I'm just back from a week in Provence.  And I must say, in spite of the France labour strikes, we had a marvelous time.

We sailed from Lyon to Arles, with a pre-cruise night in Lyon at the superb International hotel. And we boarded the AMA Kristina in Lyon to sail southbound. We had a wonderful time visiting Lyon, Vienne, Tournon, Avignon, and Arles - and then back for a night in Paris, where we did some touring..

And while it was a bit to leave the 20+ celsius temperatures in Arles to head home, and return to snow, the warmer weather and the embrace of spring was absolutely restorative to the soul after a dreary winter in Ottawa.

I really enjoyed staying at the Intercontinental Hotel-Dieu in Lyon. Great location for walking around Lyon, and even walking to our river cruise ship.

My boutique agency is called Lush Life Travel. I am an affiliate of Vision Travel. Vision Travel has recently rebranded to Direct Travel. 

As a client Lush Life Travel, this change won't really impact you. You will begin to see some logo differences on invoices you receive from me for travel (as per our regulators), and you'll see Vision Travel now be referred to as Direct Travel Company.

Just wanted you to know. And - if you click some of the marketing links I have in the offers section below, you'll notice the migration over to a Direct Travel link as well.

Having just returned from France, and listening to all the news about President Macron, we had a fun refresher about all the Macron, Macaron, and Macaroon similarities.

Ok, not soo similar. The President is obvious. French politics is interesting, and it was educational to be immersed in another country's debate about pension reform. But, it's not exactly dessert worthy.

There's a lot to be said about macarons and macaroons, however.  

This article helps crystalize the differences between the two cookies: https://sports.yahoo.com/macaron-vs-macaroon-whats-difference-012230915.html

"A macaron is a sandwich-like cookie that’s filled with jam, ganache, or buttercream. A macaroon is a drop cookie made using shredded coconut."
 

Just in case you might tend to mix them up (like I sometimes have - not the taste, of course, just what to call them).

What's your preference? France's macaron, or Italy's macaroon? Maybe we should have a taste test?

Video recipe above.

Unlike traditional river cruises that focus solely on sightseeing and relaxation, themed river cruises are designed around a particular theme or interest, such as wine, music, or history & culture.

Whether you're a foodie looking to sample local cuisine, a music lover, or a history buff interested in exploring specific cultures and heritages, there's a themed river cruise out there that caters to your unique interests.

Wine River Cruises

AmaWaterways invites you to indulge in one of their more than 60 exclusive “Celebration of Wine River Cruises” through Europe’s most celebrated wine regions. 

These thrilling wine-themed European sailings provide a unique and delicious dimension to already enticing itineraries—with enhanced epicurean experiences included in the price of the cruise.

Each of AmaWaterways Celebration of Wine River Cruises is hosted by an enthusiastic wine host who leads you through:

- Tastings and interactive discussions.

- Accompanies you on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars.

- Helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board.

Guided by their passion and expertise, you’ll delight in discovering one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine and elegant cuisine.

Celebration of Classical Music River Cruise

A must experience journey for music enthusiasts, immerse yourself in the magic of classical melodies while enjoying a luxurious river cruise. This carefully curated cruise offers a unique and unforgettable experience that combines the pleasures of travel with the love of classical music.

Guests on this themed river cruise can look forward to a range of onboard and off board activities that revolve around classical music. These include:

- Live performances by world-renowned musicians.

- Talks and lectures by experts in the field.

- Visits to historic venues and museums.

Soulful Epicurean Experience River Cruises

This one-of-a-kind themed river cruise celebrates Black history and culture by combining the pleasures of travel with a focus on celebrating Black culture, cuisine, and history.

From soulful music performances and visits to historic sites to cooking classes and wine tastings featuring Black-owned wineries and culinary creations, the Soulful Epicurean Experience immerses guests in Black history and culture promises an unforgettable journey of discovery and celebration.

We were in Paris overnight on Thursday, March 23rd. The day of the national strike.

The news made it sound like all of Paris is burning. It wasn’t.

The picture above was my husband, daughter, and I about 6 pm on March 23rd. In front of the Eiffel Tower. We were with a bunch of other tourists, all waiting for the evening's lights.

We also saw the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre.

Parisians and tourists are doing their thing.

Yes, it was national “black” strike day, and we had some disruptions in rail service, but we made it safely from Avignon to Paris by TGV with only a half hour delay. (We took a cab from Arles to Avignon when the regional trains weren't running.)

While there were strikes on local transport and metro, I wasn't going to let the afternoon go to waste. We hired a cab to play tourist.

You can visit Paris, safely. We were downtown on national strike day.

Just like you could have visited Ottawa safely last February, when the convoy was on.

You just avoid the protest areas (and maybe the news).

Keep travelling!

Having just returned from another AMA Waterways cruise (my second in 3 months - the Rhine was in December, and the Rhone in March), I can share more about their wellness program onboard.

The schedule for last week's cruise and wellness program is above. It's all included, and you can do as much or as little as you wish.

More and more of my clients want to incorporate activity in their river cruise holidays, and AMA is the first to have a wellness host onboard almost all of their river cruise ships (save the 4 ships listed below in Portugal, Egypt, and Africa )

Here's how AMA describes it. https://www.amawaterways.ca/explore/wellness 

AmaWaterways’ Wellness Program

Enhance Your Best Self

AmaWaterways strives to ensure every guest is able to enhance their best self on board. We are proud to offer a variety of guided hikes, biking excursions, engaging fitness classes led by professionally trained Wellness Hosts* as well as heated sun-deck pools, whirlpools, fitness rooms and massage services. Overseen fleetwide by our Corporate Wellness Host and Ironman event participant, Selina Wank, our wellness activities are an enriching way to nourish your mind, body and spirit during your river cruise.

*Wellness Hosts available on all ships except AmaVida, AmaDouro, AmaDahlia and Zambezi Queen.

I’m headed to Greece with my family next July, and I'm inviting my clients to come along. My husband and I will act as the Azamara Virtuoso Voyages host for the July 8, 2023 sailing onboard the Azamara Quest, roundtrip Piraeus for a Greece Intensive Voyage, for 7 days. I've already booked several clients to come along. 

One of the things we love most about what we do is matching our clients tastes' with the greatest hotels in the world.  And with our preferred status with these industry leading hotel brands it means our clients are instant VIP's with upgrades and special perks that you only get working with an elite partner.  So, not only do we have the best rates, but more importantly you get an exceptional experience over and above what you would booking direct or with a credit card.

See the special programs I'm affiliated with below, and let me know if you’d like to discuss a specific hotel stay.

For specific articles about why you should book with an advisor, rather than book by yourself, see here:

Why Wouldn't You Do It Yourself

Booking a Cruise Yourself vs With Advisor

Booking Hawaii Yourself vs Through Advisor

Booking Rocky Mountaineer Yourself vs With Advisor

See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS

A&K 100 Club ;  Accor Step & Fairmont ,  Belmond Bellini Club Program ;  

Couture by Langham;  Dorchester Diamond Club;  Four Seasons Preferred, 

Hilton Impresario;  Hyatt Privé Program; IHG Hotel Program ;  

Jumeirah’s Passport to Luxury , Kempinski Club 1897; Luminous Hotel Program ,

Mandarin Oriental Fan Club; Marriott Stars & Luminous , Pearl Partner Oetker;  

Peninsula Fan Club , Preferred Hotel Program ; Rocco Forte Knights Program 

Rosewood Elite ; Small Luxury Hotels 

And - I wanted to let you know about a new way for you to book hotels online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week... You can now browse and book hotels online https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-hotels  at your convenience – and what’s more, you’ll still receive all the usual benefits you get when I book your travel - including full service, preferred rates, and exclusive amenities.  And once you make a booking, the information comes directly to me so I can follow up with you about additional services or whatever else you may need!

It’s perfect for last minute getaways, weekend breaks, or other short trips!

I’m sure once you try it you’ll agree you get the best of both worlds; the ease and convenience of online booking – plus the value and VIP treatment I know you love. As long as you don't need me to provide any additional services or assistance, you can book hotels yourself with my Virtuoso partners, and I will waive normal booking and management fees. (If you need additional assistance after the booking, normal fees will apply.)

One point, though - if you're looking to stay at week at a Four Seasons partner around the world, say, having me book your holiday through my Four Seasons preferred partners directly (rather than you self-booking through the Virtuoso.com booking engine link above) will bestow additional benefits that I can leverage as a preferred Four Seasons partner. So, let me know if you want to book a Four Seasons, but I can get some extra benefits and "love" for you. 

Of course, this Virtuoso.com booking link and the benefits of you booking yourself, if you choose, doesn’t change any of the services I already offer. I’m still available in person to book hotels and take care of your other travel needs. Just know you now have access to this VIP online hotel booking option now, too.

I'm here when you need me.