Stevens Travels

24/12/2023

Merry Christmas to all of our followers and traveling friends! May this season and 2024 be overflowing with great opportunities and memories!

04/12/2023

Munich went from sunny skies to 18 inches of snow in a day! Enjoy panoramic views from St Peter’s Church Tower and the City Hall building both in the sun and the snow.

Take a day trip to Schlessheim Palace and marvel at the Baroque architecture. Even in the snow, the palace is a great visit.

Pay respects to victims of the Holocaust and many others who suffered and perished at Dachau Concentration Camp memorial. Learn how this happened so it never does again!

Finally, a day trip to Salzburg is always worthwhile. Take in views from the Salzburg Fortress, admire the Baroque cathedral, and end the day with dinner at Augustiner Bräu and a Mozart symphony at Mirabell Palace before returning to Munich.

29/11/2023

Germany’s Christmas markets bring the season to life, and Frankfurt is a good place to start and use as a home base! In addition to Frankfurt, Cologne, Baden-Baden, Mainz, and Wiesbaden are pictured here - and each is a great day trip by train. Have you been to the German Christmas markets before? Which one is your favorite?

17/10/2023

We are also leading a group to France in late August 2024. Send a message if you would like to join the upcoming informational meeting to learn more about this opportunity!

PLACES TO VISIT
•Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomph, Champs Elysees)
•Chateau de Versailles
•Normandy D-Day beaches and World War II sites
•Bayeux
•Mont Saint-Michel
•French Riviera

17/10/2023

We are leading a group trip to Ireland in August 2024. If you are interested, send to a message to request the date and time for an informational meeting coming soon!

PLACES TO VISIT
•Dublin - Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Museums
•Kilkenny
•Rock of Cashel
•Blarney Castle
•Ring of Kerry
•Cliffs of Moher
•And more!

02/10/2023

Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular destinations - and for obvious reasons! This island hosts millions of visitors each year. Great restaurants, accommodations, shopping, beaches and day trips await!

Speaking of day trips, the Island of Delos is a very popular one from Mykonos. Delos was once a commercial center, but is now in ruins. A guided tour helps bring the remains to life.

Have you been to Mykonos or Delos before?

01/10/2023

Day Trip to Island of Tinos…

From Mykonos, we took a ferry to the beautiful island of Tinos. The first stop after admiring the waterfront was the Evangelistria Church, to which some pilgrims approach on their hands and knees for about a half of a mile!

Then, we met our guide for the day, who took us to the village of Kardiani for overlook views and which looks like Santorini on the hillside.

We then went to the village of Pyrgos - the arts city. Pyrgos is famous for its marble, and of course has a marble museum that was enlightening.

Next was the village of Ysternia, which also had amazing overlooks and was a quaint place.

The final stop was the the village of Volax, which looks like the moon. Volax is one of two places in the world where there are large, unexplainable round rocks everywhere. This was most interesting to see in every direction!

We ended the day back in Tinos and enjoyed a local meal at Koutouki Tis Elenis restaurant before returning to Mykonos.

30/09/2023

The Island of Hydra is a great (but long) day trip from Athens.

Take a ferry from the port of Piraeus and arrive in Hydra’s amazing harbor. Snap pictures all around the port and eat a quick lunch. Walk along the coast about 40 minutes to Vlichos Beach and rent a lounge chair/umbrella to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Head back toward the main port about 6:00, but stop for dinner at Kodylenia’s in the small village of Kamini (make a reservation in advance and follow up). Take in the sunset during dinner, then walk 15 minutes back to the Hydra port to catch your return ferry. Oh - and admire the scenery all around!

On the ferry ride to Hydra, there will most likely be a stop at the island of Poros. Enjoy it from the top of the ship!

29/09/2023

Corinth and Delphi are great day trips from Athens. Each place was a major player in the ancient world now in ruins.

The Apostle Paul was at Corinth for some time, where he worked as a tent maker. He was brought before the proconsul to be tried - and was released. The place where he would have been brought can be experienced firsthand still today!

Corinth also has the remains of one of Greece’s oldest temples - to Apollo.

On the way to and from Corinth, pass over the Corinth Canal - a wonder in its own right that is several miles long.

Delphi is famous for the “oracles of Delphi” in Greek mythology. People would come from all over for advice in this high-altitude city. Today, the theater, stadium and other ruins make it a very popular day trip!

28/09/2023

Part 1: Athens, Greece

•Acropolis (Parthenon)
•Mars Hill
•Roman Agora
•Hadrian’s Library
•Greek Agora
• Tou Moria Restaurant
•National Archaeological Museum
•A for Athens Lookout
•Syntagma Square/Parliament
•Hadrian’s Arch
•Sin Athena Restaurant
•Klimataria Restaurant
•Olympieion

18/09/2023

The Golden Gate Bridge is a site to see! Just go on a day when it is sunny at the bridge… Rearrange your schedule if the bridge area is sunny!

Head across the bridge to Sausalito for lunch at Fish Sausalito for a great meal.

Finish the day at Muir Woods National Monument admiring the giant redwood trees.

16/09/2023

Alcatraz - what more needs to be said? This famous island was once a military fort that was later converted into a federal prison which housed some of America’s most dangerous criminals (such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly). The island is nearly 1.5 miles from shore and has an eery vibe all around, especially when walking the halls where notorious criminals were held! Displays show how cells looked and how prisoners lived in this distant place. After seeing the inside, step out near the lighthouse for great views of the San Francisco skyline. Swipe right to see some of the best sites on Alcatraz.

Ferries frequently run from San Francisco Pier 33 to the island and back. Book in advance, as this is a very popular tour!

Also be sure to drive to the top of Twin Peaks, the geographical center of San Francisco for sweeping panoramic views. Highly recommend!!

13/09/2023

•The “Full House” House
•Coit Tower and views
•Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf
•Scoma's Restaurant
•China Town
Mandalay Burmese Restaurant

09/09/2023

The Wi******er Mystery House is beautiful, yet bizarre (all 160 rooms!).

Stairs to the ceiling. Doors to nowhere. Windows on a ceiling. Two of the same dining room. A chimney that is cut off before the roof. Stairs to go down to go up. Can you find these in the pictures?

Sarah Wi******er inherited the fortune of her late husband from the Wi******er rifle company and moved to San Jose, California. Seances advised Sarah that if she would continuously add rooms and undergo construction, this would scare away evil spirits. So, for 38 years, Sarah added on and reworked her home. Today, the unusual home of 24,000 square feet has been a tourist attraction for 100 years and is worth a visit! Good luck deciphering what Sarah Wi******er was thinking with the addition of the rooms over time. Each one is unique and has different style. Regardless, the site is a historical treasure and is a great day trip from San Francisco.

Have you visited the Wi******er Mystery House before?

18/07/2023

The Cliffs of Moher were definitely among the top of the Irish highlights! The cliffs span several miles and range from 390-700 feet high. The main viewing point is a popular tourist area. For those with a vehicle and who are a bit more adventurous, go to the other end at Hag’s Head for the view looking back toward the main viewing point. Note: have Euros in cash to park at Hag’s Head and be ready to walk about a mile to the lookout point. Another note: the best time to go is in the afternoon when the sun is shining toward the cliffs to see the most color and details in them.

Galway is a great hub for exploring the Cliffs of Moher and is worth visiting itself. The old town is inviting and full of enthusiastic locals and tourists alike.

16/07/2023

The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions — and for obvious reasons! This 110 mile loop can be done in a long day trip or spread out over multiple days to spend time at sites off the beaten path. We stayed in and started the ring in Kenmare and drove clockwise (tour buses seem to go counterclockwise). Stop at lookout points to admire the scenic landscapes. Visit the Cliffs of Kerry to experience their beauty. Stop in a small town along the way for lunch at a local cafe. In Killarney, popular places to see are Ross Castle, Muckross House, Muckross Abbey, and the Gap of Dunloe. Unfortunately, we did not get to do the Gap of Dunloe due to weather. Return to Kenmare and have dinner at the pub of your choice (all the ones we tried were excellent!).

15/07/2023

Blarney Castle, Mizen Head, and Baltimore Beacon are all good day trips in southwest Ireland. Be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone to get the “gift of gab.” As always in the Irish countryside, take some time to stop at the panoramic overlooks while driving around and enjoy the breathtaking scenery!

11/07/2023

Ireland’s Kilkenny is a great day trip from Dublin or to visit in transit to another city. Be sure to stop by Kilkenny Castle, walk the Medieval Mile, and finish at Saint Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower.

The Rock of Cashel is close enough to Kilkenny to squeeze in both for one day. The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most important sites and has been for over 1,000 years.

Kenmare is a city in southwest Ireland, and it is a good place to explore the Ring of Kerry.

08/07/2023

Dublin, Ireland’s capitol, is a vibrant city with something for everyone. Here are some must-enjoy places:

1. Dublin Castle
2. Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin
3. Christ Church Cathedral Dublin
4. Trinity College (Book of Kells and the old library)
5. Guinness Storehouse (tour and enjoy panoramic views at The Gravity Bar)
6. National Gallery of Ireland
7. National Museum of Ireland
8. Jameson Distillery
9. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum (for those with Irish ancestry, learn about their reasons for leaving Ireland here)
10. The Church Dublin
11. Murrays Bar
12. Temple Bar - Dublin, Ireland

15/06/2023

I enjoyed presenting to Smyrna Rotary Club today along with Eric Brown about the great experience we had at the recent Rotary International convention in Melbourne, Australia.

10/06/2023

Sydney, Australia

Things to do:

1. Sydney Opera House
2. Harbor cruise
3. Sydney Harbor Bridge
4. Sydney Tower Eye
5. Taronga Zoo
6. Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
7. Great Dining

07/06/2023

Canberra is the capitol city of Australia and is often overlooked by travelers. Here are some of the places to visit:

*Mount Ainslie overlook point
*Old Parliament Building (see where the houses of government met and walk through the former offices of the prime minister and speaker)
*Australian War Memorial
*National Museum of Australia
*Great restaurants like Tipsy Bull

03/06/2023

Enjoy these amazing scenes from Melbourne, Australia!

Things to do:

1. Melbourne Skydeck for panoramic views from the 88th floor
2. Great food everywhere
3. Victoria State Library
4. National Gallery of Victoria
5. Royal Botanical Gardens
6. Victoria Market
7. “Street Art”

29/05/2023

On this Memorial Day, let us remember those who were willing to — and did —give their lives to defend our freedom.

📸: Luxembourg American Cemetery

21/05/2023

Nice, France is a great base for visiting the Côte d’Azur. In Nice, explore the old part of the city and marvel at Place Massena. Walk the Promenade des Anglais. Climb to the top of Nice Castle and get sweeping views over the city. Rest on the beach or go to some other popular sites like the Marc Chagall museum or the Saint Nicholas Cathedral.

Nice is also an ideal base for day trips to: Monaco, Antibes, Menton, Èze, St-Paul-de-Vence, Cannes, and Villefranche.

11/05/2023

Here are just a few of the pictures from today in Monroe County. Places visited:

•Fort Loudoun State Park
•Birthplace of Sequoyah Museum
•Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Ham
•Monroe County Courthouse in Madisonville, TN
•Donna’s Old Town Cafe
•The Lost Sea (America’s largest underground lake)
•Sweetwater, TN

17/12/2022

Two great activities on Italy’s Amalfi Coast include taking a cooking class and a day trip to the Island of Capri.

At Trattoria La Tagliata, Papà Luigi and Mama Dora, along with their family, operate both a farm and amazing restaurant. Perched high on the mountainside overlooking Positano, La Tagliata overlooks the city with spectacular views. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or the cooking class, guests will leave full of amazing local Italian food and great memories with this enthusiastic and very hospitable family. Participants in the cooking class tour the farm, pick fresh vegetables and work together to prepare an outstanding lunch and tiramisu for dessert.

Board a ferry to the island of Capri for a day trip. Begin with a boat tour around the island, taking in great views in every direction. Ride the local bus up to Anacapri and enjoy lunch at Pizzeria Aumm Aumm. Take the chair lift to the top of Anacapri for sweeping views over the island. End the day back in the main city of Capri with local shops and vendors - then catch a ferry back to your home base on the mainland.

06/12/2022

FYI…

The US federal government has yet again delayed nationwide security requirements for driver's licenses and other identification cards, giving states more time to issue REAL IDs to residents.

24/11/2022

Picture it: Sicily 2022…

Segesta - Greek ruins
Erice - hilltop medieval town with incredible views
Trapani - salt pans and beautiful city

18/11/2022

San Vito Lo Capo is a must-visit in western Sicily! The beautiful scenery around the beach is worth the drive and the time to relax.

Cefalù is a great day trip from Palermo by train. Hike up the Rocca di Cefalù for panoramic views over the city and explore the ruins of an old fortress. Back in town, wander the narrow alleys and find the cathedral, which was built in the 12th century by the Normans and features intricate mosaic religious works. Walk to the end of the breakwater for views of the city and coast.

In Sicily, I recommend staying at least at one agriturismo, which is a farm that rents out rooms. This allows visitors to engage with locals and also experience local food prepared from the farm. Dinner at our agriturismo was one of the best meals we had!

Follow and share my page for more of western Sicily coming soon!

16/11/2022

Sicily, Part 1: Palermo

Summary: Sicily is incredible.

Details: Spend a few days in the capitol city of Palermo and be wowed by architecture, history, museums, and food. The main attraction is the Palermo Cathedral, which offers panoramic views for those who climb to the sky walk. The cathedral is equally beautiful at night time. Another major attraction is the Norman Royal Palace, which houses the Palatine Chapel. The Palatine Chapel looks painted, but it is actually decorated with mini tiles all over and is absolutely amazing. A find on Instagram was the Chiesa (church) del Gesù, which was one of the most elaborate church building I have ever seen…and the number of people there was under 10 when we went. There is so much more to see in Palermo! Stay tuned for upcoming posts to highlight some day trips from Sicily and more of this Italian island.

29/10/2022

*Click on the courthouse to watch our new Tennessee travel video!*

Rhea County, Tennessee has played a major role in U.S. history and is a place worth exploring! Start in Dayton, touring the historic Rhea County Courthouse where the “Scopes Monkey Trial” took place in 1925. Visitors can experience firsthand the courtroom where one of the most famous trials in history was held and also a museum that houses interesting artifacts associated with the Scopes case. Enjoy a tasty lunch at the Screen Door Kitchen, a local eatery with unique dishes and an enthusiastic family that operates the restaurant. Head north to Spring City, Tennessee to learn about local history at its train depot museum, including what caused the “Stop, Look and Listen” law to be enacted after a school bus tragedy in Spring City. Go for a hike at Piney Falls State Natural Area and take in the beautiful scenery and waterfalls. End the day back in Dayton at Monkey Town Brewing Company for some refreshing samples of local craft beers and good company with owners who care about the community.

Rhea County, Tennessee has played a major role in U.S. history and is a place worth exploring! Start in Dayton at the historic Rhea County Courthouse where ...

28/08/2022

Saint-Tropez and a final day in Paris.

Saint-Tropez is the ultimate French Riviera destination. This glitzy city was once a military stronghold, but has been transformed into a high-end resort town popular with tourists from all around the globe. Visit the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez to learn about the city’s maritime history and also get great panoramic views in all directions. Wander the streets to window shop the clothes and artwork. Walk around the harbor to admire the mega-yachts. Visit some local beach clubs like Nikki Beach or La Bouillabaisse to enjoy the atmosphere. The possibilities are many!

27/08/2022

French Riviera, Part 2. The towns of Menton, Èze, Villefranche, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat…

20/08/2022

French Riviera, Part 1: Nice and Monaco

18/08/2022

A long layover in London can be turned into a great experience!

05/02/2022

Domes, Part 3. The dome of Dresden’s Frauenkirche is decorated in the vivid baroque style. Paintings depict Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, authors of the four gospels. Additionally, images show the Christian virtues of belief, love, mercy, and hope. This dome weighs in at 12,000 tons of sandstone and itself is about 78 feet high and 85 feet in diameter.

03/02/2022

Domes, Part 2. The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a historic structure with an incredible dome. Constructed in the 500’s, this huge building was originally a Christian church until the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, when it became a mosque. In the 1930’s, the Turkish government converted the building into a museum. Then in 2020, the Turkish government turned it back into a mosque. The building was the largest interior space at the time of its construction. The dome is over 100 feet in diameter and 180 feet high. Repair work over time has slightly altered the circle, but it still looks impressive given its age!

01/02/2022

Domes, Part 1. Follow along this week to learn about some impressive domes and the buildings with which they are associated. Our first dome in this series is located at the Alcázar de Seville, a royal palace started in the 1300’s and which is known for its intricate designs, tile work and elaborate courtyards. The most lavish room in the palace is the Hall of Ambassadors, of which the pictured dome is the crown above. Amazingly, this dome was constructed in 1427 and still wows visitors today! Note, if you want to visit the royal rooms in the palace, reservations are needed in advance.

Have you been to the Alcazar de Seville? What was your impression? What domes have you visited that are noteworthy?

23/01/2022

Manarola at dusk was my favorite picture from visiting Cinque Terre. This colorful clifftop village in Italy is good for photography at any time, but something about the dark blue sky and the lit up houses makes it stand out to me.

Manarola is one of the five towns that make up Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a must-visit for those spending time in the northern part of Italy. It can be a day trip from Florence, or tourists can stay in one of the cities and maximize enjoyment of the area. If coming from Florence, take a train (or trains) to La Spezia. From La Spezia, there is a special train line that goes back and forth to all of the Cinque Terre towns. For those with only one day, I would recommend starting with the first stop, Riomaggiore. Walk the path to the second town, Manarola. For the best picture of Manarola, start on the trail to the third city, and you will come to an obvious place for the perfect shot. Take the train from Manarola to the fourth village, Vernazza. For the best view of Vernazza, start the trail to the fifth city and you will have great views from above. If you have more time during the day, I would recommend the third stop of Corniglia (instead of walking up all of the steps, take the shuttle for a few Euros!). The fifth city is Monterosso, the largest one, but it is more of a beach town with good shops. Looking back, I would have stayed in Cinque Terre for several days to enjoy the whole place more!

NOTE: Buy your day pass tickets in advance as there are only limited numbers available. Also, no flip flops if you plan to walk on the trails…

Have you been to Cinque Terre before? What were your experiences?