Distinctive Journeys

Today is the 26th Birthday for Distinctive Journeys! It has been Fantastic! Thank you to all of our fabulous travelers! We would not be there without you!!

Four Packing Upgrades that Add Sparkle to Summer Expedition Sailings:

What to Bring on an Expedition Cruise, Beyond the Basics | Virtuoso These elevated picks from Jaeger-LeCoultre, Hermès, Loro Piana, and more add style and comfort to adventure-forward voyages.

Africa is not a “one-size-fits-all” destination — and that is exactly why expertise matters.

For Janie, Africa is deeply personal. She has traveled there 25 times, exploring Rwanda, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and some of South Africa’s most extraordinary safari camps.

That firsthand experience makes all the difference when planning a journey this meaningful. From choosing the right safari lodge or riverside retreat to understanding the best season for wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, or combining multiple countries into one seamless itinerary, Janie knows how to design an African adventure that feels personal, thoughtful, and unforgettable.

As the founder of Distinctive Journeys and a longtime Virtuoso travel advisor, Janie brings decades of experience, trusted connections, and a true passion for creating custom journeys for couples, families, and curious travelers.

If Africa is on your life list, this is the moment to plan it with someone who knows it, loves it, and has experienced it again and again.

Let Janie and our team at Distinctive Journeys team help you turn your dream of Africa into the journey of a lifetime.

Janie's recent unforgettable journey through Egypt was an amazing adventure!

From sailing aboard the historic Steam Ship Sudan, a charming 100-plus-year-old vessel that feels like a journey back in time, to visiting the legendary Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, every moment was filled with history, beauty, and wonder.

We stood before the Sphinx and the Pyramids, explored ancient sites and the Valley of the Kings, experienced the incredible new museum and its priceless artifacts, enjoyed remarkable cuisine, and even took a breathtaking balloon ride over the Nile.

But beyond the temples, tombs, treasures, and timeless landscapes, what we will remember most are the people — kind, protective, welcoming, and full of heart.

Egypt is ancient, powerful, beautiful, and deeply moving. Truly a trip to remember.

A shore to table experience defined by its true expression.

In Palermo, food is never separate from place. From market to table, the Sicilian soul is revealed through every flavour.
The experience unfolds through a chef-led exploration of Mercato del Capo, where the day’s catch and produce shape what comes next.

Vibrant streets lead back onboard, where the market becomes the menu. In the Chef’s Kitchen, three refined dishes are created through simplicity, technique and precision.

The Great American Safari: Bison, Bears, and 558,000 Acres of New Mexican Wilderness. Read more:

Ted Turner Reserves’ Vermejo Ranch in New Mexico Delivers National Park Cred Without the Crowds | Virtuoso Across more than 558,000 acres in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the rewilded landscape invites horseback rides, fly-fishing, and bison sightings.

Travelers become part of their stories on trips to the Himalayas, the Peruvian Andes, and beyond. Read more:

Support Local Women on These Journeys Around the World | Virtuoso Join Intrepid Travel women's expeditions, the Serengeti Girls Run at Singita Sabora, G Adventures' visits to a weaving cooperative in the Sacred Valley of Peru, and more female-centered adventures.

Some journeys are meant to be more than vacations.

Imagine searching for polar bears in Svalbard, snorkeling with sea lions in the Galápagos, exploring the art and traditions of Japan, savoring the flavors of Sicily and Pantelleria, or discovering Croatia’s hidden islands, waterfalls, ancient cities, and Adriatic coast.

This month’s travel inspiration is all about experiences that stir the imagination — wildlife, culture, cuisine, scenery, and thoughtful planning woven together into something unforgettable. Read it here: https://conta.cc/4fwI6lJ

Where will your next extraordinary journey take you?

Explora Journeys EXPLORA III sets sail this July, and alongside the culinary experiences you already love, they'll be introducing three new concepts crafted to surprise and delight.

Shore Club on 11 - a relaxed, beach-club-style restaurant inspired by carefree summer days by the sea. The Chef's Table - an intimate private dining experience, curated by our expert chefs. The Cellar - a welcoming sanctuary for wine lovers, where curiosity leads the way.

Maybe the best restaurants in the world don't have an address...

These Life-Changing Journeys Uplift Local Women:

Support Local Women on These Journeys Around the World | Virtuoso Join Intrepid Travel women's expeditions, the Serengeti Girls Run at Singita Sabora, G Adventures' visits to a weaving cooperative in the Sacred Valley of Peru, and more female-centered adventures.