Taking the Roads Less Traveled

If you’ve fallen in love with Italy, you’ve likely heard that exploring it is “a lifetime of travel.” Your first visit is a mind-blowing taste, and your second is a slower absorption of la dolce vita. But your third (and beyond) becomes a delicious deep dive into the regions, history and culture.

Popular destinations in Italy often face the issue of overcrowding and it can be quite a challenge to secure a booking due to their high demand. Smart travelers, however, know to skip the overtouristed hot spots and head into the real Italy.

Spend time, for example, in the Piedmont northern wine region – raise a glass (or several) of full-bodied reds at wineries on day trips from the picturesque villages of Barolo and Barbaresco. Both are day trips from Turin, where you’ll want to pick up a box of candied Pastiglie Leone while wandering this historic regional capital.

In October, the allure of the Langhe region lies not just in its undulating hills, but also in the precious white truffle that draws enthusiasts from all corners. The wine region is dotted with hilltop towns, each boasting a remarkable castle. Hiking between the vineyards is an excellent way to explore slowly and let the charms of the region take hold. These areas may be lesser traveled but high-end accommodations and luxury amenities are easily found.

*Lake Garda | Scaligero Castle, Sirmione*

Lake Garda, though often overlooked in favor of the more famous Lake Como, presents an equally mesmerizing experience. Its captivating turquoise waters, vineyards, and age-old olive groves reflect a remarkable fusion of natural splendor and rich history. Engage in a variety of water sports, amble through the historic town of Sirmione, or hike the picturesque trails of the Monte Baldo range. Lake Garda matches Lake Como's opulence with its own selection of boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants, promising a truly authentic Italian experience.

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Exploring Peru's Hidden Wonders

Peru is another country where many visitors get stuck into a “Machu Picchu or bust” mindset. There’s so much more Incan and pre-Incan history to be explored. The Nazca lines, a world-renowned mystery, can be found in the South, on the other side of the Andes. These 2,000-year-old geoglyphs, covering over 50 miles, showcase roughly 300 baffling stylized animal and plant designs, best viewed from the air on customized tours or a 43-foot high observation tower for views of two striking shapes.

Found in one of the driest areas globally, these wonders remain protected from erosive damage. Nearby, the archaeological site of Cahuachi provides further insight into the Nazca line creators, with remarkable structures like a pyramid and a stepped temple that fascinate visitors with a treasure of discoveries including textiles, engraved gourds, pottery and ancient mummies.

But perhaps the easiest and most divine way to see more of the highlands is on board the Belmond train, the Andean Explorer. Champagne flows as easily as the mountainous landscape outside your windows – from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and beyond.

*Belmond Andean Explorer | Uros Reed Boat*

After watching the sun rise over the world-famous Lake Titicaca, a Belmond guide takes you onto the lake to meet the Uros people, who live on islands they have built out of reeds. The journey and the scenery are equally impressive, from the fine dining and historic décor of the Belmond dining car to the rare experience of treatments in the spa car while the train gently trundles onward through unforgettable vistas.

Yearning for a Peruvian adventure that steps off the beaten path? Let's plan it!

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Small Ship, Big Adventure

You’ve heard some of the countries you're eagerly longing to visit are, to put it mildly, popular with travelers. Who wants to get stuck shoulder-to-shoulder while standing in awe of thundering waterfalls or epic mountain views or exquisitely carved works of art?

One of the best workarounds may be to sail around the country on an exclusive small luxury ship, with a crew that knows the right local ports in which to drop anchor. From there, inland excursions with your small group are intimate and enjoyable.

Iceland's stunning, almost otherworldly landscapes become more accessible when sailing the island's perimeter on a small ship, bypassing the crowds. Travelers can explore the fascinating lava fields of Eldfell and enjoy renowned culinary experiences at Slippurinn in the Westman Islands, a restaurant redefining Icelandic gastronomy. A group visit to a private nature reserve near Skálanes on a revitalized farmstead offers intimate encounters with Arctic birds, coastal cliffs, and the chance to spot baleen whales and seals.

*Sushi & Sake | Miyajima | Gold-leaf Soft Serve Ice Cream*

Or perhaps your heart is set on the history and beauty of Japan? Small ship tours can take you to quieter ports along the northern and western coasts, offering an immersion into local culture. Delve into the art of sushi and sake in small towns such as Hagi, the birthplace of samurai and Hagi pottery, or visit Kanazawa, famous for its impressive castle, gardens and gold leaf production. Here, you may even be tempted to indulge in a unique gold-leaf soft serve ice cream—a true travelbrag!

One of the best reasons to explore a country by small-ship is that you only have to unpack once!

Set Sail

*Hôtel Lily of the Valley, La Croix-Valmer, France*

Two Must-Haves for Summertime Travel

Patience and kindness. And we’ll add a third: a sense of humor. Let’s face it, more than ever travelers need all three. The continuing upswing in travel during what has long been the busiest time of the year is becoming more frustrating as airlines and airports struggle to keep up. Commercial airlines switch up their schedules, swap out planes and move crew around – and that might disrupt your trip.

Lately, we've learned to expect change and prepare for outside disruptions to best-laid plans. We are professionals, and your best bet to help rework and smooth out ripples in your itinerary. Our top tip for avoiding airline disruption? Book a private jet. Make like the cast of Succession and fly private. (We can help you book that too!)

Amendments happen! We can help you sort through the shifts.

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