Named ‘the scented isle’, in Corsica you’ll breathe in the perfect blend of pure mountain air, wildflowers, aromatic herbs, and the salty scent of the sea. Inspired by the captivating natural beauty of this iconic French island, we’ve curated an unforgettable trip on which you’ll embrace the art of rural relaxation every day – and night. We’ll take you horseback riding along Domaine de Murtoli’s private beach, exploring sprawling vineyards perched atop Bonifacio’s white limestone cliffs, and stargazing whilst you dine on sweet chestnut cake, citrusy canistrelli biscuits, silky local honey and creamy brocciu cheese on your very own moonlit picnic. Let’s begin.
EXPLORE ANCIENT TOWNS AND DINE BETWEEN OLIVE TREES
Touching down in Ajaccio, you’ll make your way south along winding roads. Your first stop? A picturesque seaside resort, Propriano. On the way, you’ll take a detour to the Valley of Taravo. Home to archaeological sites dating from Corsica’s Neolithic era, here you’ll discover an extraordinary array of statues and dolmens tucked between lush greenery and glistening rivers. Now, for lunch. At the ancient town of Propriano, choose from the vast selection of tempting restaurants and buzzing café terraces that line the marina. One of our favourites? Chez de Parenti – a family-run restaurant boasting the freshest local ingredients and a beautiful terrace overlooking the marina.
After being wined and dined, you’ll head through acres upon acres of stunning green countryside bordered by luscious mountains to check in at Domaine de Murtoli, your home for the next few days. A collection of beautifully converted 17th-century shepherd huts overlooking everything from the forests and mountains to the sea below, it radiates blissful seclusion. And breath-taking views of lush meadows that extend towards glittering ocean.
On your first evening, we’d highly recommend a visit to The Table de la Plage – just one of the hotel’s many enchanting restaurants. Situated between olive trees on a terrace illuminated by thousands of candles, this Mediterranean-style restaurant creates a mesmerising ambience. And tantalising gourmet cuisine. Here, you’ll tuck into fresh grilled lobster, citrusy ravioli stuffed with wild thyme and sage, and sweet strawberry and pecan crumble as you sip on traditional French wines bursting with velvety, floral notes. Don’t mind if you do.
GALLOP ALONG THE BEACH AND GAZE UPON SHOOTING STARS
Over the next two days, you’ll spend your time exploring the beautiful natural surroundings more thoroughly. Whether that be on foot, by boat, or on horseback. Or all three.
Setting off on a private boat excursion, you’ll navigate your way along Corsica’s magnificent coastline. Seeking out little creeks and untouched secret beaches – and snorkelling through vibrant blue waters along the way. Having dipped and dived to your heart’s content, you’ll return to Domaine de Murtoli for a spot of relaxation. But it won’t be long until you hear the call of the sea once more. Heading to the beach the following day, this time on horseback, your expert guide will lead the way. After trotting through green meadows dusted with wildflowers and country lanes lined with olive trees, you’ll swap countryside for seaside as you arrive at the ocean’s edge. At sunset. For that bucket list-worthy horse ride along the beach – between green-carpeted mountains and sweeping white sands – there’s no place better. Or as beautiful.
In the evening, make your way to the Ospédale for a mesmerising night of stargazing. Observing the wonders of the Milky Way amid the fresh mountain air, with your local expert guide, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the world of Astrophysics. To top it off? A gourmet picnic dinner beneath the stars.
WEAVE YOUR WAY THROUGH SPRAWLING VINEYARDS
Waving goodbye to Domaine de Murtoli, we’ll take you to the sun-soaked shores of Porto Vecchio. On the way, stop off at the alley-woven city of Bonifacio where you’ll discover the lively port and the charming historic centre with its earthy-hued cobbled streets and medieval townhouses teetering on the tip of white limestone cliffs. Next up, your hotel. Nestled within its verdant gardens overlooking the bay, Casadelmar’s elegant suites feature spacious private terraces overlooking swaying palms and vibrant clusters of rockroses, and offer dazzling views of the Mediterranean Sea. You won’t want to leave. Except to explore your picturesque surroundings, of course.
When you’re not enjoying a stroll through the gardens, along the beach, or to the bustling nearby town centre, you’ll uncover the secrets of wine production in this beautiful region of southern Corsica. A place where sun-dappled vineyards pair perfectly with spectacular ocean views. Hiking your way up from the coast, you’ll arrive at Zuria Wine Estate. Immersed between sea and sky, at this family-owned winery you’ll sample the finest Corsican wines grown in rare (and sought-after) limestone soils, surrounded by grape-laden vines waiting to be plucked.
HEAVENLY BAYS AND PLUNGING CANYONS
Spend the next few days choosing between an array of experiences: hiking, swimming, beach-hopping, canyoning. Wherever the fresh sea breeze takes you. Whether that be to the rivers, the mountains, the beach – or to the hotel’s 2-Michellin starred restaurant. Here, you can do as much (or as little) as you like. But we’d recommend the following.
Enjoying a morning full of relaxation, we’ll take you to explore the surrounding beaches strung along Corsica’s gorgeous coastline. From La Plage Casadelmar to Plage Palombagia, you’ll discover peaceful bays speckled with red granite rock, lined with pine forests, and bathed in sparkling clear waters. Marvelling at magnificent views of the beautifully rugged Cerbicale isles as you go.
Leaving the Gulf of Porto Vecchio behind, you’ll then head inland for a final dash of adventure. Canyoning, to be precise. Perfect for families, in Canyon du Pulischellu your private guide will introduce you to the joys (and thrills) of this exhilarating outdoor activity. Tumbling waterfalls and shallow emerald waters, the dense forests of Corsica’s Regional Natural Park and the towering Needles of Bavella. Bob along the surface or jump headfirst into natural pools as you embark on an epic aquatic journey through striking natural surroundings. Drenched in sunlight, bathed in beauty. Corsica awaits your discovery. Take the leap.
Ancient ruins are the backdrop to venturesome days and peaceful evenings on this jam-packed family getaway in Greece. Our Travel Experts, with their families in tow, have perfected this Greek odyssey that’ll immerse you in welcoming cities, white stone ruins and secluded isles. From adventurous outings uncovering the myths and mysteries of ancient Greece to days spent unwinding on sunny sandy beaches, this trip – which will take you from Athens to Mykonos to Crete – has something for everyone. As ever, it’s adaptable to suit families of all shapes and sizes, ensuring your trip is totally tailored to you. Every family is different, after all.
Athens: A historical adventure
Your first stop is Athens: an ancient place with a modern heart. Iconic archaeological sites go hand-in-hand with a succession of effortlessly chic restaurants, shops and hotels here. You’ll feel this duality immediately checking in at AthensWas, your home for the first four nights. Situated on a beautiful pedestrian street with boutiques, local tavernas and snaking side streets aplenty, AthensWas oozes contemporary cool.
You’ll be fully immersed in the historical remnants of Greece’s glorious past, firstly on a private day tour of Argolis, including a visit to the theatre at Epidaurus – one of the best preserved classical Greek buildings still used today, famous for its astonishing acoustics. The following day, after a scenic drive through mountains and fertile valleys of olive groves, you’ll arrive at Delphi – a UNESCO-listed archaeological site. Considered the ‘centre of the world’ in ancient Greece, your private guide will walk you through the Temple of Apollo and the Navel of the Earth, before you discover long-lost wonders together at the Delphi Museum.
The next day, you’ll embark on an interactive family tour of the world-famous Acropolis, discovering its history from a mythological perspective, through the stories of Greek gods, goddesses and heroes. You’ll then say goodbye to Athens, but it doesn’t end here, as you jump on a quick flight over to the mystical island of Mykonos in the heart of the South Aegean.
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We’re working with WSJ+ to create entirely customizable and private trips for you, their members. Our Travel Experts are here to make your trip entirely your own. Private, customizable, and totally flexible. This is what we do. This month, we’re introducing a new highlight itinerary to Italy that you can embark on today. Take it ‘as is’ or customize it to your heart’s content.
Rolling hills, lustrous waters and food fit for the gods; Tuscany, Sorrento and Amalfi make an irresistible trio. On this eight-night escape, you’ll wind your way from verdant landscapes punctuated by cypress trees down to cliffsides in crumbling hues of pastel. Along the way, sample award-winning wines, cruise across the Mediterranean on a private yacht to Capri and learn to cook the Neapolitan way. An undeniably Italian escape, you really will be living la dolce vita.
To add extra magic to your time away, WSJ+ members will enjoy complimentary rental of a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider. The perfect way to explore the Tuscan hillsides, we’ll send you out with a map and a picnic basket and leave the rest up to you.
Exclusive to WSJ+ members
This trip has been designed exclusively for WSJ+ members, drawing on our travel experts’ in-depth knowledge of Italy. The experience, however, is yours and yours alone, with all of our trips private and customisable. What you’ll find below, therefore, is simply a suggestion. Our Travel Experts will work with you to devise an itinerary based on your inquiry, budget, group size, and desires. Typically, this will include everything from the experiences you do (and the guides that will take you there) to the hotels you’ll bed down in and the trains, planes and automobiles that will take you in between. We can also help with international flights, if you like.
WSJ+ members will receive:
- Immersive experiences tailored to your interests. This could include anything from closed-door cellar access to private yacht trips.
- Exclusive benefits to elevate your experience, including complimentary rental of a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider.
- Stays in Italy’s most luxurious hotels.
- Access to expert guides throughout.
- Up-to-date COVID travel advice – including arrangements for any required PCR or antigen testing whilst travelling.
- Unrivalled expertise in planning your trip to Italy.
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The first to yawn awake in the spring and the last to settle into slumber come autumn, Turkey offers the ideal Mediterranean family escape. Journey through continents and cultures on this 10-night immersion into the best that Turkey has to offer. Perfect for the active and the curious, you’ll sail the Bosphorus, float above the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia on a sunrise hot air balloon flight and journey back in time to ancient Ephesus. Along the way, dine on traditional delicacies, such as tantuni and Gözleme, and bed down in luxurious hotels as our expert guides take you from the Ottoman empire to the Turquoise Coast.
A Walking Tour of the Ottoman Empire
Flying into Istanbul, you’ll be met at the gate and whisked through airport security in no time. A short drive later and you’ll arrive at the opulent Çırağan Palace Kempinski, your home for the next four nights. Perched on the banks of the Bosphorus in the bustling Beşiktaş neighbourhood, you’ll be perfectly placed for your discovery of the ancient Ottoman empire.
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We’re working with WSJ+ to create entirely customizable and private trips for you, their members. Our Travel Experts are here to make your trip entirely your own. Private, customizable, and totally flexible. This is what we do. This month, we’re introducing a new highlight itinerary to Greece that you can embark on today. Take it ‘as is’ or customize it to your heart’s content.
Over the millennia, Greece has lured many a curious traveler to its shores. And on this ten-night escape, we’ve prepared plenty to satisfy that curiosity. There’s history to tempt, with the ancient world making an indelible impression on both young and old over private tours of the Acropolis and Parthenon. But there’s also ample opportunity to unwind, whether that’s amid the slow-paced sophistication of Spetses or aboard a private sailing charter in the Peloponnese. There’s art and hiking on Hydra, cuisine and Herculean tales in the vineyards of Nemea. In short, there’s a little bit of everything, for everyone.
To add extra magic to your time away, WSJ+ members will enjoy a complimentary sunset tour of the Temple of Poseidon. Dating back to 444BC, this hillside temple is the epitome of Greek architectural elegance and as the sun begins to set on the Mediterranean Sea, there’s no better time to visit.
Exclusive to WSJ+ members
This trip has been designed exclusively for WSJ+ members, drawing on our travel experts’ in-depth knowledge of Greece and family travel. The experience, however, is yours and yours alone, with all of our trips private and customisable. What you’ll find below, therefore, is simply a suggestion. Our Travel Experts will work with you to devise an itinerary based on your inquiry, budget, group size, and desires. Typically, this will include everything from the experiences you do (and the guides that will take you there) to the hotels you’ll bed down in and the trains, planes and automobiles that will take you in between. We can also help with international flights, if you like.
WSJ+ members will receive:
- Immersive experiences tailored to your interests. This could include anything from yacht charters for the day to privately guided tours of UNESCO-listed ancient wonders.
- Exclusive benefits to elevate your experience, including a complimentary sunset tour of the Temple of Poseidon for the whole family.
- Stays in Greece’s most luxurious hotels.
- Access to expert guides throughout.
- Unrivalled expertise in planning your trip to Greece.
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The quintessential honeymoon destination, we’ll take you island hopping through the islands of French Polynesia stopping along the way to harvest fresh vanilla, unearth black pearls and swim with tropical marine life. In between it at all, hole up in the islands’ most luxurious resorts and iconic overwater villas and enjoy private dining experiences.
Sail across to Moorea
Touch down in Tahiti with a quick overnight to shake off any jetlag before diving headfirst into this archipelago of islands, motus and mountains in the morning. Taking to the sea, you’re headed just a short way across the water to the island of Moorea. Crowned by the jagged peak of Mount Rotui, the island is a thickly jungled drop in the ocean where adventure and relaxation beckon in equal measure. Spend three nights at the beachfront Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort, taking plenty of time to snorkel through the lagoon and relax by the pool but saving some time to discover the island too.
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River rafting, hiking and horseback exploration through the heart of the Wild West
Step back in time and experience true American history in Wyoming. Home to Yellowstone and the rugged mountains of Grand Teton National Park, the impressive canyons and stark forests set the scene for a thrilling six-night getaway. From towering moose and grizzly bears to geysers rocketing rushes of steam into the sky, discover these wild lands on a luxury family vacation through the heart of America as you raft down raging rivers, ride horses through the valleys and kayak along empty lakes. Our expert guides’ wealth of knowledge on the flora, fauna and history of this remarkable wilderness brings an unparalleled depth to these iconic landscapes.
Technicolour springs, bear tracks and lakeside kayaking in Yellowstone
Welcome to Wyoming – where plains of raw, untouched wilderness merges into the jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains. Your journey begins in Jackson Hole, cruising along the highway for two and a half hours to Under Canvas Yellowstone for three nights. Minutes away from the world’s tallest geysers and picturesque lakes, you’ll be glamping in unrivalled seclusion within charming tented suites, beneath the star-spangled skies.
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Freshly caught fish off the coast of St Lucia; Complex rum flavours in the Abbeys of Barbados; Family-treasured jerk recipes on the streets of Jamaica. Each Caribbean island boasts its own distinct flavour.
Think of the Caribbean and think of a riot of colour, culture and flavour. There’s a heady concoction of tastes to be found here, all of which combine to create something quite remarkable. Proof that the Caribbean is not just for the beachcombers, spend ten days hopping between the vibrant isles of St Lucia, Barbados and Jamaica and discover the unique flavour of each. From freshly caught fish off St Lucia to the complex rum flavours of Barbados and the family-treasured jerk recipes of Jamaica, this trip will have your appetite fully sated. But never content just to satisfy, we’ll bookend these culinary experiences with immersive local encounters and island explorations by white water raft, horseback and catamaran. Ensuring every whim is catered to, right down to that all-important sea view from the islands’ best hotels, it’s time to escape to the Caribbean.
Get a taste of island life alongside one of St Lucia’s budding young chefs in the charming fishing village of Soufriere
Your culinary immersion begins on the Piton-peaked island of St Lucia where you’ll spend three nights at the stunning enclave of Sugar Beach, strolling barefoot along a beach that’s every bit as perfect as it sounds. Settle in, perhaps stopping by the Rainforest Spa for one of their signature chocolate body polishes, before exploring the charming fishing village of Soufriere the next day. Here, you’ll spend some time getting to know the local culture as you sample some of the island’s favourite foods – from vegetable soup to fried dumplings and cocoa tea, before enjoying a tasting with one of the island’s up-and-coming chefs.
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As luxury travel experts, we know a thing or two about getting around the world in style.
That’s why we’ve combined our round-the-world travel expertise with the culinary insight of Eater. This slice-by-slice tour of Portuguese food, and the landscapes which gave rise to it, is the result, making use of our approach to truly bespoke, experiential travel. Scroll down to read the full itinerary or click the button below to browse more food-focused Eater experiences.
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We love Porto. The colour-splashed, hillside buildings set along the Douro River, the quaint cobbled streets and buskers playing by trendy café hangouts. But besides its charming aesthetics, the city is an absolute food lover’s haven. For this six-night trip, we’ve teamed up with Eater to bring you the best of Porto’s impressive gastronomy. With our expert guides, you’ll be delving into the traditions of Porto’s wine and port industry with private tastings at our favourite cellars around Douro Valley. You’ll be exploring curbside eateries, dining at the finest Michelin-starred spots and embarking on private cooking classes with local residents.
Welcome to Portuguese gastronomy in Porto
Arriving in Porto, our driver will welcome you at the airport, ready to whisk you across to the historic port wine cellar district. Porto was once a thriving medieval harbour that exported its eponymous port wines back to Britain, therefore it’s fitting to start your tantalizing journey staying at a hotel dedicated to the spirit of wine: The Yeatman. Unwind with a glass – or bottle – among the sprawling landscaped gardens and soak up the vistas of Porto’s skyline as the day turns to night. For your first hearty plateful of Portuguese gastronomy, experience two-Michelin-star dining at The Restaurant at The Yeatman, which boasts a phenomenal tasting menu, including melt in the mouth beef and fresh oysters drizzled in veal sauce. And the fantastic selection of Portuguese wine is the perfect accompaniment for your meal.
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As luxury travel experts, we know a thing or two about getting around the world in style.
That’s why we’ve combined our round-the-world travel expertise with the culinary insight of Eater. This slice-by-slice tour of Moroccan food, and the landscapes which gave rise to it, is the result, making use of our approach to truly bespoke, experiential travel. Scroll down to read the full itinerary or click the button below to browse more food-focused Eater experiences.
MORE EATER JOURNEYS
Developed on a crossroad of culture, Morocco’s cuisine has been influenced by the Europeans, the Arabians and even the Jewish Moors, showcasing delectable combinations of sweet-savoury flavours, all washed down with a glorious refreshing mint tea. And where better to experience the best of Moroccan gastronomy than in Marrakech?
For this flavoursome six-night trip, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Eater to give you a VIP pass to the top dining spots and bolthole eateries around the city and beyond. And of course, in between all of that feasting – there will be a dash of adventure. Soar above the Agafay Desert in a hot air balloon, speed through the dry landscapes in a WWII sidecar and learn to serve Moroccan dishes back at home after a private cooking masterclass.
Discover the best of Moroccan gastronomy
Arriving in Marrakech, our driver will be waiting to welcome you to this vibrant city. In the heart of the medina, the intimate Riad Antara will be your enchanting base for the first three nights. Drop your bags and grab your first taster of the area or simply enjoy the sunshine from your private roof terrace. Your gourmet getaway kicks off with dinner at Al Fassia. Along with the simply unmissable pastilla and other dishes served, this family business has been run entirely by women since its opening in the late eighties. Explore deeper into Marrakech the next morning before Café Tiznit serves up a storm at lunch. Well-hidden in the bustling Souk El Kassbine, this unassuming dining spot’s unique take on rabbit tagine is a must-try.
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