 | TERRY BEATY
Email: tbeaty@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
Places close to my heart include Italy with historic Rome, Venice, and Florence, the charming Tuscan countryside, Cinqueterra and the Lake District. France with romantic Paris, Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, and the sun and brightness of Provence. Each characteristic in its culture, location and cuisine.
tbeaty@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
For three decades I have practiced traveling the length and breadth of many continents.My vision is to create luxury holidays that are tailor-made for seasoned world travelers or first-timers. Whether you want to attend the Venice Carnival, relax on a beach on the Cote d' Azur or canter on horseback through a Spanish olive grove, allow me to customize the entire journey for you and your traveling companions.
My Recent Trips
As an avid traveller, I continually look for new experiences and destinations. When I return to a spot it is usually because I either love it or I must be there for some business purpose as opposed to exploring it for the first time. I had the great pleasure last month to returning to the magical country of Turkey and its jeweled city of Istanbul. Upon arrival I was amazed with the changes that have recently improved the flow of traffic into the city with express bus lanes and car roundabouts. Amazing new construction everywhere bringing this ancient city into the 21st century of highrise apartments and glass and steel corporate highrise centers. Wow impressive! But wait this was the first impression-- then I arrived at the new Four Seasons Bosphorus Resort Hotel--double wow. The former palace located on the beautiful Straits of Bosphorus (Europe on one side and Asia Minor on the other) has be transformed into an elegant and masterfully designed world class deluxe hotel. Marble terraces, formal gardens, and art everywhere plus the most efficient and charming staff to accommodate the most demanding guest.
The beautiful location also affords the traveller chances to stroll nearby the hotel to beautiful shops, cafes, manicured parks and fantastic restaurants. Istanbul exudes a feeling of welcome and safety. The friendly locals truly appreciate their tourists. Even at the crowded sites of Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque the locals are most proud to share their history and very clean city.
Proper planning of transportation and great guides make ones trip more rewarding. I was so lucky to refresh my memories of Istanbul with the help of a striking young guide and historian. It was great to be back in Turkey and I anxiously long to return again.
|  | LEIGH SULLIVAN
Email: lsullivan@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
Your luxury vacation should be an all healthy and all inclusive experience. I can secure spa services and arrange appointments with wellness experts at various resorts and hotels across the globe. Award winning cuisine is a must have. Let me arrange for a Gourmet Connection in France or an Italian Cooking School in Tuscany for food and wine connoisseurs. Bon Appetit!
lsullivan@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
With almost twenty years in the travel industry I'm fortunate to share a wealth of experience with my leisure customers. I have formed relationships with both clients and industry partners that are mutually rewarding. What they say is true, "it's all in the details". Asking the right questions is key when implementing the perfect experience for my travelers. I depend on past research and depth of product knowledge in trip planning. Established dealings with those in the industry allow me to make recommendations with confidence - and provide "insider access" to experiences otherwise unavailable to the general traveling public. My travels have taken me throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Southern Africa and Asia. Cruising in the Mediterranean is a favorite.
My Recent Trips
I’ve just returned from the Seabourn Legend on the Yachtsman’s Riviera sailing from Barcelona to Monte Carlo ~ I spent one night pre-cruise at the spectacular Arts Hotel Barcelona. Situated on the waterfront with wonderful views over the city and the still un-finished Sagrada Family Cathedral, it is The place to stay. Their Club level is the best I’ve seen anywhere and whether you are strolling down La Ramblas, watching the traditional Spanish dancers, or dining on delicious tapas Barcelona is a fun and vibrant city worth at least 3 full days. Sailing on the “Yachts of Seabourn” with 208 passengers (with 164 crew!) is like being on your own private yacht. It really matters not where you cruise – just being on board is a special treat. The ships’ staterooms are all nicely appointed suites complete with bathtubs and walk-in closets and offer incredible food (open seating for dinner), caviar and champagne served on deck, neck massages by the pool, a water sports platform and exceptional service. The new Odyssey is scheduled to sail in late June bringing the fleet to four ships offering many varieties of itinerary to suit your luxury “yachting” needs. I spent 4 days in the South of France at La Garde Frenet a petite, picturesque village about 30 minutes from St. Tropez. This is a beautiful area of the Var region of the French Riviera and the small village is perched on the ledge of a pass in the forested hills. It is filled with field-stone houses covered with ivy and many charming cafes and shopkeepers. A lovely end to a wonderful holiday! Until next time. . .
|  | NANCY WOOTEN
Email: nwooten@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
Group travel is my specialty. I also enjoy planning leisure travel for point to point itineraries as well as escorted tour programs and cruises.
nwooten@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
For 36 years I have been in the travel industry and I have been with Regency for 28 of those years. My travels included destinations all over the world. Europe is my
favorite continent and I am very fond of cruises.
My Recent Trips
I recently sailed on the Azamara Quest in the Mediterranean. Azamara is a fabulous, deluxe cruise line. The service was outstanding as was the cuisine. The ship holds around 700 passengers and is just the right size. You really get to know the crew on a ship this size.Our cruise began in Venice where the ship overnighted. We then cruised to Ravenna, Italy with is beautiful mosaics. Then on to Split, Croatia a beautiful port. Next we sailed to Kotor, Montenegro which reminded me of the fjords when we sailed in. I took a shore excursion to Dubrovnik, a beautiful city –much of which has been rebuilt after their last war. From there we travelled to Corfu and Delphi, Greece. The archeological site of Delphi is remarkable. Then on to Sorrento for an overnight. Some of the passengers travelled to Pompeii and Capri. I took a drive along the beautiful Amalfi coast visiting Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The cruise ended in Rome. I definitely will sail on Azamara again . The crew is made up of 50 nationalities. The cuisine, service of all the staff and shore excursions were great!
|  | JOE CREWS
Email: jcrews@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
My favorites are ALL countries in Eastern and Western Europe. Over the years I have been fortunate to experience many unique destinations and continents. I not only arrange individual travel, but coordinate extended family holidays and also group incentive trips. Allow me to plan a special safari, cruise, Galapagos Adventure, Wine Tour, or Mexico beach vacation for your next travel experience!
jcrews@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
After graduating college and living in Germany for three years, I returned to the states eager to share my experiences. Hence, my entry into the travel industry. Now some thirty years later, I continue making dreams come true for travelers all over Memphis and the Mid-South community. The world is your oyster, let me help you see it!
My Recent Trips
BALTIC CRUISE
I recently had the opportunity to sail the Baltic and Northern Europe area, with Silversea Cruises on the beautiful ship “Silver Cloud”. Silversea welcomes you to relax in refined luxury. With spacious suites, the ship offers the luxuries of a private yacht with exceptional service and food and only 298 guests. Silversea is truly a destination by itself. We began with a few days in Stockholm. The Volvo Yacht race was in town on their next to last leg of the worldwide event. The town was full of excited people and the harbor was full of wonderful yachts. In Stockholm we visited the Vasa Museum with the world’s only surviving 17th-century ship. The ship sank in the first minutes of its maiden voyage. Visiting the home of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and dinner was also a highlight. We then boarded the SILVER CLOUD for our 9-day cruise. Our first stop was Helsinki, as we sailed into the harbor, the beautiful and unique “Sea Cloud” was anchored. Helsinki is full of wonderful museums and a colorful harbor front with a lively market. During the summer months, the nights are splendid with light. Next we arrived in St. Petersburg, which has been rebuilt over the post-war decades.We met our guide pier side, to begin a day of sightseeing. No visit to St. Petersburg is complete without visiting the Hermitage and all of the remarkable paintings, rooms, and collections. The impressive St. Isaac’s Cathedral has been restored to all of its original grandeur and the mosaics are splendid. The excitement of Nevsky Prospect and the shops and people were fun along with a stop at the world famous “Sever” pastry shop. Visiting one of the Russian Orthodox churches was another highlight with the beauty of the Icons. Then we headed to the Peter and Paul Fortress. The finale of the Volvo Yacht race is St. Petersburg and happened to be at the Peter and Paul Fortress harbor. Thousands of people lined the river to view the yachts as they arrived and watch the spectacular fireworks. We did explore the Peter and Paul Fortress and the historical graves of Peter the Great with members of his family. The next day, we met our guide and traveled out to the country to see the incredible palaces. The summer palace of Peterhof with its many fountains and water features was glorious on our beautiful sunny day. Lunch at a local country café was delicious. Catherine’s Palace of Pushkin and Stephen’s Palace of Pavlov were equally spectacular. With another glorious day in St. Petersburg, we were able to revisit places on our own and then we proceeded along the Gulf of Finland to the ancient port of Tallinn, Estonia. Constantly battling Russian and German control, the Estonian’s have maintained their culture and are proud people. We also had the opportunity to be there during the Estonia Music Festival which is held every five years. We enjoyed a day at sea with gorgeous weather. Many passengers enjoyed the pool facilities, the new spa, or took advantage of the other shipboard facilities on the “Silver Cloud”. Perhaps, one of the biggest surprises on our trip was our stop at Gdansk, Poland.The home of the movement of solidarity led by Lech Walesa (President in 1990) is also home to a beautiful town with cobblestone streets and walkways. The world’s largest crane, world’s largest brick church, and world’s largest pipe organ were definite surprises for me. The organ performance at Oliwa Cathedral was very special. Sailing back to Stockholm brought sadness, knowing we only had one more day with the wonderful staff and people on the “Silver Cloud”. Fortunately, we had visited Stockholm, prior to boarding the ship, so we had a leisure day of reading around the pool and enjoyed the ship activities, before we took off from Stockholm for our flight home.
In addition to my adventures on an African Safari and the Galapogos Islands; exploring the Tuscan countryside, visiting my favorite beaches in Mexico, sipping whiskies throughout Ireland and my other journeys over the last 30 years in this business....I recently had the opportunity to visit an area I had not seen in 25 years. THE BEAUTY OF SCOTLAND IS FOREVER MEMORABLE! Edinburgh is a perfect place to begin exploring. A stay at THE HOWARD makes it even more special. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel at home, except that you have a full staff to serve you. Edinburgh Castle is a must see and is home to the Military Tattoo. Atop its fortified walls you get a splendid view across Princes Street. Next see Holyroodhouse, where Mary Queen of Scots lived. Later visit the RoyalYacht -Britannia. We had time for tea at The Balmoral Hotel. You can also enjoy the beauty of the countryside at CRINGLETIE HOUSE just outside Edinburgh. It's a great place to use as a base for exploring. The Chef creates special menus each night. You can fish in the Tweed River. You may also visit Traquair, famous for being the oldest inhabited house in Scotland. Today, descendants still occupy the house.
A stop at Robert Smail's Printing Works is a unique experience. It's located in Peeblesshire and was established as a jobbing printer in 1866. It is still a working print shop. Our exploration continued as we crossed the Firth of Forth and made our way to the hallowed ground of St.Andrews, where golf was born. The Old Course hotel overlooks the course grounds. Stop at the Jigger inn. The college town of St.Andrews is filled with students and shopping. No stay in St.Andrews would be complete without playing a round at the course which is the home of the 2010 British Open and other historic tournaments. In addition, the bustingly town of Aberdeen and THE MARCLIFFE were a surprise. At the Marcliffe, you don't realize you are only 10 minutes from city center and 20 minutes from the airport. Some of Scotland's best salmon fishing is nearby. Traveling west we stopped at Johnstones Cashmere Factory. Take advantage of great deals here.We made our way to the local highways where roads wide enough for one car are used by two. There are hedge rows on both sides.
We arrived at our oasis, THE TORRIDON, a classic shooting lodge completed in 1887 by the first Earl of Lovelace. This family-run hotel has been updated and became a member of small luxury hotels of the world.Many activities are available and can be arranged through the Torridon including skeet shooting, archery, hiking and fishing.
The Drawing Room and Whisky Bar are phenomenal, with over 350 whiskies. The Chef is incredible and creates unique entrees and superb desserts. We proceeded south towards Glasgow and stopped at the ISLE OF ERISKA. It was built in 1884 and is run by the hospitable Buchanan-Smith family for over 30 years. Blazing log fires welcome you. Updated rooms are perfect and each unique. Enjoy golf, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, swimming or the new spa wing with many pampering services. Don't miss seeing the badgers that visit the Whisky Bar each evening for their snacks! It's hard to believe all of this is available on this small secluded island, just 100 miles from
Glasgow or Edinburgh. I could go on about tales of glorious Scotland and the friendly Scottish people. Feel free to contact me about Scotland or another destination. I would love to make your next vacation as enjoyable as mine!. Please call me at (901) 844-6108, or shoot me an email at jcrews@regencytravel.net and let’s talk travel.
|  | GLENDA OWEN
Email: gowen@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
My interests focus on European destinations. I also take great pleasure in arranging cruises for South America. I am a Certified Travel Counselor and Accredited Cruise
Specialist.
gowen@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
Travel has always interested me. After graduating from college, I was employed as a a flight attendant with Delta. Then I became a teacher, and continued my enthusiasm in travel by recruiting and escorting students to Europe. (My first group of ten students joined me for a five week tour!!) After a few years of teaching and escorting students, I entered the travel industry and have worked as a leisure specialist for over thirty years.
My Recent Trips
PHILADELPHIA
Glorious Gardens of the Philadelphia Region
from April 16-19, 2009
With Dale Skaggs from The Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Spring is a beautiful time of the year to visit this area of the United State. I assisted Dale Skaggs, the Director of Horticulture at The Dixon, as he led a small group through many beautiful gardens of the Philadelphia and Brandywine area. What a wonderful trip we all had with our private Dixon tour guide in Dale and the private guides from each museum and garden as we visited all the famous gardens of this area.
Each lovely home and garden offered its own special experience. From our first stop at Chanticleer with its beautiful naturalistic garden, we continued the next day to the well-known, fabulous estate of Winterthur and then the world’s premier horticultural showplace of Longwood. The following day we visited the elegant property of Nemours with its formal, French garden and ended that day seeing the relaxed, beauty and charm of Mt. Cuba. Finally, our tour concluded at the home of Bartram, considered the father of botany. What a varied, wonderful collection of gardens we saw!
In addition, our Sunday morning visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art gave us the opportunity to see the Cezanne Exhibition as well as some of the rest of that note-worthy museum collection. We were one of few groups to have entrance into the museum during that time when the galleries are normally closed to the public. We concluded this museum visit with a lovely lunch in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
This unique tour had three (3) nights at the charming Mendenhall Inn and included all the visits to the gardens and museums as well as most meals. It was truly a lovely trip!
Regency Travel is the travel agency that works with The Dixon Gallery and Gardens in planning and operating their special tours. The next trip scheduled is a five (5) night trip to the Hudson River Valley for 3 nights and then New York City for 2 nights from September 18-23, 2009. This program will be just as special and wonderful as Philadelphia was!
Then in May of 2010, we will handle a trip with The Dixon to Berlin, Dresden and Munich. Call and ask us for detail about these special travel opportunities
|  | HARRIETT MORRIS
Email: hmorris@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
Locating just the right villa for a select group of couples in Italy, France, and Spain is one of the highlights of my job. Caribbean and Mexico resorts are also fun to research for family gatherings.
hmorris@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
My personal knowledge about a city or foreign country can influence your trip! I enjoy selecting an exceptional accommodation, with the perfect view, in the best hotel with the greatest location for my clients. Restaurant and dining suggestions, as well as shopping recommendations are very important for me to pass along as well.
|  | MICHAEL BEVIS
Email: mbevis@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
My specialty is customizing Caribbean and Mexican resort vacations. I have in-depth knowledge of Paris, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen. My experiences allow for fine tuning details in and around these interesting and historical cities.
mbevis@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
I have been in the travel industry for over fourteen years. My travels include: North America, Europe, Egypt, Russia, and the Caribbean. I've loved wandering the cities of Paris, Istanbul, and Prague. I'm also fond of Vancouver, Mustique, and St. Petersburg.
My Recent Trips
I recently enjoyed a magnificent Abercrombie and Kent 10 day trip to Egypt and Jordan. My room at the Four Seasons First Residence had a view of the Pyramids and overlooked the Cairo Botanic Gardens and Zoo. Highlights of the trip were the Nile Cruise and a visit to Petra. The final day of my trip was at the spectacular Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea. Floating in the Dead Sea and then dinner that evening on the banks overlooking the lights of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jericho (with a full moon that seemed made to order!) capped off a perfect trip. Call me to arrange yours!
Seeing the Greek Isles on a leisurely Seadream Yacht Club cruise is ideal. The smaller ship size, only about 100 guests, allows ports of call such as Kos, Chania, and Nafplion.
|  | DALE PARKER
Email: dparker@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
Cruising in my passion. Many groups have sailed with me over the past twenty years. I am bullish on the University of Memphis basketball team that I have followed faithfully since 1953. This year is the greatest of all!
dparker@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
I am a native Memphian, active member of Advent Presbyterian Church, married to David Parker for 53 years and have a daughter, Jan, and a son, David Jr. and three grandsons. I have been involved in several local charities such as the Memphis Child Advocacy Center Gala and the Salvation Army Auxiliary, former Memphis Heart Gala Chairman and Duration Club sustaining member and served on several Board of Directors including the Mid South Fair and Memphis Heart Gala and my Homeowners’ Association. I accidentally became a travel consultant through the insistence of a friend because I was the perfect target age for cruisers. My children were grown so I decided to just try it and here I am 25 years later still planning fun vacations for families and groups as well as individuals. I love working for Terry Beaty and Regency. It is truly a nice place to be. I have traveled extensively, particularly on many cruises escorting groups to Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England. Last Fall I led a large group from my church, Advent Presbyterian, to Greece on a “Footsteps of Paul” tour and cruise to the Greek islands which was wonderful. I am bullish on the University of Memphis basketball team that I have followed faithfully since 1953.
dparker@regencytravel.net
My Recent Trips
I had the privilege of leading 37 members of Advent Presbyterian Church to Greece in October to follow the “Footsteps of the Apostle Paul.” This was a wonderful roundtrip Athens, 10- day Globus tour program that featured a private bus for the group. Our guide was exceptional. The trip included a three day cruise to the Greek Islands of Mykonos and Rhodes. Kusadasi, Turkey was a favorite port where we explored the ancient city of Ephesus. We also visited Corinth, Patmos, Piraeus, Thessalonika, Philippi, Kavala, Veria, Kalambaka and Meteores.
|  | SCOTTIE WARMATH
Interests & Specialties
Family first! I enjoy taking beach vacations with my extended family including great-grandchildren.Tennis is the perfect way for me to keep fit. I love to cruise and advise my tried and true customers of what a value cruising is!
Expert Bio
For over thirty years, I have worked in the travel industry. I began my career with TWA and later ventured into trip planning as a travel agent.
|  | CINDY FRANKLIN
Email: cfranklin@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
Some of my favorite destinations include Rome, Florence and Paris. My expertise also includes the Caribbean and Riviera Maya in Mexico, both fabulous, sunny destinations for great get-aways or honeymoons. Domestically, Las Vegas is the ultimate city for fun, food, shopping and entertainment. Allow me to take care of all the travel details and provide you with a wonderful, memorable vacation.
cfranklin@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
Travel has always been a lifelong passion of mine. My leisure travels have included cruises and independent trips to Europe, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, as well as many North American cities. Favorite U. S. destinations include New York, Chicago, Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and San Diego. My personal experiences and knowledge guide me in finding wonderful hotels, charming restaurants and unique experiences to customize journeys for both seasoned and first-time travelers.
My Recent Trips
Exploring Italy from top to bottom was a magnificent, memorable trip. My Venetian hotel, The Bauer, a favorite destination for artists and celebrities, was a quick stroll to St. Mark’s Square. Highlights of the trip included getting lost wandering the streets of Venice, a fabulous five-course dinner at Cibreo in Florence, and exploring the fabulous Borghese Gallery in Rome. The final days of my trip were spent in Rome in the luxurious InterContinental De La Ville Roma situated at the top of the Spanish Steps. Enjoying a glass of wine and watching the sunset each afternoon on the Emperor Terrace overlooking the Eternal City was a perfect ending to each day!
|  | LINDA WALTER
Email: lwalter@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
My area at Regency Travel is designing and marketing some of Regency’s Private Label trips designed for small group trips. After years of experience in planning and escorting small groups, I have become convinced about their value to our travelers and friends and I have seen for myself how much more each travel experience is enjoyed by the clients when in the company of others. Though I also help individuals with their travel needs, most of my time is spent being personally in touch with our group clients to help them decide whch of our offerings is best for them that year.
lwalter@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
For twenty years I have focused my energies on offering trips to groups of 20 or fewer which include the best possible accommodations, sightseeing and service for an only moderately expensive price. With Private Label Trips, I am able to offer a different lineup of tours each year and make them slow-paced and full of varied experiences while always attempting to keep my finger on the pulse of new travel experiences to offer. His wide range of inclusions in the trip price might be history, landscape and gardens, architecture, foods and wines, local handicrafts and art and much more with plenty of time for individual exploration. Since these personally designed trips, in conjunction with my husband Gunter, usually have so much repeat business- we must be doing something right. We invite you to join us!
My Recent Trips
My favorite recent destinations: Mt. Wallberg in Germany and St. Wolfgangsee in Austria! Upcoming trips with Linda: Please call or e-mail for in-depth brochures to be sent by e-mail or post. This website also has our private label tour brochures in depth for you to print out at home. Just click on “Private Label Trips”.
|  | FITZGERALD MARGO
Email: mfitzgerald@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
My interests are far and wide! I really enjoy the planning of details for the destinations chosen by my clients. I’ve had the good fortune of extensive travel, both in our beautiful country and around the globe. If I can be of assistance to you as you plan your next trip to refresh, renew and reacquaint yourself with life’s pleasures, please let me know! mfitzgerald@regencytravel.net
Expert Bio
I have been professionally involved with the world of travel for over 18 years. My first “travel bug” bit when I attended the University of Dijon, France for three months after college graduation. Over the years, my husband and I have led many groups on both domestic and international trips and it’s been a delight for us to accompany people to places both near and far where they have never traveled before. I also had the good fortune of working with Rosetta Stone Language Company for over 10 years, where I learned that although there are many, many languages spoken internationally, we are fast becoming a much smaller world!
|  | MARY SMITH
Email: msmith@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
My favorite destinations include Bermuda, Ireland, London, Paris, Hong Kong and the Caribbean. I have specific and extensive experience in planning family cruise vacations, and thoroughly enjoy researching a new destination in order to learn about those out-of-the-ordinary experiences that make a trip memorable and rewarding. I am delighted to be a new part of the Regency Travel family so that I can assist my clients in making long-held travel dreams come true.
Expert Bio
As a former naval officer and the wife of a FedEx pilot, I have had significant exposure to international travel, and have lived in some wonderful places along the way. My forte is in-depth analysis of destinations, with emphasis on history, art, cuisine and culture. I am very detail-oriented, and can assure my clients that their perfect trip is my goal.
My Recent Trips
My most recent trip was a 12-day cruise to the capitals of the region surrounding the Baltic Sea: Copenhagen, Warnemunde, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Stockholm. Although our trip was in late April, we were blessed with absolutely glorious weather --- warm sun every day was the perfect backdrop to the storybook settings of each port-of-call. At the end of our cruise, the four members of my travel party agreed that each port had something memorable that made it difficult to choose a “favorite port”. Here are a few highlights: In Copenhagen, we began our day with a stroll from the ship to Tivoli Gardens, where we dined on smorrebrod, the traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches. The gardens were in full, magnificent bloom and were filled with Danes basking in the spring sun. In Warnemunde, while most of our fellow cruisers opted for the long train ride into Berlin, we chose to drive through the North German countryside through a landscape dotted with wind generators on rolling hills covered in bright flowers. Upon arriving in the town of Schwerin, a short boat trip brought us to the palatial home of the Dukes of Mecklenburg, which was filled with antiques and art. A short walk from the palace to the cobbled town square revealed a food and music festival featuring grilled sausages, locally-brewed beers, and band music. Next stop: Tallinn, where we all enjoyed the medieval square in Old Town, with its 14th century town hall, and a climb up Toompea Hill for a visit to the magnificent Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Our itinerary included two full days in St. Petersburg, which I would strongly recommend as a minimum for a first visit to that historic city. On our first day, we took a tour of the canals and the River Neva, which offered a fascinating perspective of many of the buildings associated with the city’s larger-than-life founder, Tsar Peter the Great. A visit to several churches was another highlight --- Church on the Spilled Blood is a monument to the art of the mosaic and the St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the 3rd largest cathedral in the world, were all that time permitted us to visit. Our second day included tours of Catherine Palace, the brilliant blue-colored masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and several hours at the Hermitage --- which was far too short a time to fully absorb the wonders of the artistic world contained within its walls. We were particularly fascinated by the parquet floors in each of these palaces, where no two rooms had an identical pattern or design. In Helsinki, we took a boat tour of the many islands which dot the harbor, sites associated with the famed Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius, and Market Square dominated by an impressive Lutheran Cathedral. We then took the time to walk along the Esplanadi, lined with shops and cafes, where we stopped for a lunch of Finnish salmon on hearty brown bread. Our final port-of-call was Stockholm, where we spent a most enjoyable few hours at the Vasa Museum, which is the home of the Royal Warship Vasa, a 17th century man-of-war which capsized and sank in 1628 on its maiden voyage, and which was not salvaged until 1961. Not only was this interesting from the historic and maritime perspective, but it was one of the most well-presented museum displays I have ever experienced. The Old Town of Stockholm dates to the 13th century, and the palace is one of the few official residences of a European monarch to be open to the public.
Still on my wish list: Italy, Scotland, and river cruising in both France and Germany. I would be delighted to speak with you about my experiences on my own trips, but I would prefer to discuss with you your own travel dreams. Please give me a call at 901-844-6110 or drop me a note at msmith@regencytravel.net
|  | NANCY STEADMAN
Email: nsteadman@regencytravel.net
Interests & Specialties
For over 25 years, I’ve traveled the world, falling in love with one wonderful place after the other. I owned a group agency for many years, and now am thrilled to be a part of the Regency family. My husband and I have been fortunate to have done video work for major cruise lines for many years and have seen most of the world from the ship’s view in the process. The small ships of Seabourn and Windstar are my favorites, as their intimacy allows you to get to know the other travelers and see more unique places where larger ships can’t go. The Greek Isles, French and Italian Riviera, Alaska and Tahiti have been among my favorite places. I also lived for a time in the gorgeous San Juan Islands north of Seattle. I believe when you have a passion for travel, it’s contagious, and I love the joy of giving people “the travel bug”! Food and travel are my passions, and when you can combine both, it’s heaven! I am still on a quest for the best pizza in the world, so I have many places left to check out!
Expert Bio
Having owned an agency and a travel video company, I’ve traveled for over 25 years to many places around the world, but my favorites include the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, the tiny ports of Portofino and Portoferraio in Italy, Paris, the interior of Alaska and all of Tahiti. I especially love to find unique experiences for my clients that make their trip more memorable, usually revolving around food or off-the-beaten-path experiences such as 4-wheel drive tour through a vanilla plantation in Tahiti, landing in a mail plane in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, stopping for a snack in Chicken, Alaska, or a pizza-hunt in Pisa. I’ll be trying a segway tour in Budapest in a few weeks, so will report back on that soon! I’d love to talk with you about your travel wish-list! Call me at (901) 246-4088.
My Recent Trips
I’ve done the 3-week tour in Alaska twice from Skagway all the way to Seward, including cruising and land tours through Alaska and the Yukon territories and Denali Park. There’s beauty everywhere you look and plenty of great wildlife sightings. Last year, I did the Baltic cruise, spending several days in Copenhagen before the cruise. The hot dog stands on every corner where you can get all kinds of interesting dogs and a local brew at 10am are a great break from all the boundless shopping! Tallin, Estonia, is a quaint place with an interesting juxtaposition between the old town and very modern side of the city. It’s just beautiful when you pull into port and look over on the hillside at Old Town. And closer to home, my daughter lives in DC, so I know that city better than most locals and have made my way through many of the best restaurants in town. I’m leaving soon for an Avalon Waterways cruise and tour in Budapest, up the Danube, and Prague. Look forward to reporting back about that adventure!
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