Meet your Advisor

Crafting Meaningful Travel with Heart, Heritage, and Expertise

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Ripatransone, Le Marche
A woman standing outdoors on a grassy area with hills in the background, smiling and wearing a cream-colored dress and sandals during sunset.

I’m Gina Donati, founder of An Epicurean Voyage and Aqua Luxe Voyages. For over a decade, I’ve created journeys that blend culture, connection, and a love of place — always with a slower pace and deeper purpose!

With Italian roots and a passion for food and storytelling, I specialize in river and small ship cruises paired with thoughtful land experiences across Europe. To me, true luxury lives in the quiet details — a shared bottle of wine, a morning in a sunlit village, or simply having time to linger.

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Montalcino, Siena Italy
Begin Your Journey with Me

In the quiet of the Aegean, I’m reminded why I do this

— travel that reflects, renews, and holds us, like water.

With decades of travel experience and cultural curiosity, I’ve learned that the most extraordinary trips aren’t the most extravagant—they’re the most personal. I design journeys that allow you to explore with intention, savor the moment, and come home changed. Because when travel is done well, it becomes part of who you are.

This is travel with purpose, pleasure, and perspective.

A view through a decorative wrought iron gate painted blue, opening to a white-washed terrace overlooking the sea with a cruise ship in the water and white buildings, typical of Santorini, Greece.

What I Bring to Your Journey

Wine & Culinary Expertise

Certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers with insider access to local wine & food experiences.

Personally VettedCruiseExperience

I’ve sailed with top luxury and river cruise lines to personally vet the ships and service—and I maintain strong relationships with each brand I sell.

Professional Credentials & Specialized Training

  • CLIA-Certified Cruise Counselor

  • Member of ASTA, American Society of Travel Advisors

  • Destination Specialist: Italy, France, Portugal, Greece, Spain

  • ASTA Destination Certified: Croatia, Austria, Hungary, China

  • Luxury and Premium River & Ocean Cruise Certified  

  • Court of Master Sommeliers – Introductory Level

  • ASTA Verified Travel Advisory

Curious what your story could look like?

Start Your Custom Journey With Me
Explora 1, Explora Journeys, Amalfi Coast

FAQs

Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned traveler, these are some of the most common questions I receive when helping clients plan their ideal voyage. 

  • Booking with a seasoned advisor like me means access to exclusive perks, deep cruise knowledge, and personal guidance from start to finish. I help you choose the right ship, itinerary, and cabin — and I often secure upgrades, onboard credits, and private land experiences you won’t find online.

  • River cruises are intimate, immersive, and culturally focused — think sailing into the heart of medieval towns and dining on local cuisine nightly. Ocean cruises offer wider reach and resort-style amenities. I help match your travel style to the right type of cruise.

  • Yes — and that’s where I come in. Flights, private transfers, pre- and post-cruise land itineraries, hotels, and even dining reservations all contribute to a seamless, indulgent experience. I take care of it all.

  • I work with a curated collection of small-ship, yacht, and river cruise lines that align with my values — including Windstar, Uniworld, Ponant, AmaWaterways, Scenic, Emerald, Explora Journeys, and others. These are trusted partners I know personally and confidently recommend.

  • Absolutely. While I have deep roots in European travel, I work with cruise lines that sail globally — from the Mekong to the Caribbean to the South Pacific. I also design land extensions that enhance any destination.

  • That’s exactly what I help you determine. We’ll talk about your travel style, goals, and preferences. I’ll recommend the ships and itineraries that fit who you are — not just what’s trending.

  • Not at all. I specialize in custom experiences beyond the standard cruise excursions. Whether it’s a private vineyard tour, market-to-table cooking class, or hidden art walk — I can arrange more personal, in-depth moments on land.

  • It depends on where you want to go, but generally late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer fewer crowds and ideal weather. I can help time your trip perfectly.

  • Yes, and many lines now cater to both. I help match solo travelers or couples with cruises that feel intimate, social (if desired), and safe — including special solo cabins and waived single supplements when available.

  • Absolutely. Whether it’s a honeymoon, birthday, retirement, or anniversary — I create bespoke celebration trips with luxury touches, meaningful experiences, and memories that last a lifetime.

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Where Will You Arrive Next?

Wherever you're dreaming of going, it begins with one meaningful step or Where you go next matters – Let’s begin with purpose?

Plan Your Journey
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