Tag Archives: Europe

Oberammergau and the History of the Passion Play

Nearly 400 years ago the history of the Passion Play began.  In 1633 the Oberammergau villagers promised to perform the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every tenth year, in so far as no one was to die of the plague anymore.  The villagers were answered by God and therefore in 1634 the first Passion […]

A Whirl through Europe – My Contiki Experience

I recently returned from my very first trip to Europe – and I have to say, I couldn’t have traveled with better suited company for my age group like Contiki Tours! My whirl through Germany, Switzerland, and Austria was filled with off the beaten path adventures, making my experience more personal, local, and unforgettable. I […]

Disney inspired trip ideas

Disney movies have always taught us that dreams really do come true! Lucky for us, many of these movies are inspired by real places and experiences that you can have for yourself!!!  One might need to trade in their magic carpet for an airplane though! Thank you to Jamie Ditaranto at Smart Traveler for these […]

Short List – Refined Travel Experiences

From capturing the sounds of Alaskan wildlife using specialized microphones to being cosseted by your personal butler on an expedition cruise in Bali, luxury travel has reached a whole new level of sophistication. Cruise lines are taking their all-inclusive mantras on shore and suite living to another dimension, while small-group journeys lead you beyond the […]

Missy Skoog’s visit to Vienna, Austria

Vienna, the city of music and was home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert & Johann Strauss.  Vienna – a romantically imperial city: Vienna is a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in history. Sightseeing opportunities are to be found in abundance. Wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, view […]

Missy Skoog’s visit to Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg, Germany city hall

On my recent trip to Hamburg, Germany, I discovered a city rich in history, culture, and maritime charm. As the second-largest city in Germany and the eighth largest in the European Union, Hamburg offers a unique mix of old-world architecture and modern vibrancy. One of my first stops was Alster Lake, a serene oasis in […]

Missy Skoog’s visit to Berlin, Germany

Visiting Berlin, Germany, was like stepping into a dynamic city where history, culture, and modernity intersect in fascinating ways. From the moment we arrived, the city’s energy was palpable, with a mix of iconic landmarks, vibrant street art, and cutting-edge design. We started our journey at the Brandenburg Gate, where we stood in awe of […]

Missy Skoog’s visit to Brussels, Belgium

The Grand Place or Grote Markt is the central square of Brussels. It is surrounded by guildhalls, the city’s Town Hall, and the Breadhouse. The square is the most important tourist destination and most memorable landmark in Brussels

Brussels, the vibrant capital of Belgium, is quickly emerging as one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for weekend getaways and holidays. While the city is renowned for its world-famous chocolates, beers, and delicious waffles, there’s so much more to explore beyond its culinary delights. As the heart of European culture, Brussels is often referred to […]

Missy Skoog’s trip to Frankfurt, Germany

Half Timbered houses in Frankfurt Germany

Thrusting, dynamic FRANKFURT is the beating heart of Germany’s financial sector and home to the European Central Bank. It has an impressive skyline bristling with eye-catching skyscrapers, earning it the nickname Mainhattan, while business travelers flock here for the trade shows, which include the world’s largest book fair. It’s an important transport hub too, with Germany’s busiest Autobahn […]

Missy Skoog’s visit to Florence, Italy

Arno River in Florence Italy

Florence, the City of the Lily, is where the Renaissance was born, forever altering the way we perceive art, culture, and history. This timeless city continues to captivate travelers, offering stunning views, exceptional art, and rich history. Florence’s understated beauty lies in its grand yet unpretentious palaces, built from local stone, which take on a […]

Missy Skoog’s visit to Vatican City

St. Peter’s Square view of Pope’s residence to the right and St. Peter’s basilica to the left

Visiting Vatican City felt like stepping into a living masterpiece—every corner exuding centuries of art, history, and spiritual significance. As we entered through the grand Vatican Museums, we were immediately awestruck by the sheer scale and beauty of the collection, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces. The Sistine Chapel was the highlight of our visit, […]

Discover the Striking Beauty of Slovakia and the Czech Republic

Prague

Twenty-five years ago, the Velvet Revolution ended more than 40 years of communist rule in Czechoslovakia, which subsequently divided peacefully four years later to form Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Today, these two central European countries offer travelers a combination of extraordinary history, modern sophistication and natural paradise. Since Slovakia and the Czech Republic are […]

Missy’s trip to Venice Italy

Venice, the iconic city of canals, draws visitors from around the world for its breathtaking beauty, unique charm, and timeless allure. This magical destination, known for its intricate waterways and historic architecture, feels almost too perfect to be real. Despite its fragility and the overwhelming number of tourists, Venice remains a vibrant, living city with […]

Missy’s European River cruise in the south of France

Tournon France on Uniworld river cruise

Embark on a sensory journey through southern France, where Côtes du Rhône wine, Crêpes Suzette, and breathtaking landscapes await. Follow in the footsteps of artistic legends like Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin as you cruise the stunning Rhône and Saône rivers, uncovering hidden treasures from the majestic Palace of the Popes to a historic Roman […]

Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen

A beautiful view into downtown Copenhagen from room 1930 at Radisson Blu Scandinavia

Our 3 night stay in Copenhagen would be at the 4-star Radisson Blue Scandinavia. The hotel was about a 15 minute ride from the airport and a short 10-15 minute walk into the city. This is a 100% non-smoking facility but they do offer a little smoking room outside for guests to use. The hotel […]