(90 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Gail Hummel

Madison, WI

Africa Hawaii French & Italian Riviera Antigua

Areas of expertise -

Italy  Rome Florence

Sicily - Messina Taormina Mt. Etna

Florence - Ponte Vecchio Duomo 

Hawaii All islands

South Africa  Capetown  Mala Mala Game Reserve  Stellenbosch  Franscheok -  Wineland...
Learn more about me.

Areas of expertise -

Italy  Rome Florence

Sicily - Messina Taormina Mt. Etna

Florence - Ponte Vecchio Duomo 

Hawaii All islands

South Africa  Capetown  Mala Mala Game Reserve  Stellenbosch  Franscheok -  Winelands

Antigua and its 365 beaches

 

A recent return from Africa has me wanting to share the excitement of this diverse destination. I experienced everything the Cape has to offer, then went on Safari in MalaMala, a private game reserve. This trip ended with two nights at a tented camp on the Zambezi River, which included a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, or Mosi-Oa-Tunya, which means the Smoke That thunders. And it does. 

 I also spent a week in Antigua this summer, 365 beaches! Staying and playing on this beautiful island was such an experience. The unique culture offered so much and the variety of lodging was impressive. 

I offer a deep dive into destinations- history, culture, and more... I will create an itinerary that makes you savor every memory and fills you with a longing to return. With destination expertise in all of the Hawaiian Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Panama,The French and Italian Riviera, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, I strive to bring you an unforgettable experience in each destination.

I specialize in custom European trips and river cruising. If you're looking for a unique Netherlands experience, I have river cruised and spent time in Amsterdam gazing at the Dutch Masters, pondering Van Gogh paintings, eating too many Dutch Pannekoekens, and all varieties of cheese. My experience in Italy has me longing to return again and again.

Luxury is truly my thing, but it has to be coupled with a unique and immersive experience. I do not do budget travel, but promise value that will make you happy with every penny you spend.

Using finely honed research skill, I collaborate with you to create the essence of your personlaized experience.  I enjoy making travel dreams and wishes come true! I bring solid experience, tips that may not be obvious, and advice for planning family and group trips! Having a keen eye on history, I've also been an amateur genealogist since I was at my grandma's knee.

Tell me where you want to go... I'll make a way to get you there!

Email meCall Me

Gail Hummel

Can Be Reached At

1-608-833-5200 ext:217

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French and Italian Riviera changed my life!

Imagine floating into ports where Michelangelo designed the port entry and his art dominates the culture. Imagine arriving into ports where going to have a meal at a farm in Tuscany where they make their own pasta, truffle honey, and wine. Imagine lunch at Cafe Paris in Monte Carlo/Monaco and then strolling past million dollar cars to go to the world famous casino during yacht week. Oh, the sights I have seen!

I was never a cruiser until I took a cruise on the Celebrity Beyond, the newest ship at the time. It is a Four Diamond Resort at sea featuring dining venues and entertainment that satisfies your senses. There is something about a new ship, something about a luxury ship, but together? I am unexpectedly now a cruiser. I am happily now a cruiser with strong affinity for Celebrity because of everything they offer and because of their outstanding itineraries.

Barcelona - Not Italy or France, but my favorite city in Europe. La Plaza Rieal in the Gothic Quarter is a must stop and linger spot.

Ville France (Your gateway to Nice and Monaco) There is a beach club in Nice where the rocks in the sea sing. It is a pebble beach and as the waves push and pull these beautiful pebbles, they make a lyrical sound. It is heaven. Right around the corner is Monte Carlo.

La Spezia - Bay of Poets (look it up) This stop launched us to Lara, where there is a Medieval city that has renowned pasta makers and cherry culture. I am a cherry lover, so this was a thrill.

Messina - A town square with an anatomical clock that has a Golden Roaring Lion every day at noon. What? I never would have known if I had not been just wandering around the town. It is magical and delightful. Messina is a port city that was heavily bombed during WWII, has experienced devastating earthquakes, but you would never know that.

Santa Margharita - Hop a taxi to Portofinoo and have lunch overlooking the harbor or shop in the tiny boutiques. We had such good food at La Gritta, that we went back the second time when I did this itinerary in reverse. 

Marsielle - Goat cheese fig pasta with Aperol Spritz. A tour to the Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde, 100 steps to the top. It was worth it. The history of these port cities is deep and so incredible.

I think I forgot to mention the ruins of Pompeii and Amalfi. How can I forget these places? It is all too much. You. Must Go. It WILL change your life to be immersed in these places yet have a luxury ship to return to. Trust me. I was not a cruiser. Now I cannot stop.

Above are just a few of the incredible things I experienced, with a million more along the way. I loved this itinerary so much, I did it twice in the same year and would do it again.There is nowhere in the world like the French and Italian Riviera. Nowhere. 

Let me help you change your life. Go and experience it for yourself.

My Travel Albums

Rome Florence Sicily Pompeii

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