Virtuoso Traveler Abril Mayo 2020 by Viajes Le Grand

EXPECT THE WORLD

APRIL | MAY 2020

CREATIVE IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT SUMMER VACATION

VIRTUOSO TRAVELER brought to you by

The Virtuoso Network of 1,100+ Agency Locations

Now More Than Ever, You Need a Virtuoso Travel Advisor Virtuoso travel advisors have the firsthand knowledge, global expertise, and industry connections to get you more value — upgrades, private access, and added touches. And, in this current world of uncertainty, they’re your advocates every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to travel now or in the future, they’re here to help. Rely on a Virtuoso travel advisor for every trip, near or far.

Check out the Virtuoso advisor catalog on virtuoso.com to find the one who’s right for you.

The world’s finest travel agencies and advisors are Virtuoso . ®

DISCOVER AUTHENTIC BEAUTY LET US TAKE YOU CLOSER TO THE AUTHENTIC BEAUTY OF THE WORLD

Madagascar, by Steve McCurry

SILVERSEA WORLDWIDE VOYAGES Silversea is committed to making your voyage unforgettable. And that not only means taking you to the most beautiful and hard to reach destinations on the planet, it means taking you there in the comfort and elegance that you deserve.

TRAVEL DEEPER Even the largest of our nine ships accommodates only six hundred and eight guests and some are much smaller still.

ARCTIC ALASKA

INTIMATE SMALL SHIPS Our staff-to-guest ratio of nearly one to one, means service excellence is guaranteed.

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND

OVER 900 DESTINATIONS Our excellent-value, all-inclusive fares mean that once you step onboard you can enjoy yourself however. SUPERIOR SERVICE Silversea’s luxurious suites offer you more space in greater style.

CARIBBEAN & CENTRAL AMERICA

GOURMET EXCELLENCE With talented chefs from all over the world creating exciting and inventive menus.

SOUTH AMERICA

DURING YOUR VOYAGE • Spacious, ocean-view suites • Butler service in every suite

GALÀPAGOS

• Unlimited complimentary WiFi for all suites • Personalized service – nearly one crew member for every guest • Multiple restaurants, diverse cuisine, openseating dining • Beverages in suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits • Inclusive room service • Enrichment lecturers • Onboard gratuities

ANTARCTICA

Discover an all-inclusive lifestyle that reaches far beyond the rest.

NORTHERN EUROPE & BRITISH ISLES

RUSSIAN FAR EAST

ASIA

MEDITERRANEAN

MICRONESIA & MELANESIA

AFRICA & THE INDIAN OCEAN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Madagascar, Madagascar, by Steve by Steve McCurry McCurry

CAPTURING CAPTURINGAUTHENTIC AUTHENTICBEAUTY BEAUTY At Silversea At Silversea we believe we believe thatthat nothing nothing can can rivalrival the the wonder wonder of our of our world. world. Our Our curious curious minds minds propel propel us not us just not just to keep to keep exploring exploring our our magniﬁ magniﬁ centcent planet planet but but mostly mostly to experience to experience it. Our it. Our mission mission is tois to unlock unlock newnew territories, territories, allowallow you you to goto deeper go deeper andand discover discover the the authentic authentic beauty beauty of the of world the world thatthat we live we live in. in.

His iconic His iconic “Afghan “Afghan Girl”Girl” portrait portrait image image has has captured captured the the hearts hearts andand minds minds of thousands. of thousands. Steve Steve is a isborn a born storyteller storyteller withwith the the soulsoul of anofexplorer. an explorer. His His unique unique ability ability to capture to capture whatwhat is left is left of of the the authentic authentic beauty beauty andand express express it with it with clarity clarity andand emotion emotion is just is just brilliant. brilliant.

That’s That’s whywhy we are we so areproud so proud of our of partnership our partnership withwith Steve Steve McCurry, McCurry, A McCurry A McCurry image image not not onlyonly takestakes you you on aon journey, a journey, it inspires it inspires you you the legendary the legendary photographer. photographer. He was He was a natural a natural choice choice for us. for us. to travel to travel the world. the world.

Make Make your your Silversea Silversea adventure adventure plans plans with with your your Virtuoso Virtuoso travel travel advisor. advisor.

Contents 58

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11 COMPASS 12 Ch ck-In 14 Bon Voyag 17 On Tour 20 Bar Cod 21 Gr a Ou door 22 Urban R n wal 23 24 26 28 30 32 36 38

58 38

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APRIL

| M AY

2020

What Is Virtuoso? Virtuoso connects travelers to the world’s top travel advisors, along with a trusted portfolio of more than 2,000 top hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, destination specialists, tourism boards, and more. In a world where “do it yourself” means you’re on your own, Virtuoso offers confidence and peace of mind for every trip you plan.

Senior Vice President/Publisher Terrie L. Hansen Vice President/Editorial Director Elaine Srnka EDITORIAL/DESIGN Editor Joel Centano Senior Designer Veronica Rosalez Associate Editor Lara Hallock Manager, Digital Content Amy Cassell Social Media Specialist Eva Seelye Copy Editor Diane Sepanski Researchers Pam Greer, Amanda Ogle, Mary Risher Coordinator Denise Rodriguez MARKETING/ADVERTISING Vice President, Marketing Products James Ricks Managing Director, Marketing & Communications Sharon McGrath Managing Director, Global Public Relations Misty Ewing Belles Global Marketing Strategist Laura Sport Director, Marketing Technology Matt Elliott Director, Marketing Products Robert Duncan Manager, Digital Marketing Kelly Kirchner Manager, Direct Marketing Sarah Rose Senior Manager, Public Relations Betsy Goldberg Senior Manager, Marketing Kim Bradshaw Specialist, Events Marketing Sarah White

High-flying family fun: Hot-air ballooning in Botswana.

PRODUCTION Director Kathy Terrell Senior Manager Martin Nogueira Photo Production Walter Kelly Layout Production Marcia Friedman Marketing Production Specialist Natalie Sherman Coordinators Haley Cowser, Susanna Kim CIRCULATION/DATABASE SERVICES Lanecha White, Amy Hyde, Gaylynn Magers, Kim Stutzman ACCOUNT SALES Rebecca Adams, Sara Archibald, Elsa Bacry, Amy Bailey, Beth Butzlaff, Carol Coleman, Cece Drummond, Cricket Ducat, Xabier Eguren, Arllys FilmerBennett, Trisha Foresman, Audra Fuest, Christine Gilbert, Karen Goldberg, Rachel Grogan, Stephanie Lee, Tony Logan, Karyn McCarthy, Tim Morgan, Gregg Nielsen, David Powers, Wendy Romanow, Daniela Trotta, Mary Kaye Zanatta

WHY YOU NEED A VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR

OW MORE THAN EVER, having a travel advisor is essential. Seamless trip planning and travel perks aside, an advisor is a traveler’s numberone advocate. Thanks to their personal relationships around the globe, advisors have access to real-time information. They can arm their clients with the facts needed to make confident decisions, provide informed answers to any travel questions, and save

VIRTUOSO

T R AV E L E R

your vacation when problems arise (handling last-minute flight changes, say, or creating springbreak contingency plans). Need more reasons to work with a Virtuoso advisor? Count on destination expertise, customized itineraries, a deep understanding of your travel style, and VIP benefits, from insider access at museums to exclusive amenities at hotels, plus special shore excursions and shipboard credits on “Virtuoso Voyages” sailings.

Virtuoso® is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises 1,100-plus travel agency locations with 22,000 elite travel advisors in 50-plus countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more than 2,000-plus of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies, and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences, and privileged access. For a subscription, please call your Virtuoso travel advisor. All pricing and travel described herein are subject to change and availability, and restrictions may apply. Prices are per person, double occupancy, in U.S. dollars, and do not include taxes or other fees unless stated otherwise. Publisher assumes no liability for the representations contained herein. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited art, photography, or manuscripts. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher. EDITORIAL: editors@virtuoso. com. ADVERTISING: marketingproduction@virtuoso.com. VIRTUOSO HEADQUARTERS, VIRTUOSO TRAVELER CIRCULATION, AND POSTMASTER INQUIRIES: Virtuoso Traveler Circulation, Virtuoso, 777 Main Street, Suite 900, Fort Worth, TX 76102; virtuoso.com. To stop receiving Virtuoso Traveler, contact your travel advisor or email help@virtuoso.com. California CST#2069091; TA#808 - Registered Iowa Travel Agency; Washington UBI#601554183. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the state of California. Copyright © 2020 by Virtuoso, Ltd. All rights reserved. Within the United States, Virtuoso, the Globe Swirl Logo, Virtuoso Traveler, Specialists in the Art of Travel, We Orchestrate Dreams, Orchestrate Dreams, Journey to Global Citizenship, Return on Life, and Wanderlist are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Expect the World, Best of the Best, Virtuoso Wanderlist, and Virtuoso Voyages are trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, © 2000. Outside the U.S., these marks are the property of Virtuoso, Ltd., and the applicable marks are registered with numerous national trademark registries around the world.

3-NIGHT WHISTLER SUMMER ADVENTURE

1,145

FROM

USD PER PERSON

Presented by Canada By Design *Includes 3 nights at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, transfers and 4 activities. Valid May 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 27, 2020. Based on double occupancy and includes all taxes.

THERE’S NO TIME LIKE WHOA TIME

Boa rd wal k ® — S y m p h o ny of the Sea s ®

Lobster Roll — Hooked Seafood SM

Ultimate Family Suite

Floating Cabanas — Coco Beach Club ®

Take family vacation to a whole new level onboard the boldest ships at sea. Bond over thrills on ever y deck , like the 10-stor y Ultimate Abyss SM slide, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, ziplining and more. World-class dining on your schedule with flexible My Time Dining ® . Plus, everyone gets me-time with the award-winning Adventure Ocean ® Youth Program, and cut ting edge spaces just for kids and teens. Then when it’s time to recharge, retreat to awesome accommodations, like the two-story Ultimate Family Suite full of family-friendly surprises. And the journey is just as thrilling on shore, especially at private destination Per fect Day at CocoCay, where the whole gang can take on the tallest waterslide in Nor th America, Daredevil’s Peak SM . Soar 450 feet above the island by helium balloon. Or kick back and cue the views in tranquil Floating Cabanas at the exclusive Coco Beach Club. Come Seek ® the Royal Caribbean ® .

Contact your Vir tuoso Travel Advisor to learn more. 2017 - 2019 VIRTUOSO

Best Multi-Generational Program – Cruise

WINNER

Venues vary by ship. Suite program beneﬁts, amenities, and services vary by suite category, ship, and itinerary, and are subject to change at any time without notice. Additional program terms apply. Royal Suite Class programming developed exclusively for Oasis and Quantum Class ships. All features are subject to change without notice. Images and messaging for Perfect Day at CocoCay may include artistic renderings. Perfect Day, CocoCay and Come Seek are registered trademarks of Royal Caribbean. Contact your Virtuoso travel advisor for complete details. ©2020 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ship’s Registry: The Bahamas. 20072448 • 2/11/2020

Share a world of family wows Discover some of the world’s most extraordinary places on Tauck Bridges family adventures designed to wow every age and generation! Meet your planet with a close-up look at wildlife in the Galápagos, Alaska and Africa. Explore our national parks on horseback and bicycle rides, hearing exclusive stories about American history and heroics in custom films made for Tauck by award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns. Go inside the Sistine Chapel and meet Mona Lisa in the Louvre, after hours, without crowds. Choose from six family river cruises in Europe aboard our elegant riverboats, featuring cooking classes, scavenger hunts, and traditional games, dances, music, and more. It’s all included and managed for you, so you are free to share in all the family fun and memories – without any of the work.

For more information on 2021 departures, please contact your preferred Virtuoso Travel Advisor

NEW HOTELS 12 | GENEALOGY TOURS 17 | CHAMPAGNE BARS 20 | TRAVEL GAMES 38

COMPASS NEWS ON NAVIGATING THE WORLD + THE PERKS AND PRIVILEGES OF USING A VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR

Belmond Maroma’s Kinan Spa shelters a hive of stingless Melipona bees.

HONEY BABY A resident apiary of Melipona bees makes honey for Mayan-themed body treatments at the 63-room Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Known for its antimicrobial and healing properties, honey created by the endangered native bees is mixed with Celestún salt or muscovado sugar for full-body exfoliation or blended into a mask for facials. Even sweeter: After a honey facial specially formulated for little ones and a mini foot massage, children can take home a stuffed bee named Meli. Doubles from $395; Virtuoso travelers receive a Maroma floral bed decoration on arrival, breakfast daily, and one 30-minute massage per person. Kids’ honey treatment, $110. COMPASS IS REPORTED BY: ELAINE GLUSAC, SUSAN HANSON, JEN LYONS, AND DIANE SEPANSKI

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Compass | CHECK-IN

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T R AV E L E R

V I L L A L U X U R Y F O R T H E F A M I L Y Casa De Campo Resort & Villas is a stunning 7,000-acre haven in the Dominican Republic featuring spacious villas with private pools – perfect for families. With a gorgeous stretch of beach, polo facilities, and a range of other highlights, Casa De Campo also boasts the Caribbean’s most reputable golf course, Teeth of the Dog, a true golfer’s paradise. Save up to 40% at this oceanfront masterpiece

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*Conditions apply: Special promotions valid on new bookings only. Contact GOGO Worldwide Vacations for further details. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy accommodations. Land packages do not include meals unless otherwise indicated. Savings reflect land prices only and vary by resort and travel dates. Resort credits are not redeemable for cash. Availability is limited. Rates and/or package prices are subject to holiday blackouts, peak period surcharges, and cancellation charges may be applicable of up to the full price paid depending on the package and when it is cancelled. Government imposed hotel and resort taxes and fees may not be reflected in the advertised price and may be payable directly to the hotel and resort. Other restrictions may apply and vary by resort. All offers have no cash value, are not combinable with any other offers and are not transferable. Any offers not used have no surrender value and are not redeemable for cash. Casa De Campo valid for travel through 12/20/20. GOGO Worldwide Vacations does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of the offers displayed. GG#2115 SS 2/20

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Compass | BON VOYAGE

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Child’s Play Schönbrunn Palace is way more fun to explore when you can dress up as a prince or princess and play with imperial toys. Better yet, your clan can visit the Viennese palace’s children’s museum during Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s ten-day Danube and Prague cruise, part of the line’s series of multigenerational sailings that feature family-focused shore tours, dedicated hosts, and kids-only activities and movie nights. Departures: July 13, 22, and 27, 2020; from $3,499.

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ALL-IN-ONE SAVINGS AND COUNTLESS MEMORIES.

Smart families travel with Delta Vacations. Our Caribbean getaways are designed to make family travel easy. Save time and energy with our handpicked resorts and excursions in Punta Cana, Aruba and beyond. Plus, earn bonus miles with any package. Go Beyond The Flight. Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor today!

Offer subject to change without notice; other restrictions may apply. All SkyMiles® Program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Bonus miles do not count toward Medallion® Status or Million Miler™ Status. Offers void where prohibited by law. ©2020 Delta Vacations DV33475 Location: Antigua

Compass | BON VOYAGE

SHIP REVIEW

Celebrate Good Times A Virtuoso travel advisor shares milestones with friends while sailing on Crystal Serenity.

FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND faith mean everything to Suzanne Bouldoukian, who saw them all come together when she and her husband joined three other couples on a recent 13-day voyage to the Holy Land with Crystal Cruises. The cruise line was a natural choice for the travel advisor, who’s based in Menlo Park, California. “Crystal’s consistent service experience is a big selling point,” she says. Two birthdays and one couple’s 47-year anniversary – along with “the chance to walk in Jesus’ footsteps” – made the sailing even more special. Following a 2018 refurb that added more penthouse accommodations

while reducing the ship’s capacity from 1,070 to 980 passengers, Crystal Serenity feels fresh and modern, says the advisor. Two of the couples booked new Seabreeze Penthouses, which have an urban-chic feel, with smartly configured walk-in closets and techy touches (“there are USB plugs everywhere!”). A shared entryway off the hall allowed the Bouldoukians and their friends to close the hall door for privacy and keep their own doors open during the day; one evening, the group opened the adjoining balconies for a celebratory cocktail party. Bouldoukian’s dining picks include the casual Marketplace (reimagined

TIP Bouldoukian suggests that travelers make their final cruise payments as soon as possible to reserve shore excursions and spots in the ship’s specialty restaurants – with the bonus of “getting a nice early discount.”

VIRTUOSO

T R AV E L E R

Clockwise from top: A Seabreeze Penthouse, Crystal Serenity at sea, and carving it up at Churrascaria. Below: Suzanne Bouldoukian (second from left) celebrates with friends.

from Lido Café), which offers a variety of culinary options and, by night, transforms into the Brazilian barbecue restaurant Churrascaria, where leather-clad “gauchos” carve grilled prime cuts tableside. The space features indoor and alfresco seating on the top deck, where the group enjoyed breakfast each morning. The itinerary included three full days in Israel, and the couples made the most of every moment, with private guides in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Galilee. (Note: Crystal’s 2020 and 2021 Holy Land voyages sail on Crystal Esprit and Symphony; itineraries and time in port

vary by sailing.) Private touring offered the group a more flexible, personalized experience for around the same price as the ship’s excursions, says the advisor, although they joined Crystal excursions in other ports, including a visit to the Lindos Acropolis on Rhodes and an ATV adventure in Cyprus. The couples also gleaned insight from the onboard guest speaker, a Middle East policy expert and former U.S. ambassador to Morocco, and raised toasts at the Rat Pack-style Stardust Supper Club: “It was super fun,” says Bouldoukian. “Definitely one of the best dinners and a highlight of our trip.”

Compass | ON TOUR

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Travel should be a captivating experience. Travel protection from Allianz Global Assistance can give you conﬁdence that you and your travel investments are secure—so you can get lost in the moment.

Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor to protect your next adventure.

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. For US residents: Plan(s) underwritten by BSC Insurance Company or Jefferson Insurance Company depending on insured’s state of residence. AGA Service Company o/a Allianz Global Assistance is the licensed producer and administrator of this plan. For Canadian residents: Underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company and administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc. 400008036_02042020

RIVER CRUISE WITH FAMILY. Explore the world together onboard a Generations cruise. EXPERIENCE THE "#1 RIVER CRUISE LINE"â&#x20AC;&#x201D;AS VOTED BY READERS OF TRAVEL + LEISURE IN THE 2019 WORLD'S BEST AWARDS.

Seeing the world through your children’s eyes is seeing it again for the first time. And with Uniworld’s Generations cruises, family travel has never been so easy—and so magical. Uniworld’s all-inclusive family river cruises are designed to delight both adults and kids, with tailored activities everyone can enjoy. In 2020, Uniworld has five Generations itineraries across Europe, all with Uniworld’s elevated level of luxury and service. S.S. Beatrice

A VACATION FOR EVERYONE.

DISCOVER IN 2020 GENERATIONS AMENITIES • • • • • •

25% off fare for ages 4 – 17 Kid-friendly menus Two dedicated Family Hosts Young traveler’s lounge and game room Excursions for Junior and Teen Cruisers Kids-only movie nights

FEATURED ITINERARY CASTLES ALONG THE RHINE 8 days | Basel to Amsterdam | River Empress Find inspiration in the romantic, soul-stirring beauty of the fabled Rhine River, with landscapes celebrated by generations of poets, painters, and composers. Beethoven and Byron loved the romantic landscapes, and the beauty that inspired them is still yours to experience.

2020 Generations Program Dates: June 26 | July 3 | July 10

DELIGHTFUL DANUBE & PRAGUE 10 days | Budapest to Prague | S.S. Beatrice This enchanting voyage provides a variety of captivating destinations as well as plenty of time to relax onboard as you cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg, and continue onward to exquisitely preserved Prague. 2020 Generations Program Dates: June 13 | July 22 | July 27

Compass | BAR CODE

BRING ON THE BUBBLY! We’re celebrating new Champagne bars on land and at sea.

NEW YORK CITY Caviar service with potato chips and “chambongs” (Champagne beer bongs) add a sense of fun to the fizz at The Riddler (theriddlerbar.com). The buzzy West Village bar nods to the woman who invented riddling (a process that removes sediment from Champagne bottles), and its team of distaff investors includes food legend Ruth Reichl.

Showgoers are applauding the rotating seasonal Champagnes at 28°-50° Covent Garden (2850 coventgarden.co.uk), served with sophisticated bar bites amid black-andwhite vineyard photos in the heart of Theatreland.

HIGH SEAS Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of bubbly! Virgin Voyages calls Sip, aboard its newly launched Scarlet Lady, “a luxuriously effervescent Champagne lounge and caviar bar.” With an indigo banquette wall and a rosegold-inlaid Carrara marble bar, Sip’s surrounds are as stylish as its signature drink.

NEED SPARKLE STAT? Shaking Virgin Voyages’ Sailor app reveals a secret Champagne button – press it, and a bottle of Moët Impérial promptly appears, no matter where you are on the ship.

20 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

(THE RIDDLER) JORDAN WISE, (EDGE) RELATED-OXFORD

As if Champagne weren’t heady enough, now New Yorkers can sip it suspended in midair: Part of the Hudson Yards complex, the aptly named Edge (edgenyc. com) – which bills itself as the Western Hemisphere’s highest observation deck – clings cantilevered from a skyscraper 100 stories above the city. Frameless glass walls and a glass floor add to the floaty feeling.

LONDON

Compass | GREAT OUTDOORS

Just Dune It

(WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK) CULTURA CREATIVE LTD/ALAMY

America’s best idea got even better when White Sands National Monument was recently redesignated as White Sands National Park. The park protects some 40 percent of the 275-square-mile gypsum dunefield – the world’s largest – stretching across New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin. The new designation is great news for nature lovers, says Dan Austin, founder and CEO of Austin Adventures, which offers national-park tours for families and adults. White Sands, which he describes as “one of the greatest wonders on earth,” became the 62nd park in the U.S. national system and the first addition since Indiana Dunes National Park in February 2019. “At a time when our parks are under constant scrutiny and challenges,” Austin adds, “it’s critical for future generations to set aside and protect as much as we can.”

The World’s Most Awarded Safari Outfitter A company run by family travellers. And that makes all the difference.

Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor for details

2018 VIRTUOSO

Most Engaged Community Partner

WINNER

Compass

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The Real ID Act of 2005 established minimum identification standards for boarding all commercial aircraft in the U.S. The deadline for securing a stateissued, Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card is October 1, 2020, although Chicago-based Virtuoso travel advisor Julie Lemish encourages travelers to start sooner rather than later: “The process can be a lot more complicated than just renewing a driver’s license.” For details, visit dhs.gov.

(FAMILY) FABIANO MESQUITA/GETTY IMAGES

5 L x R

New England and Canada

Sept-Îles Saguenay

Québec

Sydney

Discover inspiring scenery, exhilarating cities and fascinating history as you sail along the ruggedly beautiful coastlines of the northeastern United States and Canada. Explore the iconic landmarks of Boston with late-night departures, or enjoy the brilliant red and orange hues of autumn foliage in Québec City and Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Sydney Halifax

Boston Newport

Boston Newport New York

New York

H Overnight

Double Overnight

New York to Québec

Roundtrip New York

7 nights w Sep 11, 2020

14 nights w Oct 9, 2020

Compass | PHOTO CONTEST

TAKE A SHOT We asked for pictures showcasing real travelers for our annual Virtuoso Travel Photo Contest, and you delivered. More than 1,800 submissions – from diving in Bora Bora to hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara – reminded us of how wide the world is, and how much we love to explore it. Congratulations to the three winners, whose inspiring images are featured here.

FIRST PLACE “Towards Mountain” by Raut Ronish Baburam Pokhara, Nepal

“Hiking to Nepal’s Annapurna Base Camp at 13,549 feet was one of the toughest trails I’ve experienced. This picture will be a lifelong memory.”

SECOND PLACE “Morocco 2019” by David Bladen Casablanca, Morocco

“Vacationing with 14 family members in Italy was amazing! It was the best to see my mother surrounded by her children and grandchildren, soaking up every minute. This photo of her walking through the cypress trees at our villa will always be one of my favorite captures of her.”

24 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

THIRD PLACE “My Mother in Lucca” by Jennifer Forrester Lucca, Italy

THE MOST EXHILARATING DISCOVERIES ARE THE ONES YOU MAKE TOGETHER WHETHER IT’S KAYAKING ALONG A SHORE STUDDED WITH

flightless cormorants, observing brown bears salmon fishing, or having close encounters with grey whale mothers and calves, we believe shared activities in a wild and exciting environment can bring a family together. Choose a 2020 Galápagos, Alaska or Baja expedition to explore and connect with each other and the natural world—and benefit from our exclusive program. And because we believe exploring with kids or grandkids is life-enhancing, take $500 off for each child under age 18.

N l G r ph Gl b l xpl r r Pr r m O r 18 D v G h

x l v pr r m f r k r h ly f k r v l. l p j w hN l r ph lp k r 18 v l p h k ll k wl f xpl r r. K v r y f l p l v fr m r Z “ rv r l ” r r wl lf h h r F l N b k— ll by N l G r ph r ﬁ ﬁ l r.

Contact Your Virtuoso Travel Advisor For Special Offers and More Information

Compass | TABLE TALK

SPHERES OF INFLUENCE America’s top chefs are expanding their empires, opening outposts of their much loved and lauded original venues – sometimes clear across the U.S. Here are three new and soon-to-open spin-offs worth following up on.

INDULGE IN WATERFRONT SOPHISTICATION AND FAMILY FUN IN SYDNEY’S NEWEST 5-STAR HOTEL, IN THE HEART OF VIBRANT DARLING HARBOUR.

Clockwise from top left: Girl & the Goat chef Stephanie Izard, sushi from Pabu Nashville, and fresh seafood and pasta dishes served at Maialino Mare.

Virtuoso exclusive experience includes: • Room upgrade upon booking, if available • $100-value food and beverage credit per stay for use in the restaurant and bars • Early check-in, if available, and guaranteed late checkout • Complimentary Wi-Fi • Children receive Sydney Big Ticket for two attractions including: Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Tower Eye, and WILD LIFE zoo

WASHINGTON, D.C.

LOS ANGELES

NASHVILLE

A coastal iteration of restaurateur Danny Meyer’s Maialino in NYC, the recently opened Maialino Mare (maialinomare.com) in the Navy Yard neighborhood models itself on Roman trattorias devoted to seafood pastas and ﬁsh. Catch this: In the no-tipping restaurant, employees share in the revenues.

Ten years after chef Stephanie Izard opened Girl & the Goat (girl andthegoat.com) in Chicago, it’s still a hardto-get reservation. Yes, there’s goat and other meats on the globalinspired menu, but her seasonal approach that also emphasizes ﬁsh and veggies should be right at home in her second location in L.A.’s Arts District, opening this summer.

Created with chef Ken Tominaga in San Francisco, Michael Mina’s Pabu, a Japanese izakaya, has spun off in Boston and, next fall, will make its way to Music City at Pabu Nashville (michaelmina. net). Tavern classics, including skewers from the robata grill, will join sushi, sashimi, and sake on the menu.

26 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

(MAIALINO MARE) PETER GARRITANO

• Breakfast daily

GERMANY

A Soundtrack Worth Celebrating Dresden: Frauenkirche

Bonn: Statue of Beethoven

In Germany, music fills the air. The country is alive with the sound of renowned musicians and composers, legendary opera singers and orchestras, and contemporary performances from pop to jazz. And, since this year marks the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth, locals and travelers alike are also proudly celebrating Bonn’s most famous son. Experience Beethoven’s wide-ranging influence at nearly 1,000 concerts, events, and exhibitions throughout the year. Marvel at more than 150 original manuscripts, pictures, and letters from his life at Beethoven-Haus, or follow in the artist’s footsteps during a musical journey along the Rhine River. Check out the Dresden Music Festival in May and June, the Leipzig Bach Festival in June, or Beethovenfest Bonn in September. Head to the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie for an inspired musical profile, from classical to experimental. And don’t miss the powerful 42nd production of the Passion Play, a tribute to Christ’s trial, death, and resurrection held in the Bavarian town of Oberammergau every ten years. Beyond music, Germany boasts 46 UNESCO World Heritage sites and over 300 Michelin-starred restaurants, so you’re free to discover impressive castles, cathedrals, and exceptionally crafted gourmet meals in between sets.

Let your Virtuoso travel advisor orchestrate a trip that’s music to your ears.

Hamburg: Elbphilharmonie

Compass

POSTCARD

TECH SUPPORT

Higher Place

APPS TO GO

A Texas couple pauses to contemplate the view before completing the ﬁnal ascent to Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Government downloads for speedier travels.

IN THE MOMENT “Ever since we ﬁrst saw the iconic photo of Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), we knew we wanted to visit Bhutan,” says Chuck Neuenschwander of Dallas. Chuck and his wife, Kathie, rode mules up much of the trail before ﬁnishing the trek on foot. While the high-altitude climb was admittedly challenging for this over-70 duo, seeing their life-list destination in person – and getting this shot (taken by their guide) – was worth it. “This trip made our dr m c m r ,” says Kathie.

THE TRIP The couple visited Tiger’s Nest as part of a r -w k j r y I d d . They toured

popular cities such as Agra, Jaipur, and Varanasi, and also enjoyed an immersive cultural evening in Thimphu, where they dressed in traditional Bhutanese clothing and sampled the local cuisine.

WHERE NEXT? Chuck and Kathie, who always strive for meaningful interactions with local people when they travel, recently returned from an Abercrombie & Kent tour of Southeast Asia, planned by Ellie Sims, their Dallas-based Virtuoso travel advisor. She’s currently planning a Rocky Mountaineer train trek through the C d R ck s and a cruise on the S k R r for this adventurous pair.

U.S. citizens who breeze through customs with M

P ssp r can

now expedite their passport renewal through the app as well. Users – who can submit customs documents via their smartphone or tablet before arriving at 31 U.S. airports and cruise ports –

TIP

already receive notiﬁcation

“Bhutan’s government requires visitors to r w c g d s. We found all of ours to be informative and a delight to spend time with.” – Virtuoso traveler Chuck Neuenschwander

when their passport is within six months of expiring. Thanks to the app’s new R s MyP ssp r services, they can instantly start the renewal process in as little as 24 hours. The basic app is free,

Rs g

and no background check or interview is required.

Keep an eye on airport security lines with MyTSA. The app (free for Apple and Android devices) provides current, crowd-sourced wait times at security checkpoints (an earlier snafu with inaccurate data has been ﬁxed), along with w dﬂg

ys at your favorite

U.S. airports. You can also get travel tips, search which items are allowed on board, and even request live assistance.

28 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT

EVERY

LU X URY INCLUDED

The glacial ice was so close that droplets of water can be seen trickling down the side. A giant splash, and a two-ton ice-block calves off, crashing into the sea. Ripples are still rolling toward our craft boat when a shadow appears. On the boat’s opposite side, a blue whale’s massive tail has risen from the water. ONE OF COUNTLESS EXPERIENCES OF A LIFETIME, ABOARD REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES.

PLUS, enjoy FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions & FREE Roundtrip Air*

FOR VOYAGES AND RESERVATIONS CALL YOUR VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR

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*FREE Economy Class Air applies to roundtrip flights only from the following airports: ATL, BOS, CLT, DEN, DFW, DTW, EWR, FLL, IAD, IAH, JFK, LAX, LGA, MCO, MDW, MIA, MSP, ORD, PBI, PHL, PHX, SAN, SAV, SEA, SFO, TPA, YUL, YVR, YYZ. Airfare is available from all other U.S. and Canadian gateways for an additional charge. Ground transfers between airport and ship are included. All airline fees, surcharges and government taxes are included, however airline-imposed personal charges such as baggage fees may apply. Custom Air arrangements may be made 270 days prior to sailing (custom air fees apply). Guests who elect not to participate in Regent Seven Seas Cruises® FREE Air Program or do not purchase transfer arrangements from Regent Seven Seas Cruises® will be responsible for their own transfer arrangements to and from the ship. For Exclusive Virtuoso Voyages Experience, please contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor. Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands & Bahamas. ©2020 Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Compass | TRAVELER’S TALE

Enjoying the moment at Petra’s timeless ruins.

TUNED IN Two Americans and a German walk to breakfast in South Africa: Marin County residents Rocco Capobianco and Athena Katsaros (he’s president of The Bridge School; she’s on the board of a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women leaders around the world), and Cologne-based Virtuoso agency owner René Roseburg. What transpires next is something to sing about.

ROCCO In Botswana, it’s almost mystical how the guides and locals live with the land – actually in it – rather than the land accommodating their lifestyle. We don’t have that relationship in the West. ATHENA We met René in South Africa, thanks to Rocco singing in the shower. I was like, “Darling, you might want to turn the volume down a bit.” René was walking to breakfast behind us and goes, “I really enjoyed your singing this morning.” We always planned our own trips, but after getting to

ATHENA Meeting people from different

know him and seeing his knowledge and

places and gaining insight into cultures

passion for travel, we wanted to see what

are our main reasons for traveling. It’s

it would be like to work with him. His team

about connecting with people rather than

had ideas; we had ideas; it was really fun.

travel as a spectator sport. ROCCO It’s good to go with professionROCCO Travel is about having your eyes

als. René seemed to know exactly what

open to see everything without a big

we wanted to do and got our travel style,

agenda controlling the day. It’s why I love

which reduces the risk of us ending up

taking photos: The camera is a way to slow

somewhere that isn’t what we’re looking

everything down, to just stay in one spot

for – and increases the fun.

and watch the light go across the desert, for example.

ATHENA Spain is our next trip. We’ve mentored a young Syrian woman for about

ATHENA In Jordan, we told each guide or

a year and a half – we just helped get her a

driver, “We don’t have a checklist; we just

scholarship in Barcelona. It’s all been over

want to relax and enjoy the experience.”

Skype, so we want to meet her in person.

That’s a general life thing – we can spend so much of our time thinking about what

ROCCO Antarctica is on my list. It’s

comes later instead of enjoying what’s

comforting to think of being in a place

happening at the moment.

that remote and barren.

30 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

Journey Beyond THE ORDINARY

Machu Picchu, Peru: A Local Expert helps you understand the enigmatic fortress abandoned by the Incas in the 16th century. Related journey: Treasures of the Incas

Compass | DISPATCHES

Riding the Wave A father shares his lifelong passion on a family surfing trip in Southeast Asia.

Virtuoso travel advisor Amiel Lindenbaum and his wife, Jessica, have raised their three sons to be global citizens, taking culturally immersive trips that often go beyond their comfort zone. Now that the boys – AJ, Jonah, and Samuel – are all teenagers, Lindenbaum wanted to plan his own dream vacay: surfing with the family in Indonesia. “I needed to get everyone ‘on board,’ ’’ quips the self-professed surf fanatic, who’s based in Hollywood, Florida. “But they all embraced the idea.” Each member offered input on the three-week adventure: Jessica

advocated for Bali, while the kids added Singapore “because of the movie Crazy Rich Asians,” says Lindenbaum. Ultimately, their experiences forged greater cultural awareness and deeper family bonds. SINGAPORE SLAYS The Lion City “was a huge hit,” says the advisor. Everyone was wowed by Gardens by the Bay (“a marvel of imagination”) and a tour of Toa Payoh, a planned community where multicultural Singaporeans live together in harmony. Peeking inside some apartments, he

adds, the boys got to see that “not everyone is crazy rich!” From their base at Andaz Singapore, the family also explored the city’s famous botanic gardens and street-food stalls, and took a night safari at the Singapore Zoo. Back at the hotel, the boys raided the complimentary minibar and admired the skyline from the rooftop pool. Jonah and Samuel, who are contemplating careers in architecture, were particularly inspired by the use of natural urban spaces in the building designs. “Singapore is the epitome of a twenty-first-century destination,” Lindenbaum says.

Catching waves in the Mentawai Islands and (inset) Virtuoso advisor Amiel Lindenbaum with his three sons. Above: Thumbs-up on Nusa Penida.

32 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

SURF’S UP Lindenbaum picked an area of the Mentawai Islands – located roughly 100 miles west of Sumatra – where the waves are favorable to expert and novice alike. The boys took lessons to gain confidence, while also getting a chance to see their dad live

(SURFING AERIAL) CAVAN IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

“Singapore is the epitome of a twenty-first-century destination.”

(GARDENS BY THE BAY) ROBERT HARDING/ALAMY

Solar-powered Supertrees at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.

This urban oasis, thoughtfully crafted like its finest jewelry pieces, is just a two-minute drive from the mainland over a bridge. Comprised of 101 rooms and suites, as well as 20 beach and skyline view villas from one to three bedrooms, Bvlgari Resort Dubai is the ultimate family home experience.

his passion. “They were proud of me,” he says, “and ultimately became proud of their own accomplishments.” Working with Asia World Indonesia, Virtuoso’s on-site connection on Bali, they were able to visit a typical family complex and meet local kids their same age. Jonah, who had learned about Nusa Penida (Bali’s “Black Magic Island”) on social media, shared his excitement with the on-site, who planned a day there with a private driver. The family easily made friends wherever they went, thanks to some basic Bahasa Indonesia they’d practiced using flash cards. “It enriched our experience immeasurably,” says Lindenbaum. Bali’s eco-forward Potato Head Beach Club was a real eye-opener: “They checked our bags, but not for weapons – for plastic!” Seeing firsthand how overconsumption affects our oceans inspired the family to reduce their plastic use at home, while the boys have helped organize beach cleanups around Hollywood.

To ensure unforgettable moments under the sun, the private beach facilities include a restaurant, an outdoor pool, an array of non-motorized water activities and The Bvlgari Little Gems Clvb guaranteeing Our Very Important Children a stay to remember.

Virtuoso exclusive experience: $100 dining credit; breakfast for two daily; an upgrade, if available; early check-in/late checkout, if available; and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Compass | DISPATCHES

Going Dutch Advisor-recommended experiences in Amsterdam.

Miami Beach-based Virtuoso advisor Steve Gulko fell in love with Amsterdam last spring during a Rhine River voyage with Viking River Cruises. “It’s a must-see city,” he says, “that’s vibrant and easy to get around, with more bicycles than any other destination I’ve visited.” Here, his three top recommendations for the Dutch capital. SEE “Visit between April and mid-May to see the Keukenhof gardens in full bloom. We toured them with an avid gardener who specifically wanted to visit the 7-millionbulb grounds. She was in tulip heaven!”

SUP “For a memorable experience, book a canal dinner cruise with Lovers. The sights are beautiful, and the four-course meal was much better than I was expecting.” STAY “Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is housed in six historic, seventeenth- and eighteenthcentury buildings that have hosted kings – and now the hotel staff treats guests like royalty. The grand staircase and back garden are standouts. Have a cocktail in the Vault Bar, an old bank vault with the original safe-deposit boxes still behind the bar.”

(KEUKENHOF GARDENS) DMITRY ORLOV/ EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES

Clockwise from top left: Springtime blooms at Keukenhof gardens, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam and its Vault Bar, and getting in the flow with Viking River Cruises.

34 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

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Compass | ART & CULTURE

Tennessee Titans I 1927, Ji i R g , Ca Fa i y, a g a ya i a a i i g a a ak i i i B i ,T . T a i a b ,i J y Ca ’ ,“ i g i p a v i i y y i .” K B ’ aPBS a y, C ntry M s c, g ’ ga y i B i bi pa M p i , Na vi , a b y .N a a vi i a a k a i a y i av i g Ken B rns C ntry M s c P thw y tnv c t n c m), a y a T M i Pa ay .H a a - -b - i p .

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Loretta Lynn’s Ranch T i a pg a ai p x i a 3,000 a i H i a Mi , C a Mi ’ Da g a iv i 1960 i ).

The Bluebird Cafe Ga B k a Tay S i a j a y g i i v i a i i y, i Na vi v .

Johnny Cash Museum T Ma i B a k’ a i

ak ’ a ga ia .

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36 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

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MAP) VERONICA ROSALEZ, ROY HARGROVE) SEBASTIEN LAPEYRERE/ALAMY

H g ap i ai a , 4-D p i i g, bi i D bai c m) p O b 20. T ix’ a ii – i a iv i va i ,a a i v a g i g ba i i a 200-p y; v i g b i g a ﬁ

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CONTACT YOUR VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR. From Travel + Leisure Magazine © Time Inc. Affluent Media Group. Travel + Leisure and “World’s Best Awards” are trademarks of Time Inc. Affluent Media Group and used under license. Travel + Leisure and Time Inc. Affluent Media Group are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of Crystal Cruises, LLC. All fares are per person, in U.S. dollars based on double occupancy for category C3. Fares are cruise only and do not include taxes, fees, and port charges. All offers and promotions are capacity-controlled, subject to availability and may be withdrawn or changed at any time. Savings are per person and available on new bookings from March 5, 2020 to April 30, 2020. For Complete terms & Conditions visit crystalcruises.com. ©2020 Crystal Cruises, LLC. Ship’s Registry: The Bahamas. AD200146_O

Compass | GOODS & GADGETS

GAME ON F

u k

f v fu

m v

(UN)ROLL WITH IT

GO BANANAS

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, u f v m , Bananagrams y y ﬂ uf – ’ m y u y “ !” y u $15, b s d b

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$47,

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THE TIFFANY TOUCH BONE UP

Tiffany & Co.’ T u metallic playing card set u f k ( v , ) y m y’ u $100, ff y

38 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

m y y y m , u ﬂ v m m Wolfum’s dominoes set 28 $68,

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Kids will adore the Magic Farm, an oasis of fun and learning that re-creates the daily life of a Tuscan village. They can visit farm animals, discover an orchard, or play in a serene garden. A wide range of experiences, from thrilling truffle hunts with a local expert to special cooking classes, are also available.

Indulge in spa treatments that draw from local Bermudan traditions while the kids enjoy the Explorers Camp, featuring activities such as Gombey hat making. Stay on select dates through December 31, 2020, to receive special benefits and discounts for families when booking interconnecting rooms.

At this elegant escape, kids can experience the city their own way, from an interactive cooking experience to a special in-room tent setup, to a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. In addition, savor bites in Toronto’s only five-star Club Lounge, taste Italian fare at TOCA, and be pampered at the awardwinning Spa My Blend by Clarins.

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Travel Two Ways

Caribbean Cruise: Bring the Kids, or Adults Only? Tu qu

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Wanna play? Feel Free. Whether you’re zooming around a thrilling, two-level race track, whooshing down waterslides or putting around on a mini-golf course, there’s something for the whole family. Your little ones will have a blast at our complimentary youth program Splash Academy while teens can hang with other teens at Entourage, enjoying video games, movies, sports and more. Ready to refuel? With up to 21 dining options, we can please even the pickiest of palates. And when it’s time to wind down, we’ve got families covered with accommodations ranging from connecting staterooms with balconies to luxurious suites with butlers. So whether you’re playing dodgeball or catching a movie on a huge two story screen, families play better together with Norwegian.

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Fight or Flight?

N A LATE-WINTER DAY

in 2008, several hundred protesters donned red Tshirts reading “Stop Airport Expansion” and gathered at London Heathrow’s newly opened Terminal 5. The protest had grown out of a Climate Camp they’d formed months earlier to call attention to global warming. What started as localized protests like this in Europe more than a decade ago has since grown into a global movement known as “flight shaming” (even celebrity environmentalists such as Leonardo DiCaprio have faced criticism). Popularized by well-meaning climate activists, it’s rooted in the notion that if we want to save life on earth, we need to stop flying. Yet, as it turns out, saving our planet’s biodiversity is directly linked to travel and tourism. One in ten people worldwide works in the travel industry, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, and ecotourism remains one of the fastestgrowing sectors. Years after I coauthored

42 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

the 2003 landmark study Tourism and Biodiversity: Mapping Tourism’s Global Footprint, published by Conservation International, the evidence continues to point overwhelmingly to travel’s economic contribution as one of the biggest incentives for governments to save nature. In the words of Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of the African Wildlife Foundation, “Tourism is one of the most important and successful tools conservationists have in the battle to protect the world’s last great wilderness areas.” That fact has translated into major efforts to save rare and endangered species, from rhinos to orangutans. And though it may sound counterintuitive, if we stop booking African safaris or forgo that diving holiday to Indonesia – and, consequently, the flights required to get us there – conservation will suffer. Fortunately, conscientious travelers can support forward-thinking companies committed to saving our planet, who strengthen local economies in the process. In Africa, for instance, Singita,

andBeyond, and Wilderness Safaris now collectively protect more than 16 million acres of critical habitat for majestic creatures such as elephants and lions while employing thousands of local citizens. In the U.S. West, Ted Turner Reserves spans more than 1 million acres of restored wildlife habitat that now shelter the largest bison herds on private lands. And in South America, a mosaic of ecolodges is saving more than 100,000 acres in the Brazilian Pantanal – the largest tropical wetland on earth and home to rare jaguars and tapirs. Similarly, in Southeast Asia’s Coral Triangle – the world’s most biodiverse marine area – tourism plays a major role in preserving precious coral reefs. Among the most important conservation lessons I’ve learned over the past 30 years is this: When local people benefit economically from tourism, they become partners and allies in protecting nature. Ecotourism jobs for local communities in remote wild places are among the only economic alternatives

JOHN COULTER

Flight shaming is not the answer, says Costas Christ, Virtuoso’s senior advisor for sustainability. Global travel can be a powerful catalyst for conservation.

One of the biggest incentives for governments to save nature is travel’s economic contribution.

THE PLANE TRUTH Carbon offset programs – which help compensate for emissions by funding projects that reduce carbon pollution – can counteract

to employment in environmentally damaging industries, such as open-pit mining and clear-cutting of rain forests for timber. When international visitors pay to see a mountain gorilla or hire a local guide to take them snorkeling on a reef teeming with marine life, that galvanizes locals and visitors alike to work toward saving nature right now. Undeniably, it’s equally true that we’re in a global climate crisis, and we need to demand immediate action from governments and business leaders to reduce greenhouse gases. That includes the aviation industry, which accounts for three to five percent of worldwide carbon emissions (for perspective, deforestation accounts for nearly 20 percent of

all greenhouse gases, about as much as every form of transportation combined). Delta Air Lines’ recent announcement that it will devote $1 billion to becoming the first U.S.-based airline to go carbon neutral is a significant step in the right direction – and is likely to increase needed pressure on other airlines to take bold action. But shaming people to stop them from flying could very well contribute to hastening wildlife extinctions on land and at sea, and it could give governments less incentive to set aside large tracts of wilderness for protection. Each of our travel choices makes a difference, and when we choose to travel responsibly, with companies that are committed to sustainable tourism, we can be part of the solution.

air travel’s footprint, but are considered the last steps on the sustainability chain. That means travelers should first make other efforts, such as booking a hotel that supports robust energy-conservation efforts or traveling with a tour company that embraces sustainability best practices. Then travelers can turn to carbon offsets, but only through reputable organizations. Three recommendations: U.S.based NativeEnergy and Europe-based South Pole and MyClimate.

Culture Stop

Broadway Bound Doing the Great White Way with the family. By David Hochman

family, few experiences are more thrilling than watching the curtain rise on a sold-out Broadway musical from seats near the stage. But there’s one that tops even that – a VIP meet-and-greet tour after the curtain comes down. With our high school tenor in tow on a recent New York City visit, my wife and I felt like celebrities as an unmarked stage door opened outside the Gershwin

Theatre and a Wicked cast member called out, “Right this way!” Our musicalloving 15-year-old? For once, he was at a loss for words. Apparently, what’s true in showbiz is true in travel too: Success is all about who you know. Case in point: After our travel advisor worked with Virtuoso onsite connection Beyond Times Square to craft a family Broadway itinerary worth singing about, we got the sort of access and acclaim (as parents, at

least) that normally require a different sort of agent. “There’s a reason the Great White Way is alluring to visitors of all generations,” says Manhattan-based Virtuoso travel advisor Limor Decter. “Broadway never gets old and always creates lasting memories. But it absolutely helps to have an in.” From the best pre-theater noshes to sleeping in the city that never does, here’s how to stage a standing-O visit to Broadway and beyond.

Follow the (neon) signs: Broadway banners shine in Times Square.

44 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

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Culture Stop

You can see a show anywhere, but Broadway is in a class all its own, which means there’s rarely an off season. As soon as you know your NYC dates, book theater tickets through your travel advisor and build your trip around the sweet anticipation. The first several rows of the mezzanine often afford better views than the mid-back of the orchestra, though seats designated “best in the house” are a satisfaction guarantee for truly special occasions. To avoid late nights, families gravitate to matinees, normally set for 2 pm on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and 3 pm on Sundays, but Tuesday evenings are a secret workaround. “Most Tuesday shows start at 7 pm, an hour earlier than other nights,” Decter says. Another pro tip: Use the restroom at your hotel or restaurant to avoid notoriously long theater waits, and arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime. Generating buzz this year is a new one-act revival of West Side Story (at the Broadway Theatre), along with Six, a pop-concert-style musical belted from the perspective of Henry VIII’s six wives (Brooks Atkinson Theatre). Movie-turned-musical Mrs. Doubtfire (Stephen Sondheim Theatre) opens April 5, though older kids might still try to drag you to Hamilton (Richard Rodgers Theatre). For little and middle ones, it’s hard to go wrong with the tried-and-true: Aladdin, Frozen, or Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. We thought we’d seen Wicked, having sat through numerous regional and school performances, but watching it up close and meeting the cast on a private tour of prop rooms and costume areas elevated it to an all-time vacation highlight.

ACT II: ALL THE CITY’S A STAGE Whether it’s an old-school revival or a new production, bookend your theater outing with other immersive city experiences to extend the razzle-dazzle. The recently renovated Empire State Building observatory features a gleaming new 102nd-floor perch with eightfoot windows. Ask your travel advisor to

46 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

Worth showing up for (clockwise from top): West Side Story, Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and the Empire State Building’s new 102nd-floor observatory.

(WEST SIDE STORY) JAN VERSWEYVELD, (RICHARD RODGERS THEATRE) ROCKY89/ GETTY IMAGES, (HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD) MATTHEW MURPHY

ACT I: WELL PLANNED & WELL SEATED

Experience

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Culture Stop

arrange an exclusive private visit, such as a sunrise experience that includes breakfast and views to forever. Beyond Times Square offers a new vintage-car private sightseeing tour that ferries visitors around town in antique roadsters from the 1920s and ’30s, with ragtime and swing providing the soundtrack to your guide’s captivating stories about New York, then and now. The Hudson Yards retail and dining complex and the northern section of the High Line pedestrian walk are great to explore with a private guide who knows the hidden art and food spots in the bustling area. Just so you know: A visit there

48 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

doesn’t officially happen without an Instagrammed family selfie from the Edge observation deck, which opened above Hudson Yards in March. The 360-degree view through the glass floor on the 100th floor might just be the most magnificent in New York City. Even Muggles will be charmed by the wonders under one roof at the new Wizarding World. The first official Harry Potter flagship store opens this summer, spreading its magic across three floors and more than 20,000 square feet of house wands, personalized robes, and Every Flavour Beans. Need an exit plan? Breathe deep and intone, “Alohomora!”

ACT III: A BITE OF THE BIG APPLE There’s pre-theater dining and then there’s pre-pre-theater. With so many delicious options in Manhattan, it’s wise to eat often and start early, especially before a matinee. Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side opens at 8 am on Saturdays and 9 am on weekdays for the city’s best potato latkes and chocolate babka French toast, though lines form quickly. For “a classic New York experience,” says Danielle Savarese, director of sales at Beyond Times Square, head to Theater District staples such as Carmine’s, Becco, Victor’s Café, Bond

(VESSEL) STEFANO POLITI MARKOVINA/ALAMY, (EDGE) RELATED-OXFORD

Off-Broadway musts (clockwise from left): Hudson Yards’ Vessel staircase and Edge observation deck, and dinner at Casa Nonna. Opposite: Singing waitstaff get in on the act at Ellen’s Stardust Diner.

TIP

(ELLEN’S STARDUST DINER) KUMAR SRISKANDAN/ALAMY, (FAMILY) JOHNNY IN NYC FOR FLYTOGRAPHER

“Ask your travel advisor to arrange a personal paparazzo from Flytographer to capture your NYC memories with a family photo shoot around town.” – Limor Decter, Virtuoso travel advisor, NYC

45, and Junior’s restaurant. Kidfavorite Ellen’s Stardust Diner doesn’t take reservations, and lines can stretch for one to two hours, so have your advisor work with Beyond Times Square to arrange “line-waiter service.” (Yes, your “line waiter” will actually hold your place in the queue so you have more time to explore!) Elsewhere, reservations are essential, especially on weekends or pre-theater from 5:30 to 6:30

pm. For something different and less touristy, but still fun for families, Savarese’s picks include Casa Nonna, just outside Times Square in the Garment District; Burger & Lobster in Bryant Park; and Bill’s Bar & Burger in Rockefeller Center. Be sure to build in a few extra minutes before your show begins: “You need time to absorb the sensory overload as you wander back through Times Square,” Decter says.

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Culture Stop

Clockwise from top left: Beyond Times Square guests go backstage at Hamilton; Mandarin Oriental, New York’s Oriental Suite; and afternoon tea channels Dalí at The St. Regis New York and Eloise at The Plaza.

ON THE PLAYBILL Encore-worthy experiences and red-carpet stays.

SEE

pastries and finger sandwiches. Doubles

Your travel advisor can work with Beyond

from $650: Virtuoso travelers receive

doubles from $695; Virtuoso travelers re-

Times Square to create immersive, per-

breakfast daily and a $100 spa credit.

ceive a daily $30 breakfast credit, plus a

sonalized New York City activities that

The 282-room hotel’s special From the

round of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, or,

include a meet-and-greet at your hotel

Suite to the Stage package includes two

from May 1 to September 2, a prepared

or dinner with a cast member. During

tickets to Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite at the

picnic for two in Central Park) and The

its Backstage on Broadway experience,

Hudson Theatre, plus pre-theater cock-

Carlyle (190 rooms; doubles from $550;

guests catch a performance, then go

tails for two in The Palm Court. From

Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily

behind the curtain to meet cast mem-

$1,625 (double occupancy). Available

and a $100 spa credit) are just steps

bers and get an inside peek at sets, prop

through July 12, 2020.

away from Madison Avenue for serious

rooms, and costume areas. From $500, including tickets to the show.

• Hotels such as The Mark (150 rooms;

shopping sprees.

• Not to be outdone, Midtown’s 238-room St. Regis New York serves Salvador

• For over-the-top spectacle, suites at

STAY

Dalí-themed afternoon tea at its atmo-

the 244-room Mandarin Oriental, New

Virtuoso’s 26 New York City hotels offer

spheric Astor Court. Doubles from $795;

York – located on levels 35 through

experiences and digs as dramatic as any-

Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast

54 of the Time Warner Center – have

thing you’ll find on the Broadway stage,

daily and a $100 dining credit.

floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Central Park and the Hudson River for

including these worthy options.

• Guest perks at the 74-room Lowell include • High tea at The Palm Court inside The

overnights that will have the whole fam-

personalized Frette pajamas. Doubles

ily yelling, “Bravo!” Doubles from $745;

Plaza is a perfect afternoon activity that

from $530; Virtuoso travelers receive

Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast

channels Eloise with decadent French

breakfast daily and a $100 dining credit.

daily and a $100 dining credit.

50 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

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Long Weekend

Deep in the heart of Texas: San Antonio’s spirited River Walk.

¡Viva San Antonio! In the Alamo City, a rich heritage and historic missions rub elbows with innovative dining and art scenes, buzzy bars, and a progressive multicultural vibe.

S SINGULAR AND VIBRANT

as the embroidery on a Mexican wedding dress or custom-made cowboy boots (de rigueur for locals), San Antonio shines with an ambience all its own. Visitors find a progressive city that honors its diversity and multicultural heritage, most notably its rich Mexican roots – think Tejano music, Spanglish conversations, Day of the Dead celebrations, and,

52 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

in the words of Peter Herff, a Virtuoso travel advisor and fifth-generation San Antonian, “the best Tex-Mex restaurants in the U.S.” In this more than 300-year-old oasis on the San Antonio River, tradition and innovation hold equal sway: Eighteenth-century missions blend with brilliant architectural reimaginings, and forward-thinking chefs put creative spins on classic regional staples.

Stylish bars, an energetic art scene, generous green spaces, and fitness trails galore add to the city’s allure, as does its iconic River Walk. Bonus: Because most of San Antonio’s sights lie within or near the downtown area, “America’s smallest big city,” as Herff calls it, always feels as intimate as a village, yet as lively as its annual Fiesta Flambeau Parade. Here’s how to make the most of your three-day stay.

(RIVER WALK) SEAN PAVONE/ALAMY

By Becca Hensley

DAY ONE Pearls of Wisdom

(PEARL) NICK SIMONITE, (DOS CAROLINAS) BUFF STRICKLAND, (LIBRARY) JASON RISNER, (FOOD HALL) KNOX PHOTOGRAPHICS, (COCKTAIL) GILES

You’re here – welcome and bienvenidos – but where to begin? Dive in at Pearl. A vivacious development born from an abandoned late-nineteenth-century brewery and its myriad outbuildings, the district has become a destination in itself. Its modern makeover comprises shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, urban residences, and Hotel Emma (check out its bilevel library with some 3,700 vintage books). Other favorite stops include the family-run Adelante Boutique, Bottling Department food hall, the Lawrence Markey gallery, LeeLee (for handcrafted shoes and handbags), and Dos Carolinas – a must for bespoke guayabera shirts. Dine tonight at Hotel Emma’s Supper, a farm-to-fork bistro helmed by chef John Brand. (Pro tip: Start with his fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese.) Or take a seat at Savor, the cooking laboratory-cum-restaurant for The Culinary Institute of America’s San Antonio chapter, also located in the Pearl district. Regardless, cap the evening at Hotel Emma’s Sternewirth tavern (gin lovers should order the signature Three Emmas). Alternatively – or later, for night owls – join the throngs on the River Walk, a quick ride-share away, where a string of saloons awaits. Best bet: Grab a stool at The Esquire Tavern’s 100-foot-long wooden bar, where bartenders concoct creative tonics such as the Wonderlust King, a heady blend of rye whiskey, amaro nardini, Italian vermouth, and xocolatl and orange bitters.

Clockwise from top: Nightlife in the Pearl district, a handcrafted guayabera shirt from Dos Carolinas, happy hour at Hotel Emma’s bilevel library, and the Bottling Department food hall. Right: Sternewirth’s signature Three Emmas.

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Long Weekend

DAY TWO Exploring the Icons Start the day like – and with – locals at Mi Tierra Café y Panadería, family-owned and -operated for three generations. Located in Historic Market Square, the sprawling, brightly painted, always-bustling restaurant stays open 24/7. To the sound of live mariachi music, dig into a plate of salsa-covered huevos rancheros,

crispy chilaquiles, or breakfast tacos (a Lone Star treasure, purportedly invented in San Antonio). A 20-minute walk from the restaurant takes you to the Alamo, the most prominent of San Antonio’s five UNESCOdesignated missions. (Highly suggested: Start your day early to beat the inevitable crowds.) After your compulsory Instagram photo (or five) in front and a tour of the

interior, pick up your ride from the public bike kiosk nearby. You’re off to pedal the National Park Services’ Hike & Bike Trail, an out-and-back, pedestrian-only path that connects to the city’s other missions. Some 15 miles long, the well-marked trail offers services (restrooms, picnic tables) and several bike-docking stations while winding past wildflower-filled meadows, pecan trees, cacti, and live oaks.

PARTY LINE: April brings Fiesta San Antonio, a ten-day festival founded in 1891 to pay homage to the fallen heroes of the Alamo (April 16 through 26 this year). At its Battle of Flowers Parade (April 24), participants reveal their elaborate, handmade boots from the floats, as spectators call out, “Show me your shoes!”

54 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

(MI TIERRA) MATT BUIKEMA, (BOOTS) DONALD NAUSBAUM

San Antonio style (clockwise from top left): The Battle of Flowers Parade, Mi Tierra Café y Panadería, “Remember the Alamo”-adorned boots, and (don’t forget) the city’s most famous mission.

(CHEFS) BUFF STRICKLAND

From left: Mixtli’s James Beardnominated chefs, Diego Galicia and Rico Torres, and the view from La Cantera Resort’s spa.

Later, head downtown to roam the River Walk and explore its shops, restaurants, distilleries, and pathways that zigzag over bridges and through arcades and alleyways. Don’t miss La Villita

Historic Arts Village for its bevy of galleries featuring local artists. Another way to enjoy the River Walk is “aboard one of its beautiful riverboats,” says Virtuoso travel advisor and city resident Michele Skala. “This is a true San Antonio tradition.” Worn out? You’ve earned some “me time” at Mokara Spa for a revitalizing River Walk Foot Fix, a 50-minute party for your tootsies. Or hide away in La Cantera Resort’s Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness for its two-hour Absolute Texas treatment, which uses local honey, beeswax, and lavender in its scrub, wrap, and massage. Complete the day with a twist on the traditional at James Beard-nominated Mixtli, which serves contemporary renditions of classic Mexican fare in a tasting-menu format. Mole de huitlacoche with confit pork rib, anyone?

And no one knows it better than a local. Our local guides connect you with the people and experiences that make the faraway feel like home. Create memories you’ll all treasure for a lifetime! Choose from our exclusive Family Collection, or let us create your dream itinerary with a private driver, a custom group, or self-drive tour. CIE Tours offers over 60 award-winning guided tours in Ireland, Britain, Iceland, Italy and Eastern Europe.

Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor for current offers.

Long Weekend

DAY THREE State of the Art

The Saga shines on San Fernando Cathedral and (below) browsing art at Ruby City.

One of the art world’s best-kept secrets, it houses what began as oil heiress Marion Koogler McNay’s private collection. Fearless and bold (and once described as the Gertrude Stein of San Antonio), she bought her first modern oil painting, Diego Rivera’s Delfina Flores, in 1927. The museum’s trove later expanded to include works by Picasso, Hopper, Gauguin, and other greats. More than 22,000 works are shown on a revolving basis in the 24-room mansion. Dine artfully at Cured, the new American gastropub of James Beardnominated chef Steve McHugh.

Lauded for his masterpiece-level, house-made charcuterie, McHugh also offers dishes such as beer-can mussels and B.O.T. (a starter of bacon, masafried oysters, and heirloom tomatoes with habanero mayo). For your weekend finale, take your place in front of eighteenth-century San Fernando Cathedral to see The Saga by French artist Xavier de Richemont. Projected on the church’s facade, the 24-minute video shows a visual history of San Antonio, bringing the city’s well-balanced blend of past and present to life in brilliant Technicolor.

WINE DOWN: On extra-long weekends, leave time for a side trip to explore the surrounding Texas Hill Country, an expanse of peach orchards, vineyards, and ideal-for-antiquing Texas towns. Drive toward Fredericksburg, beloved for its quirky shops and German-Texan restaurants; along the way, various arteries lead to more than 50 local wineries.

56 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

(THE SAGA) AL ARGUETA/ALAMY, (RUBY CITY) MARK MENJIVAR, (EMMA SUITE) JASON RISNER, (ALTAR KIT) GILES

Start fresh at Bakery Lorraine, where bakers work all night preparing perfect macarons, éclairs, and savory egg dishes. Opt for its flagship Pearl district location to be in position for an easy 15-minute amble down the River Walk’s Museum Reach portion to the San Antonio Museum of Art. Esteemed for its centuryspanning Latin American collection, the repository also presents revolving exhibits such as America’s Impressionism: Echoes of a Revolution, running June 12 through September 6. Next up, Ruby City, a contemporary art space just a few miles away, awaits. The highly extolled museum, designed by Sir David Adjaye, fulfilled the dream of deceased salsa heiress Linda Pace when it opened last October. Architecture aficionados should visit the National Register of Historic Places-listed King William District to stroll through its 25 blocks filled with multihued, 1880-era homes, running the style gamut from Greek revival to Italianate. Another must-see just a short drive from downtown is the McNay Art Museum.

ON A MISSION How to make the most of the Alamo City.

SEE

STAY

Your travel advisor can work with Virtuoso

Concrete beams, cast-iron tanks, and

on-site connection American Excursionist

discarded machinery from the old Pearl

to craft customizable experiences in San

brewhouse give Hotel Emma an industrial-

Antonio tailored to your interests and tastes.

chic edge. The 146-room property sets you

Three ideas: Pedal past historic missions

right along the San Antonio River and in the

on a guided bike tour; get a private peek

Pearl district’s culinary heart. Sip a signature

inside the studios of top painters, sculptors,

margarita by the rooftop pool and shop for

and other local artists; or head to Texas Hill

locally inspired souvenirs, such as a Day of

Country with a driver and guide to taste

the Dead altar kit, at the on-site boutique.

some of the region’s finest wines.

Doubles from $350; Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a complimentary lunch or dinner. Chef Andrew Weissman’s seasonal fare and one of the finest vantages over Texas Hill Country lure city dwellers to the 496-room La Cantera Resort & Spa. The 550-acre spread features two championship golf courses, 11 places to drink and dine, an elaborate poolscape, and a 25,000-square-foot wellness spa. Kids can make cool discoveries through a naturalist program that helps benefit the San Antonio Zoo. Doubles from

From left: Hotel Emma’s Emma Suite and souvenirs from the on-site boutique.

$237; Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a $100 resort credit.

Adventures FAMILY

Traveling as a family is an adventure filled with new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. A family vacation is a perfect time for family bonding no matter the destination. Many hotels offer dedicated kids clubs, so you can relax during the day, while the children are being entertained and taken care of. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in La Romana, Dominican Republic offers children’s programs, babysitting services, and a family pool. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii’s Big Island has welcome gifts just for kids and a daily children’s program. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico boasts a baby concierge, kids’ club daily activities program and a teen’s club.

CONTACT YOUR VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR FOR HELP WITH PLANNING YOUR NEXT VACATION.

Tours operated by Travel Impressions. Information is accurate at time of publication and is subject to changes, exceptions, and restrictions. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the publication of this ad. CST #2139014-20. 34874_SH_2.12.20.

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All aboard and (above) exploring Kalahuipua’a Historical Park with Mauna Lani’s Hawaiian-culture expert.

UOSO

GET IN THE ALOHA SPIRIT

(PADDLEBOARDING) FATCAMERA/GETTY IMAGES

Surf’s up and the sun is shining on Hawaii Island.

ur pick for going big on the Big Island: Set up your home base at the Kona coast’s newly renovated Mauna Lani, which offers out-thedoor access to snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and outrigger canoeing. New place-based active pursuits at the 334-room hotel, now part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, include clinics in ocean swimming, free diving, and underwater rock running (endurance training for surfers). The resort’s Hale’I’ike, or House of Knowledge, takes an experiential approach to teaching island traditions and culture – families can strum a ukulele or talk story with an elder. For keikis ages 5 to 12, the Holoholo Kids Crew schedules island-accented activities such as visiting turtle hatchlings, pounding poi, stringing leis, and learning to navigate by the stars like the ancient Polynesians. BEST FOR: The whole clan. ADVISOR INSIGHT Mauna Lani offers big-tent “For day trips or longer stays, the family appeal, with cultural Hawaiian archipelago is great for programs for curious schoolisland-hopping. Reaching another isle children to serious waterby plane takes around 30 minutes, and a new adventure begins! Interisland based training, such as surf ferries from Maui to Lanai or lessons, for teens and adults. Maui to Molokai take about 45 and DETAILS: Doubles from 90 minutes, respectively.” $529; Virtuoso travelers – Charissa Melnick, receive breakfast daily and a Virtuoso travel advisor, Winnipeg Beach, Canada $100 resort credit.

FUN FACT: In ancient Hawaii, society revolved around ohana, or extended family clans, and multigenerational households are still common throughout the islands.

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CITY-HOP IN EUROPE dults get to see Europe through the eyes of a child with Tauck Bridges’ 12-day family tour, distinguished not just by its collection of capitals, but by its approach to them. There’s chocolate making in Paris; a spin on the London Eye in a private capsule, plus a tour of the city that pits budding Sherlock Holmeses against developing Doctor Whos; and a safari to spot sculptured animals (think dragons and other mythic creatures) around Rome. Insider experiences include a Harry Potter-focused look at London, the opportunity to dress in period attire at the fifteenth-century Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a private tour of the Sistine Chapel, and, during a country break in Italy’s Umbrian hills, an excursion to hunt for prized truffles with a trained truffle dog. Travel in European style by taking the high-speed Eurostar train beneath the English Channel from London to Paris, where ADVISOR a boat tour sails the Seine. INSIGHT “European vacations can Along the way, time-travel to really bring a school-age child’s historic hotels, such as Rome’s interests to life and provide nineteenth-century Palazzo real-life perspective into the Naiadi, built above ancient history and geography they’re baths, and the 1895-vintage learning in the classroom.” – Charissa Melnick Langham, London. BEST FOR: Families with kids 8 to 18. Varied activities will please children from tweens to teens. DETAILS: Multiple departures, June 6 to August 1, 2020, from $8,190. London calling: Parliament and Big Ben.

FUN FACT: The 443-foot-tall London Eye provides views for 25 miles from its 32 capsules, numbered 1 to 12 and 14 to 33 to avoid unlucky number 13.

60 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

(BIG BEN) JOHANNESVALKAMA/GETTY IMAGES, (EIFFEL TOWER AND COLOSSEUM) FRIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

The “big three” – London, Paris, and Rome – abound in urban renewal.

Walk the streets of Jerusalem and experience 3,000 years of history in a day. Live like a local in Tel Aviv and hit the beach, enjoy the restaurants, fashion and nightlife until dawn! Israel, come enjoy the journey of a lifetime!

VACATION BEYOND BELIEF

GO BACK TO CAMP

ays swimming in lakes. Nights around the bonfire searching out Orion in the sky. Summer camp ADVISOR makes relaxation the destinaINSIGHT tion. Sign up for an exclusive “Family camp vacations are especially great for older family sleepaway at 1,000-acre children because they offer so Lake Kora, one of the hismany diversions to get them off toric retreats known as Great their digital devices.” Camps that dot New York’s – Victoria Hardison-Sterry, Adirondack wilderness. Groups Virtuoso travel advisor, Orlando staying in its 12 rooms, located in seven lakeside lodges with stone fireplaces, have exclusive access to a 500-acre private lake and miles and miles of trails. Captain a sailboat or antique canoe, hook a native brook trout on a dry fly, compete in a pickup game on a diamond where the Yale and Harvard baseball teams once squared off, summit a mountain, or spend hours simply watching the clouds drift past from an Adirondack chair. Nightly communal dinners at the camp’s 20-foot-long dining table culminate in fireside s’mores. BEST FOR: Cross-generational clans with a wide spread of ages. Dogs (up to two per booking) are welcome too. DETAILS: Lake Kora’s season runs July From top: Lake Kora’s peaceful family setting and 1 through October 15. From $19,980 the dog days of summer. per night, per group (maximum group size is 24), including meals, nonalcoholic drinks, and recreational activities. Virtuoso travelers receive a $100 credit FUN FACT: In the early 1900s, Lake Kora guests could cruise the toward alcoholic beverages or one lake in gondolas imported from Venice by Timothy Woodruff, the massage treatment per reservation. camp’s original owner and lieutenant governor to Teddy Roosevelt.

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(BOAT HOUSE AND FISHING) LAKE KORA, (OARS) SUIREY/ GETTY IMAGES, (FIRE) MUSHROOMSTORE/GETTY IMAGES

Nature and night-sky stars shine in upstate New York.

EXPLORING

WELCOME TO ALASKA WITH HOLLAND AMERICA LINE Whether gliding into magnificent Glacier Bay, reeling in a hefty halibut, capturing the perfect magic-hour photo of Mt. Denali or panning for gold like the sourdoughs of yore, experience the Great Land with the people who know it best.

14-Day Great Alaskan Explorer

7-Day Alaskan Inside Passage

Roundtrip Vancouver Maasdam | Jun 14, 2021 Taxes, fees and port expenses of $400 additional

Roundtrip Vancouver Koningsdam | May 15, 2021 Taxes, fees and port expenses of $205 additional

Exclusive Amenity: $75 onboard spending money per stateroom, plus dinner for two at Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto restaurant (Verandahs and Suites)

Exclusive Amenity: Up to $50 onboard spending money per stateroom, plus dinner for two at Pinnacle Grill and Canaletto restaurant (Verandahs and Suites)

OCEAN-VIEW FROM

2,199

OCEAN-VIEW FROM

1,599

CONTACT YOUR VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR TO BOOK TODAY

Fares are based on Promo LG. Featured fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise or Land+Sea Journeys only. Fares are in U.S. dollars. All savings amounts are included in the fares shown. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are additional and range from $205 to $400. Subject to availability. For more information about our stateroom categories and suite descriptions, to view deck plans and for full terms and conditions applicable to your cruise, please contact your travel advisor. Offers have limited space and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Shipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Registry: The Netherlands.

RECONNECT WITH NATURE IN ALBERTA A multisport vacation in the Canadian Rockies creates peak memories. routes (optional e-bikes ease cycling on steep mountain roads). A few options to divide and conquer: At Lake Louise, kids have a rock-climbing lesson while elders hike to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. Cozy mountain lodges and inns provide sustenance and well-earned rest after each energetic day.

O Canada: Yoho National Park’s awe-inspiring views.

FUN FACT: Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada’s Yellowstone – its first national park. Yoho is named for a Cree expression meaning “awe and wonder.”

64 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

BEST FOR: Tribes with older kids and teens. Backroads also offers a range of demographically segmented trips – from families with 4-year-olds to those with offspring 20 and older, as well as options for couples and friends. DETAILS: Multiple departures, June 22 to August 13, 2020; from $3,499.

(YOHO NATIONAL PARK) JEFF BARTLETT/TANDEMSTOCK.COM, (BIKER) ANNA MINKINA/GETTY IMAGES, (MOUNTAIN) IOANMASAY/GETTY IMAGES

ollow your instincts to run, jump, or dive into a clear blue mountain lake during Backroads’ six-day family adventure to Banff and Yoho national parks. Guests explore both in adrenalized style, climbing Mount Norquay, white-water-rafting Kicking Horse River, and biking peak-ringed

SE A BOUR N ’ S

EX TR AORDINARY WORLDS™ Elegant adventure, luxury unbound.

BENOA Semarang

Surabaya Padang

Indian Ocean

Mombasa Zanzibar

Broome

Pacific Ocean

Perth Bunbury Albany

Adelaide

WORLD CRUISE: AUSTRALIA’S CORAL COAST From Seabourn Sojourn | Sydney to Bali 21 days, March 2*, 2021

Semarang Surabaya BENOA Indian Ocean

SYDNEY

Durban Port Elizabeth CAPE TOWN

Penneshaw Melbourne

Praslin Victoria

Phillip Island

$ 9, 999*

WORLD CRUISE: THE DHOW ROUTE Seabourn Sojourn | Bali to Cape Town 30 days, March 25*, 2021

From

$12,999*

Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor to begin your journey on the World’s Finest Ultra-Luxury Resort at Sea. Book today to take advantage of Virtuoso Voyages amenities including a dedicated onboard host, welcome reception and custom shore experience.

*Fares based on these sail dates. All fares are in U.S. dollars, cruise-only, for new bookings only, per guest, double occupancy, and subject to availability. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses of $595 to $955 per person are additional. Fares are not combinable with any other oﬀer, may vary by sailing date, are capacity controlled, and are subject to change without prior notice. All savings amounts are included in fares shown. Certain restrictions apply. Seabourn reserves the right to correct errors. Ships’ registry: Bahamas. ©2020 Seabourn.

STUDY JAPANESE CULTURE On the syllabus: Experiencing Nihon like a local.

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On the right (bamboo-lined) path in Kyoto and (below) Osaka street food.

(BAMBOO FOREST) ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES, (STREET FOOD) CALVIN CHAN WAI MENG/GETTY IMAGES, (NOODLES) KITTISAK_TARAMAS/ GETTY IMAGES, (TEMPLE) JOYIMAGE/GETTY IMAGES, (BLOSSOM) DRAGONTIGER/GETTY IMAGES

ake a workshop from a Japanese swordsmith. Soak in hot springs at the base of Mount Fuji. Pay tribute to history at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park. Ride a bullet train. Over 14 days, Big Five Tours & Expeditions immerses families in Japanese culture – including anime and ancient temples in Tokyo, street-food tours in Osaka, and bamboo-forest ADVISOR INSIGHT “My college-age son recently hikes in Kyoto. These traveled in Japan and was especially private “college ediintrigued by the role religion – partion” trips are specifticularly Buddhism and Shinto – plays ically designed for in Japanese culture. Not speaking the young adults and language, he was forced out of his comfort zone, but found most locals to be very their elders to go off polite, respectful, and willing to try to the beaten path and speak English with him.” explore the country’s – Helen Rees, rich traditions. Virtuoso travel advisor, Davidson, North Carolina BEST FOR: Families with fledglings. DETAILS: Departures any day through 2020; from $7,700 (four-person minimum group size).

‘O a a s

Bring the ones who mean everything to you on a memory-making vacation to the magical islands of Hawai‘i.

Oa u The Kahala Hotel & Resort $ from 1,1571 Includes complimentary shuttle to Waikiki PLUS Kids 12 & younger stay FREE! Virtuoso Amenities2: Complimentary room upgrade, $100 resort credit, daily breakfast at Plumeria Beach House, macadamia nut welcome amenity and early/late check-in/out.

Mau Grand Wailea 3 $ from 1,606 Includes reduced rate PLUS Kids 17 & younger stay FREE!

Mau Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui $ from 2,3504 Incudes daily breakfast PLUS Kids 18 & younger stay FREE! Virtuoso Amenities2: Complimentary room upgrade and early/late check-in/out.

VACATIONS INCLUDE: 5 nights’ accommodation, taxes and more.

CONTACT YOUR VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR TODAY! 1Rate is per person, based on double occupancy, for check-in on 08/24/2020, in Scenic Room. 2Virtuoso Amenities: Applies to new bookings only. Amenities are subject to change and availability. Certain restrictions apply. Select room categories, age restrictions, minimum length of stay and advance reservations may apply for certain amenities. Please ask for details. Blackout dates may apply. 3Rate is per person, based on double occupancy, for check-in on 08/24/2020, in Terrace King Room. Reduced room rate requires payment in full at time of booking and is completely nonrefundable if cancelled or changed. 4 Rate is per person, based on double occupancy, for check-in on 08/24/2020, in Ocean View 2 Doubles Room. Unless otherwise indicated: rates quoted are accurate at time of publication, & are per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare, taxes, surcharges, gratuities, transfers & excursions are additional. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, government taxes, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Cruise rates capacity controlled. Other restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to baggage limitations & fees, standby policies & fees, non-refundable tickets & change fees with pre-flight notification deadlines, & blackout dates. Fees & policies vary among airlines. Contact airline directly for any details or questions. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Pleasant Holidays acts only as an agent for cruise & tour providers listed. CST# 1007939-10. Copyright©2020 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

GO SMALL IN THE GREAT LAND An expedition voyage offers an intimate perspective on Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Framing the Last Frontier and (below) young Global Explorers study field notes on Sitka’s Lake Eva Trail.

FUN FACT: Sister ships Venture and Quest feature an open-bridge policy so future sea captains can meet with the ships’ officers to learn about navigation.

68 V I R T U O S O T R A V E L E R

(SHIP) ANDREW PEACOCK, (FIELD NOTES) DAVID VARGAS, (CAMERA) DUDE/GETTY IMAGES, (WHALE) BULLET_CHAINED/ GETTY IMAGES

raveling between Juneau and Sitka, Lindblad Expeditions’ 100-passenger ships National Geographic Venture and National Geographic Quest are small enough to go where large liners can’t. Delving deeply into wild Alaska, they offer unforgettable viewings of humpback whales feeding in Frederick Sound and tidewater glaciers calving in Glacier Bay National Park. Zodiac skiffs get you close to waterfalls, icebergs, and glaciers in Tracy Arm, and sea otters and Steller sea lions around the Inian Islands. Learn about marine ecosystems and biodiversity in situ from crew naturalists and underwater experts while getting ADVISOR expert photo tips from INSIGHT Lindblad-National “Children – especially teenagers – love Alaskan expedition cruises Geographic certibecause they’re so interactive. Zodiac fied photographers. and kayak trips from the ship, for exThrough the National ample, let them connect directly Geographic Global with nature, rather than simply Explorers program, viewing it from afar.” – Lynda Deville, Virtuoso travel under-18s can earn their advisor, Houston, Texas expedition landing craft “driver’s license” and learn to identify whales by their flukes. BEST FOR: Adventurers from 8 to 80 with keen or developing interests in nature and the environment. DETAILS: Multiple departures, May 17 to September 6, 2020; from $6,490.

Voted Best River Cruise Line By Virtuoso Advisors EIGHT-TIME WINNER, BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Redefining the River Cruise Experience AmaWaterways’ one-of-a-kind AmaMagna is redeﬁning the river cruise experience on the Danube River. Measuring from 355-710 square feet with full balconies, the suites aboard this extraordinary ship are some of the largest on the river, with a wealth of amenities to exceed even your most discerning clients’ expectations.

For More Information, See Your Virtuoso Travel Advisor

GIVE BACK IN KENYA

ombine a life-list trip to Kenya – including a multiday safari in the Maasai Mara – with immersive cultural and volunteer experiences. ME to WE offers a nine-day vacation that divides its focus between wildlife and human life, teaching compassion for others while also providing plenty of Mother Nature time. Between game drives to seek out lions, elephants, and giraffes, travelers visit local communities to learn about important endeavors such as clean-water projects and lend a hand, for instance, by planting trees or building schools. The main reward for your kids: a trip that enriches their understanding of local cultures while instilling the value of making someone’s life a little better. BEST FOR: Teens and adults. While children 7 and older are welcome, older kids are typically best suited to construction projects. DETAILS: Departures any day through 2020; from $5,595.

ADVISOR INSIGHT “Lessons learned while volunteering during a summer vacation will stay with children throughout their lives. And the more we teach our kids about how they can positively impact others, the better off our planet will be.” – Victoria Hardison-Sterry From top: The king of the Maasai Mara and making friends while planting trees in a local village.

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(LION) SEPPFRIEDHUBER/GETTY IMAGES, (TREE PLANTING) V. TONY HAUSER, (ELEPHANT AND GIRAFFE) RRAYA/GETTY IMAGES

Making human connections can be the most rewarding part of an African safari.

ADVENTURE THE BACKROADS WAY

Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor today for details.

Perspective

RAINBOW ROW Swaths of bright blossoms mark the start of spring.

THE NETHERLANDS

RUDMER ZWERVER/ALAMY

“ isiting the Netherlands during tulip season feels like being in a rainbow,” says inda Dinsmore, a ancouver, British Columbia-based irtuoso travel advisor. “ he markets are filled with colorful flowers from local farms, and you can also purchase customs-approved, sealed bags with bulbs in them to take home and plant. When I see my special tulips bloom every year, it brings back wonderful memories of the beauty of msterdam.”

UOSO

connect more on a cruise in europe Get ready to adventure together — everywhere from charming countryside to storybook castles. Listen to traditional tunes at a local venue in Ireland or Beatles songs at a pub in England. Cruise to Europe’s most exciting ports of call and make memories with loved ones on a Princess® cruise.

††

12 -day British Isles London (Southampton)

Regal Princess® Sep 25, 2020 MINI-SUITE FARES FROM*

3,299

*Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses of up to $221 are additional. Value of $1,143 USD included in fare.

Call your Virtuoso Advisor for details!

*Fare applies to minimum lead-in mini-suite category on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares for other categories or sail dates may vary. ††Certain restrictions apply, please refer to your travel advisor for complete term, conditions and definitions that apply to all bookings. Offer valid 3/2/20 to 5/15/20. ^Up to $50 Onboard Spending Money per stateroom. Offer is applicable to first/second-berth guests only. Third/fourth-berth guests are not eligible. Onboard spending money may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash, cannot be used in the casino and expires at the end of that voyage. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. Onboard spending money is quoted in U.S. dollars and is based on the ship’s onboard currency. Void where prohibited by law. †Deluxe Balcony Breakfast is applicable to all voyages 6-days or longer sailing between January and December 2020. Offer is valid for bookings made through Virtuoso affiliated agencies only and applies to the 1st & 2nd guests booked in a minisuite or suite stateroom. The Deluxe Balcony Breakfast price is valued at $45 USD per couple, guest will receive a voucher in their stateroom and must select day to redeem the Deluxe Balcony Breakfast at that time. Menu may change based on availability and season. Gratuity is not included. The package may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash at any point during the cruise and expires at the end of that voyage. Offer is not transferable, is not combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits and does not follow guests who change promotions prior to cruising. In the event that a guest does not want the Deluxe Balcony Breakfast, no substitutions will be offered. Offer is combinable with Cruise Sales, Standard Groups (including amenities and counts toward TCs) and Captain Circle Savings. Offer is not combinable with Casino Discounts, Recipient-Only, Air Promotions, Flash, Interline, Travel Agent, and Princess Saver Fares. This promotion is not applicable to incentive groups. The promotion will be subject to capacity control and is not transferable. This offer is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Bermuda and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age or older. Guests may book through their preferred Travel Consultant. Princess Cruises may modify, amend or update the terms and conditions of the Deluxe Balcony Breakfast at any time with or without notice to guests. Reference promo code ZEV. ©2020 Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.

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YOU DESERVE A VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR.

Rovinj, Croatia

A Virtuoso travel advisor is there to help you with every aspect of your travel decisions, in good times and in bad. Seamless trip planning and perks aside, in today’s world of uncertainty, an advisor is your number-one advocate. If you do not currently work with a travel advisor, it’s easy to find the one who’s right for you by using the Virtuoso advisor catalog on virtuoso.com.

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