Frances Gertsch - Trusted Travel Advisor with Stewart Travel Group

11/24/2024

I needed help describing the Azores because it’s so special, so I asked a few friends!

Visit Azores

11/24/2024

An iconic view in Terceira!

11/24/2024

Earlier today, we visited Casa Agrícola Brum.❤️

I had the pleasure of meeting Sr. Brum, the winemaker, who took me into his vineyard and told me all about how they use lava rocks 🌋 to make a micro climate for their vines.

We tasted a sweet wine made from
verdelho and terranez grapes that had been aged in French oak barrels since 2012. 🍶

It was fascinating - and it’s moments like this that really make a trip for me.

11/23/2024

Today’s been long but another great day!

We started by flying from São Miguel to Terceira - about 40 minutes on a Q400 Dash 8. ✈️

After dropping our luggage 🧳 and a quick breakfast, we did a short walking tour of the historic centre of Angra do Heroismo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is one of two on the island of Terceira, and has a very authentic, cared for charm. ❤️

We then went to Quinta do Martelo for lunch 🍽️where we were served a traditional four-course meal while they reenacted a ceremony dedicated to the Holy Spirit with prayer and song.

Tonight I’m staying at the Palácio Santa Catarina, previously the home of a noble family and later the official residence of the Bishop of Angra. This is where Pope John Paul II ⛪️ rested when he came here in 1991.

Now, off to supper! And yes, all we’ve done today is eat! 🤣



📸: Some photos taken by Rivers, Oceans & Expeditions. Thanks for rescuing me and my dead phone, Cynthia! 🌈

11/23/2024

Yesterday was a bit foggy with some drizzle…we started up to Fogo Lake but were greeted with a foggy and very windy look off. 💨

We continued to Caldeira Velha and then the Chá Gorreana Tea Factory. 🫖

We had Cozido of Furnas - a meal cooked in the ground using the steam from the Furnas volcano. 🌋

Then we wandered through the Parque Terra Nostra - a beautiful botanical garden - before heading back to the hotel to pack.

Dinner was at Solar da Graça!

It’s now 6:20 am and we are en route to the airport to fly to Terceira for our last two nights in the Azores.

11/22/2024

11/22/2024

Another full day here in Ponta Delgada! Morning conference with panel speakers and a trade show.

Then lunch with Cynthia at A Tasca - a local restaurant in town. 🍽️

After lunch we went whale watching with Futurismo Whale Watching Azores and we saw multiple mother-calf pairs and a solo s***m whale, common dolphin, and a bottlenosed dolphin. It was a special and respectful experience. 🐋

Let’s see what today holds!!

Rivers, Oceans & Expeditions

11/21/2024

Cynthia and I decided to venture out for lunch at a local restaurant, recommended by Luis from Melo Travel DMC.

We went to A Tasca and we tried limpets for the first time - like a mix between mussels and escargot in both taste and texture.

So yummy!

Rivers, Oceans & Expeditions

11/20/2024

Live from Sete Cidades on São Miguel Island. Prepare for beautiful views!

11/19/2024

The last couple of days were spent with my first cousin and his family in Aljezur, Portugal. It was a super special weekend and my first few days EVER in Portugal. It stole my heart! ❤️

11/18/2024

If you’ve been wondering where I’m off to next, it’s the Azores! I’ll be attending the ACTA - Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors destination conference to learn all about this spectacular part of the world!

I’ll get to Lisbon in about 15 minutes, then transfer to the airport for a late flight tonight. Tomorrow, the adventure truly begins!

Off to the Azores! 150 ACTA Member Travel Advisors Embark on an ACTA In Destination Adventure!

150 ACTA Member travel advisors are beginning one of the year’s most anticipated familiarization trips: the ACTA International Destination Conference in the Azores. Located 1,500 km off the coast of Portugal in the heart of the Atlantic, this remarkable archipelago promises an unforgettable experience.

Over the course of eight days, participants will explore two of the Azores’ stunning islands, São Miguel and Terceira. The carefully designed itinerary includes opportunities to connect with local suppliers, deepen product expertise, enhance social media business strategies, and fully immerse in the islands’ unique culture.


❤️Azores,

11/16/2024

This morning I flew from Marrakech to Lisbon and then caught a bus (that I’m currently in) to Aljezur to visit my cousin Andy and his little guy Zac! I’ll spend a couple of nights here, and am really looking forward to spending some time with them!

11/16/2024

Last night we celebrated Exodus Adventure Travels 50th anniversary with a gala dinner at the Es Saadi Marrakech Resort before saying our goodbyes.

11/15/2024

A few photos from our walk through the Marrakech Medina, and visit to Bahia Palace.

11/15/2024

We’re just waiting for our tagine to cook over the coals! We are at the Amal Women's Training Center and Moroccan Restaurant for a cooking class, tea ceremony, and lunch.

11/15/2024

Yesterday we took a 7-hour train ride from Fes to Marrakech. This country is HUGE!

We then went a wonderful French-inspired meal at Restaurant Le Caspien Marrakech.

11/13/2024

Today we explored Fès, and all I can really say is, “Wow!” The city was founded in 789! The Medina has 10,000 streets, 300 neighborhoods, more than 300 mosques, and 120,000 residents!

We’ll be here on our 2025 Morocco tour next year!

11/12/2024

What an amazing morning in Chefchaouen, known as the “Blue City.” A truly special town, with amazing people. We had a fantastic lunch of olives, mint tea, cheese, and baguette under an olive tree at Hotel Ziryab!

Now we’ll take a public bus to Fes, where we’ll spend a couple of nights.