Captivating Journeys

30/11/2024

I have a thing for doors

27/11/2024

We want to take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

We're so grateful for your continued support and trust in making travel dreams come true.

15/11/2024

Great rate if you’re looking for a staycation.

Hawai‘i residents can make the holiday season extra special with a staycation at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali. The discounted kama‘āina rates start at $298 per night in the newly-renovated Kūkahi Tower and waived resort fees (a $49 per night value), and is available for stays unt...

09/11/2024

09/11/2024

A quick stop over in Korea on our way home from China. We spent the day exploring Seoul with our fantastic private guide Miae.

08/11/2024

06/11/2024

I can’t say enough about our Viking guide Terry! We were expecting the Great Wall of China to be crowded with tourists. He managed to get our group to the wall first (ahead of all the other tour groups including our fellow Viking travelers).

There was literally no one there except our group, a few security guards and a cat.

Now for your history lesson. The Great Wall was first built about 3,000 years ago to protect China from its Northern neighbors, the Mongols, Hans and other nomadic tribes.

It spans about 13000 miles and is the largest man made structure on earth

05/11/2024

The Temple of Heaven was constructed in 1420. It was the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the God of Heaven and offered sacrifices to pray for a good harvest.

04/11/2024

Visiting the kids in a local school is always a highlight

03/11/2024

There were 2 sea days on our 9 night Viking China Discovery Cruise. I was busy busy attending tea lectures and tastings. Learned how to play mahjong and won on my first game. Enjoyed afternoon tea, spent time at the spa and learned a lot about the history of China.

01/11/2024

The tulou built between the 15th and 16th centuries. They are traditional buildings of the indigenous Hakka people.Typically one clan lives in one tulou and can accommodate up to 700 persons

27/10/2024

Dapeng Fortress is a historic walled village from the Ming dynasty built to protect the coast from Japanese pirates.

24/10/2024

We traveled by bus from Hong Kong to mainland China. Although Hong Kong has been returned to China it’s still run independently. For example, the driving in HK is on the left side while China drives on the right side like us. Our bus has two licenses, onefor HK, one for China.
It was about a 40 minute drive to the border. Our hard working Viking guides and driver had to unload the entire bus, luggage and all including passengers. We then had to exit Hong Kong immigration and go through China’s immigration. Luggage and passengers were loaded back on the bus.
Another 30 minute drive and we arrived at Shenzhen to board our ship the Viking Yi Dun.
It was actually a pretty smooth process. From hotel to ship it was about 2.5 hours

24/10/2024

Coincidence? Got an update from my Ancestry DNA, just so happens this is the area I will be traveling to in the next 14 days

23/10/2024

I highly recommend the Regent Hong Kong. The location is perfect, in Kowloon right on Victoria Harbour. Beautiful rooms, excellent service, and a great breakfast buffet. The Concierge staff is wonderful!

22/10/2024

Spent the day on Hong Kong Island with our wonderful guide Victor.
Visited Victoria Peak, the highest point on the island with spectacular views of Victoria Harbour & Kowloon.
Next stop was Stanley, a picturesque seaside town. Pleasantly surprised how quiet the market was.