Grand Voyages Weekly Digest

🍋 Italian coastal secrets + regional spritz guide

July 19, 2025

Happy Saturday, Grand Voyagers!

Just had clients wrap up a week on the Amalfi Coast and honestly, those views never get old! They stayed at Hotel Caesar Augustus (a Relais & Châteaux property) and absolutely loved it. Since it's a Virtuoso property, I was able to get them extra perks and true VIP service that made the entire experience feel seamless. Plus I've been discovering some incredible summer spritz variations that are perfect for this weather! 🍋

If you're enjoying these weekly finds, please share with a friend! There's a handy button below to make it super easy. ✨

🌊 AMALFI COAST SECRETS (BEYOND THE INSTAGRAM SPOTS)

My clients just returned from the Amalfi Coast absolutely glowing, and it reminded me why this destination never gets old. They stayed at Hotel Caesar Augustus in Capri - that Relais & Châteaux property with the incredible infinity pool views. Since it's a Virtuoso property, I secured extra perks and VIP service that made everything seamless.

The thing that surprised them most?

Following local recommendations took them completely beyond crowded Positano streets everyone photographs. Locals actually wake up early for sunrise, savor breakfast with those famous views, then wander cobblestone streets before crowds arrive. Lunch happens in actual vineyards, afternoons are for hotel pools during peak heat, and evenings end with candlelit dinners al fresco.

Am I the only one who thinks the real magic is in the rhythm, not rushing from sight to sight? My favorite discovery: Lo Scoglio restaurant - around since the '50s, still serving sophisticated local dishes by the sea. Plus Da Lorenzo, which locals call a "one-of-a-kind family restaurant" for real antipasti and fresh fish without tourist markup.

🥂 SUMMER SPRITZ DISCOVERIES

Speaking of Italy... if you're a fan of refreshing summer spritzes like I am, I just discovered something that's completely changed my home cocktail game! The Select Spritz in Venice - the city's original aperitivo that gets overshadowed by the famous Aperol version.

Why is it better? Select was created in 1920 by the Pilla brothers with bold, herbaceous flavor - notes of juniper and rhubarb that feel more sophisticated. Served with a green olive instead of orange slice, and Venetian wine bars pour it throughout neighborhoods like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro.

But every Italian region has its own spritz variation! The Limoncello Spritz on the Amalfi Coast captures coastal sweetness perfectly. South Tyrol does the Hugo Spritz with elderflower liqueur and fresh mint. Croatia even has the Teranino Spritz made from Istrian grapes with cinnamon and cloves.

I'll be totally honest - I've been experimenting with these at home, and the Select Spritz has become my new summer favorite. That herbal complexity feels more grown-up than standard Aperol.

🎄 CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISES (TRUST ME ON THIS ONE!)

Okay, I know it's July, but hear me out!

One of my colleagues just booked two large groups for Christmas Market river cruises. Picture centuries-old church squares coming alive with Christmas markets, celestial architecture, and that magical holiday atmosphere you can only get in Europe.

River cruising through these markets means effortless city-hopping while experiencing local crafts, mulled wine, and holiday traditions in Vienna, Budapest, and Cologne. I recently sailed my first river cruise with Uniworld on the SS La Venezia - completely fell in love with the intimate experience. Only about 150 passengers feels boutique rather than crowded.

The catch? These Christmas market sailings sell out by late summer. When you're thinking holiday travel after Thanksgiving dinner, the soonest available sailings will likely be more than a year away. Book early and you often score complimentary upgrades and surprise savings too.

✈️ CONCIERGE STYLE FLIGHT BOOKING? YES PLEASE!

One of my number one requests since I started travel advising has been help with booking flights. It seems to be a real pain point that no one wants to deal with! Enter Fora Flights - a concierge style service for booking premium international tickets.

I can now help you book international Premium Economy and Business Class flights with access to a 24/7 Flight Desk that offers concierge style service and emergency support. Fora Flights isn't a consolidator - all tickets are issued directly with airlines.

I've already been booking international premium economy and business class for clients traveling to Europe this summer and fall. If you could use extra help with flights and don't want to deal directly with airlines, let's get you the support you need!

WHAT'S YOUR SUMMER OBSESSION?

Are you drawn to classic Italian coastal experiences, or do you prefer discovering unique regional traditions? Someone who plans way ahead for bucket-list experiences like Christmas markets, or prefers spontaneous summer escapes?

Thanks for joining me on another edition of travel discoveries. I love hearing what's capturing your imagination this summer!

Have a wonderful weekend filled with travel dreams!

Stacey