4 Must-Go-To Places To Visit In Gatlinburg

BY  Sibashree Oct 16, 2025

I still remember the fresh breath of air as I opened the gates of the Villa Spectra. The lush green hills in the backdrop were inviting for an immediate stroll, while the Sun-drenched terrace was calling me to get soaked in the Tuscan Sun. Everything about the villa was very intimate and warm, and just the way I wanted. The serene setting and the luxury inside! Everything was worth the wait! Yes, I planned and dreamt of the day for five years, kept a separate savings account for the travel, and that’s a different story!  And I chose Le Collectionist villas because I wanted to soak in the luxury and richness Italy offers, with the history of the Gladiators and the Medici dukes and their sophisticated cultural landscape. I was in Italy for a trip of 15 days, and this is how the luxury villas and everything I saw became a part of my Roman Holiday. How Does History Speak Through The Alleys Of Rome? (With A Dash Of Luxury)  The history of Italy is layered. So, knowing about the history of Italy is not like visiting points A, B, and C. Whether it is the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the walled city of Lucca, each location has a story to share. Now, choosing Villa Spectra from Le Collectionist was again a brilliant choice for me, as their concierge services and local partners ensured access to the real narratives of the places. 1. Tuscany: When Light Teaches Patience And The Time Stands Still My mornings in Tuscany began with the slow rattle of shutters. From the kitchen window, cypress trees pointed like metronomes toward a pale sky. Furthermore, it was quite warm by the afternoon, and floating in the villa pool, reading, or catching up on the best delicacies were the best refuge I could think of. By dusk, I was out to see the color of Chianti. Seeing the sunset rays painting the houses while sipping a glass of Brunello was the ultimate Tuscan experience. The Val d'Orcia landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the highlight of my Tuscan experience. Also, the overall Tuscan landscape looked like a Renaissance painting for me, with verdant hills and cypress trees. 2. Puglia: The Still Stones Carry The Secrets The dry stone architecture of Alberobello looked like the Sakshi or eternal witness I have read about in many Hindu texts. Now, thousands of miles away, I was connecting to my roots, and I had goosebumps thinking about the universality of the truth. Masseria Ozen was my home for the days in Puglia. 3. Amalfi Coast: Sniffing The Sea And Lemon Positano ridgelines and Amalfi were the highlights of my day in Amalfi. I had the most theatrical experience in Amafi amidst the whiff of lemon and white stones. My mornings here started with the sound of espresso spoons in the coffee cups and morning bells. Evenings were lazy, sipping on the sharpest Amalfi sherbet and watching the ferries passing. However, for me, the most exciting part was taking an after-hours walk with the villa concierge, taking us through Pompeii. The fresco colors were magical. 4. Rome And The Appian Way: Where History Speaks The villa I was staying in gave me access to the Appian Way through the garden gate. With the city still sleeping and the cold stones under my feet, it was like going many centuries back. I kept exploring, and when I reached the Villa dei Quintili ruins, the light had turned honey-gold. I sat on a fallen column and felt, absurdly, both guest and citizen of another age. Don’t Rush: Pick Your Favorite Zone In Italy  You cannot rush a holiday in Italy. Now, I was on a 15-day vacation, and that’s why I could touch upon many areas. However, with my trip ending, I realized that it was foolish of me. I should have focused on a distinct zone. Must-Visit Zones in Italy Highlights Puglia and Alberobello • Olive Groves • Trulli Districts • White Towns Rome and the Appian Way • Cecilia Metella • Villa dei Quintili Tuscany and Val d’Orcia • San Quirico • Montalcino • Pienza Amalfi Coast and Pompeii • Positano Ridgelines • Frescoes and Forums in Pompeii • Ravello • Amalfi Sardinia • Su Nuraxi Nuraghe Complex Venice and the Lagoon • Torcello’s Basilica Lake Como and Lombardy Villas • Alpine Views • Villas with Liberty-Style Architecture  Don’t Forget To Listen To The Hidden Narratives When visiting places such as Pompeii, the Val d’Orcia, or Puglia, there is much to explore beyond what meets the eye. For example, the graffiti of Pompeii features election advertisements, love notes, and more, indicating a complex past. On the other hand, the Val d’Orcia is a testament to the Renaissance urban planning. Again, the dry stone architecture of Puglia can be a lesson about how to defy gravity. Why I Chose Luxury Villas Le Collectionist? For Quiet Luxury And Love For History, Of Course  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Collectionist (@lecollectionist) I chose the Luxury villas Le Collectionist because I wanted to stay near the key attractions in Italy without the hassle of crowds. I wanted some quiet time, and the concierge team was very helpful in suggesting the right day and time to visit the important landmarks. They also helped me with the ticketing and stuff. Furthermore, they arranged special after-hours access for the villa residents. So, staying in the Le Collectionist luxury villas was not just about finding the most premium accommodation. They ensured access to a deeper and more convenient cultural exploration. How Can You Choose The Best Luxury Villas Italy Le Collectionist? The time of your visit (seasonality), the experience you want, the style of villas, and some non-negotiable attributes are the things to be considered when choosing the best luxury villa by Le Collectionist in Italy. Factors to Choose the Best Luxury Villa Details Type of Experience You Want • For farmhouse-like setups, choose villas in Tuscany. • If you want the dramatic experience of a cliff villa, choose one in Amalfi.The Style of Villas• When traveling solo or with your partner, a compact villa will be the best choice for you.• You will need a multi-suite villa when traveling with your family.Seasonality • In winter, the piazzas and museums of Rome are the go-to places. So, choose villas near them.• Furthermore, shoulder seasons are ideal for outdoor exploration. So, choosing a villa near the Amalfi Coast or near Tuscany will be a great choice.Non-Negotiable Attributes • Pools • Pergolas • Airconditioning • Water Facilities  What Are The Best Luxury Villas Italy Le Collectionist For History And Premium Experience Lovers? Here are the best Le Collectionist villas in Italy if you want to explore the history of the country and the dolce vita. 1. Villa Spectra, Tuscany  For me, Villa Spectra in Lucca was the main character of the Tuscan vacation story. The terrace and the living area of the villa gave me enough time and chances to soak in the Tuscan Sun. Villa Spectra has 5 bedrooms, and the charges are around $2400 per night. 2. Villa Masseria Ozen, Puglia  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mune_Architecture (@mune_architecture) Located in San Vito dei Normanni, Villa Masseria Ozen exudes a quintessential Italian charm.  For me, the highlight of the stay in Villa Masseria Ozen was the dinner under the stars. Masseria Ozen has five bedrooms, and the charges will be around $1400-1500 per night. 3. Villa Salvatore, Amalfi Coast  Within 300 meters of the Amalfi Coast, Villa Salvatore was my perfect home. The trees near the villa stretch down to the sea, and for me, the breakfast time on the terrace was amazing because of the stunning views around. Your stay at Villa Salvatore will cost around $3,665 per night. 4. Chalet Gatsby, Lake Como  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Collectionist (@lecollectionist) Chalet Gatsby looks over Lake Como, and this is precisely why I chose it. However, the villa has only five bedrooms. So, check availability or try early booking. The villa is also close to the village of Brunate. I loved the walk from the villa to the village in the morning and late afternoon. The tariff here will be around $1500-3000 per day. 5. Villa Limoncello, Florence  Villa Limoncello won me over with its serene location. Also, with an infinity pool, it made me wake to the sound of water. Furthermore, the hammam or the massage room was my favorite. This villa has seven bedrooms and five bedrooms, and the pocket pinch is $4,820 per night. Why Are Concierge Services Such A Big Deal?  The concierge services and assistance of these villas were the common threads among the places I visited in Italy. Here’s why they are so special. 1. Guides Who Teach You About Places  When I was in the Appian Way or Pompeii, the concierge service guides were like the mobile history books. 2. Makes Logistics Hassle-Free  With concierge services, I did not have to worry about the car rentals. The vetted drivers took me to the important locations. They know everything from ZTL boundaries, parking spaces, and drop-off timings. 3. Ensures Smooth Access Concierge services take advantage of the tie-ups, and booking is always done through official channels. So, the slot selection is clean, and you will get the best official discounts. Exploring Italy Without Stress: Be Smart With Logistic Planning  For Rome • Explore Appian Way places such as Aqueducts, Catacombs, and Quintili. Then, have a late lunch.• Wear sturdy shoes to walk comfortably on the basalt stones.Tuscany Days • Explore Val d’Orcia and don’t plan visiting more than two hill towns.Amalfi Coast • Avoid traffic with boat rides. Visit Pompeii early in the morning or late.Puglia • Visit Alberobello in the early morning.• Hit the beach at noon.• Have dinner under the vines. My 15-Day Travel Itinerary In Italy This is how my itinerary for the 15-day vacation in Italy looked. Days Activities Day 1 - Arriving in Lake Como • Traveling from Milan to Lake Como• Lakefront lunch• Boat ride to Varenna & Villa Monastero• Dinner at Villa• Watching Mirrored Lake at DawnDay 2 - Heart of Como • Visiting Villa del Balbianello• Having lunch in Menaggio by Lake Como• Riva boat tour • Spa in the evening• Aperitivo dinner in the villa Day 3 - Milan Excursion • Traveling to Milan• Visiting the Brera • District and The Last Supper Museum • Lunch at Marchesi 1824• Returning to Como Day 4 - Verona & Valpolicella • Driving east from Milan to Verona & Valpolicella• Visiting the vineyard villa near Negrar• Visiting Juliet’s balcony and Valpolicella wine tasting in the afternoon• Dinner under vines with Amarone & Tiramisù Day 5 - Venice Arrival • Reaching Venice and enjoying a water taxi ride to the Grand Canal Villa• Dorsoduro stroll in the afternoon• Sunset gondola ride• Seafood dinner at Alle Testiere Day 6 - Florence • Taking the train from Venice to Florence• Private Uffizi tour in the morning• Watching the sunset on Ponte VecchioDay 7 - Chianti Wine Route • Taking a vineyard drive from Greve to Radda on the Chanti Wine Route• Enjoying rustic trattoria lunch• Spending the evening in the villa by the poolside Day 8 - Val d’Orcia • Exploring Val d’Orcia • Moving South to Pienza Villa • Exploring Montepulciano • Attending local cooking classes Day 9 - Rome Arrival • Beginning of the Roman Story• Driving to the Appian Way Villa• Explore Villa dei Quintili and Cecilia Metella. Day 10 - The Eternal City • Early tour to the Vatican City• Having coffee at Piazza Navona• Visiting Pantheon, Trevi, and the Spanish Steps• Enjoying a terrace dinner in the villa Day 11 - Amalfi Arrival • Reaching Positano via Naples• The signature welcome at Villa Limoncello• Relaxing by the poolside• Having a seafood dinner Day 12 - Coastline by Sea • Boat to Capri & Grottoes • Having a Picnic with Champagne• Watching Sunset• Relaxing at Night in a Jacuzzi Day 13 - Pompeii & Vesuvius • Private archaeologist-led tour• Vineyard lunch & Lacryma Christi tasting• Swimming in the evening Day 14 - Puglia • Villa Check-In• Traveling to Bari• Visiting Trulli Dinner in the Olive Grove Day 15 - It’s a Wrap • Visiting Ostuni after an early breakfast• Lunch and Sunset Drink• Destination: Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla  Local Secrets That No One Talks About The Val d’Orcia farmhouse owners explain the aging of the cheese served. So, you not only have the best cheese, but also an anecdote to take home. You have to plan your sleeping hours based on the location you are visiting. Puglia is the most beautiful in the twilight hours, and the Val d’Orcia ridge or the Appian Way are great for early walks. Once again, keep the official links of the tickets booked, offline maps, and documents handy. Moreover, avoid overscheduling, as driving and the distinct experiences at different locations require time. In addition, remember which area is suitable for what type of traveler. Have a look at the table below for a better understanding. Places to Visit in Italy Suitable for Travel Groups Nearby Heritage or UNESCO Sites Rome and The Appian Way History Enthusiasts and Families The Appian Way is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Places to Visit here are:• Tomb of Cecilia Metella • Circus of Maxentius • Appia Antica Villas • The Catacombs of San Callisto Amalfi (Amalfi Coast, Positano and Ravello) Photographers and Couples • The cultural landscape of the Amalfi Coast PugliaFamilies and Multi-generational Groups • Alberobello Tuscany Road Trips • Val d’Orcia Sardinia Cultural Enthusiasts and Coastal Holidayers• Su Nuraxi Nuraghe Complex  With Sustainability And Etiquettes In Mind…  Italy is the country of ancient ruins. So, while exploring archaeological or historical places, you must be very careful and respect the barriers as explained by the guides and officials. Furthermore, opt for concierge services and travel in the early hours to avoid the rush in these cultural and historical places. Take help from licensed guides to help the local community and listen to stories that only locals know. Visiting Rome And Staying In Luxury Villas Italy Le Collectionist: FAQs Here are some frequently asked questions and answers. 1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Pompeii?  Yes, Pompeii is a year-round destination. However, if you want to enjoy mild weather conditions, visit Pompeii in the shoulder seasons, such as September to October and April to May. 2. Why Is Trulli So Famous?  Trulli, a place of great cultural importance, is famous as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stone huts here are whitewashed, and they have conical roofs.The architecture of these huts represents the quintessential architectural style of the Puglia Region. 3. Is There Any Resource To Learn About The Landscape Of Tuscany?  Yes, you can read the UNESCO World Heritage Convention page on Val d’Orcia and other heritage sites to have the historical or cultural background and context about them.  4. What Is The Best Villa-Based Experience Near Rome? You will find the Villa dei Quintili while driving on the Appian Way. The vast ruins get fewer crowds compared to other historical zones in Central Rome.You can keep an offline leaflet handy, as the mobile network may not work here.

BY  Arnab May 12, 2023

Vacations with the family create cherished memories, as well as get everyone out of the house and away from the daily grind, exposing everyone to new people, places, and things. Research suggests that family vacations may even be good for your health. Are you seeking an unforgettable family vacation? Try going on a family safari in Africa. You might be wondering if it is safe or whether the children will get bored. Well, yes, it is secure, and no, the children should be fascinated by so much to see. Tanzania family safaris are an experience that can intrigue your family with beautiful memories. A family safari is a trip you may want to take advantage of. It is adventurous and enjoyable. Children can learn about the globe in distinctive ways that cannot be taught in the classroom. The 7 Benefits of Going on a Family Safari Vacation Consider taking your kids on a vacation that is different from the usual and comes with fantastic learning experiences. Go on a Tanzania family safari. The experience is better a witnessed event than a told story. There are reasons you should put the family safari trip on your bucket list. This is why: 1. Taking a Tanzania Family Safari is Educational for Kids A family safari in Tanzania is a beautiful opportunity to introduce your children to the outdoors and wildlife, nurturing their love and awe of both creatures and the natural world. Children may acquire knowledge about African animals in a fun and engaging manner during their safari, which can also serve as an outdoor classroom. Your kids can discover the wonders of nature outside the walls of a school as they follow and read animal tracks and identify excrement. They also learn about the tribe and people of Tanzania, which can help them respect diverse cultures. The topography and wildlife of the continent are extensively taught in school, but experiencing it up close and in person, rather than having to imagine it, gives your little explorers an entirely different perspective. It could be one of the most fascinating, enjoyable, and instructive excursions you ever have with them. 2. A Safari Enables You to Interact Closely With Wildlife A safari provides a rare opportunity to observe wildlife up close. The only way to track wild creatures and admire their beauty and strength is on an African safari. You get to witness the great migration and the Big Five at Segerenti Park in Tanzania. They witness the calving of wildebeest, where thousands of calves are born, and how the animals nurture their young. A walking safari provides an exceptional opportunity to get close to the animals. With expert guides, you will learn a ton about the creatures and have a great chance of seeing them. Observing animals in their natural habitat in the African wilderness awakens the younger generation’s enthusiasm for conservation and instills ideals related to preserving our natural legacy for future generations. 3. Creates Quality Family Bonding A family safari offers an opportunity to experience wild, secluded, and stunning locations, with a focus on bringing you closer to one another and nature. You can completely switch off in the bush because there are no screens or phone signals to distract you. As a result, families embark on new endeavors together. They indulge in playing cards and board games, exchange stories about their travels, and spend the evenings conversing around a campfire. 4. More Than a Game Drive Experience Safari vacations involve more than just wildlife viewing, although that is fantastic as well. Safaris provide many opportunities and experiences to broaden your kids' horizons. Community visits are among the finest ways to learn about various cultures. Visiting a nearby village might be rather enlightening because many traditional African communities are more in tune with their surroundings.  They are, therefore, less materialistic than most children are accustomed to seeing. 5. Your Kids Relate Their Fantasies to Real Life Children develop an early passion for lions, giraffes, and elephants thanks to films like The Lion King and Madagascar. They get the opportunity to observe these intriguing personalities in person on a family safari. You and your family are in for an exciting, unforgettable adventure in Africa, and there is nothing more heartwarming than seeing your child's expression when they see their first grand cheetah or wallowing hippo.  6. Acquiring New Skills Your children might learn new skills more quickly when on leisure and away from the familiar learning environment at school. Kids can participate in programs at many family-friendly resorts, including learning traditional local crafts or spending time in the kitchen with chefs. Children may also learn from the Tanzanian experiences of wilderness skills, like tracking wild animals and birds or recognizing plants with therapeutic characteristics, which are possibly the most engaging and pleasant activities for kids. Some others include creating a clay pot, basket weaving, and fishing. 7. Enjoy Parents’ Together Alone Time Even though spending time with your family is excellent, there will always be times when you, as parents, need to step away for a few hours to rekindle your relationship. Your little adventurers can be occupied with games, activities, and expert child guides while you relax and unwind with your spouse. Have a private dinner, or watch the setting African sun over the savannah plain. The children can be engaged in practical educational experiences that are interactive and disguised as play. Take Away In addition to offering a rich environment for you to reconnect with one another by sharing special experiences, a family safari trip in Tanzania offers variety and originality. A family safari vacation in Tanzania is one of the most thrilling and fascinating travel experiences that children can have because of Africa's different cultures and its famous wildlife. Consider what an experience on a safari will do for your kids. The awe of witnessing an elephant herd marching across a vast savannah, the majestic sound of a lion howling at night, or even a night spent beneath Africa's boundless starry skies. The memories are irreplaceable and will always be treasured. Read Also: 5 Fascinating And Fun Travel Destination Ideas In Africa For Vacation Best Beaches In Costa Rica For Family Vacation Great Vacation Ideas For Adventurers

BY  Sibashree Feb 18, 2025

As a couple, imagine sitting on the wide deck of the cruise ship, sipping sparking water, staring at the horizon! With your partner right beside you, holding on to your fingers while you both see the sun slowly setting, coloring the sky red!   “What a romantic thing to do! To make me think of you!”   The line resembles what you feel as a couple when you go on one of the best cruises for couples in the Caribbean! The spectacular turquoise waters create the perfect background for some of the best Caribbean cruises you are on.   So, what are your plans to visit the Caribbean? Let's get inspired by the celebrity cruise experiences and share them with your partner. Not just exploring new places but also tasting new cuisines and watching over the horizon, getting to see new migratory birds!   Let me share with you some of the most romantic destinations and which cruise packages are perfect to take you there!    THESE Romantic Destinations Make Best Cruises for Couples!   As a couple, you need to spend quality time with each other. Going on a cruise with beautiful scenery is a perfect date setting! Let me tell you, going on one of the best cruises for couples means you get to spend quality time together.   Additionally, you get to do fun activities such as jazz dance, go for spa treatments, fine dining, or watch a movie together. There are a variety of experiences that you will get from one of these romantic destinations that you can visit while on a cruise together.   Let us explore more about these cruises, be it the princess cruise package or the sunset cruise package. It will not just relax you and your partner individually but also improve your relationship as a couple. Furthermore, you can also get some February vacation ideas!   The Mediterranean   The priceless moments that you will experience while romancing your partner on a Mediterranean cruise are unmatched. If you are both huge adventure seekers, this is the perfect cruise to go for you!    You can book some of the best Mediterranean cruises 2025 after learning more in this blog! Go through diverse experiences and make memories for a lifetime with your partner. You can go biking across the Tuscan hills or you can walk on the streets of Rome, hand in hand with your lover.    You can also see the beautiful leaning Tower of Pisa! Additionally, you can cozy up in a Venetian Gondola, spending beautiful moments of togetherness. If you know how to swim, you can go for a dip in the clean and sparkling waters of Corfu.   Hawaii   Are you wondering about going on a cruise with your partner? Do you have any idea about some of the best cruises for couples? Of course, how can we forget Hawaii as the paradise of all cruise experiences?   You will need at least 19 days to go on this cruise trip! However, if you cannot manage that long, why don’t you choose the 16-Day Hawaiian Islands roundtrip? You can get on the cruise from San Francisco, California. It will cover five ports in Hawaii, Kona, Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, and Ensenada!   Hawaii is known for its nightlife along with entertainment in the Island-inspired activities. Do not miss the world-class cuisine! Enjoy beautiful ocean views.    Alaska   If you are planning to see beautiful glaciers and check out some of the coolest wildlife, Alaska as a destination offers one of the best cruises for couples. Arctic excursions are not everyone’s cup of tea hence, committing to this cruise is the best way to enjoy Alaska.   The beautiful blue of the sky and the lake of the place make a perfect view for you and your partner to enjoy a glass of wine together! Simultaneously, some of the best Alaska cruises will ensure your perfect holiday.   You can take princess cruises or celebrity cruises, depending on your requirements, be it a spa, or delicious Italian restaurant!   Key West   There is no direct cruise line going to the Key West especially because of the increasing risks to the fragile tropical environment. The economy of the place is dependent on tourism therefore, cruise ships dock at the closest piers, be it the Navy-owned Outer Mole pier or the Truman Annex!   You have to watch the beautiful sunsets at the Key West cruise lines! Along with that, you get live music and a full bar. You must enjoy the delicious cuisine that is available on these cruises.   New Orleans   There are some specific activities and elements of cruise travel that you can enjoy when in New Orleans! When you want to go on a romantic date or trip, you have to take one of the best cruises for couples.   Starting from stunning views of the city, delicious Creole cuisine, and live jazz music combine to offer you a unique New Orleans experience. The cruises go through the Mississippi River giving you the genuine traditional feel of New Orleans.   New England   Are you planning to go on a romantic trip to New England on a cruise ride? Let me share with you some of the best cruises for couples such as Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise or Lighthouse Lovers Cruise in Portland.   Furthermore, you can go for a whale-watching trip on the cruise in Gloucester. You will get to see pristine beaches while on the cruise along with scenic harbors all around. The CruiseLine can be completed in seven days, going from Quebec to Bar Harbor to Boston.    San Francisco   For me, one of the best cruises for couples if you want to go to San Francisco. You can go on a romantic sunset Catamaran Cruise where you can go around the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. You will get a complete view of the city at night, having the perfect date night!   Henceforth, you will get guides on these cruises along with those who will give you informative commentary. Simultaneously, you will also experience the beauty of the city with its sky-high buildings and bridges.   The Caribbean   What is more beautiful than the white sand and turquoise water, bringing you the most peaceful sound ever? Let's not forget the beautiful palm trees lining the beaches! If you are a couple in love, celebrating your wedding anniversary, or want to host your wedding, this is it for you.   The cruises are available year-round with five departure ports! The itinerary includes 23 islands covering all the regions. They have 11 ships active on that route and what is a better experience than going on a cruise, having a laidback vibe, enjoying local food, and island hopping?   Are you Ready for Some Romance?   Now that we have shared with you some of the most romantic destinations that you can cover, I am sure your plans are ready. Get your reservations on one of these best cruises for couples and use the trip packages to the best of your advantage.   Most of these cruises are of 5 nights and above! They cover at least 3 to 5 ports when going on the cruise including local cuisine and local Island inspired activities.   Comment below on what you think is the best cruise trip that you think of out of the ones I have mentioned. Do let us know some of the best cruises you have gone on with your partner!  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.