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 ....................................................... 18 Places to stay and things to do. PLUS 2 Travel Better 5 things to do between booking your trip and taking off. 8 Just Back from the Amalfi Coast Calling on one of Italy’s dreamiest shores. 28 Just Back from Stockholm Coffee, fashion, and royal outings in Sweden’s capital. 34 Goods & Gadgets Perfect presents for every travel lover. 38 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 OCEANIA CRUISES Update your idea of upscale cruising. ADVISOR TIP Suite guests enjoy even more value, including personal You can always expect an extraordinary cruise experience with Oceania. What often comes butler service, unlimited access as a surprise is what an extraordinary value it is, as well. Master chef Jacques Pépin inspires to Canyon Ranch SpaClub’s private Spa Terrace, and a team of gastronomic wizards who create the finest cuisine at sea. Savor a variety of a complimentary iPad or cuisines – from country French to bold Pan-Asian fare to health-conscious choices – at laptop to use on board. open-seating dining venues that are always complimentary. Join engaging talks from a host of experts, learn to play bridge, and stay in shape with a choice of inclusive fitness classes. The casual onboard Owner’s Suites ambience makes you feature Ralph feel right at home. Lauren Home furnishings. Taste authentic Tuscan flavors in Toscana. Royal Keepsakes Iberian Radiance Spanish Serenade 12 Nights • Nautica 14 Nights • Nautica 12 Nights • Marina Departs September 2, 2018 Departs September 26, 2018 Departs November 16, 2018 Itinerary: Itinerary: Itinerary: Stockholm, Sweden • Helsinki, Finland • London (Southampton), England • Barcelona, Spain • Valencia, Spain • Saint Petersburg, Russia two overnights • Saint Peter Port (Guernsey), Channel Almería, Spain • Málaga, Spain • Tallinn, Estonia • Riga, Latvia • Visby, Islands • Brest, France • La Rochelle, Funchal (Madeira), Portugal • Santa Sweden • Copenhagen, Denmark • France • Bordeaux, France overnight • Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands • Amsterdam, the Netherlands • Bruges Bilbao, Spain • Santiago de Compostela Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary (Zeebrugge), Belgium • London (Vilagarcía), Spain • Lisbon, Portugal Islands • Arrecife (Lanzarote), Canary (Southampton), England overnight • Seville (Cádiz), Spain • Islands • Seville (Cádiz), Spain • Málaga, Spain • Barcelona, Spain Lisbon, Portugal overnight Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive: Prepaid gratuities Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive: Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive: Virtuoso Voyages custom curated Prepaid gratuities Please connect with your Virtuoso shore experience in Bilbao, welcome travel advisor for best available rates. reception, and onboard Virtuoso host Please connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor for best available rates. Please connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor for best available rates. 6 BEST OF EUROPE AVALON WATERWAYS Unobstructed views. Unexpected discoveries. Unlimited possibilities. ADVISOR TIP Why give up taste to be healthy? Flavorful Avalon Medieval castles along the Middle Rhine seem close enough to touch from the open-air Fresh® menu options use only balcony of your Panorama Suite, its ingeniously angled bed assuring you always have a the freshest ingredients, locally sourced from small farms and prime seat. Enjoy a glass of Calvados that perfectly complements the Camembert cheese on producers. Look for them at a tasting tour of Normandy. In Passau, stroll the maze of cobblestone streets to the masterful every meal on board. Saint Stephen’s Cathedral or follow Maria von Trapp’s footsteps on an optional tour to Salzburg. Avalon reveals a more intimate Europe on river cruises as unique as you are. Ever-changing views keep Regional dishes