Bellagio hotels on Italy’s beautiful Lake Como

A favorite summer getaway of well-heeled Italians and Europeans alike, Lake Como is just plain gorgeous.  The sparkling water is backed by snow-capped Alps and lined with luxurious villas and dreamy gardens.  The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, and the town of Bellagio is located where the lake forks. It’s arguably the most …

Paris’s best pastries — a guide to the top patisseries

Pastries are one of the best parts of visiting Paris. If you’ve never had French pastries fresh from a patisserie, you have no idea what you’re missing. Although some of the best patisseries in Paris will now ship their goodies, nothing can compare with going into one of these beautiful shops and selecting the perfect …

Paris’s best pastries — a guide to the top patisseries.

Pastries are one of the best parts of visiting Paris. If you’ve never had French pastries fresh from a patisserie, you have no idea what you’re missing. Although some of the best patisseries in Paris will now ship their goodies, nothing can compare with going into one of these beautiful shops and selecting the perfect …

Arles France travel tips

We’ve recently returned from Provence and the French Riviera, and Arles was one of our favorite spots. The city first flourished under Roman rule – and there are several impressive sites dating from Roman times, impressive medieval architecture, and delightful squares where you can enjoy a meal or a glass of wine. Virtually everything is …

Tulip Time European river cruises in Holland

European river cruises have a lot going for them – wonderful scenery, intimate experiences, and hassle-free shore excursions that don’t involve tenders or long bus rides. No wonder they’re gaining in popularity every year. One of the most enjoyable European river cruises is a “tulip time” cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium when the spring …

Bergamo hotels that make it easy to explore the charming, medieval part of the city

One of the most attractive cities in Lombardy, Bergamo is a brief train ride from Milan. Nestled in the hills of the Bergamese Alps, the medieval upper city, or Bergamo Alta, is reached by a funicular from the lower town. Bergamo is something of a hidden treasure, and it has much to offer travelers — …