https://thegiftedtraveler.com/home daily 1.0 2020-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1592976579696-I4SXAJWVOMG0C60NZ00T/IMG_0862.jpg Home - From Auckland to Amsterdam, Robin has your back. Take a deep breath. Your luxury travel advisor has you covered. From hotels and private touring to travel insurance, to the rare unforeseen flight delay, you will never be without support in a new place. This way, you can relax and enjoy, leaving the complicated parts to someone with more than thirty years of travel industry expertise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587923561808-JS091VWYOIM84NRTRCOY/shutterstock_1154866195.jpg Home - Experiential luxury travel is curated with you in mind. You give everything to your life, your family and your work. The time you have for personal travel is limited and should be carefully curated–as thoughtfully planned as you are devoted. You are a gifted traveler, and you deserve a one-of-a-kind experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587950602033-263I9ZEFTSJYYLDO1O73/HP_Belmond.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587951758727-343TI5F6AE1VU9UY2584/HP_RelaisChateaux.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587950602081-CSE269HDU8AKZCM2QJM0/HP_bigfive+copy.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587952468587-0M4VKSTXVV3YCTIW8FGY/HP_SouthernCrossings.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587951909857-LXS9QM91PI1CNWQCF212/HP_Four+Seasons.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587952504220-CWQNRTFLXFCYE8UI6AYL/HP_Ritz.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587952468517-K9H4OIHMK2CYK7PXDXIC/HP_Rosewood.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587950602060-C10LW9IIB0DKAEX1C9CB/HP_AmaWW.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587953459926-OZOY6UG6ARMNN0C3R73N/HP_Viking.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587953767883-A9QBJGLTLKUGS2YI3NG8/HP_Journey+Mexico.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1588054476158-DJSN29PVJONS3JKGEBJU/HP_ItalytotheMax.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1588054476518-2Q7QTRTTY88QSBQWVQE8/HP_SLH.png Home https://thegiftedtraveler.com/get-started daily 0.75 2020-04-28 https://thegiftedtraveler.com/about daily 0.75 2022-08-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587365431920-BZKKEQDDKOL9G0XQRZT0/retouched_robin_70.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587954040878-XXGL09Z1X3OYNBJUCD23/TGT-ASTALogoNew.png About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587955255505-LUUWYKSIUS21048PI0C2/TGT_LuxeTravel_18Jul16+copy.png About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1587954041099-OWYELOHXLGEHN686NX9R/TGT_Signiture+travel+network+logo.png About https://thegiftedtraveler.com/contact daily 0.75 2020-04-20 https://thegiftedtraveler.com/schedule daily 0.75 2022-08-23 https://thegiftedtraveler.com/italy-luxury-itinerary daily 0.75 2020-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1590474142927-EMPQFL08KL9YXT6J6NX9/Untitled+design+%289%29.png Italy - Days 12-13: Capri Stay: Caesar Augustus is amongst the most panoramic properties in the whole of Italy–– if not the world. This iconic Relais & Chateaux is famous for its romantic rooms and suites and its unbelievably beautiful views of the sea surrounding the island of Capri. Explore: Before arriving at your spectacular accommodations, journey into a defining moment in history with your private guide at the archaeological site of Pompeii. Explore its architecture, traditions and local life before this bustling city was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius erupting in 79 AD. Relax: Meet your boat captain for a beautiful day on the crystal-clear waters of Capri and the Costiera. During your private boat tour, visit the most enchanting coves and grottos along the coastline, as well as the island’s exclusive picturesque beaches. Stop for a glass of Greco di Tufo a la spiaggia, and leap into the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. Eat: La Terrazza di Lucullo is Hotel Cesar Augustus’ acclaimed restaurant. From the vegetables grown in the kitchen garden to the freshest catch delivered by the island's fishermen each morning, only the best locally-sourced ingredients are used to create chef Eduardo Vuolo's deliciously light Mediterranean cuisine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1590474909727-14C4OH7UC75ON98O0CWI/Untitled+design+%2810%29.png Italy - Days 14-16: Amalfi Stay: The villa of Il San Pietro Hotel rests on a promontory with breathtaking views of Positano, its coastline and the striking rocks of Capri. Its romantic rooms offer a private terrace and spectacular sea view, with authentic details like terra cotta floors and fresco-covered doors. Explore: Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you on a beautiful drive on the charming Amalfi Coast. You will ride in all comfort and enjoy the scenic route overlooking the Sea and the charming fisherman’s villages. The following day, your expert hiking guide will meet you at your hotel for 4-mile journey through untouched landscapes of one of the most famous coastlines in the world. This trail called The Path of the Gods by locals, goes through tunnels of elm and oak trees surrounded by strawberries bushes and Mediterranean vegetation; it crosses wild cliffs adorned by prehistoric caves and terraced vineyards. Eat: Zass is Il San Pietro’s Michelin starred restaurant is surrounded by a bright, Mediterranean atmosphere. Chef Alois Vanlangenaeker 's dishes embody his quest for purity, harmony & refinement. And the Michelin Star Restaurant Rossellini in Ravello is set in a charming hamlet where you can enjoy a stunning sunset and even more fantastic dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1590473037547-IBUXUFGD6HP3M98T8PIG/Untitled+design+%285%29.png Italy - Days 4-7: Tuscany Stay: Borgo Santo Pietro is Robin’s favorite hotel in the region for its sprezzatura–the untranslatable Italian word for elegance appearing effortless. The five-star Relais & Chateux property has a world-class cooking school, 300-acre organic farm, Michelin-starred restaurant and holistic spa. Drink: Chianti Region: At the heart of the Marchese Antinori wine Dynasty, you will visit the cellars and wine making facility where the homonymous Tignanello and the iconic Solaia wines are crafted. Montalcino Region: take a beautiful drive to the DOCG Brunello di Montalcino wine area, visiting the beautiful ‘Fiesole Estate’ home of the ‘Casanova di Neri’ winery. Taste the ‘Tenuta Nuova’, which has just received 100/100 points from Robert Parker. Play: Have fun riding a vespa along the scenic and peaceful roads of Chianti. Explore small medieval villages situated in the heart of Tuscany and stop into a renowned farm for a wine tasting and a delicious lunch. Eat: Hand-make ravioli di ricotta and tagliolini al nero with Mama Olga at the Borgo Santo Pietro Cooking School. And after wine tasting in Chianti, spend some time at Falorni––one of the oldest butcher shops in the country––sampling their production of prosciutto, salami, and cheese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1590472903212-D8CYCQS179U5Z6YTDXUF/Untitled+design+%284%29.png Italy - Days 1-3: Florence Stay: Check-in at the Portrait Firenze, and enjoy a spectacular view of the river Arno and Ponte Vecchio—steps from the alluring boutiques of Via Tornabuoni. Elegance, sophistication and utmost attention to detail are redefined in this palatial mansion, portraying Italian haute couture of the 50s, when Florence captivated the world’s attention once again. Explore: Enjoy Michelangelo’s David skipping Galleria dell’Accademia’s notorious lines; then intimately experience some of the most famous Renaissance works––Raphael, Caravaggio, Botticelli––with your private guide at the Uffizi. Shop: For the fashion maven, a trip to the Ferragamo Museum will pique your passion, only then satisfied by a trip to one of the most exclusive shopping centers in Italy where you can find Gucci, Armani, and Loro Piana, among others. Eat: Looking out over the River Arno, Michelin-starred Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo offers guests the ultimate fine dining experience with unforgettable views while historic Ristorante Bucamario serves delicious traditional Florentine cuisine in a breathtaking 16th-century cellar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1590473897295-O5SJC8GSUEUDKYWEFD9R/Untitled+design+%288%29.png Italy - Days 8-11: Rome Stay: A vibrant, modern-day icon atop the Spanish Steps, Hotel de la Ville is a lively 18th-century palazzo that both embodies and overlooks life in the Eternal City with its sweeping city views. Fall for its enchanting courtyard, exquisite food from Fulvio Pierangelini, effervescent rooftop bar, street-side bistro and Sicilian-inspired spa. Explore: Your first day in Rome, enjoy an exclusive private tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel with your licensed guide before it opens to the general public. The following day, trace the history of the glorious past of the Eternal City walking through its monumental ruins like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Your final day, take a private car to the enchanted village of Tivoli, one of the oldest villages outside Rome, exploring Villa d’Este’s magnificent Renaissance fountains. Eat: Our favorite Roman restaurants are all about the atmosphere. Roscioli is Rome’s quintessential trattoria established in 1892 and patronized primarily by locals. Like the best Italian fare, the cuisine is simple and delicious, using the regions superior ingredients toward culinary perfection. La Sibilla is a hidden gem an hour outside of the city-center, situated within a Roman temple nestled in the cascading hills of Tivoli. Dining alfresco on their beautiful terrace, the atmosphere come second only to the next-level cuisine; you may very well have your best meal in Italy here. https://thegiftedtraveler.com/luxury-safari-itinerary daily 0.75 2020-06-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1591840272584-ALDRG3I77DAAHRQDPLBO/1.png Safari - Days 1-3: Gorilla Safari Lodge Stay: Gorilla Safari Lodge sits comfortably at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a primeval forest and lush jungle region in south west Uganda. This national park is home to wild gorillas, forest elephants and 23 species of native birds. Connect: Experience an afternoon visit to the Batwa Tribes who will give you an intimate look into their ancient hunter-gather lifestyle. Inhabiting a small but beautiful pocket of the Buniga Forest, your Batwa guide will take your through the beauty of their natural surroundings, introduce you to their neighbors—red-tailed monkeys, a variety of birds, and on occasion, wild chimpanzees—and will share their homes and sustainable farming practices with you, their welcomed guests. Trek: What do you do when you come face to face with a female gorilla and her family? You’ll be well versed in gorilla etiquette after meeting your local guides and trackers who will share the ins and outs of trekking. Then, find yourself deep in the forest where gorillas were seen the night prior, and track from there. While the terrain can be rough, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the experience worth the effort. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten — the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1591840315100-J5ZGQ0AT37LLR0V47C0L/2.png Safari - Days 4-6: Saruni Rhino Camp Stay: After a day of travel, spend one evening at Ole-Sereni Hotel overlooking the Nairobi National Park. The following day, transfer to your accommodations at Saruni Rhino Camp located within the massive and remote Sera conservancy in the Samburu National Park. From the comforts of your luxury banda (cottage) watch elephants drink and play in the watering hole at the camp’s doorstep. Explore: Going off the beaten track to look for 16 critically endangered black rhino is not just an experience limited to National Geographic photographers. Once you locate the black rhino with your Sera rangers and Saruni guides, leave your vehicle for a more intimate experience on foot. Standing before these powerful creature among the rhythms of the East African bush is an opportunity few will ever have, and none will ever forget! Also enjoy crossing paths with the ‘Samburu Five’: gazelle, giraffe, ostrich, zebra, oryx and an abundance of other rare species such as the leopard, the striped hyena, the Civet cat and the wonderful African wild dog — not forgetting a plethora of birdlife. Eat: After a day tracking rhinos, enjoy a candlelit bush dinner under the stars with conscientiously prepared fare. While dinning among wildlife, witness the sounds of nocturnal creatures stirring in the distance. And while on safari, take a break with a riverside picnic, watching a family of elephants play. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1591842601775-1AY6II4PBXFT5G5Q65BA/Safari+Itinerary.png Safari - Days 7-9: Masai Mara Stay: Depart by flight to the Masai Mara. On arrival you are met and transferred to your luxury camp Ol Seki Mara — your enclave of luxury in the wildest terrain of Kenya. If ever there was a definition of ‘glamping’ Ol Seki captures it in every sense. Every tent sits on a private vantage point up on the rocky escarpment offering a 270° view of the bush from your bed which takes in the slope of the acacia scrub where animals graze in the shade of the sparse trees. At night, you will find yourself in the warm glow of the paraffin lanterns and candlelight, the hazy bush noises singing in the background as you survey the Koyaki plains. Explore: Explore Naboisho, your secluded wilderness, away from the flash and chatter of tourists. There’s so much to discover here – myriad wildlife indigenous to East Africa, as well as the wild birds and plants. Meet the local Maasai herdsmen and their families and learn about their pastoral way of life. Take a hike, visit a N’dorobo cave, watch birds, photograph the sunset, dine under the stars, soar above the plains in a hot air balloon or have an exciting horseback safari. You’ll love the personally tailored experience in the hands of attentive, observant guides. Eat: Breakfast can be before you head out for a morning game drive or after you come back. Lunch can be a perfect picnic out in the Reserve or a light lunch back in camp. After a long day on safari, afternoon tea is delivered to your room as you take a few hours to relax and re-energize. And if all that’s not enough, enjoy a 4 course dinner in camp or out in the bush under the stars. https://thegiftedtraveler.com/new-zealand-itinerary daily 0.75 2020-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1591936590963-N987PA2ZJ99WFK9MYTS9/4.png New Zealand - Days 10-12: Nelson Stay: Nestled in a serene valley in the heart of rural Nelson, Edenhouse is an enchanting country retreat resting in fifty acres of private grounds and eight acres of world renowned gardens. Located at the top of the South Island, in an area that enjoys the most sunshine hours of anywhere in New Zealand. The lodge is near to some of the most diverse wildlife on the island who call this blue and green paradise home. Explore: Visit one of the most beautiful national parks on planet earth by boat: the Abel Tasman National Park. On this leisurely voyage through the park, you will experience some of the most magnificent coastlines that New Zealand has to offer, where native bush meets golden sands and the crystal clear waters are a playground for birds, seals and dolphins. As you explore the coast your skipper will point out local seal colonies and secluded beach hideaways. A delicious lunch platter is enjoyed at a sheltered cove, where you also have the opportunity to use the onboard kayaks and snorkeling gear. Adventure: To quell an adventurous spirit, a guided cycling excursion through the Nelson region might be the answer. Or for the sea-loving heart, D’Urville island and reef offer a fun fishing experience. All avid hikers will enjoy a full day guided hiking tour through Kahurangi National Park. The world truly is your oyster during your time here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1591850313245-G1UJAFXMW7115EBXP6NJ/New+Zealand+Itinerary.png New Zealand - Days 1-3: Bay of Islands Stay: Resting on an unspoiled coastline where high cliffs nestle into three pristine private beaches, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs was named New Zealand’s number one resort by Travel + Leisure. The Relais & Chateaux property offers abundant activities with its David Harman-designed golf course, immersive local heritage tours, and spa sanctuary hidden within native forest. Sophisticated and elegant, the lodge was designed with you in mind offering space, comfort and complete relaxation with panoramic views across the Pacific. Explore: Enjoy a fantastic day out sailing through New Zealand's world famous Bay of Islands. Your private boat is a fast and luxurious way to explore, yet has the comfort, safety and ambiance to provide an exceptional day enjoying the breeze and the view from the covered deck. Guided by our professional and knowledgeable crew enjoy beach combing, a light walk and lunch served in a sheltered cove. Also enjoy at your leisure, a day at Waiaua Beach, quad biking, horseback riding, golf, deep-sea fishing, Waitangi Treaty Grounds privately guided tour and much more. Eat: Enjoy delicious, fresh Pacific Rim cuisine prepared by chef Barry Frith, while taking in stunning panoramic views of Cape Brett and the offshore Cavalli Islands. Guests can choose from a variety of dining spaces, including the main dining room, Tiger Room, Green Room and verandas, with private dining arranged upon request. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1591936220748-5DYR3792E1KH5G72J7Z3/3.png New Zealand - Days 7-9: Hawke’s Bay Stay: Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of stunning pastureland in Hawke’s Bay, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is the perfect balance of luxury and comfort. Its rustic and textured aesthetic harmonizes with comfortable, modern furniture, which only enhances the spectacular views from each suite’s private balcony. Taste: There may be no better way to venture between wineries in this pristine region than by bike. During your local winery tour, cycle along the coastal cliffs of Cape Kidnapper with striking vistas overlooking orchards, vines and farmland. Taste the delicious chardonnay varietals at Clearview Estate and then enjoy Elephant Hill’s 96-point Airavata Syrah. You’ll be getting hungry after several kilometers of striking views, so lunch at Craggy Range Winery comes just in time. Their award-winning cuisine pairs nicely with their seductive, earth pinot noir. Explore: Explore the rolling hills and cliffside of Cape Kidnappers at your own pace. A Kiwi discovery walk at The Farm will allow you absorb the natural beauty of the sheep-speckled farmland and sweeping Pacific views. For a faster pace, try mountain biking along the Cape. A round of golf on The Farm’s par 71 Tom Doak designed course will give you hours to take in the sights and take in the fresh ocean air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1591854542446-8I73Q7XD3CXNDW9U6COU/New+Zealand+Itinerary+%282%29.png New Zealand - Days 4-6: Taupo Stay: Huka Lodge lies within magnificent grounds beside the hypnotic turquoise waters of the Waikato River. Since the 1920s, the boutique lodge has been known for its tranquil location and warm hospitality. All suites and cottages nestle along the banks of the river, just upstream from the mighty Huka Falls. Explore: Gain a bird’s eye perspective of New Zealand’s most captivating landscapes during a three-hour helicopter tour of Mount Tarawera and Orakei Korako. The vastness of this region’s geography will surely take your breath away. From infamous volcanos (think Lord of the Rings), to technicolor geothermal pools and rivers, to crater lakes and naturally formed terraces-- this tour will give you a new perspective on just how uniquely beautiful our Earth truly is. Hike: Begin an immersive guided hike upon a swing bridge connecting to a meandering trail through native bush. Learn the Maori history surrounding of the forest’s diverse flora and fauna while traversing through spectacular scenery. Eventually you’ll arrive at the Tarawera Falls, but not before passing picturesque swimming holes along the way. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit! Other ways to explore this mystic region is via mountain bike: the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest boast some of the best trails. Also white water rafting on the Kaituna River is perfect for rafters of all confidence levels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1591936652880-K6N4AU5J8U3APMJFWWSH/5.png New Zealand - Days 13-14: Christchurch Stay: This magnificently restored lodge boasts the turn-of-the-century gardens and one of New Zealand’s most important historic homes. The homestead originally built in 1895 is one of the best examples of unspoiled Queen Anne architecture. Explore: Explore the exquisite seaside village of Akaroa, which once prospered as a French whaling station and is still rich with French, Maori, and English culture. From the town’s harbor you will board your private charter for a two hour scenic cruise around the peninsula. Journey past sea caves, high cliffs and unique volcanic rock formations, meeting Akaroa’s most famous residents, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin: the Hectors Dolphin. Adventure: Are you ready to land on a glacier after soaring through the epic Fiordlands? Your 6-hour helicopter excursion explores this remote and untouched part of New Zealand. Fly near 2,000-foot waterfalls, traversing the majestic fiords, dropping in amongst the New Zealand fur seals, hovering over glaciers, landing in the snow for photo memories against the mountain backdrop. A gourmet BBQ picnic lunch up on the mountain skyline is the icing on the cake. This is a completely tailored experience and will unquestionably be a highlight of your trip. Eat: Otahuna’s cuisine celebrates the best of seasonal New Zealand produce, with an emphasis on fresh Otahuna estate-grown offerings. Dinner is a five-course chef’s degustation menu which changes daily, making use of the fresh produce sourced from the property's own potager garden and orchard. Many culinary experiences may be pursued on the property including cooking classes and seasonal mushroom foraging. Private tours of local, artisanal food providers are arranged upon request. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e4ca22c5d23002a9d40e1b2/1591936957278-7ZFJ7ZZ8824PT5HAJZOQ/6.png New Zealand - Days 15-17: Queenstown Stay: Experience the mountains at Matakauri Lodge — an alpine lakeside retreat nestled in a serenely beautiful landscape. Spectacularly situated on Lake Wakatipu, each suite rests in native forest overlooking the lake and the mountainous panorama. Adventure: If you like to go fast, this will be your favorite part of New Zealand’s adventure tours. The Shotover Jet is the world’s most exciting jet boat ride. Canyon walls tower over you as your boat driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops, and skims around crags and boulders on Lake Wakatipu! Be sure to dress for the wind-chill factor as you’ll be traveling at speed. And hang on to hats and sunglasses! Eat: Enjoy lunch today at Akarua Wines and Kitchen by Artisan, located close to Arrowtown. With a focus on quality, taste and seasonality helped from Central Otago’s local growers. The food can also be matched carefully with a selection of Akarua wines. Enjoy the beautiful garden setting and the historic cottage which has been restored. https://thegiftedtraveler.com/journal daily 0.75 2020-08-16 https://thegiftedtraveler.com/journal/blog-post-title-two-e7d22 monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://thegiftedtraveler.com/journal/blog-post-title-three-wkb3a monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://thegiftedtraveler.com/journal/blog-post-title-four-9lras monthly 0.5 2020-05-20