Julio Sanchez, Founder & Travel Advisor

With over two decades of military service, Julio built his career on precision, accountability, and leading under pressure. He managed complex logistics, developed teams, and operated in environments where details were never optional. That foundation now defines how he approaches travel advising.

As the founder of Beyond the Castle Travel, Julio designs journeys with structure and strategic intent. He specializes in European and Asian river cruises, expedition voyages to remote regions, small-ship ocean sailings, and global sporting events requiring precise coordination. Whether coordinating a multi-country river itinerary, planning a Yangtze River cruise, or securing access to high-demand events like the World Cup or MLB All-Star Week, his focus remains the same: thoughtful preparation, strong supplier relationships, and clear communication from start to finish.

Beyond the Castle Travel operates as a fee-free agency. Clients do not pay planning or booking fees. Instead, they receive professional guidance backed by industry partnerships and disciplined execution. Julio believes expert planning should add value, not extra cost. His mission is straightforward: eliminate guesswork, protect the details, and design travel experiences that feel intentional long before departure.

Focused Expertise, Global Experience

River Cruises

AmaWaterways and Celebrity River Cruises are my primary focus, with additional leading river lines available based on itinerary, dates, and travel style

Hosted & Group Ocean Cruises

Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, curated group sailings with added value and personal hosting support

Expedition Voyages

Small-ship expedition voyages to remote destinations, designed for travelers who value expertise, access, and preparation

Disney Concierge & Family Travel

Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney, full concierge planning and advocacy

Sports Travel

VIP sports travel packages including major championships, global events, and premium hospitality experiences

Faith-Based Travel

BTC Faith Tours, Israel, Greece, Italy, and more, where faith comes alive through travel

My specialties include river cruises, with a primary focus on AmaWaterways and Celebrity River Cruises, as well as hosted and group ocean sailings with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages. I also curate small-ship expedition voyages to remote destinations, VIP sports travel packages, and faith-based journeys through BTC Faith Tours.

Beyond these focus areas, I design custom journeys throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. While I maintain strong relationships with preferred cruise lines and tour partners, I am not limited to a single brand. Every itinerary is carefully aligned to your travel style, priorities, and long-term goals, ensuring the experience fits you, not the other way around.

Certifications and Professional Memberships

Amawaterways certified advisor
Certified Puerto Rico Travel Specialist
Certified Celebrity Cruises Advisor
Julio Sanchez is a Certified Polar Pro by Quark Expeditions
Viking Certified Expert
Certified Regent Seven Seas Cruises Master Level
Julio Sanchez Certified Norwegian Cruise Line Master's Degree
College of Disney Knowledge Graduate
Julio Sanchez is a Roadtrips All-Star Sports Specialist
Julio Sanchez Virgin Voyages Certified First Mate Gold Level
Julio Sanchez member of CLIA
Julio Sanchez member of the American Society of Travel Advisors

Ready to Plan Your Next Journey?

“Whether it’s your first river cruise or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the biggest sporting events, I’ll be by your side from the first idea to your return home. My goal isn’t just to book trips, it’s to build lifelong travel memories.”