Taking your kids to Europe is a wonderful way to expose them to new cultures.  Here are some tips for the cities of Venice and Athens to make it even more enjoyable for them.  After all when the kids are happy, the parents are too!

Choose the right tours.  The majority of kids do not rank museums and tours as their activity of choice.  But, if you choose the right tour and guide it can really help connect your children to the area.  Bliss Travel Service can assist you with booking the right types of tours.  Here are some examples:

1. Venice – Family walking tour.  This tour is based on a scavenger hunt around the city.  You will see where Marco Polo lived and get to taste tiramisu.
   
2. Venice – The Doges Palace has a ‘secret itineraries’ tour.  This tour appeals to kids more than the regular palace tour as you explore secret passageways, torture rooms, and the attic prison where Casanova was held.
3. Athens – You don’t want to miss the mythology tour of the Acropolis and other ancient burial sites.  Most kids have either read or seen the Percy Jackson series and that will help to make the ancient sites come alive.

Kids don’t like to wait in line so make sure you plan ahead. In Venice if you plan on going up St Mark's Bell Tower or inside St Mark’s Basilica, have Bliss Travel Service purchase your skip the line tickets in advance.  These are TRUE skip the line tickets that allow entry via a different door.  The only rub is that you have a 10 minute window to use them.  You choose the time frame.

Kids and adults are the same in that we all love good eats.  Venice is a child foodie’s dream!  Spaghetti, pizza, and gelato, well, it doesn’t get any better than that.  Be sure to allow your child to indulge!  In Athens the gyros usually go over quite well.  Fresh pita stuffed with French fries and seasoned tender chicken or beef?  Yes please.  If you come across the Hans and Gretel ice cream shop you can’t pass up their bubble waffle cone.

What kid doesn’t like to wander?  Venice is the best city to wander in and ‘get lost’.  Since you are surrounded by water it’s impossible to truly get lost although you may feel that way at times.  Explore the carnival mask shops, ride a gondola, and oh did I mention they have gelato?  The Plaka district in Athens is especially fun at night to wander with tiered landscaped restaurants, street music, chocolate walls, shopping, and the Parthenon light up at the top of the Acropolis.

​A Greek Island cruise is a convenient way to see Greece without having to fly or take ferries between the islands.  While you are eating a scrumptous dinner, being entertained in the theater, or maybe trying your luck at the casino, you sail from one port to the next.  Plus, you only have to pack/unpack once for the entire cruise.  Most cruises to the Greek islands sail out of Venice which makes for a fantastic pre-cruise stay.

​Here are some considerations for which cruise line to choose:

1. The ports – Which ports do you want to see?  Is Santorini high on your list?  Are you a Games of Thrones fan and have to see Dubrovnik?  Is the Parthenon in Athens an absolute must?
2. Size of ship – The larger the ship, the more options for restaurants and activities you will have.  However, there will be longer lines to embark, disembark, tender to port, etc.
3. Guest profile – Some of the cruise lines are geared more towards Europeans and other cruise lines are geared more towards Americans. 
4. Time of year – Shoulder season tends to be less crowded while still maintaining good weather.  

​Set the right expectations:

1. Take it easy the first couple of days to give your body time to adjust to the jet lag/time change. 
2. Plan your shore excursions in advance but be prepared for any changes due to weather, etc.
3. Plan for large crowds.  Know in advance how many cruise ships will be in port the same day as you.  Venice, Santorini, etc are experiencing ‘over tourism’ even during the shoulder seasons.  If you can, book private tours to make the most of your time in these places.  In Santorini, the lines for the cable car to get to Fira can be 1-2 hours each way.  You can walk or ride the donkeys up as an alternative.  However, try to avoid riding the donkeys as the animals work under horrid conditions.  If it’s a nice day and you want some exercise, the walk up will most likely save you time.  Walking down is easier and will also save you time.  A tip, if you walk down at night make sure your cell phone has a flashlight to avoid stepping in the donkey ‘droppings’.  The paths are light but dimly.

​Misc tips:

1. If your cruise line allows you to make reservations in advance for dinner and/or shows, take advantage of this to avoid disappointment later.
2. Order yourself a pack of bottled water so it’s waiting for you when you get to your cabin.  Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do to help with jet lag and stay energized for your vacation.  It’s a good idea to drink one every morning to start your day.
3. Be aware of the conversion rate when pulling money out of an ATM so you can be sure you are not paying for extra fees.  You should pay no more than $10 (aside from conversation rate) per ATM withdrawal for the convenience.
4. Pack the right converter.  Italy uses a different electrical converter than most other European countries.
5. Research in advance how you will communicate with the other members of your party on the cruise.  Many times the cruise line will have an app for this purpose.  Download in advance so you will be ready to go.

Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in river and ocean cruises, all-inclusive vacations, European packages, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService

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​Adding a land tour to your Alaskan cruise is convenient and will give you more opportunities to view wildlife.  I say if you have the time and means to go for it!    If it’s your first time to Alaska, I recommend at least 2 nights in Denali National Park and 1 night in Fairbanks.  From there you can add more nights to either of those destinations, to Anchorage, and/or to other off the beaten track destinations.

​Denali is really a showcase for the state.  Not only do you have breathtaking scenery but your chances for seeing a wide variety of wildlife are favorable.  Denali is uniquely set up in that the only way you can see it is to take one of the park’s bus tours.  Private cars are not allowed past the first 15 miles of the park, only the bus tours.  They offer three lengths and depending on which length you choose will depend on how far you go into the park.  The range is about 5, 8, or 12 hours roundtrip.  The 12 hour roundtrip ride will take you all the way into the park giving you the best chance for wildlife viewing.   I know it sounds like a long time!  We chose the middle tour (8 hours) and I was surprised at how quickly it went by.  As you can see by the photo below, they are a bit rustic!

​Fairbanks is a laid back city full of Alaskan culture.  The cruise line typically offers a fun excursion of sailing on a sternwheeler and panning for gold.  There are other things to do in Fairbanks, but since this will be at either the beginning or end of your trip, how about relaxing in your hotel and enjoying a nice Alaskan feast?  If you enjoy seafood and have an opportunity for unlimited snow crab, now is the time to do it!

Your land package in Alaska will be made seamless by the cruise line.  All of your transfers, hotels, and activities will be included so you just need to show up and enjoy. 
Things to keep in mind when choosing your land package:

1.  How many nights do you want your land package to be?  They usually range from 3-7 nights.
2. Which cities/destinations do you want to include?  Denali is a must and you can fill in the rest to your liking.
3. How much of your transportation do you want to be on motorcoach or rail?
4. How many hours do you want to spend in Denali? (you may need to upgrade your excursion)
5. How much do you want included in your package?  Some packages include minimal food/activities where others are ‘all inclusive’.

Always use a travel agent to help you select the perfect package just for you!
​
Dominique Barba
Bliss Travel Service - a travel agency specializing in river and ocean cruises, all-inclusive vacations, European packages, honeymoons, weddings, group travel
Dom@BlissTravelService.com
480-725-8837
www.BlissTravelService.com
www.facebook.com/BlissTravelService

#BlissTravelService #travelagent #alaskacruisetravelagent #alaskacruisevacation #bestalaskatravelagent #alaskavacation #alaskatravelagent