MEET YOUR ADVENTURE CURATOR

Woman sitting at a bar with a glass of cocktail, surrounded by hanging wine glasses and bottles in the background.

Melissa Franco

Founder, Savour The Journey

I’m Melissa—founder of Savour The Journey, cultural explorer, and curator of immersive travel.

I believe travel is about more than getting away. It’s about connection—to culture, to place, and to how we see the world.

With roots in both Mexico and Canada, a degree in art history and Italian, and over a decade of experience coordinating international travel at one of Canada’s top universities, I bring a thoughtful, creative lens to every journey I design.

The kinds of experiences I plan aren’t found on checklists or crowded “must-see” tours. They live in the quiet moments: stepping into a centuries-old workshop in Oltrarno, wandering through a sun-drenched vineyard in Alentejo, or losing track of time over a long lunch in a quiet Catalonian village.

If you're drawn to travel that’s meaningful, intentional, and crafted around you, you're in the right place. I work with clients who value culture, depth, and connection—and want every trip to feel like a story worth telling.

DESIGNING TRAVEL WITH INTENTION

I design thoughtful, culturally rich travel experiences for people who want more than the usual itinerary.

A private sail along the Dalmatian Coast.
A hidden-door culinary tour in Trastevere.
A sunrise hot air balloon ride over Marrakech.

These are the kinds of moments that stay with you—not because they’re extravagant, but because they’re yours.

While you’re busy enjoying the journey, I’m behind the scenes—refining the details, anticipating your needs, and making sure everything flows seamlessly.

Travel that’s personal, meaningful, and designed to stay with you.

How I wander the world

For me, travel isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about settling into the rhythm of a place.

It’s the leisurely espresso at a corner café in Paris. The detour that leads somewhere unexpected. The meal too good—and too long—to rush.

I don’t believe in tight schedules or whirlwind itineraries. I believe in slow travel, thoughtful pacing, and the art of letting a destination unfold in its own time.

That’s how I like to travel—deeply, deliberately, and with room for wonder.

A Few of My Favourites

Cozy living room with wooden shelves, a fireplace, and striped armchairs. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling over a coffee table with a plant. Books and decorative items fill the shelves. Large windows with patterned curtains let in natural light.

Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

A city steeped in colour, tradition, and golden-hour magic.

Interior of a stylish bedroom featuring a bed with a cushioned headboard and a bolstered pillow. The background includes a built-in wall unit with arches, painted in blue and red tones, housing shelves with decorative items and a coffee machine. A striped upholstered chair and wooden beams on the ceiling add character to the room.

Il Palazzo Experimental

Venice, Italy

Playful design meets pared-back glamour on the edge of Dorsoduro—Venice with a bit of edge.

Traditional stone house with a modern swimming pool in a lush garden; outdoor seating area under trees.

Riva Lofts

Florence, Italy

An airy, design-forward stay just beyond the crowds—ideal for slow mornings and aperitivo by the river.

Each of these properties includes exclusive partner perks when you book with me—like room upgrades, welcome amenities, late check-out, and more.

Venetian canal with pink building, brown shutters, balcony with flowers, laundry hanging, and a green boat.

WHAT A THOUGHTFULLY PLANNED TRIP REALLY FEELS LIKE

A seamless trip isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how everything flows. When we work together, here’s what you can expect:

  • Every detail is curated with care—from iconic landmarks to tucked-away gems—so you can simply arrive, settle in, and savour the experience.

  • From the perfect table to private guides and behind-the-scenes experiences, my trusted network opens doors to moments most travellers miss.

  • Room upgrades, spa and dining credits, early check-in, late check-out—these benefits are just the beginning. As a preferred partner with top hotels, your stay is anything but ordinary.

  • From first draft to final flight, I’m there behind the scenes—coordinating the moving parts so you can travel with clarity and confidence. And if anything unexpected comes up? It’s handled.

    Because the best travel feels effortless—and stays with you long after you return.

Because travel should be effortless, immersive, and extraordinary.
Let’s work together.