Phyllis Horodner
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France River Cruise
Cruising the Seine on Avalon's Tapestry II
To complete my certification as an Avalon River Specialist, I chose the Paris to Normandy cruise. With a few extra days in Paris, it was the most relaxing and perfect way to see the beautiful towns along the Seine up to the Normandy beaches.
Here are a few highlights:
Vernon- a visit to Giverny, site of Claude Monet's home and gardens. It was an early start to the day, but worth it. We had the gardens to ourselves, a zen-like experience! One could just image Monet sketching his water lilies, surrounded by acres of beautiful flowers.
Conflans - We did a walking tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, Vincent Van Gogh's final home. We strolled the streets where he walked and saw the subjects of his famous paintings: the wheat fields, the local church, village women, etc. The art historian guide was great!
Caudebec - We devoted a full day to visit the landing beaches at Normandy, WWII museum and American cemetery. To give everyone a unique perspective on this important event in our history, Avalon provided an expert speaker the night before. It was a very moving experience for all. To see the beautiful shoreline, still dotted with equipment left behind, was amazing. We even crawled inside the enclosures where the German gunners had taken position. This was followed by a memorial service at the cemetery, ending with the playing of Taps. A lovely lunch was served at a local restaurant.
Paris -We awoke to a crisp, cool morning in Paris. But we didn't have to stand in line to enjoy our inside tour of Notre Dame. After an informative description of the edifices outdoors, we walked straight in for our tour (skip the line!) Later, we rode to the highest point in Paris, Montemartre. Formerly an artist's colony and home of the Sacre Coeur Basilica, we had plenty of time to enjoy the view and peruse the shops. We enjoyed all of Paris' beautiful architecture alit at night on a special evening tour.
Avalon offers many other river cruise and one of my favorites is The Blue Danube Discovery. From Budapest to Prague, you visit many delights along the way. Vienna, Wauchau Valley and Melk are just a few.
Avalon is complimented by two sister companies, Monograms and Globus. Monograms feature hosted city stays and Globus offers fully escorted first class motorcoach tours.
My Areas of Expertise
Italy 2017 Trip
Maria, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it! Phyllis Eileens Travel
Great trip, great travel agent!
Thank you, Sue! I was so happy to hear that you loved the hotel, restaurants that were recommended and the tours you did. I appreciate your taking the time to mail the brochures to me, as well. Phyllis
TOTAL PROFESSIONALS
Phyllis has great knowledge of the best air fares available....and and great knowledge of many of the finer hotels in various countries.
There have been a few times where airlines have cancelled flights or have had 'reroutes'....
Phyllis ansswers emails no matter what time zone you are in...and has the ability to make things work out.
Recently....during a major storm here in Florida, my flights were cancelled....with no notice to me by the airline.
Phyllis jumped into action and got us home the same day....and pushed the airline to accommodate us.
She is a jewel in the crown that makes her and Eileenes's my go to travel agency.
Jon, Thank you so much for your excellent recommendation. I enjoy working with you, as well:-) You always take the time to give me useful feedback on the hotels and restaurants you've been to. I look forward to helping you again and again. Phyllis
Seeing the World - Part Two !
Globus Fall Foliage Tour
Thank you Lori and Scott, It's always a pleasure working with you as well:-) I'm so happy you loved the tour . Phyllis
Great Travel Agent
The cruise was also a delight. She asked us what we were interested in doing in a cruise and she gave us her suggestion on the best cruise for us at a price we could afford. We had never enjoyed a cruise as much as this one.
We are very thankful for Phyllis and what she has done for us!
Paul and Elvira, Thank you so much for your kind words and your feedback on the hotels we selected. It's greatly appreciated! Phyllis
Should be the travel agent for the elite!
She is savvy, bright, and professional. She listens and cares about what you want or need. She works quickly and goes above and beyond the norm. I consider myself extraordinarily lucky that I found her.
Leasie, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I'm really touched by your kind words. Looking forward to helping you with your next trip. Sincerely, Phyllis
Israel
Thank you, Lidia. Always a pleasure to plan your trips! Phyllis
Great Service + Great Advice = Great Trip!
Use Phyillis for happy trips!
David, Thank you for taking the time to review the trip and arrangements. I'm so glad you enjoyed the riding experience and camaraderie of the group and guides. Edelweiss does a great job! Phyllis
The Perfect Trip
First let me say, her knowledge of destinations is incredible and for someone like me who had never been to Europe her information was vital to me.
2nd- she was always one step ahead of me. She answered my questions before I asked.
3rd- I was quite a case because my husband's passport came the day before our flight out. She had all the patience I could ask for and even at the last minute took care of everything. She even called me at the airport to be sure everything was going ok that morning.
Overall, I highly recommend her.
Rebekah, Thank you so much for your kinds words and recommendation. So glad everything worked out and it was the dream trip you imagined. Thank you, Phyllis