When it comes to luxury travel, some destinations immediately spring to mind: the glamorous streets of Paris, the exotic beaches of the Maldives, or the bustling metropolis of New York City. However, there's a hidden gem in the heart of Europe that often goes overlooked by luxury travelers seeking opulence, sophistication, and breathtaking natural beauty – Switzerland. This Alpine haven offers an array of ultra-luxurious experiences that cater to the most discerning travelers, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique blend of exclusivity and natural grandeur.

While Switzerland may be renowned for its world-class skiing, it's important to recognize that its luxury offerings extend far beyond the slopes. The country boasts a sophisticated and refined atmosphere, where even the smallest details are crafted to perfection. From the moment you arrive, you'll be enveloped in an ambiance of elegance and exclusivity that is unparalleled.

Switzerland is home to some of the most luxurious and picturesque Alpine retreats in the world. Nestled against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, small resort towns offer opulent accommodations, world-class spas, and Michelin-starred dining experiences. Imagine waking up in a lavish suite overlooking a pristine mountain landscape, followed by a day of rejuvenating spa treatments and gourmet meals crafted by renowned chefs.

For the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity, consider renting a private chalet in the Swiss Alps. These luxurious hideaways provide an intimate and personalized experience, where every desire is met by a dedicated team of staff. Relax in your own private sauna, enjoy wine tastings featuring the finest Swiss vintages, and embark on guided heli-skiing adventures for a truly unforgettable Alpine experience.

Switzerland's cultural offerings are equally as impressive as its natural beauty. Explore the charming streets of Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne, where you'll discover world-class art galleries, opera houses, and theaters. For a truly extraordinary experience, attend the Montreux Jazz Festival or the Art Basel fair, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant world of contemporary art and music.

Swiss cuisine is a reflection of the country's diverse cultural influences, resulting in a culinary landscape that's rich and flavorful. Indulge in a gastronomic journey by dining at restaurants awarded with Michelin stars and relish in the exquisite blend of traditional Swiss flavors and international inspiration. Don't forget to savor the renowned Swiss chocolates and cheeses, which are synonymous with quality and luxury.

A journey on the Swiss luxury trains, such as the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express, is an adventure like no other. As you travel through stunning landscapes, you'll be treated to unparalleled comfort, impeccable service, and panoramic views that will take your breath away. Sip on champagne as you traverse iconic mountain passes and picturesque valleys, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Switzerland's reputation for precision and craftsmanship extends to its shopping scene. Explore the prestigious boutiques along Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse, where you can find haute couture, exquisite timepieces, and stunning jewelry. For a truly exceptional experience, consider arranging a private shopping appointment at some of the world's most renowned luxury brands.

In conclusion, Switzerland is a hidden gem for luxury travelers, offering a wealth of experiences that rival any other destination. With its breathtaking natural beauty, world-class accommodations, refined cultural offerings, and unparalleled attention to detail, this Alpine paradise should be at the top of every discerning traveler's bucket list. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Switzerland promises an unforgettable journey into the lap of luxury.

Athens

The Acropolis. The Acropolis is one of the most well-known and most visited attractions in Athens. It is made up of many historical sites and home to many temples originally dedicated to the Greek gods. The best time to visit is early in the morning as the site opens and with a private well-informed guide. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city from all sides of the Acropolis and learn about the history of the Greek culture and of the area. If you’re lucky, you can also catch a concert or experience a cultural event at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a theater built in 161 CE at the site of the Acropolis.
The Panathenaic Stadium. This stadium is home to the modern-day Olympic Games. The stadium is a less visited attraction, but not out of the way. You can take a walk around the track (which is still in use!), pose on the winner’s pedestal, and tour the museum of the modern games. It costs only 10 euros for general admission and does not take very long so it can be done in conjunction with other tours/activities.

Mykonos

RIZES Folklore Farmstead. Step back in time to a traditional Mykonos farmstead run by a local family who still lives by the traditions and customs of old. Enjoy the traditionally decorated house, the farm animals, the lands and gardens and enjoy a meal made fresh from the resources of the farm. Learn how to make traditional bread and wine, help with the harvest, take a horseback or horse-and-carriage ride around the lands.

Santorini

Akrotiri. A Bronze Age Minoan settlement on the island of Santorini. This site was covered in volcanic ash during the 16th century and rediscovered only in the 1960’s. The settlement had been completely abandoned without a trace of the civilization who had once inhabited it and has left historians with many questions. This site is best visited with a private guide who knows the history of the area and the stories of the settlement.

The Cave of Nikolas. Located on the Red Beach in Santorini, this family-owned restaurant is a favorite of the locals and tourists alike. The little restaurant sits on the sea and was built next to a cave built by “Uncle Nikolas” that sheltered him and his little fishing boat during rough weather. Uncle Nikolas’ wife Aunt Efstathia became known locally for her “magical” sea inspired dishes.

Crete

Cretan Olive Oil Farm. Visit this farm and learn all about the process of making olive oil and cheese, the way they’ve done it for centuries. Do a pottery workshop or take a cooking class using local and farm fresh ingredients. Enjoy cultural festivals to learn all about the history and culture of Crete, the largest and most populous of the Greek islands.

In March 2023, I traveled with Atlas Ocean Voyages on an expedition cruise to the end of the world: Antarctica. There’s no way to tell you everything you could possibly want to know about Antarctica in just a few paragraphs. So I’ll start with answering the questions I got the most about my Antarctic adventure.

“You hate the cold - why would you want to go to Antarctica?”

Before I actually experienced the continent, my answer was simple: it’s on my bucket list to visit all 7 continents and the opportunity presented itself so I couldn’t say no. Sure, I don’t like the cold (despise it actually), but despite what people think it actually doesn’t get TOO unbearably cold during the Antarctic summer. We never experienced a day colder than a typical cold winter day in most states in the US. The cold actually didn’t bother me at all with the gear that I had and once I stepped foot on the continent, I didn’t even have a second thought about the weather conditions.

If you asked me the same question now, I’d tell you that Antarctica is the most beautiful place in the entire world. Its pristine and practically untouched landscape make it like no other destination you will ever experience, and the adorable wildlife brings life to an otherwise desolate environment. Seeing this great continent changed my life in many ways and I haven’t met a person yet who has disagreed.

“How do you even pack for Antarctica?”

As I mentioned, it doesn’t get nearly as cold as people think during Antarctica’s summer. For this reason, you’ll really just need to pack like you’re going on a ski trip (plus a few extras). I managed to pack everything I needed (and more) for a 10-day expedition (plus 2 travel days) in a personal bag and a carry-on – which made traveling SO easy.

Think of your layers: most Antarctic expedition cruise companies provide you with a parka and a pair of rubber boots, so you won’t have to lug these big items with you. Aside from these outerwear essentials, pack the most items for your base layer. I’d suggest thermal material, material that’s sweat-wicking, and packing both lined and unlined options (because despite what you may think, some days – like hiking days – lined thermals are a little much and the last thing you want to do is get too hot). I took a set of lined thermals, an extra lined thermal long sleeve, a pair of athletic leggings, 1 unlined long sleeve. and three unlined sweat-wicking shirts (sleeveless). For mid layer think a thin shell like a Patagonia or North Face pullover. For outer layer and warm accessories: snow or rain pants, 2 pairs of gloves (one thinner – for hiking, one thicker – for zodiac cruising), a warm hat, wool or thermal socks, and a neck gator to protect your face from the wind. To wear around the ship, I had one pair of jeans, one pair of nicer leggings, two sweaters and some workout shorts, and a bathing suit. I also took one pair of fur lined boots and one pair of sneakers. There are laundry services available on many of these types of cruises so look ahead and save on packing where you can!

“What do you get to do in Antarctica?”

On days that weren’t just designated for sailing (the first 2ish and the last one), we got to do one of two things. Some locations we took a zodiac cruise – we spent about an hour on the zodiac led by our expedition leaders getting up close to the wildlife, glaciers, and sometimes shipwrecks. Other times we would get to do continent landings – we would zodiac to the shore where we would land and explore the area. We saw penguin colonies, playing fur seals, old research and whaling stations, and surrounding mountain ranges. We could hike various trails laid out by our expedition leader or could stay closer to the shores and explore the wildlife areas.

There were opportunities to paddle board and kayak. There was also the opportunity to do the polar plunge in Antarctica (which we did!) and to camp on the continent (which we did!) – two of the coolest experiences of my life.

What I’ve shared is just a glimpse into this once in a lifetime experience - - if you have any questions or think that an Antarctic adventure is for you, please reach out! I hope to connect with you soon!