Hi First name / friend

 

Good morning  from Marseille, France! 

 

I am attending a GTN Travel Symposium, checking out hotels, river cruise ships, drinking great wine and doing All The Things related to luxe travel in the South of France.     Follow along on Insta and Facebook, I will be here two weeks.  I have some fun things planned, stay tuned.

 

A few months ago I wrote a blog post about navigating the 2025 Catholic Jubilee.

 

Italy is always at the top of Sam's list, so it is a hot topic at our house.   

 

 

I finally gave in, not like Italy is ANY HARDSHIP AT ALL.  

 

The Jubilee celebrations are expected to draw up to 20 million additional visitors to the 134 million that visited Italy in 2023.    Before I dive into alternatives, here are a few quick details in case you missed my previous Jubilee blog. 

 

📌 What is the Jubilee?: The Jubilee (or Holy Year) is a Catholic event that occurs every 25 years, centered in Rome and Vatican City.

 

📌 Can I still go to Italy in 2025?: Absolutely! But it will require some strategic planning—namely, booking well in advance,  (I want to say this twice) and plan for cost increases. 

 

📌 So where else can I go in Europe? I'm so glad you asked!

 

I don't want to put a damper on your Italy 2025 plans First name / friend.

 

Europe has countless other incredible destinations.  Here are a few of them, so you can still plan an unforgettable trip—with my help, of course.

I talk about Croatia ALL THE TIME…and here I go again!  #brokenrecord

 

The Amalfi Coast is arguably one of the most popular spots in Italy – even without the Jubilee crowds. If it's the European seaside  you're after, the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia can't be beat. Coastal views? Charming  towns? Crystal-clear water? Check. Check. Check.  Want to make it even more fantastic? Charter a crewed boat and island hop from Split to Dubrovnik! Total travel bliss. 

 

📍 Split: Home to the Diocletian's Palace, a site that blends Roman architecture with a bustling city. Its lively waterfront promenade, local markets, fantastic restaurants, and proximity to beautiful islands make it a perfect base for a Mediterranean visit.  And, no joke, the best gelato you have ever tasted. 

 

📍 Dubrovnik: Famous for its dramatic stone walls and medieval Old Town, Dubrovnik is full of historic charm. Visitors can step back in time ( and right into The Game of Thrones) as they explore the alleys and Baroque buildings.

 

📍 Hvar:  This beautiful Croatian Island has  abundantly sunny days and a food  scene will have you saying “Italy who?” in no time. Charming old-town streets and a historic hilltop fortress offering panoramic views, this island paradise is just perfect.

 

 

Bordeaux goes toe-to-toe with Tuscany when it comes to charm, world-renowned wines, and rich history. The perfect alternative for wine lovers and vineyard-wanderers, Bordeaux’s vineyards and scenic villages are just waiting to be explored. 

 

📍 Bordeaux City: Known for its architecture, Bordeaux City is both elegant and vibrant. Wander through the grand Place de la Bourse, enjoy tasting experiences in historic wine cellars, and soak in the city’s café culture.

 

📍 Saint-Émilion: This medieval village, among Bordeaux’s most esteemed vineyards, is a must-visit for any wine aficionado. With charming stone streets, underground wine cellars, and panoramic vineyard views, Saint-Émilion perfectly captures Bordeaux’s beauty.

 

📍 Medoc Region: Famous for its prestigious wine estates, the Medoc region is a paradise of sprawling vineyards and châteaux. Visitors can tour legendary wineries, sip bold reds, and explore the scenic Route des Châteaux, where every stop feels like a step into history.

If the canals of Venice are are on your list, look at Bruges, Belgium. This charming city offers the same atmosphere—waterways, cobblestone streets, and Gothic architecture—but with its own unique Flemish flair.   Bruges is an under the radar vacation spot.  If school schedules dictate that your travel is limited to peak summer season, put Bruges on your list.   

 

📍 Bruges Canals: Bruges is famous for its idyllic canals lined with historic buildings. A boat ride through these serene waterways offers beautiful views of the city’s medieval charm.

 

📍 Market Square: Bruges’ Market Square, surrounded by colorful facades and the iconic Belfry tower, is the heart of the city. Enjoy the atmosphere, hop into local chocolate shops, and don't forget Belgian waffles.

 

P.S. Can’t get enough options? Trust me—this list could go on and on! Here’s a quick shoutout to a few more  gems that didn’t quite fit this week: the Italian-speaking region of Ticino in Switzerland,  sun-soaked  Malta, and Albania’s stunning, yet still under-the-radar coastlines. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your options for 2025 and need a little help deciding, I’m always just a quick reply away!   

 

Even though I am out of the office until the 6th, we can get a call on the calendar.