Located on the French Riviera, Nice is the second most populous city in France, and it has a long and colorful history. From its picturesque waterfront to its vibrant culture, Nice is the ideal city to explore and experience. ……
One of the many highlights of our Azamara cruise was our stop in Nice. While I’ll cover Nice in a separate article, here I want to talk about our excursion to Saint Paul de Vence – a visit I’d highly recommend. Vence or St Paul or Saint Paul de Vence (it has been referred to by all three names) has been called the “second most beautiful village in France,” and for good reason. It is a few miles from the coast and about a 45-minute drive from Nice. But let’s start with some history. History Much of the ......
After years of protests and discussion, the Italian government has issued its bans on cruise ships sailing through Venice’s Giudecca Canal. These ships dwarf the ancient city and create waves that erode underwater walls & undermine the supports holding up the city. Cruise ships have long been sailing through Venice on the Giudecca Canal passing St Marks Square and several historic cathedrals. Ban on most cruise ships starts August 1 Starting August 1, 2021, cruise ships will be banned from using the Guidecca Canal. Instead they will traverse a southern lagoon and dock near the mainland at the port ......
A river cruise along the third-longest river in France, Seine, offers a fulfilling experience of history, art, food, and wine. Rising at Dijon, in the north-east of France, the river flows 775 km through the picturesque countryside, passing by many fascinating towns and cities until it finally empties into the English Channel. The highlight of the river cruise is Paris, the famed capital where you can experience wondrous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre as you enjoy the beautiful cafes and parks. The river’s stretch through the capital alone boasts 32 bridges – Pont Neuf being the ......
Lyon, France Rhône River Passing through many of France’s elegant cities and eye-catching landmarks, the Rhône River offers a rich historical experience. Starting from the Rhône Glacier in the Swiss Alps – at the magnificent capital Lyon – it flows through the south-eastern region of Provence before emptying into the Mediterranean near Arles. Wonder at the grandeur of Lyon – its many cobblestone streets and medieval architecture give you an authentic taste of the middle ages. As you get lost in the magnificence of the Notre Dame Basilica, don’t forget to try out the exquisite French cuisine. Journey ......
Passau, Germany on the Danube River Ranking below the river Volga in Russia, the Danube holds the title of Europe’s second-longest river. This magnificent stream of water flows gracefully through 10 countries – connecting some of Europe’s most renowned cities. A journey across the Danube provides an amazing way to experience the historical, natural, and cultural beauty of the gorgeous European landscape. Budapest, Hungry on the Danube River Starting with Hungary’s capital – dubbed as the “Paris of the East” – the picturesque city of Budapest offers a truly romantic experience. As you visit St. Stephen’s ......
Burg Eltz, Germany The Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers offer a magical tour of Germany’s history and cultural elegance. The best way to take in the captivating beauty of the vintage German towns, historic castles, and elegant vineyards is through an amazing river cruise. Each river provides its own set of scenic attractions and adventures that will take you back in time. Rhine Besides being one of the longest rivers in Europe, the Rhine River has unmatched cultural and natural beauty. The Rhine borders the fabled lush and fertile Black Forest to its south and west, while miles ......
During an Azamara Cruise we had a port stop in Sorrento, Italy, and while Sorrento is a charming old city perched on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, we wanted to visit the once thriving ancient city of Pompeii. As you’ll soon learn, it is a visit that everyone should take. Steep cliffs in Sorrento, Italy I should note that the drive from Sorrento to Pompeii is not for the faint of heart. The road hugs the mountain cliffs with steep vertical drops. We had expected Pompeii to be a lot like many ruins we have seen before - ......
Muckross House, Killarney National Park Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because of its luscious green landscapes and rugged coastline. Several cruise lines offer multi-day pre- or post-cruise land vacations that include a day or two in Killarney Ireland or you can easily visit on your own. Visiting the Killarney area it is a great way to experience authentic old Ireland and explore its beautiful geography. TOWN OF KILLARNEY The first settlements in the area began around 650 A.D. with the establishment of the monastery on Innisfallen Island. The monastery was active for 850 years. Over these years, ......
What it means for you Italian officials announced this week that they will start redirecting large cruise ships away from the historic center of the city. These ships will no longer be able to cruise through the Giudecca Canal. As you can see from the picture above, these huge ships are so massive they obliterate the view of this charming city. Locals worry that the wake caused by these massive ships undermines the wooden poles which hold up this city. Others are concerned about the overcrowding these ships bring to Venice. Regardless of your position on these issues, the ......