Jewels of the Silk Road: A Grand Tour of Uzbekistan

It had been 40  years since I’d been in the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan, so I was looking forward to our scouting trip in November 2023.  Lutfi & I planned to lead a small group there in 2024. We stayed in small hotels within easy walking distance to the main sites, allowing comfortable walking… Continue reading Jewels of the Silk Road: A Grand Tour of Uzbekistan

Soul of the Silk Road: Discovering Asia’s Rich Heritage

Take a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and landscapes that define the diverse continent of Asia. In this blog, we embark on an exciting exploration of the distinctive regions of Turkey, China, India, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. Each destination offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, creating a mosaic… Continue reading Soul of the Silk Road: Discovering Asia’s Rich Heritage

Beyond Borders: Discovering Europe’s Hidden Gems with AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways is a river cruise company offering itineraries along the major rivers of Europe. The Rhine River is one of the major waterways in Europe, flowing through several countries including Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. AmaWaterways provides cruises that allow travelers to explore the scenic beauty, historical sites, and cultural attractions along the Rhine. These itineraries may start in cities like Amsterdam or Basel and include stops in cities and towns along the Rhine, such as Cologne, Strasbourg, and Basel.

Image Gallery – Uzbekistan: Khiva

Cascoly image galleries are supplements to our blog posts on individual travels, allowing display of many more images than are reasonable within those posts. Many of these images are already available as framed prints, greeting cards, coffee mugs, and other merchandise, but any image can be added on request. Or you we can email you… Continue reading Image Gallery – Uzbekistan: Khiva

Image Gallery – Uzbekistan: Samarkand

Cascoly image galleries are supplements to our blog posts on individual travels, allowing display of many more images than are reasonable within those posts. Many of these images are already available as framed prints, greeting cards, coffee mugs, and other merchandise, but any image can be added on request. Or you we can email you… Continue reading Image Gallery – Uzbekistan: Samarkand

From Bishop to Jolly Old Elf – The Tale of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus

One of the most famous stories about Saint Nicholas involves him secretly providing a dowry for three impoverished sisters. According to the legend, Nicholas heard about a poor man who could not afford dowries for his three daughters, which meant they might be forced into a life of destitution. Nicholas, wanting to help, threw three bags of gold through the man’s window at night, providing the dowries and saving the girls from a dire fate.

Cruising through Christmas Magic: AMAwaterways River Cruises

An AMAwaterways River Cruise through Christmas Markets is not just a vacation; it’s an immersion into the heart of European Christmas traditions. From the moment you step on board to the final farewell, every detail is meticulously planned to create an unforgettable experience. Your cruise celebrates the season, a journey of discovery, and a memory to cherish for a lifetime. So, step aboard and let the magic of Christmas unfold along the riverbanks of Europe.