Setting Sail On the French Riviera!
Just a quick check-in during a flurry of packing and prepping to catch a flight to the French Riviera tomorrow bright and early. Scott and I will land in Nice, and spend a few days enjoying the Riviera while based in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Later we will board the Seabourn Sojourn in Monte Carlo for the 10-Day Tyrrhenian Treasures & Malta with a sparkling itinerary. Stops include Italy, France, Malta (a first for us!), and end in Spain where we will finish up with a few relaxing days in Barcelona before heading home. We are honored to be invited to host this cruise for the Virtuoso Voyages group onboard. When I tell you this cruise sold out fast - it was sold out one day after I posted our announcement!
Just a quick check-in during a flurry of packing and prepping to catch a flight to the French Riviera tomorrow bright and early. Scott and I will land in Nice, and spend a few days enjoying the Riviera while based in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Later we will board the Seabourn Sojourn in Monte Carlo for the 10-Day Tyrrhenian Treasures & Malta with a sparkling itinerary. Stops include Italy, France, Malta (a first for us!), and end in Spain where we will finish up with a few relaxing days in Barcelona before heading home. We are honored to be invited to host this cruise for the Virtuoso Voyages group onboard. When I tell you this cruise sold out fast - it was sold out one day after I posted our announcement!
If you have travel on your horizon and need tips here is an article that may be helpful in preparing for international travel. DM me with questions about our specific itinerary or the regions we will be experiencing along the way.
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Bon Voyage!!
Heather
Exciting News! We Will be Hosting A Virtuoso Voyage with Seabourn Ultra Luxury Cruises - Monte Carlo to Barcelona - October 2023 - Join Us!
How does frolicking on the French Riviera sound about now?
In October, Scott and I plan to set sail on the luxurious Seabourn Sojourn from Monte Carlo to Barcelona on a 10-day cruise with stops in Elba, Amalfi, and Taormina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), St. Tropez and La Ciotat (France), as well as Palamos (Spain) before disembarking in Barcelona on this spectacular itinerary.
“Picture calm cerulean waters, stunning beaches, traditional fishing villages, and family-run wineries — not to mention megalithic temples, ancient Pompeii’s ruins, and the world’s oldest underground necropolis.”
How does frolicking on the French Riviera sound about now?
In October, Scott and I will set sail on the luxurious Seabourn Sojourn from Monte Carlo (Monaco) to Barcelona on a 10-day cruise with stops in Elba, Amalfi, and Taormina (Italy), Valletta (Malta), St. Tropez and La Ciotat (France), as well as Palamos (Spain) before disembarking in Barcelona on this spectacular itinerary. We have been invited to host the Virtuoso Voyages clients aboard who will receive specialized VIP amenities.
View destinations in the gallery below:
What we love: Seabourn provides all-inclusive, luxury cruising, refined to its purest form. Hand-selected itineraries transport you to unique ports beyond the reach of larger ships.
• Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere
• One of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry
• The youngest and most modern fleet in the industry
A culinary partnership with famed chef Thomas Keller.
Virtuoso Hosted Voyages Perks:
As Curated Travel clients, you will receive these added benefits of the Virtuoso Voyages program when you book with us:
Dedicated onboard hosts (That’s US! - Heather & Scott Lindstrom from Curated Travel)
Private welcome cocktail party/reception
Exclusive shore excursions, from VIP tours to outings with a private car and driver (see below for a special experience on October 13)
Shipboard credits and specialty dining options
On this cruise, you also receive an Enhanced cruise experience for Virtuoso Voyages clients - October 13, 2023 - in Palomos, Spain:
“VIP Virtuoso Voyages Discover Palamos, one of Spain's most prominent ports. The day begins with a drive from Palamos to beautiful and ancient Gerona, a city in the northeast of Spain on the Costa Brava that boasts Roman-era walls and contains the most valuable heritage sites in the Catalonian region. The tour takes guests into the medieval city located on the banks of the river Onyar, where guests will see the famed “Tapestry of Creation” in Gerona’s 12th-13th century Cathedral and visit the nearby Bonastruc Jewish Center which chronicles the history of the Jews that lived in this city during the Middle Ages. Guests will also learn how the “Aljama”, or self-governing communities of Moors and Jews living under Spanish Christian rule functioned, and their traditions. After the visit, it will be time for a wonderful luncheon of delicious Catalonian specialties complimented by local wines at Restaurant Cal Ros. Guests will have some time at leisure to stroll the narrow, picturesque streets of the medieval village of Palsand and browse its many colorful shops.”
Learn more about the 10-Day Tyrrhenian Treasures & Malta Cruise
and contact us to book.
Current Promotion: Receive up to $ 2,000 USD Air Credit per Person, a Two-Category Suite Upgrade with a Reduced 10% Deposit.
OR-
Is Alaska more your style??
In addition to the October cruise, we will also be hosting a Virtuoso Voyage for Seabourn to Alaska in July 2023! 7-Day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage July 7-14. 2023. Departs Juneau, Alaska, and arrives in Vancouver, BC. Contact us to learn more and to book.
We would love to have you join us on either or both cruises!
Contact us to learn more.
Bon Voyage!
Heather & Scott
All images are shared with direct permission from Seabourn.
Invitation: Exploring the Romantic Rhine, Cape Cod the Islands and Newport, and Yellowstone & Grand Tetons National Park
I’m excited to announce a virtual event for our Curated Travel clients. See below for details and join me along with our CADENCE team on October 21st at 4 PM (PT). Click the link below to register for this wanderlust inspired zoom event and I’ll look forward to ‘seeing’ you then.
I’m excited to announce a virtual event for our Curated Travel clients hosted by Cadence and Tauck. See below for details and join me along with our CADENCE team on October 21st at 4 PM (PT). Click the link below to register for this wanderlust inspired zoom event. Grab a cup of tea or a glass of vino and let’s explore these fantastic destinations with Tauck on the 21st.
A Sunkissed Postcard from the Caribbean
Baby, it’s cold outside but we found some Caribbean sunshine for you on our recent cruise. This trip we explored St. Martin, St. Barths, Haiti, Virgin Gorda, and Puerto Rico. Enjoy this sun-drenched peek at some of our favorite Caribbean moments.
St. Jean Beach on St. Barths
Baby, it’s cold outside but we found some Caribbean sunshine for you on our recent boutique-style cruise on Azamara. This trip we explored St. Martin, St. Barths, Haiti, Virgin Gorda, and Puerto Rico.
Enjoy this sun-drenched peek at some of our favorite Caribbean moments.
For more info on these island destinations and resorts contact us at Curated Travel to create your sunny getaway.
A Colorful Return Visit to Venice in Autumn
Sixteen years ago my husband and I landed in Venice for the first time. It was our much-anticipated first trip to Europe together as relative newlyweds. The year was 2003 and I’ll never forget flying over the intricately woven islands, mercurial hues of the water, while squeezing our hands together in breathless anticipation. It was our first travel dream together come true!
Our stay in Venice was pure magic. I remember the carefree feeling of getting lost wandering along the canals, a leisurely candlelit dinner in a piazza we could never find again, a romantic sunset gondola ride and a moonlight dance in St. Marks’ Square.
Sixteen years ago my husband and I landed in Venice for the first time. It was our much-anticipated first trip to Europe together as relative newlyweds. The year was 2003 and I’ll never forget flying over the intricately woven islands, mercurial hues of water, while squeezing our hands together in breathless anticipation. It was our first travel dream together come true!
Our stay in Venice was pure magic. I remember the carefree feeling of getting lost wandering along the canals, a leisurely candlelit dinner in a piazza we could never find again, a romantic sunset gondola ride and a moonlight dance in St. Marks’ Square.
Scott and I returned to Venice last September for a few days before our Azamara Mediterranean cruise. This trip we had dear friends who joined us, gathering pre-cruise for a short stay, and we made the most of our time in Venezia. Mr. C.T. and I replicated our sunset dance at St. Mark’s Square listening to the small orchestra while watching the sunset and enjoying an aperitif. This trip we added a boat trip to the colorful islands of Burano, home of the rainbow-colored buildings, and Murano known for the famed glass-blowing and lace factories.
We dined alongside the canal and discovered another authentic piazza for an alfresco lunch. This time we marked it our new discoveries on a map on our iPhone so that we could find them again.
A glimpse of Venice in Autumn:
Venice has a unique rhythm all its own and it’s unlike any place we’ve ever visited. Picture the ornate Venetian architecture, art, history, foodie delicacies, masterful blown-glass with the backdrop of the iconic gondolas on the water. There are no cars allowed in Venice so you travel everywhere by boat or on foot. This adds a unique and romantic twist. Yes, Venice can be overcrowded and very touristy but seek out the less traveled canals, passageways, and piazzas, and magic abounds in and around Venice.
The islands of Murano and Burano were a colorful sidetrip one afternoon. The first stop was the glass blowing demonstration on Murano. Next up was lunch, lace and the colorful shades of Burano. Definitely not to be missed for the photographer.
“Underneath day’s azure eyes, Ocean’s nursling, Venice, lies,— A peopled labyrinth of walls, Amphitrite’s destined halls, Which her hoary sire now paves With his blue and beaming waves. Lo! the sun upsprings behind, Broad, red, radiant, half reclined On the level quivering line Of the waters crystalline; And before that chasm of light, As within a furnace bright, Column, tower, and dome, and spire Shine like obelisks of fire, Pointing with inconstant motion From the altar of dark ocean To the sapphire-tinted skies; As the flames of sacrifice From the marble shrines did rise, As to pierce the dome of gold Where Apollo spoke of old. Sun-girt city! thou hast been Ocean’s child, and then his queen. ”
Water Taxi in Venice
Venice is pure magic on the water at night!
We discovered this sweet piazza off the beaten path. It was perfect for perusing the market and enjoy a bistro lunch, with a fresh Caprese salad and a colorful Aperol spritz.
I dug out these images from our first visit to Venice in 2003.
Where has the time gone?
One of the headlines in the news today is the catastrophic flooding in Venice. It’s the second-worst flooding event in the last 50 years. I saw a video of a man swimming in St. Mark’s Square! It’s heartbreaking to see this iconic treasure of a city underwater. If you have not had a chance to visit Venice I would advise putting it as high as possible on your wander list. There is a fragile beauty to this city and it won’t be here forever.
Contact us to book your dream getaway to Italy or anywhere you choose.
