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.
Villa Views from the Waterside at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como (Part Three)
While preparing for my trip to Travelux 2018, I was given several options for excursions during my time at Lake Como. Despite flirting with the option of driving a red Ferrari, or a cooking class with a famed chef at Villa d'este, I chose the boat ride around the shores of Lake Como. My decision was easy when I thought about capturing images of the stunning views of villages, villas and the natural beauty around Lago di Como. This classically beautiful Villa Balbiano, above, is where our final event for Travelux 2018 was held.
Villa Balbiano
While preparing for my trip to Travelux 2018, I was given several options for excursions during my time at Lake Como. Despite flirting with the option of driving a red Ferrari, or a cooking class with a famed chef at Villa d'Este, I chose the boat ride around the shores of Lake Como. My decision was easy when I thought about capturing images of the stunning views of villages, villas and the natural beauty around Lago di Como. This classically beautiful Villa Balbiano, above, is where our final event for Travelux 2018 was held. It was magnificent and will be featured in an upcoming blog post.
The weather worked it's chamelon magic and we experienced a few showers, snow on the mountainside and bursts of pale sunshine which my iPhone 8s captured beautifully. Ahhh, spring in Lake Como! As you will see through these images, the very best way to get a view of Lake Como is from the water.
George Clooney's Villa Olendra appears to be the essence of living 'la dolce vita'. Our guide told us that when the curtains are up on the circular gazebo and the white boat is anchored out front, the Clooneys are usually in residence.
Villa Balbianello is one of my favorite villas on Lake Como. During warmer months the grounds, lush with green, the vibrant flowers, especially lavender wisteria, create a showy accent to the classical structures of the villa.
The Ferrari experience, on our final day of Travelux 2018, looked like a blast! Despite the rush of a powerful engine, I'm glad I chose the boat tour for this trip. Being out on the water is always my favorite way to see a place, plus, the images I captured help me relive this immersive experience at Lake Como.
Next time, I'll drive the Ferrari!
“When you write the story of two happy lovers, let the story be set on the banks of Lake Como. ”
Contact me for more information on the hotels, villas, Red Ferrari experience and boat/walking tours at Lake Como.
Learn more about Villa del Balbianello.
Ciao! Heather
Thank you to the team at Travelux 2018 for making this trip extraordinary.
A Sunny Visit to San Remo, the 'City of Flowers', on the Italian Riviera (Part One)
The first stop on my trip to Italy was an invitation to the Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera, just 10 miles east of the French border in west Liguria. Following a red-eye flight from San Francisco, I arrived at the airport in Nice, France, and was driven to the elegant and classic Royal Hotel San Remo. I was introduced to my luxurious suite and joined the formal dinner in progress where I met a wonderful group of fellow travelers from the luxury travel industry.
Lovely San Remo
The first stop on my trip to Italy was an invitation to the Royal Hotel San Remo on the Italian Riviera, just 10 miles east of the French border in west Liguria. Following a red-eye flight from San Francisco, I arrived at the airport in Nice, France, and was driven to the elegant and classic Royal Hotel San Remo. I was introduced to my luxurious suite and joined the formal dinner in progress where I met a wonderful group of fellow travelers from the luxury travel industry.
Click on image below for video of views of the Italian Riviera from my balcony at Royal Hotel San Remo
The next day dawned bright and clear with stunning sea views beckoning on the balcony of my suite. Following a leisurely breakfast, our group was invited to a food & wine walking tour of San Remo. Vibrant flowers were everywhere and showcased the iconic beauty of the sun-splashed Italian Riviera.
Espresso, gelato and a local wine tasting followed our walking tour. Next, we headed back to the hotel for a 2-hour, 4-course lunch. #livingladolcevita
The dining options at Royal Hotel San Remo are impressive. Each lunch and dinner brought multiple courses of fresh salads and vegetables, fish, unique pasta creations and meats dishes. The flavor combinations are a nod to local Northern Italian cuisine. Many of the plates were adorned with edible flowers from the region. Prosecco toasts kicked off each meal and wait staff kept our glasses topped off with local white and red wines. Service was always impeccable in the dining room by the handsome Italian wait staff.
Even a glass of wine to the suite was served with potato chips ( a lovely combination as it turns out) and the handsome smile was a bonus.
As you may already know, my luggage did not arrive with me at the airport in Nice. This was a bit of a panic, knowing I was scheduled for business events and 9 nights of cocktail attire for formal dinners and parties during my trip. I'll share more on how I handled 6 days without luggage in an upcoming post. Let's just say, I was happy to see that track pants are chic in Italy since they were the only pants I had with me when I arrived from the airport.
My thanks to the Royal Hotel San Remo managers and staff for the beautiful suite, gourmet dining, spa treatment, food and wine tour and hospitality during my visit.
First stop, the Italian Riviera, next up ---- Lake Como.
Ciao!
Heather
For more on the luxurious Royal Hotel San Remo. If you are considering a trip to the colorful Italian Riviera, contact me to get started today.
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A Postcard from Italy! xx, Curated Travel
Ciao!! I have just arrived home from my 10-day luxury travel event in Northern Italy. My jet-lagged brain is a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors, scintillating views, the sparkle of chandeliers, prosecco toasts, and the delectable flavors of Northern Italian cuisine. Here is a peek of just a few of the experiences I enjoyed during this memorable experience Italian style.
Ciao!! I have just arrived home from my 10-day luxury travel event in Northern Italy. My jet-lagged brain is a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors, scintillating views, the sparkle of chandeliers, prosecco toasts, and the delectable flavors of Northern Italian cuisine. Here is a peek of just a few of the experiences I enjoyed during this memorable experience Italian style.
A Sunny Afternoon at the Parisian Flea Market - Porte Vanves
Paris is adorned with a number of colorful flea markets or brocantes as they are often called. On our first trip to Paris, in 2003, Scott and I spent an afternoon at the famed Clignancourt flea market, also known as the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, and thought to be the largest flea market in the world. We shipped home a small container filled to the brim with chandeliers, sconces, trays, perfume bottles, prints and charms from Paris long ago.
Paris is adorned with a number of colorful flea markets or brocantes as they are often called. On our first trip to Paris, in 2003, Scott and I spent an afternoon at the famed Clignancourt flea market, also known as the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, and thought to be the largest flea market in the world. We shipped home a small container filled to the brim with chandeliers, sconces, trays, perfume bottles, prints and charms from Paris long ago. On this trip, we stopped in at the smaller scale weekend market of Porte Vanves, near the apartment where we stayed. Aside from an eclectic mix of silk scarves, china, cutlery, jewelry, watches, books, and just about anything your heart desires, the people watching was fantastique. The saxophone solo was an ambient bonus to our sunny afternoon at the brocante in Paris.
My finds from the Parisian Brocante
These are a few of the treasures I gathered at Porte Vanves. A colorful silk scarf, a jewel-encrusted mirror, a couple of cocktail rings, a gilded framed mirror and a small statue. The gilded mirror and a small statue (not pictured) remind me of the charming Parisian apartment where we stayed during this trip to Paris. The petite Porte Vanves also makes finding small gifts to carry home an easy option.
Port Vanves Brocante - Heather Lindstrom on 2017-07-05.
For more on Vanves read Treasures and Trinkets at the Vanves Flea Market on Paris Perfect.
Are you a fan of shopping at flea markets?
Which one is your favorite?
