Travel Review: Luxury European Tour, Belgium, Austria, Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Hungary, Spain

The private villa on the Greek island of Naxos was divine. It was well maintained, had a private pool and was close to miles of sandy beach. The owner was very attentive to our needs and the maid service  was extraordinary. Very friendly people and excellent food in the local towns. It was a great place to decompress after a long winter.

The hotel in Budapest was stunning. Perhaps the most beautiful hotel we stayed in. It is also located right at the chain bridge which is central to all the Buda and Pest side venues. The concierge recommended a dinner cruise on a small newly remodeled yacht. The menu is taken from the best restaurants in the Hungary. The chef meets each restaurant that contributes to the menu to learn their signature dishes. All local and fresh ingredients. It was an amazing experience with exceptional food, beautiful scenery and a great staff.

Prague was of course amazing and we loved everything about it, but we had  uniquely European experience in Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic that was unforgettable. Karlovy Vary is a well known spa town with natural mineral springs and "healing" waters. We strolled through the picturesque village with our specially designed cup, tasting the waters from the different springs and learning about the properties they are said to possess. Then a wonderful day in the gym, spa and pool to relax and rejuvenate followed by a spectacular meal. A wonderful way to take an intermission during a long trip.

The hotel in Paris was also exceptional. The rooms were creatively decorated, spacious and well appointed. Ours was reminiscent of Charlie Chaplain with bolder hat lights and canes decorating the walls. The tranquil surroundings made you think you were in the countryside yet it was very near the Arch de Triumph and Champs Elysees. It also had great Metro access that took you right to the Bohemian district. We also took a dinner cruise on the Seine which was another exceptional gastronomic and visual experience.

Brussels has always been one of my favorite cities and we were determined to visit despite the concerns about recent events. The city is still as beautiful and unique as ever and of course the Belgium food is exceptional. High quality ingredients, French cooking influence with German portions. We arrived by train and left by plane and felt safe and secure the entire time. Despite the damage to the airport, they have done an excellent job adapting and making it as simple as possible to make a flight.

Finally I would mention our visits to Madrid, Toledo and Barcelona. Toledo was perhaps the highlight of the visit in Spain. We had an excellent guide to take us through this unique, ancient medieval city with narrow streets and amazing shops, restaurants and architecture. The Tapas tour that our travel agency arranged in Madrid was fabulous and really gave us a flavor for the food and culture of the area. Barcelona was also a treat, especially seeing the Gaudi designed buildings and churches. In the end we have resolved to return to Spain and spend more time in this fabulous country.