Best of Europe
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TRAVEL GUIDE | JUNE 2018 BEST OF EUROPE On guard: A Trooping the Colour ceremony in London. THE CALL OF A CONTINENT A HIGHLIGHT REEL OF TOP TOURS, HOTELS, CRUISES, AND MORE Summertime village vibes in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. WHEN IN EUROPE Welcome to Europe, a place that offers a variety of experiences, topographies, and cultures, all on one continent. Peruse this guide for travel ideas in the forms of delightful cruises (river and ocean), inspirational trips, and charming accommodations as far north as the west coast of Norway and as far south as the shores of Cyprus. For every trip, long or short, rely on us to make your European dreams come true. (COVER) LAZYLLAMA/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO PHOTO STOCK LAZYLLAMA/ALAMY (COVER) IMAGES ANDREW MAYOVSKYY/GETTY (LAUTERBRUNNEN) IN THIS ISSUE: BEST OF EUROPE CRUISE LINES .................................................................4 Pick your destination and sail away. HOTELS & TOURS ......................................................30 Places to stay and things to do. PLUS 2 Travel Better 5 things to do between booking your trip and taking off. 16 Just Back from the Amalfi Coast Calling on one of Italy’s dreamiest shores. 42 Just Back from Stockholm Coffee, fashion, and royal outings in Sweden’s capital. 48 Goods & Gadgets Perfect presents for every travel lover. 54 Postcard Discover the French city of Lyon. Ready to make an entrance in Malta. STARCEVIC/GETTY IMAGES STARCEVIC/GETTY JUNE 2018 1 AIRPLANE MODE 5 THINGS TO DO BETWEEN BOOKING YOUR TRIP AND TAKING OFF. By Amanda Ogle GUVENDEMIR/GETTY IMAGES GUVENDEMIR/GETTY 2 BEST OF EUROPE Your reservation is set, but don’t skip these five crucial pre-departure steps. 1. If possible, check in or tions. Read timely and relevant travel depart (or risk racking up expediting register online. articles and blog posts. “By reading, fees). “Your advisor should let you Traveling usually involves post-book- you bring to life the destination you’re know, but be aware that many ing documents, such as completing going to,” says Virtuoso advisor countries require either an electronic paperwork for your upcoming cruise Geordie McDonald. “The suggestions authorization or a travel visa to enter or tour. Do this early, and you can help offer historical, political, and cultural the country,” says McDonald. guarantee the dinner reservation at that insights to where you are going. The hot restaurant, the best times for spa more you know, the more interesting treatments, or a spot on the excursions your trip becomes.” 5. Mind the packing list. you want. “I like talking to clients about Sure, you packed the snow boots this and encourage people to do it and gloves for your upcoming trip ahead of time,” says Virtuoso advisor 4. Make sure you don’t need to Alaska, but what about sunscreen Suzanne Bouldoukian. “It gets them extra authorization. for all that sunlight bouncing off excited and it guarantees them the time Many countries require more than the white snow? Your advisor may slots they want.” your passport for entrance, such provide a packing list, which can offer as visas and vaccination records. insight on necessities for excursions, Check on this shortly after booking, special dinners, and spotty weather, 2. Watch your air itinerary. to ensure you have sufficient time to as well as luggage specifications With thousands of flights a day, get everything in order before you and weight limits on puddle jumpers delays, changes, and cancellations and safari flights. “The packing list are an unfortunate but not surpris- is invaluable to be sure you have ing occurrence. “The airlines change the right clothing and gear for your flights constantly,” says Bouldoukian. specific trip,” says McDonald. “It’s important for people to go in and check their air itinerary, and I do this for my clients as well before I send them final documents.” 3. Read any pre-departure information your advisor gives you. Often, your advisor will provide book- lets, articles, or online resources (such as from a cruise line or tour operator) GETTY IMAGES: (COUPLE) KUPICOO, (PACKING) YURI ARCURS, YURI ARCURS, (PACKING) KUPICOO, (COUPLE) GETTY IMAGES: NIKADA (AIRPORT) to help set and manage your expecta- JUNE 2018 3 CRUISE LINES The following voyages will take you wherever you wish to go by docking in ports – big and small – across the old continent. Explore and try new things by day and rest easy by night on board one of these ships, which come in all styles and sizes to fit your needs and preferences. FOTO VOYAGER/GETTY IMAGES VOYAGER/GETTY FOTO 4 BEST OF EUROPE RIVER VS. OCEAN Which way should you cruise? RIVER: From the Danube to the Seine, cruisers have more than a few rivers to choose from when pondering an aquatic European getaway. Those who enjoy getting acquainted with the world’s nooks and crannies – stopping in Germany’s Black Forest or getting a close-up of Russia’s cultural traditions – will be delighted by the intimate nature of river cruising. Port of Call: Amsterdam Many river cruise itineraries begin and/or end in this city of canals, bicycle lanes, and art (check out the renowned Rijksmuseum for works by Rembrandt and an unforgettable library). Another reason to extend your pre- or post-cruise stay: the centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage windmills of Kinderdijk. OCEAN: These voyages let the good times roll down the coasts of Scandinavia, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece, and then some. With this type of cruis- ing, the sea is the limit and guests can choose the trips that fit their preferences, right down to specific locations, trip lengths, and excursion types. Not convinced? Ocean- traversing ships generally have a wide array of cabin varieties and numerous onboard dining and en- tertainment offerings. Port of Call: London Set your sights on the UK's largest city for more than just the royals. “The changing of the guard is an iconic experience, followed by a guided tour of the Guards Museum to try on its replica uniforms and hats,” says Virtuoso travel advisor Martha King. “Another must: a di- rector-led look at the Churchill War Rooms below Westminster, where Calm waters under London’s you can step inside the actual Cabi- iconic Tower Bridge. net room and sit in Churchill’s chair!” JUNE 2018 5 CRYSTAL CRUISES The evolution of luxury cruising. ADVISOR TIP Every Crystal voyage features a complimentary voluntourism Fine wines flow freely during an elegant dinner at Château du Taillan, a Bordeaux estate shore event that lets you give dating to the Middle Ages. Colorful lights add a dramatic effect as you’re spelunking in Cova back during your travels. In Barcelona, for example, you de Can Marça, a 100,000-year-old cave system on Ibiza. A helicopter ride over the Holy Land can participate in a dolphin offers heart-stopping views of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and Masada, where you land to explore rescue training drill. the ancient ruins. Crystal elevates the luxury cruise experience both onshore and on board with inspired amenities and unrivaled service that has earned the distinction of “World’s Best.” Take in the charming surroundings from aboard the elegant Crystal Serenity. Vineyards and Vistas Coastal Classics and Balearic Isles Mediterranean Images 13 Nights • Crystal Serenity® 6 Nights • Crystal Serenity 11 Nights • Crystal Serenity Departs July 29, 2018 Departs August 12, 2018 Departs August 19, 2018 Itinerary: Itinerary: Itinerary: London/Dover, England • Guernsey/ Monte Carlo, Monaco • Marseille, Barcelona, Spain overnight • Sète, Saint Peter Port, Channel Islands • France • Port-Vendres, France • France • Saint-Tropez, France Bordeaux, France two overnights • Ciutadella de Menorca, Spain • Ibiza, overnight • Villefranche, France • Oporto/Leixoes, Portugal • Lisbon, Spain • Alicante, Spain • Tarragona, Florence/Livorno, Italy • Rome/ Portugal overnight • Barcelona, Spain • Barcelona, Spain Civitavecchia, Italy • Sorrento, Italy • Spain overnight • Cassis, France • Monopoli, Italy • Kotor, Montenegro • Monte Carlo, Monaco overnight Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive: Venice, Italy overnight $125 shipboard credit, welcome Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive: reception, and onboard Virtuoso host Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive: Virtuoso Voyages custom curated Virtuoso Voyages custom curated shore experience in Barcelona, welcome Virtuoso Oceanview fares shore experience in Sète, welcome reception, and onboard Virtuoso host from $3,410 per person. reception, and onboard Virtuoso host Virtuoso Oceanview fares Virtuoso Oceanview fares from $5,135 per person. from $4,405 per person. 6 BEST OF EUROPE Enjoy intimate experiences in the world’s most sought- after ports of call. Crystal’s 1,345-square- foot Penthouses have been totally redesigned. Explore the rich history of vibrant London. Classic European cuisine gets a creative twist. Secular and Sacred Riviera Reverie Quintessential Crossing 13 Nights • Crystal Serenity 6 Nights • Crystal Serenity 10 Nights • Crystal Serenity Departs September 9, 2018 Departs September 23, 2018 Departs November 10, 2018 Itinerary: Itinerary: Itinerary: Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy • Naples, Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy • Elba/ Lisbon, Portugal • Saint Thomas/ Italy • Sicily/Catania, Italy • Ashdod, Portoferraio, Italy • Florence/Livorno, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands • Israel • Haifa, Israel overnight • Italy • La Spezia, Italy • Monte Carlo, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Limassol, Cyprus • Paphos, Monaco overnight • Saint-Tropez, Cyprus • Valletta, Malta • Rome/ France • Marseille, France Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive: Civitavecchia, Italy