If your Expressly for You Itinerary takes you to Florence, Italy. One of the great day trip options available is a day in Cinque Terre.
There are many ways to experience Cinque Terre from Florence; from Independent Self Drive or Train itineraries, private guide and drive, small group (16 or less guests), and group options (Bus Tour)
A day in Cinque Terre is a full day of incredible vistas, sparkling seas, outstanding dining, and the opportunity to do some light hiking between villages. Additional options for travel between the five villages include water taxis and train services.

Imagine a journey that delights the youngest of dreamers and the wisest of storytellers in your family—a European travel experience expressly designed to your personal wish list by CK Tours & Cruises. Multi-generational travel isn’t just a holiday; it's a tapestry of experiences that leave indelible marks on your family's history.
Introducing Expressly for you custom tours: Where All Generations Converge in Adventure When traveling across the varied landscapes of Europe, the timeless charm of its cities and countryside beckons families of multiple generations. At CK Tours, we understand that each family is unique, which is why we expressly craft trips that appeal to everyone—from youngest to grandparents and every age in between.
With our Private Guides We promise is to transform your family journey into an intimate discovery of Europe’s heart. Through CK Tours’ network of private guides, your families curiosities and imaginations will be ignited. These expert storytellers tailor their knowledge to every age, ensuring that whether it’s the myths behind Athens’ ruins or the whispered secrets of the Sistine Chapel, each revelation feels personal and profound.
Nestle into Europe’s Nooks with Exclusive Lodging After days spent unearthing the past and embracing the present, CK Tours ensures your nights are cradled in comfort and local flavor. From fairy-tale castles in the German woods to family-run villas overlooking the Italian lakes, these private accommodations are carefully chosen to enhance your connection to each destination.
Expressly Tailored Itineraries: Your Family's European Canvas Exploration lies at the heart of CK Tours’ philosophy, and Europe is our canvas. We embrace the desires of the energetic and the needs of those who appreciate a gentler pace. Whether it's a private gondola ride beneath Venice's moon, a cooking class held in the warmth of a Provencal home, or a serene river cruise down the Danube, every moment is tailored for your family's joy and comfort.
Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all on this journey of family bonding and heritage. Instead, let CK Tours & Cruises guide you through the pages of Europe’s grand storybook. From the twinkle of Parisian lights to the sun-kissed Grecian shores, these are the days that will become your family legends.
A trip Expressly tailored for your family by CK Tours is not just a vacation; it's a platform for precious memories, a bridge between generations, and an unforgettable story waiting to be told.
If you desire to beget new memories that will be cherished for generations to come, reach out to us at CK Tours & Cruises. Together, we will craft a European holiday that your family will reminisce about for a lifetime.

When planning a vacation, two popular options are all-inclusive resorts and ocean cruises. Both offer a way to relax and enjoy activities without having to worry about costs and planning once you arrive. But they each have their own pros and cons to consider.

All-Inclusive Resorts
Pros:

• Everything is included - food, drinks, activities. No worrying about going over budget.
• Often family-friendly with kids clubs, waterparks, etc.
• Provides a "home base" for the duration of your trip.
• Accommodations, dining, and amenities are all in one place. Very convenient.

Cons:

• Limited to experiencing only what is offered at the resort. Less immersion in local culture.
• Potential for the experience to feel "generic" from one resort to another.
• Activities can feel repetitive after several days at the same location.

Resort Excursions
Pros:

• Excursions are usually cheaper when booked through the resort vs. a third party.
• Transportation to/from the excursion is typically included.
• Activities cater to guests of all ages and interests.
• Booking is convenient through the resort's tour desk or concierge.

Cons:

• Limited selection focused on what is near the resort location.
• Heavily frequented by guests from your resort, so less cultural immersion.
• Quality can be inconsistent if not vetted carefully.

Pro Tip: Use a Trusted Advisor to navigate the available Excursion options.
 
Ocean Cruises
Pros:

• Visit multiple destinations in one trip. Great for travelers who want to see a lot.
• Only need to unpack once. Your hotel room travels with you.
• Lots of included entertainment like shows, casinos, pools, spas.
• Cruise ships offer many dining options and activities.

Cons:

• Can feel "touristy" with less immersion in local culture at ports.
• Motion sickness is common for some travelers.
• Cabins tend to be small with little privacy.
• Additional costs like drink packages, excursions, Wifi add up.

Cruise Shore Excursions
Pros:

• Wider variety of excursion choices at each port.
• Smaller groups provide a more personalized experience.
• Cruise line vets and approves each tour operator.
• Excursions are designed specifically for cruise passengers.

Cons:

• Typically more expensive than booking independently.
• Must meet the cruise ship's scheduled port times.
• Not as much flexibility in timing as private tours.
• Activities cater mostly to adult passengers.

When choosing between an all-inclusive resort or cruise, consider your travel style, budget, and what kind of experience you want. Resorts are best for relaxation and convenience while cruises offer more exploration. Weigh the pros and cons and decide which type of getaway fits your ideal vacation.

Are you longing for a vacation where every detail is expertly taken care of, allowing you to truly relax and immerse yourself in the experience? Look no further than an escorted vacation. This increasingly popular style of travel has countless benefits that make it a perfect choice for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to escape the monotony of everyday life.

This blog will explore why choosing an escorted vacation should be at the top of your travel Wishlist.

1: Hassle-free Planning:
Planning a vacation can be overwhelming and time-consuming. From researching destinations and accommodations to creating an itinerary that maximizes your time, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. With an escorted vacation, all the logistical aspects are expertly handled. CK Tours and our Partners take care of all the planning, ensuring a stress-free experience from start to finish.

2: Expert Guidance and Insights:
One of the most fantastic perks of an escorted vacation is having an experienced tour director or local guide by your side throughout the journey. These knowledgeable individuals are passionate about the destinations they lead you through. Their insider knowledge allows you to discover hidden gems, learn fascinating historical facts, and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and traditions.

We had the opportunity to spend a week in my new favorite destination Madeira!
 
Why Madeira?
Madeira offers stunning vistas, B&B, Hotel and Apartment accommodations from Mountainside to Beachfront.
The main town of Funchal is vibrant with incredible restaurants offering excellent value, a stunning view from every corner. The city is walkable, but also offers an excellent public transport and taxi system. Keep in mind is Funchal is on the side of a mountain, and the walk to higher accommodations can be challenging, the walks down are a breeze 😀.

The true beauty and grandeur experienced when you venture up 6000’ from Funchal, and down to the east coast for incredible coastline with vistas of otherworldly rock formations. So otherworldly, the latest Disney+ Star Wars offering The Acolyte is shot from the upper reaches of Madeiras forest to the rugged eastern and western coastlines.
What we experienced in Madeira
We hit the ground running, after checking in to our accommodations. We were off to see the Saturday Farmer’s and Fish Markets, then wondered around old town, ending our first day with a wonderful dinner at Casa Velha.
After a much needed night of rest we spent the day exploring our surroundings via the local Hop on Hop off bus, with an extended visit to Farol de Câmara de Lobos, that is famous for Winston Churchill spending large chunks of time painting the vistas.
On Monday we started the day with a ride up the Funchal Gondola to ride a basket down the mountain, but first we visited the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. Then it was the days main event, a wicker basket ride down the mountain roads guided by our basket wranglers. Yes it’s a touristy activity with a typically hour long wait to ride. And still it’s worth it for the fun you will have.
Tuesday was our day with Rico’s Off Road Adventures, and our guide Vitor. Taking a tour like this is a must do, you can take a true off road adventure with Rico’s, our you can take a more sedate tour via a Land Rover. Whichever option you take will provide an incredible experience. The diversity of ecological areas as you travel up from the coast to over 6000 ft is magical.
Wednesday we spent the afternoon with Claudio hiking along the Levadas a couple of thousand feet above the sea. Due to a heavy rainstorm we got a late start on our 5K hike. Near the end of the hike we had to don our headlamps to see our way out. Making the final more exciting than expected 😳 we followed the hike up with an unforgettable experience cooking our dinner over an open fire in a mountainside bbq restaurant. The beef, chicken and sausages were outstanding, and the interaction with the locals with even better.
On Thursday we hired a taxi for the day to take us to Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. This is also a must do experience. Natural volcanic pools next to crashing waves provided an incredible experience. In addition to the pools you can stay in Porto Moniz for a night or two. Lots of good restaurants and cafes. Part of the intrigue of Porto Moniz is the drive across the island through deep valleys and numerous tunnels, that now bypass the harrowing single lane cliffs roads of 20 years ago.
We ended our night with an excellent dinner at Taberna Madeira.
Our last full day was a walking food tour through the Velha to experience excellent cuisine, snacks and drinks. Our guide was excellent, we ended the day with a glass of Puncha.