March in Motion: Hosting, Exploring, and Experiencing Europe
March was a whirlwind of adventure for the Rising Tide team, and we’re back with more energy and inspiration than ever before.
Over the course of three weeks, founders Elizabeth Cincotta and John Battaglino moved through Amsterdam, Lisbon, and along the Mediterranean, with stops in Gibraltar, Seville, Malaga, Barcelona, and the South of France. Each destination added something different, not just to the trip, but to how we think about building one.
But this wasn’t just a trip; for a significant stretch of the journey, Elizabeth and John were aboard Silversea as Virtuoso Voyage hosts, responsible for ensuring a seamless, elevated experience for a group of discerning travelers as the ship moved through some of the most storied waters in the world. Every port, every recommendation, every moment that stood out was filtered through that lens, not just would we love this, but would our travelers love this, and why.
It’s a level of responsibility and immersion that no amount of research can replicate. And it’s exactly what informs the experiences Rising Tide designs for you.
We’ll deep-dive some of our favorite moments and hidden gems later on, but for now, here’s where March took us:
Amsterdam: Quiet Corners in a Moving City
Amsterdam moves quickly. Bikes flying by, narrow streets, energy at every turn. But just beneath that, there’s a quieter version of the city that reveals itself if you know where to look.
Staying along the canal shifts everything. The pace slows, the noise softens, and the experience becomes more personal. It’s a city that rewards small adjustments, where you stay, how you move, and when you choose to step back and take it in.
Highlights:
Boutique canal-side stay at The Dylan, an intimate property with just ~40 rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant
Private evening canal boat experience, offering a completely different perspective of the city at night
Exploring the Nine Streets neighborhood, filled with local shops, art, and independently owned boutiques
A meaningful takeaway, a locally purchased painting, signed and personalized as a keepsake from the trip
Lisbon: Movement, Flavor, and Perspective
Lisbon isn’t a city you stand still in. It’s built on hills, layered with neighborhoods, and best understood by moving through it.
The experience shifts constantly, from city streets to coastal views to historic landmarks just outside its center. And often, the most memorable moments come from the in-between, not the major stops, but the way you get there.
Highlights:
Private tuk-tuk tour across Lisbon’s seven hills, offering a full orientation of the city in a single afternoon
A stop in Pastéis de Belém for pastéis de nata, sourced through a local connection to skip the long lines at the original bakery (est. 1837)
Day trip to Sintra to visit Pena Palace, set high in the hills and surrounded by shifting cloud cover
Coastal stop in Cascais, a relaxed beach town just outside the city, known for its effortless, see-and-be-seen atmosphere
Visit to Lisbon’s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand, where each book is stamped as a one-of-a-kind memento
Standout dining moment at Pizzeria Forno d’Oro, consistently ranked among the best pizza outside of Italy
Gibraltar & Seville: Unexpected and Unforgettable
Some destinations surprise you. Others stay with you because of a single moment.
This part of the journey offered both, from the natural formations inside Gibraltar to the intricate craftsmanship found throughout Seville. Two completely different experiences, both worth understanding firsthand.
Highlights:
Guided exploration of Gibraltar’s interior caves, a striking contrast to the landscape outside
Up-close encounter with Gibraltar’s famous wild monkeys throughout the surrounding park areas
Visit to a historic palace in Seville, known for its highly detailed architecture, painted maps, and regional storytelling through design
Personal connection moment, discovering a visual reference to Valencia, a meaningful detail tied to family heritage
Malaga: Slowing Down by the Water
Not every destination needs to be packed with activity.
Malaga offered something different, space to slow down, walk along the water, and experience the kind of environment many travelers are actually searching for, even if they don’t always say it outright.
Highlights:
Scenic walk up to Malaga’s hilltop castle, Gibralfaro Castle, with panoramic views over the city and coastline
Time spent along the beach, highlighting the calm, restorative pace of southern Spain
Visit to Plaza de Toros de La Malagueta, Malaga’s iconic 19th-century Neo-Mudéjar bullring inaugurated in 1876, offering cultural context to the region
A memorable (and unexpected) dining moment, where a simple order turned into a full table of dishes and a shared experience with the surrounding crowd
Barcelona: Energy at Every Turn
Barcelona brings a different kind of pace.
It’s vibrant, layered, and constantly moving. The kind of city where you can cover a lot of ground quickly, but still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
Highlights:
Walkthrough of La Boqueria market, one of the most iconic food markets in the city
Visit to La Sagrada Família, followed by a walk down La Rambla to experience the city’s energy at street level
Shopping and discovery throughout the city, including locally recommended brands and unique finds
Meaningful connection made onboard with a fellow traveler, reinforcing how often the people you meet shape the experience as much as the destination itself – we cannot wait to tell you more about this!
The South of France: Finding the Right Fit
By the time we reached Nice and Cannes, the rhythm of the trip shifted.
After moving quickly through multiple cities, this part of the journey felt more settled. Less about structured plans, more about walking, taking in the surroundings, and letting the destination lead a bit. Even without a packed itinerary, there was plenty to absorb, the atmosphere, the people, the energy of being along the water.
One property in Cannes stood out in particular. Not because it was the most over-the-top, but because it felt easy. Early check-in without hesitation, a space that invited you to linger, and a level of service that felt natural rather than formal. Even something as simple as sitting down for a drink turned into a moment worth remembering.
Highlights:
Time spent in Nice and Cannes, exploring the distinct pace and atmosphere of the region
Stay at Hotel Barrière Le Majestic (Cannes), noted for its more relaxed, “country club” style of luxury compared to more formal properties
Exceptional service moments, including early check-in accommodations and highly personalized guest care
Standout cocktail experience at Fouquet’s at Hotel Barrière Le Majestic, highlighting the level of detail and presentation found in top-tier properties
What This Means for YOU
Every destination has something to offer. But not every experience is created equally. What makes the difference is understanding how a place actually works, where to stay, how to move through it, and what details elevate a trip from well-planned to truly memorable.
That only comes from being there. And it’s what allows Rising Tide Travel to design experiences that feel thoughtful, personal, and worth your time.
Let us take you somewhere magnificent.