Check out the trip highlights, photos, and Member testimonials!
In August, seventeen members set sail aboard the elegant Emerald Radiance for a river cruise through Portugal’ s Douro Valley. From the moment they arrived in Porto, they were welcomed into a boutique-style experience with panoramic views, personalized service, and immersive excursions.
Highlights Included
• A Portuguese cooking demonstration to kick off a week of culinary indulgence
• Vineyard visits at Quinta do Tedo and Quinta da Pacheca, with kayaking options in Pinhão
• A medieval tour of Castelo Rodrigo paired with a Port wine cocktail lesson
• A day trip to Salamanca, Spain, exploring historic plazas and lively markets
Patrick also surprised Members with specially selected bottles of wine at dinner, offering a deeper taste of Portugal’ s rich wine culture.“ Connecting on a different level with our Members, whether one-on-one or as a group, was very special,” he reflected.“ These trips are seeds that have been planted to create long-lasting memories and relationships between Members of our Esplanade communities.”
In September, a different group of Members explored Italy’ s rich culture and cuisine, from the canals of Venice to the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Traveling alongside Patrick Scully, Members shared laughter, hands-on culinary classes, and unforgettable views.
Highlights Included
• Gondola rides and glassblowing in Venice
• Market strolls and authentic lasagna Bolognese in Bologna
• A walking tour of Florence followed by a Florentine steak dinner
• Wine tasting in Orvieto’ s centuries-old cellars
• Pasta-making in Rome and a guided tour of Vatican City
• Limoncello and dessert-making workshops in Capri
• A farewell dinner overlooking Positano on the Amalfi Coast
“ Hotel guests come and go, without you ever getting the chance to truly get to know them,” Patrick said,“ That’ s why I love interacting with our Members so much. Unlike hotel guests, they are here to stay, and trips like these bring people closer together. You can’ t help but become family.”
“ I loved Orvieto – the little town in Florence where we had the wine tasting. Also, the pasta making was fabulous!” Lisa Neilson – Esplanade at Artisan Lakes
“ My wife and I recently traveled to the Douro River region of Portugal to explore the amazing mountainside vineyards. We spent 7 days on an Emerald River cruise ship, followed by three nights in Lisbon. We could not have been happier with the personal attention we received from Destinations by Esplanade and Journeys 360 Travel. We experienced the typical air travel delays in Tampa, FL and Newark, NJ, but the team made sure there was a plan A, B & C in the event of delays. Everything ultimately worked out as planned and our trip was simply magical! We highly recommend Destinations by Esplanade and Journeys 360 Travel, and we look forward to adventuring with them again in 2026!” David Green – Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch
“ A great big thanks for the exceptional service in planning our trip to Portugal. The team went above and beyond, especially when we encountered difficulties with the airlines late at night. It was such a comfort to us to know they were available after hours and were able to find us a hotel at the last minute. This was amazing customer service and was truly appreciated. We can’ t wait to book another adventure with you!” Elsa Congiu – Esplanade Lake Club
“ Learning two ways to make pasta in Rome was fun and delicious! And sipping a cocktail overlooking the beautiful bay of Naples on the isle of capri was a highlight-truly magical experience.” Paula Costa – Esplanade at Wiregrass Ranch
DiscoverEsplanade. com 51