The Eternal City…Rome

Rome is a great city to discover the real traditions and cultures of Italy. See inspiring masterpieces of art, breathtaking architecture and monuments, and enjoy delicious food. The best time to visit the city is during the spring and fall, when the weather is most pleasant. Come and enjoy an evening in Roma!

When in Rome, you must have a traditional Italian pizza. The pizza is thin-crusted, lightly topped with cheese, and fired in a wood-brick oven. You must also try Rome’s freshly homemade pastas and gelatos. Gelato is a type of rich creamy ice cream that you can find anywhere in the city!

The eternal city is filled with so many places to explore. The top three tourist destinations include:
The Colosseum, The Trevi Fountain, and The Vatican City.

 The Colosseum is located in the heart of room and is a beautiful sight to see. The Colosseum was originally built for gladiatorial contests, executions, reenactments of famous battles, animal hunts, and dramas. Now in ruins, the Colosseum is still a stunning piece of architecture that stands at the center of the city. Tip: Buy tickets for the Colosseum at the Palatine Museum down the street to skip the long lines.

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most impressive fountains in the world. You’ll see many tourists tossing a coin in the fountain, as legend says that you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. The way to toss the coin is to throw it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain. Tip: The perfect time to visit the Trevi Fountain is midnight. It’s less crowded and romantic!

At the Vatican City, visitors can explore St. Peter’s Basilica, see the beautifully-painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and marvel at the sculptures and artwork at the Vatican museums.

The Renaissance City…Florence

Florence is a cultural and artistic gem, known as the capital of Tuscany. In Florence, the museums, palaces, and churches are home to some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. You won’t want to miss the beauty of Michelangelo’s Statue of David and Botticelli’s painting of Venice.

Florence is also one very stylish city. Whether you seek designer labels, or hunt for bargains at a flea market, the city has plenty to offer. You can find antique jewelry at the Piazza dei Ciompi and shop at unique boutiques at Via Calzaiuoli.

Although a small city, there is plenty to see in Florence. The top three tourist destinations include: Piazza dell Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signora.

Piazza del Duomo is located at the heart of Florence. You can climb the bell tower for spectacular views, see the octagonal Baptistery, visit the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo filled with Gothic and Renaissance sculptures, and finally explore the city’s most iconic building – the Duomo cathedral.

Ponte Vecchio is a must see because it is the oldest bridge in Florence. The bridge is often crowded with tourists, musicians, portraitists and other entertainers, creating a vibrant atmosphere. There are houses built on the bridge, which originally were for a diverse range of shops, but today the shops are mostly filled with an abundant number of jewelry stores. If you like gold, this is the place for you.  And remember the key word is BARGAIN!

The third popular destination is Piazza della Signoria, which is known to be the civic center of Florentine life. This square has been transformed to an open-air museum, boasting several statues and beautiful Renaissance style buildings.

The Magical City…Pisa

The city of Pisa is small city in Tuscany, known for its famous landmark the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The best way to visit Pisa is to walk through the streets, enjoy the sights and the atmosphere the city has to offer.

The top three tourist destinations in the city of Pisa is of course the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo of Pisa (cathedral) and the Battistero (baptistry), which are all located Piazza dei Miracoli. Arriving at this location is easy, requiring a short half hour walk from the train station.

 The Learning Tower of Pisa is the most popular attraction in the city. Make sure to bring a friend and camera, as you’ll want to take a classic photo leaning on the tower.

The Duomo of Pisa is a sacred destination. The cathedral’s façade is made out of fine marble, and contains exceptional work of art. Tip: Do not wear a sleeveless outfit as you will not be able to enter the cathedral without appropriate clothing.

The Battistero is the city’s baptistry, and like the cathedral, reflects the same architectural styles. The immense baptistery is made out of white marble and is surrounded by columned arcades. The baptistery also has impressive acoustics. Every half hour, a staff member will give a quick demonstration, showing how a single note can last for several seconds as it travels through the dome.

We’ve compiled the very best Leaning Tower of Pisa pictures, ranging from classic poses to creative. We hope they will inspire!

The Classic Leaning Tower of Pisa Pose

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Capturing a creative or classic pose with the Leaning Tower of Pisa can be a troubling feat. As the Tower of Pisa is a popular tourist attraction, expect large crowds. You’ll definitely want to avoid these crowds in your shot, or else your photo will end up looking something like this:

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How to get a great shot of the Leaning Tower of Pisa:

• Do not stand directly in front of the Tower of Pisa
• Stand 30-50 meters away from the Tower
• Crouch down and use a close up angle to get a perfect leaning shot
• Stand in one place and pose. The photographer should move around until you get the perfect shot.
• To avoid large crowds in your shot, visit the landmark on weekday mornings at 9:00 am.

Visit the Design Museum
The Designs of the Year awards are like the Oscars for the design world. Visit the new exhibit  showcasing the most innovative and imaginative designs of 2013. See various designs in Architecture, Fashion, Product and Furniture. Make sure to also stop by the Design Museum gift shop to purchase unique design materials and books.

After visiting the museum, we recommend taking a stroll by the river, enjoying the sights the city has the offer.

The Designs of the Year exhibit will run until July 7 2013 and the museum is located on the River Thames, near Tower Bridge.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea

Feel like a Queen with afternoon tea, dainty finger sandwiches and pastries. Afternoon tea is a  time to sit up straight and stick your pinkies out, while enjoying the warm company of friends and family.  This is not your typical tourist attraction as the classy environment of the tea salons will make you experience London in a vibrant way.

Afternoon tea can range from modern, casual and traditional. Traditional afternoon tea is a grand affair, offering exquisite decor and glasses of champagne. Modern afternoon tea is less formal but more playful. The casual afternoon tea requires no reservations and is perfect for a spontaneous afternoon activity.

London is filled with tea houses, with many hotels offering their own take on this elegant experience. For the ultimate experience, experience afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel, the 2013 winner for Best Afternoon Tea.

Climb the Monument

Climb 311 steps up a narrow staircase to see the most impressive views London has to offer. The Monument offers panoramic views over London and is a great location to see spectacular views of the Thames River and London’s city center.

The Monument is a column that is 202 feet high, which equals to 311 steps from the ground. The Monument commemorates the Great Fire of London which obliterated much of London in 1666.

As recognition for such great achievement, each Monument climber will receive a certificate, proving their success and athletic abilities.

Visit the Chelsea Physic Garden

This hidden gem offers a unique collection of around 5,000 different plants, ranging from edible, medicinal, and historial plants. Enjoy a calming and peacful stroll through the green oasis Chelsea Physic Garden has to offer.

There are over 100 different types of trees in the Garden, ranging from mulberries to eucalyptus, and many others that are rare to see in Britain. Interesting sights include the largest outdoor fruiting olive tree in Britain and the world’s most northerly outdoor grapefruit tree.

Scotland is a small nation with a ton of heritage. From the iconic and recognizable symbols, to famous golf courses, there is so much to see and do in Scotland. We have summed up our top 5 list of must see things/places to see while in Scotland.

1. Edinburgh: this beautiful city is renowned world-wide for its history, scenery and cultural attractions. There are so many wonderful things to do in Edinburgh, from the Royal Mile to Edinburgh castle, as well as lots and lots of wonderful shops and restaurants. This town has something for everyone.

Mary King’s Close is also a must see while in Edinburgh. This underground city bears many urban legends, tales of ghosts, and carries a strong spiritual presence that will give any visitor goose bumps.

2.  Stirling Castle: one of the largest and most historic castles in Scotland.

Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish independence & a source of national pride. Knights, nobles and foreign ambassadors once flocked to the Royal Court at Stirling Castle to revel in the castle’s grandeur. Travel back in time to the 16^th century while visiting Stirling Castle.

3. William Wallace Monument: if you`re in the town of Stirling, the Wallace Monument is a must see. This tower stands on the summit of Abbey Craig in Stirling, Scotland in commemoration of Sir William Wallace, the 13<sup>th</sup> century Scottish hero. Wallace`s sword resides in the monument, and it has been said that the average man can`t even lift Wallace`s sword. Image what strength one would need to carry that sword to battle.

The monument is a 220 feet tall sandstone tower, built in the Victorian Gothic style. Visitors are encouraged to climb the 246 step spiral staircase to the viewing gallery inside the monument, which provides beautiful views of the Ochil Hills and the Forth Valley. If you plan to embark on this climb, be warned that the stairs are quite narrow and have endured many years of weathering. The stairs are split into 3 levels, allowing visitors a short break before climbing on. The viewing platforms at each level also provides wonderful views of the valley below.

4. Huntly: a historic town located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Ruth, (our Scotland specialist), talks very highly of the town of Huntly. There is much to see in this quaint little town, aside from the beautiful Huntly hotel itself. Visit the popular whiskey trail, and distillery tours in the town of Huntly.

The most popular attraction in Huntly is of course the Huntly Castle. Once a luxurious resident of the Earls of Huntly, one of the most important Catholic families in Scotland, now renovated into a beautiful B&B well worth a visit.

5. St Andrews: We of course can’t write a blog about Scotland without including the famous golf courses in St Andrews.

St Andrews is a place of history, education and culture, with beautiful coastal resorts, and the world’s home of golf.  St Andrews is known worldwide as the “home of golf,” partly because of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, which was established in St Andrews in 1754, and partly because some of the golf courses in St Andrews are ranked amongst the finest courses in the world. Many visitors to St Andrews come for the golfing, but don’t forget about the little town itself, so picturesque and quaint. This coastal town makes for a wonderful getaway destination.

If you are planning a trip to Scotland this summer, the train is a great way to get around town, especially if you want to visit all 5 “must see” places in Scotland. We also recommend taking a trip up the east coast of Scotland. Purchase the Scottish Flexi pass, as it allows you hop-on-hop-off privileges.

The train will take you from Edinburgh to Huntly, and into Inverness if time permits. Beautiful coastal views, quaint towns, and lots of B&B`s along the train stops. You will also find a list of local B&B`s at every train stop, making travelling through Scotland more convenient and fun.

Want more information on travelling to Scotland, contact our Scotland specialist: ruth@bonvoyagetravel.com or 604.594.7515

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Photo source: visitscotland.com

There has never been a better time to travel to Scotland and experience its timeless beauty, impressive heritage and meet some of the friendliest people in the world.

Source: Royal Scottish Tours

Snorkel with sea lions, soak up the sun with the iguanas, or simply marvel at the natural beauty that surrounds you – just a typical day in the Galapagos archipelago! Situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this isolated haven of biodiversity remains nature’s greatest science laboratory, home to a dazzling array of birds, reptiles, fish and mammals that you won’t find anywhere else. With no known predators, the wildlife here exhibit almost no fear of humans. But really, if you got to lay about on the stark lava field of Rabida or the white sand beaches of Espanola, you’d be pretty ,mellow, too.

A Naturalist’s paradise

The Galapagos’ incredible natural diversity is the crucible from which Charles Darwin’s earth-shattering theory of evolution sprang. There are species of bird, animal and plant life here that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas – it’s like a nature documentary you can walk through. Get off the couch and come see it for yourself.

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I’m a pretty big fan of Cabo San Lucas. A few years ago we stopped in Cabo San Lucas while on a cruise ship, with only a half day to enjoy the towns. Having travelled there once before, this was of course our destination of choice for our latest vacation.

There are many things to do in Cabo San Lucas, beautiful outdoor seating over the marina, enjoying margaritas over chips and salsa, huge plates of tasty Mexican food, and lots of water sports. The water in Cabo San Lucas is crystal clear and calm, with swimmable beaches, jet skiing, parasailing, fishing and beautiful views of the cruise ships. While planning our trip, we came across many blogs talking about the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas. I wanted to share our top 5 things to do in Cabo San Lucas, based on our experience.

1. Jet Skiing:

This has to be our top choice of things to do in Cabo. I personally find jet skiing to be a ton of fun, but you also get beautiful views of Cabo`s marina, along with beaches and other resorts while out in the water. We also really enjoyed the view of lover’s beach from the jet ski. With water proof cameras, we were able to snap some great pictures of lovers beach and the marina on our jet skiing. We also found a sea lion following us on our jet skis for a bit.

An interesting fact for you: when we rented our jet skis we were told to stay 100 meters away from the cruise ships at all times, otherwise it’s considered an act of terrorism.

2. The food:

We actually stayed at an all-inclusive resort in Los Cabos, and found the food in Cabo San Lucas to be delicious, especially compared to the resort food. We went to several restaurant and pubs while staying in Los Cabos, each just as delicious as the last.

3. The night life

The night life in Cabo is lots of fun. Cabo itself has this really cool small town fishing village vibe to it, with lots of fun pubs and bars. Cabo Wabo, Senior Frogs, and El Squid Roe all come highly recommended for fun places to hang out. The booze cruise also looked like lots of fun, with loud music, lots of dancing and all around a fun atmosphere.

4. Ziplining

We weren’t able to find the time to get to ziplining, but were told by many many people in our resort that it was a ton of fun and well worth the price. Ziplining is a 5 hour adventure, a great way to kill most of your day with just enough time to lay by the pool before the sun goes down. If you have done ziplining in Whistler, ziplining in Los Cabos is much better in comparison.

5. The fish market

The fish market was a really cool experience for us, and something we didn’t even know about the last time we were in Cabo. Many tourists opt to go fishing while on vacation in Cabo, catching up to 250 lb marlins. The fish are usually brought over to the fish market to be cut into pieces. The fishermen are given pieces of the fish to bring to local restaurants for lunch/dinner. The remaining fish are cut and sold at the fish market to restaurants and locals. While at the fish market, we watching a large crowd of pelicans surround the workers, looking for scraps of food. It was really interesting watching the pelicans edge closer and closer to the fish, with the sea lion in the water waiting for his lunch as well.

We have also heard lots of people talking about swimming with dolphins, ATV adventures, whale watching and glass bottom boat tours. We are more of adventure travellers who like to submerse ourselves in the local culture. We took a glass bottom boat to where the jet skis were located and were quite surprised with how much algae was covering the glass bottom boat, making it hard to see out. Not something we would recommend.  The ATV adventure sounded lots of fun, but again we ran out of time.

Being more of adventure travellers, we opted to take the bus into Cabo San Lucas from our resort. A great experience, and for only $2 USD! We found it to be a great way to view the city, and meet local people. Another couple we were travelling with were reluctant to take a public bus in a town they weren`t familiar with, but enjoyed the experience.

Having only one person plan your destination wedding and travel arrangements for your friends and family is so much simpler

2. It’s stree-free

We handle the stress, allowing you more time to enjoy the moment.

3. The confidence

You can put your mind at ease knowing your destination wedding plans will be managed in a professional, timely manner

4. Our connections

We have established good reputations and have built great relationships with hoteliers and on-site wedding co-ordinators

5. Our passion

We truly care about planning your wedding and will be with you every step of the way

Contact us to plan your destination wedding!
Melania Foulds – Wedding Specialist

We recently travelled to Los Cabos for our first all-inclusive vacation, staying at the Melia Cabo Real in early December. Beautiful hotel, but we found the hotel to be very quiet for the time of year. The pool and restaurant area was never busy, which was great being a guest at the hotel. No line-ups and always a chair by the pool.  The staff were friendly, always with a smile on their face, our rooms were clean, and the resort overall was very clean. Always activities down by the pool during the day, with some activities at night. The food was excellent in the reservation restaurant, and the buffet had a good variety of food.

We didn`t venture down to the beach at all, spent more time in the pool and in Cabo San Lucas. We were told the beach was quite rocky, but looked beautiful from the pool/hot tub. We got a great 5 hour game of pool volleyball going with about half the resort, which was a great way to meet new people. Many people ventured off during the day for activities and water sports, where others stayed by the pool enjoying the sun. We found there to be lots of couples at the resort, and a surprisingly large number of families at the resort, all with very well behaved kids I must add.

We found the pool, hot tub, and swim up bar closed so early there really wasn`t anything to do at night. The lobby bar encouraged people to join their events, but with the resort not being that busy, there really wasn`t much to do up in the lobby area. I have to say the resort experience is all about the people. We met a large group of really fun people that made our stay lots of fun.

We chose to stay at the Melia Cabo Real because it was one of the closest all-inclusive resorts to Cabo San Lucas, where we wanted to spend most of our time.