Ruth's Travel Page- Independent Travel Advisor with Direct Travel

03/09/2024

Ah September! A wonderful time of the year to travel almost anywhere! The choices are endless....... 🌏✈️
"Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures." -Henry David Thoreau

16/08/2024

“Fires happen in the U.S., Australia, Greece, and many other countries. Unfortunately, I think it’s the new normal.”

15/08/2024

On my way home after a wonderful vacation! Thanks AmaWaterways!

13/08/2024

Day 5- hiking through the vineyards of Rüdesheim- hot and sunny!

In the afternoon a relaxing float through the castle area….

12/08/2024

Day 4- a more relaxed day…..spent the morning in Heidelberg and the castle, before sailing down the river to Rüdesheim…. While sailing I enjoyed a talk on the Rhine River.

In the evening we headed to Rüdesheim for a couple of excursions. I chose a Rüdesheimer coffee tasting…..and still slept!

10/08/2024

Another wonderful day exploring the wonderfully historic city of Strasbourg…..a 2 hour walking tour, then I took the option of staying in town to explore on my own.

Left at 9 and back around 415 or so…..Aperol spritz, and pool time before cocktail time and dinner…..

10/08/2024

09/08/2024

Sailing along the Rhine at the moment with …..my day today:
-Stretching class at 715 am
-Breakfast
-845 am left for a hike in the Black Forest
-1 pm or so back to the ship
-lunch
-230 pm walked the track on the top deck until 3 pm (hot and sunny)
-315-445 pm sat in the pool and chatted with various people
Still to come:
-7 pm Chef’s Table - 7 course dinner

We have been through 3 locks so far……heading to Strasbourg…..

08/08/2024

Now in Basel getting ready for my river cruise. Came by train from Zurich yesterday- easy and convenient- first class…..
Walking tour of the old town in the afternoon…. Look closely at the river- there are people floating along….
This morning enjoyed the kunstmuseumbasel….
A few pictures from Basel.

06/08/2024

Headed to Mount Rigi and Lucerne today. Mount Rigi- The Rigi (or Mount Rigi; also known as Queen of the Mountains) is a mountain massif of the Alps, located in Central Switzerland. The whole massif is almost entirely surrounded by the water of three different bodies of water: Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz. How to reach the summit? Cable car, then cogwheel train, then the last little bit walking. Did some hiking before heading down where we cruised across the lake at a leisure pace. Docked in Lucerne……time for a short walkabout then wine. Truly today was all about the scenery!

05/08/2024

Another fabulous day…..did a 2 hour walking tour/ then public transportation to a boat cruise on Lake Zurich, before heading by bus and cable car to the top of a small mountain- Uetliberg- with wonderful views…..

Glass of white wine when back at my hotel- then headed to Fraumünster to view Marc Chagall’s windows- a picture of three of them that seriously don’t do them justice!

04/08/2024

Day one: Despite the late departure by almost an hour, thanks to strong tail winds we arrived 10 minutes before the original scheduled time! Obviously moving……
Train and tram to the CitizenM Hotel….. great hotel- relaxed and friendly 4* hotel in a great location! And I checked in before noon!
After a short nap headed out exploring- and couldn’t pass up The National Museum of Switzerland….a few pictures from my day.

03/08/2024

Checking in at the Toronto airport.......on my way to Zurich for a few days before taking the train to Basel and boarding a river cruise........ Basel to Amsterdam with AmaWaterways - Enchanting Rhine....link below. Thanks to AMA Waterways for welcoming my booking for this quick pivot! (Booked the entire thing in a day- this past Thursday!) Stay tuned......very much looking forward to this trip!

https://www.amawaterways.ca/destination/europe-river-cruises/2024/enchanting-rhine

02/08/2024

Today I was supposed to leave for a great adventure to Greenland and the Canadian Arctic- but was notified that due to generator issues- navigating the ice would be difficult- my sailing was cancelled. Incredibly sad but completely understand- one wants a top notch ship to navigate the Canadian Arctic.

So I did a thing! Stay tuned- tomorrow will post my pivot trip……

Search for Arctic wildlife: polar bears, walrus, narwhals, beluga whales, and muskox. Zodiac cruise beside enormous icebergs in Ilulissat. Visit historic…

01/08/2024

Summer is the best time to get away from it all for some relaxation. Book your next getaway with me today!

31/07/2024

The Faroe Islands, an archipelago of 18 volcanic isles, is Denmark's hidden gem steeped in Viking history, and dramatic landscapes of sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages.

31/07/2024

Imagine French towns adorned with festive lights, majestic vineyards and enchanting landscapes. Experience all this and more on board AmaWaterways' Colors of Provence Christmas river cruise. Contact me today.

Choose Your Journey >>>MORE

30/07/2024

What are your plans from February 28 to March 8, 2025? How about a trip to Rio de Janeiro to experience, first-hand the world-famous Carnival? I can make that happen for you with just a little bit of planning.

30/07/2024

Explore the world with Avalon Waterways! Their Suite Ships boast exclusive Panorama Suites featuring the widest windows in river cruising, complete with Open-Air Balconies and beds that face breathtaking views. Enjoy personalized experiences with Avalon Choice's Active, Discovery, and Classic excursions. Our intimate ships, hosting around 150 guests, ensure plenty of space and attentive service. Beyond Europe, journey to South America, the Galapagos, the Nile, and Southeast Asia on our small yet luxurious vessels. With Avalon Waterways, your travel experiences are as unique as you are.

Single supplement waived on the cruise portion of select 2024 Europe river cruises >>> MORE

29/07/2024

Are you interested in an authentic, memorable wildlife adventure in Kenya? Breathtaking landscapes, and majestic wildlife, all against the backdrop of iconic Mount Kilimanjaro? Let's plan your trip to explore Africa's diverse ecosystems.

28/07/2024

Sweet... St. Barts' harbour. Its small size and laissez-faire attitude attract many of the rich and famous and open to all who seek a taste of paradise. Want to check out some options?

28/07/2024

Savor the flavours of Grenada's spice-infused cuisine. From farm to table to vibrant local markets, indulge in a culinary journey that celebrates the island's rich culture. I can help you navigate a plan.

The Spice of the Caribbean >>>MORE

28/07/2024

Our Summer Sale is on! From the Midnight Sun of summer to the Northern Lights in winter, Norway offers breathtaking experiences year-round. Book by July 31 and save up to 50%!

Summer Sale is Here! >>>MORE

27/07/2024

The Swan Hellenic Africa Antarctic Epic cruise itinerary is just that, epic! Often called the 'Galapagos of the Poles,' South Georgia has king penguins and macaroni penguins, making up the largest population in the world alongside harrumphing elephant seals. Happy to find out more for you.

Go Beyond >>>MORE

27/07/2024

Diamond Beach on Nusa Penida Island is one of Bali's hidden gems. Though roads are limited, the hour-long journey reveals breathtaking views. Enjoy the white sand and turquoise waters, but avoid swimming due to strong currents. The scenery makes this secluded paradise worth the adventure.

26/07/2024

What ideas do you have for a summer vacation? I have a few.

25/07/2024

Embark on an 11-day river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, exploring the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Start in Basel, then visit Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s enchanting Black Forest. In Strasbourg, admire the Gothic cathedral and its astronomical clock. Explore the impressive Heidelberg Castle and enjoy Rüdesheim's charming wine town. Sail through the stunning Rhine Gorge, visit the historic city of Koblenz, and enjoy a guided walk in Bernkastel with a Moselle wine tasting. Discover Cologne’s architectural marvels before concluding your journey in Amsterdam with a picturesque canal cruise. Join this unforgettable adventure!

Single supplement waived on the cruise portion of select 2024 Europe river cruises >>> MORE

25/07/2024

You should visit Visovac Island when you're in Croatia, home to a 15th-century Franciscan monastery. With rare artifacts, stunning views of soaring cliffs, lush forests, and turquoise waters, this hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat and a journey through Croatia's rich history and culture.

25/07/2024

Time to get out there and see something new!

24/07/2024

When in Paris, you'll experience the heart of Parisian culture by exploring the city's bustling local markets. Discover a colorful tapestry of fresh produce, delectable treats, and handcrafted treasures that encapsulate the true essence of the City of Love.