Exploring Dakar, Senegal: A Journey Through Vibrant Culture, Rich History, and Powerful Heritage

Dakar, Senegal Our shore excursion yesterday was a powerful reminder not to judge a destination by first impressions. As I did in an earlier post. Viewed from the ship, Dakar might seem unremarkable, with its low skyline and utilitarian port. However, the city...

Halfway Through Our Grand Voyage: Highlights from 31 Days at Sea from Venice to Cape Town

Today, we’re in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, marking the halfway point of our incredible Grand Voyage, which began 31 days ago in Venice and will conclude in Cape Town on December 20. The journey so far has been nothing short of extraordinary! We’ve visited 28...

Exploring the French Riviera Off-Season: Nice’s Elegance and Eze’s Magical Charm

Ah, the French Riviera – a sun-drenched escape for the rich and famous, from Zelda and Scott (Fitzgerald) to Jeff ( Bezos) and Leo (DiCaprio). For us, though, the Riviera is memories of crawling traffic and impossible parking on a very crowded summer day years...

Gaudí’s Vision: A Timeless Journey at the Sagrada Familia

For over a decade, Mary and I have watched Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia climb ever higher, gradually dominating Barcelona’s skyline. The exterior of this towering marvel—a fantasy sand sculpture of spires, statues, and stained glass—is enchanting in its own right, yet...

A Day of Triumph and Trials in Florence

It may be my last visit to Florence, Italy. The city was so crowded that it took a lot of the joy out of walking through its historical streets. Fortunately, our tour of the Ufitzi Galleries and an enjoyable lunch made the effort worthwhile. Just getting to Florence...

Exploring Malta’s Timeless Charm: Mdina’s Silent Streets and Valletta’s Majestic Coastline

Malta has always been one of our favorite Mediterranean ports, offering everything a traveler could ask for—fair weather, dramatic ancient architecture, fantastic food, and a fascinating history. Just sailing in and out of Valletta is an experience in itself, with...

Exploring Contrasts in Corfu and Argostoli: Highlights from Greece’s Ionian Islands

  Shared with Public We’re enjoying our first and last sea day on this leg of the cruise, as we sail toward the tip of Italy’s boot and on to Sicily on the smooth Ionian Sea. Our recent stops at Corfu and Argostoli highlighted contrasts and similarities among Greek...

Top Ten Things to do in Cadiz Spain

Cádiz, one of Europe’s oldest cities, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are ten must-experience activities to immerse yourself in the charm of this Andalusian gem: Explore the Historic Old Town (El Pópulo): Wander through...

Kotor and Our Lady of the Rocks

Our latest visit to Kotor featured a shore excursion that blended luxury, history, and local charm. We skipped the old town in favor of exploring Porto and Perast, Montenegro, taking in the beauty of Our Lady of the Rocks, and soaking up the stories of the long bay....

A Fun Night at the Stud Farm

We had a truly an Az-amazing Evening at the Lipica Stud Farm in Slovenia! Having toured the farm on a previous visit, this time we were excited to see the famed white horses perform. Events like this, arranged at no extra cost to passengers and designed to immerse...

Great Roman Dining: With a Little Help From My Friends

We have many ways to choose restaurants when we travel. Typically, we rely on YouTube, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps for ratings, menu info, hours, and more. Once you learn how to sift through these sources—separating the wheat from the chaff—you can feel confident...

A Very Roman Food Tour

We enjoyed an informative and mouth-watering food tour yesterday, exploring the flavors of Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto, and our very own neighborhood Trastevere. We haven’t been to the Italian capital in eight years, so a food tour was a...

Exploring Skara Brae: A Fascinating Journey into Scotland’s Ancient Neolithic Village

We hadn’t even heard of Skara Brae before boarding our ship, so when it showed up on the itinerary, our curiosity wasn’t exactly piqued. It was one of those places you mentally shrug at, thinking it’s just another historical site. But the moment we set foot on the...

Discovering 10 Affordable Restaurants in Rome Loved by Locals

When in Rome, dining like a local is one of the most authentic ways to experience the city’s rich culinary heritage. Thankfully, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy some of the best dishes in town. From hidden trattorias to bustling street food joints,...

From Fish Market to Mountaintop: A Perfect Day Exploring Bergen

Who knew the Norwegian city of Bergen would make our favorite city list? It was completely off our travelers’ radar until we befriended Bergen natives Knut and Johanna Kristiansen on a cruise through the Suez Canal a few years back. They extolled the virtues of their...

Madrid Cooking Class: Delicous Paella, Tapas and More

One of the great attractions for us in Spain, and in Madrid specifically, is the cuisine. And any chance we get, we aim for hands-on experience to cook classic Spanish dishes. Luckily, Devour Tours offers cooking classes in Madrid. We’ve taken Devour’s tours and...

Rosé Wine: A Versatile Culinary Companion

By Tom Gable Some wine drinkers dismiss Rosé as a sugary pop with few redeeming qualities and meant only for Spring and Summer quaffing. However, its increased popularity with foodies over the past few years has encouraged producers worldwide to offer a wider array of...

Discovering Spanish Tapas

A tale of tapas in San Sebastian, Granada, and Madrid. Tapas, small plates of deliciousness, hold a prized place in the hearts and stomachs of Spaniards and lovers of Spanish cuisine worldwide. Tapas are more than just a bite to eat. They are an experience – a...

The Magnificent Alhambra

Yesterday, Mary and I made our third pilgrimage to The Alhambra, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, looming over the ancient city of Granada. It is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and a symbol of Moorish power and the shifting tides of Christian rule in Spain. If anything, we were even more impressed this time as we learned new information about this sprawling complex and the people who lived there.

A Family Reunion in Toledo Spain

On Friday, we took a 35-minute train ride from Madrid to the ancient city of Toledo. Toledo's rich 2000-year history, narrow medieval streets, and eclectic architecture left us amazed when we visited a few years ago. It was a Roman colony, Visigothic and Islamic Al-Andalus capital, and later, Castile's political and military center. It was an amazingly tolerant place where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures flourished together.

TAPAS WITH ANTHONY BOURDAIN

Saint Anthony Bourdain inspired our whirlwind of eating and drinking in Granada last week. We were determined to walk in his footsteps. The late great chef provocateur filmed an episode of “Parts Unknown” in 2013 featuring five tapas bars here. We planned to check out the same ones. But not all in one night, as Boudain and pals did. And not eating exactly everything he did. We're no match for his try-anything appetite, stamina, or even his biting, irreverent prose. Who is?

Above and Beyond in Granada

We usually focus on food and drink when we do a restaurant post. This one isn’t necessarily about food, although it was outstanding. This is about restaurant employees who go above and beyond good table service. Mary had a craving for paella, and we found a...

Basque Cooking School: San Sebastian

Most food lovers who pintxo crawl through San Sebastian’s old town are more than satisfied sampling these legendary Basque bites. Among them, though, are a passionate few who want to take their experience to the next level – that is, learning how to cook pintxos...

DEVOURING MADRID

A great food tour is a far cry from just eating and drinking. Food is intertwined with history and culture, so you won’t know Madrid, or any other destination, without knowing its food. Our guides were insiders who had a passion not only for food and drink but also for the history and lore of the place they call home. At each stop, they shared stories a casual diner would miss if wandering on their own. Like the nondescript door where nuns answer a bell and sell homemade cookies. Or the tapas bar Hemingway frequented. Or the reason squid sandwiches are a Madrid favorite. The following are some highlights of our most excellent Devour Tours in Madrid.

Savor South Africa’s Winelands: A Gourmet & Wine Lover’s Journey through Franschhoek & Stellenbosch

More than 300 wineries thrive here in the moderate Mediterranean climate cooled by breezes from the Atlantic and Indian oceans, but they aren’t lined up, Napa Valley-like, on the main roads, preserving an appealing farm-country vibe. Our arrival in February coincided with harvest - and some of the area’s warmest weather. From our first base, the charming Plumwood Inn, we would explore Franschhoek and neighboring Stellenbosch, historic small towns considered by many to be South Africa’s wine and culinary capitals.

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIBKE CARTER “The mountains are calling and I must go” is what is written on a sign in the lounge of my accommodation in the SalzburgerLand, and what a calling it is for the people who live in the mountainous region of this part of...

The Grand Tetons

Grand Teton National Park is more accessible than Yellowstone, and even a little warmer, but winter shuts down many of the park’s roads. Temperatures hovered around 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit under a brilliant blue sky during our three-day stay, maybe breaking into the low 20s on one afternoon. That is perfect ski weather, but we weren’t there to ski. We were there to take in the Grand Tetons and see wildlife.

DUBROVNIK’S GAME OF THRONES

Often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik instantly transports you to a different era. Known to millions as King's Landing from the popular TV series “Game of Thrones,” this Croatian city crowned with distinctive red-tiled roofs is a lively living museum. Each step within the historic walls of Old Town brings you in touch with the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Ron & Mary's Grand Odyssey From Rome to Cape Town Live

Award-winning travel journalists Ron and Mary James invite you to join their incredible three-month journey from Rome to Capetown! Explore ancient wonders, sail the seas aboard the Azamara Quest, and indulge in the South African Winelands. This grand voyage includes 40+ ports, a Venetian interlude, and a Christmas celebration unlike any other. Daily updates will transport you to this adventure – grab your virtual passport and come along!

Countdown to Ron & Mary's Great Rome to Cape Town Adventure

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Rosé Wine: A Versatile Culinary Companion

Rosé Wine: A Versatile Culinary Companion

By Tom Gable Some wine drinkers dismiss Rosé as a sugary pop with few redeeming qualities and meant only for Spring and Summer quaffing. However, its increased popularity with foodies over the past few years has encouraged producers worldwide to offer a wider array of...

Rekondo: Tradition Meets Innovation in San Sebastian

Rekondo Perched on the scenic Paseo de Igeldo in San Sebastian, Rekondo is more than just a restaurant; it’s a living testament to Basque heritage. Founded in 1964 by former matador Txomin Rekondo, this family-owned establishment has become a beloved local institution...

Pasaia Maritime Festival San Sebastian

San Sebastian is so much more than pintxos and beaches. Today we discovered the sea-faring side, just a dozen miles outside of town, at the Pasaia Maritime Festival. This event happens every two years and showcases heritage boats and ships to celebrate a seafaring...

Our Last Lunch in San Sebastian: Geralds Bar

ur last wonderful lunch in San Sebastian was at Geralds Bar, the same friendly place where we enjoyed our first meal on this visit. As much as we love pintxos bars and fine Basque restaurants, sometimes we need a break. Geralds offers just that — delicious international comfort food perfectly prepared with the best local fresh products. And they offer an excellent selection of wines in the $20-a-bottle range. Our menu del Dia included a braised quail with leeks - warming and delicious on a rainy spring day. A perfect ending to our San Sebastian adventure.

Basque Country Bliss: San Sebastian

San Sebastian's magic lies in its Basque soul–a vibrant cultural tapestry woven from centuries-old traditions and fiercely independent. The Basque Country boasts a rich cultural heritage, a language spoken nowhere else on earth, and a deep connection to its rugged coastline. This spirit infuses everything, from the colorful fishing villages clinging to cliffs to the world-renowned cuisine.

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Beyond the Squirt Gun: Finding Balance in Tourism

The recent squirt-gun protest by Barcelona’s Neighborhood Assembly for Tourism Degrowth (ABDT) drew international attention to the growing tensions surrounding mass tourism. While the ABDT’s demand for a radical reduction in tourist numbers resonates with...

Almost Homeless in Madrid

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THE BOOKING GAME

A multitude of apps, internet sites, and tools make it easy to book and we generally use a combination of them when doing our research and making reservations. Over the decades of booking our travels, we have made plenty of mistakes but with each error; we become a little wiser and a little more cautious as we do our booking due diligence. Here are some lessons we’ve learned.

Cruise Fever

The Return to Cruising Survey coincides with the nearly first anniversary of the suspension of cruising in the United States. One year ago, we were in Oman aboard the Azamara Journey, preparing to fly home after mounting COVID fears truncated our exotic voyage. That was our last voyage to date and the ship’s as well. It’s now docked with two sister ships in Glasgow, Scotland. Little did we know when we walked down the Journey’s gangway that cruising would come to a standstill. 

Uncharted Waters

Perhaps the biggest unknown is the duration and strength of the current surge. Will the dramatic rise in infections and deaths in the United States lead other countries to again close their doors to American visitors? Will people continue dying needlessly because brainwashed and ill-informed citizens refuse to be vaccinated or wear a mask? Will the politicians who have recklessly resisted calls for mask mandates, testing, and vaccinations finally wake up and join in taking the much-needed steps to secure citizens around the world from this scourge?

WDT BLOG: RON & MARY'S LATEST ADVENTURES

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Pasaia Maritime Festival San Sebastian

Pasaia Maritime Festival San Sebastian

San Sebastian is so much more than pintxos and beaches. Today we discovered the sea-faring side, just a dozen miles outside of town, at the Pasaia Maritime Festival. This event happens every two years and showcases heritage boats and ships to celebrate a seafaring...