the Jewish Quarter. From the 16th through the 19th centuries, Rome’s Jewish population was forced to live in the cramped ghetto along the Tiber River. While the medieval Jewish ghetto no longer exists, the quarter is still home to Rome’s Jewish community. The Great Synagogue of Rome sits impressively in the heart of the former seven-acre ghetto.
The most fascinating sights to behold in the quarter are the colonnaded ruins of the Portico of Octavia and nearby ancient Teatro di Marcello.
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Experience the Pantheon at Night
Rome after dark transforms into a magical wonderland. Many of its iconic sights are illuminated, but there’s something special about viewing the Pantheon, Rome’s most preserved monument at night.
The Pantheon was a Roman temple dedicated to the gods. Original structures burned, but the current temple dates back to 120 A.D. It was a wonderful surprise the first time we came upon it accidentally at night. The interior is a must-see during the day. However, it’s unexpected majestic presence when turning the corner after dark is always an unforgettable experience.

Wining and Dining in Rome
The Italians are masters of the art of fine food. Truth be told, we haven’t had anything but great cuisine and good wine in Rome. Ambiance makes a huge difference. Most dining establishments have outdoor seating—a huge criterion for us each time we visit. It’s hard to beat dining overlooking flowing fountains and surrounded by ancient history. For visitors that truly want to tap into the region’s specialties, there are a few must-tries. Spaghetti alla carbonara (consisting of an egg and bacon sauce), carciofi alla guiuda (Jewish-style artichokes), and gnocchi alla romana (Italian dumplings) are well-known mouth-watering Roman dishes. No meal is complete without wine—even the basic house wine (vino della casa) is usually a good choice. Roman desserts are delectable. When tummies are too full for tiramisu or another sweet treat, there’s always gelato—which can be found everywhere throughout the city.

Italian painter and architect Giotto di Bondone said, “Rome is the city of echoes, the city of illusions, and the city of yearning.” Perhaps it’s why each time you visit you yearn for the moment of return.

​With more than 13 million people flying just 279 miles between Seoul’s Gimpo Airport to popular Jeju island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula is the most in-demand air route in the world. The route has around 180 scheduled flights per day, which means there is one flight every eight minutes taking off, transporting travelers to the island.

In 2017, 13,460,305 passengers flew between Seoul and Jeju, an increase of 9.4 percent.
The second busiest air route was between Melbourne, Australia, to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
While it’s correct to be surprised that the title of world’s busiest air route is not in the U.S., which is the world’s largest aviation market, Routes found that air services in the Asia-Pacific region dominate the top 100 busiest routes by passenger numbers, accounting for more than 70 percent of the total.
The busiest international air route connects Hong Kong and Taiwan. The route between Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport also holds claim to the title of eighth most popular overall, with 6,719,029 passengers flying the 498 miles in 2017.

The fastest-growing route is in Thailand. The route that links Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai is the fastest-growing route in the top 100. The route showed growth of 36 percent year-over-year with nearly 2.4 million passengers. “This research backs up forecasts that the Asia-Pacific region will be the biggest driver of passenger demand over the next 20 years. Such staggering aviation growth means it is the perfect time for World Routes to return to China,” Steven Small, brand director of Routes. “The event will bring together senior decision makers from across the world to plan new air services and discuss increasing the frequency and capacity of the existing routes that are popular with passengers. The negotiations in taking place in Guangzhou could pave the way to the busiest routes of the future,” added Small.

The top 10 busiest scheduled passenger routes in the world:
—Jeju - Seoul Gimpo (CJU-GMP)
—Melbourne - Sydney Kingsford Smith (MEL-SYD)
—Sapporo - Tokyo Haneda (CTS-HND)
—Fukuoka - Tokyo Haneda (FUK-HND)
—Mumbai - Delhi (BOM-DEL)
—Beijing Capital - Shanghai Hongqiao (PEK-SHA)
—Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City (HAN-SGN)
—Hong Kong - Taiwan Taoyuan (HKG-TPE)
—Jakarta - Juanda Surabaya (CGK-SUB)
—Tokyo Haneda - Okinawa (HND-OKA)

The top 10 busiest scheduled international routes in the world:
—Hong Kong - Taiwan Taoyuan (HKG-TPE)
—Jakarta - Singapore Changi (CGK-SIN)
—Hong Kong - Shanghai Pudong (HKG-PVG)
—Kuala Lumpur - Singapore Changi (KUL-SIN)
—Bangkok Suvarnabhumi - Hong Kong (BKK-HKG)
—Dubai - London Heathrow (DXB-LHR)
—Hong Kong - Seoul Incheon (HKG-ICN)
—Hong Kong - Singapore Changi (HKG-SIN)
—New York JFK - London Heathrow (JFK-LHR)
—Hong Kong - Beijing Capital (HKG-PEK)

The top 10 fastest-growing scheduled air routes in the top 100:
—Bangkok Suvarnabhumi - Chiang Mai (BKK-CNX)
—Seoul Incheon - Kansai International (ICN-KIX)
—Jakarta - Kuala Lumpur (CGK-KUL)
—Delhi - Pune (DEL-PNQ)
—Chengdu - Shenzhen Bao'an (CTU-SZX)
—Hong Kong - Shanghai Pudong (HKG-PVG)
—Bangkok Suvarnabhumi - Phuket (BKK-HKT)
—Jeddah - Riyadh King Kalid (JED-RUH)
—Jakarta - Kualanamu (CGK-KNO)
—Kolkata - Delhi (CCU-DEL)

Barcelona’s seaside beauty, sprawling beaches, world-class shopping, eclectic architecture, incredible tapas and Tempranillo and all-around zest for living one’s best life is no secret. The city famously presides over global travelers’ lists of “must see” destinations, inevitably enticing them with days filled with as much energy and discovery as the pulsating nightlife. Barcelona’s treasures are many and diverse, and have drawn attention beyond that of culture-seeking travelers. In fact, nine important sites in the city have earned the esteemed acclaim of UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Since the city is fairly easy to navigate, whether on foot or by the abundant tourist and public transportation options, one can certainly plan to see all or most of these treasures during a visit to Barcelona. And with more than a dozen luxury cruises calling there in 2018 and 2019 – many with overnight stays – I'm happy to give you plenty of choices and opportunities to check these remarkable sites off your bucket lists.

Fun Fact: Of the nine Barcelona UNESCO World Heritage Sites, seven are works by the city’s most famous son, architect Antoni Gaudí. They are listed collectively on UNESCO’s register as one enduring treasure, but are separate sites, boasting individual character and the signature style of the master, found throughout the city.

​From a former power station that houses monumental pieces of contemporary art to modern marvels of engineering that are as awe-inspiring on the outside as the art they contain, here’s our personal list for the world’s most spectacular art museums.
 
GUGGENHEIM, BILBAO, SPAIN
Built in a former shipyard, this titanium, glass and limestone building is one of the most celebrated pieces of architecture in modern times and placed the industrial city of Bilbao firmly on the cultural map. The museum is home to modern and contemporary art from all over the world. Expect irregularly shaped galleries, large glass curtains and unexpected design features.
 
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART, DOHA, QATAR
Designed by I.M. Pei, the same architect that designed the Louvre’s glass pyramid, the Museum of Islamic Art is a modern masterpiece inspired by ancient Islamic architecture. As the name suggests, the museum holds one of the world’s most impressive collections of Islamic art. From royal treasures dating back to the seventh century to ordinary household objects, every piece in this extraordinary museum tells a story.
 
TATE MODERN, LONDON, UK
Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the iconic space is now home to spectacular galleries that include the station’s original turbine hall, the boiler house and oil tanks. The museum is dedicated to international modern and contemporary art. From monumental pieces of sculpture to colorful abstract paintings, you’ll be surprised by the range of exhibitions. Films, performances and workshops are also on offer.
 
NITEROI CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
It took five years to build this museum designed by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, but this spectacular saucer-shaped structure now hosts one of Brazil’s most important contemporary art collections. Like a film set from a science fiction movie, the galleries hover over Boa Viagem beach. With its panoramic views, the iconic museum is the perfect home for artistic creation and dream-like ideas.

Contact All Inclusive Vacation and Tour Specialist Chris Rakes to learn more and  help you get there!

They say what goes around, comes around. As proof, once a favorite for stars and socialites, the beautiful  Caribbean Island of Jamaica appears to be a hot spot once again! It  continues to post impressive visitor growth with overnight, land-based visitor arrivals to Jamaica increasing 5.9 percent in the first six months of 2018.
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Jamaica hosted 1.25 million overnight visitor arrivals in the first half of 2018. Jamaica is one of only six countries tracked by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to exceed one million annual land-based visitors.
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​The increases came despite a January declaration of a state of emergency by Andrew Holness, Jamaica’s prime minister. The declaration authorized “increased security measures” to curb “crime and violence” in St. James Parish, which includes the key Montego Bay tourist district. In a statement, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) officials attributed the increases to quick, decisive and sustained initiatives led by Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s tourism minister, and Donovan White, the director of tourism, which successfully mitigated the possible negative outcomes from enhanced security measures implemented in the parish of St. James in January. “While the implementation of enhanced security measures did stir a whirlwind of concerns locally and internationally, several overseas partners welcomed the initiative as a necessary step,” said Bartlett. “[We] continue to support our nation’s security apparatus in their efforts to make Jamaica a safe place for all,” said Bartlett.

Jamaica has also benefited from strong hotel and resort development and investment, as major hospitality suppliers have targeted the island for future visitor growth despite the expressed security concerns. Several of Jamaica’s classic luxury resorts are slated for significant renovations this year, while both major and regional airlines have added new flights to the destination, facilitating the growing visitor totals.

The French town of Bergerac is equally renowned for its role in the love story of Cyrano de Bergerac as it is for its fine wines (not to mention elegant chateaux and a historic medieval center).

Monbazillac (pronounced moh-bah-zee-YAK) wines are those rare, sweet, lovely dessert wines that few Americans—even wine connoisseurs—have tasted. This white wine is often compared to fellow French late-harvest Sauternes wines and is even made from the same grapes— sémillon, sauvignon blanc and muscadelle. Monbazillac, however, has a higher percentage of muscadelle grapes and, thus, sometimes sweeter aromas. The wine is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC). Only grapes that are affected by ‘noble rot’ can be classified as Monbazillac; other regional grapes that are used for dry white wines are classified as Bergerac sec.

Lighter than a Sauternes, with a bit less alcohol content, a fine Monbazillac wine can become gold or amber in hue, with less floral notes and a spicier taste. Enjoy exotic honeyed notes like grapefruit, elderflower, quince, mango, passion fruit and citrus with a nutty aftertaste. It is perhaps most famously paired with Foie Gras but also enjoyed with various desserts, main dishes and appetizers. It also serves as a perfectly chilled apéritif. 

On a Bordeaux river cruise, you can visit the legendary Chateau de Monbazillac, a 16th century landmark in Early Renaissance style with some of the most magnificent views of the French countryside, to enjoy a tasting of this exquisite wine and guided tour. It is the perfect place to taste this somewhat secretive wine. Indeed, only roughly 20 percent of the wine is exported from France, with much of it going to Belgium and the Netherlands. Only about 5 percent is exported to the United States.

No Bordeaux river cruise would be complete without visiting the nearby Bergerac region. Forever linked with Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac (and subsequent film and television adaptions like Steve Martin’s Roxanne), the town celebrates its literary connection with two statues of the romantic Cyrano. There is also a wine house, which features a small exhibit on the history of wine growing in the region. One of the highlights is extensive medieval center and charming ‘old town,’ with lovely town squares and boutiques. The perfect marriage of wine and romance. 

​​Contact river cruise specialist, ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com to learn more and book your one-of-a-kind voyage today! She's been there!

Perhaps you've already stood inside the storied walls of the Colosseum or marveled at the chiseled lines of the statue of David. Maybe you’ve cruised through the most romantic of ancient canals. Even if you’ve experienced the highlights of Rome, Florence and Venice, there’s an entire country of diverse regions, people, traditions and cuisine you haven’t seen, experienced or tasted in Italy. And there is no better way to get to these picturesque towns, than with the insight and expertise of a local guide and ease of transportation; than on the right tour.

Touring is the best way to rediscover Italy. In the last year alone, not only did I go myself, but I sent several clients back to Italy to find these undiscovered places. Because I believe it is the best way to see Italy, I used tours that focus on those out-of-the-way cities.  These itineraries really get you to see the beauty of Italy often missed when you only visit Rome, Florence, and Venice.  Even if you have experienced the highlights of Rome, Florence and Venice, there's an entire country of diverse regions, people, traditions and cuisine you haven't seen or tasted in Italy.  It is not a "visit once and done" destination.  Italy is a place you can go to repeatedly and still want more! I'm already planning my next trip back!!

​ALBEROBELLO
Take in views of the "Trullo," white-washed conical-roofed houses. Created out of local limestone, these homes, which once housed peasants, could be easily dismantled and moved

​RIOMAGGIORE
The largest of the five fishing villages that make up Italy's Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore is one of its most romantic sights.Enjoy the dramatic scenery, colorful houses, and harbors filled with fishing boats. ​

New York City. Epicenter of many of the world’s top industries, pursuits, interests and delights. At your fingertips lies a grid-ed playground of diverse ways to indulge in international cuisine, world-class performing arts of all kinds, historically profound artistic and archaeological discoveries, and, of course, fashion. The streets of Manhattan are a veritable runway of all that is chic and cutting edge, inspired by the most current trends and inspiring those yet to come. Even department store windows – elsewhere merely static display platforms – set dramatic stages, inviting people to come behind the curtain and get into costume.
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In this epicenter of fashion, style evolves as quickly as the lights change on Broadway, beautifully chronicling prominent events, moods and phases of history. New York City is the place to be for any and all love the art of fashion, or even just love gazing at the diverse canvas laid out in the city streets, but the threads run deep here – deeper than what’s trending from Gucci or McQueen. In many ways, designers help us tell our stories through our clothing, allowing for endless possible expressions and personalities. It’s this nuance and philosophy of fashion that continues to intrigue and influence the world’s styles, and has for centuries.

For dedicated patrons of fashion and its stories, this fall, Crystal Symphony is the place to be. During a “Fashion & Style” themed Experiences of Discovery voyage, guests will set sail from New York City, spending two full days in this style mecca. Joining them on their journey, will be four preeminent experts in various facets of the fashion industry as it is now, as it was, and as it looks to the future. The 10-day “Fall’s Grandeur” sailing embarks September 25 and explores the autumn glory that is New England and eastern Canada at that time of year, beginning with the stylish beauty found in New York.
Along the way, explore the fascinating history and behind-the-runway culture of the fashion industry of past and present with engaging presentations from: 

Fashion Historian and Journalist Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell – Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell has worked as a curator, consultant, and educator for museums and universities around the world. She is the author of Fashion Victims: Dress at the Court of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette (Yale, 2015), winner of the 2016 Millia Davenport Publication Award, and co-author of Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915 (Prestel, 2010). Kimberly writes about fashion, art, and culture for The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, Ornament, and Politico. She has presented at the National Gallery of Art, the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Museum of London, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and is delighted to add Crystal Symphony to that list.

Fashion Institute of Technology Project Coordinator Ariele Elia – In addition to her role with the newly launched MFA Fashion Design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Ariele is a fashion academic in her own right. In her previous position at the Museum at FIT as the assistant curator of Costume and Textiles, she curated or co-curated a number of exhibits and assisted with the exhibitions Expeditions: Fashion from the Extreme and Elegance in an Age of Crisis: Fashion of the 1930s. Her areas of expertise range from cultural appropriation to fashion and technology and has published essays including, The Wardrobe of the Modern Athlete: Activewear in the 1930s and Ocean Exploration: Fashion from the Deep. She holds an M.A. in Fashion and Textile: History, Theory, and Museum Practices from FIT, as well as a B.A. in Art History from Saint Mary’s College of California.

Fashion, Textile and Costume Designer Emil Gampe – Vienna, London, New York, Los Angeles…Emil’s creations are as unique and varied as the many places he’s called home. As a textile engineer in Austria he designed and patented high-end textiles with worldwide success. As a costume designer, he started England’s version of Dancing With The Stars. As a fashion expert, he consulted with several designer brands and won the TV talent show Launch My Line in the US. As a couture designer, he dressed the world’s most prestigious red carpets including the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys.
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Designer Retail Expert Susan Stein – Susan knows what modern fashion enthusiasts like, and she’s an expert and making them look their best. Formerly the Fashion/Public Relations Director for Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and Connecticut, then Director of the Fifth Avenue Club in Beverly Hills and Director of the Personal Shopping Department for Bloomingdale’s LA, Susan has also coached up-and-coming designers as a professor at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles.

​You don’t have to go far to find an adventure and nothing proves that better than a visit to one of the U.S. National Parks. Each park has its own striking natural features, dramatic landscapes, and unique attractions. But it can be tricky to know how one park varies from another, or which you might like to visit most.

Yosemite is home to diverse alpine terrain, stunning waterfalls and lakes, and perhaps most notably, some of the world’s best rock climbing areas. The landscape is guaranteed to delight thrill-seeking travelers who can descend the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half-Dome, should they wish. Or, if scaling a sheer rock face isn’t really your speed, there are plenty of other activities to engage in – hiking, fishing, gold panning and biking.

While Yellowstone is home to many famed geothermal features, it is also home to the largest concentration of mammals in the United States. Its most notable inhabitants are grizzly bears, bison, elk, wolves and bighorn sheep. Here, it’s not uncommon to see bald eagles soaring overhead or for a family of bison to be strolling alongside the road, making it the perfect national park for those looking to safely interact with wildlife.

A few hours outside of San Francisco lies Redwood National Park, home to the world’s tallest trees. This park is the perfect escape for San Fran or Sacramento’s city-slickers (because we ALL need a break from the hustle and bustle sometimes). There are a lot of great hiking trails but if you’re not the most outdoorsy, this park is a great choice because much of the sightseeing can be done from the comfort of your shuttle bus or motorcoach.

Aside from being one of the most iconic U.S. landscapes, the Grand Canyon, and it’s many unusual natural features, is a photographer’s dream. The dramatic colors, ever-changing light, and burning sunsets make the Grand Canyon an ideal place to capture nature’s raw beauty. Try these few favorite spots to get the perfect snapshot -  Yaki Point, Horseshoe Bend, and nearby Antelope Canyon!

​There are a lot of beautiful mountain ranges in the U.S., but perhaps none quite as striking as the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons. While the park is open year-round, a wintertime visit offers an equally serene and adventurous experience, giving outdoor lovers the opportunity to snowshoe, cross-country or downhill ski or snowmobile against an incredible mountainous backdrop.

There is still time!  Contact land tour specialist ChrisRakes@totalexperiencetravel.com to help you knock one off your bucket list! She'll make it both easy and enjoyable.