The Wonders of Multi-Generational Travel

My mother (as well as the Founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel) celebrated a special birthday this year.  Rather than throwing a party or buying jewelry, she wanted time with her family.  So, we took 10 of her family members on a cruise through Europe. 

What an experience it was!

Many of our clients delight us with humorous stories and tidbits of their trips and most of them have a “defining moment,” when they knew they had a wonderful vacation. We were lucky enough to have multiple defining moments! Since we were to board the Regent Seven Seas Navigator (which is absolutely fabulous, by the way) in Athens, we planned a 2 ½ day visit to the city prior to our

embarkation with the group arriving on different days and times depending on schedules. On our first night all together, we were fortunate enough to stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens’ finest luxury hotel. We enjoyed dinner on the rooftop and watched as the sun set over the Acropolis. It was a moment I will never forget and a wonderful way to begin the trip. I was so proud of my children (ages 7 and 3) and my nephew (age 10 ½) because despite jetlag and a 40 year heat wave that was hitting Greece, we climbed the Acropolis after lunch, wandered around the city in the afternoon, went for a quick swim at the pool, and they were still going strong at 10 pm at night, when the first of many birthday cakes arrived.

After a few days of exploring the ancient treasures of Athens, we set sail for Kusadasi, Turkey, where we had a private tour of the ancient ruins of Ephesus. We marveled at the archeological sites, visited the House of Virgin Mary, and toured the burial place of the Apostle St. Paul. One of the things that is so enjoyable about cruising is the combination of education and entertainment. By day, we broadened our minds, while the evenings allowed us to dress up and unwind with cocktails and gourmet dinners. We enjoyed dinner in Portofino, the Navigator’s alternative dinner option.  It was an evening of delicious Italian food, good wine and live entertainment (my son volunteered and got up on stage with the band!). 

Santorini, in its entire white splendor, was our next stop. We took in the sights and paid a visit to the glorious Vedema Resort, a Luxury Collection Property. The kids and husbands enjoyed this visit, since they were able to splash in the pool under the sparkling sun, while we worked. The next day was at sea, which provided a wonderful opportunity for relaxation in the spa and by the pool. After anchoring the next day in Sicily,Captain McNeill surprised us with a delightful private tour of the ship’s bridge. The picture of the kids on the bridge enjoys a prime spot on my desk in my office. After the bridge tour, we explored Taormina (stopped for peach gelato, of course!) and had a gourmet lunch at San Domenico Palace Hotel.  The breeze through the Cypress tress, the butterflies and vivid colors in the gardens, combined with the stunning cliff-side views of the Mediterranean Sea made for a perfect day!

The next port of call was Sorrento, where we visited and dined at the breathtaking Hotel Caruso in Ravello, with its fabulous infinity pool blending into drop-dead views of the Amalfi Coast. With out a doubt, the Amalfi Coast is a little slice of heaven and “a must” if you have not seen it!  At sunset, we sailed around Capri on route to Rome which was our next and last port of call before arriving in Monte Carlo.  This historical city has always held a special place in our family’s heart and to experience it for the first time through the eyes of the children was tremendous.  A long time friend and professional private guide, gave us Rome in 6 hours hitting the highlights of the Roman Forum, The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain (and we all made three wishes!!), The Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona (for gelato, again!) and the finale was St. Peters Square and Vatican City.  As you can imagine…Rome was another memorable day!

Our port of disembarkation was Monte Carlo, one of the world’s most glamorous destinations. As we said sadly good-bye to the Navigator, we were off the Hotel Hermitage for one night.  As our last night together as a full group, we dined at Le Grill in the Hotel de Paris with its retractable ceiling providing a blanket of twinkling stars.  While we looked out over the yachts of this playground for the international jet set, the royal family of Monaco enjoyed a private party just below us. Magic truly does exist in travel!

Birthdays are about celebrations and taking time to remember and create new memories. Traveling with loved ones is a perfect combination!  And, I was pleasantly surprised that a European vacation with a 3 and 7 year old is totally possible (and a ton of fun!).  Happy travels.   – Kimberly Wilson Wetty