Paris, France
I recently spent a week in Paris, having previously visited for a brief two-day trip after London. This time, I explored much more of the city. We stayed in the Marais district, which was fantastic for walking almost anywhere. On average, we walked about 10 miles each day, although cabs were readily available when needed. Our modern Airbnb on a busy main street was booked 8 months in advance, securing a discount for a 6-night stay. Despite limited and expensive April availability, Airbnb offered better square footage and lower costs compared to hotels.
We visited the restored interior of Notre Dame and explored various neighborhoods. La Galerie Dior was a highlight, even for someone not particularly interested in fashion. Montmartre and the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur were favorites, though the steps were challenging. Versailles was great, but next time we would skip the inside tour and focus on the grounds. Avoiding cabs for the trip to Versailles is advisable due to long travel times. I look forward to another week in Paris!
Florence, Italy
Florence remains at the top of our list of places to revisit every year or even live in one day. Our first visit was a brief day trip from Figline Valdarno in Tuscany, part of a Rome to Venice journey back in 2019. Despite the short time, Florence's magic was evident. Last year, we returned for several days, and our next trip will be at least a week. The city is perfect for walkers, with its manageable size allowing leisurely exploration of the city center in an hour or two. Springtime was crowded with tourists, making advance tickets essential for major attractions. Without reservations, expect long waits; I learned this the hard way with a two-hour wait at the Galleria dell’Accademia. The Duomo is breathtaking, and Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti are must-sees. Florence is a compact city with so much to offer. My flight searches always include FLR, or Rome for an easy train ride from Termini station.
Cairo - Fairmont Nile City
Egypt offers fantastic accommodations at a fraction of the cost compared to most countries, making it an ideal place to splurge on 4- or 5-star hotels. The service is excellent, providing a perfect retreat after long days of exploration. In Cairo, I wouldn't stay anywhere else. Navigating Cairo can be confusing, so joining a tour or hiring a local guide is recommended. Knowing someone locally is ideal, as was our situation. Despite being a tourist-heavy destination, we encountered little language barrier, with most people speaking English well enough to communicate.
The Khan Al-Khalili market is a must-see, offering an enormous labyrinth of shops. While the sales tactics are aggressive, the vendors are friendly at heart. Embrace the bargaining culture to enjoy shopping for high-quality goods at surprisingly low prices. The market features both cheap souvenirs and incredible handmade items unique to the area. The US dollar goes a long way here; I bought so much that I needed an extra piece of luggage to transport everything home.
Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa
After a few days in Cairo, we flew to Luxor, which takes about an hour. We stayed at the Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa, a wonderful place following the luxurious Fairmont in Cairo. The Hilton offered direct views of a different area of the Nile. The ultimate stay in Luxor is the Sofitel Winter Palace, but it was fully booked when I made reservations. Unlike the Hilton, the Sofitel Winter Palace is more elegant. Our visit in April was ideal, with great weather that wasn't too hot.
Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet, Istanbul
One of the most unforgettable places to stay. The service was exceptional, and the location was perfect. It felt like staying in a luxurious fortress where no expense was spared. The quality of the materials, even down to the door hinges, was memorable.
The Leo Grand, Vienna
Another 5-star experience in a prime location. This incredible boutique hotel is worth every penny, with room prices that are reasonable compared to other high-end hotels in the area. Excellent dining options are within a very short radius, and it's just a 2-minute walk to St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Athens, Greece
Athens in late November was an excellent time to visit. The weather was warm, and the monuments were not crowded. We stayed in the Plaka area, a short walk from our fantastic Airbnb in one of the city's best neighborhoods. The food was fantastic and reminded me of Italy. The Acropolis Museum was breathtaking. I can't wait to get back there again!
Santorini, Greece
After Athens, we spent a few days in Santorini. One night had New England-like weather and hail of all things, but the place was empty. Many stores and restaurants were still open, making it a good time to visit. It was warm and sunny, and we avoided the over-tourism of summer. Every view was a postcard. We stayed in a rental on the caldera side with amazing views. I'll never forget those treacherous stone stairs leading up to the main street overlooking the water. I would love to go back one day, but take the suggestion of our rental host, who suggested September or October as the sweet spot.
