Italy is a dream destination for many travelers seeking luxury travel experiences. Picture this: wandering through ancient cobblestone streets, savoring authentic Italian cuisine, and indulging in world-class wines. From the romantic canals of Venice to the historic ruins of Rome, Italy offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. Now, imagine traveling in style and luxury with a group of like-minded people who share your passion for adventure and exploration. Luxury group travel offers a unique opportunity to experience the finest destinations while creating unforgettable memories with new friends.

Our Luxury Travel Concierge Emilyn experienced the magic of luxury small group travel first-hand on our recent Southern Suitcases trip through Italy. From the captivating waters of Capri to the beautiful ancient streets of Rome, there were so many wonderful experiences shared and memories made. Emilyn is sharing some of her favorite parts of it all!

What did you enjoy most about traveling with a group?

I loved getting to meet so many people and learn about so many people's stories. Everyone I was on the trip with had a story to tell about why they were there and why they loved to travel. I got to witness love, friendships, and joy amongst everyone.

What was your favorite moment from the trip?My favorite moment was the cooking class. As a lover of cuisine, a home cook, and having worked in fine dining, being able to cook alongside a Michelin starred chef was a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget. 

Do you still feel like you had a personalized and private experience while traveling with a group?

Even with a group, it still felt very personalized and private. There was nothing more satisfying than skipping the line at the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, really every place we went where general admission had to wait, and it felt like we had privileged access to everything. Some of the lines we skipped looked like they were hours long wait. 

What did you enjoy most about traveling alongside Tammy?

I loved getting to see Mrs. Tammy in her element. I knew she loved to travel, and I knew she loved Italy, but I didn't understand to what degree until I was right there next to her experiencing everything through her eyes. Seeing an itinerary that I've looked at for months unfold in front of me was truly eye opening. I also was in absolute awe at just how much she was able to put into one trip for so many people, how organized it all was, and how she does this regularly for so many trips. Just one is a task to tackle on its own! 

What did you learn from the experience about ways we can enhance our clients' future trips?Oftentimes, seeing a trip on paper may look like it makes sense, but the nitty gritty details down to adding walking maps and including phone numbers, hours of operation, exact meeting points, tips and reminders, etc., make everything so much easier, especially when it's all located within our itinerary app. 10-minute walks are completely different from city to city, and some 10-minute walks are easy, while others can be challenging or even impossible. It may be a steep uphill climb. The attention to detail is so critical for a smooth trip, and I always knew it was important, but I did not realize just how important until I got to see first hand. 

Luxury group travel offers an incredibly unique experience. You'll explore fascinating destinations, make wonderful memories, and experience all the perks of being a VIP traveler. Stay tuned for details and pricing for our 2025 Southern Suitcases small group trips to Sicily, Spain, and a luxury river cruise on the Danube! For 2026, we'll be exploring France, Portugal, and South Africa!