Love Cruising, can’t get enough of Italy?
When you have done all the cruise ports in Italy and still want more…
5 Reasons Why There Might be Another Option
For some of us, a cruise is the best vacation. It combines many things we love along with stepping onboard and everything is taken care of for you. If you are like me and also love Italy, there comes a time when there are not enough ports to satisfy your longing for more time in Italy.
I spent 30+ years working for three cruise lines and like many of you, adding a pre, or post hotel onto a cruise was how I tried to satisfy my desire for more time in this beloved country. I was not going to give up my love of cruising, yet my big 50th birthday in the dead of winter longing for Italy could not be fulfilled with a cruise. The ships are in tropical climates, or off doing exotic itineraries including world cruises.
Why not find a villa owner who was willing to open their property to the crazy American that wanted to be in the countryside in February; the dead of winter no less. The search began and an unexpected love affair with the Italian villa experience caught me by surprise along with my friends & family; all cruisers. This staunch cruise advocate found an alternative to my beloved cruise vacations, was it possible?
But first, I need to share that I spent countless hours doing all of my own researching on the internet. Please do not make that mistake. Your travel professional is who knows you. Chances are your travel specialist shared this with you. If not, read why more than ever you need a travel agent.
The short version of this story; realizing that there are others like me out there who appreciate the carefree, turn-key aspect of cruises, but who also love Italy. Fast forward, I created a company for those that want what a cruise offers, but also want more time in Italy. So this is why we offer a 100% all-inclusive villa for a minimum of 7-nights. The concept is simple, take what we love about cruising, bring it to the villa experience. Plus, you can add this to a cruise, or book two regions with endless other options to extend your stay.
Here are a 5 things that make this option an incredible choice if you love Italy and cruising
#1. 100% All Inclusive: The smaller ships have gone to an all-
inclusive experience instead of the a la carte like the big ships. After 13 years at Regent Seven Seas, I knew this needed to be the centerpiece of this experience. Your price includes a 5-star luxury villa, spacious en-suite accommodations, private chef, open bar with hand selected Italian wines, spirits & non-alcoholic beverages, 5 excursions including lunch with wine, your local host and transportation, a cooking class in the villa, all gratuities, maid service and taxes. We can accommodate groups for as few as 6 and up to 18. Customization is available, as well as our most popular tours in our Collection Series.
#2. You Arrive & Unpack Once: You are greeted by a staff member that will show you around your private multimillion dollar villa. Unlike a hotel, your home away from home is simply that, a private sanctuary where you are not confined to your room. When you want to be social, with your friends and family, you are not limited to the hotel’s public space to spend time together, or need to go off-site; spread out and enjoy!
#3 Private Chef: Breakfast & dinner prepared daily. You spend the day exploring the region. At the end of the day, similar to a cruise you come back in time for dinner. Except in your Italian villa, you arrive to the smell of dinner & the joy of wandering into the kitchen to see what your chef is preparing. The anticipation of an authentic regional intimate dinner with your special friends and family members. There is time upon arrival to rest, take a walk, read a book, reflect and if preferred change for dinner. The Italian Aperitivo is set out at 6:30PM our version of the cocktail hour where stories are shared about the experiences of the day. Dinner like onboard is effortless, you linger into the evening looking forward to what adventures await you tomorrow.
#4 Exceptional Excursions: Because you are staying in one region there are many riches to explore and a chance to truly meet the locals. An immersive experience because you are being hosted by a local who lives in the area, not a tour guide (licensed of course) but their neighbor. This is one of the hallmarks of our excursions that creates a more authentic experience for our guests. Depending on your interest we can offer a range of options including activities for children and teenagers.
#5 Turn-Key, Easy & Effortless: Everything is arranged for you down to the smallest requests. Your worked hard for your vacation and now it’s time to let our staff take care of you. What better than in your happy place; Italy and in your private villa.
For a limited time complimentary transfer to your villa*
*some restrictions apply
Don’t delay, contact your travel professional to discuss your next dream vacation!
Due the demand for Italy do not delay. There is still space for 2024, but it is limited; now is the time to plan for 2025!
I look forward to sharing more insights, so you make the most of your dream vacation in Italy. In the meantime, ask your travel professional to inquire about Puglia, Italy’s Best Kept Secret!
Buon viaggio,
Claudia Alfieri
Owner and Dream Curator
