Thursday, December 17, 2015

Treasure Travel embarks on an AmaWaterways Rhine River Cruise

Me! All bundled up cruising through the Rhine River Valley
For one week in November, we cruised from Amsterdam to Basel on the AmaSerena on the Rhine River. While it was a somewhat chilly trip, we were warmly enriched by the culture, scenery, food, and wine.

Amsterdam

Our home away from home

AmaWaterways's crew on the AmaSerena did a wonderful job making us feel welcome and well served during our time on the ship. With just 82 cabins on this vessel, you receive plenty of personalized attention and fantastic service. After a week, we had made friends with many of the staff and other passengers.


Double balcony cabin - a perfect place to watch the world go by
A special evening at the Captain's Table


Wine is included with lunch and dinner on all AmaWaterways river cruises. You are encouraged to spend time away from the ship at the ports so you can be immersed in the local culture and enjoy the many included excursions.

Taking photos
Heidelberg Castle
Cathedral in Cologne


Our itinerary began in Amsterdam, Netherlands where we embarked through the man-made canals prior to entering the Rhine River in Germany. Our stops included the ports of Cologne, Rudesheim, Speyer & Heidelberg, Strasbourg & Kehl, Breisach & Freiburg, and finally Basel, Switzerland.



Cologne, Germany

Cologne is a lovely city!

Freiburg German Christmas Market

We were happy to learn the German Christmas market in Freiburg had just opened!

Christmas Markets just opened in Freiburg
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg was my favorite stop -- a beautiful town with so much charm and so many gorgeous views! Excellent food and beer can be found there as well. While visiting the castle, we were treated to a light snowfall.

Sunset on Neckar River in Heidelberg
Snowing at Heidelberg Caste
33% alcohol beer Vetter 33 with Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) in Heidelberg
Rudesheim, Germany

Rudesheim is a charming quaint village with some wonderful wines and locally made brandy. We loaded up with some great red wines, reislings, sparkling whites, and brandies from the town.


Rudesheim, Germany
Rudesheim Wine Cellar Tasting Room
Rudesheim, Germany
Rhine River Valley vineyards and scenery
Rhine River Valley castles and scenery
Drinking Rudesheimer coffee with a warm blanket while watching the Rhine Valley scenery

This part of the journey was the most scenic, so everyone was sure to stay on deck to enjoy the passing views. The crew passed out warm blankets and hot Rudesheimer coffee (which is made with flambéed local brandy) to keep us toasty.
Rhine Valley Reisling Grapes, Wineries
Rhine Valley Scenery and Castles
Castle
Castle
Rhine Valley scenery
Neckar River in Heidelberg
Heidelberg streets
Heidelberg - view from the castle
We had such a fabulous trip that we have decided to invite our friends, family, and clients on a Rhône River wine cruise in the South of France on the AmaDagio for Thanksgiving 2016. This unique sailing will be hosted by Barry and Kim Wiss of Trinchero Family Estates from St. Helena, California, and features complimentary lectures, wine tastings, exquisite cuisine and wine parings, and excursions to historic vineyards and wine cellars. More details at www.adventuresbytheglass.com or www.trytreasuretravel.com.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Athens and the Acropolis

I know it has been ages since my last blog post -- for that I apologize! Business and life have been so busy, which is a good thing!

I'm currently traveling in Greece! I arrived Friday evening in Athens, and spent two nights here. Later today I will be embarking on a 10 day Greek Isles cruise with the boutique luxury line Azamara Club Cruises. I have a great traveling companion (my mom), and am looking forward to the Seminar at Sea to learn more about this unique brand of cruise experiences.

Here in Athens, we're staying at the Grecotel Pallas Athena -- which is one of the boutique properties belonging under the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand collection. This property is a very clean, lovely hotel with excellent staff and service. Our room is well appointed with a fantastic mini bar. Breakfast was outstanding with a great selection of cheese, pastries, the famous Greek yogurt, eggs, meats, etc. And it's just a short walk to the Plaka where you begin your uphill journey to the Acropolis.




As you know Athens has been having a lot of economic trouble, and this can be felt around the city. Shop owners admit to being stressed in these times, but they are very pleasant and helpful nonetheless. Shopping and food are a great value, so you can expect to find great prices. We decided our main objectives in the city are to visit the Acropolis, enjoy the wonderful cuisine, and try to recover from jet lag.





Visiting the Acropolis was truly amazing, and should be on every visitor's hit list. Your entry ticket of 12 Euros gives you access to a total of seven ancient sites and museums. The hike up to the top is hot and dry, so bring plenty of water, and wear a hat and sunscreen! The Parthenon and the other associated ruins set a spectacular stage for enjoying stunning views across the city to the Aegean Sea.




Thanks for checking out our blog. You can visit our Facebook page for more photos and to follow our travels. Stay tuned for updates from our upcoming Greek Isles cruise!


Friday, June 5, 2015

Hard Rock Riviera Maya and Secrets Maroma - Riviera Maya, Mexico

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

We spent a week at the beautiful all-inclusive Hard Rock Riviera Maya resort last month. This property has two sections -- the adults-only "Heaven" side and the family-friendly "Hacienda" side.

I'm unable to write a full review of the hotel at this time, so I am going to post photos with captions instead. Please fee free to send us a message if you have specific questions about this fantastic property.




The manmade cove beach. You can tell how bad the seaweed was this year.



Jim Morrison made out of vinyl records
Microphones converted into lighting



Rock n Roll Memorabilia can be found everywhere 

Gorgeous views at lunch

One of the main pools on the Heaven side


Secrets Maroma Beach

We spent one day doing a site inspection and using a day pass to enjoy the Secrets Maroma adults-only resort that is part of the AMResorts brand portfolio. We have special clients having a destination wedding at this property in the fall, so I wanted to check it out. It's set on a gorgeous beach, and features wonderful rooms and amenities.

Beautiful Maroma Beach








Fabulous Spa

Lovely place for the bride to get pampered on her wedding day

Massage table


Hydrotherapy

Outdoor couples massage

Romantic outdoor shower in the spa


Who doesn't love to relax on a hammock?


It's worthwhile to upgrade to the Club level for more amenities and better located room

Well-appointed rooms with two beds or one


A few rooms feature an outdoor jacuzzi



Mini bar

Romantic jacuzzi

The "Secret Box" - a was to receive room service with ultimate privacy

Swim Up Suites

Main pool



Bali beds on the beautiful beach