In Meiringen, Switzerland, history and legends come right from the oven
Banners strung across the streets proclaim that Meiringen is the birthplace of the confection known as meringues.
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Best day trips in Switzerland: the castle, lake and vineyards of Spiez
We spent a beautiful sunny day in Spiez. The most leisurely way to get there is by boat on beautiful Lake Thun.
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The Grand European Tour: A Viking River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam
European river cruises have surged in popularity with good reason. Everything is taken care of while passengers travel from destination to destination with ever-changing scenery and the comfort and convenience of a luxurious floating hotel.
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Through the Heart of Europe: the second time around
Fourteen years ago we took our first Viking River Cruise to celebrate a special birthday. Our journey along the Danube, the Rhine, and the canal that connects them was one of our best trips ever, something so many of our fellow passengers said, as well. Would the Grand European Tour from Budapest to Amsterdam be as much fun the second time around?
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Legendary and mystical: Ireland’s County Meath
This land of monks and abbeys, Druids and fairies, and kings and castles was ancient Ireland’s capital and the seat of the Irish High Kings. This is where Ireland’s religions began and where the foremost battle in Ireland…
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The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac’s Le Champlain Restaurant
Although you may want to reserve a window table, it is likely that you will be so absorbed with this culinary extravaganza and the restaurant’s contemporary glamor and the Old World charm that you forget about the view of the majestic St. Lawrence.
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Sláinte Dublin! the Guinness connection
Kegs were piled high for delivery in this city known for its pubs. This was the first of many reminders of just how intricately the Guinness name and product has been woven into the fabric of Ireland’s capital city.
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The Faroe Islands: The Sheep Islands
These 18 volcanic islands between Scotland and Iceland were formed millions of years ago have remained much undisturbed by the outside world. Residents are descendents of Vikings who arrived in longships over a thousand years ago in search of new uninhabited land. Today, the Faroe Islands are a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
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The Eastern Townships: the art of living well is just across the border
Whenever we want an international vacation experience without spending the time or money to cross an ocean we look to our neighbor to the north, Canada, and head for its largest province, the vast and diverse Québec. There’s a joie de vivre and distinctive art of living.
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Auberge Ripplecove: The Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa
Nestled amid century-old pines on a twelve acre peninsula in Ayer’s Cliff, the Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa has earned the AAA Four-Diamond Award every year since 1987 and in 2008 received 5 Stars, Québec Tourism’s highest classification.
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Hurtigruten: A journey to the top of the world
The stunning West Coast of Norway was living up to its reputation as the most beautiful coastline in the world. This region is renowned for its spectacular landscape of fjell, fjord, and foss (mountains, fjords, and waterfalls).
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Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie
During the Belle Epoque and Gilded Age, La Malbaie became a fashionable resort community that welcomed steamships known as floating palaces. High society Americans and Canadians came for salt water and sea air, hunting and fishing at private clubs, and fine dining and accommodations. The crown jewel was the magnificent ‘Castle on the Cliff’, the Manoir Richelieu
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Marché du Vieux-Port, Quebec City Market
Marché du Vieux-Port, the public food market, is by the Old Port in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Whether you would like to gather the makings of a picnic or shop for souvenirs or flavorful gifts, it is an ideal place to find local vendors and products like fruits, vegetable, cheeses, maple products, cider, baked treats, wine, and ice wine.
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Chez Boulay-Bistro Boreal, Quebec City
This bistro on Rue Saint-Jean offers an inventive seasonal menu of Nordic cuisine inspired by Canada’s vast and pristine boreal region.
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Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens, Quebec City
Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens, a short walk from the Chateau Frontenac. It is in the historic Maison Jacquet, built in 1675 on land given to François Jacquet by the Ursuline nuns and named for a book written by a former inhabitant.
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Panache restaurant in Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City
For fine dining in an intimate setting, Panache, at the Auberge Saint-Antoine, a Relais & Chateaux hotel, is a top choice. Chef Louis Pacquelin’s cuisine pairs classic dishes and a sophisticated style and presentation that is a joy to behold. To top off the experience…
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Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, Canada
Baie-Saint-Paul, one of the oldest towns in Quebec, is the cultural capital of Charlevoix. Painters and other artists have long been drawn to the region for its natural beauty. Baie-Saint-Paul is also the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil.
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The Flavour Trail on L’Isle-aux-Coudres
Five stops on the Flavour Trail in the province of Quebec’s Charlevoix region are along the sixteen mile route around L’Isle-aux-Coudres.
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Savor the flavors of Quebec’s Charlevoix
Charlevoix is a top Canadian vacation destination to the east of Quebec City that abounds with outdoor activities and leads the French-speaking province of Quebec in agritourism.
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Whale watch: Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
This is an extraordinary opportunity with experienced nature guides who follow strict park and environmental regulations that protect the marine life in this national park. Dolphin dart by, playful seals keep a watchful eye on visitors, and a variety of sea birds bob along. But it is the sight and sounds of these gentle giants that will remain forever in your heart.
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