A Message From our CEO
Over the past three years, it has been a privilege to travel with our members overseas and enjoy some truly unique experiences through our CEO Tours. Our vision was to create adventures that could not be found in a brochure, that were extraordinary, and yet affordable. Our mission was to offer experiences filled with unique memories that would promote a strong desire to travel with us again and again.
This vision became reality in 2017 when we visited Switzerland on the inaugural tour. Unpacking only once, we utilized a “hub and spoke” approach staying at the same property throughout. It would be challenging to match the unparalleled beauty of Switzerland, specifically hiking through the scenic Sertig Valley and reaching the waterfall. Feeling adventurous, we left the group and hiked back through the valley. Stumbling upon a small church nestled in the middle of a winter wonderland, we were greeted by a priest whose friendly smile was the universal sign for welcome.
Another highlight was our visit to the highest altitude brewery in Europe. Tucked away in the Swiss Alps along a small, winding road located over 5,000 feet above sea level, the basement tasting room featured countless mugs hanging from hooks throughout that we were told were named after brewery regulars. As the story goes, they are the self-proclaimed “Last beer before heaven.” Their secret? With beer being mainly water, the Alpine Springs being the source makes all the difference!
In 2018, we ventured to the Tuscany region of Italy. Experiences such as the walled city of Lucca, which features a maze of cobblestone streets flanked by Romanesque churches, picturesque views and countless quaint shops filled with endless trails of Italian specialties. To this day, it is still the best gelato I have ever tasted!
Perhaps the highlight of the trip for me was the medieval cityscape of Sienna. Sienna is known for the Palio horse race that has its origins in the distant past. But beyond the Palio, there is something to be said for Sienna’s Square ”Piazza Del Campo.” Sipping on a glass of wine, immersed in a culture rich in history and enjoying the timeless peace and serenity, Sienna will forever hold a special place for me.
I would be remiss not to include the scenic views from atop Montepulciano. We enjoyed a spectacular cantina tour and wine tasting which took us back in time. The tour highlighted generations of wine making, a past -to-present experience. The wines of Montepulciano are known all over the world which became obvious to us after the tasting!
This year, based on the feedback we received from our past travelers, we ventured out a bit and decided on a Viking River cruise down the Rhine. The tour began with two nights on our own in Amsterdam. Known as the Venice of the North, the city is surrounded by three main canals. We spent a day visiting the beauty of the Van Gough museum and stumbled upon a local seafood restaurant that featured some of the freshest seafood I have had the fortune to enjoy. One thing that might not be found in a brochure is Amsterdam’s zoo. It was an intimate experience featuring a vast variety of animals that reminded me of the old Philadelphia zoo as a child. The zoo was an absolute hidden treasure of Amsterdam!
Our Viking River Cruise ported in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which features 19 windmills that the Dutch have been utilizing for over 1,000 years! We were able to gain access to one of the windmills for a glimpse into the lives of the 18th century Dutch.
A highlight of the trip was our time in Cologne, Germany. Cologne can be described as a collection of old and new, a town rich in history but featuring subtle modern undertones. Just a few blocks from the bars and restaurants of the town center we found the Cologne Cathedral. This gothic cathedral dates back to 1248 and left us in absolute awe. If you are feeling adventurous, purchase a ticket and walk to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view of the town. Be warned that this trek through the narrow and winding steps will challenge your fitness level!
Hidden in the hills that overlook the Rhine, Kloster Eberbach is a well-reserved Romanesque monastery that took us back to medieval times. The guided tour walked us through the monks’ modest living quarters and featured a tasting in the wine cellar that dates back to the early 1100. The night concluded with a traditional German dinner within the monastery walls.
An experience that our taste buds won’t soon forget was the Taste of Alsace tour. Strolling through the quaint streets, periodically stopping at a rotation of cheese, chocolate and pastries, the tour culminated with a wine tasting paired with our tasty gatherings from the day.
We opted for the Colmar World War 2 Tour and were not disappointed. A moving experience that took us through battlegrounds and memorials, concluding with the story of Audie Murphy’s unparalleled courage and valor. The tour was an experience that will remain with me. Later we toured the Black Forrest. A short hike to a waterfall and a glass blowing demonstration were highlights.
In the Fall of 2020, we will be visiting Ireland. (see page 21 for more information). This will not be your “cookie-cutter” tour. Instead, the focus will be highlighting the food, scenery and culture from a unique perspective only to be found with AAA South Jersey. We will also be featuring both our Switzerland and Tuscany tours in case you missed it!
Hope to travel with you soon!
David A. Antrilli
President, Chief Executive Officer
