500 years ago, on May 2, 1519 the genius painter, architect, inventor Leonardo da Vinci, found his demise. His brilliance, thinking and inventiveness were way ahead of the times he lived.
Da Vinci’s polymath natural genius indisputably made him the best example of a true “Renaissance Man” and his contribution to art and science is immeasurable. Today he remains best known for his paintings, and two of them are among the world’s most famous and admired: “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”.
There are thousands of reasons to visit Italy or France, but this year Custom Travel Network will take you to the most important places of his inspiration and artistry.
Florence (Tuscany)
In the birthplace of da Vinci in Anchiano, close to the town of Vinci (that provided the surname that we associate with him today) we can still admire a permanent exhibition with the reproduction of his sketches. The Museo Leonardiano Vinci houses one of the largest collection of models reconstructed in the basis of Leonardo’s drawings among other permanent and itinerary exhibitions.
But with no doubt the “hot spot” of his creativity was Florence. Da Vinci spent most of his youth there, where he worked for over a decade, and was introduce to the art world by Andrea del Verrocchio. But art alone couldn’t cover Leonardo’s unlimited curiosity of his surroundings, so he also studied the laws of science and nature.
In Florence he painted the series of portraits that included “La Gioconda”, the painting best known as “Mona Lisa”. Current scholarship indicates that the portrait represents Lisa del Giocondo, wife of Floretine merchant Francisco del Giocondo. Visiting Florence is not complete without a visit to it’s most prominent art museum. The Uffizi Gallery, home to many Renaissance greats, including two of da Vinci’s masterpieces , “The Annunciation,” depicts the Virgin Mary and the Angel Gabriel in a beautiful garden , and “ the Adoration of the Magi,” an unfinished, striking piece that was meant to be an altar panel for Florence’s Church of San Donato a Scopeto.
Milan
Da Vinci never completed “The Annunciation of the Magi” because shortly thereafter he relocated to Milan, where he worked for the Sforza clan, serving as an engineer, painter, architect and sculptor. “The Last Supper”, a tempera and oil mural on plaster, was created for the refectory of the Monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazia, and it’s the artist’s only surviving fresco and one of the world most famous murals. Less known, but a “must-see” is the “Codex Atlanticus”, that can be spotted in the Milan’s Biblioteca Ambrosiana. It is a twelve- volume set of drawings and writings that “opens a window” into da Vinci’s genius.
Da Vinci was way ahead of his time, and in his clairvoyance left us with a famous quote:
“For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.”
Call or email us today to secure your return to the magic world of Leonardo Da Vinci!
At Custom Travel Network, we receive a lot of requests for bespoke itineraries from families who want to experience a destination together. Traveling with our kids on a regular basis ourselves, we love arranging journeys for multi-generational parties, and have gained valuable experience over the years in regards to what destinations and activities “work”, and what to stay away from.
One of our favorite family destinations is Scandinavia. Denmark, Norway and Sweden are ideal countries for an exciting, educational and relaxing vacation with your children, and elders. Many hotels cater specifically to the needs of families traveling, such as offering connecting and family rooms, and organizing events, competitions and activities for kids of all ages. On a recent trip, our twins got to participate in a drawing contest at a hotel in Stavanger, Norway, and received special welcome packages from the friendly receptionist.
Not only Scandinavian hotels are ready for families: on a flight from Copenhagen to Oslo, a kind and fun airport security officer tied our five-year-old’s shoes, and told him the metal detector would give him superpowers upon passing through…
Sweden, Denmark and Norway are packed with sights and attractions that will engage travelers of any age: the tremendously successful 2013 Disney motion picture Frozen is based on a tale by H.C. Andersen, whose birthplace can be visited in Odense, Denmark. Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens are tons of fun with rides and entertainment, a fjord cruise past Pulpit Rock near Stavanger, Norway, also stops at a pirates’ cave, and families traveling to Bergen should not miss the local Aquarium.
The plethora of transportation options – ferries, hydrofoils, and of course the spectacular Flåm Railway will bring a welcome change to how we perceive travel back home.
Why not plan a journey with your family? Contact your trusted travel advisor, and request a Custom Travel Network journey, or email our destination specialists who will be happy to help out with ideas, and put their knowledge and experience to use to take the hassle out of traveling with kids and grandparents.
From time to time, I get the opportunity to step back into my earlier career as a tour director, and escort one of our VIP groups on their journey to amazing destinations in Europe and beyond. In that capacity, I am reporting live from the island of Jersey, in the English Channel and geographically closer to France than the United Kingdom. Jersey was part of the Duchy of Normandy, whose dukes went on to become kings of England from 1066. After Normandy was lost by the kings of England in the 13th century, and the ducal title surrendered to France, Jersey and the other Channel Islands remained attached to the English crown, although Jersey is not part of the United Kingdom, and has an international identity separate from that of the UK, but the UK is constitutionally responsible for the defense of Jersey. Jersey is a self-governing parliamentary under a constitutional monarchy, with its own financial, legal and judicial systems, and the power of self-determination. In effect, the Queen of England to the Jerseymen acts as the Duchess of Normandy. Interestingly, there are three official languages on this island of barely 104,000: English, French and Jèrriais (Jersey Norman).
Jersey, with its capital St. Helier, is an attractive, low-key place: mild temperatures, facilitated by the Gulf Stream, make for an amazingly diverse flora, and numerous areas of micro-climates. The beaches and seaside are characterized by a large tidal range (over 40ft), and the towns and villages are attractive, and of an almost bucolic tranquility. Jersey also boasts an acclaimed horse track, Les Landes, playing an increasingly important role in the Thoroughbred circuits.
Spectacular restaurants, specializing in local seafood, make Jersey a truly worthwhile destination for those looking for a hidden gem off the trodden tourist path.
National Geographic created this wonderful Short Film showcasing the timeless beauty of Venice. If these images inspire you, call us at 949-888-6668, or e-mail us today to get your own private customized Italy experience started with Custom Travel Network!
From time to time we stray from our beloved Europe to explore destinations further afield. Through our German Partner Lernidee Trains & Cruises we are proud to offer several amazing cruises on the widely unknown Upper Mekong in Laos. This portion of the wild upper Mekong was until recently nearly inaccessible, and is considered one of the world’s most spectacular river cruises by those in the know. Our most popular voyage is an 8-day trip between the Golden Triangle and Luang Prabang, featuring Lernidee’s brand-new boutique vessel Mekong Pearl. Join an exclusive group of no more than 29 guests, spoiled by a staff of 18 in deluxe, all en-suite cabins, on-board spa, and a sun deck with bar service on a journey into a forgotten world without roads, cars or power. Learn about the Thai and Lao peoples’ traditional lifestyles, and revel in the splendor of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, where temples, monasteries and French colonial buildings peek out from tropical greenery.
For more information, 2017 and 2018 travel dates and rates, and to secure your cabin now contact us at your earliest opportunity.
Silent Night
The best part of this time of the year is remembering the people and experiences that make the holidays meaningful.
We at Custom Travel Network thank you for your trust and loyalty, and wish you all the love and happiness this season can bring. May the joy and excitement accompany you throughout the upcoming New Year!
…and if you are curious how this little cabin in the mountains can be yours for a night (or three…), contact us!
Warm regards,
Your CTN Team
The Legendary Silk Road
Follow the legendary Silk Road back in time, across three countries and seven UNESCO World Heritage sites on our Lernidee Private Train. The 14-day journey from Ashgabat to Almaty (or vice-versa) takes in seven breath-taking UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stroll through the winding streets of Khiva and Bukhara, marvel at the desert sun at Registan Square, end experience local life and folklore with the cool ease and simplicity of your own private train in a region otherwise limited to long, uncomfortable bus rides.
Oriental ancient complex Shah i Zinda at sunrise. Samarkand, Uzbekistan
In 2017, we have 4 departures available. Contact us today for more information, and booking information!
Unique Private Rail Journeys
We are proud to announce the first anniversary of our partnership with German operator Lernidee Trains & Cruises. As Lernidee’s General Sales Agent and wholesale representative in North America, we offer our clients access to some of the World’s most unique rail experiences:
- “Tsar’s Gold” Trans-Siberian by Private Train, Moscow-Beijing and v.v.
- Orient Silk Road by Private Train (Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan), Almaty-Ashgabat and v.v.
- African Explorer, Cape Town-Windhoek by Private Train
and many more.
Our Trans-Siberian itinerary was just mentioned by CNN; please contact us for more information on these unique Bucket List trips!