​France is a country in which I have traveled many, many times and to many parts of the country. I also lived there for a year, some years ago, at least, but I still have fond memories of that experience, even if it was almost 50 years ago. It is also a destination that is extremely popular with American travelers, whether it is to Paris, Normandy, the Loire Valley, the Cote D’Azur, and many other destinations including Provence, of which I also have had the chance to experience, although I won't see the purple, as it is the wrong time of year!!! In fact, I will have a little time there in November, albeit short enroute to another place across the border. Guess where? In any case, I have planned many travel adventures to France as a standalone destination or in combination and there truly is a fraternal relationship between America and France over America’s history, so take a look at these sample itineraries for Provence and I look forward to arranging your next adventure to France and beyond!!!

Special thanks to my friend Jamie with Provence Guru for the wonderful itinerary! 

​Albania is a country, most likely not well known to most Americans and this is probably due to it's very closed society in the times of communism up until the early 1990’s. It was not part of the Soviet Block, even though it was a socialist country and adhered to the rules of a one-party state. Its location had made it very isolated for many decades and it is a predominately Muslim country. Nestled between northern Greece and the wonderful blue waters of the Adriatic, Albania should be a tourist area. With a fascinating history, natural beauty, unique Mediterranean cuisine, and a bundle of eccentricity, Shqipëri, as Albania is known in its native tongue, is a place to consider traveling. The logistics of getting to this country are still a bit difficult and the infrastructure is getting better. It is definitely a country you can combine with other countries of the Balkans and certainly worth a visit. My Albanian colleagues suggest 3 to 5 days at a minimum, and for the record, it is one of the few countries in Europe, I have not experienced, but plan on doing so, hopefully in the near future. 
As a reminder, take a look at the offering for Croatia I posted 2 weeks ago as I already have 2 couples interested in the 15th of September 2023, so please consider this small group tour I will be a part of share your interest on the link for that trip next year. Also, Albania as that latest hidden gem, perhaps even in combination with Croatia. I will handle all the logistics for you with my Albanian colleagues who are ready and able and looking forward to welcoming you to their country. I may even be along for the ride.