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.
Our second group cruise hosted by our very own 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.
Life onboard the Azamara Pursuit includes all-inclusive luxury and just about every amenity you can imagine: fresh flowers, luxury linens, robes & slippers, unlimited beverages, free bottled water, gratuities, 24 hour room service and much more.
Our first stop on this Dalmatian and Amalfi Coast cruise was Koper in Slovenia where we enjoyed exploring the colorful village plus a complimentary ‘Azamara AzAmazing’ concert onshore for our evening entertainment.
In Sibenik, Croatia, we toured the historic city center, were awed by the ornate cathedral and enjoyed local seafood and wines.
Our complimentary Virtuoso day trip to charming Kotor included a private walking tour, a visit to the museum, a wine tasting on the private terrace, a boat ride out to Our Lady of the Rock plus a foodie style seafood lunch at the chic Regent Porto Montenegro one of our preferred brand partners.
Corfu, Greece!
Cerulean waters, golden beaches and panoramic views for days.
The next day ushered in a charming stroll on the Corso Umberto high on the mountain in Taoramina, Sicily.
Scott and I discovered a gem for lunch serving mouthwatering pizza, cannoli and local wine with views of the sea.
For obvious charm and this pizza, Taoramina was one of our favorite stops.
Our final full day included a boatride along the stunning Amalfi Coast and an aperitif (with a side of shopping!) in Positano.
Our only rule? Celebrate Everything!
The White Night Party, a ‘BIG’ birthday plus a heartwarming engagement!!
Our Mediterranean cruise was even more fun than we could’ve imagined. Just reviewing these photos to create the post makes me smile. A big thank you to our friends for joining us on the Amalfi & Damaltian Coasts cruise and to Azamara for the fabulous service and amenities.
For more on our trip visit our pre-cruise stop in Venice plus Scott and I explore Puglia at Canne Bianche Lifestyle post-cruise.
For More on Curated Travel in Italy:
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.
Articles on Italy from the Curated Travel Blog
A Quick Weekend Getaway to Wine Country
We were initially on the fence as to whether we should book a weekend getaway to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. With our Mediterranean Cruise on the horizon we thought it might be a bit decadent, or at the very least, travel overkill.
Wine Country Getaway
We were initially on the fence as to whether we should book a weekend getaway to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. With our Mediterranean Cruise on the horizon we thought it might be a bit decadent, or at the very least, travel overkill. The stresses of life be what they may, we decided a break from the routine would be the perfect antidote.
Once we decided to make the short trip to Sonoma Valley, we booked a hotel (more on that later), and made the difficult decision of where to dine for lunch. Pro Tip: Wine country is very busy on the weekends and restaurants book up so plan ahead. I booked on Open Table and we scored a lovely patio seat at one of our favorites, El Dorado Kitchen, on Sonoma Square. It was a picture perfect wine country day. Wasn’t it nice that they even personalized our menus? The food at El Dorado Kitchen is super fresh and the service was friendly and impeccable.
Though it’s difficult to find an available reservation in wine country for a late summer weekend we discovered a new boutique hotel, Hotel e, right in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa. The hotel is brand spanking new, sparkling clean and colorful with an energetic, accomodating staff. They have specialized touches like luxury linens and clothes steamers in each room. Hotel e is in the perfect location for exploring the up and coming downtown area.
For our anniversary dinner we chose Willi’s Wine Bar. We had dined at the original location previously but it burned down in the wine country fire two years ago. The new location is fresh and modern in the Town & Country Shopping Center. They had me at sparkling rosé, goat cheese balls and a decadent chocolate with candle.
This was a quick trip so we enjoyed a hearty breakfast, a leisurely walk and a stop at a beautiful winery on the way home. Matanzas Creek is a verdant spot with lavender fields, classic wine country landscaping and sweeping views. We enjoyed their prize winning sauvignon blancs and lush reds.
In the end, we were glad we made the decision to book a getaway, enjoy a change of pace, and explore some new views and flavors. Even a quick getaway can be stress relieving and restorative. Plus, a wedding anniversary is always worth celebrating!
For more on travel to wine country and travel ideas contact me at Curated Travel. I’d love to put a dream trip together for you.
High Above the French Riviera in Romantic Èze
The French Riviera is famous for azure seas, brilliant sunshine, gleaming yachts, celebrity sightings, sparkling champagne and oozes with glamour. Trust me, it’s all that and more. Have you heard of Èze? This medieval village is perched 1,401 feet above the Mediterranean sea. Èze is forged of winding stone staircases and perches, twisted wrought iron, colorful urns of flowers, and stunning views of the Cote d’Azure. It is magical, especially at sunset.
The French Riviera is famous for azure seas, brilliant sunshine, gleaming yachts, star sightings, sparkling champagne, and oozing with glamour. Trust me, it’s all that and more. Have you heard of Èze? This medieval village is perched 1,401 feet above the French Mediterranean sea. Èze is forged of winding stone staircases and perches, twisted wrought iron embellishments, colorful urns of flowers, and stunning views of the Cote d’Azur. It is magical, especially at sunset.
We were fortunate to enjoy our time at both 5-star hotels in the heights of Èze with these stunning views.
“Château de la Chèvre d’Or, Member of Relais & Châteaux, perches on a cliff in the heart of a medieval village between Nice and Monte-Carlo. The breathtaking panorama includes the sparkling Mediterranean, extending from Monte-Carlo to Saint Tropez to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Gourmets are in luck; the hotel offers enticing dining, including the two-Michelin-star La Chèvre d’Or and Stagioni restaurant for dinner; and Les Remparts and Café du Jardin for lunch. Guestrooms are remarkable, offering classic and modern furnishings, as well as opulent marble bathrooms; there are just 43 guestrooms and suites, so privacy is virtually guaranteed.”
“Pretty as a postcard, Château Eza clings to the side of Eze’s ancient rock walls more than 1,300 feet above the Mediterranean Sea. Such a dramatic setting promises a remarkable experience, and this is one hideaway that definitely won’t disappoint. With just 14 guestrooms — most with fireplaces and private balconies, and all with modern amenities — there’s an enchanting, intimate atmosphere. The surrounding cobblestone streets don’t allow for automobile traffic, so quiet prevails. Dining is a regal experience; spend an evening in the elegant dining room.”
Michelin Star Evenings in Èze
In praise of the meyer lemon desert….A true work of art in the citrus medium created by the talented chef at Chateau de la Chevre d'Or
I will always remember this exquisite afternoon by the pool at Chateau de la Chevre d'Or.
For more information on Éze here and these picturesque, luxury retreats contact me at Curated Travel.
Visit Jardin Exotique d’Eze
Our thanks to Creative Destinations for this lovely experience
on the French Riviera.
Virtuoso Amenities for your stay at Chateau de la Chevre d'Or:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Continental breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests on the terrace of our Bar
Welcome regional gift from the local Eze perfumery stores (such as scented candles, night perfumes, etc.; subject to change with season-value 85 EUR)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Virtuoso Amenities for your stay at Château Eza:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Continental Breakfast for two
Welcome regional gift from the local perfumery stores (such as scented candles, night perfumes; subject to change with season value $100)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
For more of our trip to France:
Wandering Charleston + Our Delicious Stay at Zero George
Charleston is resplendent with pastel clapboard houses, opulent mansions, vibrant multi-hued flowerboxes, cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages and endless city views with stately bridges rising above the water way.
Charleston is just as charming as I’ve always imagined it would be. A family wedding in North Carolina created an easy excuse for a roadtrip to to South Carolina to explore this bucket list destination.
Charleston is resplendent with pastel clapboard houses, opulent mansions, vibrant multi-hued flowerboxes, cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages and endless city views with stately bridges rising above the water way.
The dining options are distinctly southern with a fresh twist. Influences of French, Gullah, Cajun flavors, among others, create a unique food scene. Charm oozes from the historic district mansions as you explore the cobblestone streets in a horse drawn carriage….Clip clop….Clip clop…Or whizing through the streets in a rickshaw. We did both!
Chic boutiques, luxurious hotels, sunny cafes and view-worthy roof top terraces round out the scene in Charleston. The gated porches make you want to settle in with a frosty mint julep on a warm afternoon and a great read.
Our carriage ride with Charleston’s favorite, Charlie.
Our stay at Zero George was everything we hoped it would be. This cluster of 5 historic homes has been transformed to a luxury boutique hotel that retains the true southern charm of the area. We were welcomed with chilled wine and a delicious charcuterie platter.
Suite Tour at Zero George
“Zero Restaurant + Bar will change the way you think about hotel restaurants. This tucked-away gem serves up some of Charleston’s biggest flavors and most dazzling dishes from undoubtedly the tiniest professional kitchen around. But don’t take our word for it: Condé Nast named Zero George one of the Top 5 Foodie Hotels in the World. Chef Vinson Petrillo is a master with seasonal local ingredients, elevating dining to a sublime art of delicious sophistication.”
Where to Stay: Zero George (Contact us to book)
Where to Dine: Zero Restaurant + Bar (reservations in advance required), Halls Chophouse, Swig & Swine (local, unpretentious and fun)
Rooftop Lounge + Dining: Market Pavilion Bar (fabulous views and rooftop pool!), Eleve cool decor and hip, artsy vibe, and The Watch-Rooftop Kitchen
Historic Horse-drawn Carriage Ride - Book here