The Quest Express: Travel, Culture & Untold Stories – Details, episodes & analysis

VENICE:  What does it take to orchestrate a truly unforgettable event in one of the world’s most enchanting cities? In this intimate conversation, Valentina Zannini—Founder of V. Elite Events, a premier luxury planning company based in Venice—offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into a world few will ever access. From candlelit dinners in hidden courtyards to ultra-private weddings set in centuries-old palazzos, Valentina curates experiences where every detail whispers elegance and exclusivity.  

Work with Valentina:   V. Elite Events Website  

Contact:  Valentina@velite.info

IG:   @v.elite_events

A rare look into Venice’s hidden world of private palazzos, intimate celebrations, and the art of luxury event design with Valentina Zannini. 

03:21 Carnival of Venice
04:07 Exploring Venice's Major Events and Festivals
09:35 The Luxury Event Planning Industry & V. Elite Events
14:01 Client Relationships and Event Personalization
16:49 A Time Travelling Dinner Party in a Palazzo
20:09 Valentina’s Favorite Venues in Venice | Palazzo Pisani Moretta
23:05 The Slow Life: Venetian Culture and Community
26:23 Hidden Culinary Gems in Venice and Personal Connections | Osteria L’Orto dei Mori
28:22 Privacy in Luxury Events and Celebrity Culture
31:21 The Future of Social Media and Personal Experiences
34:24 Exploring Venice: The Best Times to Visit
35:26 Memorable Experiences in Hospitality
36:37 The Art of Calm in Crisis Management
40:32 Creativity and AI in Event Planning
45:01 Grandmother’s Bigoli e Salsa recipe - FIND THE RECIPE ON THIS PAGE
47:16 Culinary Traditions and Family Recipes
49:00 The Client Base of V. Elite Events
52:22 Dreaming Big: Aspirations in Event Planning
55:12  Travel Aspirations and Future Plans
58:03 Weddings in Venice & Beyond… 
58:33 Visiting the Italian Lakes & The 2026 Olympics

ABOUT VALENTINA ZANNINI & V. ELITE EVENTS & CONSULTING: 

At the heart of the V. Elite team is Valentina, with over a decade of experience in curating high-end events and exclusive hospitality in Venice. Her expertise ensures every occasion is executed with precision, elegance, and discretion. From your first contact, Valentina will guide you through every step, from planning to execution. Her dedication and attention to detail ensure we consistently exceed expectations. Luxury Redefined. The art of thoughtful detail is at the heart of everything we do.

Curating every detail with precision, from the smallest gesture to the grandest design. With focus on personalization, elegance, and flawless execution, we craft unforgettable experiences, uniquely yours.

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THE QUEST EXPRESS RECIPES

THE QUEST EXPRESS WAITING LIST - FUTURE EVENTS

NEW!  THE QUEST EXPRESS GUEST LIST


NEW! THE COURT OF MEDICIS SALON TOUR APPLICATION

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Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

MIAMI:  In this candid conversation, a veteran yacht captain and yacht broker exposes the realities of life at sea—far from the glamor shown on Below Deck. He dives into crew dynamics, intense charter demands, and the fine line between ownership and chartering. You'll hear advice for industry newcomers and the challenges of being a yacht captain with a family. We also explore how COVID and technology have transformed yachting forever, how a yachtie anchors to land, and The Bermuda Triangle.

CONTACT RUPERT COVELL for yacht purchases, charters, and The BucketLust experiences:  Email:  rupert@jfayacht.com  |   Phone:  +1-678-778-6711

The BucketLust Website   |    The BucketLust IG    |    Rupert’s IG: @yot.lyf

Inside this episode:

• What reality TV gets wrong about life as a yacht captain—and the truth behind the glamor.
• The unspoken rules and power dynamics of managing crew on luxury yachts.
• Why the yachting lifestyle seduces some—and breaks others.
• Wild charter stories and the hidden chaos behind seamless luxury.
• How to actually break into the elusive yacht industry (and what no one tells you).
• The strange, symbiotic dance between yacht owners, charter guests, and brokers.
• The rise of post-COVID yachting—and how tech is permanently changing life at sea.
• Secrets of the world’s most legendary yachting destinations 

ABOUT RUPERT COVELL:
Yacht Broker & Co-Founder of The BucketLust

Rupert Covell is an experienced yacht broker based in Miami, Florida, specializing in luxury yachts. He is known for his exceptional client service and in-depth knowledge of the yachting industry. Rupert is a key member of JFAYacht, a premier yacht brokerage that offers a wide range of luxury vessels to clients looking to buy or sell yachts.

In addition to his brokerage work, Rupert is the co-founder of The BucketLust, a company focused on organizing exclusive flotilla events. These events provide yacht enthusiasts with the unique opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful destinations by sea, combining adventure and luxury.
 
Through his work with both JFAYacht and The BucketLust, Rupert has built a reputation for his expertise, professionalism, and dedication to creating memorable experiences for his clients in the yachting world.

THE QUEST EXPRESS RECIPES

THE QUEST EXPRESS WAITING LIST - FUTURE EVENTS

THE QUEST EXPRESS GUEST LIST

ARTISTS, CREATIVES & INVESTORS: Show your work, meet partners, invest in a movement.

🔥 APPLY HERE TO LEARN MORE 🔥

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Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

Today we speak with San Francisco-based psychic medium, Felix Lee Lerma who has been giving readings for 25 years and is the co-host of podcast, Speaking Spiritually. 

If you find yourself wanting more offline experiences & adventure,
join our waiting list for all travel & lifestyle experiences to become part of an exclusive community meeting in unique locations here and abroad.

👉🏼 If you would like to schedule an appointment with Felix, please call his assistant at 1-415-563-8677 and leave a message. His assistant will return your call within 3-5 business days.

Geoffrey answers the phone live, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am-5pm PST.*

Learn More: https://www.felixleelerma.com

👉🏼 Subscribe to Felix & Amy's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakingSpiritually1008

Inside this episode:

• The Quest Express host receives messages from the dead and about her future
• Soul family groups
• Astral projection experiences of Felix & Carrie
• Learning about Mediumship
• The visitation from Steve Jobs
• Dreams: visitation & psychological
• The most shocking readings Felix has experienced in 25 years

Watch the Full Episode on YT 

ABOUT FELIX LEE LERMA:

Felix Lee Lerma, since a very early age, has always been sensitive to spirit energy. At the age of 8 he had a visit from his deceased grandfather that set the initial foundation for his belief that life continues after
what we call death. Later in high school, Felix Lee had his first out of body experience that increased his spiritual awareness and reconfirmed his belief that we are spirit beings having a human experience.

By the time he was in college in 1994, he was giving accurate psychic information and messages to people here in the physical world, from those in the spirit.

In March of 2002, an internationally acclaimed psychic medium confirmed what Felix always knew: that he was a natural born healer and a highly intuitive psychic medium. A few months later, Felix enrolled in mediumship development classes to fine tune his practice at the Holistic Studies Institute. There, he completed the program and received his certification as an Intuitive Consultant from the American Board of Holistic Practitioners. Felix has participated in various public events demonstrating his abilities, including group seminars at his home, psychic fairs, and on a talk show in Times Square. He has participated in the public message services as a guest medium at various spiritualist churches around
the US, as well as most recently at the famous inspiration stump in Lily Dale, New York.

Felix has dedicated his life to serving others. Through this work he realizes that to serve humanity is to serve God. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, meditating, running, working out, playing/composing music, and traveling around the world. In January 2006, Felix moved to beautiful San Francisco, California making it his new home.

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Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

NEW ORLEANS:  Chef Bobo spent years in New Orleans and shares the origin story of his passion for food, the inspiring path of his career, and how to completely reinvent yourself and Follow Your Bliss.  January 9th is the first official day of Mardi Gras!

Check out the Krewe of Orpheus Parade to catch some throws from Chef Bobo:  https://www.kreweoforpheus.com/

Inside Chef Bobo shares with us:

• His favorite New Orleans festivals besides Mardi Gras & Jazz Fest
• How Mardi Gras in New Orleans started
• Why New Orleans will never die
• What apartheid had to do with jazz, & the conditions that created jazz
• Why you should go to Preservation Hall next time you're in New Orleans
• Chef Bobo in the kitchen at 7 years old

BIO:

Chef Bobo is a highly celebrated French chef who taught at the French Culinary Institute, was the personal chef for Derek Jeter, runs his own catering business, and was hired by an elite school to revitalize their lunch program.

And overshot the mark in convincing kids to eat delicious lunches made from scratch every day using fresh, local ingredients.  The lunch program he designed became the #1 lunch program for private schools in the United States.  His philosophy has been adopted in multiple countries around the world. Chef Bobo’s approach to nutrition:  cooking delicious, boldly flavored meals, something he learned from his life in New Orleans.

Before becoming a chef, he worked as an executive for an airline which allowed him to sample cuisines in over 60 countries.  He has a broad understanding of how people love to celebrate with food. That is what New Orleans cuisine is all about.  That’s what life in New Orleans is all about – have fun, eat well, and dance! 

Laissez les Bontemps roulez!

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Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

NEW ORLEANS:  Mardi Gras starts January 9th, will you be there? If you are, or plan on being there in January or February, check out today's episode for Michael Bill's tips on where to eat, drink, and what not to do on Bourbon Street!

And don't forget to go here and ask for Michael to schedule a tour!

Inside this episode:

• Is there sex in the afterlife?
• Which haunted museums should you visit?
• Where to get the best Po' Boy and the best Hurricane drink, and more...
• How to respect New Orleans while still having a great time
• And what happens in New Orleans...

BIO:

Michael Bill, our first New Orleans guest has been the lead paranormal investigator at 1022 Royal Street for many years with the help of Oz and The Priestess Claudia. His 11 years of experience and his interest mainly in ITC research.

He has been in Vogue magazine with Elle Fanning, The Travel Channel's Haunted USA, and been featured with Leeanna Vamp in her show Ghosted.

Schedule a tour with him if you'll be in New Orleans soon: https://premierxtours.com/

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Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

NEW ORLEANS:  We continue the discussion with paranormal investigator & ghost hunter Michael Bill.  In this episode, we learn about how Michael got started, the difference between hauntings & poltergeist, Carrie's childhood experience with a seance, and how to experience one of Michael's tours in person:  Go here and ask for Michael to schedule a tour!

BIO:

Michael Bill, our first New Orleans guest has been the lead paranormal investigator at 1022 Royal Street for many years with the help of Oz and The Priestess Claudia. His 11 years of experience and his interest mainly in ITC research.

He has been in Vogue magazine with Elle Fanning, The Travel Channel's Haunted USA, and been featured with Leeanna Vamp in her show Ghosted.

Schedule a tour with him if you'll be in New Orleans soon: https://premierxtours.com/

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: host@thequestexpress.com

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

NEW ORLEANS:  We're now in New Orleans, Louisiana where we're talking to paranormal investigator Michael Bill, about ghosts, voodoo, and the Haitian Revolution.

We discuss:

• Ghost activity in San Francisco & New Orleans
• New Orleans innovations & history
• Michael's first trip to New Orleans 30 years ago
• Who was Cecil Fatima?
• How Voodoo caused the Haitian Revolution
• ...and the origin story of the voodoo doll

BIO:

Michael Bill, our first New Orleans guest has been the lead paranormal investigator at 1022 Royal Street for many years with the help of Oz and The Priestess Claudia. His 11 years of experience and his interest mainly in ITC research.

He has been in Vogue magazine with Elle Fanning, The Travel Channel's Haunted USA, and been featured with Leeanna Vamp in her show Ghosted.

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: host@thequestexpress.com

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

VENICE:  Do you know how the Bellini was born and that it may never have happened if it weren’t for the trials and tribulations of an American named Harry Pickering? We can’t leave our final episode on Venice without leaving a few recipes behind. You must try the Baccalà Mantecato which is from our guest Monica Cesarato, and can be found in her book Andar per Bacari.  And we meet the first food writer and celebrity chef from the Italian Renaissance, Bartolomeo Scappi.

Luxury is the absence of impositions. – Giuseppe Cipriani

Inside:

• How Giuseppe Cipriani & Harry Pickering met
• Where the Bellini was born
• How a Norwegian shipwreck influenced a Venetian dish – Baccaro Montecato
• Bartolomeo Scappi – the Gordon Ramsay of his day
• The pioneering dishes of Scappi

DRINK RECIPES MENTIONED:

Peach Bellini
INGREDIENTS

• 1 part Cipriani Peach Bellini Mix (or peach juice)
• 1 part Prosecco
• 1 orange slice

DIRECTIONS

• In a balloon glass full of ice, add 1 part Cipriani Peach Billini Mix.
• Add an orange slice and serve with a side of green olives.
• Add 1 part Prosecco.
• Stir.
• Enjoy!

Venetian Spritz
INGREDIENTS

• either 1 ounce Aperol (sweeter) OR Select Aperitivo (bitters)
• 4 ounces prosecco
• 1 orange wheel, cut in half

DIRECTIONS

1.           Pour Aperol into a champagne flute (or wine glass filled with ice if you want to be traditional) and then slowly pour prosecco over top. Be sure not to pour too quickly or you will have a bubble over. 

2.           Take one half of the orange wheel and squeeze the juice into the drink. Use the other half of the orange wheel as a garnish, or additional juice if you want a little more sweetness to your drink.

 The rest of the recipes mentioned: Baccalà Mantecato, Scappi's Braised Beef & his Tortellini with Capon Meat will soon be posted on The Quest Express websiteon the Recipes page. Please check back soon or subscribe to the newsletter here.

Visit Harry's Bar inside Cipriani (Arrigo & his son Giuseppe Cipriani)
San Marco 1323 - Venezia, Italy 30124

Buy Bartolomeo Scappi's Cookbook in Italian or in English

The Bellini Photo Credit: ©Ryzhkov - stock.adobe.com

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Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

 VENICE: Today we conclude our final episode with Chas Carner where we uncover how one of the world's most famous courtesans who was left for dead, rose to even greater prominence after a most horrific deed. Was Angela de Moro La Zaffetta or La Fenice?

Navigating Venice FB Page
Contact Chas: chascarner@gmail.com

You can find Part I & Part II of the conversation with Chas here:  Part I of Chas’ interview 

If you  missed it, catch the beginning of Angela de Moro’s story in the last episode here before listening to today's episode where we discuss: 

• How Angela de Moro rose like La Fenice
• Chas' opera project based on a fictional future of vengeance
• Venus of Urbino & Tiziano Vecelli
• Where Chas would go if it was his final trip to Venice
• The struggle & triumph of the Costa brothers
• ...and places to check out for your next trip

Visit, Read, & Eat (Episode Mentions)

• Museo Correr
• Teatro San Cassiano:  (The innovative project of our first Guest, Founder, Musicologist and entrepreneur, Paul Atkin go here to listen
• Harry’s Bar at Cipriani’s for The Original Bellini:
• Ask for Max Costa @ Conca D’Oro Venice
• Al Theatro
• Antica Locanda Montin 
• Zuppa di Pesce @ Taverna San Travaso (the same recipe, 40 years) 
• The Little Lark Still Sings by Victoria Smith about a Tuscan farmhouse 

Painting: Detail of Venus of Urbino, by painter, Titian (Tiziano Vecelli); 1534

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Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

VENICE:  In the last episode we left the crypt at the bottom of a church (San Zaccaria) in the 9th century. What will we find inside? Why was Giovanni Bellini's painting so earth-shattering for the times, and Who's That Girl - Angela de Moro?

Stories Chas shares in today's episode: 

• Debaucherous parties & blackmailing nuns!
• The body of St. Mark
• What was Vivaldi's role at the nun's orphanage?
• How Bellini's painting opened cultural doors
• The Disruptions of the Huns
• The Story of Angela de Moro: courtesan & politician's daughter

Contact Chas:
Navigating Venice Facebook Page
Email:  chascarner@gmail.com

Painting: Detail from ‘San Zaccaria Altarpiece’ (1505) by Giovanni Bellini (c.1430–1516). Source Wikiart

Visit the Chiesa di San Zaccaria

Bio:

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Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel