Melk Abbey, Austria

(September 22) Melk Abbey or Stift Melk is an Austrian Benedictine abbey, and one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. It is located above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river Danube in Lower Austria, adjoining the Wachau valley. The abbey was founded in 1089 when Leopold II, Margrave of […]

An Ancestral Discovery Worth the Climb

(From October 2) We spent three memorable days and nights in the beautiful valley around Prato allo Stelvio, in Sud Tyrol, technically in Italy but the locals all believe they are Tyroleans first, Italians a distant second. We were told by the mayor of the town, perhaps a distant relative of our guest, to go […]

Taking a Nap at 6,017 feet

A tourist naps on a bench above the Eagle’s Nest, known locally as the Kehlstein Haus. The site is popular with those wishing to have a splendid view over the Berchtesgaden Alps. One can see far into Austria from this vantage point. Or, one can examine the insides of one’s eyelids, as in this man’s […]

Welcome Back Fifth Time Guests Art and Carol

(From September 21, 2012) Art and Carol have taken five trips with European Focus since 2008 including trips in Germany, Italy, Ireland, France, Spain and for this most recent adventure, which started in Berchtesgaden, Germany we traveled through parts of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire. More to come, and welcome back Art and Carol!

Sleeping in a medieval castle above the Rhein River in Germany

July 30 There’s no experience quite like spending the night in a castle high on a bluff above one of Europe’s prettiest river valleys. Recent guests of ours had this experience and for some, it was a repeat experience. Susan brought son Nick back for a second European Focus Private Tour and this time, four […]

Postcard from Ireland

A cart outside a coffee shop in Knightstown, Kerry, Ireland Do you like European Focus Postcards from Europe? Order any of your favorites that you see on this web site as blank inside photo notecards. Only $1.50 each includes envelope! Order by sending your inquiry to info@europeanfocus.com

Images from Ireland’s Beara Peninsula

(From a recent trip June 17 to 28 which included parts of Ireland, Edinburgh and London) We love Ireland. It’s such a fascinating island, full of beautiful sights, history and best of all, wonderful, warm people who truly like conversing with strangers and not just because their job requires it. Here are some images from […]