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!
villa balbiano on Lake Como
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!
I remember how anxious I was about flying to Europe solo for the first time, without my husband, and how daunting it was to be without my carefully packed luggage (a panic!) until the final leg of the trip. I learned how to put my best foot forward despite wearing sneakers to a fancy dinner party at Villa d’Este at Lake Como, how to lead with a smile to distract from my thrice-worn outfit, and that I was bold enough to seek out this adventure and make the most of every moment. I also learned to alter my packing strategies so I’m that never caught without the necessities again.
Below is a collection of blog posts from this transformative journey and if you are missing Italy like I am, I hope you enjoy the views. These photos feel like old friends and I am reminded how I, like so many of my clients, can barely wait to get back to dreamy Italia.
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. - Curated Travel Blog
Posts are in chronological order starting on the lower right. Ciao!
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.
Join Us for a Virtual Tour of Fine Wine & Cuisine in Lyon & Provence
Are you ready for a change of scenery?
I was talking to a friend/client the other day and reminiscing about our beautiful travels on our Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean last year. In an effort to enjoy a change of perspective for this ’staycation summer’ we decided to sign-up for a virtual tour of food and wine in Provence this Friday, August 21st at 9 am Pacific, hosted by Viking River Cruises. You will find the link below to join us for this complimentary change of scene.
Are you ready for a change of scenery?
I was talking to a friend/client the other day and reminiscing about our beautiful travels on our Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean last year. In an effort to enjoy a change of perspective for this ’staycation summer’ we decided to sign-up for a virtual tour of food and wine in Provence this Friday, August 21st at 9am Pacific, hosted by Viking River Cruises. You will find the link below to join us for this complimentary change of scene.
Views of Arles and Pont du Gard from our visit last year.
“Tap into your inner van Gogh at an Arles painting class. Discover Roman Provence at Les Arènes amphitheater and the Pont du Gard. Explore Avignon’s Palace of the Popes. Excite your palate in Lyon, capital of French gastronomy. Savor Beaujolais wines. Hunt for truffles and see how chèvre cheese is made. Come witness the beauty that inspired artists like Cézanne and Chagall on this 8-day Rhône cruise.”
Summer Garden Tour: Beautiful Gardens Around the World
I recently saw an article from Virtuoso on beautiful gardens around the world. Did you catch it on our Curated Travel Facebook page? It reminded me of one of the favorite gardens that I visited at Lake Como in 2018. Villa Balbiano is a magnificent palazzo built in the 16th century, now part of the Heritage Collection, and is described as “The Italian Opulence on Lake Como”.
I recently saw an article from Virtuoso on beautiful gardens around the world. Did you catch it on our Curated Travel Facebook page? It reminded me of one of my personal favorite gardens that I visited at Lake Como in 2018. Villa Balbiano is a magnificent palazzo built in the 16th century, now part of the Heritage Collection, and is described as “The Italian Opulence on Lake Como”.
I wrote a blog post about my memorable visit to Villa Balbiano on Lake Como. It was early April and the gardens were just starting to wake up. Check out the video for an aerial perspective. The views of the gardens and palazzo are stunning!
My Pinterest board, Gardens Around the World, houses ethereal images of English, Italian, French and wine country gardens for inspiration. There is something calming and restorative about gazing at the beauty of nature in these spectacular gardens, especially in times like these. I hope you enjoy this mini virtual garden tour today.
All images from Pinterest with credit at link above.
As a travel advisor who has been homebound for the last 5 months, it’s more challenging to come up with travel inspiration for the blog. I hope this glimpse of beauty around the world brings you a bit of sunshine today.
Thank you for reading and be well. Heather
In case you missed this post from Virtuoso:
Real Time Travel: Croatia is Re-Opening for Tourists!
Last fall, during our Azamara Mediterranean Cruise of the Dalmatian and Amalfi Coasts, we visited Croatia for the first time. Scott and I spent a day wandering the charming alleys of old town Sibenik, increasingly popular as home to two UNESCO heritage sights as well as a filming location for Game of Thrones. With a rich cultural history, golden sand beaches flanking the cerulean blue Adriatic, a visit to Sibenik entices you to explore even more of Croatia.
It’s exciting to note that Croatia is one of the first European countries to open up to tourists.
Last fall, during our Azamara Mediterranean Cruise of the Dalmatian and Amalfi Coasts, we visited Croatia for the first time. Scott and I spent a day wandering the charming alleys of old town Sibenik, increasingly popular as home to two UNESCO heritage sights as well as a filming location for Game of Thrones. With a rich cultural history, golden sand beaches flanking the cerulean blue Adriatic, a visit to Sibenik entices you to explore even more of Croatia.
It’s exciting to note that Croatia is one of the first European countries to open up to tourists.
Here’s a glimpse of an afternoon in Sibenik.
The Sibenik Waterfront
The Cathedral of St. James, in the heart of old town, is a must see for history and architecture buffs. Learn more about immersive experiences around Sibenik. Contact us to learn more about travel to Croatia.
PS - Our group cruise on the Azamara Pursuit was a blast!
Our Delectable Cooking Class with Chef Salvatore Quarto at Fonteverde in Tuscany
Virtual travel is more popular than ever with all the time most of us are spending at home these days. There is nothing more delectable than pasta in Italy and I’ve been looking forward to sharing a cooking class we experienced at Casina delle Rose at Fonteverde in Tuscany. Famed Chef Salvatore Quarto was our master teacher and the classic dish pici cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper) was on the menu. This delicious dish is simple yet decadent. We hand-rolled each strand of pasta for class but with some pecorino cheese, fresh pepper, and a lovely premade or even dried pasta, it’s easy to recreate from the pantry.
Virtual travel is more popular than ever with all the time most of us are spending at home. There is nothing more delectable than pasta in Italy and I’ve been looking forward to sharing a cooking class we experienced at Casina delle Rose at Fonteverde in Tuscany. Famed Chef Salvatore Quarto was our master teacher and the classic dish pici cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper) was on the menu. This delicious dish is simple yet decadent. We hand-rolled each strand of pasta for class but with some pecorino cheese, fresh pepper, and a lovely premade or even dried pasta, it’s easy to recreate from the pantry.
Today I’m sharing a few images plus a video I put together of this foodie experience with Chef Salvatore in Tuscany (scroll down).
During our ‘slow life’ at home I’m working on my video skills! ;)
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To make homemade fresh pici pasta from Eattiamo.
To make the Cacio Pepe with pre-made pasta use this recipe from Epicurious.
More of the Virtual Cooking Class from Travel & Leisure
I’m always happy to book unique experiences like this cooking class for my clients. Contact me to put an Italian cooking class experience, like this one, on your horizon! Stay healthy and safe! Ciao, Heather
Read more on our visit to Fonteverde Spa and Bagni di Pisa with our beautiful host, Cristina Morellini.
