Key Takeaways (Quick Answer) He was blowing a whistle I could barely hear, and the dog was already moving. Jamese McCloy, a fourth-generation shepherd at Glenshane Country Farm in the Sperrin Mountains of Northern Ireland, watched as his sheepdog ran across the hillside in response to a whistle command. A few minutes later, we were […]
This post is an updated and expanded version of our original guide to spending three days in Venice. You can still read the original here. Key Takeaways (Quick Answer): Planning a luxury Venice itinerary for 2026? Here’s what you need to know: Is Venice Worth Visiting in 2026? Yes, absolutely. Venice is unlike anywhere else
Three Days in Venice: The Ultimate Luxury Itinerary for 2026 Read More »
Key Takeaways (Quick Answer) A Rhône river cruise through Provence is one of the easiest ways to experience Southern France in a relaxed, high-comfort format: multiple towns, guided excursions, excellent food and wine, and you only unpack once. This trip combined 3 nights in Paris with 7 nights on AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina, sailing from Lyon to
Sailing the Rhone: What to Expect on a Luxury River Cruise Through Provence Read More »
Key Takeaways (Quick Answer) Traffic was at a standstill. There was no way I was making this flight. The next flight to Catania wasn’t until the following morning, so what was supposed to be my first night in Sicily was spent at an airport hotel on the outskirts of Bologna. Unexpected expenses like needing to
Siracusa & Southeast Sicily: A Luxury Guide to Ortigia, Noto, Avola, and More Read More »
Culinary travel isn’t only about tasting menus and Michelin-starred restaurants, though those are often a huge piece of the puzzle. It’s also about dining like locals, which for many travelers means cooking and shopping for ingredients like locals. If cooking is your passion, you’ll want to be sure that your accommodations will provide you with
To Cook or Not to Cook (on Vacation) Read More »
Not all destinations roll out the rainbow carpet to LGBTQ+ travelers. Full stop. This is a sad fact that I’m all too aware of as both a gay man and a travel agency owner. I’m currently preparing for Virtuoso Travel Week 2025 and can’t help but remember an awful one-on-one meeting I had at this
Traveling the World with PRIDE Read More »
Key Takeaways (Quick Answer) Though I have yet to visit Norway (or any of the Nordics, now that I think of it), I was thrilled to learn about a new attraction opening there that I know sustainability-conscious travelers will love. What Is The Whale Project in Norway? The Whale, set to open in Andenes in
The Whale in Norway: How Sustainable Arctic Travel and Whale Watching Are Evolving Read More »
Key Takeaways (Quick Answer) My husband and I recently visited Italy’s lake district for the first time, staying in Stresa on Italy’s enchanting Lake Maggiore. Located in Italy’s Piedmont region on the lake’s western side, Stresa is a great base for exploring this area.  Why Visit Lake Maggiore Instead of Lake Como? You’ll get
Lake Maggiore, Italy: A Sophisticated Alternative to Lake Como for Luxury Travelers Read More »
One of the biggest highlights of my recent trip to Cortona was enjoying all that incredible Tuscan cuisine. Few chefs bring authentic Tuscan flavors to life the way Chef Silvia Baracchi does, and being a guest at her table is as good as it gets. Prior to staying in the heart of Tuscany at Il
In the Kitchen with Chef Silvia Baracchi Read More »
Key Takeaways (Quick Answer) After spending a few days in Rome, I headed to Tiburtina Station and boarded a northbound Trenitalia. In a little over two hours (and with no transfers), I found myself about halfway between Rome and Florence, at the Camucia–Cortona train station. After a few minutes, I was in a car on
A Luxury Guide to Cortona, Tuscany in 2026: The Italy You’ve Been Missing Read More »
