We finally made it to the famed wine-growing region of Bordeaux in southwestern France, a destination that has been on our travel list for some time, given our passion for wine. When Wayne and I chatted about travel before embarking on this endless journey around the world, a château in the south of France was always on our list. Coming from Bayonne , it was a simple two-hour train trip to Bordeaux, where we were to pick up our little electric car to enjoy the region for a week. With only the first few nights booked, the world was our oyster, well, at least Southwestern France in this case. We had found a beautiful stay in a winery on Airbnb ; it ticked all our boxes, and we booked three nights to enjoy the peaceful nature and relax among the vines while sipping vino. Although not everything was what it seemed, upon arriving, we wandered the winery, and there was not a soul in sight, so we made a call, and on the second call, she picked up. The owner was on vacation and would send the maid to open up and check us in. Still, after expressing our disappointment in the experience and with little faith that it would deliver what we had been expecting, we felt we would have to fend for ourselves, so we politely declined and told her we would not be staying. Fortunately, Airbnb came to the rescue once again and fully refunded us. As experts in sourcing accommodation, we were back searching for the perfect place and instantly booked a château that was actually open and even had a restaurant. Which we highly doubt our previous stay had, so we were back on the road, whizzing past the beautiful green vineyards. As we approached Château Fage La Maison des Vignes, our moods were lighter and smiles brimming; we found it! Château Fage was precisely what we had been hoping for: a beautiful, pristine 4-star hotel situated between Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, nestled among lush green vines and offering views across the meadows, with castles in the distance. We soon increased our number of nights to three, as this place needed to be enjoyed. On our first night, we booked a table at the restaurant for a leisurely dinner, and the wine and food reminded us of why we love France; we even started with a cheese plate. This dining order confused the wait staff, but they soon succumbed to our dining style, and we all enjoyed the evening. Following a relaxing few days absorbing the tranquillity of Château Fage, we booked into a Michelin-recommended ' Lune Restaurant ' in a nearby commune called Vayres in the Haute-Vienne department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Inhabitants are known as Vayrois in French. We eagerly booked an Uber and soon found ourselves in a quaint French town, surrounded by tiny streets, beautiful old buildings, monuments scattered throughout the village, and even a winery perched on a hill in the centre. We arrived at Lune Restaurant and, again, were impressed with the Michelin Guide app; it rarely disappoints. The restaurant is housed in an old inn on the banks of the Dordogne, a former Gallo-Roman site. The restaurant has a charm; it feels like a cosy country house. You can feel the farmhouse atmosphere with the beautifully crafted long wooden centre table, and all the finishing touches and table decorations complement the modern country vibe. We settled in for an afternoon of devouring culinary surprises accompanied by wines worthy of five stars. The food melted in your mouth, surprisingly clean for French cuisine; we are loving this style. The service was delightful, and each and every dish was faultless. Thank you, Lune Restaurant, for a very memorable slow lunch. Following our fabulous lunch, we strolled through the quaint village, enjoyed the small-town vibe, and captured some candid photos to remind us of our time in Vayres. Our three nights at Château Fage soon came to an end, leaving us feeling bittersweet about leaving, as it was indeed perfect. However, our next destination was a weekend in Saint-Émilion, so we soon overcame this feeling. Our final morning was spent searching for a salon to smarten up the hairstyle, and we found a charming old 13th-century bastide town called Libourne. It is on the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle Rivers. We strolled around, taking in the weekend vibes, and loved how the narrow streets with cobbled stones, amidst the city square, were sprinkled with shimmering decorations. It was great to explore more of the region; we felt blessed as we drove towards Saint-Émilion that afternoon and were able to experience many stunning villages, all surrounded by overwhelming châteaux with sweeping views and grounds, all within a short distance of each other - some sleepy and some full of vibrancy. Date visited: 5 Aug 2023

A charming studio in the Marais - Two nights A perfect location in Marais, you are in the heart of this beautiful Parisian neighbourhood and 3 and 4 arrondissements of Paris. Best location Airbnb - Paris This Airbnb is like an upscale oversized hotel room, ideally located off the street in a charming cobblestone courtyard up a small flight of stairs. The location is perfect for immersing yourself in Parisian daily life, and with the abundance of brassieres, you'll not need to self-cater The large bathroom features an oversized hot water boiler for a long shower after a day exploring Paris. Even during a hot Paris summer, the room was fantastic and, more importantly, far back enough from the main street to have a quiet and peaceful sleep. Remember, this is positioned more as an oversized hotel room, and you'll not be disappointed. Ariele is an absolute pleasure to communicate with and will ensure your Paris stay meets all your expectations.

Paris Opera style splendour - Ten Nights This apartment is remarkable and completely exceeds your expectations; not only is it unique and fabulously decorated, but you are also in the heart of Paris, with everything only a short walk away. Best Airbnb - Paris You will not be disappointed. Marco is a fabulous host and responds promptly, and check-in was seamless. Best Airbnb - Paris I would recommend the property. Best Airbnb - Paris Best Airbnb - Paris

Laperouse - One Visit Perfect 40th Birthday Celebration. I was looking for the perfect restaurant with a private room and a view of Paris to celebrate my 40th Birthday, and Lapérouse did not disappoint. Organising the event from Australia by email was seamless, and all my requests were easily catered to. The dining table for 16 guests was beautifully decorated, and the food and wine were of the highest standard! Laperouse - Paris The lunch started with champagne and canapés in the private dining room, where we could all mingle. Then, we took our places at the table. Laperouse - Paris Everyone was pleased with the food choices, which were chosen from a set menu before the event. We were not rushed and enjoyed the afternoon celebrating. A huge thank you to Audrey, who helped organise the day, and Edson and the team, who made sure all the food and wine were plentiful and the service was terrific. I highly recommend it for a special occasion, and it was memorable from all accounts. Lapérouse is a 17th-century building that was unique and had plenty of character.

Jules Verne - One Visit I recently had the chance to dine at Le Jules Verne, and let me tell you, it's an experience every Paris lover should aim for. Nestled on the Eiffel Tower, this restaurant offers a unique combination of fantastic food and breathtaking views. Just a heads-up: you’ll want to book your table about three months in advance, but don’t let that deter you—it’s truly worth the wait. I highly recommend the lunch service if you’re considering when to go. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the restaurant without the hefty dinner price tag. Plus, the natural light during the day brings the panoramic views of Paris to life, adding a special touch to your meal. Le Jules Verne The food? Outstanding. Each dish is beautifully crafted and full of flavour. Coupled with the top-notch service from an attentive and welcoming team, you’ll feel right at home—and a little bit pampered. The real show-stopper, though, is the view. Dining above Paris with such iconic sights all around you is something you won’t easily forget. It’s the kind of place where the setting truly complements the meal, making for a memorable outing from start to finish. Le Jules Verne Lunch at Le Jules Verne is the perfect option if you’re looking for an incredible dining experience without an evening commitment. Book ahead, relax, and enjoy the delightful mix of excellent food and stunning scenery.

Better late than never, as they say; this review for Restoran Faro in Belgrade is admittedly long overdue. Our first visit to Restoran Faro in Belgrade happened right after they opened in November 2023, and since then, we've transitioned from first-time guests to loyal lovers and fans. Each visit has been a delightful surprise, with exceptional dishes that continue to impress us and a team that exudes warmth and friendliness. At Faro, customers are treated like family, and this ambiance, combined with culinary excellence, places Faro among the top dining experiences in Belgrade. Fino & Vino have recently added Faro to the Top 25 restaurants in Belgrade, so Faro is loved by all! Every dish served at Faro is faultless, created from the purest and freshest ingredients. A must-try is the slow-cooked lamb shoulder – a labour of love and, quite frankly, the best we've had in the city. It’s super delicious! You also can't skip the half chicken; it will melt in your mouth. Oh, and the freshly baked pita bread, the list goes on. The menu, with its frequent changes, caters to everyone and is sure to satisfy your cravings on any given day. Should you manage to save room for dessert, don’t hesitate to indulge – they perfectly round off the dining experience. The wine list is an adventure within itself, featuring an excellent choice of Serbian wines that offer great value, along with a fine selection from around the world. If wine doesn't take your fancy, the cocktails are world-class, too. As for the setting, the interior and decor provide a comfortable and stunning environment. However, dining outdoors in the garden is a special treat, offering a beautiful space that's perfect for those long, lazy lunches we've grown so fond of. A special shoutout to Mickey for his role in introducing us to Faro and for his continued exceptional customer service, kindness and friendship. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to the entire Faro team for creating such a warm and inviting space where delicious food, fine wine, and great company converge seamlessly. Thanks to everyone involved for continuing to welcome us and spoil us with each visit.

What’s your travel dream? To visit every county in Ireland, every state in the United States, and every province in Canada. Why not think bigger? How about visiting every country in the world? That’s our goal. Chris Henry invited me to be a guest on   The Art 2 Aging . We gave up our Groundhog Day life in Australia and embarked on a journey that has spanned 92 countries and is now in its eighth year. Our story is one long travel adventure, and I explain how it happened along with some great travel tips on the podcast.

For all our travel experiences, tips on accommodation, dining and experiences exploring Croatia, click here . Zagreb - Seven nights Rijeka - Three nights Rovinj - Two months Pula - Two weeks Plitvice Lakes - Two nights Dubrovnik - Two nights

Join us as we cross the Atlantic for Europe on a two-week cruise with Celebrity Cruises on the Apex - The Western Europe Transatlantic. From Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Rotterdam in the Netherlands (last-minute port change from Amsterdam). Embarking on our 16-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 18 April 2023, we set our sights on Bermuda, charting a course across the Atlantic Ocean and through the storied waters of the English Channel. Throughout our journey, we explored seven countries and ten unique destinations, an experience we're eager to share in detail. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of life aboard the Apex during our two-week Transatlantic cruise, providing valuable insights into our Celebrity experience. Having sailed with Celebrity Cruises eight times prior, our transition to the Edge class ship marked a notable shift in our maritime adventures. Reflecting on our previous Alaskan cruise on Celebrity Eclipse , which left a lasting impression, we found that the larger capacity of the Edge class ships, accommodating nearly 3000 passengers, posed a notable adjustment. Grappling with the full occupancy, we gained valuable perspective on the dynamics of a bustling cruise experience. Our first impressions of the Apex were nothing short of captivating. As seasoned cruisers, we couldn't help but admire the ship's modern elegance—a true floating oasis. The art and sculptures adorning the vessel were remarkable, and the overall design exuded a sense of graceful sophistication. The staterooms, the heart of our temporary maritime abode, impressed us with their exquisite design, ample space, and luxurious comfort. We opted for the Sunset Verandah stateroom, a prudent choice for those seeking a tranquil retreat amid the vast expanse of the ocean. This stateroom features a spacious balcony adorned with two sunbeds and two chairs, offering unobstructed vistas of the panoramic sunset and sunrise from the stern of the ship—a coveted vantage point for indulging in the natural spectacle. Our experience in this stateroom was exceptional. It served as our private oasis, providing a serene space to unwind and immerse ourselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the open seas. It's evident that while the onboard crew is dedicated and hardworking, the impact of understaffing on Celebrity's ships has been deeply felt, leading to a strain on service levels and the overall well-being of the crew. When a ship operates with inadequate staffing, the ability to deliver expedited service in various areas becomes increasingly challenging, often leading to prolonged wait times and congested dining venues. This can significantly detract from the guest experience, especially in high-traffic areas like restaurants. In such scenarios, dining in specialty restaurants can provide a more conducive environment for savouring your meal and receiving the level of service you expect. These venues typically offer a more intimate and attentive dining experience, mitigating the potential impact of understaffing on the overall enjoyment of your cruise. When dining experiences on a cruise, discovering a hidden gem can elevate your culinary journey to new heights. That hidden gem was Raw on Five , the exquisite Japanese restaurant aboard the Apex. We knew we had stumbled upon something special from walking through its doors. We were repeatedly drawn to Raw on Five, making it our go-to destination for most of our meals. What set this restaurant apart was the exceptional service we received and the consistently outstanding food quality. The culinary creations that graced our plates were a testament to the skill and artistry of the talented chefs behind the scenes. But there's more to this hidden gem than the sumptuous dishes it serves. We discovered that Raw on Five has a secret weapon: a vantage point that offers the most enchanting sunset views. We couldn't end our story about Raw on Five without expressing our heartfelt appreciation to the incredible team. Their dedication and warmth left a lasting impression, and it's safe to say that we miss them dearly. So, if you find yourself aboard the Apex, seeking an unforgettable dining experience, our insider's tip is to make Raw on Five your first choice. From the impeccable service to the astounding food quality and the enchanting sunset views, this Japanese restaurant is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Trust us, it's an experience you won't want to miss. The Fine Cut Steakhouse , another specialty dining venue renowned for its upscale steak and seafood offerings, became our favourite dining spot during our cruise. Boasting exquisite decor and captivating sunset vistas, this establishment truly delivered a five-star dining experience. The impeccable service, complemented by the exceptional quality of the food and wines, left a lasting impression. Our preference for the Main Dining restaurant was the Tuscan Restaurant , which serves authentic southern Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta. We chose it because of the quality of the meals and seating plans. The decor was elegant, and we were always greeted warmly. We enjoyed the atmosphere. Being on the beverage package was disappointing. Each time you asked for something, it seemed unavailable and out of stock, so you were left with a minimal choice. Alternatively, you had the staff running all over the ship to find something equivalent, which was very unfair to the lovely crew. However, without it, we would have also been paying for water, like getting blood from a stone at times. In another turn of events, also due to the staffing shortages, Wayne, my hubby, at one point, walked around Eden multiple times and grabbed all the glasses left on the tables. This mishap turned positive, and we met a wonderful, mature couple who thought he was staff. There was plenty of laughter, and we ordered drinks for them. The Magic Carpet emerges as a unique floating bar in the tranquil evenings aboard the cruise ship. It is elevated an impressive 13 stories above sea level and offers unparalleled views of the vast open ocean. This remarkable platform frequently repositions along the ship's side, offering a truly immersive experience. Weather permitting, passengers can indulge in a drink while perched at the ship's edge, creating a memorable moment that perfectly encapsulates innovative design and a dash of daring adventure. A rich tapestry of entertainment offerings unfolded throughout the expansive eight days at sea, catering to diverse preferences and interests. The ship's schedule brimmed with engaging activities, showcasing preview acts for upcoming performances, elaborate cake displays, and captivating twice-nightly shows. The melodic strains of live music resonated throughout the day, enhancing the onboard ambience. At the same time, interactive sessions such as cocktail demonstrations and wine tastings added a sophisticated flair to the experience. We spent our days enjoying morning coffees in Café Al Bacio, relaxing, having indulgent dining experiences, listening to the talented musicians, and spending time with family. The impressive ly decorated cakes were displayed in the Oceanview Café, which offers buffet-style dining with multiple stations. The menu provides made-to-order breakfast and lunch, with a rotating international menu for dinner. Fear not; the tantalising cakes will indulge your senses, adding a sweet and captivating note to your dining adventure. We were fortunate to have only one questionable day at sea, during which Mother Nature provided peace around the ship as many guests navigated the wild oceans. Fortunately, after crossing the Drake Passage six times recently, we are fast becoming accustomed to such thrilling events. As our transatlantic adventure drew to a close, the allure of booking a back-to-back journey to explore the enchanting Norwegian Fjords over the coming week became increasingly irresistible. Click here as we delve into the seamless transition from one captivating voyage to another, unlocking the hidden gems of the Norwegian Fjords aboard our floating sanctuary.

Join us as we embark on a new 110-day cruise around South America from Miami to Miami. We joined the beautiful Marina ship with Oceania Cruises on 18 December and disembarked in Miami on 6 April. Over 110 days, we explored three continents, 17 countries, and 51 destinations, including a few bucket list destinations: Amazon, Panama Canal, and Antarctica. We look forward to sharing our four months at sea, but first, we share our first few days at sea and our Oceania experience from Miami to the Caribbean. It was our first time sailing with Oceania Cruises, and from the moment we embarked to the very last day of our 110 days, Oceania were exceptional. The crew was and is an absolute delight. The level of care and service was limitless, the energy and friendly nature of all the staff were infectious, and we quickly became friends and family. We also have left with many new friendships from our sailing, both crew and guests, which we treasure and look forward to finding each other again on our travels. The food is divine, and after four months, we still missed out on some dishes we were hoping to try. (If you recall our last three-month cruise with Hurtigruten, they repeated the same menu for two days in the suite restaurant with only three options, and then this would repeat the following week for three months; this was very disappointing), and it was refreshing to be on a ship with outstanding dining. Marina has four specialty dining restaurants (all-inclusive), and each restaurant prepares a distinctive set of dishes based on its culinary expertise. From classic French fare at Jacques to vibrant Asian cuisine at Red Ginger or Toscana, where Tuscan cuisine evolved from rich family traditions, mothers and grandmothers of Oceania's own Italian culinary staff recipes, and, of course, a favourite steakhouse at Polo Grill, all restaurants are world-class. The Grand Dining Room and a terrace cafe (buffet restaurant) serve continental cuisine. A fantastic selection of worldly cuisines changes daily, approximately on a two-week cycle. You are spoilt for choice. There are two private dining venues, Privee and La Reserve (both at additional cost). Privee is an opulent, intimate dining venue that transforms dinner between Polo Grill and Toscana into a luxurious affair. At La Reserve, you can enjoy a unique dining menu that creates distinctive pairing dinners. You also have Baristas with illy coffee (included in your cruise fare) for your morning coffee fix and afternoon tea in Horizons to treat yourself to tea and scones. Red Ginger - Asian (Specialty Restaurant) Toscana - Italian (Specialty Restaurant) Jacques - French (Specialty Restaurant) Polo Grill - Steakhouse (Specialty Restaurant) The Grand Dining Room - Continental and International cuisine (Lunch - sea days and dinner) Afternoon Tea in Horizons Marina, the ship, was built in 2011 and has a capacity of 1250 passengers and 800 crew. We found the ship spacious; you could always find a quiet, relaxing spot. The staterooms are spacious, too, and it was a treat to have a bathtub in the room. The beds are heavenly and have ample storage; you pop your suitcases under the bed, so there is no clutter. We spent much time in our balcony room and didn't feel claustrophobic. We loved the cruise over Christmas and New Year; it was a lovely way to celebrate and see all the decorations sprinkled around the ship. We were also impressed with Oceania's beautiful Christmas gifts: a gorgeous handmade wooden chopping board and a card.