Welcome to the wine capital of Argentina, Mendoza! Our next segment of our 'Argentina Chapter' adventure with Exploration Journeys. Argentina is the 5th largest wine producer globally, and Mendoza is home to over 1200 bodegas (wineries). Of course, Mendoza is the home of the world's finest Malbec. A fun fact we love about Mendoza is that the city has one tree per person; you feel this as you explore the city centre, as the greenery surrounds you. Day 13 - Mendoza, Argentina Our first day starts with an early morning pickup for Uco Valley, about 60 minutes from Mendoza. Uco Valley is relatively new for a wine district, about 25 years old. Uco Valley is at the foothill of the Andes, a relatively new wine region; due to its infancy, it has investments from the world's best and is leading with state-of-the-art equipment and intelligent and innovative approaches to winemaking. Our first was a visit to Bodega Enzo Bianchi, one of the first wineries in Mendoza from 1928; they have expanded to Uco Valley. We started with a tour with the knowledgeable Deborah, learning about the climates, elevations and winemaking process before we settled in with a tasting. They are rich in their innovative winemaking ways, including their approach to sustainable barrels. We loved learning about the eco-friendly process they are adopting, such as the ceramic eggs, which are much more environmentally friendly than the oak wooden barrels, as they can only be used four times. It was a private tour with another couple from Brazil, with whom we quickly became friends over the tasting. Here in Argentina, a tasting is basically a full glass, so you really enjoy the wines, and at 15% alcohol, you can feel it, too. Our second stop was Bodega Gimenez Riili, a larger group for the wine tour and tasting, but we enjoyed chatting with everyone from different parts of the world. It consisted of a quick time, which suited us just fine as we were getting hungry at this stage (we nearly devoured the BBQ lamb as we strolled on past), followed by another tasting. The wineries here are beautiful; most are set up for slow lunches and relaxing afternoons in the sun overlooking the vineyards, so it is an ideal destination for Wayne & Sal! After about eight glasses, we were ready for lunch. Bodega Andeluna, our third winery, was in a beautiful setting. A table awaited us; we finally relaxed for the afternoon, enjoying divine gourmet food and more delicious wines! Argentine wines are consistently very, very good! We enjoyed the sunshine with some new friends from Argentina, and then we were whisked back to the hotel to get some rest for the following day's tours! Day 14 - Mendoza, Argentina This morning, we dropped one winery to enjoy the beautiful Park Hyatt Mendoza and to start the day with coffee on the terrace; who needs wine at 9 am? Yes, that's coming from me! After a relaxing morning, we were ready for our pickup at 10.45 am to arrive at our first winery, Belasco de Baquedano, for a tour and tasting. Today was about exploring another region only half an hour from Mendoza. Our first winery is Spanish-influenced due to its owner. It was another beautiful winery with miles of vines! Interestingly, the wineries we visited all harvest in March, which is early autumn, providing the grapes with more growing time and higher sugar content. Our tour took us through their winemaking process, and just before the tasting, we entered a large room designed to experience the large array of aromas that you may find in the wines; it was incredible! We have been to our fair share of wineries, and this is the first time we have experienced the joy of scents and learned about the wine culture in such a way! This aroma sensory experience is the largest in the world, and their sister winery in Spain is believed to be the only other with the same experience. We loved it! The aromas sharpened your senses, made you question your instincts, and allowed you to store away in your memory vaults all of the scents that can be discovered in wine. This was followed by a tasting where the girls would challenge us with the aromas of the wines and keep us guessing! We enjoyed the morning and the private tasting, chatting with the young ladies and hearing about their goals and dreams. Our next event was a slow lunch at Bodegas Norton, now owned by Mr Swarovsk, which was the first winery to produce the famous Malbec, which an Englishman then held. We fell in love with the grounds; they were immaculate with the most incredible backdrop of the Andes. The restaurant was exactly what we were hoping for; we quickly settled in and upgraded our lunch to the five-course tasting menu with premium wines; the team were delightful, and the food, wine and views matched. The decor and design were minimalist, the attention to detail was immaculate, the pacing of food was slow, and you were thoroughly provided with the opportunity to enjoy your lunch with wines that showcased the food. Unbeknownst to us, on arrival,l sat behind us through the enormous wooden doors, where all the grapes of the wine fermented, using the latest technology, and all the stainless steel wine vats were sitting. It was a privilege to be offered some exclusive wines only available at the winery, even some still in the design stage; think excellent whites, being Austrian owned they are focusing on producing award-winning Austrian varieties, genuinely unique styles that will broaden the appeal of Argentinian wines. We were also privy to a cleanskin dessert wine, which was perfection. We loved chatting with the lovely, passionate sommelier Martina, who enjoyed it as much as we were. We loved the experience, and a four-hour slow lunch was the perfect ending to our winery journey in Mendoza. Day 15 & 16 - Mendoza, Argentina We took the opportunity to have a few days off from exploring, catch up on work, and ensure we explored the city. Although after a short walk in the 40-degree summer heat, we opted to enjoy lunch, followed by watching the World Cup as Argentina was playing, their energy was infectious, and it was a great experience. We are even starting to like (and semi-understand) this game they call football!! (Yes, I know it's Soccer!) Mendoza needs much more time, and when we return to Argentina, we will give it the time it deserves to fully appreciate and savour the world-class wineries and wines it deserves. It is truly a magical place! Next up is Iguazu Falls and a taste of Brazil, another bucket list adventure in Argentina; we can't wait to share the magic of this destination soon with you all!

Sixt Car Rental We were very impressed with the process of hiring a car with Sixt in Rovinj, Croatia. We booked a BMW X1 and were very surprised when we arrived and received a BMW X4. The vehicle was immaculate, and all pre-existing damage was documented to avoid confusion on drop-off. The process was efficient, and the staff were a pleasure. We also dropped in at a different location, and it was seamless. One thing to be aware of is that they take a large deposit (€1800) from your credit card to cover insurance, but this is refunded a few days after you safely return the car. I recommend using Sixt for your car hire.

For the best views of the Tara River Canyon, visit the ‘Curevac Po'nt’. The Curevac point is a short two-hour Trek (there and back) to its edge, overlooking the Tara River Canyon. Curevac rises steeply above the Tara River at 1,650 meters above sea level. It is considered the “eternal guard" and one of the best viewpoints of the Durmitor area. It is a thirty-minute walk from Nadagora Airbnb.

Zeebrugge & Bruges, Belgium After basking in the charm of La Havre in Northern France as part of our enriching two-week Western Europe Transatlantic voyage aboard the esteemed Celebrity Apex, we were beckoned by the allure of Zeebrugge and Bruges in Belgium. Ah, Bruges – a city that never fails to weave its magic, making each day a truly enchanting experience. Our journey commenced with a brisk walk from the ship in search of an Uber or taxi. However, the popularity of this option among passengers made it clear that pre-booking a driver is the savvy move when you're docked in Zeebrugge, a good 15 kilometres away from the heart of Bruges. After a half-hour stroll revealed the weekend rail closures, our luck with Uber eventually turned, leading us to the delightful Mohammed from Ethiopia, our eventual hero, who ensured our timely return to the ship. Entering the bustling centre square of Bruges, memories flooded back from our 2008 weekend escapades in this charming city. Our gaze caught the horse-drawn carriages, evoking recollections of Cate Blanchett enjoying a similar ride with her children in 2008. With merely 2.5 hours to spare in Bruges, our quest was to craft a memorable day while skirting the tourist masses. Joining the queue, twenty minutes later found ourselves atop a horse carriage, guided by the elegant Ceynode through the bustling streets of the city centre. The horse-drawn carriage experience was indeed magical, a treat for any horse enthusiast like myself. As Ceynode gracefully led us, we absorbed tidbits of city information amidst the resonating echoes of hooves against cobblestones, creating a symphony of historical charm. After a brief rest for Ceynode in a serene corner surrounded by canals and swans, we resumed our clip-clopping journey through narrow streets, ushering tourists aside as we traversed the city's historic paths. Returning to the main square after an enriching 60 Euros experience, we bid adieu to our skilled carriage driver, ready for the next highlight of our adventure. Discovering secluded terraces along the canal, we found solace at Hotel De Orangerie for a tranquil champagne respite, enhanced further by fresh strawberries and exquisite Belgian chocolates, away from the tourist crowds. No Belgian visit is complete without indulging in their famed chocolates. A quick detour to a nearby chocolate shop resulted in a sizeable but worthwhile purchase of these delectable treats. As our time in Bruges drew to a close, the challenge of finding a taxi or Uber for the return journey ensued. Amidst the transport hustle back to the ship, a stroke of luck led us to encounter Mohammed once more, our guardian angel, ensuring a safe return to our vessel. His timely appearance amid our search was truly miraculous, making us deeply grateful for his assistance. Bruges, a true treasure trove, has us already plotting our return for a more extended stay. Considering insights from the hospitable hotel staff, autumn and winter midweek getaways may offer the perfect opportunity to relish the city's beauty with fewer visitors, cozy fires, and vibrant seasonal hues.

Cobh & Cork Navigating rough seas and reaching the shores of Ireland. Ah, the unpredictable seas of the Atlantic Ocean. For those of us who have embarked on a cruise, we know that not every day on the open waters is smooth sailing. Sometimes, the waves can reach daunting heights of about 4 meters, causing a bit of turbulence for the passengers aboard. But for us seasoned cruisers, it's nothing more than a walk in the park. After six eventful days of crossing the Atlantic as part of our two-week Western Europe Transatlantic voyage on Celebrity Apex , we finally arrived at our first port of call: Ireland. Our ship gracefully docked in Cobh, a picturesque seaside town that exudes the charm and spirit of the Irish culture. As we stepped ashore, we couldn't help but appreciate the colourful homes that lined the streets, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Cobh The first port of call was Ireland, and we docked in Cobh, a lovely seaside Irish town where the homes are colourful that line the streets, all nestled around a magnificent church perched up on the hill. The cathedral is one of the tallest buildings in Ireland, standing at 91.4 metres. Cobh is also the last known place the Titanic visited before its sad departure; there was a museum just off the ship, although we didn't get a chance to visit it. After a quiet stroll around Cobh, we were on the very convenient train a few steps from the ship that commuted to and from Cork every half hour for only a €6.90 return. The trip was 20 minutes to Cork and was a scenic commute for all to enjoy; we loved the beautiful little fishing villages and nature scapes as we whizzed by. Cork Arriving in Cork, you have a ten-minute stroll to the city centre by the riverside, where you can roam the streets and enjoy the architecture and beautiful churches scattered around the city as the little rivers and bridges surprise you as you walk. The city centre also has a selection of city walks should you have the time; they would be ideal for unwrapping the city and enjoying the sights thoroughly. Cork is home to the Blarney Castle, where a stone says, 'Whoever kisses, OH! He never misses, to grow eloquent' and Jameson Whiskey, so plenty to keep visitors entertained. With only a few hours, we kept to the city to be back on the ship before departure time. As we sailed towards the UK, we enjoyed a beautiful dinner in our favourite restaurant on the ship, Raw on Five, devouring Japanese and champagne, followed by our first magical sunset for the week.

Plitvice Lakes National Park Croatia has magical lakes and waterfalls; it was utterly mesmerising, the vivid colours and raw nature walk through the Park. We were overwhelmed by the crystal clear waters and exceptionally well-maintained Park. They have well-planned walks for everyone, from an excellent relaxed trek lasting 2 hours to a more expert level all day. We opted for the 2-3 hour walk, and it was perfect for enjoying the wonderful Park, a short boat ride and a stroll with magnificent views of the magical lakes and waterfalls. Once you are finished, a shuttle bus will wait to return you to the entrance, where you will have a short walk back to the car park. We chose ' Program E ' for Easy:-) It starts at the southern entrance to the Park ("Entrance 2"). The tour is circular and includes the area of ​​"Upper Lakes". The program includes a short boat ride across Lake "Kozjak" and a walk upstream to Prošćansko Lake. Return to the starting point is by panoramic train. Experience the idyllic beauty of the peaceful and spacious "Upper Lakes" with wooded shores and their most attractive waterfalls ", Veliki" and "Mali prštavcima", as well as many smaller waterfalls. Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia's oldest and largest national parks; 1979 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Register. The National Park was founded in 1949 and is in the mountainous karst area of central Croatia, at the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The important north-south road that passes through the national park area connects the Croatian inland with the Adriatic coastal region. The protected area extends over 296.85 square kilometres (73,350 acres). About 90% of this area is Lika-Senj County, while the remaining 10% is Karlovac County. The National Park is world-famous for its lakes arranged in cascades. Sixteen lakes can be seen from the surface. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The colours change frequently depending on the number of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight.

Das Boot Jazz&Beer Bar - One visit An excellent cafe/bar nestled in a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of the old city centre of Belgrade. The staff are super friendly, attentive and helpful. Laptops are permitted, so it is an excellent place for nomads and the like to spend their mornings. The coffee was great, and the fresh OJ was delicious; it would also be perfect for afternoon drinks and evenings to enjoy live music. It was a great spot, outdoor dining space under the trees, and peaceful.

Fontana Slavija - One Month This beautiful apartment is even better than the pictures; it is spacious and full of natural sunlight. It is an excellent location; you are on the doorstep of many beautiful bars and restaurants. Saint Sava is less than a 10-minute walk, and the city is a 20-minute stroll. You are spoiled with a large bathroom with a separate bath and shower, you are only one flight of stairs up to the apartment, and the Wi-Fi is high-speed. The kitchen is small but practical and fully equipped to dine at home. This is a perfect apartment for an extended stay. The only downside is that there is no washing machine, but the lovely host, Nenad, can organise your laundry to be picked up and delivered within 24 hours.

KNEZ SIMA Luxury Apartment with Balcony - Five nights This home is an upscale and immaculate Airbnb located in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia. From the moment you walk up the one flight of beautifully decorated stairs, you know you will be in for a memorable stay. Upon opening the door, you are greeted with a spacious sun-filled home recently restored to perfection. Not a piece of Ikea furniture to be. Instead, think clean and modern with beautiful walls that are exquisitely decorated. The attention to detail is simply a sight to behold. The Airbnb is oversized, from a separate work area and drawing room to a beautiful full kitchen and expansive lounge. The balcony is perfect for sitting outside and enjoying wine while watching the sunset. Everything is lovingly decorated with just the right amount of style. The location is ideal for a base for short or, preferably, long-term stays. Two toilets and a laundry closet with the latest model washer/dryer. We rarely experience this level of quality and attention to detail throughout our travels. You have an Italian restaurant that creates some award-winning pizzas on your doorstep, and the corner shop 100 metres away allows you to self-categorize easily. You would not be disappointed in staying in this Airbnb; it ticks all the boxes: sunlit, loads of space, livable, quality appliances and finishes, and a balcony. Most importantly, it is a central location to explore beautiful Belgrade. Natalija, your host, is an absolute pleasure to communicate with, very responsive and accommodating.

Lux Apartment near Kalemegdan - Two nights An excellent apartment, it is full of natural light and located in a great pocket of the city of Belgrade. There is a spacious lounge and dining area, with a fully equipped kitchen; you won't need anything; it truly feels like someone's home. Well-designed with comfortable and modern furniture, the bedroom was a little small, and the blinds were not blackout, so your sleep quality might be interrupted if you are sensitive to light. We experienced an enjoyable stay and wished it was available longer to explore the area. It was full of cafes, restaurants, and shops on your doorstep. It feels like you are in your village in the city. Boris, our host, was an absolute delight, effortless to communicate with and ensured your stay was perfect. I recommend this apartment, especially for the location and natural light.