Adventure and Awe Travel

20/08/2024

15/08/2024

August 15 is a significant day for the Greek Orhtodox Church and the Greek people.

This is to commemorate the Dormition of the Virgin, also known as the Assumption of Mary. In Greece, Dekapentavgoustos (literally translated as "August 15") is one of the three most celebrated holidays, alongside Easter and Christmas.

This is a day of joy and celebration, as the Church and its followers believe that the Mother of Christ did not die but was taken up to heaven.

Shout out to https://unsplash.com/ for the photo!

09/08/2024

Set sail for refined elegance aboard Queen Victoria! From the majestic lobby to the awe-inspiring theater featuring the first private boxes at sea, every detail exudes palatial splendor. With expanded sun decks, Britannia Club dining, and enhanced venues like the Chart Room and Winter Garden, this beloved vessel promises an extraordinary experience. Let's plan your getaway today! https://adventureandawetravel.com/Cunard-Queen-Victoria

30/07/2024

Decided to explore our new home from a different perspective this weekend…via sea kayak! Our small group of intrepid explorers pushed off from the eclectic village of Sougia, on the southwest coast of Crete and paddled our way east along the breathtaking coastline over the next two days to finish in the tiny village of Agia Roumeli!

Along the way, we swam in the azure waters of the Libyan Sea, camped on a quiet beach gawking at the star-filled sky, and weaved our way along the cliffs, sea caves, and blowholes that pepper this rugged coastline! As we awaited a ferry to shuttle us back, we soaked in the quaint charm of Agia Roumeli with traditional Cretan delicacies at Rousios Taverna and watched the dusty hikers roll in from their hike through the famous Samaria Gorge, one of the most popular destinations on an island filled with adventure!

So, where will your next adventure lead YOU? We’re here to help make it a reality! Follow us and stay tuned for more of our explorations of this world of Adventure and Awe!

19/07/2024

Tick off your bucket list in Australia! 🌏✅

From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is packed with must-see wonders. Explore the wild Outback and experience the vibrant culture of Melbourne. Don’t miss touching a koala, diving with marine life, or exploring the stunning beaches of the Gold Coast.

Adventure awaits around every corner in this diverse and beautiful country. Whether you're seeking thrilling experiences or tranquil escapes, Australia has it all. Start planning your ultimate Aussie bucket list adventure today!

What’s on your Australian bucket list?

Ready to go? Let's turn your travel dreams into reality! Whether you're jetting off soon or planning ahead, we've got you covered with custom, personalized itineraries tailored just for you. Or perhaps you want to join a small food and wine group in February 2025 on a Viking Ocean Cruise? Visit adventureandawe.com for more information or email Julie at [email protected] and let's start planning your unforgettable adventure today! 🌴✈️🌟

18/07/2024

Discover the vibrant heart of Sydney: Martin Place! 🌟🏙️

Stroll through Martin Place and soak up the bustling energy of Sydney’s iconic pedestrian mall. This hub of activity is surrounded by stunning architecture, top-notch shopping, and delightful cafes. From historic landmarks to modern marvels, Martin Place is a must-see for anyone visiting Australia.

Catch a live performance, enjoy some people-watching, or simply relax in this lively urban oasis. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, Martin Place offers a little something for everyone.

Who’s ready to explore Sydney's vibrant center?

Ready to embark on your next adventure? Let’s make it unforgettable! Visit AdventureAndAwe.com now to book your complimentary consultation and start planning the trip of your dreams. Or you can email Julie at [email protected]. Your next great escape starts here – let's go!

17/07/2024

Meet Australia’s most adorable resident: the koala!🌿🐨

Cuddle up with these cuddly marsupials as you explore their natural habitat in the eucalyptus forests. Koalas spend most of their day snoozing high up in the trees, but you might catch them munching on eucalyptus leaves or climbing from branch to branch. (Please note, you cannot hold the koalas anymore but you can pet them in some locations.)

Visiting Australia? Don’t miss the chance to see these cute creatures up close and learn about their conservation. Tag a friend who needs a koala hug! ❤️

Ready to go? Let's turn your travel dreams into reality! Whether you're jetting off soon or planning ahead, we've got you covered with custom, personalized itineraries tailored just for you. From hotels and transportation to tours and activities, we'll handle all the details. Visit adventureandawe.com to schedule your free consultation or ask about the cruise we have planned in February 2025 to visit Australia and New Zealand! 🌴✈️🌟

15/07/2024

An amazing day rock climbing and exploring the beautiful area near Plakias on the southern shore of Crete! The picturesque limestone cliffs draw rock climbers of all levels to challenge their mental and physical abilities here! We were in good hands with our experienced guides Tim and Manolis! After challenging ourselves on several climbing routes, we enjoyed a tasty late lunch in the seaside town of Plakias. Across the bay we could see the extreme cliffs that beckon the most experienced and stalwart climbers (not us!😆). The winding road back towards Chania included breathtaking views of Kourtaliotiko Gorge with stops at Maravel Garden and Patsos Gorge, where we were serenaded by the soft t***s of owls in the fading light! What a day of adventure!

12/07/2024

Uproot the spirit of your youth and immerse yourself in the local culture of Fiji.

The indigenous Fijian culture is delightfully unique and welcoming.

Join the natives for a celebratory Meke song and dance performance or visit a local village to experience their daily life.

The rich history and culture of the islands, you certainly don’t want to miss!

Ready to go? Let's turn your travel dreams into reality! Whether you're jetting off soon or planning ahead, we've got you covered with custom, personalized itineraries tailored just for you. From hotels and transportation to tours and activities, or a cruise through the islands, we'll handle all the details. Visit adventureandawe.com to schedule your free consultation or email [email protected], and let's start planning your unforgettable adventure today! 🌴✈️🌟

11/07/2024

Where else in the world can you spend your morning whale watching and afternoon relaxing on the beach?

Since 2003, Fiji has been designated as a whale sanctuary due in large part to the thriving ocean ecosystem and deep waters around the islands.

Time your trip with the migration of the humpback whale and witness up-close one of the most majestic creatures in the ocean.

Ready to embark on your next adventure? Let’s make it unforgettable! Visit AdventureAndAwe.com now to book your complimentary consultation or email [email protected], and start planning the trip of your dreams. Plus, join our monthly newsletter for exciting travel inspiration and tips. Your next great escape starts here – let's go!

10/07/2024

Time to trade rooftop happy hour for exotic drinks with an ocean view.

Get a taste of island life with custom cocktails made from local ingredients.

Indulge in the flavors of Fiji as you sip a refreshing drink straight from a coconut while walking along a white sandy beach.

Ready to plan your next vacation?

Ready to go? Let's turn your travel dreams into reality! Whether you're jetting off soon or planning ahead, we've got you covered with custom, personalized itineraries tailored just for you. From hotels and transportation to tours and activities, or a cruise through the islands, we'll handle all the details. Visit adventureandawe.com to schedule your free consultation or simply email [email protected], and let's start planning your unforgettable adventure today! 🌴✈️🌟

05/07/2024

Get lost in Valletta, Malta's captivating capital! Grab a coffee at Upper Barrakka Gardens, catch a performance at The Royal Opera House, or unearth wartime secrets at Fort St. Elmo and the Lascaris War Rooms. With stunning island views and architectural marvels like St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta promises a memorable adventure. Why wait? Let's plan your getaway now!

05/07/2024

Your escape to paradise is just one flight away.

Waste no time starting your vacation with daily direct flights from North America to Fiji.

Go straight from the airport to your bungalow or hop on a ship and cruise between the islands.

Let me help you take the stress out of traveling. Vacation mode starts now.

Ready to embark on your next adventure? Let’s make it unforgettable! Visit AdventureAndAwe.com now to book your complimentary consultation and start planning the trip of your dreams. Plus, join our monthly newsletter for exciting travel inspiration and tips. Your next great escape starts here – let's go!

04/07/2024

Happy 4th of July!

03/07/2024

To Sydneysiders, Sydney Harbour is an aquatic playground with roughly 240 kilometers of sandy shoreline accented by pristine beaches, lovely gardens, and swaths of natural bush.

The harbor is also home to some of Australia’s big-name attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Add the following items to your Sydney Harbour to-do list today!
-Reach the summit of Sydney Harbour Bridge
-See Australia’s landmarks from the ground and above
-Take a dip, join in some water sports, or get your Vitamin D on a spectacular beach
-Picnic on a historic harbor island
-Sail away on a ferry -Indulge your inner explorer and do some island hopping
-Find meditative peace at the Royal Botanic Gardens -Relax in Bronte Park
-Unearth local history at The Rocks Discovery Museum

I’d love to help you plan your next adventure. Pop over to my website at AdventureAndAwe.com to book your complimentary consultation. You can also join our monthly newsletter to read about our trips.

28/06/2024

When you hear Greek Salad, what first comes to mind?

Feta cheese is the most famous of all cheeses in Greece and thus lovingly called “the princess of cheeses” or known as Greece’s “white gold.”

Unlike the feta you may find at your local grocery store, authentic feta cheese is made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep and goat milk.

This cheese is even included in Greek Mythology where Polyphemus is considered as the first cheesemaker.

He discovered that milk carried in animal skins for a few days became solid and rather tasty.

Greek Feta has even been given Protected Designation of Origin status, meaning that only feta from Greece is true feta.

The flavor of the cheese can vary slightly depending on which region in Greece it is made in.

If you love feta, you won’t have to go a day (let alone a meal) without it!

Ready to experience the true taste of Greece? Discover our authentic Greek Feta and savor the unique flavors of the Mediterranean. Visit our website at AdventureAndAwe.com to schedule your fee consultation and to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated.

27/06/2024

🐾❄️Did you know that dog sledding, or mushing, has been a crucial mode of transportation in Alaska for over a thousand years? This traditional practice is still celebrated today with events like the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which spans nearly 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome.

Join us for an unforgettable journey where you can feel the thrill of being pulled by a team of energetic huskies through the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Whether you're gliding over snow-covered trails in winter or cruising on wheeled sleds during the summer, dog sledding offers an exhilarating way to connect with Alaska’s rugged beauty and rich heritage.

Book your adventure today and experience the excitement and tradition of dog sledding in the Last Frontier! Vising our website at adventureandawe.com to book your free consultation and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated. 🐶🏔️

26/06/2024

Ayers Rock is a unique geological feature in a remote location about 462 km from Alice Springs.

Standing high above the Northern Territories’ spinifex plains like some continental giant, this massive sacred rock of Uluru is probably the ultimate, most majestic icon of this great Southern Land.

Watching as Ayers Rock changes from rich hues of terracotta and crimson at sunset over the Pitjantjatjara’s tribal lands is a marvelous, awesome, unforgettable vision.

I’m excited to help you plan your next adventure. Visit my website at AdventureAndAwe.com to book your free consultation. Be sure to join our newsletter to stay informed about our upcoming small group trips, including the one we’re organizing for Australia and New Zealand!

21/06/2024

What is your favorite wine grape?

Wine, like coffee, is an integral part of Greek culture and has been so since 2000 BC.

It is no wonder there are quite a few "must-try wines" in Greece.

Retsina is the best-known traditional Greek wine.
This is a white wine that is infused with the sap of a pine tree and typically tastes of peach and apple flavors.

It may leave a slightly oily taste in your mouth. Regions of Retsina wine are all in central Greece.

Crete has the warmest wine climates with two native grapes that are blended with Syrah to create a fruity smooth wine called the Crete Reds.

These are some of the most popular red wines made in Greece.

Malagousia is a full-bodied white wine offering citrus flavors with a soft finish. This wine grape was almost extinct until winemaker Evangelos Gerovassiliou thankfully resurrected it
While on the island of Santorini try the local sun-dried sweet dessert wine called Vinsanto.

It has quite an unusual contrast between sweet and bitter flavors and comes in 3 white grape varieties.

Add the following wines to your “must try” wine list, while in Greece: Assyrtiko from Santorini, Moschofilero from the region of Peloponnese, and Savatiano from the Attica region.

Ready to explore Greece? We’re here to handle all the planning, no matter when you want to travel. We specialize in custom, personalized itineraries based on your preferences, including hotels, transportation, tours, and activities, and any other details you need. Or choose a small ship cruise to the Greek Isalnds. Visit our website to book your free consultation at AdventureAndAwe.com and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated.

20/06/2024

What do you prefer to do on a day out at the beach?

Greece has the most crystal blue, clear waters seen on this planet making for the best beach visits globally.

So worth a boat trip, reach the Navagio Beach that is only accessible by boat. It is surrounded by limestone cliffs and home to ruins of a shipwreck.
Paradise Beach in Mykonos is a party beach.

Plenty of food and drink mix with the party vibes all day and night, or, on the outer reaches of Mykonos, away from the party beaches, is the secluded Elia Beach.

You can also rent chairs and umbrellas here and pack your picnic or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant.

For a special beach experience, enjoy the sense of swimming on another planet, at the Sarakiniko Beach in Milos.

If you prefer a beach with more activity, loved by the locals, drive through a stone pine forest reaching the Koukounaries beach, Skiathos, It offers soft sand and clear blue waters.

Something different, black sand! The perfect beach for relaxing and sunbathing is Perissa beach on the island of Santorini.

Going to the beach with your family?

Head to Elafonisi Beach, Crete, with its pink and white sand and of course, crystal blue waters, or head to the rocky shores at Anthony Quinn Bay for a visionary day of snorkeling.

I’m excited to help you plan your next adventure. Visit my website at AdventureAndAwe.com to book your free consultation. Be sure to join our monthly newsletter to stay informed about our upcoming small group trips and to receive travel tips and inspiration.

19/06/2024

What is your best time of year to travel?

For those watching their spend, but flexible, the least expensive time to visit Greece is April or October.

Most accommodation places offer reduced rates during these mild months.

It is important to note that some Greek islands close during the low season.

If you want to be in Greece when it is still typical summer weather, but wish to avoid the busy summer holiday crowds, then September is the month to go.

May to October, excluding August, are the best months to visit Greece if you plan to cycle around the country, and if you are planning to ski, then it’s best to plan your trip between December and April.

Ready to go? We’re ready to take care of the planning no matter when you would like to travel. We specialize in custom, personalized itineraries based on your wants and needs, including hotels, transportation, tours and activities, and any other details you need. Reach out on our website to book your free consultation at adventureandawe.com.

14/06/2024

Zakynthos is an island in the Ionian Sea. It's considered the third largest Ionian island. This little jagged piece of land is off the southwest coast of Greece.

It has rocky coves, and in one of these hidden pieces of paradise is Navagio Beach, a sandy little strip that is unforgettable.

Famous as "Shipwreck Beach" and "Smuggler's Cove," this beach became a mini ship graveyard in 1983 after the ship Panagiotis plowed into the shore.

According to the local news, the ship was smuggling ci******es, booze, and allegedly humans.

The authorities caught onto their trail and chased the boat in stormy weather, into the cove, where it ran ashore.

Ready to embark on your next adventure? I’m here to help you every step of the way. Schedule a call at AdventureAndAwe.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay updated on our exciting trips and receive travel tips.

13/06/2024

Let’s talk about souvenirs shopping in Egypt! 🇪🇬

One of our favorites are hand-woven rugs or tapestry from an exotic location.

It's impossible to ignore woven textiles when traveling to places like Morocco, Turkey and Egypt. They’re so beautiful and intricate because the weavers are so skilled. 🇪🇬

This ancient Egyptian craft, handed down to each generation, could be in danger of dying out as times change and the younger generations choose different professions.

But we can maintain such traditions by ensuring that we shop at reputable establishments that support local craftsmen and women. 🧕🏼

The best way to shop at sustainable and trusted places is by visiting with a local tour guide who is also trusted and certified. We can help you with that.

Ready to go? We’re ready to take care of the planning no matter when you would like to travel. We specialize in custom, personalized itineraries based on your wants and needs, including hotels, transportation, tours and activities, and any other details you need. Schedule your free consultation on our website at adventureandawe.com.