Best of Europe A CONTINENT'S HIGHLIGHTS - Virtuoso

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Best of Europe A CONTINENT'S HIGHLIGHTS - Virtuoso
T R AV E L C ATA L O G | O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9

     Best of Europe
A CONTINENT’S
HIGHLIGHTS
Hotel Stays, Tour Experiences,
Cruise Itineraries, and More

                                                                   Boats and bikes on an Amsterdam canal.
Best of Europe A CONTINENT'S HIGHLIGHTS - Virtuoso
Eternal
Europe
Europe is perennially popular, and for good
reason: With 44 countries in many distinct
geographic regions, there’s a castle, cultural
attraction, or cobblestone lane for everyone,
and your next new favorite is just a quick
border-hop away. Art and architecture, fashion
and food, beaches and mountains, rivers and
vineyards – with so much to soak in (and
so much eat!), it’s hard to know where to
begin. Whether you’re thinking about going
old-school in Rome (or Barcelona or Paris)
or hitting up hip Slovenia (or Iceland or
Scandinavia), your Virtuoso travel advisor has
the knowledge and experience to point you to
the perfect European location, and the next
one, and the one after that. Vive l’Europe!

                                                    Cunard’s Queen
The world’s finest travel agencies               Victoria in Norway.
and advisors are Virtuoso®.

                                                                       (COVER) PREAPPY/STOCKSY
Best of Europe A CONTINENT'S HIGHLIGHTS - Virtuoso
WHAT’S INSIDE:

                                                                            Best of Europe

                                        Munich Residenz’s Antiquarium.

                                                          10       LISBON    Portugal’s coastal capital steps into the European spotlight.

                                                          20       MUNICH     A metropolis packed with diversions – indoors and out.

                                                          40       FLORENCE      Art history and high style in Tuscany’s principal city.
WA N GYAN G C N/G E T T Y I MAG E S

                                      2                              26                            34                              58
                                      TOURS & HOTELS                 Goods & Gadgets               CRUISES                         Postcard
                                      Places to stay                 Eco-friendly products         Pick your itinerary             A vineyard-filled holiday
                                      and things to do.              from brands that also         and sail away.                  in Bordeaux.
                                                                     give back.

                                                                                                                                               OC TOB E R 2 01 9   1
Best of Europe A CONTINENT'S HIGHLIGHTS - Virtuoso
By Lan

                              TOURS
                              & HOTELS
                              Virtuoso’s thousands-strong network
                              of expert tour operators, hotels,
                              and resorts makes country-hopping
                              through Europe as easy as eating a
                              baguette. Turn the page for a cozy
                              canal-side hotel in Amsterdam, a
                              stellar Swiss train getaway, a wine-
                              filled trip to Bordeaux, and more
                              vacation inspiration.

  2   B E ST O F E UR O P E
Best of Europe A CONTINENT'S HIGHLIGHTS - Virtuoso
Stepping up in Cannes’
                                    Hôtel Martinez.
UGO RICHARD/HÔTEL MARTINEZ

                                       OC TOB E R 201 9   3
Best of Europe A CONTINENT'S HIGHLIGHTS - Virtuoso
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Best of Europe A CONTINENT'S HIGHLIGHTS - Virtuoso
The thirteenth-century Caernarfon
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6   B E ST O F E UR O P E
Best of Europe A CONTINENT'S HIGHLIGHTS - Virtuoso
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8   B E ST O F E UR O P E
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          䜀甀愀渀愀樀甀愀琀漀⸀ 䴀愀欀攀 礀漀甀爀 搀爀攀愀洀猀 挀漀洀攀
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Loving
                                                                 Lisbon
                                                                 Portugal’s coastal capital steps into
                                                                 the European spotlight.

                                                                 GO FOR Edgy films and          for vegetation: Rafters
                                                                 exhibits at the Museum         brim with ferns and
                                                                 of Art, Architecture           succulents, which play
                                                                 and Technology, upstart        off the produce-centric
                                                                 designers at LXFactory –       menu. Don’t miss the
                                                                 Lisbon’s mural-splashed        Minhota beef tartare,
                                                                 industrial complex that        sandwiched between
                                                                 houses dozens of arti-         grilled kale.
                                                                 san shops – and the next
                                                                 evolution of the trendy        Reserve a coveted spot at
                                                                 Príncipe Real neighbor-        Local (Rua de O Século
                                                                 hood are luring travelers      204) for a dinner-party-
                                                                 back to Portugal’s capital     style experience. A sole
                                                                 in record numbers. Among       ten-seat communal
                                                                 the few things that haven’t    table occupies this tiny
                                                                 changed: the meandering        restaurant run by four
                                                                 alleys filled with fado mel-   young chefs, who serve
                                                                 odies, blue azulejo tiles,     some of the freshest
                                                                 and views of the Tagus         fare in town. The menu
                                                                 River around nearly every      changes according to
                                                                 corner, making this city       their whims, but expect
                                                                 feel unlike any other.         inventive dishes such as
                                                                                                cherry gazpacho with
                                                                 EAT A meal in the bright,      fennel and goat cheese,
                                                                 leafy space of newcomer        and perhaps a tonka bean
                                                                 Prado Restaurante              and toffee dessert.
                                                                 (Travessa das Pedras
                                                                 Negras 2) feels like dining    Sink your teeth into a
           Clockwise from top left: Príncipe Real, Bar Terraço
          Limão, Prado Restaurante’s fig and smoked-milk ice     in a terrarium. The look       pastel de nata, Portugal’s
                     cream, and Manteigaria’s pastel de nata.    reinforces the chef’s love     famous custard tart, at

10   B E ST O F E UR O P E
TIP
 “First-time visitors to Lisbon should plan a morning walk
through the city’s most traditional neighborhoods, Alfama
 and Mouraria. Make sure to taste ginjinha – a sweet cherry
  liqueur – and check out the very cool and fun Street Art
     Workshops, which are especially great for families.”
                      – Luís de Sousa,
                  Virtuoso travel advisor

Manteigaria (Rua do            (Avenida Duque de Loulé
Loreto 2), housed in a         81-83). It’s more intimate
former butter shop. Count      than most of the city’s
on a line out the door for     rooftop bars, with indoor
the bakery’s thin, flaky       and outdoor sections
pastries filled with thick,    that make it a quiet, cozy
sweet cream and a dash         perch to watch the sunset
of salt, and do as the lis-    with a cocktail.
boetas do: Savor one with
an espresso at the narrow      SHOP The Embaixada
standing bar overlooking       complex (Praça do Príncipe
the open kitchen.              Real 26) houses 16 inde-
                               pendent shops selling pri-
DRINK Bartenders at            marily Portuguese-made
posh Cinco Lounge (Rua         goods – handmade totes,
Ruben A. Leitão 17A) dou-      fashion-forward shoes,
ble as performers, shak-       housewares, and more –
ing up concoctions with        in a grand, nineteenth-
everything from fresh          century palace.
fruit to smoked ingredi-
ents, and the results are      Since 1979, the family
as visually stunning as        behind Cortiço & Netos
they are potent. Popular       (37D Rua Maria Andrade)
cocktail workshops give        has worked to preserve
patrons a chance to go         the art of Portuguese tile
behind the bar.                making. Travelers can
                               pick up a range of classic
Vestigius (Rua da Cin-         or modern patterns, to
tura do Porto do Lisboa,       use for anything from a
Armazém A17) provides a        kitchen sink backsplash to
longshoreman’s-eye view        decorative coasters, from
of the Tagus River. The re-    the tiny, family-run shop.
stored warehouse turned
wine bar serves hard-to-       Portugal produces half the
find Portuguese vintages,      world’s supply of cork, yet
bought at auctions, while      this oft-misunderstood re-
giving a nod to the water-     source goes beyond bottle
front’s past with salvaged     stoppers. Cork & Co. (Rua
shipwreck decor.               das Salgadeiras 10) stocks
                               stylish cork clutches, belts,
An Atlantic-blue tiled         and iPhone cases – plus
floor and potted plants        high-end home decor.
frame views of Lisbon’s
skyline and the Tagus Riv-                  – Jenna Scatena    From top: The Museum of Art, Architecture and
er at Bar Terraço Limão         Photography by Sivan Askayo    Technology and LXFactory’s rooftop bar.

                                                                                                     OC TOB E R 201 9   11
A giant Nana statue
                                                                                                                   hovers over Main
                                                                                                                  Station travelers.

                                                                Historic guild houses and                      Pavillon Le Corbusier
                                                            other Old Town treasures line                        is made entirely of
                                                           the banks of the Limmat River.                            glass and steel.

     Zürich – City of Style and Design
     Zürich Tourism
     Zürich is renowned as one of the design capitals of Europe. The cityscape is veritably shaped by artworks, and more than
     1,300 inspiring pieces have been integrated into many public spaces. One of Niki de Saint Phalle’s gigantic Nana statues
     resides in Zürich Main Station; Augusto Giacometti painted the stunning entryway in the police headquarters. The Pavillon
     Le Corbusier – its eponymous architect’s last work – stands on the shores of Lake Zürich. Discover them and many more
     on a custom stay created with your Virtuoso travel advisor.

     EXCLUSIVE WEEKEND                          GUARANTEED SUITE UPGRADE                    175TH ANNIVERSARY PACKAGE
     PROMOTION                                  Presented by Widder Hotel                   Presented by Baur au Lac
     Presented by Park Hyatt Zurich             Travel available through                    Travel available through
     3 Nights • Travel available through        December 27, 2019                           December 30, 2019
     December 27, 2019
                                                Virtuoso Exclusive Experience               Virtuoso Exclusive Experience
     Virtuoso Exclusive Experience              Includes:                                   Includes:
     Includes:                                  • Accommodation in a Junior Suite           • One night’s accommodation in a
     • Three weekend nights’                    • Guaranteed upgrade to Suite at              Junior Suite
       accommodation with a Friday arrival        time of booking                           • Breakfast daily
     • Third night FREE                         • Breakfast for two daily                   • Homemade chocolate “1844”
     • Upgrade upon arrival, if available       • Bottle of wine from the Zürich              (commemorating the hotel’s
     • Breakfast for two daily                    region, per room                            founding) and selection of fresh
     • $100 food and beverage credit            • Complimentary Zürich Card –                 fruit upon arrival
       per room, per stay                         a 24-hour pass for free public            • Champagne aperitif
     • Early check-in and late checkout,          transportation and entrance to            • Five-course menu, including
       if available                               most city museums – for two persons         beverages, at Pavillon restaurant
     • Complimentary Wi-Fi                      • Early check-in and late checkout,         • Private tour of historic Zürich
                                                  if available                              • Copy of coffee-table book
     Please connect with your Virtuoso          • Complimentary minibar and                   Memories of a Palace: Baur au Lac
     travel advisor for best available rates.     Nespresso coffee in-room                  • Complimentary minibar, Wi-Fi, VAT,
                                                • Complimentary Wi-Fi                         and service charges

                                                Please connect with your Virtuoso           Virtuoso rates from CHF 1,844 per night.
                                                travel advisor for best available rates.

12   B E ST O F E UR O P E
i nar               y
                    o r d
           g E x tray™
      thin      Da
S o me Ev er y

                    A shopping experience
                        like no other
               Kildare Village, located in the heart of the charming Irish countryside, is just one hour from
            Dublin and home to 100 boutiques of leading fashion and lifestyle brands. Enjoy savings of up to
                   60%* all year round, with tax-free shopping for guests visiting from outside the EU.

             Indulge in a choice of restaurants and cafés offering unique local and fine dining cuisine as well
                    as an array of hospitality services, including Valet Parking and Personal Shopping.

                  Virtuoso Exclusive Offer: VIP Lounge access, welcome drink on arrival, an additional
                            10% off your shopping ‡ and complimentary Hands-free Shopping.
                 To enjoy the ultimate shopping experience, please contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor.

                        *on the recommended retail price. ‡Reduction is applied to the Village price. Terms and conditions apply © Kildare Village 2019 07/19
$100 Spa Credit in a World
                                                                   of Alpine Wellness
                                                                   Waldhaus Flims Alpine Grand Hotel & Spa
                                                                   Flims, Switzerland
                                                                   Travel available through December 31, 2019
                                          A former distillery is
                                            now Cognac’s first     Virtuoso Exclusive Experience Includes:
                                               five-star hotel.    • Upgrade upon arrival, if available
                                                                   • Breakfast for two daily
                                                                   • $100 spa services credit per room, per stay
                                                                   • Complimentary Wi-Fi
     Exclusive Cognac Experience                                   • Early check-in/late checkout, if available
     in an Old Town Landmark                                       Please connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor
     Hôtel Chais Monnet                                            for best available rates.

     Cognac, France
     2 Nights or Longer • Travel available through
     December 31, 2019

     Virtuoso Exclusive Experience Includes:
     • Two nights’ accommodation in a Junior Suite
     • Upgrade at time of booking, if available
     • Private transfer from Angoulême train station
     • Breakfast for two daily
     • Private visit to a cognac house, with tasting
     • $100 food and beverage or spa services credit
       per room, per stay
     • Cognac cocktail for two at hotel bar, once per stay                                    Rediscover your inner self amid
                                                                                                  extraordinary alpine views.
     Virtuoso rates from EUR 740 per person.

                                                                   Original Amsterdam Luxury
                                                                   with EUR 85 Credit
                                                                   Hotel De L’Europe Amsterdam
                                                                   Set along the Amstel River, Hotel De L’Europe has
                                                                   been a guardian of local culture and craftsmanship
                                                                   since 1896. It is home to the Michelin-starred
                                                                   restaurant Bord’Eau, as well as the brasserie Marie
                                                                   and the gentleman’s pub Freddy’s. Get inspired by
                                                                   the Dutch masters in one of Amsterdam’s renowned
                                                                   museums, step on a boat from the hotel’s terrace, or
                                                                   unwind with wellness treatments at the indulgent spa.

                                                                   Amsterdam, the Netherlands
                                                                   Travel available through December 31, 2019

                                                                   Virtuoso Exclusive Experience Includes:
                                                                   • Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking
                                                                     (through Junior Suite)
                                                                   • Breakfast for two daily
                                                                   • EUR 85 food and beverage credit per room, per stay
                                                                   • Early check-in/late checkout, if available
                                                                   • Junior Suite and above: Complimentary one-way
                                                                     private airport transfer by luxury sedan
        Enjoy French cuisine on the
        waterfront terrace overlooking
        the Amstel River.                                          Please connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor
                                                                   for best available rates.

14   B E ST O F E UR O P E
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Travel alongside three Alpine lakes
                                                                                                     on the scenic Bernina Express.

        Fine wines complement the                                                                      Pass the Disentis monastery
        views in Excellence Class.                                                                      aboard the Glacier Express.

     Peak Rail Experiences in Switzerland
     Rail Europe
     The scenery between Saint Moritz and Zermatt will leave you spellbound aboard the world-famous Glacier Express –
     especially from your guaranteed window seat in its new Excellence Class. Enjoy a five-course regional meal, access to the
     exclusive Glacier Bar, and concierge service. You may prefer to leave Switzerland’s icy peaks for the palm trees of Tirano,
     Italy, on the Bernina Express route, which crosses nearly 200 bridges. Can’t decide which Swiss experience is for you?
     Choose from seven exciting packages that combine rail travel with hotel stays, excursions, and more.

     SWISS RAIL & HOTEL PACKAGES                  BERNINA EXPRESS                         GLACIER EXPRESS IN
     2 to 7 Nights • Travel available             Travel available through                EXCELLENCE CLASS
     through December 31, 2020                    December 31, 2020                       Travel available mid-December 2019
                                                                                          through mid-October 2020
     Virtuoso Exclusive Experience                Virtuoso Exclusive Experience
     Includes:                                    Includes:                               Virtuoso Exclusive Experience
     • Choice of seven Switzerland itineraries,   • One-way first-class ticket from       Includes:
       ranging from two to seven nights             Saint Moritz to Tirano                • One-way ticket aboard the
     • First-class rail transfers                                                           world-famous Glacier Express from
     • All accommodations in centrally            Virtuoso one-way rates                    Saint Moritz to Zermatt (or reverse)
       located hotels                             from $81 per person.                    • Excellence Class upgrade
     • Selection of excursions
     • Services and taxes                                                                 Virtuoso one-way rates
     • Bonus 50 percent discount on                                                       from $764 per person.
       additional Swiss Travel System
       tickets (purchased locally)

     Virtuoso rates from $999 per person.

16   B E ST O F E UR O P E
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MAGNIFICENT
                                                                                                                                      Retiro Park

There are some cities that set the trends,        Cultural Landscape
that have that special “something” that’s hard    If there’s one iconic place in Madrid that you
to define but you can just feel in the air. And   can’t miss, however, it’s the area of Paseo del
Madrid is one of those cities with something      Prado, between Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha,
unique that makes it one of a kind. It’s also     El Retiro Park and Los Jerónimos neighbor-
one of the cities with the largest number of      hood. Currently a contender for UNESCO
artistic treasures per square foot. If you want   World Heritage Site status in the category of
to experience it to the fullest, don’t miss any   Cultural Landscapes, the area is home to a
of its top attractions.                           wealth of exceptional sites including Cibeles
                                                  Palace, which has one of the city’s most spec-
Get a feel for its historic heritage at an out-   tacular observation points, the Prado Muse-
door patio in Plaza de Oriente, contemplating     um and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
the sights and monuments in the area, which
is dominated by the Royal Palace, one of the      Beyond the city center
largest in Europe, with 3,418 rooms. And, if      There are also smaller museums, the kind that
you’re there on a Wednesday or Saturday, you’ll   not everyone knows about, which will allow
be able to see the Changing of the Guard. In      you to discover neighborhoods like Chamberí,
the same square you’ll find Teatro Real, one of   home to the Sorolla Museum. Housed in the
Europe’s most important opera houses, featur-     Valencian painter’s former home, it has pre-
ing an excellent, eclectic program.               served the original décor. Its garden, designed
                                                  by the artist himself, is an urban oasis.

                                                                                                    The House of Alba’s artistic treasures
                                                                                                    If you want to discover one of the larg-
                                                                                                    est artistic legacies in Spain’s history,
                                                                                                    sign up for a guided tour of Liria Pal-
                                                                                                    ace. Its opening to the public is one of
                                                                                                    the biggest cultural developments of
                                                                                                    the year. Paintings by Goya, Rubens,
                                                                                                    Velázquez and El Greco, as well as a li-
                                                                                                    brary with over 18,000 works, including
                                                                                                    literary gems like a first edition of “Don
                                                                                                    Quixote” printed in Madrid in 1605, await
                                                                                                    your visit and will make your trip to Ma-
                                                                                                    drid an unforgettable experience.

                                  Opera House                                        Royal Palace
Try your hand at hurling                       Consider a camel ride
                                                             in Kilkenny, which has a rich                      at the Giza pyramids.
                                                             tradition in the Gaelic sport.

                                                                                                                Take a hydrofoil cruise
                                                                                                                   to the isle of Capri.

     Enjoy Smaller-Group Camaraderie and Authentic Experiences
     Insight Vacations
     Experience the enchanting coastal routes of the Emerald Isle while encountering historic castles, quiet lakes, and
     natural wonders. Gaze upon the illustrious pyramids in Cairo before a Nile River cruise that takes you to royal tombs
     and breathtaking temples. Live la dolce vita on an immersion tour of Italy that introduces you to the legendary cities of
     Rome, Florence, and Venice, along with the isle of Capri, charming Santa Margherita Ligure, and villa-lined Lake Maggiore.
     Book and pay in full by December 18, 2019, to save ten percent on select journeys.

     TREASURES OF ITALY                         WONDERS OF EGYPT                              COUNTRY ROADS OF IRELAND
     10 Nights • Travel available March 30      8 Nights • Travel available April 22          11 Nights • Travel available April 25
     through October 19, 2020                   through October 14, 2020                      through September 26, 2020

     Virtuoso Exclusive Experience              Virtuoso Exclusive Experience                 Virtuoso Exclusive Experience
     Includes:                                  Includes:                                     Includes:
     • Stay in style at an elegant hotel        • Enjoy luxurious accommodations              • Spend a night at a stunning
       in Venice, located only minutes            in downtown Cairo and on board                seventeenth-century castle that
       away from Piazza San Marco                 your Nile cruise                              overlooks the golden sands of
     • Gain VIP access to the Vatican           • Gain incomparable insights from               Ballygally Bay
       Museums and admire the famous              an Egyptologist as you meet the             • Meet intriguing locals such as a
       Bramante Staircase                         enigmatic Sphinx and venture deep             player from the hurling team
     • Explore the backstreets of Rome            inside one of the Giza pyramids             • Enjoy VIP priority entrance to
       with a local expert                      • Experience English high tea in true           experience the Book of Kells with
     • Visit a family-owned winery at Lake        colonial style at Aswan’s famous              a Trinity College insider
       Iseo, tasting their latest wines with      Sofitel Legend Old Cataract hotel,          • Savor a farm-to-table meal made
       a master vintner                           perfectly timed to watch the                  with only locally sourced ingredients
                                                  magnificent sunset
     Virtuoso rates from $4,175                                                               Virtuoso rates from $3,195
     per person.                                Virtuoso rates from $2,825                    per person.
                                                per person.

18   B E ST O F E UR O P E
Malta.
             More than we could ever tell.

VisitMalta.com
Built
                                                   for Fun
                                                   Munich is packed with diversions –
                                                   indoors and out.

                                                   GO FOR In the heart of         beers while overlooking
                                                   Bavaria, at the foot of the    the lake. Inside, it’s warm
                                                   Alps, Munich engages           and lively – a perfect
                                                   travelers with baroque         place to try venison with
                                                   architecture, grand art        chestnut mash, cabbage,
                                                   museums – and, of course,      and berry “jus,” a German
                                                   beer and sausage. With its     cold-weather favorite.
                                                   world-famous Hofbräu-          Walk back to the city
                                                   haus and open-air Vik-         center through the park,
                                                   tualienmarkt, the city         and visit the Japanese
                                                   seems built on the promise     teahouse and Chinese
                                                   of a good time. Start in       Tower along the way.
                                                   its bustling main square,
                                                   Marienplatz, to explore        After shopping on Maxi-
                                                   cafés and bakeries, cultural   milianstrasse, the main
                                                   attractions, and surpris-      retail drag, settle in for a
                                                   ingly great shopping. And      long Italian meal at Bren-
                                                   don’t miss this unusual        ner Grill (Maximilian-
                                                   year-round highlight:          strasse 15), a see-and-be-
                             Clockwise from        surfers showing off their      seen spot that occupies the
                             top left: Old Town    skills on the tiny Eisbach     city’s former royal stables.
                             Munich, a leisurely
                             lunch, cocoa at
                                                   (ice brook) in the English     Try the robust vegetable
                             GötterSpeise,         Garden, Munich’s beauti-       soup for a great antidote to
                             and sea bass fillet   ful central park.              sausage and pretzels.
                             at Seehaus im
                             Englischen Garten.
                                                   EAT At Seehaus im              Behind the solemn gray
                                                   Englischen Garten,             exterior of Tantris
                                                   outdoor enthusiasts            (Johann-Fichte-Strasse
                                                   bundle up with their           7), a two-Michelin-star

20   B E ST O F E UR O P E
From left: Gourmet
                                                                    emporium Dallmayr
                                                                    and Blue Rider works
                                                                    at Lenbachhaus.

restaurant open since           near the Viktualienmarkt,     fabrics into the classic      art, with works by
1971, is a decadent burst       indulge in Munich’s           Bavarian design.              Kan-dinsky and Klee.
of color and creativity,        famous Schmalznudel, a                                      After seeing them, grab
in both the design and          sugary fried cousin to the    The Brienner Quarter,         lunch at the museum’s
the French- and Swiss-          doughnut, best enjoyed        on and around Brienner        restaurant, Ella (Kan-
inspired food. Book a table     with a cup of coffee.         Strasse, once served as       dinsky’s pet name
at lunch for great value at                                   the main connection           for Münter).
this Munich institution.        SHOP Dallmayr                 between Munich’s
                                (Dienerstrasse 14/15), an     royal palace and              GETTING THERE
The neighborhood of Lehel       only-in-Munich gourmet        Nymphenburg Palace,           Munich Airport is con-
is just a 15-minute walk        grocery, offers regional      the Bavarian monarch’s        sistently voted one of the
from the tourist center, but    specialties, fine china,      summer residence. Today,      best in the world. Arrive
it feels like a hidden gem.     fancy teas, and its own       browse its family-owned       early for one last beer and
Visit Pâtisserie Dukatz         line of coffee. “Pick up      shops for clothes, jewelry,   sausage at airport brew-
(Sankt-Anna-Strasse 11)         Dallmayr’s Prodomo            and home decor, or take       ery, Airbräu – 90 percent
for brioche and flaky           coffee, or enjoy it in the    one of the quarter’s          of its food is sourced from
croissants, plus German         café upstairs,” says Virtu-   guided tours.                 Bavaria. Or ask your ad-
bakery specialties.             oso travel advisor Susan                                    visor to book the airport’s
                                Boehnstedt, who has fami-     SEE The collection            VipWing experience,
Warm up with a cup of hot       ly roots in Munich. “It’s a   at Lenbachhaus                featuring expedited check-
chocolate at GötterSpeise       must-visit!”                  (Luisenstrasse 33), an        in and security, a private
(Jahnstrasse 30), or browse                                   art museum in a former        beer garden and buffet,
its large selection of choco-   Explore a colorful twist      private villa renovated by    showers, and a VIP trans-
lates and cocoa powders.        on the traditional dirndl     Norman Foster, centers        fer to your flight.
                                at Noh Nee (Hans-Sachs-       around the Blue Rider
At Café Frischhut               Strasse 2), which incorpo-    school of early twentieth-         – Annie Fitzsimmons
(Prälat-Zistl-Strasse 8)        rates resplendent African     century expressionist          Photography by Clara Tuma

                                                                                                         OC TOB E R 201 9   21
WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T

HAVE IT ALL?
Get pampered with Delta Vacations Luxury.
Shop for haute couture on Bond Street. See the crown jewels in the
Tower of London. Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Harrods.
Dreams really do become a reality when we handle all the details
of your London Luxury getaway.
Luxury packages include:
• Round-trip First Class, Delta One,™ Delta Premium Select or Comfort+®
  seating aboard Delta Air Lines® with Sky Priority® check-in*
• Private, VIP airport transfers or premium car rental options
• Luxurious accommodations with unique amenities
• Services of a personal concierge + more
SkyMiles® Members will earn up to 7,500 bonus miles,
in addition to credited flight miles.
Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor to book today.

                                           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. *Where seating is available. To review full terms
                              and conditions, visit delta.com. Itineraries with segments that originate and end within the U.S. may be in First Class or Main Cabin rather
                                       than Delta One. Delta One service will be available on the transoceanic portion of the itinerary. ©2019 Delta Vacations DV32966
                                                                                                                                                    Location: Bond Street
Survey London’s rooftops while
  socializing by the Grand Pavilion
  Penthouse’s private firepit.

Stay Longer Near London’s Hyde Park
The Berkeley
Time flies when you’re staying at The Berkeley, a chic urban retreat in London’s fashionable Knightsbridge neighborhood.
Book by November 26, 2019, and enjoy a fourth night free – you’ll have another day to get a calming spa treatment, take
a dip in the seventh-floor pool, or relax in the secret garden. Sample innovative dishes at Michelin-starred chef Marcus
Wareing’s restaurant, and slip into a cozy nook with a cocktail at The Berkeley Bar & Terrace. Elevate your experience
even further in the new glass-enclosed Grand Pavilion Penthouse, featuring a wraparound terrace.

                                                                                   London, United Kingdom
                                                                                   4 Nights • Travel available through
                                                                                   November 30, 2019

                                                                                   Virtuoso Exclusive Experience
                                                                                   Includes:
                                                                                   • Four nights’ accommodation
                                                                                   • Fourth night FREE
                                                                                   • Upgrade on arrival, if available
                                                                                   • Seasonal welcome amenity
                                                                                   • Full English breakfast for two daily
                                                                                   • GBP 75 credit toward food and
                                                                                     beverage or spa services per room,
                                                                                     per stay
                                                                                   • Early check-in/late checkout,
                                                                                     if available
                                                                                   • Complimentary Wi-Fi
                                                          Saint Paul’s Cathedral
                                                               sits outside your
                                                           Terrace Junior Suite.   Please connect with your Virtuoso
                                                                                   travel advisor for best available rates.

                                                                                                            OC TOB E R 201 9   23
NIZUC gives the Mexican
                                                                                           spirit a modern touch.

        Sofitel’s sumptuous                                                                          You can dive just minutes off
        lobby is bathed in light.                                                                      Belmond Maroma’s shores.

     Bespoke Winter Getaways in Paris and Beyond
     Travel Impressions
     Winter in Paris is a magical time, when a light dusting of snow adds an ethereal quality to the city’s iconic rooftops.
     Experience all Paris has to offer while spending five nights at Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, a boutique hotel located just
     off the haute shopping street rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Prefer a warm-weather getaway? Hop a flight to sunny
     Cancún for a five-night stay at the chic NIZUC Resort, lounging by your suite’s private plunge pool, or the intimate
     Belmond Maroma, set along what Travel Channel called the best beach in the world.

     NIZUC RESORT & SPA                        BELMOND MAROMA RESORT & SPA               SOFITEL PARIS LE FAUBOURG
     5 Nights • Travel available               5 Nights • Travel available               5 Nights • Travel available January 9
     December 12 through 17, 2019              December 16 through 21, 2019              through 14, 2020

     Virtuoso Exclusive Experience             Virtuoso Exclusive Experience             Virtuoso Exclusive Experience
     Includes:                                 Includes:                                 Includes:
     • Five nights’ accommodation in a         • Five nights’ accommodation in a         • Five nights’ accommodation in a
       Garden Suite at reduced rates             Deluxe Garden Room                        Double Room
     • Upgrade upon arrival, if available      • Breakfast for two daily                 • Breakfast daily
     • Breakfast for two daily                 • Maroma bed decorations on arrival
     • Welcome bottle of tequila and           • One 30-minute body-oil relaxing         Virtuoso rates from $1,485
       dried fruit in suite                      massage per person, per stay            per person.
     • Hydrotherapy session for two,           • Round-trip airport transfers
       once per stay                           • Early check-in/late checkout,
     • Round-trip airport transfers              if available
     • Early check-in/late checkout,           • Complimentary Wi-Fi
       if available
     • Complimentary Wi-Fi                     Virtuoso rates from $2,145
                                               per person.
     Virtuoso rates from $1,103
     per person.

24   B E ST O F E UR O P E
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      BARCELONADiscover a cosmopolitan city with more than 2,000 years of history.
               Discover a cosmopolitan city with more than 2,000 years of history.
         Gaze upon modernista architecture and explore off-the-beaten-path Barcelona.
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GOODS & GADGETS

     Green Globe-Trotting
     Show the earth some love as you explore it with these
     eco-friendly products from brands that also give back.

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26   B E ST O F E UR O P E
Grand, eighteenth-century facades
                                                                  Complimentary Night in Paris
  line Bordeaux’s quayside.                                       Esprit Saint Germain
                                                                  Paris, France
                                                                  3 Nights • Travel available November 1 through
                                                                  December 19, 2019

                                                                  Virtuoso Exclusive Experience Includes:
                                                                  • Three nights’ accommodation
                                                                  • Third night FREE
                                                                  • Breakfast for two daily
                                                                  • In-room flowers and fresh fruits daily
Golf & Great Wine in Bordeaux                                     • Open lobby bar, including Champagne, wines, and spirts
Adventures In Golf                                                • Complimentary minibar in room
                                                                  • Access to fitness center (steam and sauna)
BORDEAUX – WINE, HISTORY, GOLF & MORE!
5 Nights • Travel available April 1 through October 31, 2020      Virtuoso rates from EUR 840 per night for Superior Room.

Virtuoso Exclusive Experience Includes:
• Five nights’ accommodation in downtown Bordeaux
  at InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel
• Breakfast daily
• Three rounds of golf, including Grand
  Saint-Émilionnais Golf Club
• Private transfers throughout the tour
• Private guided tour through the medieval town of
  Saint-Émilion, including a winery lunch
                                                                    Elevate your stay to
• Bottle of private-label Bordeaux wine (per two guests)            the Penthouse Suite
                                                                    with private terrace.
Virtuoso rates from $3,672 per person.

1
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     Cotopaxi’s unisex Teca                    donates ten percent of every                 cloth sourced from Portland,
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is finished off, the company                   ish Dominican sunglasses.                          Every pair of Rothy’s,
creates a new one with a                       soloeyewear.com.                             including these Moroccan
different color combination.                                                                Amber loafers, inspired by
In multiple colors and sizes;                                                               ancient ikat dyeing, is born

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      Pela’s iPhone cases                      bamboo, Reveal’s solar                       rothys.com.
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new one. We love the new                       revealshop.com.                                   The Mi Terro duffle
limited-edition Honey Bee                                                                   suitcase is designed with
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     Solo Eyewear sourc-                       features a hidden back                       from recycled plastic bottles.
     es sunglass cases and                     pocket for wet swimwear and                  In four colors; miterro.com.

                                                                                                              OC TOB E R 201 9   27
7 Regions to Explore in Portugal

Porto and North
For a taste of history, head to the region where Portugal was
founded, which dates back to the twelfth century. Don’t miss
the five UNESCO World Heritage sites: the historic centers
of Porto and Guimarães, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do
Monte in Braga, the archaeological park of Côa Valley, and
the Alto Douro wine region, where the internationally famous
port wine is produced. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit the
Peneda-Gerês National Park to explore granite villages,
hike to cascading waterfalls, and spot wildlife, such as
deer, otters, and wild horses.

                                                                Lisbon
                                                                Lisbon is one of Europe’s most beloved cities, and the
                                                                region has much to offer. Take the waterfront road along
                                                                the Tagus river to reach Estoril, an early twentieth-century
                                                                town full of historic charm, and Ericeira, a recognized World
                                                                Surfing Reserve. Visit the magnificent eighteenth-century
                                                                Palace and Convent of Mafra and the romantic Serra de
                                                                Sintra cultural landscape, both designated UNESCO World
                                                                Heritage sites and a short distance from the city. Just south
                                                                of Lisbon, golden beaches of the Costa da Caparica Fossil
                                                                Cliffs preserve await, as does the protected Serra da
                                                                Arrábida park, boasting crystal-clear waters ideal for
                                                                scuba diving.

Center of Portugal
The cities of Aveiro, Coimbra, and Leiria are ideal starting
points to explore the heart of Portugal, which lies between
the Douro and Tagus rivers. Come upon small fishing towns
along the coast, such as Aveiro, where sea salt is harvested.
You can also find well-known surf spots in Peniche and
Nazaré. Inland, be sure to visit the castles of the schist
villages, which hold artifacts such as handmade textiles
and woodwork.
A D V E R T I SE M EN T

www.visitportugal.com

  Discover Portugal
  Portugal has welcomed many different cultures over the past eight centuries, giving
  the country a lively historical legacy. Explore its spectacularly diverse cuisine, art,
  architecture, tradition, and landscapes – including 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  Wherever you travel in Portugal, you’re sure to get a look into the country’s rich
  heritage while being welcomed with signature hospitality.
A D V E R T I SEM E N T

Alentejo
This territory is known for the UNESCO World Heritage
Cities of Évora and Elvas, and for the enormous Alqueva
reservoir – the largest man-made lake in Europe. Go sailing
under its immense skies, the first Starlight Tourism Destination
as designated by UNESCO. Alentejo is also home to the
world’s largest cork oak forests, near the area’s esteemed
wine region. Along the coast, there are outstanding beaches
and coastlines ideal for a few days’ rest and relaxation, as
well as an oasis for surfers.

                                                                       Madeira
                                                                       The Atlantic islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are interna-
                                                                       tionally recognized for their natural beauty. Highlights include
                                                                       walks along the levadas – the trails alongside irrigation
                                                                       channels – hiking, diving, boating, and surfing. Madeira is
                                                                       also known for thalassotherapy treatment, a practice for
                                                                       equilibrium between body and mind. The island’s Madeira
                                                                       wine is important to its heritage, but one of the greatest
                                                                       attractions continues to be the island’s festivities: the
                                                                       Carnival parades, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival,
                                                                       and the great firework display at the end of the year.

Algarve
Head to Algarve for beautiful weather, a variety of beaches,
indulgent spas, water sports, and entertainment. It has been
voted the world’s top golfing destination, thanks to the
quality of its courses and the opportunity to play year-round.
Gain a different perspective on footpaths and cycle trails like
the Algarve Way, the peaceful settings of the Ria Formosa
and the Guadiana River, or the well-preserved coastal stretch
of Vicentine, where you can learn about the region’s nature
reserves and traditional villages, and Portugal’s maritime history.

                                                                       Azores Islands
                                                                       The nine islands of the Azores are ideal for communing with
                                                                       nature. Their volcanic origin resulted in the formation of a
                                                                       dramatic landscape that offers rare experiences such as
                                                                       horseback riding around the Seven Cidades Lagoon on São
                                                                       Miguel island, swimming in geothermal pools, and whale- or
                                                                       dolphin-watching. The archipelago’s cultural heritage is key in
                                                                       the history of Portugal. Visit the Pico Island Vineyard Culture,
                                                                       a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the historic center of
                                                                       Angra do Heroísmo on the island of Terceira. Don’t miss a
                                                                       visit to a tea plantation – the Azores are the only place in
                                                                       Europe where tea is still grown.
Food & Wine                                                Outdoor Trails
Portugal’s cuisine is simple but as rich and varied        Discovering Portugal on foot or by bike is a great
as its landscape. Known for their pleasure in              way to find secluded treasures that otherwise you
welcoming people to the table, the Portuguese like         may not find. Take a walking tour among city streets,
to present creative dishes, share their specialties,       across fields, or on a beach; some tours have set
and highlight the talent of the chefs who seek to          starting points, while others encourage you to go
produce authentic cuisine and emphasize the                wherever your inner adventurer calls. Hop on a
quality of the local products. Olive oil, bread, fish,      bike and pedal at your own pace, sensing the
wine, vegetables, herbs, and fresh seasonal fruits         aromas and sounds that surround you. Whether
are the main ingredients of the Mediterranean diet         you choose to have the sea at your side, go up
that Portugal shares.                                      and down mountains, or meander through towns
                                                           and villages, the options are endless.
Portugal boasts the world’s oldest demarcated
wine region – the Douro, dating back to the
eighteenth century, where one of the best-known
and most appreciated wines, port, is produced.
                                                           Music Festivals
                                                           In addition to good music, festivals are a fun way to
It is also where the highest number of native grape        get to know a destination. Lisbon and Porto offer
varieties are grown – more than 250. From smooth,          lively evenings that are a natural continuation of
crisp whites to full-bodied reds, the range of wines       the joyful atmosphere. You can attend a seaside
produced is as vast as the country’s scenery.              concert and take a dip in the ocean in between
                                                           performances. Farther inland, celebrations may take

Arts & Crafts
                                                           place in the heart of nature. Bike rides, canoeing,
                                                           and river walking are just some of the activities that
Proud of its rich history, Portugal shares its knowl-      can round off well-spent days.
edge and mastery in a variety of arts, including
vibrant tiles from Lisbon, filigree jewelry from
Minho and Douro, textiles and embroidery from
the island of Madeira, and gorgeous tapestries
from Arraiolos and Portalegre. Some traditional
Portuguese arts are undergoing a revitalization,
combining authentic practices with contemporary
approaches, contributing to a diverse array of products.
Winter Is Coming – Warm Up
                                                             with Champagne!
                                                             Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
                                                             Champillon, France
                                                             2 or 3 Nights • Travel available November 3, 2019,
        A magical
                                                             through March 27, 2020
        location on the
        Champs-Elysées.                                      Virtuoso Exclusive Experience Includes:
                                                             • Accommodations in Champagne Junior Suite or above
                                                             • Save 15 percent on two-night stay OR save 20 percent

     Parisian Experience with                                  on three-night stay
                                                             • Continental breakfast for two daily
     Private Airport Transfer                                • Personalized Champagne tasting (selection of three
                                                               Champagnes) for two, paired with a cheese board
     Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s Paris                       • Early check-in/late checkout, if available

     Paris, France                                           Please connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor
     3 Nights • Travel available through December 31, 2019   for best available rates.

     Virtuoso Exclusive Experience Includes:
     • Three nights’ accommodation
                                                                                                  Decor inspired by the
     • Upgrade at time of booking (up to Deluxe Suite)                                             natural and cultural
     • One-way private airport transfer                                                          heritage of the region.
     • Breakfast for two daily
     • EUR 85 credit toward food and beverage or
       spa service per room, per stay
     • Early check-in/late checkout, if available
     • Complimentary Wi-Fi

     Please connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor
     for best available rates.

                                                             Complimentary Fourth Night
                                                             in Cannes
                                                             Hôtel Martinez
                                                             Hôtel Martinez is located in the heart of the French
                                                             Riviera, on the famous Croisette in Cannes. Completely
                                                             renovated in 2018, it offers 409 rooms and suites with
                                                             a yachting spirit; three restaurants, including the two-
                                                             Michelin-starred La Palme d’Or; and a brand-new private
                                                             beach club, La Plage du Martinez. Hôtel Martinez invites
                                                             guests to savor and share the Riviera’s simple pleasures
                                                             in a chic yet relaxed atmosphere.

                                                             Cannes, France
                                                             Travel available October 1 through December 31, 2019

                                                             Virtuoso Exclusive Experience Includes:
                                                             • Four nights’ accommodation
                                                             • Fourth night FREE
                                                             • Upgrade upon arrival, if available
                                                             • Breakfast for two daily
                                                             • $100 food and beverage credit per room, per stay
                                                             • Early check-in and late checkout, if available
                                                             • Complimentary Wi-Fi
        Soak in views over
        the Bay of Cannes.                                   Please connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor
                                                             for best available rates.

32   B E ST O F E UR O P E
REFINED

                                            A tale of two cities
                  Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor to book your next European adventure
                                                                                               Hôtel de Crillon,
Rosewood London
                                                                                              A Rosewood Hotel
By Wate

                                CRUISES
                                Seeing a continent’s highlight reel is
                                more fun when you’re floating, and
                                Europe’s density makes it particularly
                                easy to tick off destinations. Here,
                                we showcase European cruises to
                                satisfy every traveler – from ocean to
                                river, Mediterranean to Scandinavian,
                                months-long to a few days – along
                                with ship highlights and exciting new
                                ports of call.

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A Viking River Cruises ship
in Aschaffenburg, Germany.

               OC TOB E R 201 9   35
Your Every Travel Wish, Granted
     Crystal Cruises
     Travel wishes are sure to come true when you’re sailing with the most-awarded luxury cruise line. Spread out in a Seabreeze
     Penthouse or Suite and let your butler unpack the luggage, reserve a spa appointment, and cater to your every whim.
     Dine when and with whom you please at an array of Michelin-inspired venues, including Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma &
     Sushi Bar; relax completely with all-inclusive luxury that encompasses everything from fine wine and premium spirits
     to prepaid gratuities. Consider a theme cruise that focuses on food and wine or wellness.

        There are plenty of canopied seating
        areas atop Europe’s only all-suite,
        butler-serviced river ships.

     LEGENDARY RHINE                           DELIGHTFUL DANUBE                          MEDITERRANEAN IMPRESSIONS
     7 Nights • Crystal Bach,                  7 Nights • Crystal Mahler,                 12 Nights • Crystal Serenity
     Crystal Debussy                           Crystal Ravel                              Departs April 21, 2020
     Departs April 2 through                   Departs April 3 through
     December 14, 2020                         December 14, 2020                          Itinerary:
                                                                                          Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy • Florence
     Itinerary:                                Itinerary:                                 (Livorno), Italy • Porto Venere, Italy •
     Basel, Switzerland • Strasbourg,          Budapest, Hungary overnight •              Cannes, France • Ajaccio, Corsica,
     France • Karlsruhe, Germany •             Vienna, Austria overnight •                France • Palma de Mallorca, Spain •
     Mannheim, Germany • Rüdesheim,            Dürnstein, Austria • Melk, Austria •       Valencia, Spain • Barcelona, Spain
     Germany overnight • Koblenz, Germany      Passau, Germany • Regensburg,              overnight • Toulon, France • Monte
     overnight • Cologne, Germany              Germany overnight (or reverse)             Carlo, Monaco overnight
     overnight • Amsterdam, the
     Netherlands overnight                     Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive:          Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive:
                                               $125 As You Wish credit per person         Virtuoso Voyages custom curated
     Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive:                                                    shore experience in Valencia,
     $125 As You Wish credit per person        Virtuoso Petite Suite fares                welcome reception, and onboard
                                               from $2,999 per person.                    Virtuoso host
     Virtuoso Petite Suite fares
     from $3,199 per person.                                                              Virtuoso Oceanview fares
                                                                                          from $4,349 per person.

36   B E ST O F E UR O P E
YACHTING HARBORS OF CROATIA                 CAPITALS OF CULTURE – MIND,                 NORTH CAPE BRILLIANCE – WINE
7 Nights • Crystal Esprit                   BODY & SPIRIT THEME CRUISE                  & FOOD FESTIVAL THEME CRUISE
Departs May 7 through                       12 Nights • Crystal Serenity                14 Nights • Crystal Symphony
October 4, 2020                             Departs May 10, 2020                        Departs June 19, 2020

Itinerary:                                  Itinerary:                                  Itinerary:
Venice, Italy • Rovinj, Croatia •           Venice, Italy overnight • Dubrovnik,        London (Dover), England, United
Šibenik, Croatia • Trogir, Croatia •        Croatia • Kotor, Montenegro •               Kingdom • Bergen, Norway •
Vis, Croatia • Hvar, Croatia • Korcula,     Corfu, Greece • Siracusa, Sicily, Italy •   Hellesylt, Norway • Geiranger,
Croatia • Dubrovnik, Croatia                Sorrento, Italy • Rome (Civitavecchia),     Norway • Å i Lofoten, Norway •
                                            Italy • Monte Carlo, Monaco                 Gravdal, Norway • Tromsø, Norway •
Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive:           overnight • Barcelona, Spain overnight      Honningsvåg, Norway • Flåm,
$125 As You Wish credit per person                                                      Norway • Stavanger, Norway •
                                            Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive:           Oslo, Norway overnight •
Virtuoso Petite Suite fares                 Virtuoso Voyages custom curated             Copenhagen, Denmark
from $5,749 per person.                     shore experience in Kotor, welcome
                                            reception, and onboard Virtuoso host        Complimentary Virtuoso Exclusive:
                                                                                        Virtuoso Voyages custom curated
                                            Virtuoso Oceanview fares                    shore experience in Stavanger,
                                            from $4,849 per person.                     welcome reception, and onboard
                                                                                        Virtuoso host

                                                                                        Virtuoso Oceanview fares
                                                                                        from $5,749 per person.

                                                                                                            Partake in a private
                                                                                                     wine-pairing meal in your
                                                                                                    river ship’s Vintage Room.

                                                                                                              It’s easy to relax
                                                                                                                   when luxury
                                                                                                                    is personal.

                                   There’s chilled Champagne
                                    waiting in your Seabreeze
                                             Penthouse Suite.

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