Maria Stefanopoulos, Author at Ingenious Travel

7 Very Special Specialty Cruises

Posted in Cruises, Culinary, Europe, Food, Golf, River Cruising, Theme Vacations, on 15 October 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Do you have a hobby that you adore or an interest in something that keeps you excited?
Well, why not experience it in a different way by taking it to the sea or river.

This week we are highlighting some specialty/themed cruises that may just pique your interest. These cruise lines have taken care to curate voyages for enthusiasts from all walks of life. Food, wine, culture, wellness, sports, music are just some of the many options. So if you just want to be around like-minded people while cruising or if you belong to a special interest club or organization that is looking for a different meeting place or conference then let us know and we can arrange an amazing specialized voyage for you. It’s one of our favorite things for us travel tailors to do.

1. AmaWaterways – Wine Cruises
AmaWaterways’ Celebration of Wine River Cruises allow you to discover the world’s most fabled wine regions. On your journey, you’ll be accompanied by a North American Wine Host, who will
guide you through the wonderful vineyards and wines of Europe.

7 Incredible Countries You’ll Explore on the Danube River

Posted in Europe, River Cruising, on 1 October 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

In Central and Eastern Europe, you’ll find some of the most spectacular landscapes, wine, architecture—castles, churches, and war memorials—as well as some of the most colorful, inviting cultures in the world. But what’s the best way to see it all? An AmaWaterways cruise down the Danube River, of course.

Germany

The journey begins with a guided tour through the beautiful medieval city of Nuremberg where you’ll see the Imperial Castle, the famous town wall, and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. For history buffs, there’s a guided tour of the city’s most significant WWII sites, including the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, and the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600 (if the courtroom is not in session).

Next, you can savor traditional Franconian specialties including Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). While en route to the next destination, Regensburg, you’ll cruise through the man-made Main-Danube Canal.

Hitting The Links In Aruba

Posted in Caribbean, Golf, on 17 September 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Though much of Aruba is dominated by an arid landscape, there are still several stretches of green ideal for one of the world’s favorite pastimes. Despite the fact that the small island of Aruba has fewer golf courses than some other Caribbean destinations, the sport has long been a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. Beginning golfers and children can participate in lessons and golf clinics at a number of sites, while true enthusiasts can enjoy an 18-hole gem designed by one of the world’s leading architects. As you enjoy the sites in Aruba, consider taking a break to hit the links amongst some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.

The finest of Aruba’s golf courses – Tierra del Sol – rests amongst the picturesque desert beauty of the island’s northwestern coast. Designed by world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tierra del Sol is notable for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape. With fairways weaving through patches of cacti and impressive rock formations, the course offers players a golf experience unlike any other in the Caribbean. One of Tierra del Sol’s signature holes – the perilous 3rd – lies atop an imposing cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tierra del Sol is also known for its vibrant wildlife, including lizards and salamanders that spend their days basking in the sun and a community of elegant egrets that inhabit the salty marshes of the 14th hole.

Ten Things To Cross Off Your San Diego Bucket List

Posted in Baseball, Beaches, Family Travel, Food, Golf, Groups, San Diego, on 31 August 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

When we think of California, it’s not uncommon to fill our heads of images of the Hollywood sign, celebrities, and the infamous traffic jams of Los Angeles; however, the city of angels isn’t the only prime travel destination within the state.

San Diego has a rich history and a laidback style to match. Not only is it the birthplace of California, but it’s also one of the first spots where Europeans stepped ashore on the entire west coast. Beyond its history, San Diego has a mass appeal that will allow everyone to find something within the city that they enjoy.

So to help jumpstart your next trip to San Diego, here are ten must-see places you can quickly cross off your bucket list!

Ten Things To Cross Off Your San Diego Bucket List

San Diego Beaches – You can’t make a trip to California and not visit the beaches, and San Diego is no exception. The water is perfect for swimming, surfing, and lounging around reading a good book. If you’re looking for relaxation, San Diego has the beaches for you. Pacific Beach, La Jolla Shores Beach, and Sunset Cliffs, to name a few.
LEGOLAND California – Let your creativity and imagination run wild with the whole family. Take in the movies, interactive rides, and Lego designs that overtake this popular destination. You can even try your hands at your own LEGO creations at any number of building activities. (Pictures are from my visit in October 2019.)

3. Balboa Park – The nation’s largest urban cultural park. There are plenty of trails, play areas for kids, as well as museums. Street performers line the streets to help give you a real sense of modern renaissance and entertainment.

4. San Diego Zoo – Who doesn’t love a zoo, and with more than 3,500 animals on-site, it’s easy to get lost in the jungle and enjoy a day with the animals. Learn more about conservation efforts, and the rare and endangered plants and species occupy the 100-acre zoo.

5. SeaWorld San Diego – Families flock far and wide to take in the wonders of SeaWorld. With its mixture of outdoor aquarium and theme park, there are plenty of rides, sights, and attractions for the entire family.

6. San Diego Bay Tours – San Diego Bay is the hub spot for major water-related adventures, so why not take in the harbor and book a tour by boat. This is a relaxing way to end your day or kickstart a day of exploring. Tours can be completed on Jet boats, Hornblower cruises, speed boats, and many others.

7. San Diego Breweries – Brewery tours are always a hit for those 21+, and San Diego has its fair share of breweries to wet your whistle. With nearly 200 breweries in the area, there’s always a fresh beer that you’ve probably never tried before.

8. San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park – This nearly 6,000-acre underwater park contains various habitats such as kelp beds, sand flats, and rocky reefs. The waves are calm and gentle enough to snorkel below the water’s surface for a day of swimming with sea creatures and exploring the surrounding sea caves.

9. Mission Bay – Mission Bay is another great locale for water sports. Not only are there boat rentals, paddle boarding, and other leisure activities, but there are also trails for walking and hiking, and a camping area to set up camp over a long weekend.

10. Annual San Diego Events – Like most major cities, San Diego hosts a variety of one day and weekend-long events that occur annually. These include things such as the San Diego County Fair, Comic-Con (see images below!), as well as the Padres Major League Baseball Season (Petco Park – you can do a tour or see a game!). Even if you’re not attending these events, you may want to plan accordingly because of increases in traffic and travel accommodations being few and far between.

Which of these bucket list items are you looking to cross off on your next trip to San Diego? Are there any other San Diego must-sees that didn’t make our list? Be sure to let us know when you call today to start planning your next vacation!

You can reach us by phone 727.748.4077, email: info@ingenioustravel.com or using our contact form. We’re ready to help you explore San Diego!

Edinburgh Side Trips

Posted in Europe, on 20 August 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

There are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland other than just walking around or running after poltergeists along Old Town’s Royal Mile.

If you are in the city, you are just minutes away from exciting activities. You can jump on a train and go beach-hopping or wildlife watching. You can also swim with sharks in gigantic aquariums, explore magnificent palaces or hike around scenic trails. Of course, don’t forget about playing a round of golf at striking world-class courses. These are just some of the many options available for enthusiastic tourists visiting Scotland’s capital.

8 Top Greek Island Vacation Destinations

Posted in Europe, on 30 July 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Greece has always been an ideal Mediterranean vacation destination. And now, it’s an extremely HOT destination! With over 1,400 islands (230 inhabited), it can be hard to choose which one to visit first. Hopefully, these eight guidelines will assist with your decision.

Tips for a Terrific Trip to Ireland

Posted in Europe, on 16 July 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Have you been to Ireland? Perhaps you were supposed to visit last year? Well, the good news is, Ireland is opening to US travelers again next week, July 19^th!

You’ve put off visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and Blarney Castle long enough. It’s finally time to take that trip to Ireland! We applaud that decision, but before you book that brewery tour or get too excited about visiting Dublin’s Grafton Street, here are a few tips to make for a more enjoyable trip.

Consider Car Travel

The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen via public transportation or tour buses, but renting a car is not a bad idea to get to those obscure sites. Be sure the vehicle you rent is a small one, as rural roads in Ireland are narrow. Oh, and the Irish drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right.

10 Reasons Why Ocean Cruisers Will Love River Cruising

Posted in Europe, Golf, Groups, River Cruising, Theme Vacations, on 25 June 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Ocean cruises have been a popular way to vacation for decades, and for good reason. They’re affordable, convenient, and offer travelers peace of mind knowing that everything they need for a fantastic getaway is all in one place. What could be better than that? Well, consider a river cruise.

You might think that the words “inland” and “cruise” are incompatible. Well, let me show you on AmaWaterways just how superbly well they go together. AmaWaterways river cruises combine all the comfort and convenience of an ocean cruise with the excitement of European excursions at each port of call.

South of France | Provence | Ingenious Travel

Traveling to Nice and the South of France

Posted in Europe, on 28 May 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

Nice is in the south of France. The Queen of the French Riviera, which the French call ” la Cote d’Azur” (Azure Coast or Blue Coast). It is a wonderful city with lots of charm and character; a mixture of French and Italian cultures where the people are easy-going and friendly even if you don’t speak French.

Although you might think it is a summer resort, you can visit Nice at any time of the year and still have a good time. If you happen to go in the winter, you will be surprised to see flowers in their numerous parks and gardens. Nice has a Mediterranean winter, so the temperature stays around 40 to 50 degrees during the coldest months but if you like skiing, ski resorts such as Valberg and Isola 2000 can be reached by car in one or two hours. If you go in the summer, get ready to share the city with lots of tourists. The popular streets where most restaurants and cafes are, can get crowded, but they can be a lot of fun if you enjoy people watching; and since most of the streets are closed to traffic, it is not hard to just walk around and enjoy the upbeat atmosphere.

Nice has a major airport and its close location to the city makes getting there a cinch.

Livraria Lello Bookstore | Ingenious Travel

7 Spellbinding Bookstores You Have to See

Posted in Theme Vacations, Unique Getaways, on 14 May 2021, by Maria Stefanopoulos, 0 Comments

“There is no friend as loyal as a book.”

We’d have to agree with Ernest Hemingway. Whether you consider yourself a bibliophile or just a casual reader, a good book is an essential part of travel. Ranging from the iconic to the strange and stunningly beautiful, these are bookstores around the world are perfect vacation ideas you don’t want to miss.

1. Shakespeare & Company • Paris, France

Being a well-known literary paradise, Paris bursts with one incredible bookstore after another. On the Left Bank, Shakespeare & Company is a temple to English-language literature that is a must-see for any visitor. Originally opened in 1919 by an American expat, the store was eventually moved to its current location on Rue de la Bûcherie in 1951. In its nearly 100 years, this bookstore has counted Hemingway, James Joyce and Allen Ginsberg as regulars. View the Street Map: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France