Travel Insights

Santorini in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

March is a fickle month on Santorini, throwing some of the nastiest and nicest weather of the year at visitors. When it's bad, expect rain showers, January-low temperatures, and many places still closed. Yet when it's good, it can be excellent, with sharp spring sunshine and enough heat for a spot of beach time. Freshness in the air ensures hiking is enjoyable now too. The other big upside is the lack of other tourists and deals on hotels: come in March to experience the island blissfully free of high season masses.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris & Bordeaux - 5 Days

Find some of your new favorite spots with five days in western France. Stroll through the streets of Le Marais, ascend the Eiffel Tower, and experience the fabulous wine and food scene in Bordeaux to leave you feeling relaxed and refined.

Luxury Food & Wine Tour: Paris & Bordeaux - 6 Days

Savor six days amid scenic and savory sights on this itinerary. You'll take in the beauty of Paris and the Bordeaux region while also ingesting the products of the local cheesemakers, artisan markets, and renowned vineyards to satisfy all of your senses.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris & Bordeaux - 7 Days

Spend a full week savoring the food and wine of France on this itinerary. Sit in the sidewalk cafés and stroll the markets of  Paris before you catch the train to Bordeaux, where you'll cruise through historic towns and vineyards that date back hundreds of years.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris & Bordeaux - 8 Days

Enjoy eight days of epicurean indulgences against the backdrop of two of  France's most famous cities. In Paris, you'll hear from cheese masters, market vendors, and expert cooks as they impart their wisdom to you. Then travel on to Bordeaux to sample the region's famous food and wine amid historic architecture.

Hiking from the Alps to the Adriatic: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, Goriška Brda & Piran  - 12 Days

This 12-day hiking adventure is the perfect chance to create unforgettable memories and explore the most beautiful scenery Slovenia has to offer. Start your trip in Ljubljana before continuing on to Lake Bled and northwestern Slovenia, an area known for its rugged alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and colorful rivers. Then, discover Slovenia's wine region before ending your trip with a swim in the Adriatic Sea.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 9 Days

A French lunch break can be up to two hours long, but you get nine full days to sample the country's food and wine on this itinerary. Visit the artsy alleys and markets of Le Marais and Montmartre, then travel to the Loire Valley and Bordeaux to tour the vineyards that made French wine famous.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 10 Days

There are enough French cheeses that you could eat a different one every day for a year. This itinerary only takes you as far as 10 days, so you'll have to eat a little faster than that. Start by consulting a cheesemaker in Le Marais, then ascend the Eiffel Tower to see Paris from the sky. You'll then head to the castles of the Loire Valley, followed by three nights in Bordeaux to sample vintages dating back centuries.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 11 Days

France is the world's second-largest exporter of wine, but you can sample the bottles they keep for themselves on this 11-day itinerary. Start off in Paris, strolling the Palais Royal and covered markets, before you travel to the Loire Valley to relax under the vines where da Vinci spent the last years of his life. Then finish your trip in Bordeaux to compare the wines of the left and right river banks, just to make sure you've tried them all.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 13 Days

See spots you've only heard referenced by your favorite sommeliers on this 13-day journey. Whether you're tasting wine in a Parisian covered passageway, lined with mosaic-tiled floors and glass ceilings, amidst the vines of centuries-old estates along sedate rivers, or overlooking villas on the Atlantic coast, you'll soon realize that the best pairing for any glass of wine is a good view.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 14 Days

Food isn't the only indulgence western France has to offer on this two-week itinerary. Lounge in the gardens of the Palais Royal, once the personal residence for Cardinal Richelieu; see through the eyes of artists like Degas and da Vinci in Montmartre and Amboise, and stroll through cobblestone village streets and seaside boardwalks as you sample the best the area has to offer.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 15 Days

Learn how to say important phrases like, "no more, thank you, I'm stuffed," on this 15-day itinerary through the epicurean delights of western France. Whether you're sampling cheese and pastries in Paris, the mushrooms and wines of the Loire Valley, cannelé pastries and even more wine in Bordeaux, or oysters in Arcachon, there's a new gastronomical adventure around every corner.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 16 Days

Spend 16 splendid days savoring the western regions of France. Meet with a master cheesemaker in Le Marais, bake amidst Les Batignolles, and recline in the vineyards of the Loire Valley. You'll traverse the "Route des Chateaux” in the Médoc, then cruise down the Gironde estuary to sample all the riversides of the Bordeaux region before a relaxing end to your trip in the seaside resort town of Arcachon.

Santorini in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The weather has not improved since January on the island this month, but neither have the crowds increased. Cool and prone to heavy rain showers (and the year's chilliest water temperatures), February is a good month to find the island in its authentic, tourist-free state. There is more chance for mixing with locals at Fira's restaurants, and a glut of archaeology and winemaking heritage to discover. Come now to enjoy most of Santorini's iconic sights without the masses to disrupt the peace and quiet.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 12 Days

This 12-day luxury itinerary through three of France's regions is a feast for both your eyes and your stomach. From the museums and markets of Paris to the castles and vineyards of the Loire Valley there's always a new sensory delight to be found. End in your tip in Bordeaux, where historic villages, unparalleled hospitality, and renowned cuisine and wines await your exploration. 

Santorini in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The weather is just about as miserable as it gets on Santorini this month, but unlike many Greek islands in wintertime, this one still has plenty of things to do. It's the perfect time to relax in a cave villa that would be unaffordable for many in high season, to get to grips with the island's fascinating archaeological heritage, or simply to soak up life as the locals live it—with refreshingly few tourists to be seen.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Normandy & Brittany - 5 Days

Get away from it all on this luxurious 5-day trip to Normandy and Brittany. Fly in to Paris, then head to Bayeux on the coast. Check out the tapestry, tour Mont-Saint-Michel, and explore World War II history. At night, relax over fresh seafood dinners paired with chilled white wine at your neighborhood brasserie.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 6 Days

Enjoy a quick getaway to Paris and the Normandy coast without sacrificing luxury on this six-day trip. Start in the City of Lights, where you'll learn about Parisian history in the heart of the city, stroll the gilded halls of Versaille, and take a nighttime cruise on the Seine. Spend your last day on the Normandy coast to see the Bayeux Tapestry and tour Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island.

Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 7 Days

See Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic coast, and more on this weeklong itinerary to Western France. Learn to bake bread the authentic French way and visit the Opéra Garnier in the City of Lights, then enjoy fresh seafood in a typical brasserie in Saint-Malo and see the Bayeux Tapestry.

Western France Getaway: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 8 Days

Stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower and vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside on this luxurious eight-day getaway. Walk through the gilded halls of Versailles and cruise along the Seine at night, then head west along the coast for medieval abbeys, fresh seafood, and World War II sites.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, & Loire Valley - 9 Days

From the gilded halls of Versailles to the resplendent Châteaus of the Loire Valley, explore Western France in all its luxury on this 9-day getaway. Stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast, and visit Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. End the trip with a tour of the resplendent Châteaus de Chambord and Chenonceau.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 10 Days

Dive into French culture and settle into a quieter pace of life on this 10-day luxury trip to Western France. Start in Paris, where you'll learn history in the l’Ile de la Cité and take a day trip to the gilded halls of Versailles. Head west to tour D-Day sites in Normandy and explore Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. Round out the trip with two days in the Loire Valley, famous for castles and wine alike.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley & More - 11 Days

From the Opéra Garnier in Paris to the quiet countryside of the Loire Valley, this luxurious 11-day itinerary covers the highlights—and much more. Walk through the gilded halls of Versailles, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast, and visit Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. End the trip with wine tasting in the Loire Valley and see where Da Vinci spent his final years.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 12 Days

Twelve days enjoying Parisian architecture, Normandy seafood, and Loire Valley wine—what could be sweeter? See the Eiffel Tower and learn to bake authentic French baguettes in the capital, then head to the coast for medieval ruins, fresh mussels, and World War II history. Wrap the trip up in the Loire Valley, where stately chateaus line the quiet country lanes and vineyards stretch out of sight.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 13 Days

Spend thirteen lucky days luxuriating in some of France's finest regions, from Paris to the Loire Valley. Kick things off in the City of Lights, where you'll explore history and take a day trip to Versailles. From there, head to Normandy on the coast, where small fishing villages and D-Day sites dot the landscape. End in the Loire Valley, where you'll relax in peaceful vineyards and tour elegant chateaus.

Western France Getaway: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley & More - 14 Days

If you dream of spending two weeks exploring history and cuisine in western France, this itinerary is for you. Visit the Louvre and Versailles and learn to bake bread the authentic French way. Continue to Normandy and Brittany on the coast to explore medieval abbeys and sample fresh-caught seafood. Wrap things up in the Loire Valley, where resplendent Châteaux and endless vineyards await.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 15 Days

Spend fifteen days exploring Paris and the western regions on this luxurious itinerary. Start in the City of Lights, where you'll stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower and eat your weight in croissants. Head to the coast for apple cider tours, fresh seafood, and the famed Normandy beaches. End the trip in the Loire Valley to go wine tasting and see where Da Vinci spent his last years.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 16 Days

From the Paris Opera to the beaches of Brittany, explore Western France in luxury on this 16-day itinerary. Learn to bake bread the French way and stroll through Versaille's resplendent halls, then head to the coast to explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast. Enjoy fresh seafood in a typical brasserie in Saint-Malo, then end the trip in the Loire valley, where fairytale castles and vineyards abound.

The Delights of Slovenia and Istria: Bled, Bovec, Istria, & Ljubljana - 12 Days

This 12-day self-driving tour is a great option for travelers visiting Slovenia and Istria for the first time. Discover all of the country's highlights, including Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, and a detour into Croatian Istria, before finishing up in Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital. Self-driving tours are great for travelers who want to explore on their own and also make sure they don't miss any must-see sights on the way.

Athens in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

People often think that Athens is too cold to visit in November, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Although there are certainly wet and chilly days, there are also plenty of days that are bright and sunny with blue skies overhead and pleasant temperatures. And best of all: there are hardly any crowds.

Athens in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October is an excellent time to visit Athens, especially toward the beginning of the month. The weather is still warm yet the crowds have mostly disappeared. It doesn't rain much and you can take advantage of great shoulder-season prices. As the month goes on, however, the colder weather begins creeping in as the first signs of winter arrive.

Athens in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September is truly one of the best months of the year to visit Athens. The weather is comparable to August, offering sunshine and blue skies, yet a huge portion of the tourists leave as kids go back to school and summer vacations come to an end. In terms of both weather and crowd sizes, it's an ideal time for a Greek vacation.

Athens in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Summertime is at its highest point in August when the weather is hot and sunny and the tourists are all on vacation. In Athens, the city fills with sunshine as visitors flock to museums and other attractions. The beaches are stunning with bright blue skies and warm, crystal clear water.

Athens in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is one of the most spectacular times to visit Athens, although it's also one of the busiest. It's the pinnacle of high season so you'll have crowds at all of the tourist sites and the museums will have lines out the door. However, given that the skies are blue, the water is warm, and the beaches are absolutely stunning, it's nevertheless a wonderful time to visit.

Athens in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By June, summertime is in full effect in Athens. The temperatures are hot (sometimes bordering on stifling) and it's muggy throughout the city. It's the perfect time to hit the beach or head to one of the islands for a weekend trip. In the urban areas, you'll find heavy crowds but the atmosphere is fun and festive so it can be worth braving the masses. Plus, you won't have to worry about rain.

Athens in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Just about anyone who's traveled to Greece will tell you that the month of May is one of the best times to visit Athens. It's a bright and sunny time with flowers blooming and pleasant temperatures everywhere. The water is still a bit chilly, but it begins warming up slightly and many of the island resorts open for business. What's more, it's still considered shoulder season so the costs and crowds are manageable.

Athens in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

April is unquestionably one of the best months to visit Athens if you want to take advantage of the "best of both worlds" atmosphere. By this time of year, it's sunny and increasingly warm (though not summertime-hot) and wildflowers start blooming left and right. Best of all, you can enjoy all of this splendor without the swarms of crowds.

Athens in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By March, the coldest part of the winter is wrapping up and you can begin seeing signs of spring. Wildflowers start blooming and warmer days sneak in, scattering themselves among the colder, grayer days. The atmosphere is pleasant yet none of the tourists have arrived—and since it's still considered off-season, you'll enjoy smaller crowds and cheaper prices, too.

Athens in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

February is a fantastic time to visit Athens. Although the first part of the month can still be wintery and frigid, by late February the temperatures begin warming up slightly and the Carnival season (called "Apokreas") descends. This fun, indulgent time in the three weeks leading up to Lent involves all sorts of fun and festivities. The best part? Due to the colder weather, there are hardly any crowds.

Athens in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

January is the coldest month of the year in Athens—nighttime lows dip to 45°F (7°C)—but it can also be one of the best months to visit due to the lack of crowds. The sun stays out until about 5:30 pm, so there's plenty of time for daytime tourist activities, the Acropolis and other ancient ruins create beautiful backdrops for bright red sunsets, and the city is alive with art and culture.

Athens in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Athens is cold and wintery in December—but there's hardly anyone here, which makes it a great time to visit if you want to escape the crowds. The weather is sometimes blustery and it's not uncommon to experience rain at this time of year. However, the fact that you have the city all to yourself (and the festive atmosphere around Christmas) is often enticing enough to make you forget about the chilly weather.

How Many Days to Spend in Paris

There's no wrong answer to how much time you should spend in Paris, but for a solid itinerary, you'll want at least four days. This is enough time to accomplish some world-class attractions and some lesser-known arrondissements that are on the up and up—whether you choose to explore by foot, metro, bike, and/or electric scooter. Check out some possible itineraries, ranging from 24 hours to a week (and beyond).

Best Time of Year to Visit the Greek Islands

The Greek islands offer an irresistible combination of white-sand beaches, mountain scenery, and ancient history. If warm weather is important to you, summer is indisputably the best time to visit, when you’ll most likely have pleasant temperatures for the beach. However, the islands can get busy in summer—fall and spring are better bets when it comes to avoiding crowds.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Peloponnese

Located southwest of Athens, the Peloponnese peninsula is home to some of Greece’s most historic spots. Although summer is the busiest season, crowd levels won’t be on par with Athens or the popular Greek islands, so you can relax and soak in the pleasant weather and attractions year-round. The weather in the Peloponnese is similar to the Greek capital; expect hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, with a temperate spring and fall. Read on to learn more about the best times to visit.

How Many Days to Spend in Valencia

Valencia is a Mediterranean city with a legacy as rich as Barcelona. Its historic Old Town is a walkable area whose highlights, like the Valencia Cathedral and Quart Towers, you can see on a day trip. With more than 24 hours, there are beaches and paella food tours you can indulge in. And in five days you can do all of the above plus visit can't-miss attractions like the famous aquarium at the City of Arts and Sciences.

Explore Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena - 8 Days

On this eight-day excursion, you'll visit Bogotá, the largest city in Colombia and a melting pot of people from around the country. Travel to Medellín and see with your own eyes how it's transformed from one of the most dangerous cities to a fascinating destination. Then explore Cartagena, the jewel of the Caribbean ocean, and go on a trip to the beautiful beaches and islands nearby.  

Ecuador History, Culture & Nature: Quito & Surroundings - 5 Days

This short but extensive itinerary brings you into the very heart of the Ecuadorian capital and its surroundings. You will tour Quito's beautifully preserved historic center to see fine examples of colonial architecture, learn about history and culture at the Ethnographic Museum, and enjoy the best panoramic view of the city. The adventure continues north of Quito in Otavalo and Cotacachi, renowned for their local crafts. Finally, take a day-trip to Cotopaxi National Park—its namesake volcano is one of Ecuador's most famous natural landmarks.

Ecuador Highlights: Quito & the Galapagos - 6 Days

See the highlights of Quito and the Galapagos Islands on this short itinerary. Start out in the city, touring the capital and its surrounding region to experience local history and culture. You'll see colonial architecture, visit an indigenous market, and try traditional cuisine. From here, catch a short flight to the Galapagos Islands. These famed islands provided Charles Darwin with the research and inspiration for his Theory of Evolution, and boast endemic species such as the blue-footed booby, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises.

Best of Kenya: Landscape, Safari, & Beach - 12 days

If you want to experience all of Kenya's top destinations—while also getting the chance to lay back and relax—this exciting 12-day itinerary is for you. You'll start the trip in the bustling capital Nairobi before departing for Kenya's national parks to discover majestic landscapes, see the Big Five, spot diverse bird species, visit chimpanzees, watch an animal migration at Maasai Mara, swim in turquoise blue water, and more.

India's Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur - 9 Days

This nine-day tour of India’s Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) combines fascinating culture, monumental architecture, untamed wildlife, and historic splendor. See some of the most compelling highlights of northern India, including the magnificent Taj Mahal, the "pink city" of Jaipur, and the wealth of attractions in Delhi. Nature lovers are also in luck, because in addition to the "classic" Golden Triangle Circuit, you'll also visit the Ranthambore National Park, where there's a high chance of spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger.