Photographed as our cruise ship entered this quaint French Riveriera port. Rather than travel into Nice or Monaco, our group decided to wander the narrow streets of this town. It was an unexpected treasure filled with interesting architectue and amazing hilltop vistas of the Mediterranean Sea below.
This foto was taken in a garden in the medieval village of Eze, France, high atop a rocky cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Frank and I spent 4 days in Rome and then 11 days on a Mediterranean cruise, exploring Italy, Turkey and Greece.
This is a photo of a street in Taormina, Sicily.
Frank and I spent 4 days in Rome and then 11 days on a Mediterranean cruise, exploring Italy, Turkey and Greece.
This is a photo of Mykonos Town, Greece.
Frank and I spent 4 days in Rome and then 11 days on a Mediterranean cruise, exploring Italy, Turkey and Greece.
This is a photo of "Little Venice" in the town of Mykonos, on the island of Mykonos.
Frank and I spent 4 days in Rome and then 11 days on a Mediterranean cruise, exploring Italy, Turkey and Greece.
This is a photo of the island of Santorini, taken from the town of Oia, overlooking the enormous caldera.
Frank and I spent 4 days in Rome and then 11 days on a Mediterranean cruise, exploring Italy, Turkey and Greece.
This is a photo of the rooftops in Santorini, Greece; seen all over souvenier items on the island!
Goat Cheese Pizza mediterranean foods
Fishing in the Mediterranean Sea at Alexandria Egypt
Mediterranean Sea Alexandria Egypt
Portofino, Italy A quaint little fishing village along the Mediterranean sea
On our recent trip to turkey we decided to split our trip into Half History/ Half fun
After spending a few days in Istanbul we decided to head down the coast in search of warmer waters…
We chose the city of Bodrum and I highly recommend it … They called it the “Turiskh Turquoise Coast” – and boy were they right!
First off, let me tell everyone out there – Turkey is a great alternative to Greece if you are looking to save some money.
You like history? There are tons of ancient cities and relics (Turkey has fought off/ been ruled by more armies than I can name … they actually have better preserved Roman ruins than some places in Rome!)
You like warm weather and relaxing on the beach? Turkey has that too! I mean you ARE still on the Mediterranean … just the other side!
As we started our hotel search we came across many extraordinary hotels… all right on the water! The problem was, you were paying for that location and it was a little out of our budget…
So being the ‘Budget Traveler’ we kept looking… and then we found it…. THIS PLACE!
Located at one of the highest points overlooking the town we found it to be the perfect fit! It was a little bit cheaper because it was farther from town (a quick 10 min walk to town was NOT a problem for us… It saved us a trip to the hotel gym, and with all the cute shops along the way it went by in no time!)
And honestly? I would much rather prefer to look at the city of Bodrum, hear the call to prayer echo through the village as the sun goes down, while floating around in an infinity pool… and STILL get that same stunning ‘ocean view’ that our counterparts in the more expensive hotels paid dearly for.
That said the town had an amazing nightlife scene fit for any age… from fine dining to disco bars, you could mix it up each night and see the city in a totally different way.
I’ll leave you with this: One day we wanted to take a small boat trip - We were able to hop on a sailboat, pay 25 Turkish Lira ($17) and get a 7-HOUR CRUISE touring all the beautiful spots along the coast… jumping out into the clear blue sea every step of the way… AND…. Lunch was included!!!! Where else could you find that????
I really recommend Bodrum to everyone!
I just HAD to share with everyone our amazing trip to Turkey!
When it came time to plan a vacation with my girlfriend, it seemed like the world was our oyster... until we saw airfares. Yikes. Europe was too costly, Asia was too far...
....and that’s when we found it Istanbul, 'the city in the middle.' No, literally!
Istanbul is situated at the exact point where Europe meets Asia, which gave birth to a city renamed more times than most others... that developed a rich history with a vibrant cultural identity like no other. its a fast-paced city with some of the best food, shopping, nightlife i have ever come across... and I live in NYC!
Simply put - From 'the morning call to prayer' to the 'last call' Istanbul blew us away.
Like this picture for example. We went to Istanbul during Ramadan - known as 'Ramazan' in Turkey and we were treated to a stunning light show.
Its a 400-year-old tradition of stringing lights between minarets (Mosque towers) to create 'a message in the sky' for all to see, meant to inspire people during the difficult month of fasting... and it only happens once a year during this time. Lucky us!!!!
Turkey wasn’t on our 'top 10' places to visit before we started this journey... but it should have been. This trip was one of the most memorable vacations I have ever been on.
It's funny, My 'Budget Travel profile' asked me the next place I hope to visit... I think it might be back to Istanbul!
Everyone, please go!
A village on the southern coast of Cyprus.
As I took this photo, the Mediterranean breeze that ruffled the curls in my hair is a feeling that is indelibly etched in my mind now. Adding to the serenity of the moment was enjoying a libation over the water with friends of legacy and newly introduced ones. Despite being in Greece watching the sun set, the image of the windmills conjures up visions of Don Quixote on his quest.