French and Italian Riviera changed my life!

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Gail Hummel, Travel Agent in Madison, WI

Gail Hummel

Madison, WI Travel Agent
Super Agent

Gail Hummel

Madison, WI · 14 Years of Experience

A full-service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
4.9
(117)
100% Recommended
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... Read More >
About
Reviews
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Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Italy, France, Spain, Monaco

Interests:

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

Suppliers:

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

About Me

Historic dining next to the casino - priceless!
Historic dining next to the casino - priceless!

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.

 

 

REVIEWS

Rating: 4.9
117 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 117 reviews

10 Year Anniversary Trip to Ireland
Reviewed By Schluter's - Sauk City, WI | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
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!
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?"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
34 of 53 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Beyond the Call of Duty
Reviewed By Mike and Kathleen - Madison, WI | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
Gail was terrific in helping us plan an Alaskan adventure and then super in addressing the pandemic disruptions. We highly recommend her.
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"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
28 of 42 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Amazing Trip!
Reviewed By Mary & Todd - Middleton, WI | Traveled to Thailand ~ East and Southeast Asia
Gail is very knowledgeable and easy to work with.
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"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
34 of 54 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Wonderful, care free Jamaican vacation
Reviewed By Happy traveler - Verona, WI | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
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!
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"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
34 of 55 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Best trip
Reviewed By John - Madison Wisconsin | Traveled to Riviera Nayarit ~ Mexico ~ Mexico
Gail was awesome. Always answered my questions and was very patient and thorough.
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"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
22 of 33 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Photo Albums and Videos

French and Italian Riviera
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    My Travel Stories

    Pasta and Capri Salad with an Aperol Spritz

    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. Italy is lovely, but inland, you are NOT on the...
    Read more

    Client Testimonials

    Italian & French Riviera Celebrity Cruise Sep 23
    Gail, Everything on our trip was great!! The ship was nice and our room was great. You were right, we didn’t feel claustrophobic at all not having a balcony/veranda so I’m glad we didn’t pay more for a room with one. Our excursions were fun too, but I think we did too many! We ended up canceling one because we just wanted to explore ourselves, and it ended up being a really fun day. Thanks for all of your help with this trip!! It was a fun first cruise and first trip to Europe! :)
    Emily S Madison WI
    Scandinavia September 2023
    Hi Gail, Feedback, sure. The hotels were all great. Go Hotel Ansgar in Copenhagen was perfectly located, a block from Central Station. Within walking distance to Nyhavn. Tivoli was right there also. The room was totally updated and clean. There was no bar/restaurant but they sold snacks, beer & bottles of wine at the concierge you could take out into their lovely courtyard to enjoy. Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz in Oslo was quite nice, walking distance from the train station. Getting a 24 hour tram pass was cheap and a good idea. Hotel Oleana in Bergen was quirky & nice. Again, great location. Could walk anywhere. May have been my favorite place. Zoku Copenhagen was unique & had a beautiful rooftop garden, restaurant & bar that could be a definite draw for returning. All the hotels had excellent breakfasts and, in my opinion, a definite must to include in your bookings. I wish the US had such an efficient and organized train transit system. The train from Oslo to Bergen was a beautiful trip.
    Larry B. Madison WI
    BESbswy