Important change for travelers planning to visit or transit through the United Kingdom.
Starting January 8, 2024, all travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, and many others, will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their trip.
Important change for travelers planning to visit or transit through the United Kingdom. Starting January 8, 2024, all travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, and many others, will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their trip.
What is the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)? The UK ETA is a digital authorization linked to your passport. It costs £10 (about $13) and is valid for two years. The ETA allows you to make multiple trips to the UK during that period. Who Needs an ETA? If you are from a visa-exempt country (such as the U.S. or Canada), you’ll need an ETA for short-term visits (under six months). This includes travelers connecting through UK airports, even if you’re continuing to another destination.
How to Apply: You can apply online or via the ETA app. You will need your passport, a photo, and payment details (credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay). The application process is straightforward and typically takes only a few minutes.
We recommend applying for your ETA as soon as possible to ensure a smooth journey to the UK. Click here for more information.
Nestled in the heart of Italy, the Republic of San Marino is one of the world’s oldest and smallest countries. Despite its size, San Marino offers a wealth of history, culture, and stunning landscapes that make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique European experience.
A Glimpse into History
San Marino boasts a rich history that dates back to 301 AD, making it one of the oldest republics in the world. According to legend, the country was founded by Saint Marinus, a stonemason who sought refuge on Mount Titano to escape persecution. Today, San Marino’s historical significance is evident in its well-preserved medieval architecture and ancient fortifications.
Exploring the Capital: City of San Marino
The capital city, also named San Marino, is a charming hilltop town that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. As you wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter a variety of historical landmarks, including:
The Three Towers: These iconic towers—Guaita, Cesta, and Montale—are perched atop Mount Titano and offer panoramic views of the region. Each tower has its own unique history and serves as a symbol of San Marino’s independence.
Piazza della Libertà: This bustling square is home to the Palazzo Pubblico, the seat of the government. The square is a great place to relax and people-watch while enjoying a coffee at one of the nearby cafes.
Basilica di San Marino: This neoclassical basilica is dedicated to Saint Marinus and houses his relics. The basilica’s elegant architecture and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit site.
Cultural Experiences
San Marino is not just about history; it also offers a vibrant cultural scene. The country hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including:
Medieval Days: Held in July, this festival transports visitors back in time with medieval reenactments, parades, and traditional music and dance.
San Marino International Music Festival: This annual event features performances by renowned musicians from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of musical genres.
Outdoor Adventures
For nature enthusiasts, San Marino offers plenty of outdoor activities. The country’s mountainous terrain is perfect for hiking, with numerous trails that provide stunning views of the landscape. One popular route is the San Marino Nature Trail, which takes you through lush forests and past ancient ruins.
Shopping and Dining
San Marino is also a shopper’s paradise, with a variety of boutiques and shops offering everything from local crafts to high-end fashion. Don’t forget to explore the duty-free stores, where you can find great deals on perfumes, jewelry, and electronics.
When it comes to dining, San Marino boasts a range of culinary delights. Be sure to try local specialties such as piadina (a type of flatbread) and torta tre monti (a layered wafer cake). The country’s restaurants and cafes offer a mix of traditional Sammarinese cuisine and Italian dishes, ensuring a delightful gastronomic experience.
Practical Tips
Getting There: San Marino is easily accessible from Italy. The nearest major city is Rimini, which has a train station and an airport. From Rimini, you can take a bus or drive to San Marino.
Currency: San Marino uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.
Language: Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
San Marino may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to offering a memorable travel experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, this enchanting republic has something for everyone. So, why not add San Marino to your travel bucket list and discover its hidden treasures for yourself?
I hope this captures the essence of visiting San Marino!
Rome, the Eternal City, transforms into a magical wonderland during the Christmas season. The city is adorned with beautiful lights, festive decorations, and, of course, stunning Christmas trees. Here are the key dates for the Christmas tree lightings in Rome for 2024:
Vatican Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City The Vatican Christmas tree lighting is a significant event, symbolizing unity and hope. This year’s tree will be accompanied by a Nativity scene inspired by the lagoon town of Grado.
Piazza Venezia Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: November 29, 2024
Location: Piazza del Popolo (due to construction at Piazza Venezia) The tree lighting at Piazza Venezia is a beloved tradition, but this year it will take place at Piazza del Popolo.
Other Notable Christmas Events
Piazza Navona Christmas Market: From December 1, 2024, to January 6, 2025, this historic square transforms into a vibrant market filled with festive stalls and decorations.
Christmas World at Villa Borghese: Starting November 30, 2024, this immersive Christmas village features light displays, cultural exhibits, and a skating rink.
Piazza di Spagna/Spanish Steps: A small Christmas Market and nativity scene set up at the bottom of the Spanish Steps.
Piazza Mazzini: A vintage/antique market in Piazza Mazzini in Prati which throughout December turns into a fairly large Christmas Fair where you will find gifts, crafts, food, Christmas decorations and more, Some of the stalls previously found in Piazza Navonna will be set up here.
Laghetto dell’Eur Christmas Village: Set around the enchanting Laghetto dell’EUR, an artificial lake competed for the 1960 Rome Olympics. The market showcases more than 100 exhibitors and their artisanal crafts, delicious food, and a picturesque ice-skating rink.
Cinecittà World’s Christmas Village From November 9, 2024, to January 6, 2025, the famous film-themed park offers a holiday transformation, complete with seasonal attractions and family-friendly activities.
Rome’s Christmas tree lightings and festive events offer a unique blend of tradition, beauty, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these events are sure to fill your heart with the spirit of the season.
I will book any Viator bookings that you choose, or you may book Viator activities through my bookable links. Please make sure that the webpage you are booking from displays the logo on the right. (Bookable Link)
I prefer that you text or email a request to me to make a “Direct Booking” into Viator’s Agent application. This allows me to manage the trip on your behalf, saving you time and effort, especially while traveling.
Trip Folder
For most trips, I will create a “Trip Folder” that I will share as Microsoft link with you. Please access it from a computer and print out the documents a few days prior to departure. Also, make sure you can open it on the device that you will have on your trip.
If you prefer, I can create your folder as a Google Drive Folder, or Dropbox Folder. Just let me know what works best for you. If you don’t have access to a printer, let me know and I will print and send you your documents.
Adding a Booking to Your Viator App
To add a Viator booking made through an agent to the Viator app, log in to your Viator app account, navigate to “My Bookings,” and then enter the booking reference number provided by your agent; you may also receive a confirmation email with a link to add the booking directly to your app.
Key steps:
Access your Viator app: Open the Viator app and log in to your account.
Go to “My Bookings”: Find the “My Bookings” section within the app.
Enter booking details: Paste the booking reference number given by your agent.
Confirm booking: The app should automatically pull up the booking details, allowing you to verify and access your itinerary.
Important points to remember:
Agent confirmation: Always ensure you print out the booking confirmation I send with the necessary details like the booking reference number.
Contact support if needed: If you encounter issues adding the booking, contact Viator customer support for assistance.
Viator Payments and Tickets
When booking with Viator at least two weeks prior to an activity, you may be offered an option to Reserve Now – Pay Later. The following applies:
You will receive a confirmation email, but no tickets.
There will be a $1.00 credit card authorization charge.
Your card on file with be charged two days prior to the start of the experience.
Three days prior to the automatic charge, you will receive a reminder email.
You can update the card on file if you want to use a different card.
You can “Pay Now” and have access to your tickets.
Two days prior to the start of the experience, your payment will be made.
Some Viator products may not be available as Reserve Now – Pay Later.
Check the booking details when booking and before making payments as occasionally there may be added conditions.
Data encryption is the process of encoding data. Once data is encrypted, it can only be read after it’s been decrypted. This process is used to protect information both when it’s transferred between a browser and a server and when it’s being stored. Data encryption is particularly useful for sensitive information that needs an additional layer of security.
An encrypted form involves a password or key that the form owner uses to encrypt and decrypt data — adding an extra layer of security and ensuring that form submissions can only be viewed and accessed by the form owner themselves. Even the company processing the form data (in this case, Jotform) can’t access the encrypted data.
Jotform Encrypted Forms 2.0 uses end-to-end data encryption and Web Crypto API to keep form data protected. Encrypted Forms 2.0 uses a unique encryption password for each and every form. Switching to this method gives every form owner a unique way to access encrypted submissions, helping to boost the security level.
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a method of data protection that encrypts data from the moment it’s created and keeps it encrypted as it’s transferred from one place to another. Data protected by E2EE can be decrypted only by the person with the encryption password. In the case of online forms that have end-to-end encryption enabled, each form submission’s data is encrypted as soon as it’s submitted and can be decrypted only by the form owner. Making the data unreadable to anyone other than the password holder adds an additional layer of security and prevents data from being viewed or accessed by the internet service provider, the platform hosting the data, hackers, or any other third-party individual or organization. Encrypted Forms 2.0 keeps your data safe.
Munich Hauptbahnhof (HBF) is a major rail hub in Germany, serving as a gateway to many European destinations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate and board your train with ease.
Munich HBF is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport, taxi, or on foot. Make sure to arrive at least 20-30 minutes before your train’s departure time to account for any last-minute changes or delays.
2. Check the Departure Board
Once inside, look for the large electronic departure boards. These will display your train’s platform number and departure time. You can also use the DB Navigator app for real-time updates.
3. Find Your Platform
Follow the signs to your designated platform. Platforms are clearly numbered and easy to locate. If your train departs from platforms 1 or 2, note that these are underground (referred to as “tief” in German).
4. Boarding the Train
Wait for the train to arrive and allow passengers to disembark before boarding. Ensure you have your ticket ready for inspection. If you need assistance, look for station staff wearing burgundy-colored caps labeled “Service.”
5. Onboard Amenities
Once on the train, find your seat and store your luggage. Most trains offer amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and dining services. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your journey!
Additional Tips
Luggage Lockers: Available if you need to store your bags temporarily.
Accessibility: The station is equipped with elevators and ramps for easy access.
Food and Shopping: Plenty of options available within the station for a quick bite or last-minute shopping.
The Pulitzer Amsterdam hotel, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s canal district, is comprised of 25 historic houses and boasts premium amenities. This Premium experience includes a guided small-group walking tour so you can explore the city intimately.
Non- Viking Independent Hotel Options
These do not include transfers or Viking concierge services.
The Viking Trip Protection plan does not cover anything (including medical) until the Viking portion of the trip starts.
Experience Luxury at the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam
Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam offers an urban oasis with a unique blend of modern comfort and botanical-inspired design. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, this hotel provides the perfect retreat with its luxurious amenities and exceptional service.
Club Lounge Access: A Touch of Exclusivity
One of the standout features of the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam is its exclusive Club Lounge, located on the third floor. Here’s what you can expect:
Relaxing Atmosphere: The Club Lounge offers a serene environment with comfortable seating and stunning views along Roetersstraat.
Gourmet Delights: Start your day with a light breakfast, featuring a selection of fresh fruits, pastries, and more. In the evening, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a variety of snacks, complemented by complimentary wine, beer, and liquor.
Convenient Hours: The lounge is open from 8 am to 10 pm, providing ample time to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the city
Taking a taxi from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam.
Duration: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Cost: Around €50-65
Taking a taxi from the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam to the cruise port.
Duration: Approximately 15 minutes.
Cost: Around €35-50
Stay in Style at the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel offers a perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Situated across from the vibrant Leidseplein, this 5-star hotel is just moments away from iconic attractions like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum.
Why Choose Amsterdam Marriott Hotel?
Prime Location: Enjoy easy access to Amsterdam’s top sights, upscale shopping, and fine dining.
Luxurious Accommodations: The hotel features elegantly decorated rooms with cozy seating areas, work desks, and flat-screen TVs.
Taking a taxi from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel.
Duration: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Cost: Around €40-50
Getting from the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel to the cruise port.
Taking a taxi from the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel to the cruise port.
A Glimpse into the Past The tradition of wine windows began when noble families were permitted to sell their countryside-produced wine without intermediaries or taxes. This practice was not only economically savvy but also provided a safe means of commerce during the plague in the 17th century, allowing for social distancing before it was a modern term.
A Tour of Florence’s Wine Windows In this blog post, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of some of the most beautiful wine windows in Florence. From the Gelateria Vivoli’s rediscovered window to the well-preserved portal at Via del Giglio, 2, each window has a story to tell.
Join us as we explore these remnants of Renaissance ingenuity and learn how they’ve adapted to modern times, continuing to serve the city’s residents and its visitors.
Where Can I Have a Glass of Wine from the Window?
Babae Firenze is the working wine window from the Stanley Tucci episode on Florence. The restaurant is a nice place to sit and have a snack and a drink as well.
Yes, you can get a beer while the wife stands in line at the Babae wine window.
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Important change for travelers planning to visit or transit through the United Kingdom. Starting January 8, 2024, all travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, and many others, will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their trip. 
