(105 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Gail Hummel

Madison, WI
Areas of Expertise...current favs!

Areas of expertise -

  • South Africa- Victoria Falls, Kruger National Park, Zambezi River, Capetown, Cape of Good Hope, Chapman's Peak, Table Mountain, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch (wine country), Mala Mala Game Reserve
  • Italy - ...
    Learn more about me.

French and Italian Riviera changed my life!

Imagine floating into ports where Michelangelo designed the port entry and his art dominates the culture. Imagine arriving into ports where going to have a meal at a farm in Tuscany where they make their own pasta, truffle honey, and wine. Imagine lunch at Cafe Paris in Monte Carlo/Monaco and then strolling past million dollar cars to go to the world famous casino during yacht week. Oh, the sights I have seen!


I was never a cruiser until I took a cruise on the Celebrity Beyond, the newest ship at the time. It is a Four Diamond Resort at sea featuring dining venues and entertainment that satisfies your senses. There is something about a new ship, something about a luxury ship, but together? I am unexpectedly now a cruiser. I am happily now a cruiser with strong affinity for Celebrity because of everything they offer and because of their outstanding itineraries.


Barcelona - Not Italy or France, but my favorite city in Europe. La Plaza Rieal in the Gothic Quarter is a must stop and linger spot.


Ville France (Your gateway to Nice and Monaco) There is a beach club in Nice where the rocks in the sea sing. It is a pebble beach and as the waves push and pull these beautiful pebbles, they make a lyrical sound. It is heaven. Right around the corner is Monte Carlo.


La Spezia - Bay of Poets (look it up) This stop launched us to Lara, where there is a Medieval city that has renowned pasta makers and cherry culture. I am a cherry lover, so this was a thrill.


Messina - A town square with an anatomical clock that has a Golden Roaring Lion every day at noon. What? I never would have known if I had not been just wandering around the town. It is magical and delightful. Messina is a port city that was heavily bombed during WWII, has experienced devastating earthquakes, but you would never know that.


Santa Margharita - Hop a taxi to Portofinoo and have lunch overlooking the harbor or shop in the tiny boutiques. We had such good food at La Gritta, that we went back the second time when I did this itinerary in reverse. 



Marsielle - Goat cheese fig pasta with Aperol Spritz. A tour to the Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde, 100 steps to the top. It was worth it. The history of these port cities is deep and so incredible.


I think I forgot to mention the ruins of Pompeii and Amalfi. How can I forget these places? It is all too much. You. Must Go. It WILL change your life to be immersed in these places yet have a luxury ship to return to. Trust me. I was not a cruiser. Now I cannot stop.


Above are just a few of the incredible things I experienced, with a million more along the way. I loved this itinerary so much, I did it twice in the same year and would do it again.There is nowhere in the world like the French and Italian Riviera. Nowhere. 


Let me help you change your life. Go and experience it for yourself.


 


 

My Travel Albums

Rome Florence Sicily Pompeii
In the Hall of Prisoners, on my way to adore David

My Travel Stories

French and Italian Riviera plus Barcelona

This area changed my life. How could I ever know that the Mediterranean waters and vistas, the art, and the delicious food would lure me like a siren's song? It did just that so much that I did this trip twice in 2023. I want to go back. I am looking everyday to find the next opportunity to return....Read more.

My Reviews

33 of 52 people found this review helpful
10 Year Anniversary Trip to Ireland
Working with Gail was BEYOND incredible! Her knowledge and expertise was extremely helpful, plus when we had a few glitches with our tour, she went above and beyond to get us satisfaction for our troubles. Burkhalter needs to give this woman a raise!!!! The term "dog with a bone" comes to mind. When we were having troubles with some of the companies we were staying with Gail went to bat and didn't back down! I would whole-heartedly recommend Gail to anyone needing assistance with their travel plans! We won't hesitate to use her for our next adventure!
By  Schluter's  from  Sauk City, WI
Traveled to  Ireland ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gail Hummel responded:
Your praise is so appreciated and I enjoyed working with you and your family. I wish things had gone more smoothly, but your ability to adapt and be creative saved the day! Where to next?

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27 of 41 people found this review helpful
Beyond the Call of Duty
Gail was terrific in helping us plan an Alaskan adventure and then super in addressing the pandemic disruptions. We highly recommend her.
By  Mike and Kathleen  from  Madison, WI
Traveled to  Alaska ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gail Hummel responded:
Mike, It was a pleasure working with your group and a disappointment when we had to shut it down due to Covid-19. However, when the time is right, the adventure still awaits and it will be a go! Thank you for your kind words. Gail

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33 of 53 people found this review helpful
Amazing Trip!
Gail is very knowledgeable and easy to work with.
By  Mary & Todd  from  Middleton, WI
Traveled to  Thailand ~ East and Southeast Asia
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gail Hummel responded:
Mary & Todd, There were a lot of moving pieces and it was fun and challenging to create the perfect Thailand trip. Where to next? I appreciate your business! Gail

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33 of 54 people found this review helpful
Wonderful, care free Jamaican vacation
Gail made booking our trip so easy and worry free! Plus she added in a bunch of extra tips that helped make our the trip the best we've ever had, and we like to travel a lot. We had a cancelled flight on the way home, and with two small kids traveling internationally that was not good news. Before we could even get to the front of the customer service line Gail had us booked on a different flight just a few hours later. We will definitely be using Gail for our next vacation!
By  Happy traveler  from  Verona, WI
Traveled to  Jamaica ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gail Hummel responded:
It was my pleasure working with you and your family! I am at your service when you're ready for your next trip! Gail

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22 of 33 people found this review helpful
Best trip
Gail was awesome. Always answered my questions and was very patient and thorough.
By  John  from  Madison Wisconsin
Traveled to  Riviera Nayarit ~ Mexico ~ Mexico
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Gail Hummel responded:
Hi John! I'm so glad you got your trip in before the world stopped traveling due to covid-19. Things will open back up and I look forward to working with you and your family when they do. Gail

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Destination Expert:

  • Italy
  • France

Travel Specialist:

  • Luxury Cruises
  • Couples & Romance
  • Culinary & Foodie
  • European Culture
  • Castles & Cathedrals

Top Travel Partners:

  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Silversea
  • Star Clippers
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Seabourn

Industry Affiliations:

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