The first wave of Go Bucket List Travel Guests heading for Springtime in various regions of Italy and Sicily began this week. We wish everyone well as they enjoy anniversaries, reunions and new friends along the way.

Our friends in the Skagit Valley north of Seattle tell us that the daffodils are in full bloom and the tulips are expected in a few weeks. This is the season to enjoy Spring festivals and what better way than to visit Tulip Town at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival running now through April.

Excitement is building for our “Friends of New Kent Winery” 2018 Group trip to tour the Bordeaux wine region aboard the AmaDolce. Joe and JoAnna Dombroski, owners of the New Kent Winery, will be joining us as co-hosts. Over the weekend we booked 2 more staterooms, bring our total to 13. With only 7 staterooms available, please call us today to reserve your space on what will be an amazing trip with a unique insider’s look into the secrets of Bordeaux winemaking.

Near sunset on Hawai’i near our hotel down at sea level we were treated to a rare glance up at the Mauna Kea Observatories as the sun lit them on the volcano’s summit.

Up at 13,700 feet, researchers work on the campus of 12 telescopes and sensor arrays watching the heavens for clues to the universe. Two days ago the summit faced blizzard conditions as over 10 inches of snow and 65 mph winds enveloped the summit. Earlier this week we spent fascinating time at the “welcome center” up at 9,200 feet. It is an easy drive from the Kona coast but watch those 17 degree inclines!

The dramatic view of Waimanu Bay and the Waipi’o Valley on the Hawai’i north coast.

You can explore the valley and black sand beaches by ATV or 4x4 safari or on horseback