A Game-Changing Solo Trip to Italy (plus essential packing tips)
I'm reminiscing on a game-changing solo trip I took to Italy three years ago this week. Though I’ve enjoyed several Italian adventures in the years following this entire travel experience opened new doors for my Curated Travel business and reaffirmed my staunch adoration for the magic, beauty, and deliciousness of Italy and the charm and verve of the Italians. Plus, I learned some essential packing strategies I will never forget!
Our Second Curated Travel Group Cruise Sets Sail on the Mediterranean
Our second group cruise hosted by Curated Travel embarked from Venice on September 28th, 2019. Following a couple of days exploring the iconic charms of Venice our group of friends/clients (who’ve become friends) was ready to set sail on the Azamara Pursuit on a boutique-style smaller ship cruise cruising the Dalmatian and Amalfi Coasts.
A Sunny Visit to the Coast of Puglia + Beachfront Chic at Canne Bianche Lifestyle
Puglia, on the eastern coast of Italy, has recently risen to the top of my destinations to explore in Italy. When I learned that our Mediterranean cruise would be ending in Rome, I jumped at the chance to finish up our trip to this beachy, sunswept region.
Curated Hotels: Our Stay in Tuscan Luxury at Castel Monastero in the Heart of Chianti
It may be just a quick view, or an image, that stays in your mind. I spotted vibrant images of Castel Monastero when they first opened as a boutique resort and I jumped at the chance to visit when offered. Mr. C.T. and I spent two nights immersed in Tuscan luxury at Castel Monastero last fall. Days were spent exploring the dappled beauty of winding roads adorned with vineyards, discovering foodie gems, wine tasting at a local winery and getting acquainted with the locals. Evenings spent enjoying Michelin star dining at Contrada and these glimmering sunsets from the terrace.
Announcing the Curated Travel Mediterranean Cruise with Azamara Club Class-Join Us!
I have an exciting announcement! Curated Travel sets sail on the azure blue Mediterranean seas with Azamara Club Cruises September 28th-October 5th, 2019. Ports of call include Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Sicily, Amalfi Coast and Rome on this 7-night cruise. Scott and I are thrilled to offer this hand-selected itinerary in a boutique sized ship of just 600+ passengers. The experience is like a boutique style hotel on the water!
A Postcard from Sun-Splashed Tuscany
It’s early morning in Tuscany and the sun is just waking up the autumn hued hills. There is faint citrus scented breeze and a lavender mist winding over the distant mountains. The birds, who believe they are the kings of the castel, are twirping. Tuscany is pretty perfect in fall. Cool mornings and sun-drenched golden days are on the calendar. The evening sunsets are spectacular!
Scott and I used to whisper it to each other over the years: “We aren’t really cruisers.” We happily schlepped our way through cobblestoned Italian hill towns, wandered along Mediterranean seafronts, and checked into luxurious beachfront resorts, proudly proclaiming ourselves land‑lovers through and through. But after one too many grueling European trips spent hauling luggage from place to place every few days, we realized that small‑ship cruising deserved a place in our travel repertoire.