Susan Ledger Not Just Travel Cruise Page

02/08/2024

A DAY ON A RIVER CRUISE

SALAMANCA

Today we visit historic Salamanca, one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey, regarded by many Spaniards as their nation’s most beautiful city. Founded by the Romans, who erected its 389-yard-long bridge, Salamanca is mostly built from local sandstone that emanates a gorgeous rose-coloured glow in the sunlight. Perched on a hill on a bend in the serene River Tormes, the city is a picture of tranquillity but its history is turbulent, having been successively fought over by Hannibal, the Moors, then the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon.
Salamanca is dominated by its two cathedrals and its university. Founded in 1218, the university is the oldest in Spain and was one of the civilised world’s most important seats of study for over 400 years. The Spanish Inquisition’s records are still kept here, and as early as the 16th century it boasted some 12,000 students. Seeing its immaculately preserved lecture halls with their vaulted ceilings, it’s easy to conjure an image of Christopher Columbus addressing the learned men of the day or legal experts constructing the international laws that originate here. On arrival in Salamanca you are free to explore as you wish. You may choose to linger, admiring the ornate interiors of its cathedrals – the more recent dates from the 16th-century – or explore its tiny streets, medieval squares, traditional shops, gardens and marketplaces. The main square, the Plaza Mayor, was built in the 18th-century in Spanish Baroque style with colonnaded walkways all around at ground level, ideal for finding a shaded spot to sit and watch the locals pass by. Over lunch you enjoy a traditional flamenco show. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the city seeing the main sights.

01/08/2024

Testimonial

Susan Ledger has been amazing, we gave her our requirements and straight away, she found us what we were looking for at a very good price. Very well recommended.

31/07/2024

MSCWorldEuropa Cabin tour

29/07/2024

The beauty of River Cruising is that it takes you to the heart of destinations you may not usually even consider, and along the way you are treated to the most incredible views.

The Danube River is the second longest rivers in Europe after the Volga twice as long as the Rhine. Starting in Germany in the Black Forest it flows through 10 countries, passes through four capital cities until it reaches the Black Sea. . Cruising the Danube is a great way to see some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of Europe. You'll get to see some of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and you'll have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.

Here are a few of the highlights of a Danube cruise:

Budapest: Budapest is the capital of Hungary, and it's a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Be sure to visit the Buda Castle, the Fisherman's Bastion, and the Szechenyi Baths.

Vienna: Vienna is the capital of Austria, and it's a city with a rich history and culture. Be sure to visit the Hofburg Palace, the Schönbrunn Palace, and the St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Prague: Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, and it's a city with a charming old town. Be sure to visit the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the Old Town Square.

If you're looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation, a Danube cruise is a great option. You'll get to see some of the most beautiful parts of Europe, and you'll have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.

28/07/2024

27/07/2024

Sky Princess

26/07/2024

A DAY ON A RIVER CRUISE

AVIGNON

The light catching the red roofs of Avignon’s majestic skyline is a sight to behold over breakfast, after which we embark on a guided tour of one of the most extraordinary and intriguing cities in France. Avignon’s destiny changed during the 14th century, when the Pope’s court moved here to avoid strife in Rome. Igniting a century of prosperity, the Pontiff commissioned a host of ambitious building projects, and today the city is immaculately preserved, nestling behind its almost-intact 14th-century walls and boasting more remarkable monuments, superbly decorated buildings, churches, chapels and convents than you can possibly count. Most important is the stunning Popes’ Palace, made up of two buildings that together form the largest Gothic palace in the world. With turrets, towers, parapets and other fortifications, its exterior resembles a mighty fortress, while the interior is a tour de force of medieval architecture and ornamentation, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures. The ceremonial hall, chapels, cloisters and private apartments are all unmissable. But to truly embrace the feel of papal Avignon, imagine yourself here during the Middle Ages amid the Palace’s rich furnishings and extravagant decoration, with cardinals, princes and ambassadors milling about its candle-lit halls and corridors, while in the streets below countless pilgrims eagerly anticipate benediction. This was Avignon’s brief golden age, when it was truly the centre of Christendom.
After lunch you’re free to explore as you wish, perhaps visiting the nearby Petit Palais, the former home of the archbishops of Avignon, to cast a critical eye over the remarkable collection of over 300 paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including works by Botticelli and Carpaccio. Or take a stroll on the iconic Pont d’Avignon, which, dramatically, ends halfway across the river, made famous by the melody we all recall from our first French lessons. It’s our final afternoon so you may wish to do some shopping, or just find a quiet café in a shady Provençal square to watch the world go by. Perhaps though, return to the luxurious surroundings of our ship, finding a quiet spot to contemplate the many wondrous places you’ve seen and experienced over a quiet cup of tea!

25/07/2024

Testemonial

Exceptional customer service. Susan works tirelessly to ensure you get the holiday you want. Nothing is too much trouble and she is always available- no waiting for hours on the telephone, a completely personal service. Her passion for travel and understanding that holidays are often hard earned and long awaited, drives everything she does. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

24/07/2024

On board Royal Caribbean

22/07/2024

St. Martin is a beautiful island located in the Caribbean Sea. It is divided into two parts, the French side and the Dutch side. Both sides offer a variety of things to see and do.

Things to do on the French side of St. Martin:

Visit the Marigot Market: This is a great place to buy souvenirs and local produce.

Explore the Fort Louis: This fort was built in the 17th century and offers stunning views of the island.

Relax on the beach: St. Martin has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Popular beaches include Orient Beach, Maho Beach, and Grand Case Beach.

Go shopping: St. Martin has a wide variety of shops, from duty-free stores to boutiques.

Things to do on the Dutch side of St. Martin:

Visit the Philipsburg: This is the capital of the Dutch side of St. Martin. It has a lively atmosphere with shops, restaurants, and bars.

Explore the Mullet Bay Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches on the Dutch side of St. Martin. It is a beautiful white-sand beach with clear turquoise waters.

Visit Maho Beach, where planes fly overhead as they approach to land at the local airport.

Go hiking: St. Martin has a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island.

Visit the Simpson Bay Lagoon: This is a beautiful lagoon with calm waters and plenty of activities to enjoy, such as swimming, sunbathing, and sailing.

20/07/2024

Celebrity Saturday

Celebrity Millenium Ship Tour

19/07/2024

A DAY ON A RIVER CRUISE

VIENNA

For many, today’s visit to Vienna will be one of the highlights of the cruise. The city’s very name provokes images of elegance, fine music, wide boulevards, Baroque architecture and a rich tapestry of peoples who were drawn here from all corners of Europe. For 200 years until the First World War, Vienna was the cultural centre of Europe and many of the showpiece buildings, galleries, aristocratic palaces and magnificent churches you see today were built to reflect its imperial status. The city’s most iconic monument is the breathtaking Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, whose striking multi-coloured roof and huge Gothic South Tower dominate the skyline. There’s also the colossal Hofburg, the former royal court that is now home to a collection of museums, the Crown Jewels and the Spanish Riding School, and where the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs. Then there are the lavish Imperial Apartments and an outstanding collection of relics of the Holy Roman Empire, including, allegedly, the sabre of Charlemagne himself. The Kunsthistorisches Museum, which contains the world’s fourth largest collection of paintings, is just across the road. This morning we have a tour with a local guide offering insights into why Vienna is one of Europe’s great capitals – the seat of the Habsburg emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and, of course, a whole family of Strausses.
During the afternoon you’re free to explore as you wish. Take a stroll in the Prater, notable for the huge Ferris wheel that features in several Cold War spy thrillers. Or, for something quite different, visit the Schönbrunn Palace, a former royal residence now housing a range of world-class museums and galleries. Perhaps, though, just take a stroll through Vienna’s atmospheric side streets, or enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious Sachertorte in one of the lovely coffee houses.
This evening we’ve arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: You have the wonderful Captains Dinner and no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after dinner we have a classical recital on board. To hear this exquisite music played in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.

18/07/2024

Testimonial

Fantastic organisation from start to finish for our mini break to Spain.
Everything was catered for from parking up at the airport, flights, transfers and villa.
Couldn't fault any of the service provided by Susan, Will definitely book with her again.

15/07/2024

La Rochelle is a city in the south-west of France, located on the Atlantic Ocean. A fishing and trading center since the 12th century; its architectural heritage bears witness to its past: the old town with its medieval half-timbered houses, Renaissance architecture, the old port and two majestic towers.

Renamed the castle of Sleeping Beauty, the Château de la Roche Courbon was built in the 15th century on a rocky outcrop. It was transformed into a country mansion during the 17th century and it is surrounded by some magnificent French-style gardens.

13/07/2024

Celebrity Saturday

Celebrity Reflection Ship Tour

12/07/2024

A DAY ON A RIVER CRUISE

KEUKENHOF

A long spring season and the polders’ well-drained soil create the perfect environment for growing the Netherlands’ world-famous tulips, first imported into the country from the Ottoman Empire in the late 16th century. This morning we drive through the scenic bulb fields to Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres. Nothing prepares you for the dazzling carpet of colours created by the seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other blooms arranged in rows, swirls and every other imaginable shape. The art of flower planting reaches breathtaking heights in Keukenhof’s themed areas, and wandering among this dramatic pageant of hues set in a landscape of lakes, trees, pavilions and water features is magical – and provides gardeners with a wealth of inspiration to take home!

I loved my trip to the Keukeenhof gardens with its amazing variety of tulips and spring flowers I attached some of my photos from the visit.

11/07/2024

Testimonial

Susan organised a big holiday for my 30th Birthday. We flew to America where we spent 2 days in Santa Monica 3 nights in disney followed by a 7 night Mexican Riviera cruise and then a day in Los Angeles. Susan booked every aspect of the trip right through from travel to the tours we went on before we went and everything ran smoothly. A lot of hard work went into the booking making it a fantastic trip

08/07/2024

Barbados Cruise Port

Barbados is a relatively small island - 21 miles long and no more than 14 miles wide - all attractions are close to the port, allowing the cruise traveler to enjoy a leisurely day at a laid back pace.

One of the best things for me is the beaches the sand, as it derives from coral it has different properties to other sands, its soft and warm not hot and doesn't stick to you.

We visited The Boat Yard in Carlisle Bay a $5 taxi drive from the port. The Boatyard offers a Beach Package which is great for both cruise visitors looking for a relaxing or fun day in Barbados, whether you want a relaxing day on the beach, enjoy a day of watersports or a boat trip to snorkel.

We loved the boat trip (which is included in the entry price) that allows you to snorkel in an area to see turtles and a wreck two very different sites both offer excellent sealife.

Here you can enjoy rope swinging, the iceberg climb and slide, an ocean trampoline and beach volleyball. Jetskis, banana boat rides and glass bottom boat tours are available for hire right off the beach.
The onsite bar and restaurant keeps you well watered and fed throughout the day.

When we arrived back at the port we avoided the touriest bars and enjoyed drinks and snacks a little bar for locals.

If you are flying back from Barbados a definitely recommend a trip with airport drop off if your ship's deparkation is early.

06/07/2024

Celebrity Saturday

Celebrity Summit Ship Tour

05/07/2024

A DAY ON A RIVER CRUISE

BUDAPEST

Enjoy a leisurely morning as we cruise majestically through Hungary’s peaceful pastoral landscape towards Budapest. After lunch we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this captivating city, which truly lives up to its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. The twin cities of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest, with its wide boulevards, were fought over through the centuries. The Ottomans ruled here for 150 years before being ousted in the late 17th century, but their legacy lives on in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, giving rise to Budapest’s other sobriquet – the ‘City of Spas’. After the end of Ottoman rule, Budapest became an imperial city of the Habsburg Empire, attracting great cultural and commercial wealth. Castle Hill is Budapest in microcosm: two churches, seven museums and a theatre among streets and squares with their own special atmosphere and a dramatic view across the river to the awe-inspiring neo-Gothic Parliament Building. Budapest’s endless galleries, museums, outstanding Art Nouveau architecture and excellent shopping offer a fittingly elegant end to your Danube cruise.
This evening’s Gala Dinner closes with a Hungarian folklore show, giving you time to bid farewell to your travelling companions and reflect on all the inspirational places, sights and sounds you have experienced on a truly ‘imperial’ cruise.

04/07/2024

Testimonal

Hi Susan, we just wanted to say a massive thank you for organising a super week away for us in Rhodes.
Having followed you on Facebook for a while, we are so pleased we decided to take the plunge and give you a go, we have definitely not been disappointed at all! You certainly do give a personalised service and as we’ve found nothing is ever too much trouble.
We particularly loved how you took all the stress away associated with travel, from checking us in on the flight, printing off our boarding passes and even hand delivering them to the door plus sending a message to us on arrival to check everything was ok and to top it all the hotel you recommended having listened to what our preferences were was absolutely fabulous. We’re so pleased we upgraded to a suite with swim up pool, it did make the experience at the hotel so much better. Thank you so much once again!
We’ll definitely be in touch soon to look at booking our next trip.

Take a look where they went:

An adults-only 5* luxury resort at the West Coast of Rhodes Island, right on the Ixia beach.

29/06/2024

Celebrity Saturday

Apex Ship Tour