An “Ennis Walking Trails” app from the town of Ennis in County Clare, Ireland — which was granted a municipal charter in 1613 — shows a map with five walking routes along the town’s Heritage Trails and offers audio info on a total of 13 points of interest. Routes vary from a half mile to two miles and take from 35 to 80 minutes to walk. The app is free on Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Carolyn Jones — Bend, OR
I have led group tours to Turkmenistan and the five ’Stans seven times over several years, most recently in May and October 2013, and all my clients have found the country of Turkmenistan to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the entire tour, so I was alarmed to read the negative comments about that country in the letter “Turkmenistan — Dangers & Annoyances” (March ’14, pg. 23), written by someone who traveled with another tour company.
I would like to commend Marcia Brandes for the well-written article “Ten Cities in 20 Days — a Delightful Custom Tour of China” (Feb. ’14, pg. 18) and on the extensive research she and her husband, Steve, did in designing their tour. Their itinerary could serve as an excellent model for travelers on a limited time budget.
In County Clare, Ireland, the town of Killaloe on the Shannon River is celebrating the 1,000-year anniversary of the Irish king Brian Ború, who defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.
From his palace in Killaloe, Ború ruled over a large area of present-day Ireland, AD 1002-1014, commanding a fleet of more than 300 vessels.
A quick Internet check told me that there were once two to three thousand castles in Scotland. Many still exist as family homes, castle hotels or tourist attractions. Some remain picturesque ruins. Others have simply vanished with hardly a trace, their stones incorporated long ago into other buildings.
9-day, 8-night tour through southern Croatia. Through September 2014. Highlights: Dubrovnik hinterland/in Cavtat, Račić family mausoleum/in Orebič, winery tour/Rector’s and Sponza palaces/folklore performance at Ljubač family farm/on island of Korčula, 1912 hotel/historic Trogir/in Salona, Roman ruins/in Split, Diocletian’s Palace/Dalmatian folk a capella performance. Land, from $3,351 per person, double (varies by departure date). Single, $5,220. Prices less if no private tour on Day 2.
8-day, 7-night hiking tour (challenging) through Dolomite Mountains in ITALY, July 5-12, Aug. 2-9 & Sept. 6-13, 2014. Head lamps, ice axes, etc., provided. Highlights: Via ferrata (iron paths) through mountain passes/WWI ruins in open-air museums/stays in rifugios (huts)/at Mt. Lagazuoi, hidden military forts/Marmolata Glacier. Land, €1,990 (near $2,728); more if fewer than four in group. Single supp., (hotels only), €65 ($89).
I recall having a memorable pedicure while in Vietnam a few years ago. I was on a private tour of Southeast Asia with four ladies, and we were staying at the Life Resort Hotel (now called Anantara Hôi An Resort, 1 Pham Hong Thai St., Hôi An Town, Quang Nam Province, 10000 Vietnam; phone +84 510 391 4555. Suites may start from $185, $203 or $350).
The hotel was a large property with park-like grounds and individual deluxe cottage suites. Our stay was comfortable in the extreme.
by Joyce Bruck; Ocean Ridge, FL