Olive & Atlas Travel Design

11/01/2024

✨ P I E M O N T E ✨

Our plates are full with trip designs to this stunning region of Italy this year and it fills me with so much joy every time!

Do you know Piedmont?! If you’ve been here for a while, you might know I am obsessed with the entire region. Sophisticated and elegant, yet authentic and charming. Breathtaking mountains, countryside, lakes, and villages. The perfect blend of gourmet cuisine, exquisite wines, natural beauty, distinguished cities, authentic experiences, and warm hospitality. A beacon of Italian excellence and the impossible to translate concept of “Sprezzatura”.

We are always pushing our travelers to think outside of the box when it comes to their Italian vacations. And to s l o o o o w down! Are you looking to live the Italian dream of heavenly food, wine, scenery, and experiences (including active ones)? You don’t have to step foot outside of Piedmont. Give yourself 10 days right here in this incredible place and you will not regret it!🍷🇮🇹

Interested in learning more about Piedmont, Italy?! Let’s chat! Inquiry form at the link in bio ⬆️

10/31/2024

Check out – then check into – these hotels that are doing the most with design.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/more-is-more-at-these-maximalist-hotels

10/30/2024

Santorini’s beauty is undeniable — from its iconic white domes to its breathtaking landscapes, it’s a destination that enchants at first sight. Yet, its allure draws flocks of tourists, sometimes casting a shadow over the island’s tranquil charm. 🏛️✨🌊

It is rare our guests do NOT want to visit Santorini, but we invite them to experience a different version of the island than the one the day trippers see. Even here, you can find authenticity, serenity, and connection with the island’s beauty and its soul.

Here’s how we can help you discover Santorini beyond the crowds:

🌿Off-Season Sojourns: Experience the island’s true nature when the world isn’t watching. Our expert planning ensures you can enjoy the secret beauty during more serene months.

✨Hidden Gem Villages: Let us guide you to enchanting villages off the beaten path, where local life thrives and tranquility reigns supreme.

⌛️Slow Down and Savor: Stay longer and dive deeper. We’ll show you how to build an itinerary that immerses you into discovering intimate experiences, active pursuits filled with natural beauty, and local people and customs…slowly revealing the true soul of the island.

🍷 Unique Discoveries & Stays: We’ll help you find accommodations away from where the cruise ships dock, and explore lesser-known beaches, trails, and even wineries - curated just for you!

Santorini is more than just a quick Insta-worthy stop on a Greece Grand Tour. We can help you create memories that move and transform through uncovering the quieter, captivating heart of this breathtaking island in the middle of the sea.

Have you been to Santorini? Share your stories with us! 🧳

📸: from the amazing George with 😊

10/29/2024

A second journey to South Africa reveals that each safari brings fresh perspectives. Read more on this family’s adventure.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/on-a-familys-second-trip-to-south-africa-new-perspectives-beat-new-destinations

Image: Crookes & Jackson

10/25/2024

What’s in a name?🕊️🫒

Every time I meet someone new and introduce them to Olive & Atlas, I am asked about the origins of our company name.

The “Olive” isn’t just a nod to my Italian heritage - it represents the timeless symbol of the ancient Olive Tree that I feel woven into my DNA. Iconic to Mediterranean landscapes, the Olive Tree is one of the most ancient trees on the planet. Flourishing under sun-soaked skies, near the sea or in the mountains, these trees inspire us with their strength, endurance, and graceful power to withstand the tests and strands of time.

Their silvery leaves ripple softly in a warm breeze, and the twist and turns of their ancient trunks represent the winding paths they have taken as they have grown. Is this not a mirror of our own lives? The many twists we take along our individual journeys, and our own travels, that eventually turn us into the powerful, strong, enduring people we become.

Olive Trees remind us of their wisdom. When you stand amidst a thriving grove and realize you are amongst living plants that have stood for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years, you can’t help but feel moved by all of the secrets it must be keeping. All of the stories it must have seen, all of the challenges it must have faced…and still you’ll see it flourish with new fruits. It continues to nourish us with its bounty every season, offering us fruits and oils that give us health and strength.

And of course, we can’t forget peace…the most commonly known symbol of the Olive Tree. The symbolic meaning of these ancient trees are the exact things we search for and wish to create in our own travels:

✨The strength to reach beyond our comfort zones
🌿The wisdom we earn from discovering ourselves by discovering unique cultures and customs
❤️ The empathy and peace we each can bring to the world when we understand it, and our fellow humans, just a little bit better.

We are nourished by our travels the same way these ancient wonders nourish us - in our souls, and in our hearts.

On our recent trip to Greece, standing in a grove, one of the traveler’s said to me…”I get it now.” And that meant everything.🕊️

10/24/2024

Beyond the champagne-soaked beach clubs, Mykonos reveals peaceful surprises. Explore the island’s secluded beaches and charming villages for an enchanting experience.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/meet-the-quiet-side-of-mykonos

Image: Lucy Laucht

10/22/2024

Get to know Madeira, "The Island of Eternal Spring,” where blue skies, floral-scented breezes, and mountainous landscapes create a year-round paradise.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/heres-why-madeira-is-called-the-island-of-eternal-spring

Image: Clara Tuma

10/17/2024

Hike New Zealand’s latest Great Walk: the Hump Ridge Track. This three-day, 38-mile loop on the South Island visits Tuatapere, Mussel Beach, Port Craig, and more.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/new-zealand-great-walks-hump-ridge-track

Image: Jen Judge

10/15/2024

Award-winning cocktails have solidified Hong Kong’s status as a cocktail capital. Discover the best bars in the city and dive into its vibrant scene.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/heres-where-to-drink-now-in-hong-kong

10/15/2024

Do you find yourself saying “I can’t believe it’s already…”? Well that’s me, all day. I can’t believe it is Mid-October, I can’t believe it’s been a month since Greece, I can’t believe Christmas is around the corner and I definitely cannot believe it’s already been a year since my trip to Egypt. ⏰

I had a call with a client who just returned from Italy and he couldn’t believe how the trip exceeded all expectations, which were quite high. Our partners took incredible care of them and we delivered on the luxurious yet immersive trip he was looking for. He immediately wanted to know where else we have deep connections and when he could start planning his next trip (back to Italy, and beyond).

It made me realize that my passion for the Mediterranean can sometimes overshadow the fact that at O&A we cover so much more than just Italy & Greece! Our company is rooted in our core value of connection and we build deep, meaningful relationships with partners all over the globe who help us create magic for our clients. 🌍

And we love the magic that extends far beyond Europe, to cultures wildly different from our own. That feeling when you land at an unknown airport, with an unknown language, in an unknown land…it is indescribable. We live for those culture shock moments where every sight, every smell, every taste is a hit to the senses, an adrenaline rush of shock, awe, and raw emotion. Pinch me moments that remind you that you’re alive, the world is large, and there will never be enough time to learn all of its secrets.

And then you meet someone(s) and they remind you that no matter how big the world feels - and how many secrets it keeps - we are all connected by our flawed, and beautiful humanity. That everyone loves to laugh and smile, to share good food, good music, and good conversation. That we all want to love & be loved, to feel joy and share in sorrow…and to be better tomorrow than we were today.

I left Egypt a different person than before I arrived. With new knowledge, appreciation, and understanding for things I didn’t even conceive before-thanks to people I met along the way. At O&A, we can take you there, too - the question is, are you ready?🗺️

10/11/2024

Step aside, Noma – North Jutland is the home of New Nordic cuisine now. Read more about Denmark’s culinary revolution.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/denmarks-culinary-revolution-is-on-the-move

Image: Simon Bajada

10/10/2024

🌟 Creating Moments that Last a Lifetime 🌟

At Olive & Atlas Travel Design, our mission is to craft journeys that move the soul and go beyond the ordinary. We are humbled and grateful to receive such heartfelt reviews from our clients, which truly reinforce our dedication to creating transformative travel experiences.

Testimonial Highlight: “My granddaughter Amanda and I lived a ‘dream’—from awe-inspiring locations like Athens, Crete, and Santorini to extraordinary hospitality with every detail meticulously curated. Angela covered everything, down to the sweet little touches like bags, personalized notes, and wine. It’s a vacation we’ll never forget! Everything was executed flawlessly, and the group’s camaraderie was perfect. It’s hard to imagine another vacation matching this one—until perhaps the next trip you plan.”

Amanda perfectly encapsulated what Olive & Atlas is all about with her “pinch me, this can’t be real” moment—creating journeys that fill the heart with joy and wonder. We value each client’s trust in us to craft special memories, blending unforgettable experiences with seamless, personalized service.

🤝 Our Promise: We are committed to authenticity and connection, seamlessly integrating cultural immersion with the fine details that make a holiday effortless yet extraordinary. From luxurious accommodations to immersive local experiences, our goal is to curate travels where dreams feel tangible.

We are endlessly thankful for the opportunity to be part of such cherished memories. The joy and appreciation expressed by our clients motivate us every day. Here’s to many more adventures that inspire and delight.

📍 Feel inspired to embark on your dream journey? Let’s make it happen! Inquiry form at link in bio.

10/08/2024

When I was putting together our O&A Greece itinerary I was hunting for the most authentic experiences possible. Knowing I’m always searching for ways to connect with the local people and culture, my amazing partners came to me with an idea to visit a working (read: not for tourists) farm high in the White Mountains. 🏔️
It was just what I was searching for…a family-run farm where everything is handgrown and handmade and almost no one speaks English. As an added bonus, there’s a small restaurant where they serve incredible food made directly by the owner that is all cooked over open flame for hours. The sizzle and pop of the pots over the fire complimented by the rich aromas of slow cooked meats, vegetables, and hearty sauces. 🔥

With a passionate guide at our side we explored the farms bounty - discovering endless views of ancient olive trees not quite ready to harvest, feeding cattle and sheep on mountain slopes, trying our hand at baking bread, suiting up for the freshest taste of honey, and walking through gardens exploding with fresh fruits and vegetables while plopping ripe tomatoes in our mouths, cutting open dripping watermelon, and smelling the endemic herbs of this rich island. 🍅🌿🍉

Then, we feasted in the way only Cretans do while enjoying traditional music and the hospitality of this amazing family living and working off their land, and sharing their passion, skills, and smiles with those lucky enough to visit.
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Authentic experiences like this are not for everyone. But this is what makes O&A different - we foster connection to culture and people and we love to help our travelers get outside of their comfort zones through unique experiences you just can’t Google. And the best part?! Most of our guests saw this experience as one of the top highlights of their stay. Mission accomplished. 🙌

10/04/2024

Explore one of Earth’s most biodiverse places on a carbon-neutral journey.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/to-save-the-amazon-rainforest-start-by-cruising-it

Image: Natural Habitat Adventures

10/01/2024

The right guide can help travelers partake in traditional Sufi Muslim ceremonies, shop souks, venture into the Middle Atlas foothills, and more in Fez.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/fez-city-opens-doors-to-the-real-morocco

Image: Korena Bolding

10/01/2024

We are so excited about this new collaboration with Hartland Candles & Soaps!! The scents are AMAZING! Can’t wait to gift them to our clients ✈️ 🎁 🧳

“We're thrilled to announce that Olive & Atlas Travel Design has chosen our *new* destination-inspired candles for their clients traveling to different countries! 🌍✨
Our most recent collaboration, and we couldn’t be more excited to see them in the hands of travelers.
A big thank you to Olive & Travel for trusting us to be part of your clients' journeys! 🕯✈️ ”

09/28/2024

This is definitely NOT the most flattering photo of me, and maybe I’ll regret giving it a permanent spot on my feed. However, given that this post is all about discovering the soul of a place through its food, and I wholeheartedly believe that food is joy, it seemed fitting.
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Look, I understand you may think cooking at home is a chore. Or maybe you’re an amateur chef and you think a cooking class sounds like more of what you already know. But here’s the thing…you can never truly understand a place without understanding its cuisine and its way of breaking bread.
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It’s not only what is cooked, but how it’s cooked, and which ingredients are selected and why, and from where? Who did the recipes come from, how were they developed and what are their secrets for cooking them? Where do they shop, and how often? What do they drink, how do they celebrate, and what’s important to them around the table? In Crete, you’d never leave a true Cretan table without a glass of Raki after you’re meal - that’d be a cardinal sin!
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This is why, despite any apprehensions you may have, we always recommend adding a cooking experience to your itinerary - especially if you’ve never done one before. It’s guaranteed to add a whole new layer of understanding about your destination and always ends in tons of laughter and smiles (pictures by here as proof!) and an incredible meal to finish.
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It’s true, at Olive & Atlas we are obsessed with all things culinary. It’s in our DNA as Italians to have a laser-focus on food. And for us, it’s so much more than just finding hidden gem restaurants or the best Michelin chefs…it’s about connecting our clients to culture through the art and warmth of the dining table. This is why we are obsessive about and specialize in the Mediterranean as a destination…because it is overflowing with opportunities to experience the very best hospitality and food culture you could ever imagine.
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Do you enjoy cooking at home or on vacation? I’d love to hear about you’re favorite food experience in the comments below 👇

09/27/2024

Meet the Bellevue Palace, an iconic Bern hotel since 1913. With its prime location near the UNESCO-protected Old Town and plush suites, here are five reasons it's a luxury escape.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/five-things-we-love-bellevue-palace

09/25/2024

India’s City of Dreams is forever reinventing itself. Discover where to stay, eat, and shop with the help of this Mumbai city guide.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/city-guide-mumbai-looks-forward

Image: Poras Chaudhary

09/20/2024

Bacalar leads the way in sustainable tourism by limiting boating and giving the laguna designated rest days.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/a-mindful-visit-to-lake-bacalar

Image: Luis García

09/17/2024

As ships return to the East, the itineraries are more enticing than ever. Discover these voyages with stops in Japan, China, Laos, and beyond—each worth the journey.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/cruises-in-asia-are-back-big-time

Image: Crystal

09/14/2024

🌟 WHY TRAVEL ON AN O&A ESCORTED JOURNEY? 🌟

Let us be honest…group travel is not for everyone. Heck, it’s not even for us…most of the time! There’s not much better than a private travel experience curated to your every particular interest and preference. BUT…there’s something really special about traveling with a small group of like-minded strangers, learning and growing with each other as you discover a new destination.

Our curated trips are designed for a maximum of 8-10 guests, keeping our groups tight and intimate. This allows us to get off the well trodden tourist path and access intimate, local experiences not accessible to large groups. I personally design each and every itinerary with the help and expertise of my local partners to show you the places I love most, and to travel the way I personally love to travel…getting deep into the heart of a destination, supporting its people and its soul as responsibly as possible. ✨

Our Greece trip began in Athens where we accomplished the highlights and kicked off with a rooftop Welcome Dinner staring at the Acropolis as the sunset 🌅 - what’s better than that?!

We then moved to Chania on the island of Crete, a place that stole my heart ❤️ two years ago when I visited for the first time. Often overlooked for other island destinations or beach-centered villages on Crete, Chania is a cultural explosion of authenticity and hospitality.

A stay at is an absolute must where the family who owns the property is always present and the staff amazing. We received the warmest welcome back for us, and for our first time guests.

In Chania, we explored the warmth of this region through its culinary prowess and old world charm before moving to Santorini.

Even on touristy Santorini we find ways to take you places you’d otherwise never go, and meet locals you’d otherwise not meet. And the best part?! I’m with you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and 5* experience and problem solving so you don’t have to! And maybe throwing in a surprise or two along the way!😉😊

We’re working on 2025 and 2026 escorted trips now! Drop us a note where you’d like to travel with us next ⏬

09/13/2024

Hi friends!! I’m finally ready to announce the 3 positions that we are hiring for at Olive & Atlas Travel Design ! I’m so excited about the direction our growing company is taking!

I am looking for candidates who will thrive amongst our organized chaos as we continue to grow and build our team and the foundations of our processes while consistently providing incredible travel experiences and excellence in customer service to our clients.

To read more about our open roles and positions, and instructions for how to apply, please visit our website by clicking here:

Discovering what kind of vacation you want to have was the easy part. Now you’re ready to trust your vision to a travel expert. Book now.

09/12/2024

Spend a weekend sampling Mendozan Grenache, Carignan, and Riesling. Read more about how the region’s innovative vineyards are redefining the wine industry.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/mendozas-wine-scene-is-crushing-it

Image: Laura Macías

09/11/2024

Zagreb's art scene is a hidden gem. From quirky museums to street art, explore the city's creative pulse with these must-see spots.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/angeishe22350/travel/articles/feast-your-eyes-on-one-of-europes-most-underrated-art-scenes

Image: Julien Duval