Swain Destinations

Seeking out unique travel options in must-see destinations

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Where To Go: The Land Down Under

Anne Pace, Articles, Australia, Bloggers, Destinations, Travels

With the re-opening of Australia to international visitors, I was reminded of what was special about being immersed in the laid-back Australian culture, when I recently returned from 3 weeks Down Under with my family. 

Australia is a huge country, with such a range of experiences in each of the diverse, unique regions, it is often difficult to decide “where to go”?  Australia has unusual wildlife, stunning coastlines and beaches, and lively, sophisticated cities. It also has the vast outback, exceptional wine and food offerings, and a fascinating ancient indigenous culture. And of course Australia is infamous for its adventure activities, excellent museums and art galleries, as well as the vast marine life to behold.

Great Barrier Reef

With so much to see and do, a customized journey should always be planned to focus on the interests of each traveler, and that is the focus of Swain Destinations.

For me personally, my wish list would include sailing on Sydney Harbor, a visit to the Barossa Valley to sip Shiraz, to enjoy a meal at the Prairie Hotel, the most unusual outback hotel in South Australia, to explore the rainforest in northern Queensland and to be able to enjoy the work of Australian artists at local galleries and at MONA in Hobart.

Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Any one state can also offer the perfect opportunity for a stand alone visit.  In Tasmania for example, a visitor can participate in a variety of active experiences, hiking or sailing, play golf at an internationally rated golf course, join a cooking class or enjoy some of the best locally sourced seafood and cool climate wines; engage in the colonial history of the early days of the country or immerse yourself in the culture of old and new art.  

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland

Queensland, the sunshine state is home to 2 special UNESCO World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree, the oldest rainforest in the world. These can be explored by air, boat, hot air balloon and a 4-wheel drive safari.  Luxury Lodge accommodation in stunning locations, at Lizard Island or at the re-designed Silky Oaks are exceptional options. 

Brisbane, the capital city is beautifully located on the banks of the Brisbane River, which flows through the city.  The Riverwalk joins 2 main city precincts and leisurely boat rides, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding can be enjoyed on the river. South Bank has become a hub for exciting new dining venues, and a buzzing art scene. See a different perspective of the city with an aboriginal guide for an authentic, culturally inclusive experience.  Gems to discover outside the city are nearby National Parks and the beautiful beach, resort areas of Noosa and the Gold Coast, with year-round swimming.  For animal lovers, the Australia Zoo is located an hour north of Brisbane.

Brisbane, Queensland

To get inspired, check out one our popular itineraries such as Circle Australia or Colors of Australia, or give us a call at 1-800-22-SWAIN. One of our Australia specialists will be happy to guide you in selecting the ideal itinerary for your journey to the Land Down Under.  Come and say G’Day!

Serenity On The French Riviera

Articles, Bloggers, Destinations, Europe, Jacqui McDonald, Travels

Flying into Nice, France allows for a bustling start to your trip around the exclusive French Riviera (commonly known as Côte-d’Azur) and Monaco. The bright colors of the landscape surround the busy street side restaurants and cafes, and people from multiple surrounding countries occupy this area. An environment surrounding you is one of vibrant live music in the streets as you are served impeccable French and Italian cuisines by friendly locals. Making Nice your first stop for a quick bite before you head to the serene and peaceful French Riviera is highly suggested.

Nice, France

As you transfer for approximately an hour by car from Nice to your accommodation in the French Riviera, there is not a moment you won’t be dazzled by the views of the mountains overlooking the seclusive bays and the Mediterranean Sea coastline. There are a number of 5-star accommodations within Cote-d’azur that offer the utmost service, delectable dining, and rooms with quite a view to ensure a relaxing experience.

St. Tropez, France

Experiencing this area is completely up to you, your appetite, and your wine palette! It is highly recommended to rent a private boat for a few hours with a guide to take you traveling around the Mediterranean all while you sip champagne and marvel at the architecture of the coastline. Or you can take a private car with a guide to your choice of local vineyards for a day of wine tasting. There are no shortage of vineyards to choose from, therefore it is best to have a list of the varietals you prefer for your guide to accommodate seamlessly. 

French Vineyard

If that is not enough to completely immerse you into the local culture and scenery, head over to Monaco for the night! Taking a privately guided transfer from the French Riviera by car is approximately an hour each way and well worth the drive. Monaco is not only gorgeous and well taken care of, it is inhabited by only the world’s most elite individuals. Tour the Prince’s Palace (Palais du Prince), the Palatine Chapel and main courtyard, and if you happen to be around earlier in the day you can catch the Changing of the Guard in front of the palace. The Monte Carlo Casino cannot be missed during your trip. It is the focal point of Monaco and there is a very probable chance you will be cheering glasses with a celebrity or two. If you are traveling during the Formula 1 Grand Prix, you can drive on the ‘Circuit de Monaco’ to experience exactly what the drivers feel during their race, at a much slower pace of course!

Monaco

Pairing the French Riviera with Monaco for an unforgettable trip will never disappoint. There is something for everyone in these closely located destinations and you will be planning your return before you even leave!

Greek Mainland & Aegean Island Adventure

Articles, Destinations, Europe, Heather Pitsakis, Travels

Acropolis, Athens

Greece is one place that really checks all the boxes for those seeking both an exciting European vacation destination and a luxury travel experience. Boasting Europe’s longest coastline, it’s no wonder travelers flock to Greece for world-renowned beaches framed by crystal clear waters. From the bustling cities to the ancient historical temples and ruins, and the deep blue Mediterranean sea, there is truly something for everyone when you visit Greece. Follow team member Heather on her recent trip to Greece, and learn about her experiences with Greek culture as she explores the mainland & Chios.

Windmills of Chios

I began my journey in Chios. The 5th largest island in Greece and located in the North Aegean, Chios is a mountainous island dotted with medieval villages and countless beaches.

In Chios, there is one main town where the port is located, known as Chios Town or “Chora.” Along the port, you will find many restaurants, shops, and bars – and because this island is less “touristy” than others, you will find authentic Greek food and hospitality anywhere you go!

Located just a 5 minutes drive from Chios Town, these particular windmills on the jetty have been renovated (as opposed to other windmills you will find across the island). I would suggest only stopping for 10-15 minutes, as this is purely a “picture spot” – not an entire tourist attraction.

The feel of Chios is different to many of the islands that American travelers tend to visit, such as Santorini or Mykonos. Black, stenciled geographic designs adorn traditional, white-washed buildings throughout the medieval towns, which is truly unique. With many of the towns famously surrounded by fortified walls, the winding architecture within the walls lends a mysterious air to the alleyways and streets of the island. One of the most “Instagram-worthy” villages is Pyrgi, or “the painted village”.  One of the largest villages on the island, due to the narrow roads and walkways, cars are not allowed in the central part of the village.

Delphi Theater

After relaxing on the beautiful island of Chios, I made my way back to the mainland, where the historical portion of my cultural adventure began. A 3 to 4 hour car drive from Athens will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi. The Temple to Apollo, multiple treasuries, and the theater are only part of these ancient ruins.

Bring your walking shoes and start early in the day in order to see everything. Stop along the “hike” up to take in the views, acknowledge the history, and to catch your breath in the Mediterranean sun.

There is also the Museum of Delphi, located next to the archeological site. The museum is one of the most visited in Greece. The actual town of Delphi is where you will find small shops, intimate hotels, and restaurants with breathtaking views overlooking the Mount Parnassus valley.

Meteora Monastery

My next stop was the iconic monasteries of Meteora. While Delphi and Meteora can be day-trips from Athens solely on their own, they can also be combined into a multi-day adventure in the mountains. The main reason to visit the Meteora region are the 6 Meteora Monasteries. These ancient monasteries were built on top of and into the sides of cliffs, seemingly floating in the clouds.

The monasteries are also UNESCO World Heritage sites, but they are also currently active and holy sites for Orthodox Christians around the world. There is a strict dress code required for men and women, and some areas where pictures are prohibited. Also, most of the monasteries are only accessible via stairs, and in the case of the Great Meteora Monastery (the largest and most popular) be prepared to climb over 300 stairs!

 Most of the hotels and shops are located in Kalambaka, the town at the bottoms of the mountains. This lively town serves as the base for many tours and it’s main road is filled with places to eat, drink, and rest your legs after all of those steps.

Parthenon, Athens

I wrapped my trip up in Greece’s largest city and capital, Athens. Athens is not unlike any other major bustling city – with the exception of some extremely famous ancient ruins right in the middle of the city center! Of course, you cannot go to Athens without visiting the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum. 

 Booking a hotel with a view of the Acropolis is 100% worth it – whether it’s a room with a view or if the hotel has a rooftop bar or patio to relax on after a day of touring. As the night falls on the Acropolis and the spotlights turn on, you’ll be awestruck at the difference.

 The neighborhood of Plaka, located a short walk from Monastiraki Square, is where I would suggest spending most of your time. There are many cobblestone streets to explore with local shops selling unique souvenirs and great restaurants.

If you’re feeling inspired and want to plan your next trip to Greece, check out our sample itinerary Southern Jewels With Islands  which is one of the best ways to get the full Greek experience.

Our Top Uganda Tips

Africa, Articles, Destinations

with Kate Rees, Travel Expert at Uganda Tourism

Coined “The Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill, Uganda’s varied landscapes range from sweeping savannas to dense forests, crater lakes, the verdant banks of the Nile, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. This compact East African destination is home to a diverse collection of wildlife and cultural experiences that exemplify the best of the continent.

Entebbe 

While Entebbe is considered a gateway to many of Uganda’s national parks, there are myriad activities available to travelers. If you have half a day or more, consider visiting the Entebbe Botanical Garden, local craft market and Gorilla Conservation Café, or book a tour at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary located on Lake Victoria. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Best known for its endangered mountain gorillas, Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining population. Visitors can track habituated groups in the thrilling Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and where these gentle giants roam.

Beyond the gorillas, Uganda is a birding paradise where more than half of Africa’s bird species can be found. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone boasts 350 birds, 120 mammals, 310 butterflies, 200 trees, and 51 reptiles. There’s even a chance of spotting forest elephants. 

Uganda’s Hidden Gems

Primate trekking, Nile River safaris, game drives, cultural immersions, conservation research activities, bird watching, and more are only a taste of what makes Uganda truly a once in-a-lifetime experience.

Other experiences outside of flora and fauna include community and school visits, gorilla conservation education at the Gorilla Health and Community Conservation Center, tastings at tea and coffee plantations, and a visit to the nonprofit Ride 4 a Woman center where local women are empowered by training in tourism-related skills.

To learn more about Uganda view our e-brochure, Swain’s East Africa Journeys.

Nile Voyage

Africa, Anne Ferguson, Articles, Travels

Egypt has always been one of my bucket list destinations, so when I got the opportunity to visit Egypt, to soak up the culture and history, it was a dream come true! Located on the northeast corner of the African continent, the recorded history of ancient Egypt is from the early prehistoric settlements of the northern Nile Valley and the Roman conquest in 30BC.  The country is full of ancient treasures and marvels.  Anyone with an interest in ancient history should absolutely visit Egypt.  What better way to explore the ancient treasures and see the ancient countryside, than on a Nile Cruise.

 Arriving in Luxor airport, I was greeted by my private guide and escorted to the car for a short drive into the town, located on the East bank of the Nile River. Luxor, originally called Thebes, was the capital of Egypt and became an important center of worship of the god Amun. Split in two by the Nile River, the East Bank which in ancient times (and still to this day) was where the citizens of the city lived and worked; the West Bank, was for the dead, where the tombs and burial sites were made and located. Luxor is also known as the World’s greatest open-air museum.  On the East Bank of the Nile, you will find two of Egypt’s most important sites, Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple and on the West Bank of the Nile, you will find the famous Valley of the Kings as well as other tombs and burial sites.

Karnak Temple

My first visit was Luxor and Karnak Temple, this large ancient temple was constructed in approximately 1400 BCE. The sheer size of the pillars and grandeur of the temple was completely mind blowing. This mammoth temple complex is one of Ancient Egypt’s grandest building projects, and this is evident as you wander through. After exploring the East bank, I was transferred to The Sonesta Moon Goddess, my base for the next 3 nights.

The next morning, I was up early. I crossed the Nile by bridge to the West Bank to explore the temples and tombs of the Valley of Kings and Queens. First was the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut which is located beneath massive cliffs and the temple is dedicated to Amon-Ra, the sun god. I continued to the Valley of the Kings which was used for nearly 500 years to cut rock tombs for pharaohs and powerful nobles, the most well known being Tutankhamen and Ramses IV. On our way back to the boat, we stopped at the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues representing Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty of Egypt.

Camel trekking in the desert

Another early start to the next morning was to visit Edfu Temple. Located on the West Bank of the Nile River, the Ptolemaic Temple was built between 237 and 57 BC and is dedicated to Horus, a man with the head of a hawk. This impressive temple is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. After lunch it was time to visit Kom Ombo Temple. This temple is quite unique to Egypt as it is dedicated to two gods, the local crocodile god, Sobek and Haroeris. Besides being unique I found this temple rather beautiful, everything being perfectly symmetrical. Back to the boat we departed for Aswan while enjoying afternoon tea. A fun evening ahead as all on board enjoyed a Galabeya Party (dress up in traditional Egyptian dress).

Pyramids of Giza

We continued to the granite quarries, located on the east bank of the Nile, where much of the red granite was used for ancient temples. The Unfinished Obelisk still lies on its side, where it was carved when a crack was discovered and thereafter was abandoned. A short motorboat ride took us to the island to see the Temple of Philae. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis and has a beautiful setting with various shrines and sanctuaries that celebrate the deities involved in the myth of Isis and Osiris. And with that my Nile adventure had come to an end as I said goodbye to my guide and was transferred to Aswan Airport for my flight back to Cairo.

Get inspired for your own exploration of Egypt and discover all the wonders that this country, steeped in ancient history, has to offer with our Highlights of Egypt sample itinerary. 

Why Northern Italy Is My Favorite Place

Articles, Europe, Katie Manly, Travels

Travel is a passion for so many of us. The gorgeous landscapes, the welcoming people, the stunning local delicacies, and so many more intangible things that contribute to a sense of fulfillment and pleasure. We all have our favorites. And while I have traveled and loved much of Europe, some of Asia, and a bit of Africa, the destination I treasure most is northern Italy.

Milan Street
Milan, Italy

In northern Italy, you have the drama of the mountains paired with the pristine, clear waters of the lakes. You have rolling hills dotted with grapevines surrounding world-renowned gastronomic destinations. You have the iconic, cosmopolitan cities of Venice, Verona, and Milan within a train ride of less touristy, more relaxed cities such as Bologna, Parma, and Turin. And everywhere you go is offering unmistakable beauty on tap.

 

Italian Lakes & Mountains

Rocca Pietore, Italy

Regardless of the season, the peaks of northern Italy offer a multitude of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and river rafting. The scenery is breathtaking and the locals are extremely friendly. The Dolomites are known for their sharp, jagged peaks while the Alps are better known for their craggily tops, like the Matterhorn.

And after a day on the mountain, there’s no better treat than Zuppa Valdostna which combines delicious Italian bread with broth and local cheese (and one of my personal favorites), Fontina, for a hearty soup that will replenish your empty stomach and warm your insides.

 

Lake Como, Italy

Then there are the lakes. Pristine waters so clear you can see to the bottom, in glistening turquoise colors that perfectly contrast the dark, moody mountains that surround them. The lakes of northern Italy are a required part of the experience when visiting the region. With so many stunning options to choose from, selecting the lake that is best for you can easily be based on the region you wish to explore.

From the infamous Lakes Como and Garda, perfect for families because of their size and amenities, to the lesser-known treasures such as Lake Braies or Lake Maggiore, which offer a more relaxed, hideaway vibe.

Or, for a more peaceful and romantic experience, there is no place more ideal that Lake Orta in the Piedmont region. Scenic waters in an area known for its wine and truffle production seems like an amorous combination for any couple.

 

Culinary Destinations

Emilia-Romagna, Italy

When describing my love for this area of Italy, it’s hard not to dive into northern Italy’s vast contribution to the culinary world. As we’ve already covered Fontina cheese in the Alps, let’s continue with its far more famous sister to the south, Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan Cheese) which, as well as Prosciutto di Parma (or Parma Ham), is a product of Parma.

The vineyards around Parma and the rest of the region, Emilia-Romagna, are also responsible for the well-known sparkling wine, Lambrusco. Add to that that Parma is a delightful, small city with fantastic architecture and very friendly residents, and you may very well consider a whole new life in this beautiful part of the world.

 

Milan, Italy

Pesto, the green pasta sauce infused with delicious local herbs and pine nuts, hails from Genoa, which is how it earns its name Pesto Genovese. Focaccia also originated in the Genoa area and is a true Italian delight to snack on as you explore the city’s narrow lanes and dignified palaces. In Milan, risotto is the dish of choice in all its rich, cheesy splendor. Paired with a glass of Lambrusco from nearby Parma and a view of the Duomo di Milano and you will fall head over heels for this fashion-forward, cosmopolitan city.

Bologna, Italy

One of my favorite cities in northern Italy is Bologna, and not just because it is the home of Tagliatelle al Ragù Bolognese, though that scores it a few points. It is a stunning medieval city set amongst rolling hills with incredible architecture and feels authentically local and yet bustling at the same time. 

 

Romantic Cities

Verona, Italy

To the North of Bologna lies Verona, a city that captures the hearts of almost every tourist who visits for its soft, elegant architecture. A beauty so immense that Shakespeare himself felt the need to capture it in not one but two of his works; Romeo & Juliet and Two Gentlemen of Verona. With its open-air operas at the old Roman amphitheater, Verona Arena in Piazza Bra, its well-kept lanes throughout the Roman architecture of the fortified city, and numerous quaint bridges over the Adige River, you cannot help but embrace the sweet scenery of Verona.

 

Venice, Italy

While Verona is the city of love, when it comes to a city known for its setting for romance, it is hard not to immediately think of the floating city, Venice. Venice is likely the most famous floating city in the world, conjuring images of singing gondoliers in striped shirts on interwoven canals. Venice is an iconic destination visited by millions of tourists each year. And if you love the quaint bridges of Verona, you will absolutely marvel at the sheer number of charming and unique bridges that are dotted all over this wonderful city. 

If you’re feeling inspired to start planning your own trip to this glorious part of Italy, have a look at our sample itinerary, Northern Italy off the Beaten Path packed with authentic experiences that will immerse you in the region.

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