Warwick Castle :: Warwickshire, England

The amazing Warwick Castle is England’s finest medieval castle and for nine centuries was at the heart of British history. Originally built in 1068 to keep people out, today the castle is England’s second most visited castle behind only Windsor. The fortress was used as a defensive fortification until the early 17th century when Sir Fulke Greville converted the property into a country home. Throughout the years the castle has undergone various structural changes including being rebuilt in stone during Henry II, additional towers added and redesigned residential buildings. Did we also mention that it’s haunted? Read more

Grand Hotel Europe :: St. Petersburg, Russia

Imagine you are in one of the world’s most beautiful cities surrounded by delicious culinary delights, its own unique culture, art, music and historical landmarks accented with 24 carat gold and the finest most distinct architecture of anywhere on the planet. You might say Paris, or Florence or Vienna but you would be mistaken! This wondrous city is called St. Petersburg, Russia. The place is The Orient-Express Grand Hotel Europe. Read more

Ray Murphy’s Chainsaw Show :: Hancock, Maine

Who was in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” trivia game in 1984? That would be Ray Murphy creator of Chainsaw Art. In 1952 he started by sawing names and messages to his brother using his fathers chainsaw. From there he went on to use a chainsaw in ways that none of us have ever thought of or would attempt without fear of losing a limb, creating animals the size of a dime and smaller. Read more

Castillo de San Marcos :: St. Augustine, Florida

Arguably the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida is home to some of the oldest buildings in the country. Among these is one incredibly cool and interesting Spanish fort. Construction started on the Castillo de San Marcos in 1672 on the instruction of the Queen of Spain after several wooden forts that originally stood there had been continually sacked. This new fort was made of a unique local stone called coquina. Similar to limestone, it insured that this fortification would endure any future barrage. After 23 years, this magnificent masonry star fort was completed and ready to defend the Spanish territory in the New World. Read more

Hotel Cipriani :: Venice, Italy

You awake to the sound of water gently lapping at the shore beneath your hotel. You hear the melodic sounds of song from gondoliers as they whisk gently by and then you savor the smells of ancient Venice. You are at the Hotel Cipriani! The Hotel Cipriani and Palazzo Vendramin in Venice is part of The Orient Express luxury line and lives up to its reputation for luxury in every sense of the word! The hotel is located on its own private island, Giudecca Island, and is only a motor launch ride of five minutes to St. Marks Square, the heart of Venice. Hotel Cipriani and Palazzo Vendramin is a world apart from other upscale vacation packages in that it offers a way of life! La Dolce Vita is that way of life and it is incorporated into every aspect of service to make your stay with them exemplary. Read more