GROUPS
WINE CRUISES + MORE
wine and culinary travel
If you love travel as much (or more!) than you love food and wine, then you are in the right place. Amy Olmsted and Sara Schneider have teamed up to bring you the very best in culinary and wine travel across the globe.
Amy and Sara met over 15 years ago while working together at Sunset Magazine. Their combined love and passion for all things food and wine led to many successful ventures, including the launch of the Sunset International Wine Competition, popular events like Celebration Weekend and Savor the Central Coast, and wine cruises for both Sunset and Coastal Living Magazines.
A wine, food and general lifestyle editor and writer of 30 years, Schneider has served as wine and spirits editor for Decanter, Robb Report, SF Chronicle and Sunset Magazine. She has also judged numerous wine competitions throughout the world.
If culinary and wine travels are what you are seeking, you could not be in better hands than with Ultimate Travels.
Cheers!
July 20, 2025
​Join us for an unforgettable cruise hosted by Andrew Haugen, the acclaimed winemaker behind Odette Estate Winery and Adaptation Wines! Set sail for the stunning French Riviera, where you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture and exquisite flavors.
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Experience the magic of Nice with an extended evening to explore its vibrant streets alongside fellow adventurers. Discover the enchanting medieval walls of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, indulge in a delightful cheese and wine adventure, and savor every moment together.
Venture to the charming village of Gassin near Saint-Tropez, where a delightful wine-tasting experience awaits you and your fellow connoisseurs. And from Marseilles, let the alluring charms of Aix-en-Provence captivate you with a gastronomic exploration of local cheeses perfectly paired with fine wines.
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From Port-Vendres, embark on a delicious trek to Narbonne for a sweet indulgence in local chocolate.
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Finally, in Barcelona, take your time to marvel at Antoni Gaudí's breathtaking architectural masterpieces. Don’t miss La Boqueria, one of Europe’s largest food markets, bursting with local fruits, pastries, and tantalizing samples that will awaken your taste buds.
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Join us for a journey filled with flavors, friendship, and unforgettable memories on the stunning Mediterranean!
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OCTOBER 12, 2025
Explore Burgundy and Provence on Uniworld with founders
Rick Small and Darcey Fugman - Small
Embark on an exquisite journey through the renowned wine regions of southern France, following in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin.
Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, savoring the region’s unparalleled wine and cuisine while uncovering its many treasures.
Wander the very streets of Arles, immortalized by Van Gogh. Marvel at the grandeur of Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes. Delight in “Village Day” in the enchanting town of Viviers.
For those seeking a more active adventure, hike through the picturesque vineyards of the Rhône or cycle through Lyon, a city designed with bike enthusiasts in mind.
Discover the unforgettable charm of “Burgundy & Provence,” where tradition is as deeply rooted as the historic grapevines adorning the hills.
October 27 - November 3, 2025
Join celebrated Austrian wine expert Thomas Eggler—beloved host of the historic Hotel Arlberghaus—on a captivating 7-night journey along the Danube River. This enchanting itinerary blends the old-world charm of Central Europe with curated wine tastings, cultural treasures, and exceptional company.
Travel in the company of special guests:
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Rob Davis – Legendary retired winemaker of Jordan Winery
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Sara Schneider – Esteemed former wine editor for Sunset Magazine, Robb Report, and Decanter
Together, they bring decades of insight and storytelling to this unforgettable cruise celebrating wine, music, and heritage.
Explore Europe’s most iconic river cities and scenic wine villages, including: Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Salzburg.
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Enjoy tastings hosted by Thomas Eggler and featuring Austrian wines, including curated pairings with regional dishes, tastings and guided wine education sessions
and engaging wine conversations with Rob Davis and Sara Schneider.
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Your cruise includes everything needed for a seamless, indulgent experience, including
all onboard dining, including the Chef’s Table, unlimited fine wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner​ and daily excursions, including guided city tours, bike rides, and hikes.​
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This exclusive sailing with Thomas Eggler, Rob Davis, and Sara Schneider promises world-class wine, culture, and camaraderie on one of Europe’s most storied rivers.
MARCH 8, 2026
Antarctica is on many people’s bucket lists because it’s like nowhere else on Earth. The stunning, untouched landscapes of icebergs, glaciers, and vast ice fields are truly breathtaking.
Wildlife lovers are drawn to seeing penguins, seals, and whales up close in their natural habitat.
The thrill of exploring such a remote and challenging place appeals to those looking for a real adventure. Plus, learning about its scientific importance and unique role in our planet’s climate makes the trip even more fascinating.
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And now, you have the chance to visit Antarctica on a luxury yacht, purpose built for the area, at an INCREDIBLY LOW price! If you have ever thought of visiting the 7th continent - this is the time!
Visiting Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience satisfying a deep curiosity and wonder.
April 7, 2026
Get ready for an incredible 12-day adventure with the renowned wine expert Debbie Zachareas, as you set sail from the stunning Tenerife in the Canary Islands to the vibrant city of Barcelona!
Experience the perfect blend of Atlantic elegance and Mediterranean charm aboard the luxurious Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht, accommodating just 228 lucky guests.
Cross the iconic Strait of Gibraltar, glide the Guadalquivir River into Seville, and hop between the gorgeous islands of Malaga, Almeria, and Ibiza! Uncover lively streets of Casablanca, marvel at the volcanic beauty of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and bask in the sun-kissed coastline of Spain on this all-inclusive luxury yacht experience. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey!
june 21 - 28, 2026
Step aboard the ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse II and set sail on an all-inclusive 8-day Signature Yacht Cruise through the dazzling Greek Isles and the storied coast of Turkey. This is more than a voyage—it’s a celebration of life’s finer pleasures, set to the rhythm of the Aegean Sea.
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From the iconic domes of Santorini to the stylish shores of Bodrum and the cosmopolitan charm of Mykonos, you’ll discover sun-drenched coastlines, hidden coves, and enchanting villages that seem frozen in time. Each day offers a new canvas of beauty; each evening, a curated celebration of wine, food, and friendship.
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Your hosts—Eleven Eleven Winery and Paula Kornell Sparkling Wines—will personally lead private tastings and a wine-paired dinner, elevating your journey with the elegance of Napa Valley. Experience a rare harmony of Old World terroir and New World craftsmanship, surrounded by the sea’s endless horizon.
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With everything included—from gourmet dining and premium beverages to excursions and gratuities—you’re free to savor the experience without a care. Each day unfolds effortlessly, each evening capped with a toast among new friends and unforgettable views.
June 28 - July 9, 2026
Join Elizabeth Vianna, acclaimed winemaker of Chimney Rock Winery, on an extraordinary 12-day ultra-luxury voyage through the Mediterranean. Sail aboard the elegant Scenic Eclipse II, a sleek, state-of-the-art yacht designed for just over 200 guests—where intimate luxury, gourmet dining, and immersive wine experiences await.
This journey is perfect for Chimney Rock Wine Club members and guests who seek the perfect blend of discovery, indulgence, and connection.
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Your itinerary includes fabulous destinations like Athens, Crete, Porto Cervo, Sardinia and Malaga Spain. Each day offers immersive excursions, coastal beauty, and opportunities to savor the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Throughout the voyage, Elizabeth Vianna will host wine tastings, a wine-paired dinners, and intimate onboard gatherings, sharing insights from her journey as one of Napa Valley’s most respected winemakers.
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Whether you’re on deck at golden hour or gathered around a candlelit table, every sip is part of a larger story—told by the Elizabeth herself.
Book by September 30, 2025 to receive exclusive early-bird pricing.
Space is limited for this intimate voyage, and staterooms will fill quickly.
July 30 - August 6, 2026
Join renowned winemaker Doug Margerum for a remarkable 7-night cruise through the legendary Burgundy region, sailing aboard the luxurious AmaCello from Lyon to Dijon. This exclusive experience combines world-class wine, regional cuisine, and scenic cruising through one of France’s most celebrated landscapes.
Enjoy wine tastings hosted by Doug during your cruise, while exploring the charming riverside towns of Seurre, Tournus, Mâcon, and more. Sailing the picturesque Saône River, you will pass rolling vineyards and timeless châteaux. Daily excursions are included, from cellar tours to cultural landmarks
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Doug Margerum, founder of Margerum Wine Company and a leading figure in Santa Barbara’s winemaking scene, will guide you through the journey with:
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Insightful tastings of his acclaimed Rhône-style wines
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Curated wine-paired dinners and onboard conversations
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A personal perspective on winemaking, food pairing, and terroir
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Traveling with Doug brings an intimate, enriching layer to this journey—perfect for wine lovers seeking depth and connection.
september 22, 2026
Join your hosts Tony Lombardi, Vintner, Lombardi Wines and Dustin Valette, Chef and Vintner, The Matheson, Valette Restaurant and Valette Wines as they sail the Treasures of Italy, Croatia and Greece on Atlas Ocean Voyages.
With an overnight in Venice, authentic Venetian seafood awaits to tantalize your taste buds before navigating the Grand Canal as only small vessels like our yachts can do.
Dive deep into history in Sibenik, an enchanting setting for Game of Thrones with a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fortress of St. Nicholas. According to legend, when Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the world, their paths crossed in the sky above Delphi, establishing it as the center of the earth. Explore these mythologies in-depth with an adventure from Itea.
Navigate the famous Corinth Canal, a narrow passage whose sheer limestone cliffs standing at 300 feet tall inspire a sense of awe, from the decks of our intimate yacht. Discover the enchanting donkeys that are Hydra’s primary means of transport, as this island is entirely vehicle free, with a late night in port.
A world of wonder awaits you and your fellow explorers.
December 28, 2026 - January 9, 2027
​Renowned Chef Suzanne Tracht of JAR Restaurant brings her signature flair to the high seas, captivating guests with interactive cooking demonstrations and curated collaborations with the Scenic Eclipse culinary team. Drawing on the freshest seasonal ingredients—from the polar region and the ship’s own microponic garden—each creation is a celebration of taste and terroir.
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Embark on a 13 Day Antarctic Expedition aboard the 6-star Senic Eplipse. Discover Antarctica’s majestic beauty: surreal icescapes, colossal icebergs, and captivating wildlife including humpback whales, penguins, and playful seals. Explore untouched waterways by Zodiac and kayak, then rise above it all in cutting-edge helicopters, guided by an expert Discovery Team.
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Indulge onboard in nine exquisite dining experiences, relax in sophisticated lounges and bars, and rejuvenate at the serene Senses Spa—all aboard your ultra-luxurious 6-star Discovery Yacht.
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Step into an extraordinary world of culinary artistry and icy wonder aboard the Scenic Eclipse, where luxury meets the edge of the earth.
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This isn’t just a voyage. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
GLOBAL BRANDS WE PARTNER WITH
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"Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion." - Leigh Hunt