Keep Traveling or the Terrorists Win

November 20, 2015 The recent events in Paris and also the bringing down of the Russian airplane full of tourists returning home from a holiday in Egypt has the world rattled, and rightly so. These events are horrible to contemplate. The wreckage left behind cannot be calculated. But the wreckage to come will only be […]

Where Do You Want To Go Next?

October 2, 2015 James just finished a very unique trip with a mother and her 29 year-old son from near Boise, Idaho. When asked where in the world he wanted to go, young Andrew said he wanted to experience the Alps and some of Southern Germany. We worked together on an itinerary which fit in […]

The Ancient Castle of Runkel, Germany

August 9, 2015 While on an ancestral discovery trip to nearby Oberursel, our guest Steffani from near Atlanta, Georgia had the opportunity to conquer her fear of heights AND explore an ancient medieval castle all at the same time. It was a bright and gorgeous July day when guide James Derheim offered a day trip […]

The Sacristy of the Augustinian Monastery at Vorau, Austria

June 23, 2015 With almost a divine intervention, the beautiful sacristy of the Augustinian Monastery was spared the destruction of Soviet bombing late in the Second World War. The ceiling frescoes were painted by artist J.C. Hackhofer during 1716. He and the other artists in his workshop did the Last Judgment and also the Last […]

The Library of the Augustinian Monastery at Vorau, Austria

June 23, 2015 We have been spending the last two weeks with three clients from Texas who have more than just a casual interest in history, philosophy, art and literature. So it was a natural to make a stop at the Vorau Augustinian Monastery at Vorau, about an hour and a half south of Vienna. […]

Off Limits Cities for July and August

June 4, 2015 This came up recently while discussing a potential future trip with a family from Canada. European Focus no longer takes guests to the following “Red Zone” cities and areas from mid-July through end of August: London Amsterdam Berlin Paris The South of France Italy (all of Italy) Portugal Spain Why? Because of […]

Strong Dollar and High Demand Equal Incredible Year Ahead

March 17, 2015 A dollar that is reaching a strength not seen since 2002 has created a tidal wave of bookings lately, packing our calendar with exciting trips including one just booked, 33 days with a couple of first-time travelers from Texas who will explore many areas of Europe with Jenean this spring. Another tour […]

Tours Ahead in 2015

Updated March 26, 2015 Another exciting year lies ahead for European Focus Private Tours, with (so far) twelve custom-designed tours booked for the season, which begins in April. Here’s an example of what we’re doing with our clients this year: April 19-26 Ireland A family of four from South Carolina and Louisiana arrive in Dublin […]