Join me for TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY weekly at 7:30 PM Eastern Time. This interactive, fun, and informative series will feature favorite European destinations, and travel hints learned from a lifetime of poking around the world’s nooks and crannies. I’ll also sprinkle in some of my favorite cooking recipes, wine tastings, and journaled memories. You’ll have a chance to chip in too with your own travel memories, dreams, and experiences.
Watch previous episodes of David’s Travel Talk Tuesday.
BEGINNING AUGUST 22-
DAVID IS TRAVELING IN EUROPE, SO NO TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY UNTIL OCT 25.
I’ll be leading tours and exploring Europe from the end of August until mid-October. I’ll be be back with new information and content presenting a live Travel Talk Tuesday on October 25, 2022. Until then, keep up with me on social media, and especially FACEBOOK, where I’ll pop in occasionally with LIVE commentary from where ever I am in Europe!
.https://facebook.com/ExploringEurope
.https://www.instagram.com/davidmcguffin/
.https://https://twitter.com/davidmcguffin
Previous TTT Episodes
| PREMIER DATE | CLICK LINK |
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| 1 DEC 2020 Croatia, Montenegro, and Cruising the Adriatic Coast– Go along with David and Charlotte aboard a small, 38-passenger ship, cruising Croatia’s Adriatic coastline. You’ll see what it is like to sail on a small ship, meet the crew, and virtually take a plunge into the crystal clear waters on our daily “swim stops.” We’ll be calling at Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korćula, and more. |
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| 8 DEC 2020 Volterra – Tuscany Off-the-Beaten-Path David chats with Annie and Francesco, local guides in Volterra, about the city’s history, the newly discovered Colosseum, Brunello wine, Christmas traditions, and coping with COVID-19. |
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| 15 DEC 2020 Northern Ireland Northern Ireland is situated on the same island as The Republic of Ireland, but it belongs to The United Kingdom. It has a totally different look and feel; a different “vibe.” Outside of the big city of Belfast, the country is mostly rural. Tonight, we will take a look at The Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Bushmill’s Distillery, Londonderry, and the docklands in Belfast. |
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| 22 DEC 2020 Christmas Markets in Europe Christmas Markets in Europe abound during the first weeks of December. These outdoor markets feature unique decorations, beautifully handcrafted arts, and endless opportunities to sample some great food and countless varieties of glüwein, punch, and spiced drinks, served piping hot in souvenir mugs. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has shut down many of these traditional markets for 2020. Tonight, enjoy a look back and a look forward to Christmas Markets in Europe. David also shares his recipe for glüwein. |
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| 29 DEC 2020 North Wales Wales is another member of the United Kingdom. In the north, massive Mount Snowden dominates the landscape for miles in every direction. Scatter around are medieval castles, quaint villages, beautiful gardens, and steam locomotives. Tonight, David will piece together a video montage of his favorite destinations in North Wales. |
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| 5 JAN 2021 The Tuscan Villa Experience 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. |
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| 12 JAN 2021 VIRTUAL WINE TASTING- MARCAMPO WINERY – TUSCANY (PART 1) David visits with Podere Marcampo owner and vintner, Claudia Del Duca, who gives a virtual tour of their property located in Western Tuscany. This is the first of two videos featuring the wines of Podere Marcampo. Tonight’s Travel Talk Tuesday features our recording of the event along with lots of information about Claudia’s wines from Podere Marcampo. |
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| 19 JAN 2921 VIRTUAL WINE TASTING- MARCAMPO WINERY – TUSCANY (PART 2) David and friends participate in an in-person tasting featuring wines from Podere Marcampo. Claudia Del Duca, owner and vintner of Podere Marcampo, “zooms” in to guide the tasting. |
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| 26 JAN 2021 David Explores Rome I guess I’ve visited Rome close to a hundred times in my lifetime, most visits being for two or three-day stints. Early on, I enjoyed the city as a tourist, following a tour leader or a guidebook from one landmark to the other. Later, as I shifted my focus from a tourist to a tour guide, I’ve delved deeper into the diverse layers of Rome. In this TTT episode, I’ll try to weave these elements into Rome’s historical landmarks, museums, neighborhoods, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. |
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| 2 FEB 2021 David Explores Florence No visit to Italy is complete without spending a few days in Florence. Tourists today can comfortably see the major sights and experience the city’s ambiance in just a few days. Regardless of the duration of your visit you’ll want to see the major sights, get in some shopping, enjoy a fine Tuscan-style dinner, and sample some gelato (the world’s best ice cream). |
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| 9 FEB 2021 David Explores Venice Join David as he talks about Venice, the floating city in Northern Italy. Visit the essential sights such as Piazza San Marco, The Doges Palace, and Rialto Bridge. David also shares his recipe for bruschetta and spaghetti alle vongole. |
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| 16 FEB 2021 Lake Como & Bellagio Set in the foothills of the Alps along the border with Switzerland, the lake is framed by snowcapped mountains. It sits virtually deserted in the winter, but by mid-March, crowds begin to roll in. Visitors come to hike in the hills or go boating and of course, they come for the incomparable views of the Alps. David also shares his recipe for Risotto Milanese. |
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| 23 FEB 2021 MILAN, ITALY Osso Buco recipe and cooking demonstration Duomo Rooftop Tour DaVinci’s Last Supper Starbucks Milano La Scala Opera House Grand Canal District Naviglio Grande Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II |
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| 02 MARCH 2021 THE CINQUE TERRE David’s introduction to the Cinque Terre Pesto Lasagna Cooking Demo and recipe Vintage Exploring Europe video from 2007 with David Niceville High School Singers tour the Cinque Terre Traveling by train in Italy David Explores the Cinque Terre 2014 video series |
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| 9 MARCH 2021 IRELAND- THE MCGUFFIN TOUR EXPERIENCE To truly understand a David McGuffin tour, you have to see it to believe it. Tonight we will document the journey of four travelers on David’s “Taste of Ireland” tour. Filmed on location in Ireland, we hope it will give you a sample of just what to expect on a David McGuffin tour to Europe. |
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| 16 MARCH 2021 IRELAND- ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION No one does St. Paddy’s Day better than those living in Ireland! Forget about dying rivers green, corn beef and cabbage, and men in kilts. Tonight, join David and friends as they explore Ireland in the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Filmed several years ago, this episode chronicles the experiences of several Marching Bands as they experience Ireland and march in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade. |
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| 23 MARCH 2021 – SOUTHERN ITALY Southern Italy is really off-the-beaten-path. A region that is still untouched by the tourist frenzy. Tonight, visit the Gargano Peninsula and the Adriatic Sea. In the Puglia and Basilicata regions, enjoy unique ancient dwellings, boat cruises, fortified castles, delightful dinners, and fine wine. Back across the boot, you’ll visit historical sites such as Paestum and Pompeii and then finish up on the amazing Amalfi Coast for some fun in the sun. |
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| 30 MARCH 2021 – ITALY OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH David takes you on a journey to some of Italy’s out-of-the-way destinations. Yes, Venice, Florence, Rome, and The Cinque Terre are must-see destinations, but Italy has so much more to offer when you are out of the hustle and bustle of tourists, museums, and big cities. |
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| 6 APRIL 2021 – THE BEST OF SICILY Join me for a virtual journey around the island visiting my favorite destinations. We will visit all the main tourist sights but often it is the cultural experiences, small villages, and unique destinations that make the most vivid travel memories. I think I’ve come up with a balanced mix of both. Beginning in Palermo, you’ll experience a lively and vibrant city full of colorful characters, ancient churches, and bustling markets. Then we will get out of town visiting the ancient Greek sites of Segesta, Agrigento, and Syracuse. Along the way, you’ll experience the culture, cuisine, and sense of community only found in small villages and hilltowns. Sicily will provide an intense dose of Italian culture supercharged with a Sicilian flair. – Your Adventure Starts Here! |
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| 13 APRIL 2021 – GREECE Part 1 In this episode, we’ll visit Athens, the Saronic Gulf Island of Hydra, Nafplio, and ancient Mycenae. Additionally, David shares his recipe for Tzatziki. |
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| 20 APRIL 2021 – GREECE Part 2 Tonight’s episode features some of Greece’s most overlooked destinations. Most tourists visit Athens, cruise the Aegean, or visit one of the popular islands, but there is more to Greece than this! We’ll begin in Delphi, the site of the ancient oracle who dealt out advice to Greek rulers. Enjoy Olympia, this site of the first ancient Olympic Games. Then get off the beaten path on the remote Mani Penninsula with a visit to the seaside village ofKardamyli. We will conclude with Greece’s version of “Mont St. Michel” with a look at the humpbacked island of Monemvasia. |
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| 27 APRIL 2021 – GREECE Part 3 Post Pandemic Tourism Update David talks with Nikos Theodoris and Greece opening borders for tourism on May 14, 2021. We’ll also discuss and virtually tour Athens, Nafplio, Skopelos, and Santorini. |
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| 4 MAY 2021 – Greece Part 4 HYDRA Greece has 6,000 islands. 227 of them are inhabited. Tonight, we’ll take a look at Hydra, located in Agrosaronic Gulf. Hydra is my favorite island, so far. Its close proximity to Athen makes it a popular destination for day cruises. But all you have to do is get one block off the main square, and you’ll feel like a local. Beaches and swimming spots abound, there are no automobiles, donkey and foot traffic only! When I think of a Greek vacation, this is where I go! |
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| 11 MAY 2021 – Edinburgh, Scotland, UK In this episode, we’ll discover the grandeur of Edinburgh, its Medieval Royal Mile, and the neo-classical Georgian new town. We’ll also talk about the cliff-hanging castle, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Royal Military Tattoo. |
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| 18 MAY 2021 – Scotland’s Highland & Islands In this episode, we’ll discover the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Visit the borough of Culross, see a sheepdog demonstration, cruise on Loch Ness, visit Culloden Battlefield, and experience the islands of Mull and Iona. |
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| 25 MAY 2021 – Barcelona- 1st stop on my “Best of the Med” Tour The Best of the Mediterranean is my tour route that weaves together three counties, five cultures, four languages, and some of the best scenery along the Mediterranean coast. You’ll begin with two action-packed days in Barcelona. Then, head to France to experience medieval castles, Roman ruins, and jet-setting adventures along the French Riviera. Cap off your tour with three relaxing days on the beautiful Italian Riviera. |
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| 1 JUNE 2021 – Southern France Learn about the France portion of my BEST OF THE MED TOUR. We’ll visit Carcassonne, Bonnieux, Arles, the Pont du Gard, Nice, and more. |
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| 8 JUNE 2021 – The Cinque Terre #TravelTalkTuesday tonight features the Italy portion of my BEST OF THE MED TOUR. We’ll visit the Cinque Terre, often known as the Italian Riveria. |
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15 JUNE 2021 – ROME’S BEACH LIVE ON THE GROUND POST-COVID-19 TRAVEL REPORTING I’ve traveled to Italy and Greece over the weekend (June 12,13,14) and tonight’s #TravelTalkTuesday share some of my recent adventures. I’ll be reporting from the seaside towns of Lido di Ostia, Rome seaside neighborhood. Join me as I take a walk on the beach, explore the town during its evening passeggiata, enjoy a fine dinner, and take a late-night spin on the town’s main square. |
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22 JUNE 2021 – Visit Artemida, Greece LIVE ON THE GROUND POST-COVID-19 TRAVEL REPORTING David takes a look at how Greece is pulling out of the Corona Virus Pandemic. Join him in Artemide, a seaside village near Athens, and learn about its people, culture, and its cuisine. |
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29 JUNE 2021- The Acropolis of Athens LIVE ON THE GROUND POST-COVID-19 TRAVEL REPORTING I’ve been to Athens many times, but this episode of #TravelTalkTuesday, I felt like a newbie. Greece has opened its borders for tourism and I’ve got 20 people with me on tour this week. Come along with me to explore the Acropolis, home to the ancient gods, temples, history, and culture. |
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6 JULY 2021 – Hydra, Greece #TravelTalkTuesday tonight features the island of Hydra, just a few hours from Athens by boat, but oh so far away from the big city life. It is no wonder that Athenians use this as their weekend get-a-way! We will explore the steep cobbled lanes, take a dip in the sea, have an al fresco seafood lunch, and take a walk along the coastline. |
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13 JULY 2021 – Robbery & Theft in Pisa My family and I were traveling in Italy. It was post-COVID-19 and just a few weeks after Italy had open up for tourism. I parked our van in the designated parking for visiting the Tower of Pisa. When I returned, the window was broken and all our belongings were gone. Here is my story. |
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20 JULY 2021 – Volterra, Italy #TravelTalkTuesday tonight features Volterra, Italy, and the surrounding countryside. We’ll set up for a few days at Podere Marcampo, my favorite villa-agriturismo in the area. Volterra itself is a treasure, with not much tourist traffic, old cobbled streets, good dining, and fine wine! |
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27 JULY 2021 – Santorini, Greece This week on #TravelTalkTuesday we will visit Santorini, one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands. Join me as we visit the whitewashed town of Oia, take a plunge into the sea in the famous “black sand beach,” and sample some of the best food and wine around. |
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3 AUGUST 2021 – Dublin, Ireland This week on #TravelTalkTuesday we will visit Dublin, Ireland. Ireland has just opened its borders for tourism on July 19th, so I’ll be reporting on how it going, travel restrictions, music in pubs, and more. |
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10 AUGUST 2021 – Rome, Trastevere, and Vatican City This week on #TravelTalkTuesday I will talk about my recent visit to Rome. Now is the time to visit! No crowds, great food, al fresco dining, and friendly locals. |
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17 AUGUST 2021 – Rome, Classical and Baroque! In this episode, I’ll walk you through the Roman Colosseum and Forum, and we’ll visit the Pantheon. Then, enjoy dinner at Ristorante Alfredo (home of Fetticcino Alfredo) and a look around Piazza Navona. I’ll also cook up some polpettine (meatballs) and spaghetti marinara. Finally, we will take a look at how Italy is doing emerging from the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Delta Variant. |
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24 AUGUST 2021 – Volterra Pandemic Recovery Report This episode of Travel Talk Tuesday features my recent visit to Volterra and Western Tuscany. Enjoy a fresh look around the town and countryside. Volterra, and much of Italy, is emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Here in the countryside, things seem almost back to normal. We’ll have a look at the recently renovated Basilica, enjoy a drink at my favorite bar, take a stroll through town, and spend some time in the vineyards at Podere Marcampo. If Italy is on your radar, now is the time to visit! No crowds, great food, al fresco dining, and friendly locals. David also shares his recipe for fresh homemade pizza. |
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31 AUGUST 2021 – Volterra – Vineyards, Wine, and Great Dining This episode of Travel Talk Tuesday will feature my past visits to Volterra and Western Tuscany. Tonight, we will visit the Etruscan Museum, Ristorante DelDuca, look around City Hall, and enjoy an evening of food and wine at my favorite bar, La Vene di Vino. If Italy is on your radar, now is the time to visit! No crowds, great food, al fresco dining, and friendly locals. |
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7 September 2021 – Florence – On this episode of Travel Talk Tuesday, I’ll show you around Florence, Italy, and help you understand how they are emerging from the COVID-19 Pandemic. I was in Florence last month, and oh my, how things have changed. No queues whatsoever at the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries. There were no crowds inside museums, although there was a long line to get into the Duomo and climb the Dome. If you’ve ever thought about traveling to Italy, now is the time to avoid crowds and enjoy the culture and ambiance. |
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14 September 2021- This week’s show features my adventures at the Dallas Travel and Adventure Show this past weekend. I’ll chat with my fellow travelers and introduce you to some new friends. Did you know Turkish Airlines is a major air carrier from the USA to Europe? How about a new tour itinerary to Poland? I’ll chat with a representative of the Polish Tourist Board. Finally, we will take a look at some really cool travel products such as suitcases, bags, drink bottles, and more. |
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21 September 2021 – Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria – Christmas Markets in Europe abound during the first weeks of December. These outdoor markets feature unique decorations, beautifully handcrafted arts, and endless opportunities to sample some great food and countless varieties of glüwein, punch, and spiced drinks, served piping hot in souvenir mugs. In this episode, we will visit my favorite Christmas markets in Germany and Austria. |
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| 29 September 2021 – Christmas Markets in Eastern Europe – Christmas Markets pop up all over Europe during the first weeks of December. This tour features Eastern Europe during the Christmas season. These outdoor markets feature unique decorations, beautifully handcrafted arts, and endless opportunities to sample some great food and countless varieties of glüwein, punch, and spiced drinks, served piping hot in souvenir mugs. But there is more to this tour than snow and markets! Enjoy visiting many destinations that, in the busy tourist season, are packed shoulder-to-shoulder with sweaty tourists. Traveling “off-season” means easy access to castles and sights in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Prague, and Nuremberg. There has never been a better time to visit Europe’s winter wonderland destinations. | WATCH |
| 5 OCTOBER 2021 – Cinque Terre COVID-19 Travel: Monterosso & Riomaggiore – In this episode of Travel Talk Tuesday, I’ll give you a video update on two of the five Cinque Terre villages. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world, and the Cinque Terre has made adjustments too. It is still crowded, but with Italians and Europeans, not so many from the USA and Asia. Join me a new a refreshed look around the Cinque Terre. I’ll also explain the new measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. | WATCH |
| 12 OCTOBER 2021 – Cinque Terre: Manarola – I visited all five villages of the Cinque Terre, in one day. This episode of Travel Talk Tuesday features my experiences in Manarola. Come with me on a walk through town, the vineyards, and even a swim in the harbor. This being early October, there are no more sunbathing crowds, Europeans on vacation, and cruise ships. Join me a new a refreshed look around the Manarola. | WATCH |
| 19 OCTOBER 2021 – Cinque Terre – Corniglia and Vernazza – Recently, I visited all five villages of the Cinque Terre, in one 10-hour day. This episode of Travel Talk Tuesday features my experiences at the end of the day in Corniglia and Vernazza. Ride the little shuttle bus to the top of town, explore the tidy little square, and sip an apertivo. Then let’s cap off the day with dinner on Vernazza’s quiet harbor. | WATCH |
| 26 OCTOBER 2021 – Procida, Italy – This tiny island is in the north of the bay of Naples, lying between Cape Minseno and the island of Ischia. With just 1.6 square miles of real estate, it is small, compact, and easy to experience in one day. Its 10,500 residents are actual locals, real people, making a living on farming, fishing, tourism, and running shops. In this episode, I experience and tour the island on foot and on a scooter. It was a lot of fun! | WATCH |
| NOVEMBER 2, 2021 – Ischia is an island located in the Bay of Naples. It is covered with mountains, lush green forests, and many thermal hot springs. In fact, most visitors to this island come to hike the mountains and relax in the thermal baths. This island of 60,000 people has six major towns, all scattered around the island’s perimeter. It is about six miles, east to west, and four miles, north to south. About 18 square miles. I recently spent four days here, exploring the island and checking it out for a new tour destination. I’ll definitely be back! I’ll also share my recipe for Polpette – Italian Meatballs. | WATCH |
| NOVEMBER 9, 2021 – Sorrento – I call Sorrento the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Perched high on a bluff above the Bay of Naples, it is home to about 16,000 residents. Most of these folks work in tourism, but you’ll find a good many farmers scattered along the hills and valleys, too. The town itself is medieval and pedestrian-friendly. Cobbled crooked lanes branch off the main drag, Corso Italia, and always are worth a wander to see what is around the next corner. Merchants ply their wares consisting of all varieties of lemon products, wine, olive oil, leather, hand-made crafts, and more. The main square, Piazza Tasso, is filled with open-air cafes spilling into the streets. All in all, Sorrento is an excellent place to hang your hat for a few days! I’ll also share my recipe for Chicken Marsala. |
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NOVEMBER 16, 2021 – Pompeii and Flatbread Pizza Pompeii was a thriving Roman city of 20,000 people in 79 AD. Then, on August 24, Mount Vesuvius erupted, spewing molten lava and ash 3 miles into the air. Within hours, the ash settled on the city and covered it thirty feet deep. The hot ash killed many people and buried the town for 1700 years! Excavation began in the mid-1700s, and today, we have a pristine look back at ancient Pompeii. During almost every episode of TTT, David prepares and shares one if his favorite recipes. Tonight, Flat Bread Pizza is on the menu. |
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NOVEMBER 23, 2021 – The Amalfi Coast In this episode, I talked with three friends about their travels during these pandemic times and learned a lot about their adventures in the USA and abroad. We also explored the Amalfi Coast of Italy along the Bay of Salerno. Finally, I share my recipe for homemade pizza. |
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SEASON 2: EPISODE 1 NOVEMBER 30, 2021 – Celebrating Season 2 Tonight’s episode marks show number 53, and the beginning of SEASON 2 of TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY.I began TTT a year ago as a means to drag myself out of the doldrums that COVID-19 and the pandemic had imposed on travel and my life. As we turned the page from 2020 to recovery 2021, no one knew what was around the corner. Fortunately, we did get to travel a bit this year. Tonight, I’ll take you down memory lane with a short look at the highlights of my travels and of my adventures on Travel Talk Tuesday. We’ll be getting into the Christmas spirit too with a preview of quaint towns and charming markets during the holiday season. Bratwurst and Glüwein are on the menu and I’ll share my recipe for the hot mulled wine. |
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December 7, 2021 – Munich, Frankfurt, and Strasbourg at Christmas time (Season 2 Episode 2) COVID-19, the ensuing pandemic, variants, and travel restrictions have caused many Christmas Markets to shut down in Bavaria, and temporarily halt tourism in Austria. In this episode, I’ll bring a live report from MUNICH, FRANKFURT, and STRASBOURG, all festive holiday destinations. Christmas Markets usually abound during the first weeks of December. These outdoor markets feature unique decorations, beautifully handcrafted arts, and endless opportunities to sample some great food and countless varieties of glüwein, punch, and spiced drinks, served piping hot in souvenir mugs. In this episode, I’ll share my live, on-the-ground, and real-time experience at Christmas Markets during the last few days. |
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December 14, 2021 – Strasbourg & Zurich at Christmas (Season 2, Episode 3) David shows you around the Grand Island, in Strasbourg, and Zurich. Traveling during COVID-19 is challenging but has many rewards. |
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January 11, 2022 – Chasing Christmas – (S2E4) David and Charlotte talk about their December travels to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Czech, Poland, and Slovakia. We called this trip our “Chasing Christmas” travels. It seemed that Christmas Markets were being shuttered day by day at almost every destination on our two scheduled Christmas Markets tours. Finally, we had no other choice but to cancel the tours! But, Charlotte and I still had our flights in and out of Munich, so we decide to fly over and make a vacation out of it. I’m glad we did! We found lots of festive holiday fun, and Christmas Markets as well. We spent five days in Poland exploring new destinations and fell in love with the country and its people. We had a great time every day, and tonight we’ll share a brief recap of our Chasing Christmas travels. |
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January 18, 2022 – Bolzano, Italy – (S2E5) Bolzano is smack dab in the middle of the Dolomite mountains, just south of the Austria border and alpine Brenner Pass. I’ve visited here in the heat of the summer and in the cold of the winter and enjoyed both adventures. Last month, we visited during the Christmas Market season, and even with COVID-19 protocols in place, it was as welcoming as ever. Lots of snow was an extra bonus for us Floridians! |
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January 25, 2022 – Castelrotto, Oberbozen, and Alpe di Siusi (S2E6) A visit to Bolzano/Bozen is nice (see last week’s episode). But, you’ve not experienced the Dolomites, unless you venture high up into the mountains. Oberbozen is a short cable car ride from Bolzano and provides a glimpse of the massive mountain range. Further, into the hills, you’ll find the village of Castelrotto/Kastelruth and the alpine meadow, known as Alpe di Siusi. |
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February 1, 2022 – Prague (S2E7) Situated on the Moldau River, Prague has long been a key city for trade in Europe. Decked out grandly by the Hapsburgs, it is beautiful and is home to the largest castle complex in Europe. I was due to visit Prague’s Christmas Markets, but they were shut down before the scheduled opening due to COVID-19 restrictions. I visited anyway and enjoyed touring the city in all decked out for the winter holidays. |
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February 8, 2022 – Europe’s Romantic Destinations (S2E8) Paris, Venice, Switzerland, Bellagio, Zakopane, and Santorini are great destinations, and they are even better when experienced with someone you love. In this episode, we’ll visit some of David and Charlotte’s best romantic destinations in Europe. Get a glass of Champagne and some chocolate-dipped strawberries and join us! |
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February 15, 2022 – Kraków, Poland (S2E9) I visited Kraków for the first time in December 2021. In fact, Charlotte and I enjoyed Poland so much we stay five nights in the country. Kraków is a beautiful city, and being there when it is all decked out for Christmas made it even more so. In this episode of Travel Talk Tuesday, follow me as we discover together what Kraków has to offer. |
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February 22, 2022 -VAX, NOVAX, RECOVERED? (S2E10) Who Can Travel Where in Europe in 2022? I was in Chicago, Il over the weekend selling our tours at the Travel and Adventure Show. Consumer turn out was much better than expected and we talked, almost non-stop, with Chicagoans eager to get out of town, forget COVID-19, ditch the masks, and go to Europe. I also presented a talk on the Destination Stage recapping what we did (in Europe) in 2021 and providing up-to-date information on the travel situation in Europe for 2022. In this episode of TTT, I’ll let you know where you can travel in Europe right now in 2022. What’s open, who can visit, and what are the requirements. |
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March 1, 2022 – Melk and The Wachau Valley (S2E11) Sitting on a hill, perched high above the Danube River is Melk Abbey. This Baroque version of the abbey was completed in 1736 and is well worth a visit. A school, monastery, church, and historic library fill its walls. Below the Abbey, is the little village of Melk, where the locals go about their business in an easy-going manner, except when the cruise boats come to port and drop off two hundred tourists at a time. Nearby, the Danube River meanders through the Wachau Valley, loaded with castles, vineyards, and charming villages. Join David as he shares his experiences in this beautiful section of Austria. |
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March 8, 2022 – Ukraine Geography & Zakopane, Poland (S2E12) – I’ll let you in on my sort-of secret find in Poland. We were finishing up our dinner on our last night in Kraków and our waiter asked, “Where are you off to now?” I replied, “I don’t know, what do you recommend?” She immediately said, “Go to Zakopane.” This little resort town is the jumping-off point to the Tatras National Park which is loaded with outdoor activities in both winter and summer. The town itself is filled with chalets, B&B’s, and cottages built in the Zakopane architecture style using lots of wooden logs, dormers, and steeply-pitched roofs. In this episode, join me as I discover where to visit and what to do in town, during the winter. |
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March 15, 2022 -KZ Auschwitz (Nazi Concentration Camp) Auschwitz opened in 1940 and was the largest of the Nazi concentration and death camps. Located in southern Poland, it evolved into a network of camps where Jewish people and other enemies of the Nazi state were exterminated, used as slave labor, and suffered through horrid medical experiments. David visited this site in December 2021, and tonight tells his story of the chilling experience. Registration is required to join tonight’s webinar. |
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March 22, 2022 – New York City Believe it or not, I visited Europe two decades before I explored New York City. But when I showed up in NYC for the first time, I was hooked! I was in NYC in March 2022 so join me for a trek I took in Manhattan and see how tourism is back in NYC. |
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March 29, 2022 – Switzerland Switzerland is on the itinerary of my Germany, Austria, and Switzerland tours. I love the Alps, and there is no better place to experience them than here. In this episode, I’ll explore Chamonix, Lucerne, Zurich, St. Moritz, and the Lauterbrunnen Valley. We’ll also introduce a special trekking tour for 2023 where I plan to day hike around Mont Blanc. |
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April 5, 2022 -BEST OF GERMANY-AUSTRIA-SWITZERLAND Tour Destinations Tonight we’ll look at David’s best destinations along his Germany, Austria, and Switzerland tour route. We’ll visit the grand imperial city of Vienna, famous for castles, kings, music, and cuisine. Then, enjoy a virtual visit to Salzburg’s famous city center. |
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April 12, 2022 – LIVE from Orvieto Orvieto has a rich history beginning with the Etruscans where they named this town Velzna. The Romans sacked it in 264 B.C. and it sat, abandoned for six centuries. After the fall of Rome in 476 A.D., invaders from the north arrive on this peninsula, terrorizing the locals and pushing them out of their homes. They ran for the hills for safety. Some arrived on the hill of ancient Velzna and sat up housekeeping, naming their new town, Urbs Vetus. It was from this Latin phrase, meaning “old town”, that the modern Italian “Orvieto” is derived. In this episode, I share my experiences in Orvieto during the last decade. |
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April 19, 2022 – EASTER in Europe & Scooter vs. CAR Over the years, I found myself in Europe on Easter Sunday. For me, Easter is important, it is the day we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the tomb and His promise to provide eternal salvation to all who believe in Him and accept His as the Lord and Savior. Tonight, I’ll share my Easter experiences in London, Paris, and Sorrento.
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April 26, 2022 – Atlanta Travel Show, Braves Game, and Heading Back to Europe I am flying back to Italy tonight. However, I packed in a lot of Exploring Europe in the days I was back in the USA. Tonight on TTT, will be brief. I was at the Atlanta Travel and Adventure Show this past weekend, and in addition to showcasing our tours to Europe, I got to attend an Atlanta Braves game in style. Also, I’d like to get your input on this idea… I’m thinking about going FaceBook LIVE every night for the next week at 1:00 pm EDT. I’ll be in Italy, and there it will be “aperitivo time,” 7:00 pm. Let me know what you think. |
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May 3, 2022 – Adventures in Italy – Week 1 of my 2022 Tours to Europe I’ve been back in Italy for about a week, and have really packed in a lot of experiences and destinations. In this episode, I’ll share my adventures in Rome with a stroll around the Trevi Fountain and a visit to the “Bone Church” Capuchin Church and Crypt. Then, join me in Pisa for a look at the town, away from the famous “leaning” tower. Finally, in Tuscany, we’ll visit Florence, the American Cemetery, and Volterra. |
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May 10, 2022 – Tuscany-Volterra-Siena-Pis-Lucca We’ve just wrapped up our first Tuscan Villa Vacation tour of the season. Although we’ve packed in a lot of Tuscany, there is plenty of free time to rest, relax, and explore on your own. In this episode, I’ll share our adventures in Lucca, a cooking class in Volterra, and a grand farewell dinner at Ristorante Enoteca Del Duca. |
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July 12, 2022 – Report from 3 months on the road in Europe David is just back from 8 weeks on the road in Europe. Travel is back and people are flying across the pond to experience many destinations. Singles, families, and groups were spotted in all the predictable locations, such as Rome, Paris, Dublin, and London. But the smaller locales still seem laid-back and in tourism recovery mode. Vax or No Vax did not seem to matter, and testing to enter a country were few and far between. Join David tonight as he reports on his travels, offers advice, and how the world has adapted in this (post) pandemic era. |
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July 19, 2022 – Florence’s Mercato Centrale and County Donegal, Ireland Tonight, we will take an off-the-beaten-path look at Florence, Italy, and County Donegal, Ireland. David is back home from 8 weeks on the road in Europe and will share a bit about his adventures. Plus, learn about his Best of Greece tour, the unique destinations, and how you can join him in October 2022. |
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July 26, 2022 – The Duomo of Siena- Part 1 David takes you on a comprehensive walk inside and out of Siena’s Cathedral. The Cathedral, known as the Duomo, was mostly built in the 13th century and is a fine example of the Gothic/Romanesque architectural style. The exterior sports a colorful display of statues, frills, and ornamentation honoring the Virgin Mary. Inside are finely-crafted inlaid mosaic floors and sculptures by great artists such as Donatello, Pisano, Bernini, and Michelangelo. Finally, the Piccolomini Library houses fine examples of “Gregorian” chant “hymnals” illuminated with richly colored graphics and 15th-century frescos chronicling local boy Aeneas Piccolomini, who became Pope Pius II in October 1405. |
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August 2, 2022 – Inside the Duomo of Siena- Part 2 David takes you on a walk inside Siena’s Cathedral. The Cathedral, known as the Duomo, was mostly built in the 13th century and is a fine example of the Gothic/Romanesque architectural style. Inside are finely-crafted inlaid mosaic floors and sculptures by great artists such as Donatello, Pisano, Bernini, and Michelangelo. Finally, the Piccolomini Library houses fine examples of “Gregorian” chant “hymnals” illuminated with richly colored graphics and 15th-century frescos chronicling local boy Aeneas Piccolomini, who became Pope Pius II in October 1405. |
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August 9, 2022 – The Top of Europe- The Jungfraujoch I’ve visited the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland many times, but I’ve never gone to the “Top of Europe” until my last trip. The Jungfrau (Mountain) soars high above the valley and surrounding peaks. The Jungfraujoch (mountain pass, literally yolk)) sits at 3454 meters (11,332 feet), capped with an observatory, restaurants, gift shops, and exhibits. Outdoors, it is cold, and snow and ice are guaranteed 365 days a year. The Aletsch Glacier flows peacefully down its southern slope towards Italy. Tonight join me as I share my adventure! |
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August 16, 2022 – The Louvre Museum – My Best of the Best list The Musée du Louvre is the world’s largest and oldest museum. It houses famous works of art such as The Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and countless world-famous paintings dating up to the mid-1800s. It is overwhelming, crowded, and impossible to see everything in one visit. Over the years, I’ve developed a route visiting what I deem to be the “best of the best” the Louvre has to offer. In this episode, I’ll share this route and the works of art along the way. |
