May 2 We just finished two days of exploring Chartres, a city about a hour to the south and west of Paris but many more miles away in terms of peace and a small-town feeling evoking a time more than 900 years ago. Chartres is not just amazing for its huge cathedral, although that is […]
Author Archives: jim
The Awful Vatican Museums And Why We Will Never Return
Photo courtesy Dan LaValley May 2 Pope Francis – please if you have time with all that you have to do add this to your ‘To Reform’ list about the way the Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel is operated. Your museum is, in the words of my stepdaughter, a ‘Shit Show.’ Harsh words for […]
This Couple Lives on Top of Roman History
May 2 I was invited to have dinner with Roland and Anne Geiger recently. As we sat in their cozy dining room heated by a wood-burning stove with our nostrils being savagely attacked by the wonderful smells coming out of the kitchen behind the wall, Roland entertained me with stories of what he has found […]
The Enchanting Amalfi Coast of Italy
April 28 Even though getting there can be a bit hairy at times with Italians driving far too fast for the conditions, tour buses taking up more than their share of the narrow, winding road which hugs a sheer drop off, the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy is worth every drop of sweat shed during […]
First Trip to Europe
April 28 James was pleased recently to have two guests from Chicago fulfill their dream of visiting not only Italy for the first time, but Europe. The two arrived in Venice to start their two-week adventure which included Tuscany, Umbria, Rome and the Amalfi Coast. James has created a blog with many images from their […]
Eating at Da Carlo in Orvieto a Must
April 22 Those looking for an authentic dining experience should stop their search at the tucked away ‘Da Carlo’ in the heart of ancient Orvieto’s medieval district. Young chef and entrepreneur Carlo and his ‘mama’ provide not just excellent food in a cozy atmosphere, but their back and forth banter is worth the price of […]
Just ‘Ri-Married’ in Tuscany
April 14 Our current guests Steve and Debbie had a dream to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a special trip to Italy. Not just any trip, but a renewal of vows in Tuscany trip. With help from the staff of a beautiful and romantic country inn just outside of Montepulciano we made it happen, and […]
Memories of Paris in the Spring
April 8 Random shots from our tour in Paris with two couples from Calgary April 2 – 6. Are you on Facebook? If you are, please go to Facebook and find our page for European Focus Private Tours. We post many photos there along with short vignettes about our travels in Europe.