Tuck into a castle for the night or stop for lunch where local food has been served for generations, visit Ephesus when the crowds have left, stay in Venice off the beaten track where you watch the grand canal life as it hums, experience Chelsea Flower Show opening day not the last day, get to know the villagers that each year graciously feed us lunch in a humble home in Sirince, Turkey. Yes, travel is in the details and in having insider personal access to people and places. You are sure to relish our small group travel that offers you luxe with value. Join us in 2015 and discover more of the world.

 
In This Issue
Backroads of Ireland
Mother's Day
No Single Supplements
La Dolce Vita
What to Pack for Charleston/Savannah
2016 Springtime in Japan
Twitter & Trip Advisor on Turkey
Upcoming Destinations

 

Take advantage of the lowest Euro in years and travel where the value is further enhanced. Tour the stunning Dingle Peninsula named one of the most beautiful in the world by National Geo.

 

Perch for a night at the award winning Adare Manor, Winner of Ireland's leading five star hotel at The World Travel Awards. Hear the music, see the green, taste the fresh food, and let Ireland's charm embrace you....

 

 

 

Mother and Daughter duo's have been fun to travel with through the years. I have experienced all sorts of family dynamics with mother's and daughters traveling together with us. The goal, of course, is to make cherished memories, to spend quality enriched time together and live the dream. Seeing how much each generation gets from these trips, I can only encourage you to make this happen for your mother or your daughter or granddaughter. The memories are etched in your heart and perhaps make for one of the best decisions ever.

 

 

   

Do you really want to share a room with a stranger on our vacation? We don't think it makes for the best of travels. We have divided the cost amongst everyone so ALL women who travel with us savour a private room without paying those hefty additional single supplement fees. We think you deserve your vacation to be comfortable. Sleep is integral to good health and when traveling, your sleep is important. We handpick the best of properties from small historical inns to larger historical inns, from small boutique hotels to lodges and villas. If you want to have a bubble bath at 3 am it's fine or wake up early or go to sleep late. The room is all yours. No snoring, no tiptoeing, no one else to take care of .......Just you.... and.... pleasant dreams...

 

 

 

Your trip begins in Rome, continues to Florence, Venice, and Lake Como. It is truly a sampler of Italy's finest. Guides will lead us down the cobbled streets of Rome. Skipping the line at The Vatican, we will savour the sacredness. We will dine in trattorias and will keep walking and walking some more. In Florence, the Duomo; in Venice, St. Marks Square; sipping wine along the shores of Lake Como. Wherever we go, the outstanding architecture, history, art and culture all flow together to create stunning memories of La Dolce Vita. As always, our curated lodging defines Serendipity Traveler and set us apart from others. In Venice, we pull out all the stops for you and perch comfortably on a private island away from the touristic crowds. I have stayed here and it was difficult to leave.

 

The Isola di San Clemente is a private island near Venice, a short, beautiful private boat ride from the famous Piazza San Marco. This stunning Venetian retreat in the heart of the Venice lagoon of 6 hectars offers adorned gardens with Linden, Cypress, Elm and nettle trees, the old chapel, and the views across the bay. The elegance and sense of sanctuary are all part of La Dolce Vita.

 

The St. Regis Venice San Clemente Palace will be your launch to our selection of bespoke Venice experiences. After a day of discovery around the city, escape back to your private island and restore your body and soul with inspiring moments as the lights twinkle across the bay and you go to sleep in Venice after another day traveling.

 

 

 

 

It's spring in the south and temperatures will be warming. Layers always work. Packing light is an art I am still trying to master. Comfortable walking shoes are one of the most important items on my list.Black trouser pants get you from morning to night with a change of blouse, sweater or jackets. Capri's are perfect for springtime. Scarves are the traveler's best friend for adding color, texture and a change of outfit. Keeping it simple is best. A traveler used the term country club casual. I like it.  

 

 

 

 

Japan is part dream part reality. We will step into the essence of Japan and learn from the mystery.


I am still curating and editing the details for our trip to Japan in the spring of 2016. Plan to join us and begin dreaming now...

 

 

 

On a twitter chat last week, the question was, "What country is surprisingly friendly to women travelers?"

 

The reply from a former editor of Conde Naste Traveler was Turkey. I couldn't agree more that Turkey is a welcoming destination for all travelers and not a threat for women. Turkey is as safe as any American city.

 


Trip Advisor just listed the top 25 world destinations for 2015 and surprisingly, Marrakesh came in first with Istanbul third and Goerme, which is in Cappadocia, Turkey, also in the top rankings. You won't be disappointed with our trip to Turkey.

 

 

 

Travel opens wide the doors and windows of your heart.....

 

 

 

Peggy Coonley

 

 

 

 Upcoming Destination


Charleston's 2015 Annual House & Gardens Tour
April 9-13th, 2015


 The Chelsea Flower Show 2015 and English Gardens
May 16-25th, 2015


Ireland
June 11th -18th 2015


Timeless Treasures of Turkey Sept 17-28, 2015

La Dolce Vita - ItalyOct 1st - 12th 2015