Virtual Vacation with Guidester

For a different view of Europe, you might consider a river cruise. From Paris to Le Havre in Normandy and back is filled with unbelievable scenery, food, and history. Jack Baumann relates what you can expect on a river cruise in France.

[00:23] What do you see and expect on a river cruise from Paris to LeHavre?

[03:36] Food on the river cruise

[04:32] Stops on the river cruise

[07:38] Conflans-Sainte-Honorine

[07:59] Auvers-sur-Oise...

Ancient volcanoes that are now lakes form the basis for unbelievable scenery and a great winemaking region near Rome. While Castelli Romani is also known for being the summer residence of the Pope, the region boasts quiet villages, festival celebrations, a moderate summer climate, and succulent strawberries.

[00:39] Overview of the area

• Location
• Topography
• How to get there

[04:45] Why the area is famous

• Strawberries
• Pap...

Rome is a destination full of excitement, history, and culture. There is so much to see in the eternal city where do you begin? Well, that's why there is Guidester! Jack Baumann relates what you can expect as an American tourist in Italy.

[01:10] Getting into Italy in a pandemic. What do you have to have and do?

[03:48] What do you do when your room reservations fall through? This is what Jack did.

• The Theater of Pompey
• Testac...

The Appian Way is the oldest road in Rome and one of the oldest continuously used roads in the entire world. What makes this road so special? What is the history that has captivated people for over 2500 years? Why is this one of Jack's favorite places to visit and eat dinner?

[00:43] The Pines of the Appian Way (music)

[02:33] All Roads Lead to Rome Especially this One!

• History
• Monuments
• Old Churches
• Catacombs of San Sebastian
• Ceci...

The Rock. The name has been used in movies, as an actor's nickname, and even the destination as a logo for an insurance company. Gibraltar is the original rock in southern Spain and has a deep heritage and long-standing point of being a strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.

[01:47] Significance of Gibraltar

[03:40] Fortifications

[04:51] Thumbnail Sketch of the History-The Rock Changes Hands

[07:47] The town ...

We take travel for granted in today's world. Way back in the day (a.k.a. The Ancient World), weekend getaways, day trips, and to a degree business trips did not even cross the minds of the people. Who did travel? Why did they travel? How did they travel? These are all questions that are answered in this episode.

[00:20] Introduction

[04:12] What did travel actually mean and who was traveling?

• wealthy elites
• merchant class
• commo...

This isn't your Hot Springs, Arkansas thermal bath area. Budapest is known as the city spas as it boasts more hot springs and medicinal baths than any capital city in the world!

[02:46] Bath Crazy "Budapesht" not Budapest.

[05:39] The Skinny on Thermal Baths

• 120 Hot Springs
• Romans and the Turks

[09:10] These are spas, but this isn't a Vic Tanney Health Spa - it's much much better!

• Sparties
• Rooftop Communal Hot Tub
• Széche...

Istria is not a country but probably could be. It is part of three countries and offers a merging of cultures, food, history, language, and style. Michael Cross is our guest from Istria where his mother was born. He is part of the Italian Community of St. Louis and provides an understanding of the richness of this often-overlooked peninsula in the Adriatic Sea with a climate like San Diego.

Dream. Learn. Plan. Prepare. Go to...

The Isle of Skye is Scotland's top bucket list destination. One thing about Skye that will leave a lasting impression on you is the scenery. Just driving around, you can see many of Skye’s most majestic geological features, such as the Quiraing and Cuillin.  But be sure to take your sturdiest of boots and explore these unique sights on foot for real rewards.

[01:13] Isle of Skye Overview-Where is it and what is there to s...

When you mix culture, art, history, geography, flavors, cuisine, and people in everything you eat and drink, you get Paris! For all you food lovers out there who are going to Paris, you need to savor this episode. Get the culinary experience of a lifetime in Paris.

[01:43] Paris-Food Capital of the World

[02:52] Understanding the Language of the French Food Scene

• Bistro
• Brasserie
• Bouillon
• Boulangerie
• Patisserie

[07:36] The U...

London is known for its many attractions: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and museums to name a few. Wouldn't you like to know about some hidden gems that will not only capture your attention and pocketbook but give you a sense you have had a private tour? Well, you've come to the right place to avoid the mistakes travelers make and find the hidden gems.

[02:02] Saint Dunstan in the East

[04:03] Temple Church

[06:05] ...

Some of the most beautiful countryside is located in The Peak District, England's first national park. If you like to hike, are into photography, desire to experience village life in England, or just walk through the most gorgeous gardens in all of Europe, The Peak District is the place to be.

[00:36] English National Parks

• Peak District
• Lake District

[02:16] Peak District-Land of the Shires

• Derbyshire
• Yorkshire
• Staffor...

Traveling again is going to require some extra thought, planning, and patience. This episode provides some thoughtful ideas about where and how to travel during the pandemic.

[00:40] Status of International Travel

• Mexico, Croatia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos, and other Caribbean destinations

[02:52] Countries Open in Europe

•  Albania, Croatia, Malta, Iceland, Estonia, Montenegro, North M...

If you are traveling to Europe and throughout the European continent, Jack gives you some help on ways to get around to save you money, keep you safe, and not have your muscles hurt from all the luggage. After all you are there to have fun and relax!

[01:05] Air vs. Train Travel

• Ryanair
• EasyJet
• Rail Europe

[03:12] Public Transportation

[04:42] Renting a Car or Scooter

[06:33] Going from Country to Country - Changes Ahead

Rome is a destination full of excitement, history, and culture. We delve into the basilicas of Rome, their cultural importance, historical significance, and architectural beauty.

[00:29] What is a basilica?

[02:09] Four Great Basilicas of Rome

• St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican
• The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
• The Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore)
• The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giova...

Croatia is a gem of a country that provides breathtaking views, great food, fabulous beaches, and all around fun! There is much to see there but here are Croatia's Must Sees! Click on the word TRANSCRIPT to see a transcript of this podcast with audio player at the bottom.

[00:51] Geographic Location

[02:50] Natural Parks-Natural Beauty

[03:23] Split and Dubrovnik

[06:12] History of Croatia

[08:39] Croatian Islands

• Pag Island
• Hvar

Here is a basic itinerary that offers a mix of city, country, and culture. This is especially useful for the first-timer to Ireland as it covers the country’s most famous sights. If you don't have 10 days, then remember this. Go deep rather than broad.

[01:25] Perfect 10 days in Ireland defined

• Fly in; Dublin: Trinity College, Book of Kells, Guiness Storehouse, Christ Church Cathedral, Temple Bar)-2 days
• Kilkenny: Rock of Cashe...

Get ready for a fun trip to Bern and discover why this should be on your list of destinations when you travel. View the Bern Virtual Vacation with Guidester while you listen or check it out later and don't watch it while you are driving! :) Click on the word TRANSCRIPT to get a transcript of this podcast with audio player at the bottom.

[00:46] Let's Get Started

[02:44] City Center

[04:36] Museums-one of the greatest and smart...

Castles have fascinated visitors worldwide for their beauty, size, and history. We explore some history and aspects of British castles. While Jack names his top five castles in Britain in this episode, he has previously identified 11 of the most beautiful castles in Britain (four of which he discusses in this episode). Click on the word TRANSCRIPT to get a transcript of this podcast with an audio player at the bottom.

[00:46] Castl...