Australia Is Alive and Well

Posted by Justin Murphy

October 22, 2020 at 6:00 AM

Cute Koala in Sydney, Australia
 
Thursday, February 13th I packed up my bags and was chauffeured to the airport by dear old mom for an adventure I will not soon forget. I was spoiled by American Airlines with roundtrip Business Class airfare to LAX which included priority check in. That along with my CLEAR membership and TSA Pre-check it took a total of 12 minutes from getting out of the car to sitting down at my gate. I am loving the new terminal in New Orleans.
 
Arriving in LAX we were allowed entry into the American Airlines Flagship Business Lounge which was a treat in itself. It was adorned with modern decor, amazing food, and premium liquors. For a longer layover this was just what I needed to sit and relax before my long haul flight to Sydney, Australia. As if this wasn't enough of a treat when I boarded the flight to experience the AA Flagship Business Class with fully reclining seats I WAS IN HEAVEN for my 14 hour flight! It truly flew by and I landed feeling like I had a full night's sleep and ready to take on the day.

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Day 1: Settling into Sydney, we were whisked to the Hyatt Regency Sydney in a private luxury  van. After checking in to our rooms and dropping off our bags we hit the ground running boarding a luxurious yacht for a cruise around theHarbor enjoying Sydney's famous sights from the water. Our first stop was Doyle's at Watson's Bay for a quick appetizer which was absolutely delicious. After a few drinks and some fresh calamari we embarked on our journey to Balmoral Beach for our main course. After some wine and some delicious grub we boarded the ship and made our journey back to the wharf. We had a couple hours to relax and unpack before our own private 6 course dining experience hosted by the Hotel Manager and executive chef. The food was to die for. My favorite part of the meal was the wagyu beef cooked to perfection ...it melted in my mouth. Having eaten my entire body weight in delicious food today I decided to call it an early night before an early morning of adventure.

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Day 2: Sydney Harbor Highlights, we woke up at the crack of dawn to get our own private Backstage Tour of the Sydney Opera House. This was one of the coolest tours I have ever been on. We explored the hallowed theatres and foyers where more than 1600 concerts, operas, dramas and ballets take place each year and our experienced guide lead us through every aspect of the building’s 14-year creation and 58-year history. Running our hands over the world-famous shell tiles, taking a seat in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs and marvel at the vaulted ceilings of one of the biggest pillar-free chambers in the world. 
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Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia

Something Beautiful Always Emerges On The Other Side

Posted by Tammy Murphy

March 28, 2020 at 1:04 PM

 

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   There is always something beautiful on the other side

Search the photo above and let me know if you spot something beautiful that happened on the other side of a very difficult time in Venice.  Have you ever seen a photo of Venice without that DOME? In fact, I can't really imagine sailing into Venice without seeing that gorgeous Basilica.  The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica of St. Mary of Health) welcomes you to Venice at the junction of Grand Canal and Bacino di San Marco lagoon.   It is so amazing and can be seen from all over the city.  

It's iconic of Venice.  The striking Basilica in the foreground is a symbol of gratitude!!   Did you know that it was built in 1631 to celebrate the end of the unusual outbreak of the plaque responsible for so much loss of life of the Veneto population.  I was told it took 56 years to build and was built to THANK MARY for her prayers of intercession to end the plaque.

I hope when you go to Venice you get the opportunity to visit this beautiful octagonal basilica built on a platform made of thousands of wood piles and located in the Dorsoduro area.  As you walk up to it, you are overwhelmed at the height and you may miss the statue of the Virgin Mary presiding over the church.  There are additional statues of Mark, Luke, Matthew and John.  The great dome represents her crown, the vast interior her womb, the eight sides are the eight points of her symbolic star.  You can visit two small chapels on its sides, and don't miss in the sacristy there is a beautiful  canvas called "Marriage at Cana".  

In November each year, there is also an annual celebration called the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin wherein they walk from San Marco to La Salute across the Grand Canal on a specially constructed pontoon bridge for a service of thanksgiving.  

I LOVE stories of how Italians are filled with gratitude and always honoring Mary.  I know that in these uncertain times we can be filled with doubt and fear, but we know from stories in the bible and history books that we always rise higher and better on the other side of adversity.   We are ALL in this together and there is a future full of hope for all of us.  Let's be kind and help each other along the way.  

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Sharing a little happy picture of my grand demonstrating what to do when life gives you lemons.

 

  • Stay Healthy
  • Stay at Home
  • Stay Strong !!!
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Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia

Can You Imagine

Posted by Tammy Murphy

March 27, 2020 at 12:57 PM

I pray that you and your family are healthy and staying strong and at peace!  Please be safe and take care of yourself.

 

Try to remember that stress and fear are more dangerous to your immune system so let's discuss a few ways to reduce stress/fear.

 

I know everyone is facing a temporary "new normal" right now and one of the biggest issues may be feeling like you have lost control of your life and the freedoms we typically take for granted.  That is totally UNDERSTANDABLE!  Believe me, I'm feeling it too.   What I have to remind myself (and others remind me too lol)... recognize what I can and can't control.   Let the "Can'ts" go!  Focus on the
"Cans".  I've started a list here to get you started ... what are some of your suggestions? Reply to this newsletter and  I can share with others next week, how are you letting go of what you can't control and moving forward as an inspiration to others...

I CAN'T CONTROL:

-wheher or not others follow the rules of social distancing, but i CAN be sure that I and my immeditae family, follow CDC recommendations.  The sooner we contain this virus, the sooner "normal" will return.

 

-the actions and attitudes of others, but I CAN control my own actions and be sure that they are being tempered with a little extra KINDNESS, GENEROSITY and GRACE.

 

-the amount of toilet paper on the grocery store shelves, but I CAN choose to only take what I need and not hoard that  or any other important supplies so that others can have access as well.

 

-the sensationalism and constant barrage of negative news stories that incite anxiety, but I CAN control what I see by limiting my exposure to updates from a trusted source and filtering out all of the clutter.  TURN OFF THE TV NEWS!!

 

-when schools will open again, but WE CAN do the best that I can to be sure kids have some structure, good nutrition, a reasonable schedule, time to play, creative projects and lots of attention & love.  Children get anxious too and they look to us for cues.  (My fb newsfeed is filled with wonderful stories of moms killing it with the homeschooling-I'm so impressed-drop a line to a mom and tell her she's got this).

 

-how long this will last, but I CAN choose to be part of the solution and stay well by social distancing, hydrating, exercising, eating healthily, restign and finding fun things to do at home.  THIS TOO SHALL PASS, and you want to be in better shape when it does, more than ever before!

 

-not being able to physically hang out with friends, coworkers and family members, but I CAN keep socially networking using video chats, emails, thoughtful social media posts, telephone or ZOOM calls.  Our bodies may be isolated, but our SOULS NEED CONNECTION, so keep reaching out in more creative ways.  

 

-the restrictions on travel right now, but I CAN provide you with inspiration so that you keep your dreams alive.  The time will come when you can take that trip that you have been wanting to take, and I WILL BE HERE ready and waiting to help you make it happen!

 

In troubling or uncertain times, it is so hard to see the other side-but its not far away-I can just see it.

 

Please please read below as I share with you a story I learned on my first trip to Venice.  It is the most beautiful example of seeing something of beauty after a very long troubling time.  Email me if you already knew this or you're surprised!!

 

AND I CAN'T WAIT to hug people again-especially this little one and her sister!!

 

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Sharing a little happy picture of my grand demonstrating what to do when life gives you lemons.

 

  • Stay Healthy
  • Stay at Home
  • Stay Strong !!!
Read more

Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia

Keep On Dreaming

Posted by Tammy Murphy

March 23, 2020 at 11:28 AM

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“Stay home and hunker down” are not words that I, as a travel professional AND world traveler myself, ever thought I would give as advice. However, with the current COVID-19 situation and the need to be responsible, I totally understand that we all must socially distance ourselves and our family right now to help reduce the impact of this nasty new virus.

But, while I am willingly advising people to NOT travel over the next weeks, I feel very strongly that we will all get through this together and the world will once again open its arms to receive curious visitors. So, while we may not be actively traveling, it is vitally important to keep on DREAMING about your next vacation or adventure.

Since we are staying home, and most schools are closed as well, I thought I would add to the list of travel-themed movies that I sent last week.  These moveis can easily be found with the many streaming services that are out there.  What better way to spend a couple of hours with your family than watching together, dreaming together and getting inspiration for your next trip

 

 (click here for last week list) 

 

  • P.S. I Love You (2007) A young widow discovers that her late husband has left her messages intended to help ease her pain and start a new life.  Ireland is the star!  In honor of St. Patrick's Day.
    NOTE:  Read featured item below for some Irish inspiration
  • Letters to Juliet (2010):  Traveling to Verona, Italy with her busy fiancé, a young American journalist gets involved in an adventure based on a love letter a tourist left at the monument to Romeo & Juliet's unrequired love.
  • The Way (2010) - An American father takes the journey on the Camino del Santiago to understand what happened with his son, who died while attempting the journey himself. The beauty of France and Spain is prominently featured.

And especially for the kids (but parents will like these too!)

  • Brave (Disney):  A great adventure story based in Scotland that also teaches girls that they don't need that handsome prince to be awesome.
  • Moana (Disney):  The young daughter of the village chief discovers her calling and purpose by rescuing her Hawaiian island from an angry goddess with the entertaining help of the demigod, Maui. 
  • The Sound of Music:  Need I say more? The adventures of the Von Trapp family and their nanny, Maria, set in pre-WWII Austria.  A classic!
  • Madeline:  Lost in Paris:  A young schoolgirl in Paris embarks on many misadventures that cause her fellow students and teachers many headaches.  Based on the book series.

    So, pop some popcorn and cozy up on the couch together and start dreaming!  This social distancing thing is looking better already!

    When the world calms down and you are ready to turn your new travel dreams into reality, I am here to make it effortless for you….Keep on Traveling!!!

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Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia

When life gives you Lemons

Posted by Tammy Murphy

March 16, 2020 at 8:35 AM

 

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1. Take a deep breath

Let's talk about YOU!!!  YOU DESERVE THIS TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!  Your decision to travel to Europe was not made in haste and I hope you won't try to make the decision to postpone in haste either.  You have worked so hard for this, and in some cases we been have designing and planning this TRIP OF A LIFETIME or MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY trip for  over a year!  So I feel it is my responsibility as your advisor not to give up until we have discussed all of your options.

 

2. Let's Remain Calm

You hired me as your travel advisor and my entire team and I are here for you.  I have shared my personal cell number with each of you so that while  you're traveling you have  VIP's service and support 24/7. As an added benefit during your travels, I share phone numbers for my travel partners in your destination in case you need to make direct contact with them.   

In addition, during this situation, I have extended my accessibility (with a few mental health breaks) to assist you with the resources  in making the best decision for you !

NOTE:  If you are traveling to the Caribbean, please note that, AS OF TODAY, that area is in Level 1 (Practice Normal Travel Precautions (same as the USA), which means it is currently safe to travel there. 

Please note the state department has issued a Global Health Advisory, you may want to reconsider travel as recommended until after April 13, 2020.

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3. Weigh the Facts

Routinely we advise that you enroll in the Smart Traveler Program before leaving the country, which enables our state department to make contact with you should an emergency arise while you are traveling.

In the current situation, we are also recommending you consult WHO,  CDC  John Hopkins for FACTUAL INFORMATION .  Let's keep some perspective, things are improving over time  (if you were traveling today or in 4 weeks-look at the warning levels of the State Department.

Drastic measures are being taken to protect us.   We think the most practical plan if you have a trip planned to Europe is to wait several weeks before making a final decision. If you decide you will feel more comfortable rescheduling your trip, we will be able to help you make these changes, but again, we recommend the "wait and see approach".

Allow the time requested  by European  and United States Government and at that time revisit the facts and improvements.  For clients traveling to  Europe at the end of April, you may consider revisiting the facts on April 15.  For those traveling end of May, consider revisiting facts on April 30 or even May 15.

 

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4. What we are Doing

If we have determined, based on the facts, that it is not advisable for you to travel at this time, we have already contacted you, shared the resources and  discuss your options--it is always ultimately the decision of our clients. We appreciate your patience and are eternally grateful for your positive thoughts, patience and willingness to work together.  

For those traveling in the next 30 days, we are available via phone, email 24 hours a day for emergencies.  For non-emergencies it will take a little longer than our normal response time, but we will respond by end of day. 

To avoid any interruption to your everyday lives, we are making hundreds of phone calls on your behalf   with suppliers, travel insurance companies  getting the details as they pertain to your specific trip.  Our first priority are those traveling in 2 weeks, then 4 weeks, 6 weeks, then 8 weeks.   

We support your personal decisions to wait and see or postpone.   We are outlining all of the options to you regarding your specific trip so that you may have all the details needed to make the decision that fits you best.

 

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5) Keep Dreaming

Since we are doing all the heavy lifting (stress eating, pacing, phone calls, on hold, etc) you are free to keep dreaming of that awesome trip.   

I recommend binge watching any of these shows to remain 10% happier.

  • Up
  • Under the Tuscan Sun
  • Mamma Mia
  • South Pacific
  • Midnight in Paris 
  • French Kiss
  • An Affair to Remember
  • The Bucket List
  • Out of Africa
  • Before Sunrise
  • Eat, Pray, Love
  • Secret Life of Walter Mitty
  • Chocolat
  • The Da Vinci Code
  • Only You

We have weathered more troubling times and  THE SUN WILL ALWAYS COME UP TOMORROW.    After times of hurricanes, floods, 91, etc. clients were so ready to get me planning their trip so that they could get away when the dust settled.   It is always helpful to have something to look forward to. We are Americans, and we are strong and resilient ...we need to keep dreaming of tomorrow.  

Let's focus on the things we can control and help each other along the way.  

Ok so enough talk about lemons, let's make  Limoncello!

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Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia

Australia is Alive & Thriving

Posted by Justin Murphy

February 28, 2020 at 4:32 PM

Australia is Amazing & Thriving
   
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Thursday, February 13th I packed up my bags and was chauffeured to the airport by dear old mom for an adventure I will not soon forget. I was spoiled by American Airlines with roundtrip Business Class airfare to LAX which included priority check in. That along with my CLEAR membership and TSA  Pre-check it took a total of 12 minutes from getting out of the car to sitting down at my gate. I am loving the new terminal in New Orleans.  
IMG_7594 (1)
Arriving in LAX we were allowed entry into the American Airlines Flagship Business Lounge which was a treat in itself. It was adorned with modern decor, amazing food, and premium liquors. For a longer layover this was just what I needed to sit and relax before my long haul flight to Sydney, Australia. As if this wasn't enough of a treat when I boarded the flight to experience the AA Flagship Business Class with fully reclining seats I WAS IN HEAVEN for my 14 hour flight! It truly flew by and I landed feeling like I had a full night's sleep and ready to take on the day.
 
Day 1, Settling into Sydney, we were whisked to the Hyatt Regency Sydney in a private luxury  van. After checking in to our rooms and dropping off our bags we hit the ground running boarding a luxurious yacht for a cruise around the 961daaa8-5c36-4b5c-a04c-c0335219c2d5Harbor enjoying Sydney's famous sights from the water. Our first stop was Doyle's at Watson's Bay for a quick appetizer which was absolutely delicious. After a few drinks and some fresh calamari we embarked on our journey to Balmoral Beach for our main course. After some wine and some delicious grub we boarded the ship and made our journey back to the wharf. We had a couple hours to relax and unpack before our own private 6 course dining experience hosted by the Hotel Manager and executive chef. The food was to die for. My favorite part of the meal was the wagyu beef cooked to perfection ...it melted in my mouth. Having eaten my entire body weight in delicious food today I decided to call it an early night before an early morning of adventure.
 
Day 2, Sydney Harbor Highlights, we woke up at the crack of dawn to get our own private Backstage Tour of the Sydney Opera House. This was one of the coolest tours I have ever been on. We explored the hallowed theatres and foyers where more than 1600 concerts, operas, dramas and ballets take place each year and our experienced guide lead us through every aspect of the building’s 14-year creation and 58-year history. Running our hands over the world-famous shell tiles, taking a seat in the elegant custom-made white birch timber chairs and marvel at the vaulted ceilings of one of the biggest pillar-free chambers in the world. 
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Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia

Ever Wonder About The Land Down Under

Posted by Justin Murphy

February 13, 2020 at 10:25 AM

Adventures In The Land Down Under
   
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Anything is possible In the Land of Aus (Oz), and Dorothy you are definitely not in Kansas anymore. Australia is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It’s known as a major backpacking, camping, road trip, and diving destination, but no matter your travel style, there is something to draw you here. The country is filled with incredible natural beauty from Uluru to the Outback, rainforests to pristine white sand beaches, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Sydney’s Harbor Bridge and Opera House are iconic man-made wonders, and Melbourne’s café culture will make you feel like you are in Europe. Coupled with world-class surfing, and it is no wonder people never leave. Some of my favorite spots would be Cairns, The Gold Coast, Sydney, and Melbourne.
 
Cairns is Australia's northern gateway to Queensland. It is a tropical town with a lively nightlife. This amazing place is also where you will find the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Atherton tablelands, Cape Tribulation, and much much more. Right in the city's center is a man made "lagoon" for local and out of towners to swim and enjoy away from the hungry crocs. The weather is very tropical and changes with the wind. The night market is also an interesting place to checkout.
 
 The Gold Coast, Australia is east of Brisbane and full of sun, surf, and sand! It’s known foIMG_0167.jpgr its sunny subtropical climate, surfing, beaches, a rainforest hinterland, and a wild nightlife. The most famous city in the area is Surfer’s Paradise, a major stop for travelers and backpackers looking to get some sun, surf, and spend time partying. If you have time take a day trip up to Tamborine Mountain for some breathtaking views and at the peak walk among the tree canopy on a rickety bridge and the awe-inspiring bird sanctuary. Also a short drive from Surfer's Paradise is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see many of the indigenous species of Australia and even hold a Koala, pet kangaroos, and much much more.
 
Melbourne is Australia’s bar capital and live music hub—often called the country’s “European enclave”. Melbourne is the first place in the world to ring in the New Year and thus has one of the most spectacular firework shows. The central business district not only serves its after-work drinkers, but also attracts a young, trendy crowd. Across the Yarra River, Southgate provides the arts precinct with a strip of bars and riverside views. With plenty of culture, activities, art exhibitions, and live music, you could easily spend over a week here and not regret it. There is so much to see and do even the street art has history behind it. The sporting arena is huge and cricket games can usually be viewed, the botanical garden are beautiful you can even go for a romantic gondola ride. Queen Victoria Market is a huge farmers' market that you can find anything and everything for a very competitive price. 
 
Sydney is a cosmopolitan city surrounded by iconic beaches, world heritage sites, and acclaimed wine regions. Besides being Australia’s largest city, Sydney is also its’ most visited. (And, contrary to popular belief, not the country’s capital!) With an incredible variety of attractions and sights to see, including the very famous Bondi and Manly beaches, it’s easy to see why people come here and stay a while—try to stay at least a week if you can. 
 
This was definitely my favorite city in Australia. It is just so vast and diverse you can do anything and everything that you could ever want. From seeing an amazing show in the iconic Sydney Opera House to the exhilarating climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge I did it all and so much more. Bondi Beach is one of the most beautiful but not just the beach, the street art is also remarkably intricate. Take the harbor cruise to get views straight from postcards, and learn all about the Opera House and Bridge.
 
The city is not based off of a grid system so it is not as easy to navigate as Melbourne, but one my favorite memories from my trip after being lost trying to find our back to the hotel and happening by this little Irish bar and hearing "Sweet Home Alabama" . . .  so of course we had to go inside. It was such an awesome atmosphere and so many friendly people. The live band was amazed that we knew the words until they figured out we were from the USA. 
 
Australia was everything I dreamed it would be and even more.  Like my mom feels about Italy, I feel about Australia. I truly hope each of you get to visit one day.  I hope I've peaked your interest a little, and when you are ready to go to the land of AUZ, please reach out, I would love to share my experiences and help you plan a perfect adventure to Australia.
 
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Have an awesome week!

 

 

 

When you feel like it's a dream come true, it just keeps getting better!

The most important thing is to enjoy your Italy vacation.  Be  a  aIMG_6323 traveler, not a tourist. 

Sharpen your photography skills so you can capture "a snapshot in time" to remember the experience and preserve the memories forever  as you explore Venice, the city on water. Looking at my photos BRINGS ME BACK and its always such a beautiful memory! 

I truly hope you get to go to Venice.  If this sounds like the kind of ITALY trip you would enjoy, call me, I would LOVE to help you plan the perfect Trip of a Lifetime!  Please tag us when you show off your Venice Travel Adventure  @VIPTravelExperience! (P.S.  don't get too caught up in the photos that you MISS the moment).

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Topics: why use a travel agent, luxurytravel, #australia

Where is 2018 Calling You?

Posted by Justin Murphy

December 28, 2017 at 9:36 AM

Where Is 2018 Calling You?

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Venice

Gondola Serenade: When you think about Venice, one of the first things you imagine is a gondola silently gliding on the water, and the silence of the Venetian canals at sunset. You will experience all this too, in the late afternoon, while enjoying the city from a different perspective during your 30-minute private gondola ride. This definitely is the best way to discover the enchanting scenery hidden amongst the canals of Venice, allowing you to admire this romantic city. Absorb the colors and the atmosphere, the noises of the city in the background and relax in this everyday means of transportation which has been used for centuries.

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Tuscany

Amazing Vineyards: Val d'Orcia boasts some of Tuscany's most picturesque towns that have miraculously remained untouched by tourism. Your private excursion starts in Montalcino, a beautiful walled town known for its production of the precious Brunello wine. You will then continue to Pienza, a town famed for both its Renaissance perfection and its mastery of pecorino cheese. After a relaxing tasting of fine wines and cheeses, we will continue our trip to Montepulciano. There you will be able to explore distinguished wine cellars and taste the world-famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. We will also explore ancient underground Etruscan tombs and the town's medieval center, rich with history.

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Rome

Papal Audience: Your expert guide will lead you through the huge crowds, directly to St. Peter's Square with individual headsets so you can hear your guide over the roar of the crowd. Once settled, your guide will provide an in-depth insight into the history and traditions of the Papacy and Papal Audience ceremony so you're fully prepared for the moment when Pope Francis I takes the stage along with his Cardinals. Understanding the rich traditions of the Papacy and background on the event itself will make this one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

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Capri

Tour from Positano to Capri Island: Take a boat trip around the beautiful island you will see many highlights as we drive through Faraglioni, three peaks emerging from the blue water pointing toward the sky. Stop for swimming and snorkeling and visit of all important grottos (Blue Grotto) –Admire caves and bays around Capri at a leisurely pace with various stops for swims.

Port of Capri: 3 hours on the Island to explore by yourself – on the way back to Positano stop for swimming. Take cable car up to see - ANA CAPRI for panoramic view of island; Walk around this charming island and you will be enchanted by the breathtaking landscape, natural treasures and picturesque rocky caves. and stroll around the famous Umberto I square, also known as “Piazzetta”, where you can enjoy a drink in one of its fashionable bars or do some shopping.

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Sicily

Agrigento & Valley of Temples: Almost 2,000 years ago, before the rise of the Roman Empire, Greeks ruled Sicily and left their mark with a series of important cities and sites. Where Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples are found today was the huge site of Ancient Akragas, a wealthy city of as many as 500,000 people and one of the most important in Ancient Greece. The city was founded in around 580 BC and prospered until it was conquered and destroyed by the Carthaginians in 406. Over the centuries the area was under Roman, Arab and Norman control, largely due to its strategic position overlooking Porto Empedocle and the Strait of Sicily. All left their mark at Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples shows evidence of all these civilizations.

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Ireland

Driving Around the Irish Countryside:Drive along the coastline of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, one of the country’s most magnificent rock formations that rise to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Pass through The Burren, an area of rocky limestone hills where a number of unique flowers thrive. This region also contains many dolmens, prehistoric monuments formed by large limestone slabs. Just outside Ballyvaughan visit Aillwee Cave, one of the most ancient caves in the Burren and perhaps in Ireland. The cave was formed millions of years ago by the melted waters of the prehistoric ice age when streams sinking underground on Aillwee Mountain started dissolving channels through the lines of weakness in the limestone.

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Australia

Climbing the Syndey Harbor Bridge: Absorb a 360 degree panorama of Sydney as you journey to the summit on our original Climb experience. Like an exposed spine, the outer rim delivers you to the peak, as the sky remains just beyond your outstretched fingertips. Latching on in the Climb Base below the Bradfield Highway, you will walk on catwalks below the road-deck until you reach the South-East Pylon. Here you will ascend 4 ladders to the start of the upper arch, surrounded by the hum and buzz of Sydney’s traffic. With the summit in your sight, your journey continues along the Bridge’s outer arch on the Opera House side until you hit the top. After a summit celebration with your group, you cross the spine of the Bridge to the Darling Harbour side to make your descent to our Climb Base. This was one of the most ehilirating experiences I've been a part of in my entire life.

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St. Lucia

Catamaran Tour: 1st:  Zip Line viewing the two peaks of the Piton Mountains. Lunch at Ladera Resort (Oprah's favorite) -Dasheen; hike a beautiful hillside nature trail offering a picturesque viewpoint of the water & mountains; Let's go off the beaten path to bath in the Falls & Mineral Bath that is a secret held by the locals.   At the end of the day, return to the catamaran, snorkel along Sugar Beach and sail off into the Saint Lucian sunset. Pass through Marigot Bay for some amazing photo ops and get ready to have fun and dance to island rhythms.

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Alaska

Tour Glacier Bay: Covers more than 3.3 million acres, 18 glaciers reach the ocean, largest concentration of tidewater glaciers on earth. National Park was all solid ice, thousands of feet thick 200 years ago. Most shoreline of Alaska's 9 coastal National Park Service units with 752 miles of coast, not including islands. Home to diverse collection of wildlife, including large colonies of nesting seabirds, migrating ducks & geese, whales, and porpoises.

All of these are bucket list worthy for me, but what is your bucket list look like?

 

"The Trouble is...you think you have time"

Hopefully, this will encourage you to understand why skipping your next vacation is so not worth it! Email tammy@viptravelexperience.com or justin@viptravelexperience.com today! Don't wait, call now!

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Topics: Italy, passport passion, group travel, travel, #familytravel, luxurytravel, #australia, #alaska

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