travel advisors save you time and money

The trip was un fait accompli. The client had already booked her family's tickets, round-trip flights to Rome. She emailed a description of the itinerary she wanted to plan, the hotels where they wanted to stay, and the tours they wanted to take. But the email began with a logistical detail she wanted help with.

We arrive FCO 7/7 at 10:35am. We would like to go straight to Venice (train-shortest time and first class)

Before I go any further, have you noticed the big "OOPS" in this request?

Providing a second pair of eyes to look over an itinerary is an invaluable service. The client had messed up big time by booking round trip flights to Rome. She planned to begin her family vacation by taking the train to Venice. Assume the best case scenario... their flight arrives on time and they make it through immigration and customs in an hour. They hop on an 11:40 a.m. train, change to another train in Rome, and arrive in Venice at 4:40 p.m. Best case scenario is 5 hours on a train after 8 hours on a jet, the first day of their vacation essentially wasted.

Now consider the worst case scenario. They've bought the least expensive (non-flexible) train tickets because that's our instinct when we purchase things on the internet. Their flight arrives late, or Italian immigration is not especially efficient, or their bags don't appear on the carousel, or they have trouble finding the train station ... and they miss their train to Venice. If this happens, they're screwed. The hundreds of dollars they've spent on First Class train tickets have gone down the drain.

Any good travel advisor obsesses over logistics. If you want to book your own air, that's absolutely fine with me. But do you know the difference between round-trip and open-jaw itineraries? Do you know how to search for "Multi-City" instead of "Round Trip" flights? If you don't, do yourself a favor and call your travel advisor before you buy your tickets.

And the coup de grâce? A savvy travel advisor could likely have saved hundreds or thousands of dollars on her Delta tickets by booking bulk fares through Delta Vacations.

But everyone loves a happy ending, and this story has one. I advised her to call Delta and change their outbound flight from Rome to Venice. She was able to make the switch, for exactly the same fare ... so instead of searching in the fog of jet lag for the train station in the Rome Airport, someone from A&K will meet them at baggage claim in Venice, porter their luggage, and escort them straight to the private water taxi that will be waiting for them.

copyright (c) 2021 by Ourisman Travel LLC.  All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member.

a Grand Tour of Europe with Belmond

Belmond La Residencia (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

If you're traveling to Europe in 2020, Belmond's Grand Tour is probably the best combination of luxury and value that you can find. Here are three reasons why this is the promotion to go for...


(1) A selection of the world's finest hotels ...

in Italy

Belmond Hotel Cipriani (Venice)
Belmond Villa San Michele (Florence)
Belmond Hotel Splendido and Splendido Mare (Portofino)
Belmond Castello di Casole (Tuscany)
Belmond Hotel Caruso (Ravello)
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Sant'Andrea (Sicily)

on Mallorca

Belmond La Residencia (Mallorca)

on Madeira

Belmond Reid's Palace (Madeira)

(2) Seven nights at a flat rate

Low Season (March & April; October to January)

7 nights in a room — 4774€
7 nights in a Junior Suite — 8008€

High Season (May to September)

7 nights in a room — 6699€
7 nights in a Junior Suite — 11,704€

Extra nights are available at a pro-rated price.

(3) Full American Breakfast included daily. You'll receive the Virtuoso amenities and be blocked in the best available room on arrival.

P.S. — I've stayed at La Residencia in Mallorca, an absolutely gorgeous resort (click to read my article) ... and at the iconic Cipriani in Venice where you can wander the winding streets of Venice by day, then escape the crowds to your own private island each night.

Fine print: At least two Belmond properties must be booked, but stays can be non-consecutive within 45 days of first arrival. No deposit required; payment made at check-out. Cancellations within 14 days incur a 50% penalty, within 7 days a 100% penalty; travel insurance is highly recommended. Blackout dates ... Splendido, Caruso, La Residencia - not available July and August. Cipriani - not available June and September. Reid's Palace and Timeo - not available 28DEC-1JAN.

copyright (c) 2019 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

the ultimate road trip

Florence to Milan to Cap Ferrat by vintage car... choices include a 1961 Guilietta Spider, a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Cabrio, and a Porsche 356 Speedster. This exclusive driving package is offered by FS Florence, FS Milan, and Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel.

Driving between Cap Ferrat and Milan (or between Florence and Milan) is quite do-able. I'd definitely forgo the highways. Let the top down, and enjoy the sights from the slower country roads that wind through Tuscany and along the Cote d'Azur. The hotel concierges will assist in personalizing your itinerary, guiding you to all the best vistas, local sightseeing, and activities. You might stop for lunch in Portofino, visit the medieval village of Finalborgo, or taste the ham in Parma along the way.

You'll receive support every kilometer of the way with a second car following to provide any assistance needed and transport your luggage. Want to stop at a museum, visit an old church, or explore a small village? Your support car will provide the valet parking. Simply hand them the keys and wander off!

We can handle all the details for you, as well as providing Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities at all three of these hotels. While we are not contractually permitted to disclose the exact amenities on a public website, rest assured you'll receive the richest amenity program available for Four Seasons hotels including daily breakfast for two and a hotel credit. Please email for a complete list of Preferred Partner amenities at any FS hotel in the world.

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Belmond | double hotel credits

Planning a stay in a Belmond hotel? For new, 3+ day bookings made from now until July 15, 2017 (with travel completed before August 31st), enjoy a double hotel credit. This means, you'll get the added value of...

$180 hotel credit (food, beverage, spa) for room bookings (normally $90)
$400 hotel credit (food, beverage, or spa) for Suite bookings (normally $200)

There's nothing for you to join. As Bellini Club luxury travel advisors, our clients will receive the double credit along with full set of Bellini Club amenities with every booking:

• Buffet or full breakfast for 2 daily
• VIP welcome treats with a local taste   
• Complimentary upgrade based on availability at time of check-in 
• Complimentary WI-FI access 

There's something quite special about Belmond hotels and resorts. The company does not build new hotels; they acquire iconic hotels with character — the Cipriani in Venice, La Residencia in Mallorca, Villa San Michele in Florence, and Charleston Place in Charleston, SC (among others).  Every Belmond hotel with the exception of Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg is participating in the double hotel credit program.

What about Belmond trains and cruises? Enjoy a complimentary one-way airport transfer when booking through a Bellini Club travel advisor.

Terms and Conditions
Valid for new bookings only, made between 10 May - 15 July 2017
Valid for travel completed before 31 August 2017
Valid for bookings at selected hotels, trains and cruises — direct hotel bookings made at the BC rate (= the BAR rate) and train/cruise bookings made at the official published rates.
For hotels, offer is only applicable for bookings with a minimum length of stay of 3 nights
Premium Bellini Club amenities apply (rather than consortia amenities)
Advance reservations required, offers subject to availability, blackout dates may apply
Terms and conditions are subject to change

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

The Duomo — one of Italy's greatest experiences

Duomo exterior by night (c) 2016 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Sometimes I get my inspiration for Travel Horizons by reading the Europe forum on fodors.com — an interesting mixture of shared wisdom and (sometimes) misinformation. Consider this posting entitled Venice, Florence - too many museums. The writer's planned trip to Italy includes "2 days in Venice, 3 days Florence." She is reaching out to other readers on advice on maximizing her time enjoying museums and churches. And then she makes this jaw-dropping comment.

I've read that the interior of the Duomo is not that great.

Shared misinformation, indeed! If you walk into the Duomo without knowing its history, you'll be unaware of the engineering and architectural wonder that it represents. When the cathedral was built, its Renaissance designers wanted to crown it with the largest self-supporting dome in the world, but they didn't possess the technology to accomplish their dream. The Santa Maria del Fiore, under construction for more than a hundred years (not an atypical time-frame), remained dome-less with no conception of how to complete it. So a competition was announced: "Whoever desires to make any model or design for the vaulting of the main Dome ... shall do so before the end of the month of September."

That competition was won by Filippo Brunelleschi, and you can read his amazing story in Brunelleschi's Dome. This book is a must-read before you travel to Florence. If you know the story, walk into the cathedral and look up at the Dome; you'll be filled with awe and wonder. Then climb the stairs to the top of the Dome, the same stairs used by the workers in its construction. These stairs wind their way between the inner and outer layers of the Dome (did you know there were two domes?) to a parapet at the top with a commanding view of Florence.

I'm stunned that not one Fodor's reader challenged the poster's misinformation, as the forum is frequented by some very experienced travelers. Just a reminder that (a) not everything you read on the internet is true, (b) google is not a substitute for an expertise of a travel advisor, and (c) a great guide can add so much to your travel experience. I did respond with my advice; I hope the original poster actually reads it. It would be a shame to visit Florence and miss the Duomo.

copyright (c) 2016 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

four tips for the best gelato

Rialto Bridge, Venice (c) 2015 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

After spending the day exploring Venice, Florence, Rome, or another destination in Italy, it's time for gelato. I just read an informative blog on the subject posted by Concierge in Umbria, one of the destination management companies we work with. Follow this link to see the article itself, or read on to read my four tips for the best gelato.

1. Gelato is softer and creamier than ice cream because it has lower milk fat and is served at a warmer temperature.

2. Stay away from brightly colored, fluffy waves of gelato. Bright eye-catching colors? This is your clue that food coloring has been added. Fluffy waves? Air has been pumped into the product to volumize. What you want is gelato with dull, natural colors that lays hard and flat in the tin.

3. Made in house? Hah! That doesn't necessarily mean what you'd think. Gelaterias can use prepackaged mixes and still legally advertise gelato fatto in casa.

4. Buy what's in season. Strawberries in winter? This gelato has likely come from a mix. Go for what's fresh and natural.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

travel in the age of EasyJet | a 4-part strategy

graphic from easyjet.com which should thank me for the free link

A client wanted to plan a trip to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. He contacted me this Tuesday for his dates in June ... and I soon discovered that every hotel he was interested in was totally booked. There was no space whatsoever for his dates at the Grand Bretagne or the King George in Athens. Choices in Mykonos and Santorini were extremely limited. Quite a frustrating experience, as he was ready to book a trip ... so he decided to postpone.

Europe is crowded these days ... and a big reason for this is that it's so cheap and easy for Europeans to fly around the continent. Just hop aboard a discount airline, and be in Paris, London, Rome, or a Mediterranean beach destination in little more than an hour. And if you can get there for 26.99£ as EasyJet's website promises (see above), why not!

You need a strategy to plan your trip to Europe.

1. Book early. 60 days is not enough lead-time to plan a trip to the Greek Islands in June, as my frustrating Tuesday impressed on me. Start 330 days ahead. Think hotels as soon as you start booking your award tickets. You'll have more availability, and you'll also put a ceiling on the rate you pay; flexible rates can always be lowered!

2. Explore less well known destinations. Rome, Venice, and Florence are always crowded; ever felt like a sardine packed into the Sistine Chapel? When you go back to Italy, visit lesser known destination such as Verona (where you can see Juliet's balcony), Sicily, and Puglia. Avoid the thundering herds of tourists and encounter a more authentic side of Italy.

3. Employ private guides and drivers. Pricey, yes, but knowledgeable local guides can save you time, your most precious asset. Why stand in queue to buy tickets or get through the front door? Our Virtuoso on-sites can even arrange after-hours tours of many attractions. Imagine having a private candlelit dinner at the Library of Celsus in Ephesus ... after all the crowds have left, a memory that will last a lifetime! Or book a VIP skip-the-line tour of the Eiffel Tower or Paris Catacombs.

4. Take advantage of local experts. Your Virtuoso travel consultant has a network of local experts practically everywhere on earth. These ladies and gentlemen have the experience and connections to craft a memorable European vacation, sparing you much of the stress encountered by those in the back of an EasyJet.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Brunelleschi’s Dome

The dome of the cathedral in Florence has recently attracted significant attention. The latest issue of National Geographic contains an article on the dome's construction atop the cathedral of Florence, Italy. A PBS special, "Great Cathedral Mystery," is based on the NatGeo article. If these whet your curiosity, go ahead read Ross King's book, Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture.

Don't visit Florence without first acquainting yourself with the story of this incredible architectural feat. It's not just an old, dark Renaissance church. If you know the story, you'll truly appreciate what you're looking at when you visit the Duomo. If you've got the energy, definitely take the staircase up to the top of the cathedral, which ascends between the inner and outer domes (the same staircase that the buildings themselves used).

copyright (c) 2014 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

La Giostra | Florence neighborhood restaurant

The best pasta I've ever eaten... La Giostra is a neighborhood restaurant within walking distance of the Duomo. We had dinner there one night during my stay in Florence, and I absolutely loved my meal — spaghetti with seafood in a slightly spicy white wine sauce. The pasta was obviously freshly made and just perfectly prepared. Although I usually eat only a portion of each course when I'm on a Fam trip, I ate every bite of this dish. It was worth every calorie!

La Giostra is a scene — every table full, not the fastest service in the world, but crowded, noisy, and popular for a reason: great food! It's open for lunch (on weekdays) and dinner every night from 7 p.m. and has great wines (and waiters who know them). La Giostra in Florence is located on Borgo Pinti, the concierge at your hotel can take care of reservations.

La Giostra Florence (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Virtuoso hotels | Florence

Here is a link to my reviews of eight Virtuoso hotels in Florence. They are currently posted on FlyerTalk, but I will post here when I get back from Italy.

My top three choices for where to stay in Florence:

Four Seasons Florence is the WOW hotel of Florence (and one of the best hotels in the world).

Hotel Lungarno sits right on the Arno River. I took this picture from the patio off its lobby lounge.

Il Salviatino offers something complete different, a restored 16th century villa in Fiosole, just outside of Florence, in a parklike setting with commanding views of the city. An unique property with a very reasonable price point.

 

top 10 family activities in Europe

idea # 7: scavenger hunt through the Louvre

Continuing this series of top 10 recommendations from luxury travel provider Abercrombie and Kent, here are their ideas on the top 10 family activities in Europe.

1. Rome — Gladiator School


2. Amsterdam — bicycling


3. Croatia — sea kayaking


4. Bruges — chocolate workshop


5. Moscow — backstage tour and live performance at the Moscow State Circus


6. Tuscany — horseback riding


7. Paris — scavenger hunt through the Louvre


8. Florence — behind the scenes at Florence's best Gelateria


9. St. Petersburg — Matryoshka doll painting


10. Scotland — search for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, on your own chartered boat

A scavenger hunt through the Louvre sounds like fun, and what a creative way to bring a museum to life! When you're ready to plan your next family vacation to Europe, and want to create special memories that your children will carry throughout their lives, contact your Virtuoso luxury travel consultant. We've got the connections that can make these family activities possible.

top 10 family activities in Europe (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website. .

top 10 unique travel experiences in Europe

underground at the Eiffel Tower: the machinery that runs the elevators

You can do that? Abercrombie & Kent recently came out with several top ten lists for visiting Europe. Here is their list of the top ten Behind the Scenes unique travel experiences. Pricey, yes, but you'll always remember these unique experiences... and what stories to share with your friends!

1. St. Petersburg, Russia — special private access to the Hermitage store rooms


2. Rome, Italy — private visit to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel


3. Moscow, Russia — private backstage tour of the Bolshoi Theatre


4. Venice, Italy — private evening opening at St Mark's Basilica


5. Florence, Italy — behind the scenes at a jewelry workshop in Florence


6. Paris, France — visit the Eiffel Tower's machinery room and technical gallery. I've actually done this, and the picture above was taken during my tour.


7. London, England — private viewing of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London


8. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic — private tour of Cesky Krumlov Castle and exclusive access to the Castle Theatre


9. Vienna, Austria — private drinks reception and tour of Belvedere Palace


10. Spain — see how Castanets are made at the only makers in Spain

Want to plan an unique travel experience of your own? Contact a travel consultant who specializes in luxury foreign travel.

unique travel experiences (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website. .

top 10 iconic images in Europe

The Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland

What are the top ten sights in Europe? Abercrombie & Kent Europe recently published five different Ten Ten Europe lists that I will share with you in the next few issues of Travel Horizons. First, here's A&K's opinion of Europe's Top Ten Iconic Images. I've offered some reflections about each destination ... and suggestions on where upscale visitors will want to stay.

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris. This surely is the iconic image of Paris that I first saw when visiting Europe during the year after my high school graduation. Runners up in Paris: Notre Dame and the Louvre. Where to stay in Paris? Four Seasons George V is one of the best hotels in the world, close to the Eiffel Tower, and Le Meurice has a very Parisian feel with a great location to walk to Paris's other major attractions.

2. Colosseum, Rome. Nothing says Rome like the Colosseum and the nearby Forum, and don't miss the Vatican Museum. Ticket lines can be crowded, but you can purchase tickets in advance. Where to stay in Rome? Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie gets the highest accolades, and the Hassler resides at the top of the Spanish Steps.

3. Tower Bridge, London. Much to the chagrin of the investors who bought London Bridge and moved it to Arizona, Tower Bridge is the real thing, and while you're there, don't miss the Crown Jewels. I was also moved by Westminster Cathedral. London's best show (other than the occasional Royal Wedding) is the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. The Dorchester is London's classic hotel, and Four Seasons Park Lane has become an instant new classic after its thorough renovation.

4. Acropolis, Athens. I've never been to Athens, or even Greece, but the Parthenon is the ultimate example of ancient Doric architecture. I also want to visit the Greek islands some day. The best hotels in Athens are the Grande Bretagne and the King George Palace.

5. Kremlin, Moscow. Another place I've never been. Also see St. Basil Cathedral and visit the Tretyakov Gallery and Pushkin Museum. Stay at the recently opened Ritz-Carlton Moscow, right on the edge of Red Square - and we're all awaiting news about the opening of the Four Seasons Moscow.

6. Duomo, Florence. You need to read about the Duomo before you visit it, or you'll miss the significance of what you're seeing. It is the largest brick dome ever constructed - and, amazingly, it was built without the use of scaffolding. You can climb to the top of the dome using the same steps that the builders used to carry their materials up and down. Most of my clients stay at the incredible Four Seasons Florence. I'll be visiting Florence in October, staying at Il Salviatino, and will post my site inspections here. 

7. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona. Barcelona came at the conclusion of my trip to Spain in 2009, and the contrast of Gaudi's architecture to that of the older, traditional Catholic churches in Spain could not be more dramatic. Read my full thoughts here. Also get a tour of Gaudi's apartments and Park Gaudi - and don't miss the Dali Museum an hour north in Figueres. If you want to stay in the center of things, choose the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona - or the Hotel Arts to vacation by the beach (the Club Floor is definitely the way to go here).

8. Charles Bridge, Prague. Prague is a magical city, especially when it's lit up at night. It escaped bombing during World War II and its old world charm has been preserved. Another iconic sight: the Prague Castle lit up at night. You can get a straight-on view from the Four Seasons Prague, or stay at the Mandarin Oriental Prague, a monastery converted into a five star hotel.

9. Matterhorn, Zermatt. If the picture above seems faded, that's because I took it in 1969, 43 years ago. I didn't stay in a five star hotel in Zermatt. Arriving the night before, I had no idea where I was. I slept in a field that night ... and when the sun woke me the next morning, there was the Matterhorn in a cloudless sky — a sight I will never forget! So if you're 18, that's my suggestion of where to spend the night in Zermatt.

10. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh. Scotland is still on my bucket list. Go to Scotland for the castles, the rugged seascapes, and to celebrate the birthplace of golf at St. Andrews. While in Edinburgh, I recommend you stay at Rocco Forte The Balmoral.

How many of these iconic images have you seen? Where do you want to go next? When you've decided, email your Virtuoso travel consultant or Four Seasons Preferred Partner to receive complimentary amenities at every hotel mentioned in this article, including free daily breakfast for two, room upgrades when available, and extra amenities that add value to your stay.

Top Ten Europe (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Italy in October

My next trip is officially planned ... I'll be going to Italy in October for some hotel site inspections. Here's what my plans entail:

Four Seasons Hampshire. OK, this is not in Italy, but as getting to Venice with one stop from SFO means an airport change in London and a very late evening arrival in Venice, I decided to treat myself to an overnight in the English countryside. Just 35 minutes from Heathrow, I'm looking forward to the chance to see the county of Hampshire, have pub grub and Guinness for dinner, and maybe even visit Winchester Cathedral. Then, my sensible 9:20 a.m. flight the next morning lands me just past noon in... 

Venice, city of canals. I haven't been to Venice in 34 years. I'm looking forward to wandering the streets and bridges of Venice. I don't expect to visit all 10 Virtuoso hotels in a day-and-a-half, but I do expect to visit a fair number including the Cipriani, Danieli, Europa & Regina, Londra Palace, and Ca' Sagredo.

Verona, where Romeo and Juliet lived. I will be the guest of Palazzo Victoria, one of three hotels that are hosting this trip for a number of travel consultants. I have never before visited Verona, so I'm especially interested in exploring this destination, especially the pink marble Roman amphitheater. 

Florence, city of the Renaissance. This will be my third trip to Florence. I've seen the two major museums (the Accademia and the Uffizi Gallary) and have climbed the famous dome of the cathedral designed by Brunelleschi. It's an amazing story, and you should read Brunelleschi's Dome before you visit. We will be hosted by Il Salviatino, and I'm planning to do site inspections at the Four Seasons Florence, Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy, and Helvetia & Bristol.

Milan, site of The Last Supper. My 15 minutes in front of Leonardo's classic masterpiece The Last Supper was the highlight of my previous trip to Italy, and if given the chance, I'll see it again. It's a special feeling to spend time with a classic work of art. Our host is the new Armani Hotel, and I also plan to visit the Four Seasons Milan, Park Hyatt Milan, and Principe Di Savoia.

Virtually every hotel mentioned in this blog is a member of Virtuoso. You can receive the Virtuoso amenities (free daily breakfast, room upgrades when available, and additional added-value perks) just by making your booking through a Virtuoso travel consultant. It's a great way to enjoy the most luxurious hotels in the world, while getting the best value for your euros.

Italy in October (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Florence, Italy | the Duomo

Florence is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, especially for those who appreciate the art of the Renaissance. The Medici family were wealthy merchants and bankers who achieved political and ecclesiastical power. As patrons of the arts, their contributions to the history of Western art are incalculable. Perhaps the most dramatic evidence of their legacy is the Duomo, Florence's cathedral.

Definitely read Brunelleschi's Dome before visiting Florence. This very readable book by Ross King tells the story of the competition that led to the ultimate design of the Duomo. Once you have read the book, you will see this cathedral with a sense of wonder at the phenomenal engineering feat that it represents. Built in the 12th-14th centuries without modern construction equipment, Brunelleschi designed a dome nearly 142 feet in diameter, larger than the domes of the Capitol in Washington, the Pantheon in Rome, and St. Peters in Vatican City. Even more remarkable — the dome was constructed without scaffolding (because the cost of felling trees enough to support the dome and to transport them to Florence would have made the project even more unaffordable). Brunelleschi invented a technique whereby the partially constructed dome was self-supporting.

When you visit the Duomo, look up at the dome's elaborate fresco of the Last Judgment. Take the opportunity to climb the narrow steps that lead you up inside the twin shells of the dome. You will realize the physical exertion it involved for workers to climb up those narrow steps every day, carrying the stones used in the construction. It will give you the ultimate appreciation of this architectural miracle. When, finally, when you step out onto the balcony at the top of the church, you will be rewarded with the view above.

Florence Duomo (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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all-inclusive vacation in Europe | $3,598 for two

What if $3,598 got you an all-inclusive vacation in Europe including round-trip airfare, 10 nights accommodations, fine dining, and transportation from city to city?

What if your journeys took you to Barcelona, Marseilles, Monte Carlo, Florence, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Malta, Santorini, and Athens?

What if you were sailing on a premium cruise line, Oceania Cruises? With a maximum 684 guests onboard any cruise, Oceania offers an intimacy and relaxed ambiance not found on 3,000 passenger megaships. Oceania's menus are crafted by chef and author Jacques Pépin, and open-seating is offered in all of their ships' restaurants.

This is just one of over 40 bargain fares for Oceania sailings. Interested in exploring the possibilities? Contact my cruise associate to book this offer - or to learn about the many luxury cruise vacations available to you.

all-inclusive vacation in Europe (search here on Google)


copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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travel bargains in Europe?

While the sad state of the U.S. dollar makes travel to Europe more expensive than it normally might be, there are bargains out there. Here's a deal that came across my desk the other day.

Spend twelve days on the Mediterranean, including round-trip air from the east coast. Your room, meals onboard, and entertainment are all included at a rate starting at only $2,199 per person. That's in U.S. Dollars. Yes, it's a cruise, but, no, it's not on Carnival or some other "budget" cruise line. This price is for an inside cabin on Holland America (while availability lasts); outside cabins with verandah begin at $2,899. Taxes and port fees are additional, and of course you're on your own when you visit Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Dubrovnik, Venice, and the many other stops on your trip.

Looking for an affordable way to visit Europe this Summer? This Mediterranean cruise might just be your ticket!


copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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the Duomo in Florence

A front page article in today's Contra Costa Times gives me a renewed appreciation of the architectural and engineering miracle represented by the Duomo in Florence, Italy.

The Times article describes the $190 million, 224,000 square foot Christ the Light Cathedral currently under construction in Oakland, CA. It is said to be the most expensive church building in American history. Look carefully at the construction photograph to the left, and you will see the scaffolding being used to support the dome while it is under construction.

Consider that the Duomo in Florence was built in the fourteenth century. It was constructed without the use of structural steel. Designed by architect and sculptor Filippo Brunelleschi, the self-supporting dome was built without the aid of scaffolding to support its weight until its construction was complete. With a diameter of 42 meters, the Duomo is one of the largest self-supporting domes in the world.

If you plan to visit Florence (and you should), buy a copy of Brunelleschi's Dome and read it before you get to Florence. Written by Ross King, the book is a great read and tells the story of the construction of the Duomo, the competition that led to the selection of Brunelleschi's design, the political intrigue involved, and life in Florence in the Early Renaissance. The book will greatly add to your appreciation of the entire city, and you will view the cathedral itself with a deep sense of appreciation for the technological miracle it represents.

Then, definitely pay the few euros it costs to climb to the pinnacle of the Duomo. It's a long climb, but you will experience first hand the inner and outer shells of the dome, and you will be able to imagine the human toil that went into its construction. Workers had to make that climb each day, working high above the floor of the cathedral.

If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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$299 a night at the Gritti Palace?

Are you planning to visit Italy for at least seven days sometime in the coming year? Would you like to stay in five-star hotels? Are you convinced you can't afford them?

Well, this is an opportunity well worth considering.

Starwood Hotels' Welcome to Italy promotion includes some of the finest hotels in Italy.

• The rates are extremely attractive.
  
• They are guaranteed in U.S. dollars.
  (no currency fluctuations).
  
• They include buffet breakfast, taxes, and service charges.
  

You need to stay at least seven nights in any combination of the participating hotels, but those nights don't have to be consecutive. In other words, you can fly into Rome and spend four nights there, take the train to Florence and spend two nights there, spend a few nights on your own in Cinque Terre, then take the train to Milan and spend your final night there. All sorts of itineraries are possible (this was just an example), and of course you can spend more than seven nights in these hotels.

Here's the fine print! You need to prepay 35 days prior to arrival, but your reservation is fully cancellable more than 14 days before arrival, with one night's charge within that deadline. Some properties have supplements for rooms with certain views, and the Venice properties have supplements for weekends during Mid and High season. Blackout dates may apply.

You can stay at some of finest hotels in Italy!

• Rome: St. Regis Grand, Westin Excelsior, Hotel Eden
  
• Venice: Hotel Gritti Palace, Hotel Daniele, Westin Europa & Regina
  
• Florence: Westin Excelsior
  
• Asolo (a charming town 40 miles N.W. of Venice): Hotel Villa Cipriani
  
• Milan: Westin Palace, Excelsior Hotel Gallia
  

Prices vary by season and by the type of room requested (single, double, or suite). As an illustration, double rooms are $379 in low season, $489 in mid season, and $599 in high season with breakfast, tax, and service included. Compare this to advertised room rates of 290€, 375€, and 460€.) And you can actually book a single room at the Gritti Palace for only $299 this August ... or anytime between Nov. 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008.

As this offer is subject to availability, I encourage you to make your bookings as soon as you know your dates. Please email me if I can help you plan your trip and make your reservations.


If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Gritti+Palace five-star hotel Starwood Welcome+to+Italy Rome Florence Cinque+Terre Milan Venice Asolo St.+Regis+Grand Westin+Excelsior Hotel+Eden Hotel+Daniele Westin+Europa+&+Regina Villa+Cipriani Westin+Palace Hotel+Gallia

bypassing the queue

This was a lesson learned by taking a chance. The Vatican Museums open everyday at 9 a.m. We figured that by showing up thirty minutes early, we'd be at the front of any queues. Wrong! At 8:30 a.m, the queue already stretched all the way down the block, around the corner, and down the next block as well. We never imagined the queues could be so long. This was a line that would take HOURS. There was no way we could wait in it and also make our reserved tour of the Scavi (excavations underneath St. Peter's) in the afternoon.

While we stood, disheartened, at the back of a long queue thousands of tourists long, we were approached by a young woman. There were some extra places in a 9 a.m. guided group tour in English. If we hurried, we could join that tour. We took the chance and gave up our spots in the queue. She took us to the office of the tour guide. We paid for two guided tours and got our tickets. She took us all the way to the front of the line where we entered the Vatican Museum and met the rest of the group. We had an informative tour of the museum, being able to hear the tour guide clearly with special headphones that worked very well. The tour ended in the Sistine Chapel (the ceiling of which is pictured above). By exiting to the right, the guide informed us, we could go directly into St. Peter's and avoid ANOTHER long queue (which we did!). So in one morning, we saw the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's, and then had time for lunch before visiting the excavations.

Two lessons to be learned.

(1) There are queues at EVERY notable tourist attraction, both in Italy and throughout the world.

(2) Many of those lines can be avoided with good planning.

You can get a guided tour of the Vatican Museum and avoid the queues. You can avoid the long lines to buy your ticket to see the Colosseum by purchasing your ticket at the nearby Palatine Gardens. You can get reserved tickets for the Academia and Uffizi Gallery in Florence. You can buy a Museum Pass in Paris and use special entrances that avoid the long queues. You can buy your tickets online to the MOMA in New York, bypass the lines, and pick up your tickets at the Will Call window.

Sometimes the price is the same. Sometimes it will cost you a bit more for a reservation. Occasionally, you will have to pay significantly more for a guided tour... but look at it this way. If you save and plan for one big trip a year, your greatest asset is your TIME. This is not the place to save every last dollar. You want to maximize the few days you have to enjoy your destination. Sometimes the best investment you can make is to work through an experienced travel consultant. And as I have confessed above, sometimes travel consultants get that experience the old-fashioned way!

Vatican travel queue St.+Peters Rome