GROUPS
WINE CRUISES + MORE
Wine travel & Groups
If you love travel as much (or more!) than you love wine, then you are in the right place. Amy Olmsted and Sara Schneider have teamed up to bring you the very best in 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 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 wine travels are what you are seeking, you could not be in better hands than with Ultimate Travels.
Cheers!
gentleman farmer:
Sail with Joey and Jeff
From Lisbon to Barcelona
OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT! STAY TUNED FOR MORE ADVENTURES WITH JOEY AND JEFF
June7-14, 2025
Join your fabulous hosts, Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham, as they guide you through unforgettable wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of other surprises.
Experience the rich cultures of Spain and France, from the legendary wines of Cádiz, the birthplace of sherry, to the art of making traditional Moroccan mint tea in Tangier.
Explore the charming town of Motril a gateway to the stunning Alhambra Palace, and enjoy an extended evening in Nice, where you can wander the picturesque village of Èze.
Don't miss the chance to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Vauban Fortifications and Palais des Papes in Avignon for an enriching adventure!
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All of this on a beautiful, luxury ship that holds less than 200 passengers.
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And, there's even a chance to add on a second week if you'd like to continue on with Joey and Jeff as they sail from Barcelona to Rome! Just inquire with Ultimate Travels for availability.
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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Inglenook and ritz carlton yacht collection
Sorry, This cruise is no longer available. Check back for future sailings with sebastian!
september 4, 2025
Set sail on September 4th, 2025, aboard the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s ILMA for a spectacular 9-night voyage through Europe’s finest wine regions. Curated by Ultimate Travels, this exclusive wine cruise is designed for wine enthusiasts and extends a special invitation to members of the Inglenook Heritage Society.
On this unforgettable journey, you’ll indulge in an array of world-class wine experiences, including a special Inglenook-hosted wine dinner. The carefully selected destinations promise a perfect blend of culture, history, and exceptional wine. The itinerary includes:
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Antwerp, Belgium (Overnight, September 5-6)
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Honfleur, France (September 7)
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Bordeaux, France (Overnight, September 9-10)
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Porto, Portugal (September 12)
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Lisbon, Portugal (Debarkation, September 13)
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Your host: Sebastian Pacheco. Equal parts wine whisperer and globetrotting bon vivant, Sebastian brings over a decade of expertise to the table—or should we say, the deck? Formerly the Head Sommelier aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and a wine educator at the legendary Inglenook Estate in Napa Valley, Sebastian has spent his career curating extraordinary wine experiences for discerning palates.
From swirling glasses in Bordeaux to uncorking bottles in Buenos Aires, Sebastian promises not just a journey through world-class destinations but a backstage pass to the best-kept secrets of the wine world.
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Sebastian is adding some amazing, wine focused experiences, like tours and tastings in Bordeaux and beyond, a recreation of the Judgement of Paris and much, much more.
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, 2025
**NEW**More wine talent on our Celebration of Austrian Wine cruise! California winemaking legend Rob Davis—the genius behind Jordan’s iconic Cabernet for four decades—will be joining Austrian wine authority Thomas Eggler and well-known wine writer Sara Schneider (wine editor for Sunset Magazine for many years) on October 27, 2025, to sail the Danube through one of the Old World’s best-kept secrets of a wine region. Taste alongside these California experts, for their Golden State perspective on great Old World wines! Enjoy Austrian Wines, beautiful music, and incomparable views on the Danube with Thomas Eggler and AMA Waterways.
Austrian wines are renowned for their exceptional quality, unique varietals, and the picturesque landscapes from which they originate.
The country's vineyards, particularly those along the Danube River, offer an enchanting blend of history, tradition, and innovation.
Exploring these vineyards on a river cruise provides an unparalleled experience, combining the leisurely pace of river travel with the opportunity to visit some of Austria's most celebrated wine regions, such as Wachau Valley, Kremstal, and Kamptal.
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As you sail along the scenic Danube, you'll have the chance to disembark at various ports to tour charming vineyards, meet passionate winemakers, and taste exquisite wines like Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Blaufränkisch.
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This immersive journey not only allows you to savor the diverse flavors of Austrian wines but also to appreciate the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage that make this region so special.
July 30, 2026
Embark on a journey that caters to discerning tastes and highlights the decadent French flavors throughout the Burgundy region.
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Enjoy crisp wine tastings throughout your journey in beautiful destinations such as Seurre, Tournus, Mâcon and Lyon.
Absorb the breathtaking scenery of elegant vineyards and historic sites as you sail along the Saône River. Savor exquisite regional cuisine and delightful treats on board and in the wonderful ports you visit.
More than just the incredible food and drink you will taste throughout this itinerary, the flavors of Burgundy expand to the rich culture and fascinating history, all of which you will enjoy on this captivating journey.
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Special offer expires 03/31/25
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.
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.
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"Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion." - Leigh Hunt