The blog for you to GETAWAY FROM YOUR EVERYDAY!!!!!

We’ll feature up to 3 destinations every two weeks. If you don’t want to do a package deal then have no fear because we can do most independently for you or what used to be call an ON YOUR OWN package.

 

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It's never been easier to sail from SO Cal for Autumn of this year.  Many cruise lines with many itineraries and many lengths to choose from. Come on pick a cruise and contact us to GETAWAY FROM YOUR EVERYDAY.

GREAT GETAWAYS

Mexican Riviera Cruise Starting At:$1,049 + $147.24 taxes/fees Ship: Celebrity Solstice   More Details

Mexican Riviera Cruise Starting At:$899 + $142.29 taxes/fees Ship: Celebrity Solstice   More Details

Mexican Riviera Cruise Starting At:$899 + $142.29 taxes/fees Ship: Celebrity Solstice   More Details

Mexican Riviera Cruise Starting At:$1,109 + $147.24 taxes/fees Ship: Celebrity Solstice   More Details

Ensenada Cruise Starting At:$177 + $107.21 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

5-Day West Coast Getaway with San Francisco Starting At:$369 + $160.00 taxes/fees Ship: Diamond Princess   More Details

16-Day Hawaiian Islands Starting At:$999 + $185.00 taxes/fees Ship: Diamond Princess   More Details

7-Day Classic California Coast Starting At:$569 + $200.00 taxes/fees Ship: Diamond Princess   More Details

7-Day Classic California Coast Starting At:$539 + $215.00 taxes/fees Ship: Diamond Princess   More Details

5-Day Cabo San Lucas Getaway Starting At:$299 + $95.00 taxes/fees Ship: Diamond Princess   More Details

5-Day West Coast Getaway with San Francisco Starting At:$369 + $165.00 taxes/fees Ship: Diamond Princess   More Details

7-Day Baja Peninsula & Sea of Cortez Starting At:$449 + $110.00 taxes/fees Ship: Diamond Princess   More Details

7-Day Love Boat Themed Cruise to Mexico Starting At:$599 + $145.00 taxes/fees Ship: Discovery Princess   More Details

15-Day Hawaiian Islands Starting At:$1,179 + $225.00 taxes/fees Ship: Sapphire Princess   More Details

15-Day Hawaiian Islands Starting At:$1,149 + $225.00 taxes/fees Ship: Sapphire Princess   More Details

10-Day Baja Peninsula & Sea of Cortez Starting At:$699 + $160.00 taxes/fees Ship: Sapphire Princess   More Details

15-Day Hawaiian Islands Starting At:$1,199 + $185.00 taxes/fees Ship: Crown Princess   More Details

Ensenada Cruise Starting At:$188 + $108.44 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

Cabo Overnight Cruise Starting At:$398 + $122.95 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

5-day Cruise to Mexican Riviera: Cabo & Ensenada from Los Angeles, California on Norwegian Bliss Starting At:$285.35 + $159.32 taxes/fees Ship: Norwegian Bliss Enjoy five days of fun in the sun as you cruise the Mexican Riviera aboard one of our newest ships, Norwegian Bliss. Marvel at El Arco, the dramatic rock formation that is Cabo San Lucas’s signature landmark and a popular gathering spot for sea lions. Take a tour of Baja California’s oldest winery in Ensenada and stop at the market to pick up some local crafts. Then it’s back to Los Angeles, where mammoths roam the La Brea Tar Pits and celebrities stroll Rodeo Drive. More Details

Ensenada Cruise Starting At:$177 + $107.25 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

Catalina & Ensenada Cruise Starting At:$198 + $119.53 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

15-Day Hawaiian Islands Starting At:$1,399 + $195.00 taxes/fees Ship: Sapphire Princess   More Details

4-Day West Coast Getaway with San Diego Starting At:$329 + $153.01 taxes/fees Ship: Discovery Princess   More Details

7-Day Mexican Riviera Starting At:$799 + $120.00 taxes/fees Ship: Koningsdam   More Details

5-Day Mexican Riviera Starting At:$399 + $110.00 taxes/fees Ship: Koningsdam   More Details

7-Day Classic California Coast Starting At:$999 + $210.00 taxes/fees Ship: Koningsdam   More Details

Mexican Riviera Starting At:$699 + $145.00 taxes/fees Ship: Discovery Princess   More Details

Classic California Coast Starting At:$579 + $228.01 taxes/fees Ship: Discovery Princess   More Details

Mexican Riviera Starting At:$549 + $145.00 taxes/fees Ship: Discovery Princess   More Details

Cabo San Lucas Getaway Starting At:$369 + $125.00 taxes/fees Ship: Discovery Princess   More Details

Cabo, Vallarta & Mazatlan Cruise Starting At:$499 + $132.47 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

Cabo Overnight Cruise Starting At:$448 + $118.38 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

Cabo, Vallarta & Mazatlan Cruise Starting At:$529 + $133.73 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

Catalina & Ensenada Cruise Starting At:$158 + $120.43 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

Cabo & Ensenada Cruise Starting At:$498 + $131.81 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

Ensenada Cruise Starting At:$249 + $106.39 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

Ensenada Cruise Starting At:$158 + $107.21 taxes/fees Ship: Navigator of the Seas   More Details

5-day Cruise to Mexican Riviera: Cabo & Ensenada from Los Angeles, California on Norwegian Bliss Starting At:$389.35 + $159.32 taxes/fees Ship: Norwegian Bliss Enjoy five days of fun in the sun as you cruise the Mexican Riviera aboard one of our newest ships, Norwegian Bliss. Marvel at El Arco, the dramatic rock formation that is Cabo San Lucas’s signature landmark and a popular gathering spot for sea lions. Take a tour of Baja California’s oldest winery in Ensenada and stop at the market to pick up some local crafts. Then it’s back to Los Angeles, where mammoths roam the La Brea Tar Pits and celebrities stroll Rodeo Drive. More Details

7-day Cruise to Mexican Riviera: Cabo & Puerto Vallarta from Los Angeles, California on Norwegian Bliss Starting At:$844.35 + $179.60 taxes/fees Ship: Norwegian Bliss Spice up your vacation with margaritas, guacamole, and authentic Mexican tacos as you cruise through the Pacific Ocean aboard Norwegian Bliss, one of our newest and most incredible ships. Galivant along Lover’s Beach or dare to run through Divorce Beach near Land’s End in Cabo, the choice is yours! Visit the capital of Mariachi Music in Puerto Vallarta and get to know Mazatlán, one of the most unique destinations in Mexico, with plenty of opportunities to island-hop. More Details

 

 

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AUTUMN ADVENTURES

Celebrity Cruises returns to California this fall from Los Angeles.

Mexican Riviera Cruise Starting At:$1,049 + $147.24 taxes/fees Ship: Celebrity Solstice   More Details

Mexican Riviera Cruise Starting At:$899 + $142.29 taxes/fees Ship: Celebrity Solstice   More Details

Mexican Riviera Holiday Cruise Starting At:$1,199 + $137.42 taxes/fees Ship: Celebrity Solstice   More Details

Mexican Riviera Holiday Cruise Starting At:$1,199 + $142.60 taxes/fees Ship: Celebrity Solstice   More Details

Mexican Riviera Cruise Starting At:$899 + $142.29 taxes/fees Ship: Celebrity Solstice   More Details

 

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Welcome to Italy

Home to many of the world's greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy, Italy elates, inspires and moves like no other.

 

Top Places to Visit in Northern Italy

Getting off the beaten path is every traveler’s quest, but certain sights are almost holy shrines, places visitors simply must see, however big the crowds or long the lines. Here are the must-see sights in Northern Italy – the regions north of the Po River.

 

Milan: The Duomo

The third largest Christian church in the world and the height of the flamboyant gothic style, the great cathedral is impressive inside and out. Tour it from the crypt to the roof for history, art and views to the snow-covered Alps.

 

Venice: St Mark’s Square and Basilica

Venice’s heart and soul lies in and around the Piazza San Marco. The Basilica is filled with treasure, and beside it the Doge’s Palace reflects the Venetian Republic’s finest hour. Around the square are arcades under which hide the city’s most fashionable cafes, where orchestras play in the evening.

 

Venice: The Grand Canal

Boat is the best way to see this watery boulevard, whose murky waters lap at the doorsteps of richly decorated palaces and flow beneath the arches of the Rialto Bridge.

 

Lake Como: Bellagio

The best views of the most beautiful of the Italian lakes are from the town that spills down a hillside at its center. Reach Bellaggio and other lakeside towns by boat around the southern part of lake, stoping at Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello and Isola Comacina.

Lake Maggiore: Borromean Islands – take a water taxi from Stresa and tour all three islands for their villas, gardens and a stroll on the tiny Isola Pescatore.

 

Turin: The Savoy Palaces

When the Savoy rulers moved their capital to Turin in the 1560s, they immediately began building palaces that would turn the city into a glittering cosmopolitan showcase. Begin in the city center at Piazza Castello, then move outward to the others that ring the city: Castello di Rivolli, Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, Castello della Mandria and Reggia di Venaria Reale.

 

Verona: The Arena and Old City

The First-century Roman arena is one of the best preserved, and sits in the middle of the walled town. A castle, several art-filled churches and other Roman sites complete the ensemble.

 

Padua: The Scrovini Chapel

Giotto’s most complete – and magnificent – fresco cycle covers the entire interior of the chapel in three rows of panels telling the story of Christ. The colors, recently restored to their original intensity, are luminous.

 

Vicenza: Palladio’s Works

Andrea Palladio revolutionized the way the world looked at buildings, and some of his finest examples are in his hometown: the Palazzo della Ragione, Loggia del Capitaniato, palaces along Corso Palladio, Teatro Olimpico and Villa Rotunda, the inspiration for Jefferson’s Montecello.

 

The Dolomites: Strada della Dolomiti

The Dolomite Road runs from Bolzano to Cortina, through some of the finest alpine scenery in Europe. Side trips by cable car, hiking trails or winding roads over mountain passes lead to even higher views.

 

San Gimignano

Nicknamed the medieval Manhatten, San Gimignano is a village in Tuscany famous for its 14 stone towers. At the height of San Gimignano’s wealth and power, more than 70 towers were built to defend the town against enemy attacks. After the plague devastated the city in 1348, San Gimignano’s power faded, which kept enemies away and preserved many of the city’s medieval towers.

 

Manarola (Cinque Terre)

Nestled in the Italian Riviera, Manarola is one of the oldest towns in Cinque Terre. The “Five Lands” comprises of five villages noted for their beauty. Part of Cinque Terre charm is the lack of visible modern development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach it from the outside. The towns sprout out of the mountainside to provide a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean sea.

 

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The world famous Pisa Tower was built over a period of about 177 years. Soon after the construction started in 1173 the tower began to sink due to a poorly laid foundation and was left alone for almost a century. When the construction resumed the engineers built higher floors with one side taller than the other to compensate for the tilt and the tower was finally finished in the 2nd half of the 14th century. Since 2001, the famous tower in Pisa is again open to those wishing to climb it’s 296 steps

 

Piazza del Campo

One of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, the Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic center of Siena, Tuscany. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The Palazzo Pubblico and its famous tower, as well as various palazzi signorili belonging to the wealthiest of Siena families surround the shell-shaped piazza. The twice-per-year horse-race, Palio di Siena, involves circling the Piazza del Campo, on which a thick layer of dirt has been laid, three times and usually lasts no more than 90 seconds

 

Santa Maria del Fiore

Begun in 1296 in the Gothic style and completed in 1436, The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is Florence’s beautiful cathedral and symbol of the city. The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white. The basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches, and until the modern era, the dome was the largest in the world. It remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.

 

 

LAND TOUR IDEAS OF ITALY:

 

Top Places to Visit in Southern Italy

Southern Italy is just like what you see in the movies and at the same time, it’s something completely different. It has the old world feel, the beautiful countrysides, the celebrity-studded islands, sunny coasts, cities full of sound, and the world’s most dangerous volcano. Here are my ten places to visit in Southern Italy that you won’t want to miss on your trip.

1. Paestum

Located in Salerno, Paestum has some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are three major temples still standing today, and you can walk along the paths of an ancient city that is believed to have been founded back in 600 BC. That’s real old, y’all.

 

2. Napoli (Naples. Not Florida.)

I’m a little biased because I actually lived in Napoli, but there is seriously no other place in the world like it. High rise apartment buildings overflowing with people, small streets curving round and round filled with the sound of Vespas, and Fiats racing through the little big city. Napoli is home to some 4 million people, making it one of the largest cities on the Mediterranean Sea. Most importantly, this is the home of pizza. Real pizza.

3. Sorrento

When I think of Sorrento, I think of delicious, refreshing lemons, as it is known for Limoncello (a drink made from lemon rinds, alcohol, water, and sugar). Sorrento is a popular tourist destination on the Amalfi Drive and it overlooks the Bay of Naples. The sea cliffs make for stunning views – you can see Mount Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. Also, John Keats used to hang out here. If it’s cool with Keats, it’s cool with me.

4. Pozzuoli

You’ve probably never heard of this place, unless you’ve memorized some of the random places mentioned in the Bible. Acts 28:13-14 mentions Paul staying in Pozzuoli (Puteoli) while on his way to Rome, traveling by the Appian Way. Pozzuoli is also in the middle of the Phlegaean Fields/Campi Flegrei, which is a large volcano area. It’s a caldera, which means its pretty much underground and underwater. You can sometimes catch a whiff of sulfur, which sounds gross, but it’s actually pretty cool to see the steam rising up out of the ground and boiling mud. In Pozzuoli you will find the third largest amphitheater in Italy, the Flavian Amphitheater, which you can walk around in and explore.

5. Isle of Capri

This place is a dream. And there is a very good chance of having a celebrity sighting here. It is well known for the Blue Grotto, a sea cave with unbelievable blue water, thanks to the sunlight that enters through a small hole in the wall of the cave at the waterline and another hole directly below the entranceway. You can reach Capri by taking a ferry from Napoli and enjoying some shopping, quaint cafes, and a ride on the incline to the top of the island.

6. Positano

Another stop along the Amalfi Coast, this village sits on a hill overlooking the coast. It was featured in the movie Under the Tuscan Sun and is another favorite vacation spot for the rich and famous. This is the kind of place that you visit and it doesn’t feel real. Fair warning, the Amalfi road to get to Positano is not kind to those who experience motion sickness

 

7. Amalfi

The coast is named Amalfi, but there is also a city by the same name (on the Amalfi coast, of course). It’s also another popular vacation destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amalfi is known for paper making and you can buy a variety of handmade paper goods in the local shops. I have a very precious cookbook with handmade paper from Amalfi that holds secret Italian recipes and lots of memories.

8. Caserta

After visiting Caserta, I think I know what it must feel like to be royal. The palace has more than 1,200 rooms. You’ll probably also recognize it from the movies Star Wars (I & II), Mission Impossible III, and Angels & Demons. My favorite part of the Royal Palace is the park located behind it. It is a long alley with cascading fountains leading up to a majestic waterfall and a botanical garden.

9. Pompeii

If you’re going to Southern Italy, this is a must. Mount Vesuvius did some pretty major damage here in AD 79. As a result, this ancient city was covered under ash – which means it has been well preserved. This place is huge. You can spend days walking through the ruins of the city and there are quite a few buildings that you can even go inside. And it goes without saying, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. Monte Vesuvio (Mount Vesuvius)

The man, the myth, the legend – the world’s most dangerous volcano. Vesuvio is just east of Napoli and a prominent figure in the skyline. It’s erupted many times since it took out Pompeii, the last major eruption being in 1944. The summit of Vesuvio is open to the public and although it cannot be reached by road, there is an established path you can climb. Not only can you look down inside the crater of the infamous volcano, you can also see a stunning view of Naples, Capri, Ischia and part of the Amalfi Coast. Beyond beautiful.

 

CRUISING AROUND ITALY: