My Profile
Helene
Australia
I am an older person who is now in my prime of life! The children are independent so now is My time to travel, and my ambition is to see as many places as I can before it is to late for me to travel.
Oct242012
Tour/Activity
Small-Group Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence
Florence, Italy
My Rating
My Review
My husband and I did the CinqueTerre day trip. What a great day with wonderful views and a nice lunch. The guides were great. We had 2 guides- one an Australian girl Alex and another I think Marco? Not sure. The walk was pretty demanding in that it had to be completed in quite a short time to see all the villages and there were a lot of steps! Other than that we managed and we are both in our 60's although reasonably fit. It will definitely be a day to remember.
Oct152012
Tour/Activity
Panoramic Rome by Night Tour and Dinner in Trastevere
Rome, Italy
My Rating
My Review
My husband and I did the evening tour of Rome ending with a dinner. We were serenaded during the lovely Italian meal by three singers. A amle and female opera singer and a delightful lady playing the piano and singing. We bought their CD and often play it at home in faroff Australia and it brings back wonderful memories. The only downside (but not for us) is that the restaurant was nearly empty and so they did all of this entertainment just for us and one other couple. They were very friendly and signed my Cd I bought as well. The service was great also in the restaurant, and we were collected , almost too soon and returned to near our hotel, A lovely evening to remember!
Oct152012
Tour/Activity
Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este Half-Day Trip from Rome
Rome, Italy
My Rating
My Review
We walked to the strting point near the main railway station in Rome and were taken by a small bus (about 12 people I think) to Tivoli outside Rome. It was a scenic trip and Tivoli was lovely- high on a hill overlooking a valley. The first stop was Villa D'Este which has to be seen to be believed. I first saw this place on the TV and had it in my mind to visit one day. The Villa is old and brimming with ancient frescoes and even the original floor is visible through glass. The gardens and fountains are so beautiful it is hard to describe and still the oroginal plumbing is in use. We then went to Villa Adriana or Hadrian's Villa. This is a site of a former city and not a lot left but definitely worth seeing. Unfortunately we were told it may be closed due to lack of interest. Our guide ( an older man who was plugged in at the last minute was really great and so informative. A very busy 4 hours but needs to be seen!
My Photos
Sep212012
Tour/Activity
Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford and the Cotswolds Day Trip from London
London, United Kingdom
My Rating
My Review
My friend and I were to travel together on this trip but due to family illness she couldn't come and so my husband stepped in. Because she hadn't seen England before I booked this trip to Windsor Casle, Stratford and Oxford in a day! John and I enjoyed it even though we had seen it all before as the tour guide was informative and made it very interesting. We took some great photos to show and tell at home. If you haven't much time this is a great day to see famous and beautiful sights.
My Photos
Sep212012
Tour/Activity
Mont Saint Michel Day Trip
Paris, France
My Rating
My Review
My husband and I went on a day trip to Mont St Michel in Normandy from Paris. It was a long day but in a very comfortable coach and we had great guides and a good driver. On the way we stopped at a beautiful village called Fleuri where I took some lovely photos of an old village with gorgeuos gardens. The guide showed us through the monastery and was very informative then we had free time to wander around the village on the island. We also had a lovely lunch at a restaurant overlooking Mont St Michel. This was a very special day for us.
Sep212012
Tour/Activity
Seine River Cruise and Paris Canals Tour
Paris, France
My Rating
My Review
Because we had been to Paris before and had seen the usual touristy things I decided to do the canal tour through Paris. It started on the Seine and we entered St Martins Canal from there and travelled to the outer suburbs of Paris passing through many locks. This Canal was ordered by Napoleon and was set up to carry water and goods into Paris and so is very old. It was a reaxing half day and we saw a different side of Paris. My husband loved it!
Sep212012
Tour/Activity
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Day Trip from London
London, United Kingdom
My Rating
My Review
My husband and I did the Stonehenge,Windsor Castle and Bath in one day trip. This was a day well spent in seeing important sights in England when you only have a short time. The tour was well organised and even though we only had a short time in each place we still saw a lot. It was a great day with a comfortable coach and a great guide (who was very entertaining) and a good driver.
My Photos
Sep212012
Tour/Activity
Southampton Shore Excursion: Post-Cruise Tour to London via Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor
London, United Kingdom
My Photos
May312011
Tour/Activity
Day Tour to the East Coast - Orient Express
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
My Rating
My Review
It was a hot day at end of May (worst months in Dubai) but a very interesting day. Our guide was good, our driver was a bit dodgy though, as he nearly run out of petrol and we coasted along between petrol stations that wouldn't accept his card at about 50kph. He also didn't want to put the airconditioner on despite the fact that it was about 45 degrees outside. We eventually got home without pushing the car.
