Lake Garda: Mercurial, Magical and Idyllic
Arriving at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is an event in and of itself. Our driver whisked us through majestic gates, past antique statuary and formal gardens to this stately, historic property. It sits on 12 acres on the peninsula just north of Sirmione and is bordered on both sides by Lake Garda. This location yields the most amazing lake views from all angles.
Here I am! Popping back in with a blog post on my trip to Italy back in April. It’s hard to believe I’ve already returned to Europe for two weeks since I last posted. Needless to say, I’m catching up and am excited to have some new favorite destinations to share!
Here’s the scoop: Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, was one of my absolute favorite stays of this trip. I was invited to visit by the wonderful team at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel as a pre-stay before the Travelux luxury travel event in Venice. Trust me, it was an unforgettable experience.
Arriving at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is an event in and of itself. Our driver whisked us through ornate gates, past antique statuary and formal gardens to this stately, luxurious and historic property. It sits on 12 acres on the peninsula just north of charming Sirmione and is bordered on both sides by Lake Garda rimmed with majestic mountains.
As you can imagine, this location yields the most amazing lake views from all angles.
As we pulled up to the hotel, I was greeted by the staff and our host, General Manager Giacomo Grossi, with a welcome drink and escorted to my spacious, luxurious suite where gifts and goodies awaited.
This is a tour of my lake view suite. The view is stunning as is the Murano glass chandelier!
The next day, graced with sunshine, a scenic boat ride on Lake Garda and a festive wine tasting at Contithun were on the itinerary.
Our select group of international travel advisors was invited to experience the charms of Villa Cortine Palace. We enjoyed luxury accommodations, private tours of the historic hotel, grounds and gardens, gourmet dining with impeccable service at Il Molo, cocktails at Maria Callas bar & bistro, and enjoyed a wonderful time together thanks to our gracious host, Giacomo Grossi.
As you can imagine, we were all thrilled to be traveling in Europe again, and to be here was magical.
A tour of the historic Villa Cortine Palace Hotel
This video is a peek of the historical section of the hotel by our host, Giacomo Grossi.
Not only is the rich history of the property celebrated, but there are also modern touches like the luxurious linens, designer bath products, and the oh-so-chic beach club and dock.
My thanks to Giacomo Grossi for the fabulous stay and the introduction to magical Lake Garda.
I can hardly wait to introduce this property to my Italy-loving clients.
To learn more about travel to Italy contact us.
Up next: Venice
Grazie Mille!
Heather
Milan: Modern, Vibrant and Stylish (with Classic Soul)
The first stop on my long-awaited return trip to Italy, for a luxury travel event, was Milan. Though I have traveled through Milan, with stops at Malpensa airport and the train station, I have never ventured out to explore the heart of the city. On this trip, I blocked out time to recover from jet lag and acquaint myself with this vibrant city for a couple of days. And yes, on this trip my luggage arrived with me!
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Milan
The first stop on my long-awaited return trip to Italy, for a luxury travel event, was Milan. Though I have traveled through Milan, with stops at Malpensa airport and the train station, I have never ventured out to explore the heart of the city. On this trip, I blocked out time to recover from jet lag and acquaint myself with this vibrant city for a couple of days. And yes, on this trip, my luggage arrived with me!
My Fitbit celebrated the 16,000+ steps in one day (not my norm!) which is proof there is much to see in this historical city.
Milan is a delicious and fashionable mix of modern design and classic charm.
My Stay: The iconic Grand Hotel et de Milan. They had me at prosecco and potato chips (a delicious pairing!) in my suite upon arrival. What could be wrong?
Located in the historic city center, between the Duomo and the shopping district, it couldn’t be more convenient for exploring. This luxurious property Is steeped in history and has been owned by the same family since 1863.
Visit: Piazza del Duomo, The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Teatro Alla Scala (theater), Brera District, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II for high end shopping.
A number of movie stars, legendary opera singers and lauded authors have lived at the Grand Hotel et de Milan with suites named in their honor. The most famous of these is opera legend Verdi who was in residence for years and passed away in his suite at the hotel.
My thanks to Andrea, Laura and the staff at Grand Hotel et de Milan for a lovely stay, tour and treats. I’m looking forward to my clients enjoying this fabulous property in the heart of Milan. Contact me to learn more.
Up next: Lake Garda, Venice, Naples, the island of Ischia!
Thanks for following along!
Ciao!
Heather
Bravo! Italy is finally back on my horizon!
After numerous canceled trips over the last 2 1/2 years, Italy is finally back on my horizon! I’m beyond excited to be invited to attend Travelux, a fully hosted luxury travel event in Venice, hosted by Nebe Club. If you’ve followed this blog for several years you may remember that I attended this same event at Lake Como in 2018. Yes, that’s the one where I had all the fancy events and my luggage didn’t arrive for 6 full days! Travelux is an exceptional experience and I found it to be a life-changer for my travel business.
After numerous canceled trips over the last 2 1/2 years, Italy is finally back on my horizon! I’m beyond excited to be invited to attend Travelux, a fully hosted luxury travel event in Venice, by Nebe Club. If you’ve followed this blog for several years you may remember that I attended this same event at Lake Como in 2018. Yes, that’s the one where I had all the fancy events and my luggage didn’t arrive for 6 full days! Travelux is an exceptional experience and I found it to be a life-changer for my travel business.
ON THE ITINERARY:
2 nights in Milan at the Grand Hotel et Milan.
Next, I’m off to catch a private transfer to Lake Garda for a few days of luxury, charm, and exploration at the Villa Cortine Palace Hotel in Sirmione.
Another private transfer and I’m off to Venice and a stay at the Venetian classic beauty of Baglioni Hotel Luna for the three full days of Travelux events.
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is the location for the official Travelux event. I will meet with international luxury travel partners and brands, a few of whom I already partner with for Curated Travel clients. As opposed to my first Travelux event at Lake Como, I now have friends and colleagues who will also be attending and that makes it infinitely more fun. On the menu are one-to-one meetings, gourmet meals, cocktail parties, a villa garden tour, boat rides around the islands and so much more.
Following Travelux I’ll train to Naples for a post-Travelux event starting with a stay at The Britannique Naples, a walking street food tour, a tour of the ruins of Pompei, seaside dining (to include the famous pizza Napoletana to be sure).
The final stop on my trip to Italy is the island of Ischia. Ischia has long been near the top of my wander list for Italy so I’m excited to visit for a few days and explore. Following a short ferry ride from Naples, my stay at Hotel Regina Isabella will include alfresco sea-side dinners, cocktails on the terrace, spa treatments, visits to the beach club, and even a vintage tour of Ischia in a Piaggio Ape car (Mr. C.T. will be jealous of this one!;).
This and that:
My Trip to Travelux at Lake Como 2018 (Start Here)
For this trip, I’ll be packing much smarter with a ‘capsule collection’ of necessities and multi-use items in my carry-on bag. To learn more about having no luggage for six days: How I Survived Without My Luggage for Six Days on a Luxury Trip to Italy
A few notes on Prepping for an International Getaway
FOLLOW ALONG on INSTAGRAM:
Curated Travel
At Curated Travel we have so many clients headed to Europe in 2022! I’m excited to be the first to lead the way for my clients traveling to the British Isles (for an epic 79-day trip!), to Italy, France, Scandinavia, Portugal, and Greece this season.
By the way, we still have space available for you to join us on the Greek Islands Cruise in October. Learn more here.
Until next time. Ciao!
Heather
Announcing: Our Third Curated Travel Group Cruise Setting sail in Oct 2022 (Greece is the Word!)
In 2019 we set sail on our second Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean/Adriatic on Azamara. We enjoyed ourselves, our fellow cruisers, and the fabulous destinations more than we ever imagined. Though we had to postpone for 2021, we are happy to announce that we are doing it again in 2022. This time, Greece is the word, and we would love for you to join us. Bon Voyage!
In 2019 we set sail on our second Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean/Adriatic on Azamara. We enjoyed ourselves, our fellow cruisers, and the fabulous destinations more than we ever imagined. Though we had to postpone for 2021, we are happy to announce that we are doing it again in 2022. This time, Greece is the word, and we would love for you to join us!
Itinerary: Greece Intensive Oct. 15-22, 2022
(8 Days/7 nights)
Sailing on the Azamara Quest (small-mid size 686 passengers)
Athens to Athens
Athens - Tinos - Mykonos - Ephesus - Rhodes - Crete - Santorini - Athens
Club Ocean View Stateroom - *$2,599 per person - double occupancy (excludes port taxes & fees).
Club Veranda Stateroom - *$3,439 per person- double occupancy (excludes port taxes & fees).
This is also a Virtuoso Voyage available through Curated Travel: Virtuoso Guests booked in a Club Ocean View or higher category will enjoy an additional $100 USD shipboard credit per person.
Contact us to add your name to our group and reserve your stateroom.
View Cruise Details
We would love to have you join us (the second one was EPIC!).
Excited? Invite a friend to join our group! (Only fun travelers allowed.)
Bon Voyage!
Καλό ταξίδι
Heather & Scott Lindstrom,
Curated Travel
FAQ:
What are the all-inclusive amenities included for all guests?
Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages)
Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines
Gratuities
Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas
Self-service laundry
Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
Does Azamara require vaccinations?
Currently, Azamara requires travelers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
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:
It was a chilly day at Lake Como but that didn't stop our Travelux 2018 group from feeling warm and celebratory for our final party of this truly memorable luxury travel event. Villa Balbiano, with roots in the mid 16th century, has recently been renovated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia. An invitation to a party in this splendor was one of the highlights of my trip to Italy and it took my breath away.