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Christine Schwartz

Cruise - River

1-888-482-4925
Christine.Schwartz@AvoyaTravel.com

"Sit under the stars late at night watching your ship clear a lock while everyone else is asleep. It's magical!"

I have been honored to receive industry awards for my in-depth knowledge of river cruise lines and the destinations they serve. Each year, I travel on several major river cruise lines to research their latest enhancements and appreciate the nuances of each. As a specialist for each of them, I gain access to special promotions, offers and events to share with my clients. I am also hosted regularly by the tourism boards, experiencing new hotels, new things to do and see, and gaining lots of new knowledge to share with my clients. Having an intimate knowledge of the different river cruise lines allows me to match my client’s expectations with the right itinerary and ship, while painting a realistic image of what they can expect. This is the key to ensuring your satisfaction.

Mellanie Ingle

Cruise - River

1-888-685-7582
mellanie.ingle@cruiseplanners.com

"Birds singing, white swans swimming, magical mist rising with the sun --- enjoy your typical morning wake-up call on a river cruise!"

I give my grandfather credit for defining my destiny in travel. From the time I was five, every summer we headed out for two months of discovery travel. Always off the beaten path, always involving nature, wildlife and local lifestyles. Today I experience that same feel and enjoyment with river cruising. I've discovered curiosity to be a big part of my DNA, so when I hit these ports, I'm out to discover the quality of the excursions offered, but also to find the hidden jewels on my own. I'm trained, certified, and I've cruised most of the river cruise lines personally. My mission is to strategically evaluate and find the best river and the best ship to fulfill your vision of river cruising.

Betty Venzie

Australia

1-877-759-7148
betty.venzie@avetravelgroup.com

Interests:
Beach, Boating, Gardening, Hiking, Mountains, Music, Reading & Writing, Sightseeing, Spa, Theater & Concerts, Wine Enthusiast

"Dont' miss the quaint town of Manly while visiting Australia, quick ferry ride from Sydney."

G'day! Welcome to Australia, the Land of Oz, where all kinds of fun and adventure await. The only catch is, you'll want to know exactly where to look! As a travel planning veteran with over two decades in the biz and an insider's view of the country (I have traveled Australia extensively with a native), I'll walk you through everything from accommodations to food, shopping, local etiquette, activities and more. The hospitality of the Australian people is legendary; they love to show visitors their homeland. Let me be the first to extend that welcome and help you hand-craft an itinerary all your own. Drop me a line today, mate - we have so much to talk about, and I'm ready to get started.

Amber Costa

Portugal

1-877-762-1830
asprague@cruiseplanners.com

Interests:
Food, Hiking, Local History & Culture, Mountains, Skiing, Wine Enthusiast

"Portugal offers more than Pastel de Nata for dessert and more than Port wine to drink. Make sure you try a special dessert and wine from EACH region!"

My first trip to Portugal was in 2006. On that first visit, I toured some of the top sights in the south: Lisbon, the Algarve, and experienced the local's favorite food and drinks. The next time I was in Portugal, I was on a cruise ship. I worked for Royal Caribbean International from 2005-2013, and was fortunate to visit Lisbon several more times as a port of call and also to see Madeira and the Azores on transatlantic cruises. My husband (who is Portuguese) and I met in 2010 and we traveled to Portugal together for the first time in April, 2011. Being off the main tourist path was a completely different experience! My in-laws live in a small village called Fiais de Beira - about an hour's drive southeast of Porto. With each visit, I continued to learn the language, the history, the culture, and most importantly... to explore and find the hidden gems. There is certainly no shortage of beautiful beaches and fresh seafood! Also, food and wine are a very important part of the Portuguese lifestyle, and you're sure to be sent on your trip with a "must try" list! From history buffs to adventure seekers, and everyone in between, Portugal (although small in size) really does offer something for everyone's tastes and interests. Being married to a Portuguese, I may be partial, but I believe Portugal is the most underrated country in Europe! I look forward to the opportunity of sharing all of my insider information with you as I plan your custom-designed Portuguese journey!

Chris Kieffer

Italy

1-877-828-2246
chris.kieffer@thetravelauthority.com

Interests:
Architecture, Decorating, Food, Hiking, Local History & Culture, Museums, Scuba/Snorkel, Sightseeing, Spa, Theater & Concerts, Wine Enthusiast

"For a true "insider" experience... learn how to row through the canals of Venice!"

Having traveled to Italy since I was a child, I've come to feel as if this is my second home! In fact, in 2010, my son took his first steps along the Zattere (a popular waterfront promenade in Venice), while my most recent trip to Italy during the summer of 2017 - marked my 80th trip! Travel has always been my passion. During the past 17 years, I have planned over a thousand custom itineraries for groups ranging from 2 to 30. My groups included babies as well as travelers with severe disabilities. My group's interests ranged from strict museum goers to active adventure seekers. I have designed itineraries that included hand-picked restaurants, cooking classes and foodie experiences catering to all dietary concerns. During my career, I have partnered with the best guides, drivers, chefs, as well as other professionals to include art historians, architects, art history professors, wine makers, and sommeliers to ensure my clients have the best possible experiences during their visit here. On my most recent trip, I learned not only how to row a gondola through the canals of Venice, but also visited an 18th century loom studio where amazing silk tapestries were still being made using 300-year-old looms. (This studio is not open to the public, but is now open to my clients.) In addition, I picked and pressed olive oil at an interesting family farm in Tuscany and discovered "new" hidden gems in Rome and on the Amalfi Coast. I would love to help you plan your incredible trip!

Veronica Glavin

Walt Disney World Resorts

1-800-379-9990 Ext: 46802
Veronica.Glavin@service.americanexpress.com

Interests:
Gardening, Horeseback Riding, Local History & Culture, Photography, Sightseeing

"Don't forget to let the front desk at the hotel know about anything "event" happening such as a a loose tooth which might bring the toothfairy!!!!!"

Is Walt Disney World really as magical as everyone says? When this travel industry vet and long-time Disney fan is at the wheel, you bet your mouse ears it is. I have planned countless Disney vacations for children, teens, adults, grandparents and more. It helps that I've been touring the parks since I was a little kid - now that I'm a parent myself, I have experienced the parks from several different perspectives along the way. Whether you and your gang are interested in the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney Paris or Animal Kingdom, you'll want to consult a specialist. We'll talk restaurants, on-site hotels, ride times and more. With over 20 years in the travel biz and an in-depth knowledge of Disney, I can help you plan your smoothest vacation yet. All you have to do is call.

Linda Halstead

Health & Wellness/Spa

1-877-807-1945
lhalstead@cruiseplanners.com

Interests:
Animals & Marine Life, Beach, Boating, Food, Hiking, Mountains, Scuba/Snorkel, Skiing, Spa, Speaks a foreign language, Sports & Fitness, Tennis, Theater & Concerts, Wine Enthusiast

"Want to stay fit and enjoy local scenery when traveling? Most hotel concierges have a 5-mile running route map available for their guests."

Do you want to experience the world as a local in the most authentic way possible? Are you active, healthy and ready to incorporate fitness and wellness into your travels? I can help you find ways to get off the ship, out of the hotel room, and into the cities, valleys, mountains, or along coastlines to experience new destinations! Whether you are eager to bike or hike through a new region, or simply prefer to take part in some yoga and spa activities, I can direct you to a part of our world that will meet your wellness goals while exploring a new region. I have been traveling since childhood to destinations all over the world. As an aging baby boomer, I have become part of the movement to stay active and healthy in all aspects of my life. I want to continue traveling - well into my 80s - and know that the only way to achieve this goal is through healthy eating, plenty of exercise and mindful practice of yoga and meditation. I have found ways to incorporate health and wellness into my own travels and want to do the same for my clients. I am confident it will exponentially enhance your vacation experience. So whether it's biking in Vietnam, spa and massage treatments in India, hiking in the Canadian Rockies, or a cruise that won't add 5 pounds to your waistline, I can help you combine your passion for travel with the benefits of health and wellness.

Bobbi Carlson

East Africa

1-877-809-2772
bcarlson@prestigecruises.com

Interests:
Animals & Marine Life, Food, Sports & Fitness, Theater & Concerts, Wine Enthusiast

"Once a person sets foot on African soil, the land, the wildlife and its people become part of your soul."

It is said that once a person sets foot on African soil, the land, the wildlife and its people become part of your soul, and will draw you back over and over again. Africa has done that to me. I have been to East Africa - Kenya & Tanzania - several times. To experience a true safari, Kenya is the best! It is famous for the Masai Mara, a huge game reserve that is part of the Serengeti, home to the "Big Five" - elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and Cape buffalo. Zimbabwe's main attraction is Victoria Falls while Botswana has the Okavango Delta which is full of hippos, exotic birds & elephants. I've also explored South Africa's Kruger National Park & visited Cape Town. An awe-inspiring wildlife experience I recently had was gorilla tracking in Uganda. I highly recommend adding this on to a Kenya safari. Outstanding lodges & tents I would recommend are Kenya's Olonana, located on the banks of the Mara River, Cape Grace in Cape Town, the Singita in South Africa & the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania. I am an active traveler with a large repeat following of clients. I would love to add you to my list of satisfied travelers.

Noriko Townsend

Japan

1-855-678-1521
noriko.townsend@altour.com

Interests:
Architecture, Arts & Crafts, Beach, Food, Gardening, Hiking, International Sporting Events, Local History & Culture, Scuba/Snorkel, Speaks a foreign language

"To enjoy an authentic Japanese cultural experience, stay in a restored 17th century, thatched-roof farmhouse operated by a Buddist Monk."

Born and reared in Northern Japan for the first 20 years of my life, I continue to travel back to my homeland at least three times a year to stay current on the country’s latest happenings, restaurant and hotel openings, and the ever-changing sightseeing options. I have established and maintained personal relationships with owners and managers of luxury Japanese hotels throughout the country; and ryokan - (a type of traditional Japanese inn that has existed since the 8th century) is my specialty. I’ve been selected as the top Japan Specialist and Southeast Asia Specialist (A-List agent) by Travel & Leisure Magazine for the past twelve consecutive years. Also, I have attended and been a featured panelist at both the Tokyo and Kyoto luxury travel marts since 2010. I have arranged private Maiko dinners in Kyoto and Zen meditation sessions at a temple in Kyoto. And, I'm constantly searching for off-the-beaten-path rural areas that are filled with natural beauty and hidden treasures. Who knows where your adventure will lead! Call or email me today... and let’s find out!

Christine Schwartz

Italy

1-888-482-4925
Christine.Schwartz@AvoyaTravel.com

"BUONGIORNO! Coffee? Italians drink certain coffees at certain times of day. Ask me to learn more!"

As a previous event planner, I have had the pleasure of visiting many destinations in my lifetime. Italy is one of my favorite destinations to revisit as there is always something new to experience. Each area throughout Italy offers such unique and memorable opportunities for a dream-of-a-lifetime first visit or for multiple visits time after time. Whether it's a short pre- or post-cruise visit or land travels of any length, Italy features a truly breathtaking experience for all ages, families, couples and groups.

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