Michelle Lang

Italy History, Romance Travel Agent Expert

There is no other beauty than the countryside, vineyards, fine cuisine, deep history and culture that Italy has to offer.  

VENICE

One of the most romantic and historic cities that I have had the pleasure to explore is Venice.  This coastal city in Northeastern Italy, was established in 421 AD.  Venice is famous because it was built on 126 islands separated only by canals and 400 bridges.  We spent a few days walking, crossing bridges and exploring the many sites, and shops. When we were not walking, we took water taxi’s, but my favorite was taking a Gondola rides.  Imagine floating through canals while going under many arched bridges.  It was truly romantic and a great way to explore the sites and architecture.  

One of our first stops was Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square) This 12th century plaza is a beautiful gathering place flanked by St Marks Basilica - a beautiful cathedral, Torre dell’Orologio (St Mark’s clocktower), and various historic buildings and monuments.

Another site that we enjoyed was Doge’s Palace.  It is another ornate Gothic landmark, which showcases the history of the Venetian Republic.  It is also filled with exhibitions, food, music and is connected with the Bridge of Sighs.  This stone covered bridge was where prisoners crossed en route from the Papazzo to Prison. 

VERONA

Located 75 miles West of Venice is the historical city of Verona, which sits along the Adige River, and is nestled up against the Lessini Mountains.  Verona is famous for its Roman, Medieval and Renaissance structures/ruins. I loved Verona Arena, this 1st Century Roman amphitheater was built in 30 AD. This acoustic wonder hosts world class operas, concerts and holds up to 30K people. 

The Piazza delle Erbe is a marketplace surrounded by medieval buildings including the Lamberti Tower. We spent the day exploring, music and italian cuisine.

Verona is most famous for being the setting of Shakesphere’s tragedies, Romeo and Juliet.  We went to the Casa di Guiletta (Juliet’s house). The 14th century building once belonged to the Capulet family. It was the house and stone balcony that inspired Shakesphere to write this classic love story. 

COMO

This Northern City of Como is 175 miles west of Venice or about an hour by train from Milan.  Set along Como lake The city brims with Medieval, Gothic and Renaissance buildings and walls.  We took the time to explore Como Cathedral, rode the Como-Brunate Funicular, a cable car that took us up to the Mountain Village of Brunate that offered panoramic and alpine views.   My favorite stop was the Piazza Cavour & old town.  I loved the medieval walls and cobblestone streets filled with cafes and shops.

After exploring the City of Como we took a ferry to explore a couple of the lakeside villages. Our first stop was Bellagio.  Famous for its location, it sits where lake Como splits with Lecco.  It is unique for its many staircases, stunning gardens, shops and fine dining.  It was beautiful to sit along the water and sip the wines that make up the region.

Another beautiful village is Managgio.  It is located on the West shore of Lake Como.  It has a beautiful lakefront promenade which leads to the Piazza Garibaldi.  I loved the cobblestone streets, outdoor cafes filled with  medieval flavor.  We walked uphill along winding paths to see the 17 century sites of the Santo Stefano and the Church of Sante Marta. There is a nearby nature reserve, Val Sanagra Park.  It has beautiful hiking and walking trails.  

TRIESTE

This historic coastal town sits along the Adriatic Sea.  It has stunning ocean views filled with Habsburg Architecture. Aside from walking along the waterfront, my favorite was touring Miramare Castle (Castello di Miramare).  Located 8 kilometers northwest of Trieste, this 19-century Fortress sits on a cliffside overlooking the Gulf of Trieste.  Built in 1856, this 20 room castle has strong influences of Gothic, Renaissance and medieval styles.  After our tour we enjoyed the massive botanical park that surrounds the castle.

Another stunning experience was exploring the Piazza Unita d’Italiana.  This seaside square is considered the largest sea facing public square in Europe. We enjoyed the historical buildings and had the best coffee in one of the historic cafes. Some people choose to visit Trieste instead of larger destinations because of the quiet and peaceful surroundings

VICENZA

Another wonderful city in northern Italy is Vicenza. It is located 60 miles West of Venice and is known for it’s Renaissance architecture of Palladio. He built many buildings such as:The Basilica Palladiana - the cities central square and the Palazzo Chiericati, which houses both Venezia's museum and art gallery. I loved the Teatro Olimpico  (Olympic Theater) which was Palladio’s last structure built in 1580. We took several tours through this historic area.  It was worth it.

If you want to explore Northern Italy.  I am here to make it happen!

Bavarian Travel Agent Specialist

 Traveling through Southern Germany - Bavaria

I have been blessed to have traveled throughout Europe. My favorite area is Southern Germany in the Bavarian region.  Located in Southeast Germany, Bavaria sits along the borders of Austria, and across the waters of Lake Constance, Switzerland, which makes exploring several different countries in one day, a reality.  There are no words to describe the Bavarian countryside filled with green pastures and the impressive alps,winding hiking paths, the multitudes of Castles, deep history and culture to explore.

MUNICH

This capital city of Bavaria, has so much to explore.  One of our first stops was visiting the Hofbrauhaus.  This 16th century beer hall is a year-long celebration with festive music and dance. Gathered in the massive hall, we enjoyed the variety of beers served in huge glass steinware. Of course, we had to have weiBust - a traditional Bavarian white sausage (made with veal), with large soft pretzels and sweet mustard. 

Just a 5 minute walk from the Haughbrauhaus is the Marienplatz.  It is a great plaza for exploring old germany, shopping, outdoor cafes and experiencing the  historic architecture. My favorite was watching the Glockenspiel.

13 miles Northwest of Munich was the Dachau Concentration camp memorial site.  I found this to be a quiet and thoughtful experience, filled with deep in history and remembrance.  This site was built on the first Natzi concentration camp built in 1933. The structures, and replicated prisoner barracks, brought home the stark reality of the past.

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN

An hour South of Munich, this famous alpine ski resort town sits at the base of the Zugspitz, which is the highest peak in Germany. From its peak you can see as many as 4 countries. We also explored the Parnach Gorge.  It is a magical to walk along winding paths, tunnels and waterfalls.  Along with the majestic scenery, the town is set in Bavarian traditions, mountain life and many wonderful shops and restaurants.

My favorite daytrip was to Neuschwanstein Castle.  It is located 38 miles outside of Garmisch near Fussen. It was ordered and built by King Ludwig II in 1869, it depicts a romanesque Gothic / Byzantine architectural theme.  We took a guided tour through the many halls, towers and turrets while marveling at the history.. We also walked across Marienbruck bridge which is suspended above Pollat Gorge. It is famous for the fact that most postcards are from this view of Neuschwanstein Castle.

Another great place to explore is Linderhof Castle.  It is located 16 miles outside of Garmisch, it was King Ludwig’s Hunting lodge.  We took a guided educational tour and then explored the many winding gardens.

.Oberramergau is an artist village that is located in the Bavarian alps and is home of the renownedly known Passion Play which started during the bubonic plague in 1634. This is where my family is from and have been involved with the passion play for Generations. This beautiful village is also known for its famous woodcarvings and pottery.

SALZBURG

Is a beautiful place to visit. It is on the border of Germany in Austria it is known for its wealth from gold mining. It is home of composer Mozart whose music helped shape the city’s identity to this day.  Hohensalzburg Fortress is a must see.  This 11th century castle towers over the city with panoramic views.  A favorite place to explore is Getreidegasse.  With its narrow medieval streets, shops, music and fun cuisine. Another fun place is Mirabell Palace and gardens.    

Just 15 miles from Salzburg is Berchtesgaden located in Germany. It is famous for its Bavarian culture and Hitlers, Eagles Nest, and taking a tour of the famous Berchtesfaden Salt Mine. 

HEIDELBERG

One of the most romantic and beautiful cities that we explored is Heidelberg which sits above the Neckar river. It was a nice walk up the hillside to the Heidelberg Castle. This 13 century red sandstone ruin is a mix of Gothic and  Renaissance feel while offering incredible panoramic views of this romantic city.  Another place to explore is  Heidelberg University It is the oldest university in Germany that was founded in 1386.  I enjoyed the  “Student Jail,” It once housed misbehaving students.  Later it became a right of passage, where students painted graffiti murals on the walls and can be seen today.

ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER

 A must see is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It is one of the few walled cities left in Germany.  This city originated in 1170.  This medieval town is filled with cobblestone streets, defensive towers, shops,restaurants, and 14th century architecture. You can take walking tours that can be done in a couple of hours. The wall itself is about 2.5 miles around the city. 

Mexico Travel Agent Specialist

Discovering the Exotic, Romance and Adventure destinations in MEXICO

After 30+years in Communications/PR, I am about creating, detailing and implementing your dream vacation.  Though I am new to the travel industry, I have many years of bringing people/projects together.  Even more so, I have traveled and explored the world throughout my life. 

My first favorite stop.  MEXICO

One of my all-time favorite destinations has become exploring and relaxing in beautiful  Mexico.  It wasn’t until my 20’s that I discovered the beauty of this tropical paradise, with sunny beaches and luxurious resorts.  Once I went, I never stopped going back to discover more of this tropical paradise. The alluring thing about traveling to Mexico is because it is close, most flights are direct and vacations to this tropical paradise are affordable.… 

Mexico offers so many incredible destinations, It is perfect for romantic get-aways or group/ family-fun adventures. My  journeys are always filled with daily adventures. Some of my favorites have been parasailing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, motor biking, taking jungle tours or enjoying romantic sunset dinners and many walks along the beach finding seashells.   

Cancun:  If you like a taste of the Carribean, Cancun is one of my favorite destinations.  There is such beauty in the white sand  beaches of  Cancun.  It is located along the NE corner of the Yucatan Peninsula facing the  Caribbean Sea.  There is nothing like swimming and snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of Cancun. I loved being able to snorkel off the beach from my hotel.  One of my Favorite day trips was taking a day snorkeling trip to explore shipwrecks, followed by a fresh fish lunch cooked right on the beach of a nearby Island. I recommend an underwater camera for the many brightly colored tropical fish that surround you.  I have never experienced such underwater sea life as I did in Cancun.

Another part of my journeys was exploring the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum while in Cancun.. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the world, Chichen Itza is an ancient massive city that thrived around 600BC.  It is located a couple hours inland and transportation of your choice is available.  The ruins are just a beautiful kiss of the history and culture of the Mayan Empire.  An hour south of Cancun are the seaside ruins of Tulum. It is an ancient Maya port city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It is well worth a day of adventure, exploration and history..

Ixtapa- When I think of Ixtapa, I think of love and romance. It is located on the Pacific coast along the Costa Grande. The resort is beautiful, fun to explore and host romantic hidden beaches. I stayed in an all-inclusive resort,- twice. Once with friends and then on my honeymoon. It was luxurious and filled with family, group and romantic activities. I loved the swim-up bar, the peaceful beaches, the romantic dining on succulent seafood and cuisine with my new husband.. We went deep sea fishing,  snorkeling etc. But the resort had almost daily celebrations such as a full out beach party, Mexican Fiesta, Vegas night, to name a few. My favorite was being served hot sandwiches at 2am while sitting on the beach watching the stars.

Zihuatanejo - Is a beautiful twin town just 3 miles South of Ixtapa.  It is a quiet authentic fishing village with a beautiful harbor. It also had many wonderful shops that lined the quiet streets of this small town filled with Mexican charm.  I loved exploring the harbor and the fresh fish that was brought in. One of my favorite things was enjoying eating fresh seafood right on the beach.  It was peaceful and romantic with plenty to see.  

Puerto Vallarta - Is another fun favorite resort city set along the Pacific Coast.  I have explored this destination more times than I can count.  It was a family favorite of ours to take a break from the everyday chaos.  I love to take morning walks along the quiet beach and enjoy the ocean air.  Aside from the beach fun, parasailing, riding the waves into shore, we loved staying in a hotel in old town where we could absorb the culture of the city.  We would walk along the cobble stone streets and window shop, and enjoy the many restaurants.  I love taking jungle tours and discovering waterfalls along the many hiking trails. Again, Puerto Vallarta offers the romance, the adventure and the family-fun with a classic home-feel culture.

Mazatlan - Is a beautiful city and port, located just East of the Baja California Peninsula. Mazatlan was my first experience in Mexico. It offers beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and incredible seafood. We would explore the vibrant city, take jungle tours and enjoy the rich culture this city brings. 

Mexico will always be one of my favorite travel destinations to explore.  Whether you are looking for that Romantic Getaway, Adventure or Family-Fun, this is the place!  I offer the personal experience and insight to create your dream vacation.  Give me a call!