Philip's top destinations

Marrakech, Morocco

Immersing yourself in the souks is one of life's great experiences

Lago Trasimeno, Umbria

A special place with one of the best sunsets in the world

Verona,Italia

Romeo and Juliet territory but also home to an amazing ancient Roman arena which now presents some of the greatest operas and musical events which offer an unforgettable experience

Philip Cross

Journey Director, Italy specialist

From a very fortuitous redundancy in 2014, and a subsequent 6 week house sit in Umbria a whole new world has opened up for Philip. Having been involved in sales his entire working life, prior to arriving in Italy, he is now determined to seek out every little hilltop town and village in Tuscany/Umbria and is well on target. He loves finding those little off the beaten track places that are rarely visited and then sharing their secrets with Art In Voyage guests. An Australian,  who has developed a passion for all things Italian, he and his wife Jackie are constantly on the lookout for that special place.

One on One with Philip

In which city did you grow up?

Mostly Brisbane Australia

Where did you go on family vacations as a child?

My parents used to show dogs so not so much a vacation as a tour of dog shows all over the country!

What was the first country you ever visited (outside of your own) and how old were you?

Singapore at 17

When did you first realize that travel meant something more to you?

Singapore at 17

5-Star Hotel or Private Villa?

Private Villa

What’s the one travel tip that you always share with all your friends/guests?

If you are hungry or a mad keen shopper go back at least three streets from any major tourist attraction, then start looking

What are your top 3 cities or towns?

Venice, London , Spello( not really a town, more of a village in Italy)

What has been your most spiritual travel experience?

Still waiting for the most

Who will you never travel with again?

Ryanair if I can help it

What is the most stand out restaurant experience you’ve had recently?

a week long seafood feasting in Puglia on the Adriatic Coast

New York, Milan or Hong Kong?

MIlan

What’s the most adventurous travel experience you’ve ever had?

High Atlas Mountains in Morocco

What’s next on your travel bucket list?

Anywhere in Europe I haven't been yet

What do you do to relax and unwind in your personal time?

Attempt to play guitar and practice my Italian

Plane, train or automobile?

Train!

French Riviera or Swiss Alps?

Swiss Alps

When did you know that your career would be travel related?

When we left Australia in 2014 on what was a temporary basis and 8 years later we are still in Italy and now proud homeowners here

If you could invite 5 celebrity guests along on your next vacation, who would they be?

Steve Lukather, Joe Bonamassa, Bill Nighy, Steve Porcaro and Ringo Starr

What home comfort do you miss the most when travelling?

My Pillow

Which country makes the best coffee?

Silly question.... Italia of course!

Canon, Nikon, Sony, Hasselblad or Fuji?

Canon, my wife would kill me if I said anything else

Journeys with Philip

Europe

Under The Umbrian Spell

Fall & Wine edition
Assisi, Trevi, Perugia, Orvieto, Spello...
Mystical Emerald Isle, by Art In Voyage
Europe | May 2023

Mystical Emerald Isle

Western Ireland
Connemara, Galway/Mayo, Cliff of Moher,...