Liz Picurro, Author at Shared Adventures

Luxurious Island Escapes You Haven’t Considered

September 7, 2026 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

You’ve read our post about choosing the right island adventure for you. You know what you’re looking for in an island, what you want to do most while you’re there, and when you want to go. Above all, you’ve realized that what you crave most is a bit of solitude. Your least favorite thing about the beach is all the other people there too. Therefore, you’re looking for an under-the-radar island escape that isn’t jam-packed with visitors.

Here’s our top list of underrated islands or complete hidden gems that you’ve never considered.

Underrated European Islands

Favignana, Italy – Certainly not a secret from local Italians. Nonetheless, this island off the coast of Sicily is a place you may never have heard of. Favignana is best described in three words: sea, bikes, food. Savor the stunningly clear water, bike (or boat) between the tranquil coves, and enjoy the amazing food that Italy is famous for.

[Photo Credit: marcreation via Unsplash]

Vis, Croatia – Vis exudes quiet, authentic, exclusive luxury. Here you can enjoy a slow, relaxing pace of life with crowd-free beaches and upscale wine bars. Add more luxury to your trip by exploring the island, its many beaches, and stunning Blue and Green Caves with a private yacht charter. Because Vis was a military base and closed to outsiders until 1991, it feels like tourism in Croatia before Instagram.

[Photo Credit: Lucija Vukusic via Unsplash]

Folegandros, Greece – An idyllic island escape awaits, and it’s only an hour away from Santorini. Small and easy to explore, with breathtaking views, pristine beaches, and a charming old town. Here you’ll find everything you need for an authentic and affordable luxury Greek Island vacation. Plus, you can enjoy the charming villages and hidden beach coves at a relaxed pace. Above all, you’ll still find buzzing tavernas, amazing meals, and beautiful hikes, with several luxury hotel options.

[Photo Credit: Despina Galani via Unsplash]

Madeira, Portugal – This Portuguese Island is perfect for adventurers. It offers a huge variety of landscapes, from mountain peaks to natural lava rock pools, and levadas with lush vegetation. Enjoy breathtaking hikes. Or relax in its lush gardens and enjoy eternal spring temperatures throughout the year. With several excellent luxury hotels, dolphin and whale watching, upscale wineries, and delicious gastronomy, this is a great island escape for those who don’t need to lay on the beach.

[Photo Credit: Andrea Zanenga via Unsplash]

Southeast Asia & Oceania

Kadavu, Fiji – Fiji’s fourth largest island is a wild and luxurious escape with rainforest hills and an amazing reef. Many of the resorts have a private beach, and all of them are geared towards enjoying and conserving the island’s natural wonders. Many locations are only accessible by boat, and your resort crew will be able to guide you to the hidden gem locations. The best time to see manta rays is May – Oct, and as long as you avoid cyclone season from November – April, you’re sure to enjoy this luxury island.

[Photo Credit: Denys Nevozhai via Unsplash]

Koh Yao Noi, Thailand – An authentic island with traditional villages, a gentle pace, and unspoiled beaches. Above all, this is a place to slow down and relax; there’s no room to hurry on this small island in southern Thailand. You can snorkel vibrant spots, and wonder at a world practically untouched by mass tourism. Because it’s still a working island that doesn’t rely on tourism, you won’t feel like you’re being constantly sold something. Enjoy the luxury of privacy and peace. You can book private pool villas or small boutique resorts with request-based service, private beaches, and on-site dining

Aitutaki, Cook Islands – A tropical dream, lagoons, coral reefs, and Polynesian charm. Between Tonga, and French Polynesia, Aitutaki offers five-star villas, sandy shores, and blue lagoons. Above all, this is your quintessential island escape where you can swim with sea turtles, kitesurf, scuba dive, and fish. Enjoy boutique luxury resorts or stay in a luxury villa with your own chef. Marvel at tropical fish in warm, shallow seas. The Cook Islands are more affordable, smaller, and more low-key than their French Polynesian cousins.

[Photo Credit: Nico Smit via Unsplash]

Central America & The Caribbean

Culebra, Puerto Rico – No passport needed here. This designated wildlife refuge boasts snorkeling with turtles, one of the world’s best beaches, and an unhurried pace of life. Located just off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Rent a golf cart, scooter, or bike to get around this small island. Here it’s all about beaches, lounging, and snorkeling. Quiet, with colorful Caribbean bungalows, private villas, and boutique inns.

[Photo Credit: Pedro Cambron via Unsplash]

Isla Holbox, Mexico – A very, very small island, just white sand and a cluster of boutique hotels. Located three hours from crowded Cancun. You can enjoy cavernous cenotes for a bit of adventure. But overall it’s a laid-back beach vibe. Boutique luxury hotels, wellness experiences, fine dining. See nearby islands on a boat tour, bike around the island, and marvel at the bioluminescence in some of the bays – especially in the summer months.

[Photo Credit: Alejandro Perez via Unsplash]

Anguilla – One of the least crowded islands in the Caribbean and some of the most beautiful beaches. Anguilla isn’t a hidden gem per se, however its upmarket vibe lends a certain level of exclusivity. No cruise terminals, no big-budget attractions. Instead, world-class luxury resorts and stunning beaches. You are here to relax on the beach and snorkel on the offshore reefs. From Miami, you can take a 3.5hr flight directly there.

[Photo Credit: Cory Bojrk via Unsplash]

Dominica -In contrast to Anguilla, this is the nature island in the Caribbean. Protected, dense mountainous jungles,built for adventurers. One of the best islands for outdoor adventure with luxury accommodation. Lush rainforest covers two-thirds of the land, in which you’ll find a rich array of springs and waterfalls. The island has a Creole culture – West African roots, indigenous Kalinago and French & British influences. This is the kind of island where you relax in an open-air thermal spa with heated sulfur pools, a mud pool, and sulfur baths.

[Photo Credit: Chris Jones via Unsplash]

Are you dreaming of an island vacation? Let us know what island escape you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to help you plan the perfect adventure!

What To Expect From a Yacht Charter in Croatia

September 3, 2026 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

After a wonderful first visit to Croatia and Slovenia in the fall of 2025, I did not expect to have the opportunity to return to Croatia quite so quickly. But I received an invitation to join a private yacht charter this spring…and who is going to say no to that!

I sailed with a group of fellow travel advisors on the Lastavica Swallow. A beautiful, modern, 160-foot yacht with just 18 cabins (holding up to 36 passengers). Lastavica is a family-owned company with deep roots in the Adriatic and a fleet of three custom-built ships.

The Main Takeaway

The experience was absolutely amazing – unlike anything else I’ve ever done — and you can read more about it below. But the key takeaway is that I loved it so much that I’ve already chartered the same yacht again for a week next summer (Aug 2027). And filled it with family and friends who want to see, do, and experience everything that I did!

The Pace

When you’re not tied to ferry schedules and hotel check-in/check-out times, everything changes! We had a basic itinerary in place, sailing from Sibenik to Dubrovnik, with planned stops every day. But they warned us from the very beginning not to be too focused on those specifics, since things could change based on weather, group preferences, etc.

Most days included some scenic cruising, a swim stop, and an afternoon/evening in a charming local port. But there was always room in the schedule to linger a little bit longer at a national park, or make a surprise stop to grab mussels and oysters from a local fisherman.

As a Type A traveler, it was an adjustment for me at first. But I really found myself enjoying slow mornings with nothing to do but sip my coffee, chat with my friends, and look through my photos from the previous day. I loved arriving in little towns with no specific agenda beyond wandering cobblestone streets, visiting a local beach, or checking out a winery. And because we spent most nights in port (unlike on a traditional ocean or river cruise where you’re typically sailing at night), we could linger in town for dinner and drinks without worrying about rushing back.

The Pampering

I had no idea what to expect of the onboard experience, and I was very pleasantly surprised. My cabin was bright and spacious, with plenty of room for everything, and some amazing A/C! Hot/cold filtered water, and a self-serve coffee/tea machine, were available 24/7. There was a sundeck with a large Jacuzzi, sun loungers, a bar, and a workout area. And there were all sorts of water toys, from stand-up paddleboards and sea bobs to a great big inflatable slide.

Breakfast and lunch are included every day. There is the expectation that guests will enjoy dinners in the ports on their own. (Though we did have one special onboard Captain’s Dinner). The crew went above and beyond to make sure we were well-fed! There were extensive breakfast buffets, with made-to-order dishes as well. And multi-course plated lunches with all sorts of fresh, local specialties. Dietary restrictions/allergies were never a problem. And everything was prepared and served with a personal touch. We tasted olive oil made on the owners’ family farm, wines from their friends’ vineyards, and old family recipes that their grandparents would have prepared.

The pampering extended beyond the food and drink, of course. The cruise manager was always available to make a suggestion for an activity in port, or help arrange a reservation. The rooms were kept spotlessly clean. And the deck crew was happy to help with all the water toys. (If you’ve watched “Below Deck”, you know what a chore that can be!)

The Destination: Croatia

Yes, the yacht was fabulous, but you travel for the destination, right? Croatia is an absolutely gorgeous destination, with a fascinating history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. It has some of the clearest and bluest water that I’ve ever seen. The local seafood is top notch. The wine is delicious (and inexpensive). And the people are warm and friendly.

I loved my first visit to Croatia, where we island-hopped by ferry and stayed in lovely local hotels. And I knew that I wanted to come back some day and experience more. But I did not realize how different (and how much fun) it would be to explore the coast by private yacht.

We visited national parks (Krka and Mljet), UNESCO World Heritage sites (the old city of Dubrovnik), and Instagram-famous beaches (Zlatni Rat). We got to see the stunning walled town of Korčula, one of the oldest towns in Europe (Stari Grad), and sleepy little gems like Primosten. It was the perfect mix of islands and towns. And I loved that we ended in Dubrovnik, so that people could linger for a day or two if they wanted to before flying home.

The Vibe

Overall, I think what I loved most about this trip was the way it took my typical European itinerary and infused it with a beachy/island vibe. I could explore Medieval towns, enjoy amazing local cuisine, and soak up all the history and culture. But also relax, sleep in, go for a swim, and soak up the sun.

Plus, there is something magical about being on a private yacht. Just saying “let’s go back to the yacht” makes you feel like a celebrity, lol.

If all of this sounds amazing, but you were not one of the lucky few to jump on board for our August 2027 charter, I have good news for you. This is eminently do-able for anyone who can round up a group of 25-35 people who want to travel together.

It sounds like a lot, but that’s a family reunion, a bunch of friends celebrating milestone birthdays, a graduation celebration for a few families, or an affinity group (book club, wine club, mahjong group, etc)

Reach out if you want to know more!

How to Plan a European Trip Around Food And Wine

August 11, 2026 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

An itinerary that is centered around food and wine can be an immersion into the soul of a place, its culture, and the art of its cooking. It represents the essence of slow travel. Think lingering over the final glass of wine or savoring multi-course meals that unfold over hours. But what goes into planning a whole trip around food and wine? And where do you start ( other than hiring your expert travel advisor)? Here are our top tips..

Questions to Answer Before You Start Planning A Culinary Adventure

The first place to start is to narrow down your preferences. While the questions below are phrased in an “either-or” style, it doesn’t mean your trip will be solely one or the other. These questions are meant to help you understand where your focus and preferences are. What will make up 80% of your food-and-wine focused adventure?

[Photo credit: Liz via Shared Adventures]

The best way to answer these questions is not to think too much – what is your gut reaction?

Focus: Is your heart set on the food, the wine, or an equal balance of both?

Boundaries: Are there specific cuisines or ingredients you want to avoid?

Ambiance: Are you looking for a high-end, Michelin-star restaurants, or hole-in-the-wall dining experiences?

Engagement: Hands-on cooking classes and vineyard tours with behind-the-scenes access? Or just eating and drinking your way through the region?

Structure: Independent travel or a guided group trip?

Mode of Travel: Are you interested in a river cruise or a land-based adventure?

Guided Food & Wine Tours

There are distinct advantages to joining a specially designed, small-group food and wine tour. Beyond the benefits that already come with a pre-planned small-group tour, you’ll enjoy incredible local foodie experiences that you would be hard-pressed to find on your own.

Taking a small-group tour alleviates many stresses. The trip is designed so that you experience the best local spots, you don’t have to plan each and every meal on your own, and you learn the stories behind the dishes.

What we cherish most about these tours is the guide’s deep connections with producers, chefs, home cooks, and farmers. These relationships foster community. They offer unique insights and opportunities to ask questions that might otherwise remain unanswered in a standard restaurant setting.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]

Plus, if you have dietary restrictions, your guide ensures chefs are informed well in advance. This spares you the anxiety of navigating language barriers at the table.

Ideal If You:

Wish to connect with locals
Enjoy a diverse array of cuisines without the legwork
Prefer not to worry about driving after drinking
Appreciate the comfort of having meals pre-planned

Perhaps Not If You:

Are set on a specific dish or specific restaurant
Prefer intimate couples’ dining over group meals
Dislike rigid meal times
Dislike frequently traveling by van/bus

Food & Wine River Cruises

Cruises are a great way to combine seeing a lot and enjoying great local food and wine. Plus, they offer a really enjoyable way to travel between destinations. Imagine gliding down a river with a glass of wine in hand, watching the scenery unfold. Savor the landscape, learn from onboard experts, and explore charming towns and ports.

Many of the river cruises in Europe pass directly through notable wine regions, so they offer the opportunity to experience vineyard tours, tastings, and local farmers’ markets. The ships will have a specially trained sommelier onboard, and they’ll feature local wines each evening with dinner. Some special sailings will also have a specific wine focus, with a winemaker or other expert who gives talks, and conducts special onboard tastings.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures — read about her Rhone River Cruise here!]

Ideal If You:

Wish to see many sites in one trip
Appreciate in-depth wine knowledge
Enjoy the convenience of pre-planned logistics
Have dietary needs that require careful management

Perhaps Not If You:

Prefer to plan every detail to your specific vision
Seek tiny hidden restaurants
Prefer light fare over substantial multi-course meals

Independent Food & Wine Adventures

Designing your own culinary adventure (with the help of an expert travel advisor) offers the ultimate flexibility. Go to that Michelin-star restaurant you’ve been dreaming about. Dedicate a day to snacking on street food and another to one 4-hour-long, multi-course lunch in a vineyard. It’s all customized to you!

You might combine some independent exploration with a few specialized single-day tours with a guide. This allows you to learn and get local tips. You can take a cooking class or enjoy a wine tasting at your own pace. And have the freedom to change plans or discover a hidden gem spontaneously.

This is where a travel advisor can help take care of the stressful logistics and connect you with local guides. You get independence, with support.

[Photo Credit: J & C via Shared Adventures — read about their epic Italian Adventure here! ]

Ideal If You:

Value freedom to explore on your own schedule
Have atypical eating habits
Have a specific restaurant, chef, or experience in mind

Perhaps Not If You:

Find planning every meal stressful
Get overwhelmed by endless restaurant reviews
Feel shy asking locals for recommendations

Which European Country is Right For You?

Traditional and Exclusive: France & Italy

Some cultures treat their food and wine with a reverence that demands respect. In these regions, you may not find a vast array of ingredients or cooking methods. The focus remains on simplicity, local and seasonal ingredients, and time-honored traditions. These cultures know what they like and have no plans of changing anytime soon.

The two standout countries in this sense are two of the most popular food and wine destinations: France & Italy.

There’s a good reason that France and Italy are known worldwide for their cuisine and superb wine. And we wholeheartedly believe they should be enjoyed and experienced.

an overhead view of a table with meat, cheeses and breads in bologna Italy

However, travelers, be aware that you’re not going to experience a huge variety in ingredients or cooking methods in these countries. In these cultures, the pairing of specific wines with certain flavors is a matter of tradition. It is not open to critique or experimentation.

[Photo Credit: Alicia & Jay via Shared Adventures — read about their Italian Foodie Adventure here! ]

Vibrant and Variety: Spain, Portugal, Greece

In contrast, some European countries have a variety of flavors and flavor profiles in their cuisine. These countries tend to have vibrant and creative flavors with lots of flair. But, they are still traditionalists in their meals and use local ingredients. Spain, Portugal, and Greece exemplify this approach. They offer a wider range while still staying true to the cultural cuisine.

You might find that these countries are more naturally accommodating for allergies or intolerances. If you find it difficult to eat the same meal for five days in a row, the tapas, petiscos, or meze cultures of these countries offer small plates perfect for sharing and variety. Pair the fabulous food with wines that boast deep flavors and more flexible traditions.

[Photo Credit: Alicia & Jay via Shared Adventures — read about their Greek Adventure here! ]

A family at a wine tasting table with views overlooking the sea in Santorini Greece

Hidden Gems

For those seeking something new yet deeply rooted in delicious, flavorful cuisine, consider the rising stars of the travel culinary world: Austria, Germany, Croatia, and Slovenia.

For cuisine: Austria, Germany & Slovenia have amazing stews, meats, and warm comfort foods that are nonetheless top quality. Think cozy mountain cabins with hearty meals. Croatia, by contrast, features a blend of mediterranean, Greek, and Turkish influences with lots of fresh seafood and local meats and cheeses.

For wine: Both Austria and Germany have classic wine regions and picturesque valleys that are well-known and well worth visiting. While Croatia and Slovenia have a long history of wine, they have more unique local vintages that you won’t find everywhere.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]

Are images of your perfect food and wine adventure dancing in your head? Are you ready to start designing your next trip? Let us know!

Client Review: Summer Vibes in Rome and Sorrento

August 5, 2026 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

We were so excited to plan another trip for long-time clients Alicia & Jay, along with Alicia’s parents. They’ve traveled to Italy before, but this time they were focused on a summer adventure in Rome and the Amalfi Coast. A pretty straightforward trip, but we love making it special with amazing guides and local experts to add something unique.

Thanks again for all of your help planning our amazing Italy trip! We had an incredible time.

Rome

Hotel La Rovere in Rome was a great choice. We found the rooms to be clean and spacious, and mine and Jay’s room even had a cute courtyard attached where we had a pre-dinner bottle of wine one night.

The golf cart tour was a highlight – this was a great idea to help us beat the jet lag and get oriented within the city. Our guide Constantine was awesome! He was so knowledgeable and very attentive and accommodating. It was SO hot in Rome, so being whisked around in a breezy golf cart was a real treat. Mom and dad had a great time at the Vatican tour. Jay and I also loved the Colosseum tour, although in hindsight because of the heat we wouldn’t have minded if it was a little shorter.

The Trastevere food tour was another highlight. Our guides Michele and Miguel were great, and the food was incredible. We lucked out and had a great group of people – three of them also live in the same town as me and Jay – what are the chances?! The only problem is that I don’t think I will ever find gelato better than the place they took us!

Sorrento & Amalfi Coast

On our way to Sorrento, we stopped at a vineyard suggested by our driver Fabrizio. This lunch ended up being one of our favorite meals and we shipped a case of wine home, so needless to say the wine was amazing.

Fabrizio is the best! He made our time on the coast so easy and gave us so many great suggestions for how to get around and do what we wanted to do.

Sorrento was amazing and is now one of my favorite places. I am so glad that you based us here. Grand Hotel De La Ville is beautiful! Mom wished she had gone for the full ocean view room, but we found the rooms to be spacious, clean, and all of the tiling detail so beautiful. We spent a lot of time at the beautiful rooftop pool. We especially loved the proximity to the main part of town.

Strolling around Sorrento and the small cobblestone streets was the best. Our visits to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello were a breeze thanks to Fabrizio. We went back a second day to Positano and spent the day at La Scogliera beach club, which was amazing! Our boat trip to Capri was also a highlight. The boat was so much fun, and we loved Capri.

Can’t wait for the next trip!

– Alicia

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