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Enchanting Escapes in Northern Ireland’s Beauty!

A fter Travel Classics Ireland, we wandered on the Wild Atlantic Way and then went to explore Northern Ireland’s enchanting escapes-from Royal Residences to Enchanted Forests, Unveiling the Gems of Lough Erne Resort, Armagh Cider Company, Ballinteggart Farm, and More!

Welcome to the enchanting beauty of Northern Ireland, a land that beckons with its rich history, lush landscapes, and captivating experiences. In this mesmerizing realm, where past and present seamlessly intertwine, you will discover a tapestry of delights that span from majestic royal residences like Hillsborough Castle & Gardens to the charming allure of Armagh Cider Company and the serene charm of Ballinteggart Farm. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as we explore the wonders of Lough Erne Resort, the majestic Slieve Donard Hotel, and the mystical Bike Mourne trails of Tollymore Forest Park. From the legendary realms of Game of Thrones to the iconic Guinness Storehouse Tour in Dublin and the stylish charm of The Grafton and The Davenport, Northern Ireland awaits with an abundance of enchanting escapes. Join us as we venture into this magical world where history, nature, and culture intertwine to create an experience like no other.

Where to STAY? Lough Erne Resort, Ireland

Lough Erne Resort is an awe-inspiring property nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. With its luxurious accommodations, world-class golf courses, and tranquil spa, it offers an unforgettable escape. Boasting stunning lake views, exceptional dining options, and impeccable service, it’s the perfect haven for discerning travelers. Additionally, younger guests can embark on a magical adventure through the resort’s captivating enchanted forest walk. This immersive experience combines the beauty of nature with whimsical sculptures and interactive elements, creating a truly enchanting experience for kids. From exploring the wooded areas to discovering hidden surprises, Lough Erne Resort ensures that guests of all ages create lifelong memories in this extraordinary setting.

I enjoyed my stay Lough Erne Resort with stunning lake views and the enchanted forest walk. Amy and I stayed in a 2 bedroom tower which we LOVED! AND!! we saw baby sheep near the golf course.

Dining at Lough Erne Resort is a culinary journey that delights the senses. The resort offers a range of exceptional dining options, each providing a unique and unforgettable experience. From fine dining at the award-winning Catalina Restaurant, where guests can savor innovative and exquisite dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, to the cozy and relaxed atmosphere of The Blaney Bar, serving up delicious pub-style fare, there is something to satisfy every palate. With impeccable service, breathtaking views, and a commitment to culinary excellence, dinner at Lough Erne Resort is a true gastronomic delight.

My morning stroll at Lough Erne

These photos are from my morning walk across Reeds Bridge before breakfast. I also loved our walk around the water! Thank you to the entire team and my group for a wonderful time!! I felt like a story book princess like Rapunzel in my second story bedroom in the turret tower!! Thank you!!

We experienced the serene beauty of Erne’s waterways on our all-electric slow boat tour , Island Discovery. Glide through the picturesque landscapes, enjoying the peaceful ambiance while minimizing your carbon footprint. Discover hidden gems and unwind as our eco-friendly water taxi offers a unique, sustainable way to explore Erne’s enchanting surroundings. We loved seeing the sights, the swans and tasting the specialty cocktails!

Armagh Cider Company and Ballinteggart Farm Ireland

Welcome to Ballinteggart Farm , a haven of apple enchantment. Stroll through the picturesque orchards, where vibrant apple trees bear the fruits of nature’s labor. I loved being at Armagh Cider Company!! I love APPLES! Taste the juicy apples straight from the branches, savoring their crispness and sweetness. We also ate delightful apple tarts lovingly crafted from the freshest harvest made with Armagh Bramley Apples PGI. Ballinteggart Stud is well-known for breeding Irish horses and ponies! They also have sparkling waters in many flavors and make Honeyhill Rosettes! You can stroll through the Heritage Trees which are registered with the Woodland Trust. WE LOVED OUR VISIT and cannot wait until Philip and Helen have a B&B so we can stay overnight! The Troughtons have been growing apples in Co Armagh for 5 generations since 1898. They produce an amazing 34 apple varieties from the 80-acre ancient plantation. My favorite dessert of the entire trip was the apple pie made from their apples!

Northern Ireland’s royal residence: Hillsborough Castle & Gardens

Explore Northern Ireland’s royal residence , Hillsborough Castle, where worlds and minds meet. Relax in 100 acres of picturesque gardens, explore the State Rooms still used today. Embark on a captivating tour of Royal Hillsborough Castle and its exquisite gardens. Marvel at the vibrant floral displays, tranquil lakes, and enchanting woodlands. Knowledgeable guides will reveal the castle’s fascinating history and incredible artwork. Explore hidden corners and meandering pathways, immersing yourself in the castle’s rich tapestry of stories. Discover the harmonious blend of nature and heritage that makes Royal Hillsborough Castle’s gardens truly extraordinary.

Where to STAY? Slieve Donard Hotel, Ireland

Discover the rich history and unforgettable experience of Slieve Donard Hotel . Since 1898, this iconic destination has welcomed discerning travelers seeking timeless elegance. Set against the majestic Mourne Mountains, it offers luxurious accommodations, breathtaking views, and a tranquil ambiance. Immerse yourself in its grandeur, relax in the spa, and explore the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Slieve Donard Hotel is a place where history and comfort intertwine, creating a truly remarkable retreat. AND! Step behind the scenes of The Seven Kingdoms at the official Game of Thrones Studio Tour. The Game of Thrones Studio Tour Package includes overnight accommodation at Slieve Donard!

Enchanted Exploring with Bike Mourne: Tollymore Forest Park, Game of Thrones and Bloody Bridge

Thank you to Bike Mourne ! I had the most beautiful day in County Down, Northern Ireland. Some of my group went by e-bike while I had a walking and photo tour. I loved the rock sculpture, walking trails and coastal beauty near Bloody Bridge which gets its name from the Irish Rebellion of 1641. I took photos at Barbican Gate in the enchanting Tollymore Forest Park, at the foot of the majestic Mourne Mountains. It has been featured in movies and TV shows like “Game of Thrones.” The picturesque landscapes and biking and walking trails take you by the park’s ancient trees, bridges, and cascading waterfalls.

I loved taking photos at Barbican Gate in the enchanting Tollymore Forest Park, at the foot of the majestic Mourne Mountains. It has been featured in movies and TV shows like “Game of Thrones.” The picturesque landscapes and biking and walking trails take you by the park’s ancient trees, bridges, and cascading waterfalls. Thank you to Team Bike Mourne!

While hula hooping my way through the enchanting landscapes of Ireland, I added a playful twist to my adventures from Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland to Dublin. From twirling amidst the stunning mountains of Slieve Donard to dancing along the vibrant streets of Dublin, hula hooping infused my journey with joy and rhythm, creating unforgettable memories in both natural and urban settings.

On May 1, 2023, we celebrated Percy French’s 169th birthday at Slieve Donard’s Percy French restaurant which was one of my most favorite lunches! Amy and I hula hooped as a tribute to the renowned Irish songwriter and painter. and there is a Game of Thrones DOOR!

The Guinness Storehouse Tour in Dublin, Ireland

The Guinness Storehouse tour is a captivating journey through the rich history of Ireland’s most famous #beer. From the brewing process to iconic advertising campaigns, visitors immerse themselves in the brand’s legacy. The panoramic Gravity Bar offers breathtaking views of Dublin while enjoying a perfectly poured pint.

Where to stay in DUBLIN? The Grafton

The Grafton Dublin is a unique and memorable hotel in the heart of Dublin’s city center. Housed in a historic building on Grafton Street, it offers stylish accommodation with modern amenities. Centrally located near Trinity College and Dublin Castle. I recommend it for comfort, convenience, and charm.

Dublin’s Dazzling Delights: Unveiling the City’s Charms and Cultural Gems!

Where to STAY in Dublin? The Davenport

Davenport Hotel Dublin : Timeless Elegance in the Heart of the City. Immerse yourself in the rich history and impeccable service of this luxurious gem. Stylish accommodations, delectable dining, and easy access to Dublin’s iconic attractions await, making the Davenport Hotel the epitome of hospitality.

Exploring Dublin’s Enchanting Bookstores. At Hodges Figgis , Ireland’s oldest bookshop serving Dublin and the wider world since 1768, I found two of my favorite authors— Lisa Barr and Elizabeth Gilbert! Books help us understand ourselves. Immerse yourself in a timeless tale and discover a treasure.

Saba Dublin : Embark on a Flavorful Journey to Thailand, Right in the Heart of Dublin. Indulge in Authentic Thai Cuisine, Where Vibrant Flavors, Fresh Ingredients, and Exquisite Culinary Craftsmanship Await. The FOOD is EXCELLENT and the signs made me LAUGH! I loved it all so much I forgot to take PHOTOS of the dishes. I have to go back!

What an absolutely remarkable and awe-inspiring journey in Ireland! From the heart-pounding adventures of skeet shooting and falconry to exploring the captivating landscapes of the North, this trip had so many highlights especially my travel partners! As I board my AerLingus flight home, I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunity to attend the Travel Classics Magazine conference and learn so much. I LOVED seeing more of Ireland and my return to Ashford Castle.

See all my posts about Ireland and my videos:

Thank you to Ashford Castle, Travel Classics Ireland and Tourism Ireland for my amazing adventures!

Enjoy more of my travels in Ireland

• Travel Classics Ireland 2023 Conference at Ashford Castle
• Unforgettable Ashford Castle for the Travel Classics Ireland Conference 2023
• Wild Atlantic Way Adventures
• Northern Ireland
• Interview with Nina Ruggiero , Travel and Leisure Digital Editoral Director
• Interview with Ambassador Bryne Nason
• Travel Classics Ireland 2017
• Dublin Adventures 2015
• VIDEOS : from 2023 Conference and tour, from 2017 Travel Classics Conference and and my St. Patrick’s Day adventures in Dublin 2015

Read more of my Adventures in Ireland in my book, Brave-ish, One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty !

The post Enchanting Escapes in Northern Ireland’s Beauty! appeared first on We Said Go Travel .

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TOUR DE FRANCE

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Key Takeaways: Tour de Suisse Stages 1-6

Breaking down what we've learned through the first six stages of the key tour de france tune-up event..

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With Adam Yates leading and his UAE Team Emirates squad looking like a world-leading grand tour machine after six stages and three summit finishes at the ongoing Tour de Suisse , the key Tour de France tune-up race has been showing the cycling world a teaser trailer of what their dominance at the upcoming Tour might look like.

However, while Yates appears to be free and clear of the closest non-UAE competition, Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) in third place, it appears that he will face a serious challenge from his teammate, João Almeida , sitting in second just 27 seconds back, over the weekend.

This sets up several intriguing questions about what the leadership hierarchy of the team will look like behind Tadej Pogačar at the Tour and how the multiple ambitious and goals will be managed.

Catch up on the key highlights and takeaways from the first six stages below:

Current GC Top Five prior to stage 7

1) Adam Yates (UAE) +0 2) João Almeida (UAE) +27 3) Egan Bernal (Ineos) +1’28 4) Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) +2’24 5) Enric Mas (Movistar) +2’38

4.9km-to-go: Nearing the summit of the massive Gotthardpass, the UAE team is massed on the front and lining things out with a pace increase. The gap to the breakaway is just over three minutes.

4.1km: The significant increase in pace sets up an attack from Adam Yates, who quickly builds up a gap on the rest of the field and has already cut the gap to the breakaway down to around two minutes.

3km: With Yates clear up the road, Mattias Skjelmose sets off in pursuit, with Yates’s UAE teammate João Almeida parked right on his wheel as they drop the rest of the GC contenders. Yates’ gap to the breakaway is already down to around 90 seconds.

Finish: Yates crosses the finish line just 23 seconds behind the stage winner, Torstein Træen, having closed down over 2.5 minutes in the last 5km. His teammate Almeida follows Skjelmose in 25 seconds later.

Stage Top Three

1) Torstein Træen (Bahrain) +0 2) Adam Yates (UAE) +23 3) Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) +48

5.5km-to-go: Halfway up the steep final climb, Almeida is setting a hard pace with race-leader Yates on his wheel that is stringing out the select lead group. Based on Yates’ estimated weight and the TV-displayed power data, he is doing around 7w/kg just sitting on Almeida’s wheel.

1.7km: With Almeida’s pace shredding the group down to just four other riders (including young American on IPT Matthew Riccitello), Yates eventually attacks.

1.6km: With Bernal and Mas responding to Yates’ massive 500+ watt surge, Almeida, knowing the effort isn’t sustainable, sits back on Riccitello’s wheel and ‘recovers’, before slowly reeling the fading Bernal and Mas and setting off in pursuit of Yates.

Finish: Yates crosses the line for the stage win, but, more impressively, his domestique Almeida crosses the finish line just five seconds back after pulling for a large portion of the climb and fighting back after Yates’ attack.

1) Adam Yates (UAE) +0 2) João Almeida (UAE) +5 3) Egan Bernal (Ineos) +16

3.5km: After yet another dominant leadout performance from his UAE team on an absurdly short 42-kilometer-long stage, Yates attacks on the steep slopes of the final climb.

1.1km: Instead of riding clear like in days’ past, Yates dangles in front of a hard-chasing Skjelmose and Bernal. When their chase lets off slightly, Almeida, who has been following, makes the bold move to attack and bridge across to his teammate, which carries the risk of pulling Yates’ GC rivals back up to him.

930m: Despite this risk, Almeida gets up to Yates’ relatively clean and immediately gets to the front to set the pace to help dispatch the quickly-closing chasers.

800m: Almeida’s pace on the front is a much-needed boost as the two UAEs ride clear of the chasers.

200m: However, Almeida’s pace quickly goes from friend to foe for Yates as his teammate powers clear while he struggles to hold the wheel.

Finish: Almeida crosses the finish line to take the stage win, 10-second time bonus, and pull within striking distance of the race lead, with Yates coming in four seconds back.

Key Takeaways

1) The Brewing Adam Yates/João Almeida GC Duel Highlights Both The Advantages and Disadvantages of UAE’s Dominance:

With Adam Yates leading the overall classification with his ultra-strong UAE team surrounding him at almost every point six stages into the race, it appears at first glance that he has this race locked up, especially because he has dropped every non-UAE rider on every summit finish and has a 1’28 lead over the closest non-teammates.

But, this surface-level reading of the overall obscures the fact that his teammate, João Almeida, is sitting just 27 seconds back in the GC and looks stronger than Yates due to his ability to stay so close to the race leader despite performing a significant amount of pacing work on each of the final climbs.

Considering Sunday’s final stage features a 16-kilometer long time trial that favors Almeida to the point that he could almost be considered the ‘leader in the clubhouse’, it will be interesting to see how tomorrow’s final climb plays out and who paces whom near the end of the stage.

Looking forward, this embarrassment of riches at UAE sets up a very real possibility of a Tour de France podium sweep, assuming they can manage the multiple sets of egos, goals, and ambitions inside that squad.

2) Past Performances & Objective Performance Data Tell Us Why Yates and Almeida Are Serious Tour de France Podium Contenders:

This race has also reminded us that while looking for potential non-Pogačar Tour de France podium contenders, his UAE team is the best place to look for one simple reason: they have hired some of the sport’s best grand tour riders who are consistently overlooked.

Yates and Almeida’s dominance at this race shouldn’t come as a surprise when we look back through the grand tour results from the 2023 season.

In addition to finishing inside the top ten overall in all five of the career grand tours he has finished, Almeida finished third at last year’s Giro d’Italia, just over a minute behind Primož Roglič.

Yates, who finished third at last year’s Tour de France behind the sport’s two best grand tour contenders, Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, was likely the fourth best stage racer in the world in 2023, and, at just 31 years old, there is no reason he can’t be expected to continue this level in 2024.

While established GC superstars like Pogačar, Vingegaard, and Roglič and solid but slightly less decorated GC prospects like Juan Ayuso and Remco Evenepoel suck up all the oxygen in the conservation, proven riders just a tier below the top get lost in the shuffle despite riding at an extremely high level.

After all, when attempting to find well-performing grand tour riders, look for riders who have consistently performed well in trand tours.

If we look at the objective performance data so far from Suisse and compare it to Pogačar and Roglič this season, it quickly becomes clear that, at least on paper, both Yates and Almeida should be considered podium candidates and right behind Pogačar and potentially even slightly above Roglič.

Almeida/Yates 2024 Tour de Suisse vs Roglič Dauphíne vs Pogačar 2024 Giro

Pogačar Monte Grappa Stage 20 Giro d’Italia

Time: 45:00 Est. Power: 418 watts & 6.4 w/kg

Roglič Dauphíne Stage 7 Final Climb

Time: 31:50 Est. Power: 396 watts & 6.1w/kg

Yates/Almeida Suisse Stage 5 Final Climb

Time: 31:40

Est. Power: 370 watts (Yates), 404 (Almeida) & 6.32 w/kg

But, to underline the gulf between Pogačar and his teammates, his attack on Stage 15 of the Giro d’Italia, which came nearly six hours into one of the hardest stages of the season, was equal to the effort Yates and Almeida produced on the final climb of today’s 55-minute stage at a much lower altitude.

Pogačar Attack on Stage 15 Giro d’Italia

Time: 20:00

Est. Power: 450 watts & 6.92 w/kg *high altitude effort

Yates/Almeida Suisse Stage 6 Final Climb

Time: 18:46

Est. Power: 407 watts (Yates), 455 watts (Almeida) & 7.01 w/kg

3) Suisse Has Raised More Questions Than Answers For the Rest:

If the Tour de Suisse has been a showcase for Almeida and Yates, it has raised questions about the rest of the Tour de France contenders at the race.

Outside of last year’s winner, Mattias Skjelmose, who is sitting in third place, and Matthew Riccitello, who is sitting in sixth and potentially riding himself onto Israel-Premier Tech’s Tour de France team, the race has so far exposed riders like Egan Bernal, Enric Mas, and Tom Pidcock.

While all three are currently sitting inside the top seven, and Bernal looking as close to his 2021 form as we’ve seen since his crash, this doesn’t solve their main problem, which is the fact that while they are looking to lead their respective teams at the Tour de France, they are being dropped at will by two riders who will be slotting into domestique roles at the same race.

Even in slightly subpar pre-race form, Mas’ position as Movistar’s leader is secure. However, Bernal and Pidcock’s performances have done nothing to clear up Ineos’ extremely muddy Tour GC picture.

Combined with Carlos Rodríguez’s less-than-definitive ride to fourth place overall at the Critérium du Dauphiné, Ineos appears to be to hurtling toward yet another ‘GC blob’ where they have four of five riders capable of finishing inside the top 15 overall, but lack both the raw strength and team cohesion to land on the podium.

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Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 60 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

All Moscow , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Moscow

Small Group Moscow Tours

Back in the USSR - 7 days

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

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Trip reviews, capitals of the north.

some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

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It Happened Last Night: The Rolling Stones Took Over South Philly

Photos and dispatches from the packed (and hit-packed) performance.

Get a compelling long read and must-have lifestyle tips in your inbox every Sunday morning — great with coffee!

The Rolling Stones performing at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia as part of they Hackney Diamonds tour / Photography by Lisa Schaffer

The first thing you notice is the tailgating. Each makeshift hangout station has its own Rolling Stones soundtrack. So, as you make your way from the Broad Street Line to Lincoln Financial Field for Tuesday’s show, you listen to “Shattered” become “Angie,” which then morphs into “Waiting on a Friend,” and so on. This is a crowd that skews older and judging from the plethora of t-shirts from prior tours, it’s clear they’ve seen this band multiple times before.

A gargantuan arena show by British rock veterans is different enough from an Eagles game that a mild sense of chaos hung over Pattison Avenue as everyone tried to find the right entrance to the Linc. The copious security guards posted at every gate probably spent most of their time glancing at tickets and providing directions towards the correct entryway for each concertgoer.

The crowd was still filtering into the stadium as opening act Kaleo played their Icelandic blues rock. (That’s a genre?!) The band looked like Chris Stapleton roadies and sounded closer to Cinderella. Their last song was barely finished when the headliner’s crew made the gear switch with ruthless efficiency.

At 9:30 p.m., the Rolling Stones hit the stage with a somewhat de rigueur “Start Me Up.” The overwhelming size of their stage was immediately apparent: 180 feet wide by 65 feet deep, flanked by 46-foot-tall digital screens that showed the band and their eight auxiliary musicians from multiple angles.

Rolling Stones fans inside the Linc right after the show started

The Linc was packed. And because the Rolling Stones are old pros at playing stadiums, they long ago figured out how to give even the farthest reaches of the crowd a view of the stage.

It was impressive how vital they sounded for band led by two octogenarians. (As an aside, Amy Perlingiero of South Philadelphia enjoyed “how many times Mick [Jagger] took off a layer of clothing while performing, only to put something else on and remove it again during another song.”)

Collin and Holly Keefe of South Philadelphia got their tickets from a family member on Tuesday afternoon. They were especially excited to hear favorites like “She’s a Rainbow,” “Monkey Man” and “Tumbling Dice.” “I was really blown away by the energy,” Collin said. “These guys are like the same age as my dad (and President Joe Biden), and yet still rock it out on every song.”

The audience enthusiastically responded to a sing-along, gospel-inspired “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Other highlights included “Gimme Shelter,” featuring an incendiary showcase from backing singer Chanel Haynes ; and the extended “Midnight Rambler” that showed off Jagger’s harmonica skills and a bluesy guitar interplay by Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood.

The band also played three songs from their most recent album, Hackney Diamonds — nominally the whole reason for this tour — though these were the songs during which people were most likely to sit back down, or hit the restrooms and concession stands.

As a frontman, Jagger is nothing if not well-rehearsed, rattling off trivia about prior Philly shows (they first played here in 1965 with Herman’s Hermits) and dropping references to the Phanatic, Gritty, and Tastykakes. His crack about an exchange program with the Stones in town and the Phillies in England got some nods; no one had the heart to tell Mick that the Fightins were already back in the U.S. and playing in Boston that night. And his showmanship was in full force: He did his pointing dance, his hand-clapping dance, and made numerous jaunts down the stage catwalk.

After a one-song encore of “Satisfaction” (what did you expect?), the show wrapped up at the two-hour mark. The road crew reappeared and moved fast, and the crowd moved slowly to the exits.

Want to see the Rolling Stones’ 2024 tour for yourself? You better act fast, because it all ends in July . Alas, the closest they’re getting to Philly after last night is Cleveland.

Bonus: Rolling Stones Fans in the Parking Lot

Before Philadelphia photographer Lisa Schaffer went into Lincoln Financial Field to catch the Rolling Stones show, we sent her out to the parking lot to meet some fans. Here are some photos from her fan interactions.

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My Photos of Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' Went Viral. Here's How I Took Them

Spoiler: It wasn't with an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Taylor Swift always photographs well, but I was especially pleased with these shots.

It's been a long time coming , but I finally attended Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour last week. In the days following the show, the photos I posted online were -- much to my delight -- liked and shared tens of thousands of times across Instagram, X and TikTok, including by dedicated fan accounts. But what really stood out to me was the response to the photography itself. As one fan noted: "The quality is better than my eyesight."

I won't lie -- I was proud of the photos I captured on Swift's first UK tour date this summer. I'm not a professional photographer by any means. I just had a little help from a piece of tech I'd never used before, but that's quickly become a must-have concert accessory.

With nearly a year to ready myself before Swift took the stage in my hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland, my preparations for the show were extensive and highly tactical. As I had early-entry standing tickets for the first night, I knew that once I secured a good spot near the barricade, I wouldn't be leaving again. 

In my bag, I packed energy gels, painkillers and electrolyte tablets to keep me going. I also had two phones with me -- the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra . The former was my regular day-to-day phone, while the latter I borrowed just for its camera.

The majority of Swift's Edinburgh shows were performed in daylight.

Many of the best photos and videos I'd seen of The Eras Tour ahead of attending my show were taken on the iPhone 15 Pro Max . Some attendees even said they'd been influenced to upgrade to the phone specifically because its camera was so good -- particularly the zoom.

I asked CNET phone expert Andrew Lanxon whether it'd be worth trying to get hold of an iPhone 15 before my shows -- or if I should consider a compact camera instead. (Cameras with interchangeable lenses are not allowed at the shows.) He had a better idea and pointed me to a piece he'd just written, calling the Xiaomi 14 Ultra " the best camera phone I've ever used ." He even still had the review unit to lend me.

And so, on the morning of my show, I set off at 7:30 a.m. to spend all day in the front-standing VIP queue, so I could nab a prime barricade spot. When I took the Xiaomi 14 Ultra -- complete with camera grip -- out of my bag during Paramore's opening set, people around me were curious about whether the phone was in fact a compact camera. Then, as soon as I started snapping away, the people behind me who could see the photos started "oohing" and "ahhing" over the quality.

How to capture the best photos of 'The Eras Tour'

She can do it with a broken heart.

Being very close to the stage was one of the main factors in helping me capture my best photos, but the 14 Ultra did much of the heavy lifting. 

The phone has two optical zoom lenses, both with 50-megapixel sensors. For my very best photos, I was zoomed in to the max, even when Taylor was just a few meters away. I made sure to use the camera in pro mode for both photos and videos, so I could capture every shot in raw, as well as JPEG. 

My one criticism is that there was occasional shutter lag, making it slightly less responsive than I would have liked. In spite of this, I managed to grab some exciting moments from the show -- especially during The Tortured Poets Department era, with its high-contrast black-and-white costumes and stark lighting. It made for some very dramatic shots.

The Tortured Poets Department set made for dramatic photos.

My photos from earlier in the show were much softer, thanks to the abundance of daylight we get during the Scottish summer evenings. Depending on the latitude, the weather and if your stadium has a roof, you could be dealing with different conditions. The 14 Ultra didn't struggle when it got darker, though. In fact, it adapted to the changing light adeptly, without me having to fiddle with any of the settings.

Even on the concert's small screen, I could already tell that the depth of detail the 14 Ultra captured was far better than any shot from my iPhone. After the show, I gave my favorite images to Andrew, who is also a photographer, and he helped polish them up so they looked their best.

The shots I captured in full daylight were much softer.

Not every photo I captured was a keeper by any means, largely because I was dancing while shooting. I snapped away very haphazardly while also trying to do heart hands during Fearless and raising my iPhone flashlight during Marjorie. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra proved to be extremely forgiving, with the optical image stabilization compensating for my movement. It did make me wonder whether I could have captured even more spectacular photos if I'd been concentrating, but I have no regrets.

That brings me to perhaps my most important piece of advice for capturing amazing photos of The Eras Tour -- or any other event -- which is perhaps not what you would think. It's to first and foremost, above all else, really make sure you enjoy the show. 

Be sure not to watch the whole show through your phone screen.

The person standing right next to me at the barricade filmed the entire show with their phone, singing along, but never really looking up at what was happening. This kind of coverage of the event isn't really necessary.  The Eras Tour movie already exists, so you don't need to use your own concert experience to remake it. Capturing moments here and there for social media and your own memories is one thing, but not at the expense of soaking it all in.

I say this not to shame the person who was doing it, but I felt like they missed out on the best bit of being right at the barricade. I can't count the number of times Taylor looked right at me during the show, and there were several moments when I made extended eye contact with the other performers on stage, too. It felt like we were dancing together, and in those moments, amid the melee, I was getting a really personal one-on-one experience.

This confetti shot is one of my favorites.

If I'd been looking through my phone screen at them, I would've missed out on that and the feeling that comes with it. It's why most of the in-focus photos I did manage to take of Taylor are from the side rather than the front. At those points in the show when she was facing me, I prioritized being in the moment over immortalizing them.

When I'm back in the front-standing pit at Taylor's London show on Aug. 17, I plan to use the Xiaomi 14 Ultra again with a little more concentration and effort. If I'm lucky, she'll stick her tongue out at me or give me a shimmy with her shoulders, and maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to capture it for posterity.   

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Island Town Dinner & Cruise

Island town dinner & cruise.

Enjoy a relaxed cruise around Ireland’s only Island Town on board MV Kestrel followed by dinner in a local restaurant. You will have the choice from three of Enniskillen’s favourite eateries for only £35 per person.

We are delighted to bring you the “Island Town Dinner & Cruise Experience”. A unique partnership between Erne Tours and some of Enniskillen’s finest eateries: The Westville Hotel, The Firehouse, The Crowes Nest.

Available every evening Sunday through to Thursday (July & August), you will first enjoy a Cruise to Devenish Island onboard the MV Kestrel on Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Your cruise departs at 4.15 PM from the Round ‘O’ Jetty returning at 6 PM. You will then be given a £20 Voucher, bring the voucher to your chosen venue and use it as you please.

To book click the “Book Now” button below the venue of your choice, you will then be able to choose your preferred date and time for dinner. It is important to note that this is the time of your dinner reservation, your cruise will be automatically booked for 4.15PM on the same day as your dinner reservation.

The Firehouse

Tapas | Stone Baked Pizza | Bertha Oven | Wine | Cocktails | World Beer

Crowes Nest

Westville hotel.

A Boutique Hotel serving great food in the heart of Enniskillen