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Michael Kovnick, CTIE - Culture Discovery

Michael Kovnick, CTIE - Culture Discovery

Tampa, FL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Michael Kovnick, CTIE - Culture Discovery

Tampa, FL Travel Agent
Culture Discovery Vacations, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
72 reviews
99% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience
Additional Languages
Italian

Expert in Groups, Cruises & Next Level Luxury

A seasoned travel industry leader with over 25 years of experience, I am a Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) accredited by the Travel Institute. The CTIE is the Travel Institute's highest level certification. I am all about service and building long relationships. From luxury cruises to groups, I have experience that is nearly impossible to match. I have organized and operated over 800 groups, including luxury local-living group tours in Europe. I have extensive experience with group and luxury cruises, and have first-hand experience, having traveled the world my entire life. I have multiple certifications in the travel I specialize in, and have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor "Hall of Fame" award & "Certificate of Excellence" 10 years in a row. I have thousands of 5-star reviews from happy travelers because my focus is not on the sale, but on creating travel with truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences that come from my extensive network and experience living abroad.
My Travel Specialties

Certificates & Awards

Travel Stories & Media

Client Reviews

My Places

Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations
Italy
Trans-Atlantic
World Cruise
Mediterranean
Rhine River
Tuscany
See All Destinations >
Interests
Cruises
Food & Wine
Groups
Luxury Cruises
River Cruises
Small Ship Cruises
See All Interests >
Supplier Partners
AmaWaterways
Celebrity Cruises
MSC Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Small Luxury Hotels
See All Supplier Partners >

My Travel Specialties

Groups, Luxury + Ocean, River & World Cruises
Groups, Luxury + Ocean, River & World Cruises
My Specialties: Group Travel (Cruise & Land) Luxury Cruises Trans-Atlantic Cruises Luxury International Tours Europe Off The Beaten Path Advanced Expert: Celebrity Cruises & Royal Caribbean Groups...
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Luxury Cruise Expert
Luxury Cruise Expert
Luxury Cruising is in the Eye of the Beholder Whether you are looking for Silversea Cruises, Ponant, Azamara, Oceania, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn, Regent...
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Small Ship Cruise Expert
Small Ship Cruise Expert
There is nothing quite like the luxury of a small ship cruise.  With today’s mega ships that are floating cities, much of the pampering that used to be synonymous with cruising has faded away, with the exception of small ship cruising. These cruises are more personal in nature, have no cro...
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Transatlantic Cruise Expert
Transatlantic Cruise Expert
If you are considering a transatlantic cruise, it is of immense value to get advice from someone that takes them regularly, because they are unlike every other cruise out there, and you may be surprised to learn how amazing they can be!   In other words, I'm your guy! Why Ta...
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Mediterranean Cruise Expert
Mediterranean Cruise Expert
The secret to picking the right Mediterranean cruise is in truly knowing the various ports, what they offer, and how far they are from the places you wish to visit, given the allotted time you have to visit those places.  Because of this, it is absolutely essential that you are planning with some...
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World Cruises
World Cruises
WORLD CRUISES - When you are ready to really let go! World cruises have become increasingly popular with more and more cruise lines offering them at various price points, levels of luxury, and options. A world cruise is more than just seeing the world while packing and unp...
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Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Experience Unparalleled Luxury: Windstar Cruises with Culture Discovery Cruises Have you ever dreamt of sailing to remarkable destinations aboard a luxurious small ship, where personalized service and immersive experiences are the norms? Look no further! With Windstar Crui...
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Group Travel
Group Travel
Group travel planning requires someone that has a tremendous amount of experience.  Group travel is nearly impossible to book online. There are too many complexities and with my experience, I will help you avoid the issues that drive group travel coordinators crazy. I woul...
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Wine, Cooking & Culinary Vacations in Tuscany
Wine, Cooking & Culinary Vacations in Tuscany
The Most Memorable Group Tours, Period. I am one of the founders and acting chair of Culture Discovery Vacations, the largest direct-operator tour company in Europe that focuses on immersive small-group cooking, culinary and wine vacations. Our focus is entirely on ...
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Italy Cooking, Food, Culinary and Wine Vacations
Italy Cooking, Food, Culinary and Wine Vacations
Italy is all about food, wine, friends and family. When people ask me to best describe the difference between American and Italian cultures, I often put it this way: The average American wakes up each morning, and their first thoughts are: What will I do to make...
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Italy Food & Wine / Culinary & Foodie Expert
Italy Food & Wine / Culinary & Foodie Expert
If you are looking for Food & Wine travel in Italy, you simply will not find a better person to help you make the best and most memorable trip of your life. I have lived with one foot in Italy and the other in the United States for 37 years, and have not only traveled every region of the c...
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Royal Caribbean Expert
Royal Caribbean Expert
Everything Royal Caribbean Whether you are looking for a wonderful cruise in Europe or a jaunt in the Caribbean, I am especially in tune with Royal Caribbean, their ships, policies and everything to do with the cruise line.  I can help you with everything from your ...
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River Cruise Expert
River Cruise Expert
River cruising is one of the most wonderful and relaxing ways of experiencing Europe, but many people aren’t quite sure what to expect or how the different river cruise lines differ from one another. What is a River Cruise like?  If you have been on ocean cruises, y...
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Certificates & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world.Go with the pros.
The Book with Confidence logo tells you that this Travel Advisor has direct access to comprehensive resources for safe and healthy travel, available at their discretion for sharing with clients.  This includes vetting the details on the health and safety protocols implemented by each travel provider in order to recommend the ideal itinerary for each client’s unique needs.
The Luxury Leaders Alliance is a unique networking environment for a carefully selected group of luxury advisors that have common experience, skills and mindset. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and educational opportunities, these elite advisors are empowered to provide sophisticated, personalized experiences to luxury travelers.
Certified Group Travel Specialist: This certification program provides agents with a comprehensive approach to group sales, including planning, selling, marketing and managing group travel.  This is a three year study program that includes a group research project and an educational experience.
A Honeymoon Wishes Agent provides the only full service honeymoon registry for couples that expect a higher standard for their wedding.
Trusted Travel Advisor: A Trusted Travel Advisor credentials, resources and global connections translates to today’s consumer in respectful interactions, confidentiality, knowledge, and client advocacy of travel services provided in parallel with building long lasting client relationships that builds with each interaction.  A Trusted Travel Advisor knows their client better than the client may know themselves and puts those polishing touches on each travel collaboration.
Royal Caribbean Expert
Royal Caribbean Master
Trip Advisor Hall of Fame
17+ Year Group Travel Specialist
Certified Italy Expert (Italian Tourism Board)
CLIA CCC, Travel Institute CTIE
Luxury Cruise Expert
Culinary Vacation Expert
Certified Italy Specialist
Celebrity Cruises Certified
Celebrity Cruises Expert
U.S. Virgin Islands Certified Specialist
Royal Caribbean Master of Adventure
MSC Cruises Master Cert
Italy Expert Certified (Italia.it)

My Travel Stories

What do you want from a Travel Agency?
In this article, I am going to give out some inside knowledge about the travel industry, and to be honest, you may read this and realize a travel agency is not for you, or you may realize that it is exactly what you want or need.  Either way, the important thing is that you are armed with knowledge. The easiest way to compete is on price....
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Cruising the Mediterranean to Experience Europe
I have to admit that I never thought a Mediterranean cruise would be of any interest to me.  I spent a great deal of my life living in Europe, and traveled extensively, spending a great deal of time soaking it up.  The thought of only spending a day in one place and having to get back to a ship by a certain time didn’t appeal to me. That ...
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How Covid was the Ultimate Test in Travel Biz
On this page, there is a video that chronicles our Covid experience between 2020 and 2021.  Please take the time to watch it, as it is one of my greatest honors to have gotten through it they way we did. While nearly everyone knows that the Covid pandemic hit everyone in travel extremely hard, what is not well known is how different peopl...
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The Two70 on Odyssey of the Seas
Disconnecting on a Transatlantic Cruise
For decades, my business has required me to travel between Europe and The United States between three and five times per year. Whenever I get to my destination, I need to hit the ground running, and let's just say that Jet Lag is not my friend. Finally with kids grown up, my wife and I decided we wanted to try to do the transatlantic. I m...
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My Photo Albums and Videos
Group Travel
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CLIENT REVIEWS

Rating: 5
72 reviews
98.61% Recommended
I won't let anyone else organize my groups!
Reviewed By Linda - Los Angeles, CA | Traveled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
I have been traveling with Michael and Culture Discovery for over a decade on my group trips. Michael and his team are so good that they know my desires better than I do. With every group I have put together, I have given Michael a basic idea what I wanted, and he delivered ten times what I was hoping for. Every trip has been the trip[ of a lifetime, from ground tours to cruises, he has always delivered 1,000%
Michael Kovnick, CTIE - Culture Discovery responded
"Thanks so much! It sure helps that you always have wonderful groups! This last one was fantastic. I am so happy we were able to make it all come together so smoothly for everyone! Already working on next year :-)"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
41 of 45 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
What every group planner should be!
Reviewed By Dick R. - Melbourne, FL | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
I am part of a travel club for a large community, and first met Michael when we contacted him to do an Italy tour for a group of up to 45 people. We have had many agencies and tour companies before, but the way Michael presented for us was like nothing we had ever seen. His presentation in front of 500 members of our club was so successful that the tour sold out in 3 days and had a waiting list.

He came for another presentation for our group to finalize everything, and finally the tour happened. I have been to Italy many times, and this was the best we have ever experienced. The Vatican at night after it closed, our luggage waiting in our rooms with each hotel change, personalized gifts at each location, a sense of friendship along the way. It was more than perfect. Like no other tour we had ever been on.

He is now the only person we use for our groups. Cruises, tours, and more. We are currently planning a large group cruise with him, and a tour in Portugal for next year.
Michael Kovnick, CTIE - Culture Discovery responded
"Thanks! You guys are absolutely the best, and such a pleasure. Every group you have had has been an honor to arrange (and our whole team loves you). I am so happy I will be with you on the group cruise next year, and then Portugal... it is going to knock your socks off :-) "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
39 of 43 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
The only person for luxury cruises!
Reviewed By Melissa - Boca Raton, FL | Traveled to Alaska ~ USA
I love luxury cruises, and before I started planning with Michael, my husband and I didn’t feel comfortable doing excursions not offered by the cruise line. But on many occasions, Michael would organize private experiences for us that brought us to places we never would have experienced through the normal excursions. It has changed the way we see the world. When he plans a cruise for us, he also plans wonderful experiences when we are in port. It makes our cruise 100% better every time. When we get back on our ship and speak with others, they are always fascinated by the things we did, and wonder how we knew to do it. That is when I simply give them Michael’s email.
Michael Kovnick, CTIE - Culture Discovery responded
"Thank you so much. It is my passion to help you get past the typical "tours" people do when they travel, and help you with unique and special experiences with the locals."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
36 of 40 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Nobody else compares
Reviewed By Janet - Austin, TX | Traveled to Caribbean
I've now had Michael plan three trips for me, one of which was two back to back cruises, and previously vacations run by his own company, Culture Discovery in Italy. In all the time I have known him, it is clear that he deeply cares about my experiences, and will goes way out of his way to make sure every part of my trip is better than I can ever expect. He has talked me out of trips that he would make much more money on because he just cares that my vacation is right for me. What can be better than that?
Michael Kovnick, CTIE - Culture Discovery responded
"Thank you so much! And now I can't wait for next year when you will be on the transatlantic cruise group, then the Italy tour! Excited to be with you on that one :-) "
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
32 of 35 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Highly Recommended!
Reviewed By Jeff - Wesley Chapel, FL | Traveled to Mediterranean ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
We have used Michael for the last 7 or 8 trips we have taken and all have been fantastic! He makes the planning process so easy, gets us our whole itinerary on an app, is super responsive and the trips have been amazing!
Michael Kovnick, CTIE - Culture Discovery responded
"Thanks Jeff! I am so happy this last mediterranean cruise was such a good fit for you. I really loved planning it, especially the custom shore excursions!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
33 of 38 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client Testimonials

High Expectations Exceeded! AGAIN
Having read all of the marketing materials, and after speaking with Michael, we had high expectations for our cruise plus Tuscany tour. Those expectations were far exceeded!!! Our accommodations were lovely, cruise and hotel staff very attentive and professional. Amazing custom shore excursions, and the schedule, including cooking classes, was brilliantly organized. While other tourists were visiting "tourist" destinations, we were cooking or out in the countryside at vineyards or the goat farm. We visited the busier tourist locations in the late afternoon, when the crowds were leaving town. To us, this appeared to have been really well thought through and orchestrated for our benefit as a mixture between a cruise and culinary tour. It was truly a fabulous trip, thanks to Michael and his team at Culture Discovery.
Susan V, Columbus OH
This trip ranks as our #1 Italian experiene!!!
My group and personal assessment is a resounding 14 thumbs up! I thoroughly enjoyed my journey and the entire experience. Your entire team displays a wonderful and friendly spirit which engages every participant in such a welcoming and warm environment that all feel a family type friendship that will never diminish. We were blessed with our Multi-talented hostess with the mostest lovely Linda and our absolutely Best Driver on the planet Sergio. Theses two stars turned our transportation into pleasure trips. Lynda’s warmth and genuine sense of humor kept our energy soaring and our laughter roaring. My wife and I have been to Italy on four separate occasions ( She has been 5 times). This trip ranks as our number one Italian experience. The towns and venues we visited which all were more intimate and personable than our past visits. This similarity in their respective intimate identities made the interactions more informative and warm.
Vincent W
Best vacation ever!
This was the most amazing vacation! Michael & Culture Discovery Vacations planned everything out perfectly! From wine tasting with horses, private wine tastings and dinners to tours of cities. The accommodations were great and the cooking classes were wonderful! Our guide Mimo was terrific! He kept us 11 women on schedule which is hard to do! lol Our drivers Katusha and Mauritzio (I know I did not spell those right!) were also great!
Unna E.
Maybe the best trip EVER
I cannot express myself in a way that would tell you how amazing this trip turned out to be. We felt so loved and so welcomed. I knew I would like this trip but I was not aware of how much I would LOVE it. I am in awe of these sweet and generous people who were so eager to share their world with us. Please take this trip with CDV. You will enjoy every moment.
Regina H.
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