I took the above photo while I was in Oia on Santorini island in Greece eating a meatless dinner.

First of all I want to say I am not trying to talk down to people who eat meat or convince everyone who reads this to become a vegetarian tomorrow.  Maybe a few people will start thinking about becoming a vegetarian one day or eat less meat such as trying "Meatless Mondays".

This post is just a look back at my travels during 2015.  I chose my top five trips and a few of my personal favorite photos.  I do believe that Oahu and Vermont made the list only partially because I have friends there and that tends to make vacations more fun!  I will say that Bora Bora / French Polynesia were at the top of my bucket list and I finally made it in February and March 2015.

Lake Garda,  Italy

Ko Olina Oahu Hawaii

Curacao

Burlington, Vermont

Bora Bora - French Polynesia

 Sorry this is a photo only post.  If you've been following along you've probably seen these photos already.  Thank you for the visit.  Happy new year to all and I hope 2016 is your best year yet! 

~Michelle

I really want to give a nice review to a wonderful hotel I stayed at in Lake Garda.  this hotel is in the area of Sirmione and is called the Hotel Olivi Thermae and Natural Spa.  The views from the rooms were spectacular of the lake and I could see the Scaliger Castle  as well. 

Some of the best things about this hotel where the people who worked.  The employee who worked at the reception desk helped me book my trip to Isola del Garda.  The employees went out of their way to make sure I  was having a good time and was comfortable.  They brought me champagne on my first day as a welcoming gift.  I regret that I didn't take a photo of their presentation on a silver platter.  I decided to not accept as I rarely drink and wanted someone else to enjoy the nice gift. 

The breakfast buffet was spectacular and on Sunday morning they had a piano player who played so beautifully that it brought tears to my eyes.  I would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Lake Garda.  I will share some photos of this beautiful hotel.  As you can tell from the name there is a spa which I did not use but many other customers said it was spectacular. 

Thank you Hotel Olivi Thermae and Natural Spa for a wonderful stay and vacation!

Here is a view from my balcony at dusk:

There were many beautiful and healthy looking fruit trees growing on the hotel grounds
There were mature grapes all over the premises!

There was a gorgeous outdoor dining area:

The view of the sunsets over the lake were spectacular:

Here are a couple of photos of yours truly.  I'm standing on my personal balcony.  As you can see the pool area is very spacious and attractive.  There is a restaurant that serves a full menu and drinks all day.
You could easily see Scaliger Castle from my balcony:

Here area few photos of the lovely town of Sirmione which is a just a few minutes walk from the hotel:

The spectacular Scaliger Castle was only a 10 minute walk away as well:

One night when I was eating at this hotel's restaurant I told the waiter I was thinking about ordering dessert.  I didn't have to order anything as they surprised me with this lovely array of delicious confections!

I will leave you with my personal favorite view from my balcony.  It is a photo of the ferry (that runs throughout the day) returning to Sirmione at sunset.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Please feel free to leave any comments or questions.  Have a great week everyone!

~Michelle

Visiting Isola del Garda was one of the highlights of my trip to Lake Garda in Italy.  The Villa was one of the most gorgeous structures I had ever seen as it literally took my breath away!   It was explained to us during the tour that the villa's architecture and landscaping were planned together which is why the property is so grand.   If the two didn't have each other they might not be as beautiful as they are.

The entire tour of Isola del Garda takes about three hours as guests are taken by boat to the island which takes about a half hour.  The guided tour takes about two hours and includes some wine and snacks on one of the balconies.  You can visit this beautiful villa between April and October the cost is between 25 and €30 depending on what area of the lake you are picked up on.  The trip takes about three hours including a two hour tour of the property. Guests are allowed to take photos outside just not inside the villa. 

This property is also available for use during weddings and other important events the contact information is here:  Contact Information.

Below is one of the gorgeous gardens which are everywhere on the property.

Yours truly in front of the villa:
The tower is one of the most impressive parts of the villa:
There are some very healthy fruit trees surrounding the property:

Here is the ceiling above one of the balconys on the outside of the villa.  This is the area where we had a snack with wine or other drink:

Here is a children's play house in the backyard:

I saw this beautiful sailboat while on the tour:
I will leave you with a photo of another guest who made the tour just a little more fun!


Have you ever visited a property that took your breath away the way this one did me?  If so, please tell me about it.   Thank you very much for stopping by my blog.  Please feel free to leave any comments or questions.   Have a great week!

~Michelle

The building of Scaliger Castle started in the late thirteenth century.  It can be seen from all over Sirmione on Lake Garda.  I visited the castle and loved the beautiful and picturesque views from the top in spite of the 140 steps up it takes to get there!  The above photo was taken from the top of the castle.  It only costs 4 euros per person to enter and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 

There are so many nice restaurants, bars, and coffee shops overlooking the lake right outside the door of the castle.

I took the below photo as I was approaching Scaliger Castle from one of the narrow cobblestone streets of Sirmione.
Another  two views from the top:

There is a beach and long walkway along the lake when you exit the castle:
There are many swans and ducks swimming in the moat outside the castle:
I loved this sign beside the castle.  I haven't been able to find any information on why it was placed there.

A few views of the outside of the castle:

Here is a view of the castle from my hotel at sunset:
 
Views of the colorful town of Sirmione from outside the castle walls:

Here is a doorway and well inside the castle walls:
The walkway along Lake Garda outside the castle:
Have you visited any castles?  If so, which was your favorite and why?

Thank you for stopping by my page.  I enjoy reading your comments and try to respond quickly to any questions.  I hope you all have a great week!

~Michelle