Day 5 - Cruising on the Mosel River

This morning we finally have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Mosel River. Once again the weather is warm and sunny, with an expected high of 20 degrees. Perfect for sitting on the top deck and enjoying the scenery. The slopes are lined with vineyards and we wonder how they manage to work on such an incline which looks as though only goats could maneuver. The steep slope offers excellent drainage which makes the wine exceptional. Mosel Rieslings have become the groups new favourite wine. Did I mention the wine is included with our dinner each night. Even the non wine lovers have been converted.
This morning we are treated to German beer, schnaps and sausages. (our morning snack).
Then we head to the dining room for lunch. MMMMM good. Next, a walking tour. After all of the food and beer we are ready to walk some of it off. The ship docks right in the centre of Bernkastel, a charming town with quaint streets surrounded by timbered houses dating back to the 16th century. The ladies enjoyed their tour and shopping in the small boutique shops and are quickly discovering the unique products of the region.
This evening dinner is again a fabulous 2 hour experience with delicious food, delectable wines, excellent service and charming company. After dinner we are treated to a concert performed by local entertainers; La Strada. A very talented trio of young muscians. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the music performed by these gifted individuals.

Day 4 - River Cruise

This morning we board a train in Paris and head towards the Mosel River. The TGV train is smooth, comfortable and very fast. We stop in a small town of Metz for lunch then we boarded the bus to continue our journey towards the river. Our first tour of the day is in the town of Luxembourg. This is a small city but a very powerful one in Europe. It is a banking city with over 150 banks, at one time there were over 200. The city is charming and once again the weather is in the mid 20's. Perfect for touring. Our next stop is the American War Memorial for World War Two. The rows and rows of white crosses brings tears to our eyes. There are over 5000 Americans buried here along with General Patton. There are many cemeteries like this throughout Europe. We board the bus and continue our drive to meet the Amadagio River ship. This evening we are greeted with a warm welcome and delicious dinner. It's apparent that the food is going to be absolutely delectable throughout the week and the service wonderful.

Day 3 - Paris

Today was another free day to do as we please. The Visti Paris transit passes have sure come in handy for the subway and the RER trains (similar to our Go Trains). A group of us took a day trip to Chateaux Versailles. Two trains later we finally arrived. It's another hot sunny day and the temperature reached at least 25 degrees. Many of us were wishing we had our sandals and capris.
Versailles is a magnificent series of buildings with ornate decorations on the ceilings and walls and exquisite furnishings. Then there's the gardens, fountains and lake. Situated on many hectares the property seems to go on as far as the eye can see. Upon our return to Paris we found a lovely cafe and relaxed in the sun shine with a glass of wine. A great way to end a wonderful touring day. In the evening we went back to the same restaurant as the night before as the food was great, service wonderful and the weather summer like. We spent hours eating, drinking wine and reminiscing about our adventure in Paris. Tomorrow we are taking the train and bus to meet our ship in Reimich, situated on the charming Mosel River.

Day 1 - Paris

Finally I am able to get internet access to post some photos and stories.
Paris was absolutely fabulous. The weather was hot and sunny, the average temperature is 25 degrees and one day it was 28. It's like summer. Wonderful!

The first day we walked to the Arc d Triumph ,then took the subway to Mont Martre area to visit the famous Sacre Cour Basilica.
That evening we all had dinner together as a group at the George V restaurant around the corner from our hotel. The Meridien Ecoile is very comfortable and easy walking distance to the Metro and RER rail system. Paris is an easy city to maneuvre on foot or public transport.
This evening some of us walked to the Eiffel tower and others took a taxi. We enjoyed an evening cruise along the Seine river to view the city of lights,. The Eiffel tower looks magnificent all lit up.

Day 2 - Paris
We start our day with a 4 hour guided bus tour of Paris to view the main sites. Our guide was very informative and very friendly. Notre Dame Cathedral was ahighlight and we were given some free time to explore inside the cathedral and to visit some of the surrounding shops.
The shopping begins!
After the tour the ladies split up into smaller groups. Everyone had a metro pass and most had the museum pass. Some of the things the ladies did were: explored the Champs Elysee, visited the Toulerie Gardens, the Luuvre Museum, D'Orsay museum, went to the top of Eiffel tower and esxplored the shops. Some rested to get over their jet lag. That evening some of the women took in dinner and show or just the show at the Moulin Rouge. They loved it. Others found a local restaurant and enjoyed a leisurely dinner on the outdoor patio. Can you imagine witting outside till 1030 at night in April. Spring time in Paris is glorious.

Only 1 more sleep before we board the plane for Paris. I can hardly wait.
19 Wonderful women will spend 3 days exploring the fabulous city of Paris. Museums, galleries, the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame and the Moulin Rouge will be some of the highlights of our trip.
Then we embark on a 7 day Rhine River cruise on the luxury 5star Amadagio river ship.
I invite you to follow our journey by visiting my daily travel blog.

More to come, stayed tuned.

Check out our itinerary, click here to view European River Cruise

Paris sightseeing options

The count down is on, only 15 days till the Womens Travel Network departs for Paris. I've been researching sightseeing options. Here is my number one must see. Chateaux Versailles.

The castle was the official seat of power until 1789, but has since been seen as the unofficial seat. Also known as the “cradle of liberty” (Berceau-de-la-Liberté) it was here that the people of Paris made their stand against King Louis XV1, forcing the Royal Family to leave behind their life of decadence and move back to the true capital city of Paris.

The Palace of Versailles is surrounded by a number of spectacular groves and gardens which are scattered, in amazing numbers, with beautiful sculptures and fountains.

BRITAIN - Travel tips and information

BRITAIN: Exciting cities, historic places rich in heritage, stunning countryside and beautiful coastlines. There's a destination to suit everyone in Britain. Destinations and maps click here....

POPULATION: 61.4 million
MAIN AIRPORT: London Heathrow
CURRENCY: Pound Sterling 1GPB equivalent to 1.60 CAD
LANGUAGE: English, Welsh, Gaelic, Scots
MAIN TOWNS: London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast

COUNTRIES: Britain is full of contrasts; whichever direction you travel you will find a wide variety of landscapes and diverse cultures to explore. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are all unique countries with their own customs, cultures and tradition.
England is the largest country in Britain, and home to the largest city in Europe, 600 miles of beautiful coastline, and a population almost three times that of Australia. Guide ....
Scotland is everything you imagine - whiskey, golf, romance of the clans and a wealth of castles and historic sites. The Highlands area is one of the last wildernesses in Europe. Guide ....
Wales is different from other parts of Britain and just 2 hours from Heathrow Airport. With 400 castles, yet only one official motorway, you have to take things at a gentle pace. Guide....
Northern Ireland. Vibrant cities with shopping, nightlife and festivals, outdoor activities, fabulous food and unspoiled retreats where you can unwind, relax and recharge. Guide.....

HISTORY:
Great Britain was the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century and played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its peak, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy. Click to read more....

GETTING THERE:
There are many flight options from the major cities across Canada to the main airports in Britain. Air Canada, British Airways and Air Transat all offer direct flights into London's main airports as well as other locations in Britain. May to October is high season so if considering a trip during these months it is advisable to plan early.

CAR RENTALS
Hiring a car is a great way to travel around Britain at your own pace. You can use one for your whole visit or for a short part of it. You'll need to have a full, valid licence issued in your country of residence and held for at least a year (some companies ask for 2 years). If your licence is not issued by an EC/ECA country, an International Driver's Permit may be required. Check out the information on driving regulations........

SPECIAL EVENTS 2011 AND THINGS TO DO:
The Royal Wedding - On April 29th Prince William will marry Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey, London. The day has been declared a public holiday.
London Theatre - This year promises a number of big shows. Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium. A much anticipated musical version of the 1990 film Ghost, at the Piccadilly Theatre, directed by Matthew Warchus .
London theatre guide click here....
The Stage - The Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon. For a schedule of what's playing click here....

GETTING AROUND:
Travelling by rail - Britain's rail network is modern and efficient. It covers all the main cities as well as smaller regional towns. The network is made up of a few large companies, which run routes from London to stations all over Britain, and smaller companies running routes in regional areas. You can buy a train ticket for any departure point to any destination on the National Rail network at any train station. National Rail schedules and fares.....
Rail Passes - If you're going to make lots of train journeys, there are a number of Britrail passes available to help you get the best value. Click here....
Fast trains to airports - The Heathrow Express train is the fastest way to get into central London from London Heathrow airport. Trains depart every 15 minutes and take just 15 minutes to reach London Paddington train and underground station. Click here.....
The Gatwick Express train is the fastest way to get into central London from Gatwick Airport. Trains depart every 15 minutes and take just 30 minutes to reach London Victoria train, bus and underground station. Click here....
London Travel Card - unlimited 1 or 7 day travel passes for London's underground, buses and trains. Click here for info....

SIGHTSEEING:
London Sightseeing Pass - Free entry to over 50 top London attractions. Save up to £500 on entrance fees. Click here for info....
Great British Heritage Pass - Free entry to over 580 castles, gardens and stately homes.
Click here for info
Attractions in England - click here....
Attractions in London - click here....
Attractions in Scotland - click here....
Attractions in Whales - click here....
Family day out: Castles offer great family days out, with events, exhibitions and activities available in wonderful surroundings for the whole family to enjoy. For the TOP 10 family days out at Britains castles click here....

TRAVELLERS TIPS:
Free Mobile Guides - You can now get loads of top website information including destinations guides, maps, attractions, events and accommodation listings live and completely free to your mobile phone. Bye bye guidebooks! Free guides to your mobile....
Tourist Guides - Blue Badge Guides are registered, professional tourist guides who are passionate about British history, art, literature, and traditions, and know how to bring them to life. Tourist guides ......

GREAT BRITAIN'S WORLD HERITAGE SITES
There are a number of sites in Britain recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites : Hadrian's Wall, Westminster Abbey, Giant's Causeway, Bath, and Canterbury Cathedral to name a few. These sites range from natural beauties like the Dorset and East Devon coast to cultural riches such as The Tower of London and Stonehenge. To view a list of these sites click here.....

COACH TOURS Sit back relax and watch the British countryside roll out before your eyes on an escorted coach tour. Traveling in luxury motor-coaches and with the expertise of a professional guide you will travel further and learn more than when traveling independently. An escorted coach tour has one all-inclusive price, and there are many tour companies offering a range of itineraries taking you to all corners of England, Scotland and Wales.
Insight Vacations offers a variety of tours from as few as 4 days up to 22 days with their most popular tours filling quickly. When booking early you save: pay in full 10 months prior to departure and save 7.5%, pay in full 6 months prior and save 5%. Single travellers savings with Insights match program, they will match you with someone of the same gender so you don't have to pay the single supplement. Click here for Insights Britain & Ireland tour info....
Globus, Cosmos, Monograms provide a variety of vacations that address the needs of today's diverse travelers. Whether its fully escorted, premium or independent.
Globus offers luxury escorted coach tours of Britain and Ireland. Globus tour info ....
Cosmos offers affordable escorted coach tours of Britain and Ireland. Cosmos tour info ....
Monograms combines freedom and helpful assistance so you get more fun and less hassle with your vacation. Book on select 2011 Europe Vacations and save $200. Monograms tour info ....
Trafalgar offers a variety of travel experiences: first class escorted coach tours, CostSaver tours, At Leisure and Family Experiences. Trafalgar tour info....
Collette offersa variety of travel styles: educational, small group and family tours. For tours click on the following Educational, Family vacations, Scotland, Wales

Contact Womens Travel Network if you require assistance with planning your trip to Britain.
P: 905-771-8338 or toll free 1-888-419-0118
Email: info@womenstravelnetwork.ca