Category: John & Sandy

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Bordeaux, France.

BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Les petits Cannelés
“Les petits Cannelés”, as French people call them, are a traditional pastry from Bordeaux. They are small, cylindrical cakes with a caramelized crust and a soft, custard-like center. They were created by nuns in the 18th century, who used leftover egg yolks from wine-making to make the batter (egg white was used to precipitate the suspended matter in the wine and clarify it). Traditionally, they are cooked in copper molds, giving them a distinctive shape and crispy exterior. The name “cannelé” comes from the French word for “fluted,” which describes the shape of the pastry.

Cannelés are traditionally served as a dessert or as a snack with coffee, but they can also be served with savory dishes like foie gras or cheese.

A well-kept secret, there are as many recipes as there are bakers in Bordeaux, even though in 1985, a group of Bordeaux bakers formed the “Brotherhood of the Cannelé,” which promotes and preserves the traditional recipe and method of making cannelés. In 2013, “les petits cannelés” were awarded protected geographical indication (PGI) status by the European Union, recognizing them as a traditional and authentic product of the Bordeaux region.

Of course, the best way to discover it is to taste it. Many bakers even sell them in gift boxes for home use.

SIGHTS
• Place de la Bourse
• Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux
• National Opera of Bordeaux Grosse Cloche
• Monument aux Girondins
• La Cité du Vin
• Porte Cailhau
• Musée d’Aquitaine
• Basilique Saint-Michel
• Pey Berland Tower
• The Bordeaux Museum of Fine Arts

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The shops in the pedestrian streets of downtown Bordeaux have the longest pedestrianized shopping street in Europe, rue Sainte Catherine! It is a good address in Bordeaux, with all the major brands, luxury and designer boutiques with vintage or modern decoration, and independent cultural spaces. It is a temple of fashion, design, and gastronomy! North of the street, do not miss its typical mall 19th century. Rue Porte Dijeaux is another commercial institution in Bordeaux, and Place Fernand Lafargue has a more bohemian atmosphere.

Today’s Excursion – Scenic Bordeaux & Wine Museum
Indulge your senses with the exquisite beauty and flavours of Bordeaux during this half-day sightseeing excursion, and a visit to
the splendid new La Cité du Vin Museum.

Bordeaux City
Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour orientation drive through the city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, take in the exquisite beauty of Bordeaux’s architectural heritage, which has developed harmoniously over the centuries and remains remarkably well-preserved.

Bordeaux Landmarks
See the Chartrons Riverfront, where the city’s wine trade began, and L’Esplanade des Quinconces. With an area of
approximately 30 acres (about 12 hectares), this esplanade is one of Europe’s largest squares and features a column
commemorating the French Revolution. Continue past the 18th-century Place de la Bourse, 15th-century Cailhau Gate, 14th-century Big Bell, 18th-century Palais Rohan, now the City Hall, 13th-century St. Andrew Cathedral, where Alienor d’Aquitaine
married Louis VII, and the 18th-century Grand Theatre, the opera house built by Victor Louis.

La Cité du Vin Museum
Next, a visit is made to the La Cité du Vin Museum. Bordeaux’s newest highlight is a unique facility set within an evocative
architectural design, and it offers a unique view of wine that transcends the world and its history, cultures, and civilizations. Your
self-guided tour of this expansive museum’s 10 levels is punctuated by 20 themed spaces explaining the culture of wine in an
immersive, interactive, and sensorial setting. Afterward, proceed for a wine tasting in the approximately 115-foot-high (about
35-metre-high) Belvedere of La Cité du Vin offers a spectacular, 360° view of the city.

IL BEL CANTO
HEADLINE ENTERTAINER GIOVANNI PALMINTERI

A recital of arias for baritone from some of the famous operas in the world (Barber of Seville, Traviata, Don Pasquale, Pagliacci…) and a selection of well-known songs made in Italy. The Sicily Philharmonic Orchestra arranged the music.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Lisbon, Portugal.

LISBON, PORTUGAL
The capital and the largest city of Portugal
Fado is a soulful and melancholic genre of music that has become an essential part of Lisbon’s cultural heritage. It is a powerful expression of human emotions, reflecting themes of longing, loss, and the struggles of everyday life. The music is characterized by mournful tones, and the traditional instruments of guitar and mandolin accompany it. Fado’s origins can be traced back to the working-class neighborhoods of Lisbon in the early 19th century, where it was often performed in taverns and cafes.

Today, visitors to Lisbon can experience fado performances at numerous fado houses, cultural centers, and museums throughout the city. These intimate venues provide a deeply personal and emotional connection between the performers and the audience. Some of the most famous fado houses include Clube de Fado, A Baiuca, and Tasca do Chico, attracting visitors from around the world.

Fado is not only a symbol of the Portuguese identity but also reflects Lisbon’s storied past. The music captures the hardships of life in the fado neighborhoods and the dictatorship that ruled Portugal for almost 50 years. Fado has become an essential part of Lisbon’s tourism industry, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage. Many fado houses offer dinner and show packages, providing tourists with an immersive and memorable experience.

SIGHTS
• Castelo de S. Jorge
• Belém Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery
• Oceanário de Lisboa
• Mercado da Ribeira

SHOPPING
The Avenida da Liberdade is the swankiest shopping street in Lisbon, lined with high-end shops and designer boutiques.
This tree-lined Boulevard is home to many of Portugal’s most exclusive stores (Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Cartier) and the location of many fine restaurants and bars. The Avenida da Liberdade is also a characterful street to wander, with grand 19th-century architecture and shaded formal gardens.

LxFactory is Lisbon’s urban and creative hub. Independent shops, stalls, and cafes have created an artisanal shopping experience in this once-abandoned industrial area.

Today’s Excursion – Romantic Sintra & Portuguese Riviera
We experienced the Old-World splendour of Lisbon and a taste of the Portuguese Riviera during this picturesque tour of the
mountainous region of Sintra and a panoramic drive to the fishing port of Cascais. We began with a panoramic drive to Sintra.

Sintra
Sintra was once a favourite of 19th-century European aristocrats. Sintra’s fairy-tale castles and spectacular mountain vistas are considered a must-see for visitors to Lisbon. We were able to visit the medieval National Palace of Sintra.

Panorama of Cascais
This pleasant coastal town is one of the leading resorts on the Portuguese Riviera. Despite becoming a popular tourist attraction, Cascais has retained some of the original charm from its days as a simple fishing village.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant

EMOTIONS
A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME
Join the Silversea Singers and Dancers to taste what’s to come.
You will also meet some people who will keep you intrigued and entertained.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in the capital of Portugal, Lisbon.

LISBON, PORTUGAL
Portugal’s capital is a stirring artwork of a city

A glorious mosaic of beauty, freedom, and authenticity, Portugal’s capital is a stirring artwork of a city. Known for the seven hills it spreads across, and its stirring fado music, Lisbon is a pastel-coloured blend of houses and beautiful tile artworks. This creative city strikes a perfect harmony between natural and manmade beauty.

Stroll along Alfama’s steep, cobbled streets as you explore one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, where each house and door could be its photograph. Look for the decorative tiles, with the distinctive blues and whites of Azulejo ceramics, and visit the dedicated museum to learn more.

Afterwards, wind up at São Jorge Castle, where views across Lisbon’s red rooftops unravel. Just one of many majestic viewpoints, you can also seek out Miradouro da Graça for perhaps Lisbon’s finest panorama, with the copper-coloured suspension bridge stretching over sparkling water beyond the sea of buildings.

The elegant Tower of Belém rises in the Tagus estuary and is a historic defender of these shores. The grand, carved cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery spread out close by. Another UNESCO-recognized location is Sintra, a colourful town set amid thick gardens and towering mountains capped by the royal Pena Palace.

Later, relax and take a quick break to drink Ginjinha, a cherry liqueur made from chocolate cups instead of coffee. Lisboetas have a sweet tooth, and the famous Pastel de Nata, with its crumbling pastry and caramelised custard topping, is essential to any coffee stop.

SIGHTS
• Castelo de S. Jorge
• Belém Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery
• Oceanário de Lisboa
• Mercado da Ribeira

SHOPPING
The Avenida da Liberdade is the swankiest shopping street in Lisbon, lined with high-end shops and designer boutiques.
This tree-lined Boulevard is home to many of Portugal’s most exclusive stores (Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Cartier) and the location of many fine restaurants and bars. The Avenida da Liberdade is also a characterful street to wander, with grand 19th-century architecture and shaded formal gardens.

LxFactory is Lisbon’s urban and creative hub. Independent shops, stalls, and cafes have created an artisanal shopping experience in this once-abandoned industrial area.

Today’s Excursion – Panoramic Lisbon & Tagus River Cruise
We explored Lisbon from a unique perspective during this picturesque city tour via river boat and bus.

Europe’s second-oldest capital (after Athens), once home to the world’s greatest explorers like Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and Prince Henry the Navigator, became the first valid world city, the capital of an empire spreading over all continents, from South America to Asia. The former launch pad for many of the world’s most remarkable voyages is now where modern travelers discover its history.

Tagus River Cruise
Along the way, discover the beauty and charm of Lisbon as seen from the river. See a Roman castle perched on a hilltop and a
12th-century cathedral in the centre of Alfama’s Moorish District before passing under the spectacular April 25th Suspension
Bridge. In the distance is the monumental statue of Christ the King, built to honour Portugal’s neutrality during World War II.
Take a sail along the banks of the Belem area on your private boat. En route, see the 15th-century New Harbour and a
memorial to Prince Henry. Your river boat cruise concludes with a look at the Royal Monastery of St. Jerome and the unique
Belem Tower was built as a fortress to defend the harbour of the wealthy Portuguese capital during the 15th and 16th centuries.
These historic buildings date from the Discovery Period and the reign of King Manuel I.

Lisbon City Tour
Upon returning to the river boat terminal, we took a coach for a scenic sightseeing drive through the centre of Lisbon. As
we proceeded along the main streets and squares, a brief stop was made at the top of King Edward VII Park for spectacular views of the city and harbour. From here, we continued past Pombal Square, the famous Liberty Avenue, Rossio, the heart of Lisbon, and the historic Baixa District en route to the unique Comercio Square, which is located along the waterfront.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant

FADO CRUZADO
SHOWTIME WITH LOCAL PERFORMANCE CROSSED FADO
“Fado Cruzado” is a captivating concert that unites the soulful traditions of Fado de Coimbra and Fado de Lisboa.

This performance offers a unique and unforgettable journey through the heart of Portuguese music, blending two iconic styles into a powerful musical experience.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Arrecife, Canary Islands, off the coast of north Africa.

ARRECIFE, CANARY ISLANDS
Sun-kissed appeal of the Canary Islands
Nestled on the east coast of Lanzarote, Arrecife takes its name from the rocky reefs and outcrops that dominate its coastline. This pretty working city has a friendly, authentic feel, and has remained true to its roots as a historic fishing village. There’s a lot to explore, and whether you want to lie back on long swathes of opulent golden sand or strap on hiking boots to crunch across Lanzarote’s scorched volcanic scenery, this versatile capital has so much to offer. With castles, caves, sleepy beaches, and a glittering saltwater lagoon, Arrecife is the perfect place to get acquainted with the sun-kissed appeal of the Canary Islands.

Lanzarote’s charcoal desert vistas radiate a remarkable luna-like quality, but dotted cacti, waving palms, and bursts of vibrant wildflowers add an accent of colour to the canvas. Arrecife itself boasts apricot-coloured beaches and labyrinthine lanes of white-wash buildings within its Old Quarter, where you can smell fresh fish grilling, and see locals dipping delicious local salty potatoes – papas arrugadas – into colourful sauces. An evening stroll along El Charco de San Gines is a must for watching fishing boats bobbing gently on the lagoon and spectacular sunsets burning across the sky.

Standing tall for more than four centuries, Castillo De San Gabriel is located on the tiny island of Islote de los Ingleses and was once a target for pirates, who would appear menacingly on the Atlantic’s horizon. The stalwart 16th-century fortress now serves as the History Museum of Arrecife, and exhibitions inside explore the evolution of the city and the ancient culture of Lanzarote. Meanwhile, the International Museum of Contemporary Art displays modern and abstract works within the refined setting of 18th-century San José Castle. See works from Cesar Manrique – the prominent artist and architect whose slick sixties style flair can be admired across the island.

SIGHTS
• Mirador Del Río Viewpoint
• Cueva de Los Verdes
• Jameos del Agua
• Large Caverns
• Timanfaya National Park
• Charco de Los Clicos
• Playa del Golfo
• Salinas del Janubio
• El Charco de San Ginés
• Castillo de San Gabriel
• Aquarium at Costa Teguise

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, is the island’s central shopping hub with a modern vibe. The Mall will be open 365 days a year and features open-air shopping with some major brands present, including a 3,200-square-metre Zara store, Cortefiel, Women’s Secret, Springfield, Primor, Fund Grube, Worten, Sprinter, and more.

Located in the old part of town, Calle Real is one of Arrecife’s main shopping strips. It’s lined with shops and restaurants, making it one of the most pleasant and complete areas for strolling and shopping in Lanzarote. Mojo picón: Mojo picón is the most famous sauce in the gastronomy of the Canary Islands.

Today’s Excursion – National Park of Timanfaya & Exclusive Visit to Salinas del Janubio
We discovered the uniquely beautiful geology of Arrecife during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Timanfaya National Park, Volcanoes, Lunar-Like Landscape

We drove to Timanfaya National Park, which is famous for its volcanoes and appears similar to Mars and the Moon. If it were not for the intense blue sky, many photos taken in Lanzarote could be mistaken for lunar-like landscapes during a stop at the Visitors Center of Timanfaya National Park. During the bus tour, we learned about our surroundings and marveled at the spectacular panoramic views of the unusual landscape.

Arrecife, Salinas del Janubio, Private Tour and Tasting

At Salinas del Janubio, we took a guided tour and visited a viewpoint from which we saw locals working on the salt pans and the Bodega, where they keep the salt. Following our tour, proceed to taste their salt flower, a form of pure salt collected according to very traditional techniques of marine origin. This salt is collected manually and does not go through any industrial process. It is stored in containers for a year, allowing the sun and wind to dry it into a pure product, without additives or transformation, and with very limited production.

Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant