Just Back From … Northern Italy with WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel

February 12, 2026

Northern Italy rewards travelers who know just where to look. 

Recently back from an immersive journey through Verona, Venice, and Trieste, WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel discovered a trio of destinations that feel worlds apart yet effortlessly connected. From Shakespearean streets and quaint canals to culture shaped by shifting borders, this is Italy beyond the expected.

Why Northern Italy & Why Now

This journey was designed to explore Northern Italy through a fresh lens—pairing iconic destinations with lesser-known regions. Verona charms with its Shakespearean roots and walkable historic core—without museum fatigue or crowds. Venice, when approached strategically, offers moments of magic sans crowds, too, especially on the water or beyond St. Mark’s Square. Trieste, made unique by centuries of shifting borders, feels more Viennese than Italian with its grand architecture, exceptional coffee scene, and easy access to Slovenia and Croatia. Together, these three locales create a high-impact itinerary that delivers contrast, authenticity, and depth.


Sara’s Tip: This itinerary works beautifully as a seven to 10-day trip, offering three distinct experiences without long travel days.


Not-to-Be-Missed Experiences

A Historic Rice Estate Near Verona. A centuries-old risotto producer still powered by a water wheel offers a fascinating look at tradition, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors—ending with a delicious risotto prepared on-site by the rice farmer himself. The experience surprised even seasoned travelers. This one is well worth the short drive.


Venice Beyond the Crowds. Private boat excursions to Murano, Burano, and Torcello, exclusive glass-blowing demonstrations, and a private visit inside St. Mark’s Clock Tower showcases a more intimate Venice. Experiencing the famous city from above—in addition to from the water—changes everything.


Trieste’s Cultural Side. Witness Miramare Castle when traveling the coastal road toward Trieste. Dating back to the mid-19th century, it’s surrounded by a beautiful historic park and hugs the Gulf of Trieste. 


Why Book with WhirlAway Travel? More than Where, We Know Why 

Northern Italy is not a one-size-fits-all destination, and WhirlAway knows the difference. From matching travelers to the right Venetian hotel (not just the most famous) to unlocking crowd-free experiences and designing smart, multi-city routes, WhirlAway brings firsthand insight that transforms a typical itinerary into an exceptional one.

Sail Beyond the Expected

February 17, 2026
No summer travel plans yet? Consider this your fast track to an experience that ticks all the boxes for value, ease, culture, scenery, and laid-back luxury. What: A seven-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Silver Nova with Silversea and Signature Travel Network. Where: Roundtrip from Athens, visiting seven ports throughout Greece and Turkey. When: August 16-23, 2026. Why: It’s a remarkable blend of epic history, island charm, and elegant cruising. You’ll visit spots that feel straight out of a postcard, from the delightful seaside town of Gythion and the Olympic roots of Katakolon to Santorini’s bucket-list sunsets and the lively markets of Bodrum. Onboard, the suites are beautifully spacious, the butler service is effortlessly attentive, and the all-inclusive approach is indulgent yet smart, inviting you to savor the experience without a second thought. Yes, please!

Just Ask Jamie …

January 21, 2026
Why stay home for the holidays when you can discover chocolate, castles, and Christmas decorations across Europe? That’s just what WhirlAway’s Jamie Jones had in mind when she took her family on a holiday river trip through Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Brussels, and Antwerp. Here’s what happened along the way.

2026 is the Time!

January 14, 2026
If “someday” is starting to sound suspiciously like “never,” this is your sign. From polar ice to private yachts, safaris to southern skies, these six monumental journeys are proof that the best trips happen when they’re meticulously planned with insider expertise.

Just Back From … Italy’s Puglia Region

December 15, 2025
Nestled in the heel of Italy, these spots have long been Italian favorites and are now drawing travelers from around the world. But visit in the fall or winter, and it still feels like you have them all to yourself. Sara says it was nearly impossible to choose favorites—and she could easily share dozens more—but here are the places and experiences she loved most.

’Tis the Season for Travel!

December 15, 2025
In 2025, WhirlAway planned dozens of amazing vacations for the holiday season, and we’re sharing a few of our favorites. Consider this your cheat sheet to the dreamiest destinations, including a sun-kissed sojourn to Costa Rica, a multi-gen escape to South Africa, an Antarctica cruise, and the best of Turks and Caicos, and London. Happy holidays, and even happier travels!

Just Back From … the Cycladic Islands

November 18, 2025
What makes the Cycladic Islands feel so singular? For Luxury Travel Advisor Denise Booth, it’s the blend of warm hospitality, luminous landscapes, and quietly luxurious living. Fresh off her journey through Naxos, Paros, and the Athenian Riviera, she shares three experiences that showcase Greece beyond the guidebooks—intimate, delicious, and endlessly photogenic.

Greece: Wellness Capital of the World

November 17, 2025
Luxury Travel Advisor Stacey Blum is our expert in all things wellness. Before joining the WhirlAway team, she worked as a health coach and is now a Signature Travel Expert Select in Wellness. And her favorite destination for wellness, in every sense of the word, is Greece. While she’s visited the country three times (and counting), she’s planned so many trips for clients that she says it feels like she’s been there dozens of times: This past summer alone, she curated 12 different trips! “Every part of Greece—the food, the water, the people—invites you to take a deep breath and just be,” she says. “You come here for a break, but you leave with a lighter heart, a clearer mind, and a deeper sense of gratitude.” Here, Stacey shares how the beautiful country is a master in the art of slowing down.

Sailing into Retirement

October 6, 2025
On the eve of her retirement party, Patty Jefferis, founder of WhirlAway Travel, is reflecting on her most recent adventure: a voyage through the Eastern Mediterranean with Tauck. After spending the past 40 years curating journeys for clients, this adventure was all her own. Aboard Le Bougainville , a sleek Ponant yacht chartered exclusively by Tauck, she explored Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Malta. Read on for all her dreamy moments.

Cheers to You!

October 3, 2025
Forty incredible years, 110 inspiring guests, one newly christened retiree, and countless magical moments. Such was the scene at WhirlAway Travel’s sparkling party at Radnor Hunt in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Suppliers, clients, friends, and family gathered with the WhirlAway team for cocktails, dinner, and a live auction. Up for bid was a pair of coveted cruises donated by AmaWaterways and Explora Journeys, raising $16,000 for the Travel Elevates foundation. The unforgettable evening ended with toasts to WhirlAway’s founder Patty Jefferis as she embarks on her next great adventure of retirement. “It was a celebration filled with heartfelt stories, inspiration, and gratitude for a true trailblazer,” said Jody Rollins, a longtime friend and client of WhirlAway. “Patty is a true legacy of leadership, innovation, and connection.”
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