Montage Travel

02/04/2025

And, my pick for the best travel-related April Fool’s Day post goes to… 🥁 🥁

Rick Steves’ “Out of this World” guidebook series - and for this Fourth Wing fan, especially the guide to Basgiath and Navarre! 😆 I hope Violet offers private tours!

Runner up: Frontier Airlines introducing the new “Vertical Class.” Standing room only space with fares starting at just $9 one way (pay a little extra for a partition to lean on).

What travel-related posts gave you a laugh? Show me your favorites!

25/03/2025

Discover Miznon, where tradition meets creativity in every delightful pita bite!

Since opening its doors in 2013, Miznon has brought the spirited flavors of Tel Aviv right to the heart of the Marais district—a historic enclave of the Jewish community in Paris.

Here, the idea of Israeli street food is transformed with extraordinary creativity, marrying the distinctive ingredients of the Levantine kitchen with the exceptional quality of French produce.

Visionary Israeli chef, Eyal Shani, has developed a unique dining concept that transforms the humble pita and elevates vegetables to the status of culinary icons. After perfecting their craft in the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv, Miznon's innovative team invites guests to experience inventive Israeli cuisine that beautifully blends the soulful spirit of Tel Aviv with the sophistication of Paris.

While seating is limited and quite tight, the food is definitely worth it. Choose from a delicious menu of Israeli-French fusion pitas, including the popular "Beef Bourguignon in a Pita" (pictured), along with a variety of other dishes.

18/03/2025

How to spot an authentic restaurant (and not get stuck in a tourist trap!):

1. There isn’t a person on the street trying to entice you into the restaurant
2. The restaurant is filled with locals, not tourists
3. The menu is only in the local language (because they cater to locals)
4. The menu is short and handwritten - indicating that the chef is cooking up fresh and seasonal dishes

Generally, to find an authentic restaurant, it’s a good rule of thumb to walk at least a block away from major tourist attractions or central squares.

Buon appetito! Bon appétit! Enjoy your meal!

11/03/2025

You’ll probably notice right away that even as a modern city, Rome has no skyscrapers. There are several reasons for this, but one of the biggest is the Roman appreciation of history and historical preservation.

From any of the 7 Hills of Rome (Palatine Hill is one of them), you can look out and get sweeping views in all directions of the gorgeous Roman skyline — ancient ruins, golden domes, sculptures, and obelisks.

One of my favorite vantage points is this one - from the top of one of the tallest (some would say obnoxious) buildings in the city center, the Victor Emmanuel Monument.

When my clients have the time available in their itinerary - I always recommend it!

24/02/2025

Many travelers who visit Rome also love to take advantage of the wonderful day trips available from the capital city. Immediately people think of Pompeii, or maybe Hadrian’s Villa or Tivoli. But did you know that it’s also possible — and quite easy — to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome?

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s glittering jewels, a 31-mile stretch of aquamarine coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. Looking out over the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno, it’s the stuff of dreams and postcards: rugged white cliffs that plunge into the sea, vibrant flowers, and storybook fishing villages with their pastel homes stacked along the steep hillsides. The winding coastal road offers dreamy views of the sea, grand Mediterranean estates, terraced vineyards, and lush lemon groves.

It’s no wonder this small stretch is considered one of the most romantic spots in the world and is visited by millions each year.

With so many great transportation options — tours, trains, ferries, rentals, and more — it’s not hard at all to spend a gorgeous day by the sea, or to find a place to get away for a night or two. And with a custom-designed itinerary, I can help you fit in a trip to the Amalfi Coast (or other places!) with ease.

18/02/2025

Planning a big city trip this summer? Make sure you arrive prepared to explore on foot! Walking is one of the best ways to see and experience a city, but it can wear out your body if you’re not used to it.

Prepare yourself by breaking in your shoes and, especially if your daily routine doesn’t include a lot of walking, taking long walks in the weeks leading up to your trip.

It’s not uncommon that on most days, you’ll log at least 10k steps while walking around big cities like London, Paris, or Rome. In fact, more likely, it’ll be 20k!

Don’t let a tired body ruin your trip - start walking now!

07/01/2025

There’s something exciting brewing in Rome... In about 10 years, we’ll witness the unveiling of a truly transformative project: the Line C metro station at Piazza Venezia. This station isn't just an infrastructure upgrade; it's set to be a game-changer for the city, seamlessly blending modern transit with the rich tapestry of Rome’s history.

Currently underway, this ambitious construction will result in a state-of-the-art metro stop intertwined with a captivating archaeological museum—an experience that will undoubtedly be worth the wait. Situated in one of Rome's most beloved squares, the Piazza Venezia station will provide not only convenience but also a unique glimpse into the ancient world.

I’m thrilled to see how this project will transform our travel adventures in Rome. This development, alongside the upcoming Line C Colosseum station (expected to open this September), shows just how beautifully Rome blends its timeless history with today’s needs.

So stay tuned, because this is definitely one of those exciting things that we’ll be discovering together!

This video shows us what's in the works. I'm so excited - how about you?

02/01/2025

Attention all American and Canadian travelers! 🇬🇧 Starting 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK - including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The good news? The ETA application is quick and easy. You'll just need to submit an online form and pay a small fee (around £10) before your trip. Once approved, your ETA will be linked to your passport for up to 2 years.

This new measure is all about improving border security, without adding too much hassle for visitors.

For more information and to submit an application, visit the official site:

Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK.

01/01/2025

How Paris rang in the New Year. 🤩

The city of art and culture and light never fails to impress! 😍😍

Enjoy the show! 🎆

Watch consecutive coverage of New Year's celebrations around the world as countries ring in 2025 with fireworks, light displays and live performances. From S...

01/01/2025

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to my valued clients, friends, family, and fellow travel enthusiasts.

At Montage Travel, we're celebrating a year's worth of memories created from new discoveries, enlightening cultural exploration, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I feel truly grateful to have had the privilege of crafting unforgettable journeys for so many extraordinary travelers.

I wish you all a new year filled with all the things that bring you joy – and opportunities to explore this fascinating world.

Here's to creating more unforgettable memories in 2025!

28/07/2024

If the Appian Way wasn’t already on your list of things to see while in Rome, I hope it will be now!

If your family enjoys biking, I can add an excellent guided bike tour to your itinerary to enrich your visit on this historic road!

Highway that consolidated Roman empire joins modernist Romanian sculptures as latest sites added to list

18/07/2024

I was recently included in the Travel Expert Newsletter from Travel Beyond the Obvious in the "Destination Highlight" section.

They curate all content for the newsletter using only the best articles from their growing group of Certified Travel Experts, which includes me!

Have a look at the newsletter; it has lots of great content for travelers about different incredible travel destinations, tips for travel, and more.

Here is a link to the latest newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/travelbeyondtheobvious/travel-expert-network-march-2024-newsletter-5720688?e=a0751f7d56

Here is a link where you can subscribe if you want to see more content like this: http://eepurl.com/h0y-WP

Paris is a city that comes alive after dark with magic, whimsy, and fun. If you know you want to explore Paris nightlife on your trip, here are some wonderful suggestions to get you started, including a few kid-friendly options.

22/05/2024

Finally! 🎉

This will make it a lot easier for iPhone users to buy and manage Paris metro tickets.

If you’re traveling with young kids, you’ll still want to get them a physical Navigo Easy Pass or t+ ticket.

Passe Navigo – the travelcard used for Metro, bus, rail, and tram journeys in Paris – has finally come to...

16/04/2024

The Palace of Versailles, located outside Paris, was originally built as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII in 1623. Later, his son Louis XIV transformed it into a grand royal residence.

The palace is surrounded by sprawling gardens with fountains and sculptures, which reflect Versailles' prominence as the center of political power in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Inside, you can find the Hall of Mirrors and royal apartments, which are decorated with stunning artwork and ornamentation. During early Spring through early Fall weekends, you can observe fountain shows where the fountains dance to baroque music.

Tell me in the comments - what are you most looking forward to seeing when you visit Versailles?

11/03/2024

If you're looking to explore the history and mystery of England, a day trip to Stonehenge from London should definitely be on your list. With towering stone megaliths arranged in a circular formation, this prehistoric monument has captivated people's imagination for centuries.

Dating back over 4,500 years, Stonehenge offers a unique window into our ancient past and stands as one of the world's most enigmatic landmarks. Its origins and purpose continue to be a subject of scholarly debate, adding to its allure and mystery. Experiencing the sheer magnitude of these colossal stones is a humbling reminder of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of our ancestors.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness history up close!

06/03/2024

If you know, you know.😉

And if you want to know - let's start planning your trip.

A report ranking the world's best tourist destinations placed Paris in first place for the second year in a row.

26/02/2024

While Rome may be a big, loud, and busy city — with animated conversations, bustling cafes, scooters zipping by — it is also a city best savored at a slower pace. A traveler who walks in Rome is someone who forges a kind of intimacy with this extraordinary place that has so much to offer the senses.

Part of why I love exploring Rome on foot has to do with the present. The deliberate pace makes you aware of the warm colors, the aromas of coffee and bread, the feel of cobblestone streets, the sounds of dishes clinking and the pleasant hum of conversation, the glow of cafe lights as evening drifts down.

And part of it has to do with what’s long past: it’s a city where the ancient is always peeking through, where at any moment you feel like you could cross a stone threshold and slip back in time.

With a custom-designed itinerary, I can map out any route, pre-purchase your entrance tickets, and make reservations for dinner — so all the guesswork is gone, and all you have to do is enjoy your 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘢.

Here’s a sampling of my favorite walks in Rome.

To really savor all that the Eternal City has to offer, these are my top recommendations for the best walks in Rome (gelato stops included!).

22/02/2024

Fly High on the London Eye!

Elevate your London experience - quite literally - with a visit to one of the city's most iconic structures, The London Eye.

As Europe's tallest Ferris wheel, it takes you on a magnificent 30-minute journey into the sky, providing a bird's eye perspective that reveals the city like no other.

From the comfort of your capsule, you'll marvel at stunning views of world-renowned landmarks. Watch as the Gothic beauty of the Houses of Parliament, the majestic Big Ben, the futuristic Shard, and the tranquil River Thames create an unforgettable panorama that lends itself to some unforgettable photography.

Whether you visit during the day to fully appreciate the sprawling cityscape or opt for an enchanting night ride to admire the city lights illuminating the Thames, this experience promises to be a highlight of your trip.

So why wait? Conquer the skies with the London Eye!