Michael Santalucia

Hamburg, NY

Advisor Specializing in Hawaii, Alaska & Europe

When my wife and I opened SantaLucia Travel, LLC our primary ambition was to help people see the world while making memories with the people they love. Whatever your travel dreams, we put our expertise and passion for the industry to good use, pla...
Learn more about me.

I've traveled to over 60 countries and experienced over 300 days at sea on dozens of ocean and river cruises, visiting a diverse line up of destinations in the South Pacific, Caribbean, North/South/Central America, Europe and the spectacular Down Under of Australia.

I've immersed myself in the culture and history of everywhere we've traveled, criss-crossing the globe from Estonia to New Zealand. Each journey creating memorable experiences that bring first hand personal knowledge of some of the top destinations in the world, including multiple trips to Europe visiting countries such as the Ireland, United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, The Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, and even Russia! Ireland and Scotland in particular have a special place in our hearts. Both are outstanding countries rich with Celtic history as well as Kelly's ancestry which jumped back and forth between the two countries! We specialize in both Ireland and Scotland for guided or self-drive tours.

Domestically, there is no place I love more than the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. A cruise is an efficient and streamlined way to see all 4 major islands in just 7 nights, but as a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a Hawaii Destination Specialist, I can create a specialized itinerary that gives each client a chance to explore the hidden gems far outside the crowded tourist zones. Explore a piece of Hollywood history at Oahu's Kualoa Ranch, sip on barrister-brewed coffee at Koloa Mills in Kauai, see the majestic humpback whales off the coast of Maui, or hike to see Kilauea’s flowing lava on The Big Island of Hawaii. From active adventures like snorkeling with Manta Rays to simply kicking back with a cold cocktail and watching the waves, the incredible Hawaiian Islands have something for everyone, and I'm here to help you discover it all.

The unrivaled beauty and serenity of Alaska is a close second to our love of Hawaii domestically. Our 49th state has over 322 million acres of public land consisting of diverse landscapes with rugged mountains, coastal rainforests, and artic tundra. Among these vast public lands is the largest park system of all 50 states with over 56 million acres in 8 national parks. Alaska is home to roughly 60% of the United States total national park lands, including spectacular Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve! Cruising is a great way to experience the coast lines of the Inside Passage, but rail, coach or car are best to explore the interior. Cruisetours are a fantastic way to experience both the coastal Inside Passage as well as the interior from Anchorage to Fairbanks or beyond depending on your interests. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are two of the leading cruise lines for Alaska, both having deep roots in the state and considered by many (including myself). Each having their own lodges in the parks and decades of experience operating Cruisetours. Alaska is the perfect destination for multi-generational family cruises with a perfect mix of relaxation, stunning scenery and adventure for all!

Our experience with family and group travel makes us uniquely qualified to help craft personalized itineraries for families and groups and put together trips that will satisfy everyone's needs and desires.

Immerse yourself into the culture and beauty of Europe on a River Cruise
Tour the castles, cathedrals, history and spectacular scenery of Ireland and Scotland
Live out your dream honeymoon in the Tahiti's Society Islands and explore the deep blue waters of Bora Bora!
Experience the Aloha of the islands of Hawaii
Head north to Alaska and soar in a helicopter to the awe-inspiring Norris Glacier, where you can experience dog sledding on a glacier!
Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and enjoy a banquet feast served inside Thhe Green Dragon Inn in New Zealand.
Hug a Koala in Australia
Create lifelong multi-generational memories with grandparents, cousins and friends on an ocean cruise.
Recapture your inner child at Walt Disney World and/or Universal Studios

Among many other notable industry achievements, I'm a graduate of The Travel Institute's Certified Travel Associate (CTA) program, in addition to the Cruise Line Industry Association's (CLIA) certification programs as an Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC) and Luxury Cruise Specialist (LCS), as well as other numerous additional industry certifications with destinations and suppliers. In 2012 I was honored to be appointed by top Norwegian Cruise Line executives to serve for 2 years on their inaugural NCLU Advisory Board.

Ready to plan your next vacation? Let’s get started!

Email me Call Me

Specializing in Ireland & Scotland

"Hogwarts Express" crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Experience the castles, cathedrals, film sites and spectacular scenery of Ireland and Scotland

Ireland and Scotland in particular have a special place in our hearts. Rich with Celtic history, ancestral lineage, remarkable castles and cathedrals, and home to some outstanding movie and television film sites!

In the far north of Northern Ireland, you'll find the legendary Giant's Causeway and it's mysterious basalt columns which are found both in Northern Ireland as well as off the tiny isle of Staffa, six miles off the coast of Mull Scotland. Could there be truth to the tales of rival giants throwing rocks at each other across the Irish Sea linking the two nations?

While the fictional history of these countries is fun, let's not forget the real history, from warriors and leaders such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and their infamous Battles of Falkirk and Stirling Bridge, to the Jacobite uprising under Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Battle of Culloden in Scotland. Across the Irish sea in Ireland, the first human settlements date back over 10,500 years! More "recent" history includes the Viking Invasions dating back to around the 8th century, the Great Famine in the 1800's, the Division of Ireland roughly 100 years ago, and Northern Ireland's Bloody Sunday just 50 years ago. Ireland and Scotland are simply stunning destinations, rich with history, dramatic scenery, and despite their warrior history some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet!

Television fans will be excited by the opportunity to visit numerous film sites for hugely popular series such as Game of Thrones in Ireland and Outlander in Scotland. Film sites abound throughout including the castles of Midhope, Doune, Blackness and Craigmillar; and the palaces of Culross, Linlithgow and Falkland. And lets not forget the Craigh na Dun standing stones! The actual film location was on a farm in Perthshire with the infamous standing stones mere props, however, many feel the Calanais Standing Stones are a good substitute for the fictional ones. The Calanais Standing Stones are found on the on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Film sites for both Game of Thrones and Outlander are generally well marked by placards, complete with pictures of the scenes filmed at the site.

For movie fans, did you know that a tiny island in southern Ireland, 8-miles off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula, was a featured film site for Stars Wars: The Force Awakens (Episode VII) and Stars Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII)? The stone beehive huts on the steep cliffs of Skellig Michael island were featured as the home of the first Jedi Temple and the place of self-exile for Jedi Luke Skywalker. During the summer months, up to 144 lucky guests per day can board one of the 12 boat charters that are permitted to land on the island. Guests then have the opportunity to climb the 600 steps to experience the ancient beehive monastery and stunning views at the top! We've done it and it is just a spectacular experience! Be warned, however, scoring a landing ticket is a challenge as they typically go on sale in the middle of winter and often sell out for the season within 24 hours!

Back in Scotland, let's not forget that famous wizard Harry Potter and the Hogwart's Express. Guests can experience the infamous Jacobite Steam Train on a ride from Fort William to Mallaig and back, complete with crossings each way over the Glenfinnan viaduct! Adventurous guests can also make a short 20-30 minute hike to get that perfect shot of the train as it crosses the infamous viaduct.

Contact us today to craft your journey to experience the beauty and cultures of Ireland or Scotland, or both!

My Reviews

29 of 45 people found this review helpful

Four girls in the Emerald Isle.

Mike SantaLucia organized our family trip to Ireland and did a superb job. He kept our interests in mind when planning out everything. His guidance and suggestions as to the choice of airlines, the hotel accommodations and places of interest to see helped us make the most out of our trip. He even recommended alternate activities if the weather was unsuitable on a particular day. We will definitely use him again.

By Lynne from Hamburg, NY
Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends