OUR PHILOSOPHY

Local Culture. Superlative Cuisine. Exceptional Value.
The concept is quite simple: Cultural tours for small groups indulging in unforgettable food and wine and staying at elegant accommodations full of charm and regional character, all at an exceptional value.

Small Groups
We travel with small groups of six to sixteen. This allows us the flexibility to customize each trip to your specific interests. Many have also found that it strikes the perfect balance between the planned activities and adventures of group travel and the flexibility of traveling alone. (After all, how many of us are acquainted with the owner of a winery in Umbria or know a friend eager to use his hot-air balloon in Rocamadour?) We plan the trip of a lifetime, so that you can make it your own.

Local Culture
Our tours are aimed at experiencing and enjoying regional culture. As such, we do not pick destinations off a map at random. Rather, we hand-select the most fascinating, fun, and culturally rich destinations and activities that a given region has to offer. You experience the region’s history, art, architecture, food and drink. What’s more, the experience is not of outsiders looking in, but as the guests and friends of our local hosts and expert guides. These, truly, are memories you will treasure for years to come.

Gourmet Travel
One of our favorite ways to experience regional culture is at the dinner table! We dine at the finest restaurants, tour some of the best wineries in the world, and provide fascinating (yet informal) cooking classes at the hands of expert local chefs. And, after a long day of fun and feasting, we return to quaint inns and chateau of regional character ideally situated to explore the region. We also offer just the right amount of free time in each region, affording you ample opportunity to relax, explore and really get to know your surroundings.

Exceptional Value
And, while we are pretty proud of our philosophy, what you may appreciate most of all is the exceptional value. All of our tours include:

• Deluxe accommodations
• All breakfasts, some lunches, gourmet dinners
• Full-time escort
• Small groups of six to sixteen
• All tour guides, museum and entrance fees
• All tips and taxes
• Round trip airfare from Boston or New York (included on most tours)