I’m so excited I just couldn’t keep this news to myself. I had many people reach out after seeing my Egypt blogs and pictures on social media, that they asked me to plan a group tour of this extraordinary destination. So I knew I had to do something big! And because I didn’t see everything I wanted to see, I’m excited to be going back!
DRUM ROLL, please . . . . . . . .
I’m pre-announcing XOOM Tours10-Day Luxury Egypt Tour, February 2023! The details are almost finished and will be available shortly. Below is a sneak peek of what’s coming along with many pictures of this bucket list destination!
Our 10-Day Guided Tour will include Cairo, Luxor, Aswan plus a 4-night Nile Cruise, featuring all the best attractions of Egypt.
The Pyramids of Giza, The Sphinx, and The Egyptian Museum.
The ancient Necropolis of Saqqara and Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the oldest mosque in Cairo.
The ancient City of Thebes, where we’ll immerse ourselves in its magnificent wonders.
See the stunning colors while visiting The Valley of The Kings and The Tomb of King Tutankhamun.
Enjoy the Nefertari Tomb at the Valley of the Queens.
Ride in a hot-air balloon sunrise flight, the perfect way to experience the world’s largest open-air museum.
Sail up the Nile on a luxury cruise for 4 nights and enjoy the sunset in a private Felluca.
Visit to the magnificent Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel.
Here’s an overview of the coming itinerary and what will be included –
Arrivals and departures, we’ll be greeted and escorted by our local English-Speaking Egyptologist tour guides and Egypt Unlimited Tour Staff.
All meals are included (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), with unlimited mineral water available during the entire tour.
First two nights in Cairo at the magnificent Marriott Mena House Hotel with awesome views of the Pyramids.
One night in Luxor at the Hilton Resort and Spa Luxor.
Four nights on the MX MayFair Luxury Nile Cruise Line.
Last two nights in Cairo at the Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel with views of the Nile.
Entry Fees to all venues / sites and temples included in the tour.
All transportation with Egypt, in a new air-conditioned bus.
Round trip domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo.
All baggage transfers.
Free SIM Card with 10GB of included internet.
All Gratuities / Tipping.
All service charges and taxes.
Local support and 24-hour emergency hotline.
There’s so much to see and do!
Follow along on my social media where I post highlights of my adventures.
Are you interested in learning more? Is Egypt on your bucket list? Do you dream of seeing the temples, tombs and pyramids in real life for yourself? Or sailing down the Nile, dining on traditional Egyptian food? Or seeing the golden death mask of King Tutankhamun? Well, this just might be your trip.
If any answer was YES…then stay tuned for more details.
I believe, whole-heartedly, that YOU would enjoy Egypt that wows you every step of the way. As I mentioned above, the itinerary is almost finished and it is nothing short of FABULOUS! Our travel dates will be mid-February, 2023.
If you’d like to join me or want more information, let me know! It’s a fabulous destination with so much enrichment for all!!
I hope you had a great week! I sure did. This week’s blog will focus on Vancouver which is the third part of my experience while traveling by train on one of the world’s most beautiful itineraries across the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In case you missed the first two parts where I shared the details about my journey on the train, you can find them on my website by clicking on my Travel Blog.
My ten-day adventure started in Vancouver where Joyce and I spent 2 full days exploring all the city has to offer – and wow does it offer! It’s such an eclectic city, equal parts India, China, England, France, and the cool Pacific Northwest vibe.
Vancouver is surrounded by majestic mountains, sparkling ocean waters, rainforests, and beautiful foliage throughout all four seasons. And of course, with all these natural beauties, this makes Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Canadians are well known for their friendly nature, and the people of Vancouver take it to a whole new level, showing great pride in their welcoming, clean, safe streets – day or night. There is so much to see and do in Vancouver that it would take weeks to really see it all. But no need to worry as I have mapped out my visit with plenty of suggestions for how to make the most of your short time there.
Here are some of our fun-filled adventures!
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical-Chinese Gardens
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden was named as the world’s top city garden by National Geographic. It opened in 1986 and is the first Chinese or ‘Scholars Garden’ built outside of China.
The jade green pond, koi fish, and the collection of 150-year-old trees plus the Tai Hi rock imported from China, are a few of the delights in the garden. It took 53 master craftsmen from China and 950 crates of traditional material using 14th century methods – no screws, glue or power tools to build. It’s a beautiful, peaceful garden, especially in the early morning before most visitors come to enjoy.
Granville Island Public Market
The Granville Island Public Market is the jewel in the island’s crown and a MUST visit. This large indoor market features a fascinating assortment of colorful food and produce stores, showcasing handcrafted products and the very finest in unique gifts. The area is packed with theaters, market stalls, art studios, restaurants, bars and bookstores. It’s a great place for unique souvenirs and for tasting fresh seafood caught just offshore.
Grouse Mountain – The Peak of Vancouver
The best lookout views of Vancouver are 20 minutes from downtown and a quick Skyride up to the top of Grouse Mountain, 4,100 feet above the city. In addition to the view, you can enjoy thrilling activities like Ziplines and Mountain Ropes, the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife along with an expansive network of hiking trails in the summer. There is so much to see and do, that you could make your visit a full day enjoying all the mountain has to offer.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is beautiful! It is bigger than Central Park in New York City. There are bike trails and running paths along the shoreline, colorful gardens, horse drawn carriage rides, picnic areas, a lighthouse and a totem pole park. It is located northwest of downtown and is one of the most famous parks within the city limits of Vancouver. The park attracts thousands of residents and visitors daily who enjoy the lush forest trails, relaxing lakes and beaches, the water park, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
It is the best place to enjoy spectacular views of the north shore mountains and the lovely Lion’s Gate Bridge. If you are feeling hungry, there are plenty of cafes along the park trails where you can enjoy a light brunch/lunch.
Canada Place
Built as the Canadian pavilion for the Expo ’86 World’s Fair 30 years ago, Canada Place was designed in the form of a giant ship ready to set sail. It’s nice to stroll along the boardwalk and take in the views of the water and a marina in the distance. Due to the size of the pier, it’s the perfect location for cruise ships to dock while in port.
Canada Place is home to the Vancouver Convention Centre, and to the thrill seeking, adventurous attraction called “FlyOver Canada” which is a multi-sensory film experience…a flying adventure over Canada from coast to coast. It’s a bit similar to the ride called Soarin’ at Disney World.
Also being in the center of the action, Canada Place is surrounded by the Olympic Cauldron, Gastown, Granville Street, and Coal Harbor.
Capilano Suspension Bridge and Cliffwalk
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world. It crosses over the Capilano River in the district of North Vancouver. To be honest, it was a little scary especially when the bridge swayed back and forth. I think the little kids enjoyed watching us adults act like scaredy cats as we held onto the railing for dear life. They loved the thrill. For me…at one point my legs were a little shaky so I had to grab the railing. The good news…I made it to the other side. The bad news…I had to go back the same way I came to get to be able to leave the park!
The Park also includes Cliffwalk – a granite precipice along the Capilano River that takes you through rainforest vegetation on a series of unobtrusive cantilevered and suspended walkways jutting out from the granite cliff face above the Capilano River. I was glad that the pathway was built of study wood and metal and didn’t sway to and fro like the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
The scenery was beautiful…a waterfall, a flowing river, the mountains and the fall foliage! As you can see, we loved the experience.
A “Wok” around Chinatown
Established in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colors, exotic cuisine, and a vibrant culture. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America’s third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco.
We had a fabulous time on our “wok” around Chinatown with “Chef Robert”. We visited the markets, a tea shop, tasted a variety of Chinese specialties like barbequed meat, delicate pastries, herbal products and ended our “wok” with a delicious Dim Sum lunch.
Street Art
In Vancouver, street art and murals have become the status quo. In fact there’s such a concentration of unique art there are several self-guided tours available to explore the art and the stories behind them. Also in August, there is an annual Vancouver Mural Festival featuring 60+ new murals across 11 different neighborhoods. Looking at these pictures you can see why – creativity, diversity, and vibrancy.
Follow along on my social media where I post highlights of my adventures.
Are you ready to join me in experiencing Vancouver along with a journey by rail through the Canadian Rockies? I know you will love the adventure as much as I did! It’s magical and majestic in every way!
If the answer is YES…then let’s do it! I believe, whole-heartedly, that YOU would enjoy a journey by rail that wows you every step of the way. Just send me an email ([email protected]) that you are ready to jump on board the Rocky Mountaineer train!
Let’s pursue a new adventure together! Don’t wait! Life it too short!
Another friendly reminder…we have a fun group that is interested in exploring Egypt! Our itinerary is almost finished and it is nothing short of FABULOUS! Our travel dates will be mid-February, 2023. If you’d like to join us, let me know! It’s a fabulous destination with so much enrichment for all!!
There’s something magical about the rhythm of the train wheels, the sound of the conductor’s “All aboard!” and the stunning views out the big windows. It makes you feel truly transported into a new dimension when onboard, which is just what one wants on vacation.
Snaking its way through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this most luxurious and scenic train journey is an experience unrivalled in North America.
The pleasure of traversing the globe by rail has captured the hearts and dreams of travelers for years, and even though the modern age of cheap and fast flights has opened destinations like never before, Rocky Mountaineer has embraced the slow, romantic travel that only a train trip can offer.
I just returned home from the most spectacular train adventure through the Canadian Rockies and I’m excited to share about my journey with you. There were so many amazing highlights that it was hard to narrow it down. So, for additional inspiration, I added a lot of pictures and details to my Facebook and Instagram pages! And I posted my trip itinerary on my website for you to follow along. This adventure was truly magical in every way!
An Adventure by Rail!
My journey began in Vancouver where I spent the first 2 days exploring the city, learning about the history, visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, shopping at Granville Market and taking in the views at the top of Grouse Mountain with my friend Joyce. There is so much to see and do in Vancouver that we both want to return so we can capture what we missed.
On the third day, we boarded the train early in the morning to experience the “First Passage to the West”. We certainly had a “room with a view”! Our seats were in the bi-level glass domed coaches which was ideal for viewing the incredible landscapes and the abundant wildlife. And when it was a bit too sunny, the hosts flicked a button and the glare disappeared. Every now and again we would jump across the aisle so we could gaze at the stunning landscape that was before our eyes.
Each row of seating was very spacious and had a lot of legroom. Our seats were very comfortable, reclined, and had seat warmers for the chilly mornings.
We traveled by train during the day and spent the nights at beautiful properties in the major cities like Lake Louise and Banff. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was my favorite and a hotel that I longed to see in person since I was a teenager.
A Feast for our Senses
Our taste for adventure wasn’t the only thing we indulged in on our journey. Traveling between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies, what we found on our plate was just as impressive as to what we saw outside the glass-dome windows. We dined on multi-course breakfasts and lunches that were served on board the train and created by the Rocky Mountaineer professional culinary team.
Since Joyce and I were traveling in Goldleaf status, we walked downstairs to a dedicated dining room for our meals. We enjoyed freshly prepared, chef-created menus for both breakfast and lunch. We started our day with either a fruit smoothie or fresh fruit and then had choices of either a spinach and cheese omelet, buttermilk pancakes served with strawberries and warm Canadian maple syrup or eggs Benedict with seasoned potatoes. Everything was delicious!
At lunch, we had to make tough choices between Alberta beef, roasted chicken and wild Pacific caught salmon. Lucky for us, every choice was the right one!
Much of the inspiration for the menus comes from what we saw along the way, with fresh ingredients sourced seasonally from British Columbia and Alberta. In fact, some of their routes pass right by the farms, such as Desert HIlls Ranch in Ashcroft, just west of Kamloops. To complement our meals, premium British Columbia wines from the Okanagan Valley were also served onboard, along with local craft beer. Together with gourmet snacks served throughout the journey, the wine, beer and high-end spirits are all complimentary – and were perfect as we toasted to our adventure.
Spectacular Scenery
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are filled with rugged mountain peaks, ice fields, and glaciers, alpine meadows, lakes, waterfalls, extensive karst cave systems, thermal springs, and deeply incised canyons.
Some of the best-known mountain scenery on Earth is concentrated in a set of seven parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. And the beauty of traveling by train, is that we saw so many features that make up this World Heritage site.
Not only did we travel in signature bi-level glass-dome coaches, we also went outside on our exclusive viewing platform to get closer to the action. The views were stunning everywhere we looked…up, down, left, right! The color of the water, the snow capped mountains, the wildlife roaming to and fro and the sounds of the water rushing down the hills…it was majestic and magical.
My finger was always on my camera because I didn’t want to miss capturing another beautiful site…. sites that I will look at again and again after I return home from this adventure.
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. –John Muir
The Railroad Folks…a delight!
One of the best parts of our journey was meeting other passengers and staff from all over the world. Michelle (from Vancouver) and Leigh (from the UK) were our hosts in the upper level coach. We enjoyed their commentary which was interesting and informative and at times quite funny. We learned about the history of the Canadian Railway, saw historical landmarks, crossed the Continental Divide and heard fun facts about the communities along our route. They were quick to point out wildlife like Sea Eagles, ospreys, elk, and moose. We learned quite a lot and found it very interesting.
Remember to enjoy the journey and the scenery along the way! –Katrina Mayer
As I just experienced first-hand, there has never been a better time to travel to Canada than right now! Here’s why!
First – The number of international travelers is down about 75%, so you won’t find long lines to enter museums or historical sites. No need to worry about making your way through a crowd of people. You’ll have the opportunity to see more than you normally would in destination.
Second – The locals are thrilled to see and serve you since travel makes up a large proportion of their GDP. They want to make sure you have an enjoyable experience so that you’ll return home and encourage others to travel there too.
Third – The weather in the fall… beautiful, colorful foliage and snow capped mountains! Picturesque! I personally love the fall weather, the colorful leaves and the surprise of a snow squall every now and again!
Fourth – Since there are less tourists, your dollars go much farther as companies want to compete for your business.
Fifth – Canada is open for travel and the number of daily Covid cases are extremely low. Vaccinated tourists are welcomed per the Canadian regulations. Masks are also required.
BONUS to traveling to Canada now…your pictures will be tourist free. AMAZING!
And the biggest reason…Canada is full of beauty and wildlife waiting for you to see and experience with your own eyes!
Follow along on my social media where I post highlights of my adventures.
As I mentioned in my previous newsletter…just because we’ve finished school doesn’t mean our education stops. Learning keeps us young, and travel is one of the greatest teachers of all. Travel inspires a sense of wonder and discovery, and there’s an entire world of things to do and people to meet. When you travel, you never stop learning.
Are you ready to join me in experiencing a journey by rail through the Canadian Rockies? I know you will love the adventure as much as I did! It’s magical and majestic in every way!
If the answer is YES…then let’s do it! I believe, whole-heartedly, that YOU would enjoy a journey by rail that wows you every step of the way. Just send me an email ([email protected]) that you are ready to jump on board the Rocky Mountaineer train!
Let’s pursue a new adventure together! Don’t wait! Life it too short!
Another friendly reminder…we have a fun group that is interested in exploring Egypt! If you’d like to join us, let me know! It’s a fabulous destination with so much enrichment for all!!
When you hear someone mention traveling by train, often times we associate it with a way to commute to work. But for others, riding on a train is a vacation in itself. Not only are you moving from point A to point B, looking forward to having fun upon arrival – you’re having fun while traveling.
One advantage of traveling by train is the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery all throughout the journey. No matter which direction you look…left, right or through a Vista Dome roof, you will see so much more compared to when you travel by plane.
And this week I will be traveling by train experiencing one of the world’s most beautiful itineraries across the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Did you know the Canadian Rocky Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site? They are one of the planet’s most spectacular mountain ranges — an untamed wilderness filled with rugged snow-covered mountain peaks, ice fields, and glaciers, alpine meadows, lakes, waterfalls, extensive karst cave systems, thermal springs and deeply incised canyons. Some of the best-known mountain scenery on Earth is concentrated in a set of seven parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. And the beauty of traveling by train, is that we will be able to see the many features that make up this World Heritage site.
Last weekend my grandson and I went to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer to enjoy a “Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine”! How fun, right? You should have seen Owen’s face as we got closer and closer to Thomas. His eyes lit up and he was star-struck. The bright blue train that goes clickety-clack down the track on television or in a video was right there before his eyes. Not only was the real Thomas there, so was Percy, the caboose.
Kids and many adults are fascinated by trains…how they work, which car is which and what they do, what it’s like to be a conductor, the thrill of the ride and more.
So, Owen and I hopped aboard for 2 separate train rides…one when Thomas was the engine and a second where Percy was the caboose. He was so excited! His cute little face peered out the window, listening the the sound of the wheels as they moved along the tracks all the while taking in the beautiful scenery along the route.
First Passage to the West!
Now it’s my turn to travel by train and one that will be full steam ahead. I’ll be experiencing the legendary rail route for a 10-day journey that starts in Vancouver and travels to Banff/Lake Louise. We will travel by train during the day then will overnight at stunning hotels in those major cities. As we stop along the way, we will enjoy some really amazing expeditions to ensure we never miss any of the spectacular scenery. Stay tuned for pictures of these experiences!
Enjoy these short videos to get a feeling of what it will be like on the train!
Onboard Experience
There are two levels of service available where you choose between Excellent and Extraordinary – SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. For this trip, my friend and I chose GoldLeaf. They say it’s where Five-Star Comfort meets Five-Star Views. We’ll indulge our senses with gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chefs and enjoy expansive views through the panoramic windows of a bi-level glass dome coach to the Canadian Rockies. AMAZING!!
First Passage to the West Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Vancouver, Canada and transfer to our hotel to prepare for the adventure.
Day 2 & 3
Explore Vancouver where the mountains meet the sea, and every scene looks like something straight from a postcard. Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Day 4
Depart Vancouver Station at 7:30am and travel to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On the journey we will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. The day concludes along the shores of Kamloops Lake into Kamloops Station between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Then we’ll will transfer to our hotel.
Day 5
Depart Kamloops Station around 6:30am, to continue our journey east to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. We’ll travel across ranch lands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. We’ll arrive at 5:00pm and transfer to our famous hotel, The Fairmont Chateaux Lake Louise. STUNNING!!
Day 6
Columbia Icefield Discovery & Glacier Sightseeing Tour.
We’ll go onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier by an Ice Explorer; a massive vehicle specially designed for glacial travel. Here our guide will share a wealth of fascinating information about glaciers, icefields, and their impact on our environment. During the tour we’ll step out onto the glacier and take in the most stunning alpine and glacial vistas. We’ll also go out on the award-winning Glacier Skywalk, a 1,640 long boardwalk extending 100 feet out over the Sunwapta Valley allowing one to float in the sky amidst spectacular scenery.
Day 7
Touring Lake Louise to Banff, with Yoho National Park Tour.
This half-day tour will take us into Yoho National Park to view its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. During the day our luggage will be transfered to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Located in the heart of Banff National Park, the world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands as a landmark in the alpine town of Banff, Alberta. Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies” has been providing legendary hospitality to guests for more than 125 years. The Fairmont Banff Springs is a year-round luxury mountain resort that offers a championship golf course, the award winning European-style Willow Stream Spa, and authentically local dining experiences.
Day 8
Free day in Banff to explore and visit the spa!
Day 9
Continue to explore the Banff/Lake Louise area, including a ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree views of the Banff townsite and surrounding mountains.
From there we’ll visit Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos.
Next, we’ll jump on a Rocky Mountain Helicopter Tour going up almost 2 miles above sea level so we can get an appreciation for the sheer size of the glaciers, mountain vistas, lakes, and the waterfalls in Kananaskis County.
Our day will end at the Calgary Tower where we’ll feel like we are suspended in mid-air. Soaring 525 feet above the city, with 360-degree views and the Rocky Mountains in the distance, it’ll take our breath away. INCREDIBLE!
Day 10
Today we depart. Time to head back to Charlotte, NC.
Follow along on my trip by subscribing to my social media where I post highlights of my adventures!
Are you ready to be dazzled by the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and experience traveling by train? It’s an opportunity to broaden your horizons, get out of your comfort zone or add a little spice to your life!
If the answer is YES…then I believe, whole-heartedly, that YOU would love a journey by train and experience it by visiting the magical destination of the Canadian Rockies, a journey that will wow you every step of the way.
If you are interested, let me know and I am happy to arrange your vacation!
As a reminder, last week I shared about my trip to Egypt. (Did you se the pictures I have been sharing on my social media channels?) I really enjoyed it so much that I am ready to go back to see what I missed. So I decided to put together a small group that includes a trip down River Nile, the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Luxor and Aswan. No date has been set but it will be sometime in 2022 or 2023. If you want to be on the list to receive the information, reach out to me at [email protected]
Let’s do it! Don’t wait! Life it too short!
Enjoy your week!!
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