Thanks for the Memories, Art and Carol

Nine time clients Art and Carol from New Jersey were going through some photos from their trips (and they take many, many photos!) and Art was thoughtful enough to send a few our way recently. These intrepid travelers live our philosophy of “Stop Dreaming and Start Doing,” and even though they’ve had to take a […]

European Focus Private Tours Are THE Original

May 12, 2016 We’re flattered! Copycat companies are springing up to try and duplicate our concept of private, customized tours for as few as one person (seriously) up to family or friends’ groups of 10. James Derheim started this concept in 1989 and it grew and grew to the point where we have just completed […]

Along the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Along the Camino de Santiago Off the Beaten Track France & Spain A wonderful trip for the true history buff. We delve deeply into the history of the pilgrimage route from France to far western Spain and the burial place of Saint James. We last did this trip with a couple in May, 2014. Please […]

Solar Power Revolution in Spain

May 30 YES solar power has potential to cure many of our planet’s energy problems and keep CO2 out of our atmosphere. A revolutionary power system near Seville, Spain harnesses the power of the sun to liquefy (boil) salt. That boiling salt is then used to turn water into steam, which powers turbines, creating electricity. […]

The Speed of Europe

May 29 Germany moves at about 80 mph Italy at around 110 mph Spain at around 40 mph and that suits us just fine. Come to Spain. Not enough Americans do. We want to change that.

The Mezquita of Cordoba, Spain

May 29 There are few words to describe the amazing Mezquita of Cordoba, Spain. We spent more than an hour wandering inside the massive structure, which is clearly visible from our luxury boutique hotel located just a half minute’s walk from the walls of the former mosque. The structure goes back to Visigothic times when […]

The Roman Bridge and Old Town of Chaves, Portugal

August 17 – from a trip to this region in May Signs of the extent of the Roman Empire are everywhere in Portugal. We took a daytrip from our country inn in the Douro River Valley to the pleasant little town of Chaves to find out more. The town of Chaves has been inhabited since […]