San Jose, CA
Recent Travels
Recent Travels
Viator to the Rescue!!
We arrived extremely late in the evening. While grabbing a cab can be relatively simple (in most locales); working out your logistics that late in the evening, after a long flight, can be daunting. Ergo, I scheduled a private transfer for pickup at the airport to deliver us to our hotel. Thanks Viator!
Memory Lane:
Prague - Venice
We flew British Airways from San Jose to Prague via London. I found their service and food applaudable. We made sure to upgrade our economy seats to the front rows which had more leg room...that really makes it so much more comfortable for such a long trip.
Prague, Czech Republic
Hotel: Questenberk Hotel
This hotel is probably my favorite hotel in the world. Many moons ago, it had been part of the Strahov Monastery atop the hill in Prague. Hundreds of tourists visit the Monastery to appreciate the history and enjoy the amazing view of Prague. I got to reside up on that hill for a few days. It was peaceful and beautiful. The hotel, itself, is pristine and calming. A great place to rest your head and tired bones after a long flight. We could enjoy the lovely terrace or deck for an afternoon libation or just people watching. Their staff were very accommodating, and the breakfast is wonderful. I strongly recommend it. If you are someone who is looking for a big nightlife, there is not much nearby...but there is plenty available with a short taxi ride!
Sunrise View from My Room
Christine & Peter
Video for Your Entertainment
Questenberk Hotel
http://www.questenberk.cz/default-en.html
Let me know if you are interested
in staying at the Questenberk.
I can arrange for a discount!
I compared train and plane fares to traverse to Budapest. My, how times and prices change! In my research, I discovered a new service (to me and to some areas of Europe) called Day Trip. I was unfamiliar with them, but impressed by their website. They offer a driver/interpreter to pick you up at your hotel and drive you to your destination.
Day Trip
AND, they offer some wonderful opportunities to stop and take in other sites. I was sold. Imagine not having to schlep your luggage, go through security lines or climb up train depot stairs and pay for taxis at both ends of your trip! I booked them to drive us to Budapest with a stop in Bratislava, Slovakia. They were reasonably priced, responsive, professional and easy to work with. https://ondaytrip.com/
On to Budapest!
Prague
Video of Prague Town Square...
Smetana...one of my
favorite composers.
George, who escorted us to Budapest
Prague, Czech Republic
Don't expect a suited chauffeur with a limo. Instead, you will get a genuine, vetted driver who knows the territory and who will offer a relaxed drive through the countryside just for you and your company of friends.
Bratislava, Slovakia
(enroute to Budapest)
While the city of Bratislava isn't particularly of "old world" beauty, the Castle is very striking. One imagines the regalia of the time. Even George, our guide and driver, hadn't been there; and he behaved as much of a tourist as we did. It was a good break in our travels to Budapest.
Budapest
Boscolo Hotel &
New York Cafe
When you enter the Boscolo Hotel, your jaw drops. It is ornate and beautiful beyond expectations. It also houses the renowned New York Cafe...a must see spot for tourists.
On the flip side: The New York Cafe had the worst service and attitude I had experienced in the world while the food was fairly pedestrian. We were given a wonderful room. While the hotel preparation had its own issues, the staff were quite charming. It is worth a stop or even a stay at the hotel. Make sure you have your camera and your wallet ready!
Video for Your Entertainment
Another sampling of the gypsy influence in the land of Bohemia! You will find these gentlemen in the New York Cafe.
More of Budapest...
Video for Your Entertainment
I had the distinct pleasure of being serenaded by these gentlemen during a beautiful cruise of the Danube in Budapest.
We chose to take a short 2-1/2 hour train ride from Hungary to Vienna, Austria in order to enjoy the countryside. We were not able to book first class; but, the train was so nice, it didn't seem to make a difference. We made sure to book our seats, which is always advisable. The trains in Europe are such an efficient way to get around.
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We had arranged for a private transfer through Viator from our Budapest hotel to the train station. That turned out to be a great plan, because taxis were almost impossible to grab that particular morning!
Vienna, Austria
Hotel Stefanie is known as the oldest hotel still existing in Vienna. It has been newly renovated, and is in a great location for getting around in Vienna. Their restaurant serves top quality cuisine, I especially liked the soups and the outdoor patio area. Very charming.
Vienna
A Danube River Cruise to Melk Abbey...
If you are fortunate enough to make your way to the Melk Abbey, be sure to take advantage of the lovely outdoor cafe. If you sit down to enjoy food or beverage, be sure to look up one of my favorite waiters in the world...
Mario.
After having such a great experience on our trip to Budapest; we, once again, chose to use Day Trip to drive us from Vienna to Venice. However, we made a stop in beautiful Slovenia to visit the spectacular Lake Bled in the Alps. What a wonderful way to get from Point A to Point B!!!
I can't say enough about the natural beauty of Slovenia.
Vienna, Austria
Lake Bled, Slovenia
(enroute to Venice)
Isidor is a native Slovenian. He was so proud to show us his country and advise us on where to eat. Here, we had the best mushroom soup you could imagine (served in a bread bowl). I'm hungry just thinking about it!
Venice, Italy
Hotel: Hotel Ala
We returned to this hotel in Venice for 4 key reasons:
1) It is in a great location and an easy walk to San Marcos Square.
2) Your water taxi will pull up to the back and unload you and your
luggage right into the hotel.
3) It is a charming hotel.
4) It has a great bar...one that seems to be a watering hole for locals.
Videos from Venice for Your Entertainment
Rey, Hotel Ala
Damiano
It is so exciting to arrive in Venice and take a water taxi to your hotel. Here is a glimpse of our arrival.
Venice at night is completely different from the daytime tourist scene. San Marcos Square is filled with live music. You can sit and enjoy a meal, dessert or an evening sip of champagne while you enjoy a variety of music entertainment. Here is a 360° view of the Square.
Here are two examples of the evening entertainment in San Marcos Square.
The Alps, As Seen From Our Plane
Heading Home
We were booked on Air Berlin, an airline we had never used. I was highly impressed. Their crew, ground crew and aircraft all exceeded our expectations. We had the misfortune of our first leg, into Dusseldorf, running late..very late. We were already making plans on staying overnight due to missing our connection. However, the airline staff knew we were coming in, held the flight, and had ground crew to guide us and expedite our passage through customs. Bless their hearts. Then we realized that we had amazing seats. That is such a thrill when you are facing an 11-hour flight.
Upon our arrival in San Francisco, we were greeted by a friendly and professional chauffeur from El Paseo Limousine to drive us home. We had done our research, and this limo service was priced competitively with shuttles and other services. We use them every time we arrive in San Francisco in order to make our final journey's leg home to San Jose. www.ElPaseoLimo.com
