Whew! Time to catch up!

Recent Mon Voyage trips to Central Europe and Ireland

I really didn't plan to undertake two Mon Voyage Small Group Trips trips back to back, but the universe had other ideas. If you happened to email me from mid-April through the end of May, you probably know it--I've been out of the office a LOT lately. I am thrilled two report that both of these European fortnights were unforgettable and that the weather gods smiled upon us almost all the time.

First Stop: The Danube

Or perhaps I should say stops--this first trip involved a river cruise, so there were several ports of call. We embarked in the gorgeous city of Budapest, where a dozen clients arrived to meet me for our music-themed ramble through the heart of Central Europe. Over the following week, we visited Bratislava, Melk, Salzburg, Linz, Cesky Krumlov, and Vienna.

It's hard to pick out the highlights. Our itinerary was specially designed with extras to delight music lovers, but every excursion on the menu offers something different to enjoy. 

My personal favorites were several but as for my top one? I can't decide: the singers serenading us after our tour of the magnificent opera house in Budapest; the birds-eye view from the castle at the Czech village of Cesky Krumlov after seeing the same colorful jumble on the river's curve in many of Egon Schiele's paintings; the spontaneous waltzing by my clients at Johann Strauss Jr's residence in Vienna; or maybe it was the visit to Fritz Wieninger's organic winery outside Vienna, which ended with my buying an extra carryon bag in town so that I could cram five bottles of his wine into my checked bag. And Schönbrunn Palace is always a treat, with its stately golden yellow robe against the Austrian sky.

But truly, the high point for many on the ship--not just my group--was probably the onboard piano recital generously offered by three of my clients (Ken IIsaka, Kathy Abrahamson, and Yvonne Liu).  

I will be leading another group on this same trip in November, and I know we will create our own lasting memories as well. (See below for details.)

Next stop: Ireland

At the end of my annual survey, I always include an open-ended question asking clients for suggestions of future Mon Voyage Small Group Trip destinations. In 2019 and 2020, I noticed that several people had requested Ireland. Well, needless to say, it took a bit of time for us to get back on track, but indeed we did finally make it to Ireland in May!

The first week was spent in an idyllic setting near Killarney, an elegant manor house occupied solely by our group. Catered dinners, good company, plentiful wine, a stunningly green and expansive property, and even baby lambs--what more could we ask for? During the day we went out to explore the southwest, from the legendary scenery of County Kerry's Atlantic coast to Muckross House, and from the Gap of Dunloe to the Tidy Town of Kinsale.

The second week we traveled on to County Galway, where we heard some fantastic traditional music in the city and also took the ferry to the almost mythical island of Inishmore, with its dramatic cliffs and charming carriage tours.

Finally we reached the big city of Dublin, but not without a private tour and lunch at the Irish National Stud. It was truly fascinating to understand the thoroughbred breeding and maternity program hosted at the Stud (and the lunch was quite tasty as well), and indeed it was unlike anything else on our trip.

In Dublin, we enjoyed some free time, a walking tour, a visit to the Book of Kells and Trinity College, and more. My favorite part was the Literary Pub Crawl, I must admit--the literary part at least as much as the drinking, ha ha! We ended the evening with a drink at Davy Byrne's, a pub which I had (yes, literally) seen in a painting at the National Gallery that afternoon.

How can you better keep up with my travels? 

Join my private Facebook group, where I usually post about my travels while they are happening or soon after. Submit your request to join here.

So am I back in the office? 

Mostly, yes, for the summer months, and they will be busy. (However, I will be in New York the week of June 19th.) My book is full with private trip clients (for Ireland, Portugal, Italy, the Galapagos, France, Greece, Spain...) and any further requests for 2023 are on a time available basis only. If you're thinking of private travel in 2024 or 2025, it's time to get cracking.

I am still taking bookings for the three groups I still have open over the next six months, but deadlines are fast approaching for these offerings! If you've never joined one of our Small Group Trips, you are missing out on some scrapbook-worthy experiences and some mighty fine company and conversation. 

The latest updates for 2023 and 2024 (click each trip for details):

Luxe Loire and Brilliant Bordeaux (October 2023): Mix and match packages available for the wine and food lover (or just the French culture lover). Four nights in the Loire Valley, a fabulous but laid-back Uniworld cruise on three rivers, and a VIP Grand Cru experience in Bordeaux. Only three rooms remain for the land extensions, and balcony cabins on the ship are selling fast! Bookings are expected to close at the end of June and extra rooms will be released, so if you have been salivating over this epicurean adventure, let's satisfy the craving and snag your spot tout de suite.

Danube Cruise (November 2023): This is the bonus edition of the trip I described above. And WOW, our AmaWaterways group is eligible for a $1500 discount until June 30th. That's major! That's worth singing about! This scenic river cruise is highlighted by special itinerary additions for the music lover, with optional extension packages for Vienna (with great performances on the calendar) and a fantastic Hungarian wine tour you won't want to miss. But never fear if you aren't a music nerd, this trip has everything, and there is plenty to do that will interest everyone. Don't let that June 30th deadline pass you by, though. This is an almost unheard-of promotion!

Vietnam and Cambodia (January 2024): It appears that there is still ONE cabin left on the ship and I would love it to be occupied by one of my favorite clients--YOU. People speak of this particular itinerary as deeply affecting them, and I can't wait to share it with my small group. 

Coming soon:
I will be sending out the initial brochure for our March 2024 weeklong city break in Amsterdam any day now, so if this interests you, please reply to let me know you want first dibs on this trip.

Also, by the end of the month or in early July, I will also be taking bookings for a week in Istanbul in May 2024. Again, if you want first crack at this one, let me know as soon as possible so I can add you to the opening list.

Á la prochaine,