The Traveling Professor kicked off his first small group trip to Spain this year.   We visited Madrid, Segovia, Toledo, Avila, and Madrid.   Our travelers were treated to some of the best art museums in Europe on their visit to Madrid.   My selections for the best art museums in Madrid display art that is rich in history, are both classical and modern, and are of significant historical value.   Take a look at my blog post to see why I love these Madrid art museums.

Whenever we take a small group tour to Peru and Machu Picchu, the ancient city of rock, Cusco is on the itinerary.  It is the heart of the Inca Empire.   The city is not modern.    We are constantly reminded of its ancient heritage by the gigantic stone ruins.   Also is evidence of the Spanish colonial era.   The only touch of modernity are the fine Cusco restaurants by famous chefs like Astrid & Gaston.   Everyone on my tours of Cusco are always fascinated and want to explore it more and more.   Take a look at my blog post to see what do do, where to eat, and where to stay on a tour of Cusco.

Unless traveling business/first class to Europe, it is nearly impossible to sleep in those cramped coach seats when doing an international flight to Europe.  On our small group tours to Paris, Italy, and Spain the majority of my travelers like to arrive a day early in order to be well rested for our tour.   But still, jet-lag can be a factor.   Take a look at the  blog post to see The Traveling Professor's tips on how to beat jet lag on your next tour to Spain, Italy, or Paris.

I love to travel to Rome.  In 2014 we have scheduled several small group tour to Rome.   On a 3 day Rome itinerary I like to spend at least part of the one day touring some of the most interesting religious sites in the ancient city.    This list does not include the Vatican, which is a day on its own.   Read the blog post to find out more about our Pilgrim's Walk in Rome.

One of the most important decisions in taking a tour of Paris is lodging.   For me, location is the most important factor.  I look for a hotel that is centrally located, in a safe area, and near transportation options.   Next, I want to make sure my Paris hotel is clean, comfortable, and quiet.  I don't necessarily look for a luxury Paris hotel, in fact, I prefer smaller, family owned Paris hotels. Read my blog post for guidelines on selecting a Paris hotel and for my recommendations.

Combined with the weak dollar, a trip to Europe, especially Paris, can be expensive.  There are several ways to save money without sacrificing luxury or comfort however.   Whenever we take a small group tour to Paris for instance, we purchase a pay-one-price Paris Museum Pass.  When taking a small group tour of Italy, we like to travel off-season to save about 30% over high season.  On our small group tours to Spain, we dine at great, out-of-the-way tapas restaurants.   Read the blog post and see how you can save money on your next trip to Europe.

On a first Paris tour, one would expect to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Orsay, Notre Dame and maybe even the Rodin Museum or Orangerie.   But there is an unusual and "strange" side to Paris worth visiting if time permits.   On our small group tours to Paris, we usually have the opportunity to visit one or two of these sites.   Take a look at the blog post to see what I have on my "offbeat" sites for your next Paris tour.

Florence is a popular tour destination and it is common to see long lines of people waiting to get into popular sites.  When running my tours to Italy, I want my travelers to see all they can see without waiting in line and without having to make an appointment.  Many European cities, including Florence, now have a pay-one-price admission card to give the traveler admission to major attractions without waiting in line and in the case of the Firenze card, without the need for appointments.  Read the blog post for more information on this useful tool that makes a tour of Florence easier and more enjoyable.

Here is a chance to share your best travel photos and to win a travel guide book of your choice.  To celebrate the new Traveling Professor website, I am running a contest to select photos to be used on www.travelingprofessor.com.   Submissions from Paris, Italy, Spain, and Peru are encouraged.    Up to 3 winning photos will be featured on the home page of the website.  Winners can select any tour book from The Traveling Professor, Rick Steves, Frommers, or Lonely Planet to be shipped directly from Amazon.Com.  For full details, please read the blog post.  Good luck to all!

Over the years, I have gained an appreciation for several Paris restaurants.   I like restaurants that are somewhat unique in terms that they serve dishes that I cannot get at home.   I also like to dine in restaurants where I won’t pay more than 35-40 euros for dinner.  I also like to eat in Paris restaurants that have good, friendly service.  Take a look at my blog and read about some of my favorite Paris restaurants.