Shelly Baron

Europe has always captured my imagination. I’ve been to every European country, and usually more than once. I have explored Europe as a history, adventure, and spa buff and as a foodie and wine aficionado. Each country has a treasure trove of experiences and wonderful places to discover, and I love finding ways to help you explore your interests wherever you choose to go.

Spain has many facets, but many Americans aren’t aware of how much it has to offer. Barcelona is worth seeing if only for the imaginative architecture of Antoni Gaudi, whose buildings add to the city’s unique character. His grand unfinished basilica, the Sagrada Familia, is truly a wonder. The centrally located Mandarin Oriental, which has a Michelin star restaurant and a great spa, makes a wonderful home base for exploring the many museums and cultural attractions.

I often suggest combining Barcelona with the Andalusia region to the south. You can spend some time at the beach, and then visit the Moorish-influenced cities of Seville and Grenada. Not to be missed is the impressive complex of Alhambra with its grand palace and fortress.

Italy is many people’s top choice. First-time visitors usually want to see the sites they’ve already read about and seen in the movies. With time, it’s also nice to get off the main tourist routes and feel the pulse of some of the smaller town, but I also can help make even the most visited spots feel intimate. For example, I often arrange private tours of the Vatican. 

From Rome, you might take a train to Naples, and then journey by private car to Pompeii for a private tour of the ruins on the way to Sorrento. There, a private boat can bring you to Capri for the day. With more time, you might rent a car and explore Puglia, where your accommodations might be in a small converted convent or a seaside hotel. 

Ireland is another favorite. The Irish have a special connection with Americans and can’t seem to do enough for you. You might even be invited to someone’s home for dinner. While some people just visit Dublin and perhaps one of the castles, many like to do a more extensive itinerary. You could easily spend a few weeks exploring and still want to do more.

I always offer the option of hiring a driver/guide, so you can look at the scenery instead of watching your GPS and concentrating on driving “on the wrong side of the road.” If you prefer going on your own, I can customize an itinerary with interesting places to dine and explore en route, so your driving time is broken up. You may also like taking a ferry to Aran Islands, where you can bike to ancient castle ruins and stay at a small inn.

This is just a small sampling of what Europe has to offer. From attending a Viennese Ball to riding in a hot-air balloon over lavender fields in Provence, I can help make any trip to Europe the journey of a lifetime!