by David McGuffin | Mar 1, 2020 | Daily lfe, David's Journal
March 16, 2020 –
The COVID-19 Coronavirus has spread across the globe faster and wider than expected. Now with Europe and the United States almost on total lockdown, it is uncertain when life will get back to normal. Regardless of all the “news” erupting from our TVs and radios, I am still relying on accurate information coming from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the US Department of State. I will continue to monitor their websites for daily alerts on the status of the Coronavirus and its travel-related consequences. Additionally, we are fortunate to have many friends around Europe who continue to provide accurate on the ground and “in the trenches” information.
Friends in Italy, who just two weeks ago seemed not worried, are now in crisis mode. A report from a fellow tour guide in Berlin, just this morning, tells of Germany coming to a standstill and in full-out crisis mode. Unfortunately, it appears things will get worst here on this side of the Atlantic before they get better.
At Exploring Europe, we are taking no new bookings for tours scheduled to begin before May 31, 2020. By order of the CDC and the US Department of State, we will not operate any tours scheduled to depart from now until April 19, 2020. We are trying to cancel as few tours as possible but with the information changing almost daily, our decisions will be updated as needed.
March 1, 2020 –
The COVID-19 Coronavirus has been a hot topic for the last few weeks. There is no denying this Coronavirus is spreading across the globe. Experts tell us there is no way to predict how this will affect travel in Europe in the next few weeks or even months. Some suggest the virus will disappear as winter turns to spring, while others fear travel may come to a screeching halt in the coming months. Honestly, no one knows for sure.
As a tour operator, our primary concern is the safety of those who travel with us. Consequently, to make the best possible decisions, I am relying on accurate information coming from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the US Department of State. I will continue to monitor their websites for daily alerts on the status of the Coronavirus and its travel-related consequences. Additionally, we are fortunate to have many friends around Europe who continue to provide accurate on the ground and “in the trenches” information.
We have not canceled any of our tours at the moment. I pledge to monitor the news and alerts coming from the organizations mentioned above and make tour-related changes or cancelations as needed. Currently, the Department of State has issued a Level 3 advisory (Reconsider Travel) for all of Italy and a Level 4 advisory (Do Not Travel) for the regions of Lombardy and the Veneto. Fortunately, we do not have any tours scheduled for Italy until Mid-April. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to monitor the situation in Italy, and make decisions as needed regarding our tours in Italy.
As for the rest of Europe, the Department of State, WHO, and CDC have issued no Coronavirus-related travel advisories. We have tours scheduled in Austria, Germany, and Spain beginning in mid-March, and for the moment, we will run those tours as planned. Later this month, I will get on my flight to Munich and explore Europe for a few weeks.
by David McGuffin | Feb 16, 2020 | Destinations, Experiencing Europe
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Paris is my most favorite city in Europe. Grand boulevards, boutiques and outdoor cafés, lavish monuments, essential museums and, of course, romance. The home of the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower, and Quasimodo’s cathedral, Paris is a destination in itself, giving the traveler weeks of tourist options.
I was in Paris in April 2019, just a few days after the fire that destroyed the Cathedral Notre Dame. Gone was the jovial mood that, at any other time, would be in the hearts and minds of locals and tourists. It was replaced by shock and a sense of dread. The entire east end of the Île de la Cité, the island upon which the Notre Dame sits, was barricaded and impossible to traverse. Any other time, I would be leading my tour group around the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, and the surrounding area showing and explaining the sites. But this day, I became a tourist too. Rounding the corner out of a narrow pedestrian lane onto Rue Saint-Jacques, I had an unobstructed view of the burnt-out cathedral. My heart sank as my jaw dropped in awe! And it wasn’t just me, this was the look and feel of everyone on the street.
Now its been almost a year since the fire, and although there is progress, it progresses painfully slow. Recently, I watched a France 24 video giving a rare look inside the cathedral. The nave has been cleared, the flying buttresses supported by scaffolding, old stones and artifacts collected and cataloged, and debris removed from the interior. There is still no roof, and the interior is left open to the elements of nature. However, I suspect this has become a part of the everyday life of Paris. There is no telling how many more years or decades it will take to bring the restoration along enough to allow worshippers and visitors back in the old building.
Even without the cathedral, Paris has a lot to offer in and around the Île del la Citè. Whether you’re heading here for the first time or the twentieth, you’ll always find something new and exciting. Dive into its ambiance and become an explorer! A visit to neighborhoods such as the Marais, Montparnasse, Rue Cler, St-Germain or Montmartre will give new insights to the cultural diversity as well as a peek into the everyday life of Parisians.
But you may ask why with all the destinations that I’ve been to in Europe, why I chose Paris as my favorite city. Well, it isn’t easy, but I guess the first thing that comes to mind is that Paris is composed of a bunch of neighborhoods where I can get out and get away from the tourist hubbub. Yes, you’ve got to see and experience the big sights and attractions I’ve mentioned above, but there is much more to experience than another museum or another church.
One such destination to get away from it all is the Canal Saint-Martin, a canal built in the early 1800s to help supply Paris with building materials, grain, and other essential items. It is one of several canals in Paris that, after meandering through the city, empties into the Seine. I spent a morning here a few years ago, just walking up one side and back down the other. On my walk, I saw kids enjoying floating boats, balls, and leaves in the water, moms pushing buggies with babies out for a stroll, charming canal-side cafes, and bistros, and nightclubs that, although dead at this time of day, were bound to bring in the crowds late in the evening. It was so peaceful… no honking horns, traffic jams, or tourist crowds.
I also enjoy walking the neighborhoods around the Eiffel Tower, Champ du Mars, and Pont de l’Alma. Here, sandwiched between Rue Saint Dominique and the Seine are cozy 18th-century neighborhoods that are loaded with the real people of Paris. Some years back, I read Julia Child’s biography, where she speaks affectionately about living in a small upper-story apartment on Rue de l’ Université. I’ve often walked this street honing in on the specific building and wonder what’s going on in that apartment now.
Finally, at least for this article, Paris is a wonderful destination for dining. It doesn’t matter if you want a picnic on the banks of the Seine, a quick coffee and croissant for breakfast, or a full-blown dinner, there is no better place than here. On a recent trip, I’ve enjoyed dining at Constant Café on Rue Saint-Dominique. Owned by a locally famous chef who has several high-end restaurants on the same street, Constant Café is approachable and unpretentious. There is a small bar and a few tables on the ground floor. A steep stairway leads to a 1st-floor dining area that is always loaded with people. The menu varies and is rather small, but the food is perfectly Parisian, affordable, and yummy.
So, go Climb the Eiffel Tower, stroll the Champs Élysées, marvel at the architecture, see the grand parks or sit and enjoy the ambiance from a café window. But, whatever you do, slow down and experience Paris! It is one of the most memorable destinations in the entire world. Dig in, become a part of it, and go with the flow!
by David McGuffin | Feb 14, 2020 | Blog, Destinations, Experiencing Europe
Paris, Rome, Venice, Salzburg, and Tuscany are some of the most romantic destinations in Europe! What’s not to LOVE about these cities… good food, fine wine, enticing rivers, evocative museums, enchanting gardens, all laced in a rich history and dripping with decadent ambiance. Today is Valentine’s Day, and this morning I woke up thinking about these riverside destinations and how I always manage to find something I love about being there. Of course, it is much more fun if you are there with someone you love! Charlotte and I have many cherished memories in each of these cities. In the next few days, I am going to write a post about each of these destinations, so stay tuned. But for now, why not consider taking advantage of one of these discounted tours and experience them first-hand for yourself!
The Best of London and Paris
The Best of London and Paris tour provides an opportunity to settle in and experience two of Europe’s major capital cities. London presents a relatively stress-free introduction with non-stops flights from North America, almost no language barrier and easy transportation. All this coupled with our comprehensive itinerary and an opportunity to experience some of the best theatre in the world makes London a perfect beginning to this tour. The EuroStar high-speed train will zip you from London to Paris in less than three hours. In Paris, we’ve included all the major tourist sights and must-see attractions, but there is also plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the experience.
London – 4 nights in a centrally located hotel.
Paris – 4 nights in a centrally located hotel.
The Best of London, Paris, & Rome
The Best of London, Paris and Rome tour provides an opportunity to settle in and experience three of Europe’s major capital cities. London presents a relatively stress-free introduction with non-stops flights from North America, almost no language barrier and easy transportation. All this coupled with our comprehensive itinerary and an opportunity to experience some of the best theatre in the world makes London a perfect beginning to this tour. The EuroStar high-speed train will zip you from London to Paris in less than three hours. In Paris, we’ve included all the major tourist sights and must-see attractions, but there is also plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the experience. A quick flight down to Rome provides another cultural layer to your tour experience along with historic and religious sights.
London – 4 nights in a centrally located hotel.
Paris – 4 nights in a centrally located hotel.
Rome – 4 nights in a centrally located hotel.
Tuscany Villa Vacation
Join a small group of 8-15 people in Italy for a fantastic holiday in Tuscany. We will set up for seven nights at the modern 21st-century agriturismo resort near Volterra, Italy. This wonderful agriturismo “villa” comes complete with all the “perks” such as modern rooms, WIFI, air conditioning, plasma TV, and a private pool. This all sits smack-dab in the middle of a hilltop vineyard with broad sweeping vistas of the Tuscan countryside.
Each day we will head out to explore the sites and experiences within driving distance. Day trips include visits to Volterra, Siena, San Gimignano, and Lucca. But one of the joys of staying in a villa is to experience la dolce vita, the sweet life of doing nothing! So, we will have chunks of unstructured time to sit by the pool, relax, walk in the countryside vineyards and enjoy your vacation. We’ve also included a night in Florence, before and after your villa vacation, to help you ease in and out of your travels.
If you’ve been to Italy and seen the sights but were frazzled with a breakneck pace… this is the next vacation experience for you! You’ll feast on fine food, taste some wonderful wine, experience charming villages and treasure packed museums. My personal friends will serve as local guides welcoming you with open arms to their hometown. If you are looking for a real vacation… consider joining me in Tuscany for this vacation experience.
Florence – 1 night
Podere Marcampo near Volterra – 7 nights
Florence – 1 night
The Best of Germany, Austria, & Switzerland
We kick off this tour in the grand imperial city of Vienna, famous for castles, kings, music and cuisine. Then, you’ll have two relaxing days in Salzburg’s famous city center. A visit to Neuschwanstein Castle and nearby Reutte rounds out the fifth day of the tour. We’ll head to Switzerland for my favorite alpine village experience in the beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley. Then we will take a turn to the north and follow the Rhine River valley through the Black Forest to the cute little town of Rothenburg. Finally, visit Hitler’s first concentration camp in Dachau before capping off your tour with two days in Munich, the capital city of Bavaria.
Vienna – 2 nights, Salzburg – 2 nights, Reutte – 1 night, Lauterbrunnen – 2 nights, Rothenburg – 2 nights, and Munich – 2 nights
The Best of Italy
The Best of Italy Tour visits favorite destinations situated north of Rome. Beginning in Rome, you’ll visit the essential tourist sights and classic destinations. Then, travel to the delightful villages of the Cinque Terre where you’ll enjoy two days exploring this coastal region where the mountains literally fall into the sea. Volterra, my choice for the quintessential Tuscan hilltown, is sure to win you over to the “la dolce vita” lifestyle. Siena adds another layer to the complete Tuscan experience with its famous Il Campo and Duomo. Florence, the “cradle of the Renaissance,” will have you walking in the steps of Michelangelo, DaVinci, and the Medici’s. Venice, the romantic canal laced city, rounds out the big three tourist sites. Finally, we will cap off the tour relaxing on beautiful Lake Como in addition to taking a quick look at Milan’s bustling city center.
Rome – 2 nights, Cinque Terre – 2 nights, Volterra – 2 nights, Siena – 1 night, Florence – 2 nights, Venice – 2 nights, Lake Como – 2 nights, and Milan – 1 night
Sign up for any of these tours online and pay your $400 deposit. When we confirm your application, we’ll deduct the discount from your final invoice.
by David McGuffin | Dec 15, 2019 | Culture & Customs, Destinations, Holiday
14 December 2019
From the Munich Airport, it is a 50 minute S-Bahn (local train) ride into Munich (München) historic town center. The main square, Marienplatz, is alive with activity at any time of the year, but at Christmas, it is festive and filled with the Christkindl Markt (Christ Child Market).
This is Marienplatz. Notice the Christmas Tree, a very important item in any Bavaria town square. Each year, a “perfect” tree is donated from an alpine village in Germany and displayed and decorated in Marienplatz. The village whose tree is selected has the honor of serving their own special recipe Glühwein on the city hall’s courtyard.
The Christmas Tree with the new town hall in the background. The Neues Rathaus (New City Hall) is the ornate building towering over the square. Smack-dab in the center is the glockenspiel which puts on a “show” for all to see at 11:00, 12:00, and 17:00 every day.
Notice this souvenir mug. It promotes Munich’s Christ Child Market 2019 (München Christkindl Markt 2019). Munich and all of Bavaria were once part of the Holy Roman Empire and became the last northern bastion defending the Church against Martin Luther and his reformers in the 16th century. Therefore, Bavaria today is still heavily Catholic (almost 50%) when it comes to religion.
Every Christmas market has its own souvenir ceramic mug. When purchasing your hot drink, notice a placard stating the price of the drink and the deposit (pfand). This deposit ranges from €3-4 per cup. When finished, either keep the mug or return it to get your deposit returned. Often there will be a queue and sign for the mug return (pfandrückgabe).
Fröhliche Weihnachten!
If you found this article informative, please share it with your friends, family, coworkers, and associates. If you have something to add, just leave a comment in the box below.
Do you want to learn more about traveling to Europe? There is a wealth of information and special discount pricing on my tours at
https://davidmcguffin.com/.
David McGuffin is Founder and CEO of David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe, Inc., based in Middleburg, Florida. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube. David spends his time in Europe organizing and leading small group and independent tours to European destinations. In business since 2001, David has provided exceptional travel opportunities to several thousand satisfied customers. You can find out more about David and his European tours at his website, https://davidmcguffin.com.
by David McGuffin | Dec 14, 2019 | Culture & Customs, Destinations, Experiencing Europe, Holiday
The Munich Airport’s (MUC) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are linked by a big outdoor covered square, which during December, is turned into a traditional Christmas Market. “Christmas” in German is Weihnachts and market is markt. This adds an extra layer of festive fun to the already customer-friendly airport center.
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Last night was Friday, and the market was filled! Travelers, pulling suitcases, mixed with hundreds of locals out for a night the town. A Christmas market brings everyone together for a common cause… bundle up, visit with friends, get some authentic German “carney” food, have a drink, and enjoy the festive evening.
There are many locations in Europe where I often say, “You can’t do this in Middleburg,” my little hometown in Florida. Especially during the holiday season, we at home tend to get caught up in the hustle and bustle about shopping for relatives, attending Christmas parties, and going through the motions of the holiday, without slowing down an enjoying the experience.
The folks I encountered last night in the market were there to relax, slow down, shop, and enjoy visiting with friends. Stopping for a snack, Charlotte and I were standing at an outdoor table with people we did not know, yet we all had a good experience there together. There were a couple of young ladies at the next table with two Yorkie dogs tethered to the wrists. The dogs loved it! Perfect beggers and fierce to bark when challenged!
We are traveling around several Austria and Bavaria town this coming week, and I hope you will check in here often to see what’s going on in my world.
Fröhliche Weihnachten!
If you found this article informative, please share it with your friends, family, coworkers, and associates. If you have something to add, just leave a comment in the box below.
Do you want to learn more about traveling to Europe? There is a wealth of information and special discount pricing on my tours at
https://davidmcguffin.com/.
David McGuffin is Founder and CEO of David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe, Inc., based in Middleburg, Florida. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube. David spends his time in Europe organizing and leading small group and independent tours to European destinations. In business since 2001, David has provided exceptional travel opportunities to several thousand satisfied customers. You can find out more about David and his European tours at his website, https://davidmcguffin.com.
