If you came along for leg one of our epic Michigan fall road trip, you know that we explored mainland Michigan, affectionately known by locals as “the Mitten.” Today our Michigan road trip takes us to the Upper Peninsula, known to locals as “the U.P.” The Upper Peninsula is a wilderness wonderland, with spectacular natural scenery everywhere you look. It’s also well-endowed with history. In this tour, we’ll cover both types of attractions in the U.P.!
Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point
Sault Ste. Marie and Paradise/Whitefish Point
Start your U.P. portion of your Michigan road trip in Sault Ste. Marie, where you can watch the spectacle of the Soo Locks. Then make your way to Whitefish Point, where you can explore the U.P.’s fascinating history at the Shipwreck Museum. Browse through the museum to see artifacts of Michigan’s seafaring history. The curators here have done a brilliant job of telling Michigan’s story in an engaging and interesting way. This is no stale museum! Then tour the historic lighthouse on site, well staged to take you back in time. Take a peek at the museum shop – there’s a good assortment of treasures here. And before you head out, dip your toes in Lake Superior, right outside! The nearby town of Paradise is a potential stop for dinner or an overnight stay.
Tahquamenon Falls
Tahquamenon Falls
No visit to the U.P. is complete without what is, at least in my opinion, the most spectacular natural site of all. That is the powerful and breathtaking Tahquamenon Falls in Paradise. Give yourself plenty of time to stroll or hike here. There are hiking paths as well as a boardwalk around the area for easy walking that allows you to get multiple views of this spectacular sight! Some steep stairs that get you up close and personal with the falls may be intimidating to some. But it’s your choice whether to navigate them or not. You can get amazing views either way! The brownish color of the water is due to the copper content. The rocks and soils are rich with minerals up here in the U.P., especially copper.
Pictured Rocks
Munising and Pictured Rocks
The charming town of Munising, and in particular Pictured Rocks, is second on my list of must-see sights in the U.P. during your Michigan road trip. This town itself is cute and quaint: your quintessential Norman Rockwell “Main Street.” It’s also a great town to pick up a Pasty. That’s a U.P. specialty: a kind of meat pie you can enjoy with your hands for a snack, or order on a plate loaded up with gravy for dinner. Poutine is popular here too – a dish my Canadian friends are likely to recognize, with french fries, cheese curd, and gravy. But the best reason to visit Munising are the Pictured Rocks. You can take a cruise to see the rocks here, or rent a kayak and head out on your own. Here you’ll see pine trees growing out of sheer rock walls, spectacularly striped-with-color rocks, and fascinating rock formations! This is a seasonal attraction available spring through fall only.
Interesting tree in Calumet…
Mining Town of Calumet
Calumet is famous for its mining heritage, and you can check out the Mining Museum here to learn more. It’s also another nice quaint little town, with a giant train track snowplow and some…. interesting architecture… Take a drive down some of the side streets and you’ll see what I mean – like the house in the photo above. Start your visit here at the National Park Service’s information center at the Keweenaw National Historic Park. There are many interesting artifacts here on view for free, and you can talk with the park rangers about the things to see not only in Calumet but the surrounding Keweenaw area. The Hungarian Falls, a few minutes from Calumet, for example, provides an excellent scenic detour.
Copper Harbor Lighthouse
Copper Harbor
The town of Copper Harbor is another highlight of any Michigan road trip. There’s an abundance of activities to enjoy here, and I recommend staying at least one night, if not more. Brockway Mountain is a good place to start! You can drive your car to the top of the mountain for spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. (As you can probably imagine, the views during the fall season are particularly impressive!) After getting your bearings on top of the mountain, head back down and head for Manganese Falls and Montreal Falls, and perhaps go for a hike. Check out the iconic Copper Harbor Lighthouse. And then head on over to Fort Wilkins Historic State Park to see an old fort complex from 1844, during the Copper Rush. If you really want to get away from it all, you can take a ferry from Copper Harbor to the United State’s least-visited National Park, Isle Royale National Park. It’s remote, on an island off the U.P., not accessible by car. Facilities on the island are limited, so making reservations ahead is a must.
More Michigan Road Trip!
If you missed Part One of this road trip, the “Mitten,” or mainland Michigan, you can read it here: EPIC Michigan Road Trip Part 1.
Another great resource for planning the ultimate Michigan vacation is Pure Michigan, the official tourist site for the State of Michigan.
And be sure to visit my YouTube channel to see the full video tour of the road trip itinerary, including maps! Thanks for reading! Be sure to leave a comment below – have visited Michigan? Would you be interested in planning a trip there now?
Aerial view of american countryside landscape. Farm, red barn, cows. Rural scenery, farmland. Sunny morning, spring summer season
The Ultimate Fall Michigan Road Trip!
Fall is by far the BEST Time of year to take a road trip in Michigan! The apples are ripe at the orchards, the weather is cool and comfortable, and the leaves on the trees are starting to burst with vibrant color. It is truly a sight to behold, and there’s so much to do on your adventure! (Please note that this post is NOT sponsored by any of the places mentioned here. I just really enjoyed them and wanted to share my experience!) Welcome to Part 1 of my two part blog post on my epic Michigan fall road trip itinerary. I have a full video tour of the trip here, with maps!:
EPIC Michigan Fall Road Trip on Ultimate Travel Adventures on YouTubeCrane’s Orchard
Apple Picking Pleasures in Fennville!
We start our tour in Fennville, on the west coast of the mainland. Or as Michiganders refer to it, the “mitten.” Crane’s Orchards has a wide variety of apple types, and you can pick-your-own. There’s no comparison between fresh-picked apples on the orchard and supermarket apples! I was blown away by the difference when I tried these! Fresh-from-the-tree apples are sweeter, jucier, and tastier. And besides that, it’s fun to pick your own! You know you’re getting the best quality ones. Also, you can get a mixture of only your favorite types! So stock up for snacks, and baking!
Apples ripe for the picking!
Apple-Picking Primer
The staff give you a sack to fill at the entrance. You pick whatever combinations of apples you want, in any quantity. You’re free to roam the grounds on your own. Or you can hitch a ride on a cart or tractor to take you to your apple destination. When you’re done, you place the bag on a scale and pay based on weight. These apples cost even less than in the supermarket, and are far better! Fresh pumpkins and other items are available too. Once you’re done, it’s time for a delectable lunch of local specialties, washed-down by some fresh apple cider. And for dessert, you can partake in a flight of pies, or fresh, warm cider donuts! Most orchards also have a corn maze and hay rides too! The website for Crane’s is at Crane Orchards. A trip to an apple orchard is a bushel of fun!
Grand Haven South Pier Lighthouse
Grand Haven South Pierhead Lighthouse
Before you leave Grand Haven, make sure you make a detour to visit the Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Lighthouse. This charming beacon was constructed in 1881, and is protected under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. Michigan is a state replete with interesting and historic lighthouses, and this is one of my favorites. Decked-out in fiery-bright red, it’s ready for fall! If you enjoy this one, you may want to plan an all-lighthouse Michigan road trip for next time. There’s plenty to keep you busy! You can learn more about many of Michigan’s lighthouses on the official tourist site, Pure Michigan.
Variety of delicious candy apples covered with white, milk and dark chocolate, caramel and nuts on a stick on display
Tour a Chocolate Factory!
The next stop on our tour is Grand Haven, where you can take a chocolate factory tour at Chocolates by Grimaldi. When I took the tour, it was a mere $4 – and included tastings and a goodie bag, suitable for devouring, at the end! During the tour, I was allowed to walk through the facility while a guide explained the chocolate-making process. During the tour, I got to see the equipment they use in action, and smell the sweet, tantalizing scent of chocolate wafting through the room. You must call them ahead to book a tour, as they are scheduled and limited to small groups. You can get their contact info and learn more about them on their website at Chocolates by Grimaldi. In addition to taking the tour, I found this destination an ideal place for shopping, too… The chocolate is delicious!
Front Street, Traverse City
Traverse City Overnight Stop
The next stop on our tour is Traverse City. Traverse City is a great place to take a stroll on the promenade by the lake, or do some shopping on Front Street, the main drag in town. It’s dotted with cute, boutique shops selling local crafts, culinary delights, and more. Traverse City has numerous great restaurants and nightlife spots, and is an ideal location for your first overnight stop. It’s the biggest city in Northern Michigan, kind of a de-facto capital up here. It’s most famous for the cherry harvest in July, when the Cherry Festival is held. (Time to start planning another road trip for next year…?) Until then, pick up a jar of local cherry jam or chocolate covered cherries in the shops!
Victorian “gingerbread” houses in Petoskey
Petoskey’s Gaslamp District and Gingerbread Houses
In the morning, it’s off to Petoskey. When you arrive in Petoskey, I suggest a drive through the historic Gaslamp District, with real gas-powered street lamps and century old buildings. Petoskey has been named by Smithsonian as “one of the best small towns in America,” and for good reason. After exploring the Gaslamp District, head over to M-131 by the lake, and turn on the side streets to get off the beaten path. Here you can view the gingerbread-house Victorian architecture of the residential neighborhoods overlooking the lake. Some of the streets in the residential district shut down completely for the winter, and people winterize their houses in plastic, so September may be your last chance to see some of these for the season! House after house here is all decked out in detailed, ornate trim in vibrant colors.
Tunnel of Trees
Tunnel of Trees Scenic Route
Before you head off to Mackinaw City, take a detour through the “Tunnel of Trees” along M-119 to enjoy the brilliant fall colors hanging overhead and carpeting the ground. This scenic route got its name from the hanging tree limbs that envelop the road in foliage, creating the illusion of a tunnel. Fall provides by far the most spectacular scenery along this winding road. There’s something innately satisfying about a country drive along scenic byways. Perhaps it’s the fresh air. Or the the freedom of the open road. Then there’s the peacefulness of being away from civilization. Whatever it is, the allure cannot be denied. You’re heading further north, and getting closer to the Mackinac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula.
Mackinac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula
Mackinaw City and Mackinac Bridge
The impressive Mackinac Bridge is the gateway to the Upper Peninsula, affectionately referred to by Michiganders as the “U.P.” You may be tempted to head up the to the bridge and enjoy the spectacular views of the Straits of Mackinac, but before you do take some time to explore the fascinating sites in Mackinaw City. Two good places to start are Fort Michilimackinac is a trading post established in 1715. Today it’s a National Historic Landmark, and is exquisitely preserved. In addition to the 18th century architecture, you can observe re-enactments by staff in full costume on such things as shooting the cannons, blacksmithing, tending the gardens, and more. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, next to Fort Michilimackinac, is also worth a tour. It was founded in 1899, and today is open to visitors.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Coming Next Week!
Next week we’ll continue this road trip across the Mackinac Bridge and into the Upper Peninsula. We’ll explore the powerful Tahquamenon Falls, take a cruise around Pictured Rocks, visit a Shipwreck Museum, see the Aurora lights, and more! Thanks for reading, and follow to join me next week for the rest of the itinerary! Check out the video at the top of this post for maps and more information if you are interested in replicating this trip! Please comment below on whether you’re planning any road trips, and what’s your favorite thing about hitting the road for an adventure!
Need to get away, but can’t? Plan a Staycation! In the first installment of this two-part Staycation series, I covered virtual travel experiences available on the web. You can read that post here. This time I’m going to share ideas to transform your home into an oasis replicating, as much as possible, the atmosphere or location you wish you could visit. Think of it as a way of staging your home to give you the feeling you’re somewhere else. (This post contains affiliate links for which I may earn a commission to help support this blog so I can keep it running. There is absolutely no cost to you. I never promote companies I don’t endorse and personally use. Not all links are affiliate links.)
Cook up a Mexican dinner
Option 1: Cultural Immersion
Cultural immersion is a great way to “travel” while staying home. Make a pact with yourself that you’re going to surround yourself in the culture of the place you want to visit for the entire day, or weekend! A great starting point, you can take a language lesson for your chosen culture. Learn one on one with a native on iTalki. Your first session will only cost a few dollars. Or try out my favorite language program, Fluenz.
Watch a movie or some TV shows from the country you wanted to visit. If it’s in the native language with subtitles, even better. The Rakuten Viki app has great shows from Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan. And Arte offers European programming in 6 languages. Netflix also carries a lot of foreign movies and shows. Or watch travel shows exploring your country of choice, like “Rick Steves’ Europe” on Hulu or PBS.
For dinner, cook a meal using recipes of the culture in question, which you can find on Food Network or Pinterest, or your favorite ethnic cookbook. The Food Network Kitchen app even has live and pre-recorded cooking classes as well as show videos. Or if you’re not in the mood to cook, order takeout or dine-in from your preferred local ethnic restaurant.
I’ll offer an example of the “cultural immersion” method. Set the scene with an India backdrop like this one: https://amzn.to/3mPtb81. Drape some marigold garlands https://amzn.to/3lPbg06 around the house. Why not try a Hindi lesson on iTalki? Then watch some Bollywood movies with a free trial of the Eros Now app, or stream the amazing Jewel in the Crown series from Amazon https://amzn.to/36Qq5LM or iTunes. Cook dinner with Aarti Sequeira on Food Network. What to wear? Pick up my custom “India” t-shirt on Etsy! Not into India? Substitute this plan with the country and cultural traditions you want to immerse yourself in!
Take a Spa day
Option 2: Take a Spa Day
What could be more relaxing than a luxurious spa day? It’s possible to replicate the experience at home, to an extent. Start your morning with some avocado toast with one of Bobby Flay’s “avocado toast three ways.” Visit the nail salon for a mani-pedi, or hire a nail technician to come to you on a house call.
When you get back home, grab your yoga mat https://amzn.to/2VMS3kY and do some yoga with the Daily Burn app (free trial available), or search for a Yoga lesson on YouTube. The PBS Living app also has some yoga lessons for people with arthritis and other disabilities. Water’s critical when you work out, so whip up some of Giada DiLaurentiis’ Spa Water.
Then unwind immersed in a soothing bath with your favorite bath bombs https://amzn.to/3lPVkuC or bubble bath, or some rose petals. Make sure to use a luxurious exfoliation scrub https://amzn.to/3lRhlcp to get your skin so soft and smooth. Have your scented candle https://amzn.to/2VRq1Vr going for aromatherapy, and bring your smartphone and turn on some spa music. Dim the lights and let yourself relax.
After your bath, give yourself a facial with a facial steaming session https://amzn.to/39MHxT6 followed by a luxurious sheet mask. https://amzn.to/2Iodsy2. Next, treat yourself to a massage with a personal massager gadget. And wrap yourself in an electric blanket cocoon https://amzn.to/2VRqpTT for a few minutes and let the spa music slow your heart rate. Make yourself a healthy and refreshing smoothie. Food Network suggests these recipes. For dinner, take a cue from Giada DiLaurentiis’ “Spa Weekend Brought Home.”
Bring the Aurora lights inside
Option 3: Camp… Inside Your House!
You can turn your living room into the ultimate campground! Starting with a nature backdrop like this one https://amzn.to/39QFSfg of the woods is a nice touch. Then start setting up your campsite with a great pop-up tent that’s suitable for indoors like this one https://amzn.to/2JSYb8I. Next, add your sleeping bags https://amzn.to/2JUWuHQ. A mock campfire with a hearth like like this one https://amzn.to/3lQV12q will enhance the atmosphere. Check out a local place to go for a hike during the day. Just Google “hiking near me,” and get your fresh air and activity in.
After dark and back home, dim the lights, and set up a camping lantern https://amzn.to/33QEW6N or two. Make a simple camping-inspired dinner on the grill. Put a video of the Aurora lights on your TV screen, like this YouTube video. Light a pine scented candle like “Balsam and Cedar” from Yankee Candle https://amzn.to/3ggmIkj. It smells just like the real thing, and carries throughout the whole home. It’ll transport you to the forest! For the piece de resistance, make s’mores with an electric s’mores maker https://amzn.to/2JSZ1Co. If you have a device that can make sound effects (like a smartphone app, or an Echo Dot “Alexa” https://amzn.to/33MQDeK), cue up the crickets or bonfire sound effects. Play some cards by the campfire, or play a fishing video game! How about placing some glow in the dark stars https://amzn.to/2JFQDGF on the ceiling?
Washington, D.C.
Option 4: Tour Your Hometown
Whether you live in a major city or out in the country, it’s likely there’s a lot of cool things to see and fun things to do right in your back yard! There may even be some you didn’t even realize were there. State and Provincial parks are some of the most underrated attractions around. One of my favorite ways to tour a place is to pick up a City Pass you can order on this site, or do a Viator tour you can reserve here. Get introduced to a side of your city you may not have known!
Getting a City Pass allows you entry to multiple attractions in a city, often with the ability to skip-the-lines, for a much lower price than if you purchased the attraction tickets individually. They often include transportation modes like double decker buses or harbor cruises too. I tend to see a lot more, cheaper and more efficiently, when I have one of these passes. They’re available for most major cities. And Viator is great for those all-inclusive tours, including ones that get you out into the country for more distant attractions. At the end of the day, try a new restaurant. You may even want to book a local hotel. Remember to check out your local tourism agency’s official website. Act like a tourist! You may find you have a completely different perspective of your city in this context!
Cruise cabin, not cabin fever!
Option 5: Recreate Your Cruise
Have any souvenir shirts from your cruise? Good wardrobe choice for today! Make your bed, and then head over to YouTube and search “towel animal tutorial” and find a video with instructions for your favorite animal. (There are many videos on this, and of different animals.) Place on your bed for tonight. If you’re really hardcore, you may want to create and print yourself out a “cruise” newsletter with the activities for the day to place there too.
Then start your “cruise” by putting your TV on ocean or cruise-view scenes. For example, you could put on this Port of Miami live webcam YouTube channel. There’s a second one here. Or an idea I really like, get my cruise ship tours playlist going here! If you have a smartphone, Echo, or similar device with an ambient sounds app installed, bring it out to your patio, turn on ocean sounds, and sunbathe outside (assuming good weather!) Just close your eyes and imagine you’re shipboard. (BONUS: You won’t have to fight for a lounger with people that got up at 6:00, left their towel on the lounger to reserve it, and went back to bed!)
Another thing that will help? Make your favorite cruise line drinks! Royal Caribbean has posted several of their recipes on their blog here. And Carnival Cruise Line has several of their recipes here. Planning dinner? Cruise Critic has posted several cruise line recipes in this article. Take some time to set your table up nicely, using your memories of the Main Dining Room table settings as a guide. Or go out to a restaurant that reminds you of your favorite cruise ship specialty restaurant, like a steakhouse or Italian place.
At the end of the night, put something on your TV that will bring back cruise memories, like a soccer or tennis game (which always seem to be on TV on the cruise ships!), or a concert or Broadway show, like “Hamilton” now streaming on Disney+. I like to order cookies and cocoa room service at the end of the night when I sail on Carnival, so I’d cap off the night with those. When you’re ready for bed, your towel animal will be there to greet you. Remember to sleep in for your “sea day” tomorrow, OR get up and take an “excursion” in your hometown on a tour from a site like Viator here!
Off to the races!
Option 6: Have a Casino Night
There are many ways to transform your home for a casino night. Set up the card table for a poker session, and “comp” your guests with great cocktails, a delicious buffet, and/or a night in your guest room. Don’t forget a chocolate on the pillow! Cue up some pro or college sports or horse racing on the big screen TV, and hand out betting slips. (What you’re betting for is up to you…!) Gather up all the iPads or other tablets you can get your hands on (ask guests to bring theirs). And then line them up in a row on stands along a long table or counter, and place a chair in front of each. Then install and and open up a different slot machine app on each one. (Most of these slot apps are free downloads.)
Get some table games going, like this Bingo game https://amzn.to/33Pm6wQ (come up with fun prizes!), Blackjack, or Roulette https://amzn.to/3gmvTQ3. Make sure you have plenty of poker chips and playing cards https://amzn.to/36MfMrO and someone who’ll be designated the dealer. Keep the “comped” drinks flowing! Go old-school and play some smooth jazz music in the background, or go modern and play the same pop music the casinos play these days.
For dinner, consider your favorite casino celebrity chef restaurant, and visit Food Network to recreate that chef’s recipes. Or head out to a fancy restaurant that reminds you of your casino favorite. Browse ideas for casino-themed cakes on Pinterest, and have your baker whip one up for you, or, if you’re crafty in the kitchen, bake one up yourself! To cap off your evening, watch some old videos of the show “Las Vegas” with James Caan. Alternatively, enjoy a casino movie like “Casino” or “Casino Royale.” Another great idea would be to digitally downloaded a concert or magic show, just like you’d see in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
Sequence of a Race Horse Galloping – Public Domain
Option 7: Host a Film Festival
Can’t go to Cannes? Why not host your own film festival? Start with a tour of Cannes with Rick Steves in this video. Then get in front of the big screen (TV) for a marathon of great films. The theme is up to you – whether it’s “Classic Hollywood” or “Brand New Blockbuster.” You can now stream movies that are still in theaters at home these days. While the $20 rental cost is steep, if you’re having several people over it’s a bargain compared to buying tickets at the theater. Or let your guests browse your film collection and each choose one.
If you want to go glamorous, you can ask people to dress up, serve champagne, and give out gift bags to “attendees.” You can include goodies like Netflix gift cards, 3-D glasses, movie-themed card decks or mugs, and those boxes of candy you can get in grocery stores that look like the ones you get in theaters. Dim the lights like the real theater, and offer all-you-can-eat popcorn in old-school popcorn containers https://amzn.to/2VIoYY7. Surprise your guests with a variety of flavor shaker https://amzn.to/3n1W15a choices. You can decorate your living room with movie themed pillow covers https://amzn.to/36PIeJs and a decorative backdrop. At the end of the night, hand out ballots and vote for the Palme d’Or (or best movie!)
Are airlines in your future?
Option 8: Plan for the Next Real Trip
If you don’t want to plan a staycation, plan the next REAL trip! I have to admit, while all of these options are a lot of fun, they don’t replace the feeling of embarking on a REAL trip. But sometimes planning your real trip is part of the fun of travel. And if you haven’t been traveling much (like in the case of a pandemic lockdown), you may have set aside a budget to finally tackle that bucket list that’s been collecting dust. Exploring your options for the next trip can be exciting, appealing to your natural desire for anticipation. Better yet, once you can travel again, you’ll be ready to go right away!
Don’t suffer from cabin fever. Plan a staycation today, and get away! With a little imagination and a few inspiring resources, you can replicate a vacation in a fun, convincing way! Remember, if you missed Part 1, you can read that post here. Caring is sharing, so please share this post on Twitter and Facebook to help others out of their lockdown funk!
Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Ship Behind-the-Scenes Tour
During my most recent cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway, I took the cruise ship behind the scenes tour for a peek below decks. Norwegian Cruise Line offers these tours on most of their ships. Platinum tier level guests are invited to take the tours for free, and should sign up at the Rewards desk on the day of sailing. All others may sign up for a tour at the Excursions desk. Last I checked, the charge was $75 for this tour excursion. Unfortunately, the tours no longer visit the Bridge due to security concerns. But the tour is a very interesting and worthwhile experience nonetheless. And be sure to wear comfortable shoes – especially if you’re touring one of the mega-ships! You’re going to cover a lot of ground and get a good workout in for the day!
Costumes backstage for the show “Six”
Backstage at the Show Hall
To start off, the first stop on my tour was backstage at the show hall, where the dressing rooms are and costumes are maintained. The first room we entered had sewing machines and many tailoring supplies, as well as wigs and equipment used to keep the wigs in pristine condition. Before this tour, I had no idea how much attention was required to keep the costumes for these shows in good condition. And the second room was, in my opinion, the highlight of the tour. Because here the dazzling costumes were stored, including brilliantly colored and sequined clothing, footwear, and accessories. I recognized all of the costumes from the shows. For the show “Six,” there were two sets of boots: identical except that one set had higher heels than the other. The tour guide explained that the shorter heels are for use as a safety precaution when seas are rougher!
Downstairs in the laundry facilities
The Shipboard Laundry Facilities
I was very impressed by the massive laundry facilities! There were long rows of huge washer and dryer machines. And stacks and stacks of crisp, clean folded sheets and towels. Meanwhile, piles of laundry were gathered, waiting to be washed. And there were many employees taking care of customer clothes by hand. I found one machine particularly interesting that steamed articles of clothing, puffing them out to a giant size and then deflating them. Two friendly employees worked the sheet-folding machine, while the towel folding machines were completely automated. It’s a huge undertaking to manage laundry for thousands of people, and I was amazed at what an efficient system they had on the ship!
Cruise ship kitchen
Cruise Ship Kitchen
Like the laundry facilities, the kitchen was massive! Huge sections were dedicated to gigantic dishwashing and storage systems. Delectable menus were hung on the walls, planning service for the many restaurant options on the ship. And gigantic, shiny metal pots simmered on a multitude of stovetops. The counter space was abundant, and there were too many commercial ovens to count. We were able to watch several employees preparing for lunch service. The area was immaculately clean. After proceeding through the kitchen, we emerged to a hallway where blueprints of the ship were hung on the walls. Disappointingly, photography was not allowed in this area for security reasons, so I cannot share that with you here.
More Cruise Ship Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Of course, my descriptions can’t do the scale of these facilities justice – so I highly recommend you watch my video tour below!
Ultimate Travel Adventures on YouTube
Also check out my blog post on the Breakaway cruise ship here!
Egypt may be most famous for the Pyramids of Giza and Valley of the Kings, but there’s another fascinating sight that you should consider. See the Red Sea Egypt, both above and under the water! Tours are available on semi-submarines. Semi-submarines feature an above-water deck for cruising and viewing the sights above ground, and a below deck underwater pod with large viewing windows to enjoy the underwater sights without getting wet! Whether you’re above or below the water, the perspective is perfectly pleasant!
Upper deck portion of the tour
Above-deck Cruising
The first part of the tour consists of a cruise around the harbor, viewed from the upper deck of the boat. The guides give commentary while you glide past beautiful resorts and give the many kitesurfers a wide berth. There is a nice breeze, making this an excellent location for kitesurfing. I enjoyed the rainbow of brightly colored kites and daredevils doing a variety of breathtaking tricks followed by smooth landings. I’ve never seen so many kitesurfers before – and I live in Florida! The hospitable guides provide free bottled water and soda for further comfort on the tour. The warmth of the Egyptian sun was soothing. The highlight of the tour may be the underwater portion, but don’t count out the pleasure above sea level!
Underwater Exploration
The second portion of the tour involves going down below and taking your window seat to enjoy the underwater action. The guides provided a colorful brochure identifying the many types of fish and coral that are native to the Red Sea. The water here is not deep, and you get a great view of the sea floor. Coral covers practically every square inch of the sea floor here, and it comes in seemingly endless varieties. According to the National Ocean Service, “Coral reefs begin to form when free-swimming coral larvae attach to submerged rocks or other hard surfaces along the edges of islands or continents.” (oceanservice.noaa.gov.) After taking an Aquascope submarine tour three times in different parts of the world, I found the Red Sea to have the most interesting and abundant corals. They carpet the entire sea floor!
Different Experience
This kind of tour is a very different experience. Not only are you visiting an area you don’t usually experience (underwater), but each Aquascope submarine experience is different in different parts of the world. So far I’ve taken one in Egypt, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. All three times the views both above and below the water were different. So if you’ve already taken one somewhere else and are wondering if it’s worth doing one again, I’d say a resounding “yes!” While this one had the most interesting coral, for example, my Bermuda tour was the best for the sheer variety of colorful fish. So “once you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all” does not apply here!
Amazing underwater corals
Fascinating Fish
While this tour featured far fewer fish than the one I experienced in Bermuda, it was still interesting to see how different, and, in some cases, how similar, the fish were here. Don’t expect the fish to swarm the sub, but you can expect to see several different varieties. I also saw a few turtles! Guides identify the different types of fish and corals for you. When the crew announces it’s time to go below deck, make a bee-line for the stairs. It’s first come, first served for the seats below deck. There are enough seats for everyone, but if you want to sit next to your traveling companion and get a pristinely-clean window you’ll want a good selection.
Feeling fishy
More Red Sea Egypt
Thanks for coming along on my Red Sea tour! Ready to take your own tour and see for yourself? Viator has great aqua scope submarine tours in the Red Sea! Visit Sharm El Sheikh Semi-Submarine for more information. (This is an affiliate link and I may earn a commission at no cost to you if you book a tour. All proceeds will got to the maintenance of this blog.) And if you’d like to read about my trip to Turkey, check out Kusadasi, Turkey Tour!
Bavaria is dotted with a myriad of historic castles, of many different ages and styles, and many of which are a relatively convenient day trip from Munich. Undoubtedly the most famous of them all is Neuschwanstein Castle, model for the castle at Disney World one of the most instantly recognized German landmarks the world over. Neuschwanstein’s tower pokes through the clouds like a giant exclamation mark, a fitting metaphor for the amazement to be experienced here.
Tourist Establishments Below
When you arrive, whether by train, tour bus, or car, the touristy restaurants with English menus and shops sporting tacky souvenirs at the bottom of the mountain give you a sample of what’s to come. While I knew how famous this landmark was, I was unprepared by the extent to which it’s popularity would impact my experience. But all-in-all it was worth it.
The castle is actually very high up on the side of a mountain, and you have a few options of getting close: hiking it (not recommended unless you have plenty of energy and determination – it’s further than it looks from the bottom!), or taking a bus or horse carriage, both of which come with a wait and a charge. The scenery takes you through densely forested area. You must reach the top for spectacular views of the valley unencumbered by trees and other obstacles. And the view is indeed incredible – it is understandable why this location was chosen. You emerge from a tunnel of trees to wide-open views of vast landscapes, tiny houses far below, and puffy white clouds populating brilliant baby blue skies. And soaring above it all, the magnificent Neuschwanstein tower.
View from the Top
I shared this view with a multitude of other tourists, from all over the world. It was shoulder season, and I can only imagine how packed the entrance to the castle is in peak season. Guided tour is the only way to “explore” the castle – if you can call it that. It’s not really the way I like to explore a place – free reign is by far my favorite way to go. But that was not the most disappointing aspect of my visit – I quickly realized why the tours were guided. I discovered that cameras, photography, and filming of any kind whatsoever are not allowed in the castle – and security guards are constantly spying on you to assure compliance. Being herded through the rooms at the guide’s pace (who is trying to make time for as many groups that day as possible – with a LOT of people waiting), not being able to capture the experience with my camera, and being routed through not one but two gift shops, made the experience feel like a trip through a glorified theme park. But despite this, I was enthralled by the little time I was able to spend in the lavish rooms, and the breathtaking exterior of the castle alone was worth a visit at least once, although I doubt I’d brave the crowds again.
Colorized Photo from 1886 (Public Domain) of the Bedroom
Colorized Photo from 1886 of the Byzantine-Inspired Throne Room
Despite being forbidden from taking photos, I didn’t want to leave you hanging without a visual taste of the interior. Fortunately, there are photos available old enough to qualify for public domain that I can share with you. I was particularly impressed with the astonishing Throne Room. As a scholar of ancient Roman art, I really appreciated the authentically inspired rendition of the brilliant Byzantine art style here, from the arches and columns, to the clerestory, to the gilded walls depicting spiritual scenes. It is no wonder this art has continued to be so cherished and emulated throughout history.
The concept of a museum denying visitors the right to photograph and film is one I find acutely disturbing – but that is an issue for another post. Ultimately, it was a tremendous hassle to visit Neuschwanstein, between the exhaustive regulations and thick crowds of tourists. But none of these drawbacks can diminish the beauty of the building and how moved I was to finally be able to witness it first hand. If you have the chance, I’d say go, and make the most of it.
Harburg Castle Exterior
Harburg Castle stands in stark contrast to Neuschwanstein. Here you are also required to embark on a guided tour, but the atmosphere is far more relaxed and welcoming. I only encountered one room I was not allowed to photograph, and was not only free, but encouraged, to film and take photos to my heart’s content during the rest of the tour. There was no rushed feeling, and I felt more like I was exploring the place than being shuffled through it.
Entering Harburg – a Much Warmer Welcome
I did not feel the suffocating burden of massive crowds of tourists. Harburg is much older, and many would argue not nearly as spectacular as Neuschwanstein with its more modest decor. But Harburg provided a more intimate, genuine experience that I felt offered a welcome balance to my visit to the tourist and commercialism overwhelmed Neuschwanstein.
Harburg’s More Modest Interior Decor
I filmed a video tour of the castles (in the case of Neuschwanstein, the best I could!) you can view here!:
Donation
I am extremely grateful for your generous donation to help keep the site running! This site and individual posts are not sponsored! A dollar may not be a lot, but every dollar counts!
Taking Bavaria’s Pulse in the Heart of Munich: Marienplatz
After the destruction suffered in World War II, Germany’s cities were faced with the decision of whether to revive their historic treasures or go for a completely clean canvas and thoroughly modernize. Munich chose the former, and exquisitely captured the essence of historic Munich. The current adaptation of the Neo-Gothic “New Town Hall” in Marienplatz (shown above) was only completely finished in the 1990s, though compared to other structures much of the original remained intact after World War II. It was restored and improved over the course of many years.
St. Peter’s Church, Munich’s Oldest
Luckily, Munich’s oldest church, also located at Marienplatz: St. Peter’s, is in magnificent condition. Here, bold, brilliant colors envelop you in a masterpiece of baroque wonder. Sheltered from the bustling activity outside, the silence of the church encourages you to expend all of your energies into one sense, your eyes, so that the magnificent splendor surrounding you does not overwhelm.
Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt, just steps away from Marienplatz, is a down-to-earth place to observe Germans carrying out everyday activities – shopping at the farmers’ market, checking in with the butcher and bread-baker, and indulging in a notoriously German favorite activity – socializing at the Biergarten. If you want to see Munich from a local point-of-view, Viktualienmarkt is a great place to visit!
Hofbrauhuas – Blatantly Touristy Fun
Prefer a more touristy perspective on the traditional Biergarten? Hofbrauhaus is a rambunctiously exaggerated version forged with the tourist in mind. Here you’ll find large crowds of tourists in a boisterous atmosphere, and, if you come at the right time, a band of merry Germans in lederhosen enthusiastically playing an assortment of raucous instruments! Not entirely authentic, perhaps, but undoubtedly loads of fun!
Olympic Tower
View from Olympic Tower
Olympic Village and Sports Venues
Olympic Tower offers a great observatory from which you can view not only Olympic Village and the sporting venues, but the city skyline and the Bavaria beyond. It’s satisfyingly comprehensive to be able to get a birds-eye overview of a place to complement seeing it up-close and personal, so I always do so when possible.
Italian Renaissance Inspired Odeonsplatz
Munich has many attractive squares worth a visit once you’ve experienced Marienplatz. Odeonsplatz, shown above, is one such place. With Italian style renaissance influences, artwork-adorned colonnade, and neighboring rose-dotted English Garden, Odeonsplatz is a great location for a leisurely stroll.
Nymphenburg Palace Exterior at Sunset
Arguably, the most extraordinary sights in Munich are the illustrious palaces of the House of Wittelsbach: Nymphenburg – the summer residence, and Residenz – the Wittelsbach family’s city home. In an ongoing effort to “keep up with the Habsburgs” of Austria, no expense – or imagination – was spared in devising the grandest, most elaborate and ornate baroque utopias possible. Dripping in gold leaf and endowed throughout with masterfully painted scenes exploding with vibrant color, the interiors of these palaces provided some of the most spectacular and breathtaking eye-candy I have ever seen.
Awe-Inspiring Main Hall, Nymphenburg Palace
An Explosion of Color Greets You in the Foyer (Roof)
Not far from city center (and easily accessible by double-decker bus), Nymphenburg Palace can induce a dream-like state of euphoria with its spectacular beauty. I was mesmerized by opulence of my surroundings.
The Residenz – Very Deceptive Exterior!
Back in the city, the exterior architecture of the Residenz- very simple and unembellished, is extremely deceiving – perhaps an attempt at creating an even greater sense of shock and awe in the visitor once they “unwrap” the nondescript package to find an experience of wondrous bliss hidden within.
The Gilded Bliss of the Residenz
Mirros Amplifying the Abundance of Gold
When Gold’s Not Enough – Crystal Chandeliers and Masterpieces of Fine Art
Here in this imagination-defying paradise, there’s no trace of the everyday life of modern Munich right outside its doors. It’s hard not to soak in the atmosphere and imagine what it would be like if you lived in this sanctuary, crown adorning your head, unicorn in the stables… Ok, not that last one… but I think you get what I’m trying to say… The modern everyday German of the Viktualienmarkt seems a million miles away from here.
Twin Towers of Church of Our Lady, Marienplatz
After being spoiled silly by the scenery of Munich itself, you can indulge yourself even further with outstanding day-trip options from your Munich home base. I did so by visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, the most famous in all of Germany, and Rothenburg-am-Tauber, Germany’s most well-preserved medieval town. Join me next week to embark on this adventure! I filmed a vlog of my exploration in Munich you can view here!:
Donation
I am extremely grateful for your generous donation to help keep the site running! This site and individual posts are not sponsored! A dollar may not be a lot, but every dollar counts!
Ultimate Travel Adventures 