Sample Itineraries

The Perfect 72hrs in Bermuda

Credit: Gavin Howarth and TABS

If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from the East Coast or a close-to-home cruise, Bermuda has it all. Beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, aquatic adventures, romance and family fun. Check out this 3 day itinerary filled with the highlights of Bermuda.

Day 1: Friday

BEACHES, CULTURE & COCKTAILS

BERMY BUZZ: ROCK ISLAND COFFEE

Kick-start the weekend with a trip to Rock Island Coffee, which serves the only locally roasted coffee in Bermuda. It’s served alongside treats like scones, muffins and biscotti made in-house by Kerry Petty. Be sure to check out the colourful Bermudian art that lines the walls.

PRETTY IN PINK: BERMUDA’S BEST BEACHES

Bermuda is home to some of the world’s greatest beaches, so you’ll definitely want to sink your toes in the legendary pink sand. Horseshoe Bay Beach (one of USA Today’s Best Caribbean Beaches) is one of the most popular choices. If you’re in search of something a little more secluded, head to Jobson’s Cove, a photogenic sliver of pink and blue framed by steep, jagged cliffs.

GASTRO GRUB: TRIBE ROAD KITCHEN

This local favourite in Hamilton blends classic island flavours with modern kitchen creativity. Chef/co-owner Karsten Krivenko studied at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America before returning to her native Bermuda. For lunch at Tribe Road Kitchen, try the Fidel Gastro, a Cuban-press grilled-cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread that’s filled with roast pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, thinly sliced smoked ham and spicy mustard.

HISTORY AROUND EVERY CORNER: THE TOWN OF ST. GEORGE

Founded in 1612, the Town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest continually inhabited English settlement in the New World. There’s history down every street, and in each pastel-hued house. Attractions include St. Peter’s Church, a circa-1612 house of worship, and Fort St. Catherine, one of Bermuda’s most formidable fortresses.

FRIDAY NIGHTS: PICK YOUR PARTY

Bermuda does weekend nights right, no matter the season. Set sail on a sunset cruise aboard an elegant ÜberVida celebration yacht, or kick off your shoes and cozy up to a beach bonfire at Tobacco Bay. During the summer, you might soak up a spectacular sunset, cocktail in hand, at Marina Nights, an enticing dockside happy hour at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. You could also enjoy the warm night air at Elbow Beach’s Friday night Big Chill, which features sushi, tapas and cocktails, plus a DJ. Whatever you decide, it’ll be a fitting finale to your first day in Bermuda.

Day 2: Saturday

MAKING A SPLASH & SIPPING TEA

GOOD MORNING: THE CODFISH BREAKFAST

On weekend mornings, locals all over the island sit down for a hearty, classic codfish breakfast. It’s a heaping plateful of boiled or steamed salt cod with boiled potatoes, onions and sliced bananas topped off with a hard-boiled egg and, occasionally, avocado slices. You may want to skip lunch after this big Bermudian meal.

GET WET: AQUATIC ADVENTURES

The sparkling turquoise ocean that surrounds Bermuda isn’t just mesmerizing to look at – the island is a serious sport fishing destination, with waters filled with big-game catches like marlin, tuna and wahoo. A jet-ski tour around the island is an automatic adrenaline rush, as you zoom across the blue to secluded beaches, hidden coves and sunken ships. Speaking of sunken ships, Bermuda is a magical undersea playground for divers. Go beneath the waves to explore such amazing shipwrecks as The Constellation, which was the basis for Jaws author Peter Benchley’s The Deep.

HISTORIC HUB: THE ROYAL NAVAL DOCKYARD

Once known as the Gibraltar of the West, the Royal Naval Dockyard was a symbol of Royal Naval might in the Western Atlantic for more than 150 years. You could spend a whole day exploring here. Dive into maritime history at the National Museum of Bermuda and Bermuda Maritime Museum or head to the Clocktower Mall to browse shops and boutiques. For lunch, try the Frog & Onion, a classic British-style pub that’s also Bermuda’s only craft brewery.

ROYAL TEA: TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA

Bermuda hits “pause” every day for that oh-so-British activity, traditional afternoon tea. One of the most popular spots for tea time is the Crown & Anchor at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. The restaurant, overlooking picturesque landscaped gardens, puts a modern spin on this favorite pastime. The presentation is impeccable, with servers offering tiered, three-foot-high silver trays filled with homemade pastries and steaming pots in a bright and airy setting.

BERMUDA HITS “PAUSE” EVERY DAY FOR THAT OH-SO-BRITISH ACTIVITY, TRADITIONAL afternoon tea.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: FRONT STREET NIGHTLIFE

Enjoy Bermuda’s thriving nightlife with music and dancing at island hot spots, many of them on Hamilton’s jewel-toned main drag, Front Street. Grab a Dark ‘n Stormy® – one of the island’s signature drinks – and mingle with locals at the Bermuda Bistro at the Beach. Or dance the night away at the Cosmopolitan Ultra Lounge & Nightclub, where the indoor/outdoor dance floor and bar attracts the island’s most stylish souls.

Day 3: Sunday

HIDDEN GEMS

BEACHSIDE BRUNCH: OCEAN ECHO

Sleep in and then head to The Reefs Resort & Club, where the open-air terrace at Ocean Echo will let you savour the first meal of the day while taking in spectacular views of pink sands, blue sky and shimmering sea. We’re willing to bet your Eggs Benedict never tasted so good.

RIDE THE RAILS: THE BERMUDA RAILWAY TRAIL

Spend the rest of the morning taking a cycle ride filled with island history and rich, flora-filled landscapes. The 18-mile Railway Trail is named for the transit route that once wrapped around the island. Today, it’s the perfect cycling adventure, leading you to intimate beaches, panoramic ocean views and remnants of the past like an old drawbridge.

JUNGLE TREK: HIDDEN GEMS ECO-TOUR

Discover Bermuda’s very own jungle. The Hidden Gems Nature Hike takes you deep into the heart of the Walsingham Nature Reserve (Tom Moore’s Jungle to locals). You’ll hike through lush green trails, swim in gorgeous blue waters and explore subterranean caves. Afterwards, climb the steps to the top of St. David’s Lighthouse for a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view of the island. Top it off with a trip to Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve for snorkelling and relaxing on the beach.

THE WORLD’S FINEST FISH SANDWICH: ART MEL’S SPICY DICY

It’s served all over the world, but in Bermuda, the fish sandwich is a national obsession. Opinions vary, but many say that the island’s best can be found at Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy. With their off-the-beaten-path location – in the City of Hamilton – this take-away joint is the definition of a hidden gem. (Tip: Grab a cab – it can be tricky to find). Their beloved (and big) sandwich’s fresh snapper is flash-fried in soybean oil, making it taste incredibly light.

[Repost from GoToBermuda.com]

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France for Foodies

Nowhere else in the world is food more revered than in France, which is why it rates very high on every foodie’s bucket list. In fact, when Travel + Leisure released its “World’s Best Awards” Paris and Bordeaux were listed among the “Top 10 International Cities for Food”.

PARIS

Start off by staying in the “City of Lights”, known for its tempting pastry shops. From chocolate croissants and eclairs to napoleaons and macaroons, you’ll be set. Take a 3-hour cooking class, where you will learn to make delicious macaroons.

LOIRE VALLEY

Next, visit the “Garden of France”, where castles and fairy-tale landscapes exist. Rolling hills give way to fragrant vineyards and lush lawns are peppered with chateaux. Explore many of the wineries around the valley before settling in for the night in a romantic Chateau.

BORDEAUX

End your trip in the world-renowned vineyards of Bordeaux. Begin on the right bank region for an intimate wine tasting, then take a walking tour of Old World town, where you can explore Romanesque ruins and local wineries. End with a sampling of wine in one of the village cellars.

Sample program is 10 days/ 8 nights from $1899 per person staying in charming boutique hotels.

Let us tailor an itinerary to match your individual interests and tastes! Contact me today for more information.

Spain for Foodies

A mix of lively nightlife, fresh seafood and endless tapas create the ultimate culinary experience in Spain. Get the best of the flavors by visiting Madrid, San Sebastian, and Barcelona.

MADRID

Start off by staying in Madrid, where the history of the city can be tasted in the casual gathering known as tapeo. From rich, local cheeses and meats to refreshing gazpacho, enjoy the city’s humble, tasty tapas. Take a half-day Authentic Tapas Walking Tour, and experience the city’s favorite local spots.

SAN SEBASTIAN

Next, travel to a small Basque town, San Sebastian, considered to be one of the world’s great food cities. Explore the culture and hospitality with a pintxos tapas tour, and taste a range of traditional rustic bites to petite servings of gourmet dishes.

BARCELONA

Finish in Barcelona and discover an ethnic enclave with its own language, traditions and flavors. Stay in a traditional country manor, where you can learn how to make cava and sample from the home’s barrel cellar. Then, take a tour of Oller del Mas Castle

Sample program is 8 days/ 7 nights from $1499 per person staying in charming boutique hotels.

Let us tailor an itinerary to match your individual interests and tastes! Contact me today for more information.

Italy for Foodies

Discover why Italy is one of the food capitals of the world. From mouth-watering gelato to classic Chianti wine, Italy has an array of flavors for any taste.

ROME

Begin with traditional Roman cuisine, steeped with ancient recipes. Begin with espresso and a scoop of gelato, and top it off with a walking tour, which takes you to coffee shops, gelaterias, and the most famous spot for tiramisu in the city center.

TUSCANY

Leave the hustle and bustle for the Tuscan countryside, where you can enjoy a leisurely stay in the heart of wine country. Tour the Relais Corte dei Papi, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. Then, take the cooking class the villa offers, to make bruschetta, handmade pasta, bread soup, Florentine beef and dessert.

FLORENCE

Finally, wander to the birthplace of the Renaissance and savor the region’s cuisine during a night of dinner and music. Enjoy the hearty comfort food of Florence in a taverna, then walk the cobblestone streets to the Anglican Church for a concert of Neapolitan songs from the operas of great Italian composers.

Sample program is 8 days/ 7 nights from $1599 per person staying in charming boutique hotels. Or if you prefer to travel in a group, ask us about our food & wine themed group tours and villa rentals!

Let us tailor an itinerary to match your individual interests and tastes! Contact me today for more information.

A Week in London & Paris from $1475

Traveling to London and Paris for the first time will open your eyes to the splendors of Europe. See London’s most famous landmarks on a guided sightseeing tour before traveling to sparkling Paris.

Oscar and Felix. Lavern and Shirley. Batman and Robin. Few things go together like London and Paris. And no one pairs them quite like Monograms. On this all-in-one 7-day package, we’ve arranged your hotel reservations, sightseeing, transportation, daily breakfasts and connection between cities. Plus a one-of-a-kind feature is our Monograms Local Host®, there for you in both cities throughout your stays, ensuring everything runs smoothly and you get the most of your trip.

Your vacation starts the moment you arrive, as we can seamlessly get you from baggage claim to your selected hotel. There, you’ll meet your Local Host, who will provide a welcome greeting and a set of materials to help you get settled and personalize your vacation. The next morning, after your included breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel for your exclusive Monograms sightseeing, a half-day excursion with an expert local guide. You’ll hear the inside story of must-see sights like Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace in London, as well as arranging perfect timing to see the changing of the guard and an inside visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. In Paris, we include inside visits to Notre Dame and the Louvre (Louvre replaced with Seine cruise on Tuesdays). And never fear—we’ve scouted the city’s best vantage point to view the Eiffel Tower. Each of your inside visits include our exclusive VIP access, so you skip the lines. After all, why not spend your time inside the attraction rather than outside with the tourists? And on the third day in each city, choose to explore on your own (with our Local Host support, of course), or take advantage of one of over 60 special activities & excursions to suit your interests. Prime seats to a West End show, perhaps?

And did we mention that we’ve included tickets on the high-speed Eurostar train? It’s the best way to get from London to Paris. With all the time you’ve saved and you’re one happy traveler!

Your Itinerary

Day 1 London, England
Welcome to London! Your Local Hosts will help you maximize your stay in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Day 2 London
Morning guided sightseeing and orientation includes all of London’s famous landmarks. Drive past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married; Whitehall’s mounted horseguards; the Prime Minister’s Downing Street; and Piccadilly Circus. Take photographs of the London Eye, the giant Ferris wheel situated on the river bank, and the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe. Visit ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL (except on Sundays). Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece with its world-famous dome is an iconic feature of London’s skyline, and the awe–inspiring interior holds fascinating stories about its history. The final highlight is the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard (if held) at Buckingham Palace.

Day 3 London
Your Local Hosts will have interesting suggestions for your day at leisure—a visit to the Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms, the secret underground headquarters during World War II, or to the Wimbledon Lawn & Tennis Museum. Later, why not enjoy an acclaimed West End show?

Day 4 London–Paris, France
Travel to Paris by HIGH-SPEED EUROSTAR TRAIN.

Day 5 Paris
Morning guided sightseeing and orientation takes you to NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, where Napoleon was crowned emperor in 1804, to admire its amazing 13th-century, stained-glass Rose Window. Pass the Latin Quarter, Les Invalides, the Opéra, Place de la Concorde, and Arc de Triomphe. Drive by the Seine River with its beautiful bridges, and along the fashionable Champs–Elysées. Stop to take photos of the iconic Eiffel Tower from one of the best panoramic viewing points. Also enter the world’s most visited museum, THE LOUVRE, with its modern glass pyramid, to see Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and other treasures (Louvre replaced with Seine cruise on Tuesdays).

Day 6 Paris
During your day at leisure in the “City of Light,” your Local Host can offer many ideas, like a visit to a local food market and cooking lesson; where to taste exquisite French hot chocolate; a trip to Louis XIV’s Versailles; or a walking route through Père Lachaise Cemetery with its tombs of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Chopin.

Day 7 Paris
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

2016 prices and itineraries are subject to change.

Contact me today for complete details