Afro-Brazilian chef serves up inventive versions of classic dishes from his home state, Bahia, in Brazil (photo: Culinary Backstreets)
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Culinary Backstreets, a global leader in narrative-driven food tours, has expanded its footprint in South America with two new full-day experiences. Backstreet Bites of Buenos Aires: Cafés, Parrillas and Beyond launched on September 10, 2025, while Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio debuted in May. These immersive walks offer travelers a deeper understanding of each city’s culinary identity—one shaped by migration, improvisation, and the unsung heroes of the kitchen.
In Buenos Aires, the Backstreet Bites of Buenos Aires: Cafes, Parrillas and Beyond traces the city’s layered food story across historic cafés, bodegones, bakeries, and parrillas. Guests sample flaky medialunas, empanadas, and towering platters of grilled meat, while exploring how immigrant flavors—from Italy, Spain, Syria, and beyond—have converged into a distinctly Argentine table. Stops include a century-old spice shop, a classic pizzeria serving fugazzetta, and a hidden cellar beneath a flower shop where the menu nods to the city’s port-city past. The day ends with helado swirled in dulce de leche—Argentina’s most beloved flavor.
The Buenos Aires tour is offered Monday through Saturday for small groups of 2 to 7 guests. It spans approximately four miles of mostly flat terrain with well-maintained sidewalks. The cuisine leans heavily toward meat, with limited substitutions available for vegetarians and pescatarians. Vegan and gluten-free diets cannot be accommodated. Alcohol is served at select stops. The experience lasts a full day and is priced at $135 USD per person.
In Rio de Janeiro, Culinary Backstreets introduces Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio, a walking tour that traces the city’s food story through its oldest neighborhoods. The experience begins in the port zone, where Portuguese colonists first arrived and enslaved Africans were brought to Brazil. Guests explore the historic downtown and surrounding areas, tasting feijoada, moqueca, and tropical fruit juices while learning how Afro-Brazilian communities preserved culinary traditions under oppression and how immigrant groups—from Lebanese traders to Japanese farmers—added new layers to the city’s foodscape.
Stops include Rio’s oldest café, a bustling open-air market, and the restaurant of an Afro-Brazilian chef reimagining Bahian classics with contemporary flair. The tour also explores the role of food in cultural resistance, from samba’s origins in backyard gatherings to the rise of community kitchens in favelas. Offered Tuesday through Saturday, the experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours and is priced at $135 USD per person. The route winds through roughly four miles of flat, walkable terrain, with occasional uneven surfaces in historic districts.
Both tours embody Culinary Backstreets’ founding ethos: that food is not just sustenance, but a living archive of migration, memory, and resilience. Rather than spotlighting trendy restaurants or celebrity chefs, the company seeks out the unsung heroes of the kitchen—those who have preserved culinary traditions through generations, often in the face of economic hardship or cultural erasure. These are the bakers, grill masters, spice sellers, and street cooks whose stories rarely make it into guidebooks yet define the flavor of a city.
“We don’t just eat—we listen, we learn, and we honor the people who make a place taste like itself,” says Ansel Mullins, co-founder of Culinary Backstreets. “These new tours in Buenos Aires and Rio aren’t just about food—they’re about the soul of a place, told through the hands that feed it.”
For travelers seeking more than a checklist of dishes—for those who want to understand how food reflects history, identity, and resilience, Culinary Backstreets offers a deeper taste of South America. These new tours invite guests to walk, listen, and eat with intention, guided by voices that rarely make it into guidebooks but define the flavor of a place.
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., Culinary Backstreets operates in more than 20 cities worldwide, including Istanbul, Lisbon, Tokyo, Mexico City, and Athens. The company offers immersive food tours led by deeply rooted local guides, combining historical context with personal storytelling. In addition to its tours, Culinary Backstreets publishes long-form articles and photo essays that spotlight culinary artisans, neighborhood histories, and the social dynamics behind what’s on the plate. The brand champions respectful travel, cultural preservation, and unforgettable access to the soul of a place—one bite at a time.
Washington, D.C. – Historic Hotels Worldwide® announced The 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Most Magnificent Art Collections list. Historic Hotels Worldwide is a global collection of authentic historic hotels known for their stunning architecture, colorful gardens, and romantic settings—that are often enhanced with historic, museum-quality art collections.
The highlighted hotels exhibit unique art collections for guests to enjoy, and many of these historic hotels are committed to supporting artists, art movements, and diversity in art. The historic hotels, inns, and resorts of Historic Hotels Worldwide view their art collections as an expression of their hospitality and community values, many collecting art with the aim of supporting local or national heritage preservation efforts and local artists. This art is meant to be enjoyed by all who visit, work, or stay at these hotels. These art collections can be viewed and experienced through furniture, paintings, sculptures, augmented reality, textiles, tablets, fountains, and even some hotel buildings that are considered to be standalone works of art.
From Hong Kong to Montreal, Historic Hotels Worldwide offer guests opportunities to experience a variety of original artwork, from the works of Dutch Masters and graffiti artists, to Mexican muralists and Pop Art disrupters. The list below, in chronological order by the date the historic building was established, highlights a variety of Historic Hotels Worldwide members that are truly museums where guests can stay the night.
Castello Dal Pozzo Resort (1000s) Oleggio Castello, Italy Built as a castle fortress in Italy’s Piedmont region by the Visconti Family in the eleventh century, Castello Dal Pozzo became a coveted prize, fiercely contested by numerous noble families of Italy for over eight centuries. Over this period, the castle fortress was shaped by developing architectural styles, taking design elements from trends across Europe. The castle’s artistry is first evident through the Neoclassical, Gothic Revival, and Tudor Revival-style design elements. The historic hotel has been stewarded by the Dal Pozzo family for six generations, and functions as a gallery for the family’s collection of antiques and art. Marquis Claudio Dal Pozzo d’Annone, an ancestor of the current owners, led the restoration and restructuring of the ancient estate in the 19th century. He was a passionate scholar of the 16th-century Gothic style, and the castle reflects his artistic passion through both British and Italian design influences. Within the castle, the stencils on the walls, the decorations on the tiles, and the decorations on the furniture all come directly from the book of drawings, Of Ecclesiastical Monuments by Augustus Pugin. Complementing Claudio’s architectural and interior design elements is the family’s own art collection and antique furniture, which can be found in both guestrooms and public areas throughout the castle. Castello Dal Pozzo Resort was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2024.
San Clemente Palace Kempinski (1131) Venice, Italy San Clemente Palace Kempinski is set on the exclusive island of San Clemente in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon. The original structure of the hotel dates to the 12th century, and today, it is one of Italy’s most enchanting getaways. Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2016, San Clemente Palace Kempinski is an active supporter of the art world and artists. The palace’s interiors blend cool contemporary and dramatic Renaissance styles, with lofty six-meter-tall ceilings, and intricate details like terrazzo flooring and Murano glass chandeliers. Meanwhile, annual art installations appear across the estate throughout the year, especially near the famous Venice Biennale. In recent years, San Clemente Island hosted many world-renowned contemporary artworks by leading artists such as Igor Mitoraj, Tony Cragg, Sylvie Fleury, Gregor Hildebrandt, Carole A. Feuerman, Joana Vasconcelos, Shan Shan Sheng, and Julian Opie. Since San Clemente Island’s location is close to the main event spaces of the Biennale, the hotel has become an ideal location for artists and art admirers. The permanent collection of San Clemente Palace Kempinski includes artwork from the hotel owners’ collections, select pieces bought from former exhibitions, and gifted works. The palace’s corridors display art produced by emerging artists to support their craft. Temporary exhibitions can typically be viewed in the lobby, church, and gardens. Guests and visitors can request a private tour of the island’s art and the palace by contacting the concierge.
Hotel Hacienda de Abajo (1493) Tazacorte, La Palma, Spain Hotel Hacienda de Abajo in Tazacorte, on the western end of La Palma in Spain’s Canary Islands, was built in the 17th century by Pedro José de Sotomayor Topete Massieu Van Dalle, and the Casa Principal of Tazacorte stayed in the family for centuries. Today, Hotel Hacienda de Abajo reflects the history of the Sotomayor Topete Family and their devotion to arts and culture. The noble families that resided in the grand home imported art to adorn the halls from all over the globe, as the island was a major hub for sea trade. Tapestries, furniture, paintings, gilded mirrors, and delicate Chinese porcelain traveled from every corner of the world to decorate the Casa Principal of Tazacorte. Over 1,300 works of art are part of Hacienda de Abajo’s collection, comprised of the estate’s historic art collection and new acquisitions. Guests may catch a glimpse of French and Flemish tapestries of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries; delight in an art gallery with European and American paintings, some dating to the 15th century; appreciate porcelain pieces and Chinese statues from the Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties; observe European religious carvings from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and much more. This art collection is the largest contribution to the art heritage of the island of La Palma since the 17th century. The result is that Hotel Hacienda de Abajo is an unconventional museum, with an elegant but comfortable atmosphere. Tours of the estate, art collection, and grounds are available upon request. Hotel Hacienda de Abajo was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2021.
Bernini Palace Hotel (1400s) Florence, Italy The historic Bernini Palace Hotel is located in a 15th-century palace in the heart of Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. The palace was once owned by the powerful Della Pera family, financiers known for their investments throughout Europe. The most famous artwork in the hotel, which was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2015, was installed in the 19th century and depicts the unification of Italy. In the mid-19th century, the palace was an elegant hotel, and Florence was the new capital of the Kingdom of Italy (1865–1871). The hotel was just a short walk from the newly unified kingdom’s parliament, so the hotel’s owner changed its name to the Columbia Parlamento Hotel, making it popular with incoming members of parliament. Many guests stayed at the hotel while working, and others met at the palace for informal discussions. Among the many artistic treasures of Bernini Palace Hotel is a large, frescoed hall on the first floor with portraits of the protagonists in the Italian unification. Around 1880, an unknown artist (or artists) painted a series of frescoes on the walls of the hall, depicting important figures in the unification of Italy. The series was never completed, as guests can plainly see that there are 20 empty frames visible along the walls. Visitors can be on the lookout for grotesque motifs, which include winged harpies emerging from a variety of bizarrely colored flowers, as well as leering masks, expressive heads suspended in the void, and dragons with tattered wings. The former Sala Parlamento is now a grand breakfast room for guests and is also available to rent for private events. The marvelous, frescoed portraits allow guests to enjoy their meal while immersed in history.
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam (1578) Amsterdam, Netherlands Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam possesses a rich history that dates to the 1500s and was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018. This storied hotel is a perfect place for art lovers, with its rich history and original works of art by illustrious Dutch painters and sculptors. Artists such as Hildo Krop, Chris Lebeau, Willem Penaat, Joseph Mendes da Costa, John Rädecker, Karel Appel, and Johan Thorn Prikker have all created beautiful art pieces that are displayed at the hotel. The Princenhof building at Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam even participated in the evolution of art in Amsterdam, as the Princenhof once served as Amsterdam’s city hall. In 1949, the renowned artist, Karel Appel, was asked to paint a mural for the canteen in Amsterdam’s city hall. This painting can still be admired at the entrance to the hotel’s Oriole Garden Bistro and Bridges restaurant. His style was vastly different from that of artist Chris Lebeau, who painted the room-filling mural in the hotel’s stunning Marriage Chamber. While the new artistic work was not well-received at the time, today, both murals are considered to be invaluable artistic treasures of the city. Hotel guests can discover the extensive collection of art during the daily historical tour at Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam.
DOM Hotel (1600s) Rome, Italy Located in the heart of Rome, the historic DOM Hotel is a 17th-century aristocratic palazzo on Via Giulia, one of the city’s most historic and iconic streets. Via Giulia was once home to numerous gardens and many prominent artists, including Raffaello, Benvenuto Cellini, and later, Francesco Borromini. Today, DOM Hotel, which was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2019, displays its rich heritage through its preserved architecture and historical displays. Even its name is an homage to its past: “DOM” stands for “Deo Optimo Maximo” (“to the greatest god”), a Latin inscription found on the adjoining church. The hotel’s art collection can be seen throughout the hotel’s guestrooms and shared spaces. Inside DOM Hotel, guests and visitors can discover spaces adorned with refined décor, handcrafted furnishings, international works of art, and original architectural elements of the historic building. Restored and renovated for contemporary comfort, original structural components, such as the exposed brick walls and coffered wooden beam ceilings, were wisely preserved and serve as a natural backdrop to the hotel’s art and furnishings. Among them are an eclectic collection of original photographs, including those of Man Ray and Bert Stern, and three original Andy Warhol silkscreens from the Ladies and Gentlemen series. Also displayed are blocks of marble with ancient religious inscriptions dating back to the Renaissance, which were acquired from the church of Santa Lucia del Gonfalone. The guestrooms and suites at DOM Hotel are curated with original furnishings handcrafted by expert Italian artisans and international works of art. The suites include vases crafted in Belgium, artistic photographs, and original paintings by emerging Colombian artists.
Hacienda de los Santos (1685) Alamos, Sonora, Mexico Family-owned and operated, Hacienda de los Santos is a historic resort composed of three renovated and restored Colonial-style mansions, as well as one sugar mill that dates to the 17th century. Cultural and heritage travelers will find beautiful religious art and custom designs at every turn on the resort’s grounds. The art of Hacienda de los Santos is a collection of works, especially religious art and objects from the last Mexican Revolution, which were all selected, uncovered, bestowed, or created for the resort by the hotel’s owners, the Swickard Family. In the early years of the resort’s renovations, religious art was found throughout the estate’s historic buildings and grounds. Today, much of that collection is displayed within the Chapel of the Saints. At the chapel, a Baroque-style altar was designed and created in recent years by Mexico’s expert woodcarver and artist, Agustín Parra of Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. The art collection of figures, retablos, and ex-votos on display in the chapel includes a carved figure of Saint Anne, which is the collection’s most historic single figure, dating back to the 16th century. Many of the carved religious figures on display came from other churches in Spain, Mexico, and Guatemala, passed from the churches into private hands long ago, and later placed into Hacienda de los Santos’s collection. Another hotspot for art at the hotel is in the Cantina area, where the Western and Mexican vintage art collection is primarily located. The Cantina dates to the mid-1800s and it was relocated from Cuernavaca, Mexico, to Hacienda de los Santos. Alongside handmade sombreros and silver spurs, the hotel owner’s most prized historic photograph is displayed in the Cantina. The photo depicts Mexican General Álvaro Obregón standing with Pancho Villa, U.S. General John J. Pershing, and a young 1st Lt. George S. Patton, standing on the bridge at El Paso. The photo was given to the hotel’s owner by Obregón’s grandson, who celebrated his 93rd birthday at the hotel. Hacienda de los Santos was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2015, and was honored in 2021 as the recipient of the Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in the Americas for the 2021 Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence.
Utne Hotel (1722) Utne, Norway One of the most historic hotels in Norway, the iconic Utne Hotel is surrounded by the mountaintops of the magnificent Hardangerfjord. Utne Hotel opened its doors to guests in 1722, and was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2012. With its intricate decorative details and vast collection of antiques, visiting this historic hotel is like walking into a living history book. Along with its own impressive collection of historic Norwegian art and interior design details, including the remarkable painted wood cupboards and wall panels of its formal dining room, Utne Hotel supports local artists through its Kunstanekset, or Art Annex. The Art Annex, which includes guestrooms, was created when Utne Hotel invited local Hardanger artists to decorate a guestroom in the Annex. The artists chose the colors and styles for the guestrooms that best harmonize with their art. Their choices resulted in assorted color themes for the guestrooms, each characterized by different artistic expressions. Some guestrooms feature graphics, collages, and oil and acrylic paintings. The Art Annex is an active gallery exhibit, and some of the art displayed may be available to purchase. “The art is done justice,” says featured artist Judith Elisabeth de Haan, “when guests live with the art during their visit and experience it through night and day.” Other featured artists include Solfrid Aksnes, Åse Berit Skeie Ulltang, Wim van den Toorn, Ingunn van Etten, and Johild Mæland. All of these artists are a part of the local artists forum, Harding Puls.
Alfiz Hotel (1749) Cartagena de Indias, Colombia Alfiz Hotel is situated in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias, in a 17th-century Spanish Colonial-style house that once belonged to the British Consul and is located between the two oldest squares in the city. Within the walls of this beautiful time capsule, guests can discover the exciting stories of this historic house: a French liquor smuggler who lived there during the Colombian War of Independence, the residence of the British Consul, and later a renowned store for Cartagena’s merchants. A very special feature of Alfiz Hotel is the interior design of its eight exclusively themed guestrooms that reflect the most important stages in the city’s history, from the Spanish conquest to Colombia’s independence. These designs help provide each guest with a resting place that exudes simple elegance and a connection to the historic city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decorative objects and original furniture, as well as religious works of art, are the perfect setting for those who wish to travel back in time and recall the past. Also notable is the hotel’s literary arts collection: there are more than 300 Gabriel García Márquez books in 22 languages in the hotel’s library. The author of well-known novels such as One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967) and Love in the Time of Cholera (1985) lived and worked for many years in Cartagena de Indias. When he learned of the existence of the hotel’s collection, García Márquez sent a personal greeting to the hotel’s owners! This autographed note is on display in the hotel’s library for guests to view. Alfiz Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2014.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (1780) Bagac, Philippines Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar tells the story of Filipino heritage through both historic and modern art. Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017, and home to Jose Acuzar’s collection of heritage houses, the resort offers historic lodgings restored by a team of artisans and craftsmen. For guests, the resort offers a series of arts and crafts workshops, where visitors can learn more about the different types of art created at the resort. Along with hands-on workshops, the resort offers a signature Heritage Walking Tour, an hour-long guided tour across the villages and ancestral houses within the resort. Guests can also experience an immersive tour of the resort’s workshops that offers guests a front-row seat to see artists and craftsmen creating new pieces. Of special interest to visitors who appreciate art is the Hotel de Oriente. An iconic structure within the resort, Hotel de Oriente’s majestic and striking architectural features are due to the intricacy of the woodwork seen throughout its walls, floors, and ceilings. A tour is not complete without a visit to this majestic building. In addition to providing luxurious experiences for travelers, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar’s Bellas Artes Projects (BAP) foundation invests in local and international artists. The foundation provides a platform for experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration through artist residencies. Internationally acclaimed for its commitment to both hospitality and art, the resort was the recipient of the Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Social Media of a Historic Hotel for the 2024 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence.
Engø Gård (1845) Tjøme, Norway Originally built in 1845 as a popular summer country inn, Engø Gård’s art collection blossomed in the early-21st century when new owners brought their love of art to the historic inn. An art historian with a keen interest in Norwegian art, Nina Felling and her husband, Harald Andersen, acquired a wide collection of art by contemporary Norwegian artists, as well as works by other European artists. When their daughter and son-in-law took over the business in 2015, they continued to collect art, acquiring several new pieces every year. Over the past 25 years, following the hotel’s extensive restoration, this art collection has steadily grown. The paintings and photos are found throughout the hotel: in its restaurants, salons, spa, and guestrooms. The sculptures have been carefully placed in the garden next to the terrace restaurant and the spa. Notable pieces in the collection on display for guests include sculptures by Nico Widerberg and Nina Sundbye, paintings by Frans Widerberg and Kenneth Blom, and a drawing by Pablo Picasso. Engø Gård was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011.
Raffles Europejski, Warsaw (1857) Warsaw, Poland Designed in the Neoclassical style by Italian-Polish architect Enrico Marconi, Raffles Europejski, Warsaw was intended to be the most extravagant hotel in the Russian Empire when it opened in Warsaw in 1857. Art has been present at the hotel since its grand opening. In its early decades, the hotel housed the Aleksander Krywult Salon, one of the first art galleries in Warsaw, and an art studio shared by several famous Polish artists, including Józef Chełmoński and Stanisław Witkiewicz. Raffles Europejski, Warsaw began amassing its own art collection in 2014, with the aim to collect works representative of the contemporary art scene in Poland. Today, Raffles Europejski, Warsaw’s art collection contains approximately 500 works of modern and contemporary Polish art. The collection features paintings, photographs, installations, graphics, posters, collages, blown glass, and drawings from both established and emerging Polish artists. The collection is spread throughout the hotel, and guests can admire the best examples of Polish art in the guestrooms and suites. The hotel’s lobby contains several outstanding artworks, such as Borders by Włodzimierz Jan Zakrzewski, a neon light installation welcoming guests in the entrance hall. Guests and visitors can engage with the art collection through hotel art tours, bookable through the art concierge, or by attending the hotel’s occasional art talks with artists and the collection manager. Every guestroom contains a catalog of the hotel’s art collection for guests’ enjoyment and enrichment. Raffles Europejski Warsaw was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018.
Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, A Fairmont Managed Hotel (1885) Hamilton, Bermuda The art collection of Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – A Fairmont Managed Hotel in Hamilton, Bermuda, is truly remarkable. Inside the palatial pink hotel, established in 1885 and inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018, is a renovated, contemporary gallery space featuring artworks from some of the greatest names in modern art, such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and René Magritte. These innovators, who challenged perceptions of art, laid the foundation for a hotel collection that has embraced everything from the Pop Art and Op Art movements to Postmodernism. Guests and visitors alike can walk through the hotel and its grounds, surrounded by the works of those luminaries, as well as late-20th and early-21st-century artists, such as Shepard Fairey, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama, and Keith Haring. The art collection is active, as new works are often moved or rotated around the resort, emphasizing that the hotel serves as an alternative gallery space. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – A Fairmont Managed Hotel curates and arranges the artworks in a meaningful way to convey meaning within modern art. However, the layout also creates a memorable experience for guests and visitors to the hotel. Guests can embark on self-guided tours by contacting the hotel’s concierge. Private art tours for visitors to the hotel are also available through a local art docent.
Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin (1885) Noordwijk aan Zee, Netherlands Located just a short distance from Amsterdam and The Hague, Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin is a historic seaside retreat with a fascinating art collection. Established in 1885, the hotel boasts a fascinating collection of paintings by Dutch artist George van Herwaarde. The collection consists of 50 paintings, each characterized by the pierrots that they depict. The pierrot is a character from 18th-century French pantomime performances, recognizable as a sad clown with a painted white face. Each painting tells a different story and shows the pierrots pictured with musical instruments, pets, food, and drinks. The paintings by George van Herwaarde can be found throughout the hotel. For instance, guests are followed by musical pierrots when ascending the grand stairs in the lobby. In the hotel’s guestrooms, guests can find cutouts of existing paintings hanging on the walls. An impressive piece hangs in Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin’s Michelin One Star restaurant, Latour. The restaurant is named after Château Latour, one of the most esteemed vineyards in the world, and the painting’s characteristic pierrot is pictured with the Château Latour in the background. Next to this painting, a self-portrait of George van Herwaarde can be found with his face painted as a pierrot. The hotel’s collection of George van Herwaarde paintings started in the 1990s. After the birth of her first grandson, the hotel’s owner bought a George van Herwaarde painting in honor of the special occasion. This was the start of a collection that grew to over 50 of his paintings, as well as a friendship between the owner and the artist. Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011.
Riad El Amine Fès (1800s) Fes, Morocco The historic Riad El Amine Fès dates to the early 19th century, when architectural innovations and movements swept through Fes, an ancient city known as the cultural heart of Morocco. The riad exemplifies traditional Arabic-Andalusian-style architecture, with its emphasis on geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and intricate tilework. The architectural design style of this hotel can be classified as “riad,” which means “garden” in Arabic. In this form of garden architecture, the form is a rectangular garden that is divided into four quadrants, with intersecting paths that feature fountains in the middle. The hotel itself is a work of art, with beautiful tilework in every room, stained-glass windows, intricately carved moldings, and stunning ceilings—all complemented with paintings, carved mirrors, and sumptuous textiles hung throughout guestrooms and common areas. For guests who are interested in art, the hotel can arrange experiences to learn more about plaster design, Arabic calligraphy, and Zellige tile artistry from the tile master who helped restore the hotel. Riad El Amine Fès was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2025.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo (1910) Tremezzina, Italy Immersed in the beauty of Lake Como and offering a spectacular view of the surrounding Alps, the historic Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a treasured example of the finest preserved Italian palaces. With lush period furnishings, intricate architectural design details, and unparalleled views, Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers decadence alongside harmony and tranquility. Established in 1910, Grand Hotel Tremezzo was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2012. A guest favorite of the hotel’s art pieces is the Happiness Fountain by Ico Parisi, a local Como architect and designer. The fountain is found in the estate’s park area, which the hotel describes as an open-air gallery. Dating back centuries, the land used to belong to Villa Carlotta, and its spectacular botanic garden features a variety of rare plants and trees. Within the palace walls, Grand Hotel Tremezzo exhibits an art collection owned by Valentina De Santis (owner of Grand Hotel Tremezzo) at the L’Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar. The hotel also displays a collection of silk scarfs from Antonio Ratti, a post-World War II textiles entrepreneur who created the Fondazione Antonio Ratti, one of the world’s greatest textile archives, in Como. In addition, there are original Art Nouveau-style pieces as well as antique furniture collected by the De Santis family throughout the palace and adjacent buildings. The estate’s 18th-century Villa Emilia, which includes the Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s T Spa, features original mosaic floors. The hotel offers private tours of the palace and its artwork.
Hotel Diplomat (1911) Stockholm, Sweden Built as an Art Nouveau-style palatial mansion in 1911, and situated close to Sweden’s Royal Dramatic Theatre, the Royal Opera House, and prominent galleries, Hotel Diplomat is proud to be a welcoming refuge for artists and valued guests. The hotelier family that owns Hotel Diplomat, in collaboration with its partners, is pleased to share the private modern art collection that they curated for the hotel with visitors. Works by notable Swedish artists are displayed throughout the hotel, including carefully curated displays of photography by some of Sweden’s most renowned contemporary artists. This includes pieces by world-renowned artists, such as Denise Grünstein, Maria Friberg, Anneè Olofsson, Daniel Sandberg, Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, Helene Schmitz, and David Svensson. In addition to its permanent art collection, the hotel rotates new, temporary exhibits in The Gallery. This art-forward approach to hospitality does not stop at the guestroom door. The guestrooms themselves were designed and decorated by co-owner and chairperson Anna Cappelen, in collaboration with interior designer Helene Follin from HOS Haga. Follin was inspired by the unique Art Nouveau-style building, blending traditional elegance with contemporary design. Hotel Diplomat was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2020.
Villa Copenhagen (1912) Copenhagen, Denmark Located in what was once the Central Post & Telegraph Head Office in Copenhagen, Denmark, Villa Copenhagen dates to 1912, and offers luxurious and unique accommodations in the heart of the ancient Nordic city. Visitors are treated to an intimate display of selected artworks by renowned artists, including Jaume Plensa, Gillian Ayres, Ian McKeever, Birk Bjørlo, Ann Edholm, Astrid Sylwan, Åke E:son Lindman, Minako Masui, Ulf Rollof, Bente Stokke, Camilla Løw, Sirous Namazi, and Pål Vigeland. This group also includes celebrated Danish artists, such as Per Kirkeby, Olafur Eliasson and the artist group, Superflex. Upon arrival at Villa Copenhagen, visitors are greeted by the mesmerizing works of esteemed Catalan sculptor, Jaume Plensa. This striking exhibit features two bronze sculptures: Julia and Minna’s Words. Deliberately positioned at the main entrance, Julia’s pensive form invites hotel guests and weary travelers to unburden themselves and join her in a moment of quiet contemplation. Delicately suspended from the foyer’s ceiling, the elegant shape of Minna’s Words teases curious art lovers with its coy expression, which is full of intrigue. Villa Copenhagen’s art collection possesses a multitude of qualities that make it truly fascinating and appealing to cultural and heritage travelers. Firstly, the collection boasts a diverse range of artistic styles, spanning from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, ensuring that there is something for every artistic preference. Moreover, the collection includes pieces from both renowned international artists and emerging talents, creating a dynamic and engaging mix of artistic voices. Each artwork has been thoughtfully placed throughout the hotel, adorning the hallways, restaurants, and public spaces, creating a unique environment that engages and captivates visitors. Villa Copenhagen was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2019.
Hotel New Grand (1927) Yokohama, Japan When guests enter Hotel New Grand through the historic main entrance and walk up the grand staircase to the second-floor lobby, guests can discover a majestic blend of European Art Deco-style and traditional Japanese architecture. The foyer features ornate white plaster, detailed with motifs modeled after ancient Indian art. Storytelling silk tapestries draped on the upper walls contrast with the white plaster, and patterned, washi paper lanterns hang from the ornate ceiling. The art in the lobby on the second floor of the main building is open to the public. In addition, there are two permanent galleries for visitors to learn about the history of the hotel, inviting guests to take a trip back in time. The galleries display items unique to the period of the hotel’s opening, such as photographs and pamphlets, typewriters and tableware, a chronological table, and even a 1/100 scale diorama model of the main building at the time of its opening. These exhibits are seen by many guests and visitors to the hotel. The historic building has been designated as a historic building by the city of Yokohama (1992), and as having a Heritage of Industrial Modernization by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (2007). Hotel New Grand was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2012 and dates to 1927. With its rich history and original works of art, Hotel New Grand is a Yokohama landmark that cannot be missed by art lovers traveling through the city.
Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris (1928) Paris, France Established in 1928, Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris features the Art District Gallery by Bel-Air Fine Art Group, a private movie theater, a contemporary art bookshop, and even an art concierge. Acting as a gateway to the contemporary art scene in Paris, the culturally conscious Art District Gallery (a collaboration between the hotel and the Bel-Air Fine Art Group) welcomes artists, connoisseurs, collectors, patrons, and art professionals alike. Thematic exhibitions are displayed in the gallery and in the public spaces of this grand historic hotel. Visitors and guests also enjoy access to the first contemporary art bookshop within a Parisian luxury hotel, La Librairie des Arts. Keeping pace with the latest happenings on the cultural and arts circuits around the world, this specialty emporium holds more than 700 titles. This unique venue also sells accoutrements for artists and architects, alongside limited editions and literary works in unusual formats. The Katara Cinema offers integrated state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment in 35 mm, digital, and 3D. The screening room is available to organize private screenings, watch auctions, broadcast concerts, and organize seminars. The art concierge at Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris facilitates access to previews, openings, performances and concerts, guitar lessons, and even cultural activities for children. The hotel’s art blog can be found at Art For Breakfast. Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017.
Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris MGallery Collection (1929) Paris, France Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris MGallery Collection opened as an Art Deco-style sports complex with swimming pools in 1929. During its heyday, it was a popular attraction for the socialites of Paris. When the bathhouse closed in 1989 and was classified as a historical monument, it was taken over by street artists. They created their own open-air artists’ studio, using every surface of the building as a canvas. At first, graffiti started to appear on the outside walls of the building, then on the railings and inside the drained swimming pools. By the 1990s, layers of color brought new life, and the bathhouse was itself a work of art. These were some of the first graffiti works by street artists, who have since become very well-known. The site was a venue for concerts, parties, and fashion shows organized through the Compagnie des Maîtres-Nageurs, a group of lifeguards . Today, Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris MGallery Collection, which was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2018, has a quirky personality and offers a remarkable experience to all who visit. True to its colorful past, the hotel continues to invite these artists to return and continue their work. Each of the 78 dressing cubicles surrounding the winter pool has been taken over by an artist, from floor to ceiling, to produce a gallery of contemporary urban art. In cubicle No. 166, visitors can discover the joyful universe of street art characters called Gouzous by Jace, and the malicious presence of the cartoon cat, Monsieur Chat, in cubicle No. 188. Visitors can interact with the collective 9eme Concept art stickers, Francs Colleurs; snap a photo of one of the walls of Marko93’s cubicle No. 114 to reveal what lies hidden there; and be carried away by the poetry of Mademoiselle Maurice’s origami in cubicle No. 40. To truly immerse themselves in the hotel’s art, the hotel recommends that guests take a private, guided tour and grab a copy of the book, Molitor, Vibrations Artistiques.
Lysebu (1946) Oslo, Norway Originally a private residence established during World War I, and renovated right after World War II, today, Lysebu is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to explore Norway’s natural wonders. It is also an active partner of the Henie Onstad Art Center. In 2007, this Norwegian hotel began its collaboration with the arts center, which allowed Lysebu to exhibit works from the center’s collection. The in-house exhibit at Lysebu emphasizes Norwegian and Danish art, highlighting the connections that are the core of Lysebu’s nonprofit enterprise. In the late 1940s, Lysebu was donated to the Danish-Norwegian Cooperation Foundation, in appreciation for the aid that Norway received from Denmark during the German occupation. Lysebu is still owned by the Danish-Norwegian Cooperation Foundation, which uses the income generated by the hotel to support its greater mission. With this relationship in mind, Lysebu stands by the claim that it is more than a hotel or restaurant; displaying Danish and Norwegian art together is an expression of its core values and its history. After three years of collaboration between the hotel and the arts center, the relationship grew. Today, Lysebu is a central, permanent exhibition venue for art owned by the Henie Onstad Art Center. A variety of artists are represented in the halls of Lysebu, including Danish artists. The selection encompasses the works of important artists, whose abstract idiom renewed the visual arts in Norway after World War II, and for whom nature provided constant inspiration. Gunnvor Advoccat, Carl Nesjar, Knut Rumohr, Inger Sitter, Olav Strømme, Kåre Tveter, and Jakob Weidemann are just a few of the artists whose works have been displayed at Lysebu. The hotel displays art throughout the historic building, including the halls containing the guestrooms, where visitors can appreciate it. Lysebu was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2011 and dates to 1946.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (1958) Montreal, Quebec, Canada Designed by the prestigious architects of the Canadian National Railway Company, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is a legendary hotel in Montreal. Established in 1958 and inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2017, it was among the first hotels in North America to feature modern amenities like escalators and central air-conditioning. Furthermore, this spectacular historic hotel has an art collection to match its historic grandeur. The collection combines at least 123 works by 37 renowned contemporary artists from Quebec and other Canadian provinces, including Michel de Broin, Patrick Coutu, Nicolas Grenier, and Geneviève Cadieux. This amazing assortment of sculptures, paintings, photographs, and drawings from a myriad of disciplines will surprise both art amateurs and aficionados. The hotel’s owner, Ivanhoé Cambridge, curated the hotel with the philosophy that art enlivens spaces and fuels an exchange of ideas, while creating a sense of community among staff and visitors. The hotel also believes that investing in art contributes to Quebec’s cultural heritage and Montreal’s identity. Because of this initiative, the hotel’s attention to design attracts art admirers, tourists, and locals alike. Much of the hotel’s collection is exhibited in the public areas of the hotel. Pieces can be found lining the walls of guest floor hallways, meeting rooms, and executive suites. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth offers private art tours with a local guide upon request, which last approximately 90 minutes.
Hotel de Mendoza (1968) Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico Hotel de Mendoza’s curated art collection emphasizes and celebrates the rich history of Guadalajara and the state of Jalisco. Hotel de Mendoza was built on the site where the historic Santa Maria de Gracia Convent was founded in 1588, the first Catholic convent of the city. During the hotel’s construction, the original arcade of the convent’s façade and the arches that adjoin the 16th-century temple were preserved. These 16th-century architectural features can be seen from the pool area today. Among the artwork exhibited at the hotel is its 20th-century Mexican art collection, which includes Rangeliano furniture hand-painted by Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo, and beautiful Baroque-style paintings by the contemporary Mexican artist, Agustín Parra Echauri. Parra, who was originally commissioned by Pope John Paul II, was named the official supplier to the Vatican. The hotel also exhibits a beautiful mural painted by the celebrated Mexican artist José Maria Servin. Hotel de Mendoza was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide in 2016.
The Murray Hong Kong (1969) Hong Kong, China The Murray Hong Kong, a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2019, dates to 1969, and displays an eclectic, modern art collection that reflects the city’s international, cosmopolitan influences. A monument to Modernism, the Central District high-rise was first established as the Murray Building, an office for government workers in Hong Kong. However, the structure was then transformed into a luxury hotel in 2018. It was originally designed by innovative British Modernist architect Ron Phillips, who also participated in the hotel’s renovation during the 2010s. The renovations preserved the building’s signature Midcentury Modern-style architectural features, such as soaring exterior archways, high ceilings, and recessed windows. The hotel complemented the design with bold sculptures, provocative paintings, and other pieces by artists from all over the world. On The Murray’s lawns, guests and visitors are greeted by a variety of sculptures: Flow by Iraqi-born Dame Zaha Hadid; The Bite and Ginkgo Mantle by David Harber, based in the United Kingdom; Awilda’s White Head by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa; Intimidad by another Spanish artist, Isabel Miramontes; and Glitter, a stainless-steel piece set against the manicured hedgerow by renowned Hong Kong artist Mok Yat San. Guests can step inside and discover more artworks in the hotel’s lobby, halls, and Popinjays rooftop bar and restaurant. The Murray Hong Kong occasionally offers public tours of its artwork.
“Historic hotels are themselves often works of art to be preserved and, naturally, art collections complement these special places,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Support for artists and endowments to acquire and sustain art collections has been a tradition of many of the founders and builders of historic hotels; fortunately, this tradition continues through the dedication of current ownership and their passion for making it easy for guests of these iconic and legendary hotels to experience some of the finest art collections in the world—while staying at a historic hotel.”
Historic Hotels Worldwide® is a prestigious and distinctive collection of historic treasures, including luxury historic hotels built in former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries. Historic Hotels Worldwide represents the finest and most distinctive global collection of more than 320 historic hotels in more than 46 countries. Hotels inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide are authentic historic treasures, demonstrate historic preservation, and celebrate historic significance. Eligibility for induction into Historic Hotels Worldwide is limited to those distinctive historic hotels that adhere to the following criteria: minimum age for the building is 75 years or older; historically relevant as a significant location within a historic district, historically significant landmark, place of a historic event, former home of a famous person, or historic city center; hotel celebrates its history by showcasing memorabilia, artwork, photography, and other examples of its historic significance; recognized by national preservation or heritage buildings organization or located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and presently used as a historic hotel. For more information, visit HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com.
The rivers surrounding Nova Gorica invite visitors to dive into aquatic excitement—whether gliding across tranquil waters or conquering exhilarating rapids.
A trip to Nova Gorica (Slovenia) and Gorizia (Italy), the European Capital of Culture 2025, is more than a celebration of arts and culture—it’s a gateway to unforgettable outdoor adventures. Enhance your experience with thrilling excursions set against breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to scenic hikes, historic cycling routes, adrenaline-charged water sports, or panoramic views from above, the Vipava Valley, Brda, and the Karst offer endless opportunities for exploration.
Here are 8 must-try adventures to make your visit extraordinary:
1.Hiking and Cycling Tours with a Touch of History
Nova Gorica and its surroundings offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from short escapes to longer explorations. Themed trails showcase the region’s natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and rich history, rewarding hikers and cyclists with breathtaking views.
2. Hike or bike to the summit of Sabotin and experience the Park of Peace
The 609-meter summit of Sabotin connects the Vipava Valley, Brda, and the Soča Valley. Marked by World War I history, it features caverns, trenches, and diverse flora and fauna. A former border post now serves as a multimedia center, recounting the strategic importance of Sabotin during the Isonzo Front. Reach the summit on foot or by bike. Learn more here.
3.Sveta Gora: A Sacred Summit with a Historic Legacy
This spectacular viewpoint and pilgrimage site hosts a Franciscan monastery and basilica. Like many peaks along the Soča River, Sveta Gora bears traces of World War I, with remnants of caverns and trenches. It remains a favored destination for hikers and cyclists. Learn more here.
4.Cerje, Home to the Monument of Peace
Cerje is a key stop along the Walk of Peace and offers stunning views over the Vipava Valley and the Karst. The monument houses invaluable historical and artistic treasures. Visitors can reach the summit via the Cerje educational trail or by bike. Learn more here.
5.Walk of Peace: From the Alps to the Adriatic
This cross-border trail preserves European World War I heritage, leading adventurers through battle sites, cemeteries, ossuaries, and open-air museums. Along the way, hikers and cyclists can experience the Julian Alps, Brda, the Karst, and the Adriatic Sea’s scenic landscapes. Learn more here.
6.The Heights Above the Vipava Valley
For a more challenging trek, explore the Banjšice and Trnovo Plateaus or climb Nanos. Gora, the eastern part of the Trnovo Plateau, features picturesque trails and the famous rock-formed window, Otliško okno. Learn more here.
7.European Capital of Culture 2025: Where Sports and Art Converge
Nova Gorica embraces movement as an artform, incorporating sports into creative urban projects. Highlights include Basketball in the Jungle, an artistic court shaded by trees, backed by basketball stars Goran Dragić and Luigi Datome. The city also hosts a cross-border children’s playground and a summer outdoor table football event in Gorizia, bringing top players and fans together. Slovenia, meanwhile, offers a photo exhibition about Pier Paolo Pasolini and football. Learn more here.
8.Water Adventures
The rivers surrounding Nova Gorica invite visitors to dive into aquatic excitement—whether gliding across tranquil waters or conquering exhilarating rapids. Highlights include an adventurous SUP adventure on the Vipava River,a stroll along the mesmerizingly colorful artificial lake at Most na Soči, or an adrenaline-filled kayaking exploration at the Solkan Kayak Center.
For more outdoor adventures in the European Capital of Culture 2025 region, explore here.
Bad RagARTz Exhibition, taking place May 4 – October 30, 2024, in Bad Ragaz and Vaduz, Switzerland, known as the Swiss Triennial of Sculpture, returns for the ninth edition as Europe’s largest open-air art exhibition featuring the works of 80 artists from around the globe.
BAD RAGAZ, SWITZERLAND – Grand Resort Bad Ragaz announced the return of the highly anticipated Bad RagARTz Exhibition, taking place May 4 – October 30, 2024, in Bad Ragaz and Vaduz. Bad RagARTz, also known as the Swiss Triennial of Sculpture, returns for the ninth edition as Europe’s largest open-air art exhibition featuring the works of 80 artists from around the globe.
“We look forward to welcoming guests to experience our beautiful resort once again during the 2024 edition of Bad RagARTz,” says Milos Colovic, General Manager of Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. “Snow-capped mountain views, the ornate architecture of our three renowned hotels, and the lush greenery surrounding the resort creates the perfect backdrop to showcase this year’s collection of sculptures. Our guests’ experience is also enhanced by the culinary artistry showcased across Bad Ragaz through the collective six Michelin stars. We are thrilled to support this prestigious gathering of artists.”
Under the theme “Present,” Bad RagARTz aims to remove barriers and bring art directly to the public, inviting visitors of all ages to experience the works of these international artists. From the spacious parks of Bad Ragaz to the streets and squares of Vaduz just a 15-minute drive away, the exhibition offers an immersive cultural experience free of charge. Guided tours led by experienced professionals provide in-depth insights into the artworks, enhancing the visitor experience. Special tours tailored for children and teenagers aim to make art education playful and engaging, fostering a love for creativity and expression from a young age.
The 2024 edition highlights a special piece this year, Brick House by Artist Simone Leigh. The 16-foot-tall sculpture is a bronze bust of a Black woman, which was originally showcased on New York’s High Line. Leigh was the first Black woman to represent the United States at the 2022 Venice Biennale, where she was awarded the “Best Sculpture Award” and the prestigious “Golden Lion” award. The sculpture was previously showcased on The High Line in New York City and can now be found on permanent display in the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz park. The exhibition also features works by acclaimed artists such as Daniel Spoerri, Gottfried Honegger, and Schang Hutter who are known for their iconic work in sculpture and design. Furthermore the exhibition shines a spotlight on young artists through the “Laboratory of Young Art,” offering financial support and a platform for emerging talents.
In addition to the outdoor exhibition, the Festival of Small Sculpture will take place in the historic Bad Pfafers near the renowned Tamina George. This offers visitors the opportunity to engage with smaller-scale artworks by the exhibiting artists. The festival, accompanied by literary, musical, and philosophical events, promises a vibrant celebration of art and culture.
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, nestled in the idyllic Alpine foothills of Eastern Switzerland, features 67pieces by 38 artists across its 120-acre grounds. Boasting two five-star hotels and a boutique hotel, the resort offers luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities, including an unparalleled thermal spa experience with multiple bathhouses. To book a stay at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz during Bad RagARTz, please visit the resort website: https://www.resortragaz.ch/en/.
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is located on the Alpine foothills in Eastern Switzerland. The property has two five-star hotels, Grand Hotel Quellenhof & Spa Suites and Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz, along with the boutique hotel Palais Bad Ragaz, offering 247 rooms and suites with styles ranging from historical to ultramodern. With six Michelin stars and a range of culinary offerings, as well as world-class spa and wellness facilities, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz provides guests with a luxurious retreat in the heart of Switzerland.
City Experiences has expanded its one-of-a-kind tours in major European destinations through the award-winning international tour providers Walks and Devour Tours. The brand continues to fortify its robust lineup of tour offerings globally, but especially in Europe with 11 new tours launching.
In partnership with some of the world’s top museums and monuments, including the Vatican Museums, Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, Niagara Falls, the Royal Alcazar of Seville, Sainte-Chapelle, and most recently, the Prado Museum and Buckingham Palace, Walks and Devour Tours offer truly unique, often exclusive, tours that travelers cannot find elsewhere.
“In an era where travel is not just about the destination, but the experience, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our unique tours in Europe. Walks and Devour Tours immerse travelers in the culture of each city, from major landmarks to mom and pop eateries, and offer an unparalleled exploration of Europe’s diverse tapestry,” said Stephen Oddo, SVP Hornblower Group, President & Founder of Walks. “With the addition of eleven new tours across the continent in the first months of this year alone, we continue to cement our commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
City Experiences will help guests travel smarter and experience more, whether it be an upcoming bucket list summer vacation or simply exploring their own backyard. New this year, City Experiences has rolled out the following Walks and Devour tours in Europe:
Spain (Madrid, Seville, San Sebastian):
VIP Alone in the Prado: Exclusive Early Access Museum Tour: It can be hard to appreciate the Prado Museum’s masterpieces fully among the daytime crowds, but that won’t be a problem on this early access tour where the intimate group will be the only people inside besides museum staff. On this VIP tour of the Prado, guests will be welcomed into the museum before the site opens to the public, offering plenty of space to enjoy legendary works such as Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Goya’s Black paintings, Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, and more, complete with fascinating insights from an art historian guide.
An Evening Out in Seville: Triana Neighborhood Tapas Tour: On this evening tapas tour, guests join a local foodie expert and a small group of new friends in Triana, Sevillanos’ neighborhood of choice for a night out. As travelers eat and drink their way across four unique styles of tapas bars, they will get a crash course in what it means to eat out in Seville—so they can conquer even the loudest, liveliest bar like a pro during the rest of their stay.
An Evening Out in San Sebastian: Centro Neighborhood Pintxos Tour: Travelers looking for great food at bars they will remember for years to come should join this tour of the Centro neighborhood in San Sebastian. This lesser-visited area is the one the locals choose when making plans. This tour will show visitors a true local experience full of both iconic pintxos and pleasantly unexpected tastes they won’t find anywhere else.
Vatican City
Alone In The Vatican: Exclusive VIP Access Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour:Explore the Vatican at its quietest on this exclusive, super-special access tour. Visiting before the Museums open to the public or after they’ve closed their doors for a once-in-a-lifetime tour and rare chance to admire its beautiful galleries completely empty and free of crowds. No matter which option you choose, they’ll enjoy the company of an intimate small group (as well as a knowledgeable Walks guide) and have Michelangelo’s masterpiece entirely to themselves.
Florence, Italy
Alone in the Duomo: VIP After-Hours Tour with Dome Climb & Private Terrace Access: Experience the stunning Florence Duomo like a VIP on this once-in-a-lifetime tour. Entering after closing time, visitors get away from the crowds and experience the sacred space at its most peaceful, allowing them the serenity to fully appreciate its magnificence. Complete with a guided dome climb, private access to both terraces, and even an encounter with the Key Master himself, there’s no more privileged way to experience this Florentine treasure.
Paris, France:
From Orsay to Giverny: Skip-the-Line Museum Tour & Exclusive Monet House Day Trip: This full-day art experience won’t just give travelers an up-close look at these legendary works within the museum, they will also see the stunning scenery that inspired Monet and other Impressionist masters on a day trip from Paris to Giverny! From the halls of the Orsay (complete with perfectly timed, skip-the-line entry) to the peaceful gardens at Monet’s Giverny retreat, this impeccably planned, expertly guided experience is perfect for anyone who wants to dive deeper into French art and culture—or who just wants a relaxing escape from the busy capital in beautiful surrounds.
Exclusive Montmartre Experience with Private Vineyard Tasting, Skip-the-Line Museum Tour, & Sacré-Coeur: On this relaxed early evening Montmartre walking tour, guests will explore the neighborhood with a local, following in the footsteps of artists, musicians, and activists who left a lasting mark on its cobblestoned streets. From the top of the hill at the magnificent Sacré-Coeur to a private stroll among the vines at a hidden urban vineyard, this is the Montmartre many visitors seek out, yet few can claim to have truly found.
London, England:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter & London Walking Tour:This tour combines a city stroll to several famous landmarks in central London with private transport to and from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where they will walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps. Impeccably crafted sets, original props and costumes, and more magical encounters await, making the Studio Tour one of the most in-demand locations in the UK.
Best of BuckinghamPalace: Skip-the-Line Tickets & Royal London Walking Tour: With skip-the-line access to either the palace’s breathtaking State Rooms or the fascinating Royal Mews, visitors spend an enjoyable morning getting to the heart of royal life in the UK without any of the hassle of trying to get tickets or figure out a route on their own. At every step of the way, experienced guides will regale tour goers with stories they will have to hear to believe about the fascinating sites and the household-name monarchs.
Athens, Greece:
Delphi Small Group Day Trip from Athens with Honey Farm Visit & Homemade Lunch: As the most important archaeological site in Greece outside of Athens, Delphi has attracted countless travelers throughout the ages. While trying to get there on their own can be challenging, this carefully curated Delphi day trip from Athens comes with all logistics handled, including round-trip private transport for guests and their small group of 15. Together with a knowledgeable guide, they will explore the Delphi Archaeological Site on the slopes of Mount Parnassus before venturing off to a family-run honey farm, where they will meet the owners and indulge in a homemade lunch.
An Evening Out in Athens: Koukaki Neighborhood Food & Wine Tour: Tucked away in the shadow of the Acropolis, the Koukaki neighborhood is the place where locals go out for dinner and drinks in Athens. Along the way, they’ll get a crash course in all things related to Greek food culture—from how to choose a great spot to what to order when they get there—so they can make every meal memorable throughout the rest of your stay.
City Experiences represents Hornblower Group’s expansive portfolio of water- and land-based experience companies and includes two sub-brands: City Cruises and City Ferry. City Cruises companies operate dining, sightseeing and private events across 22 destinations in the U.S., Canada and the UK. City Cruises companies also operate cruises on behalf of the National Park Service and the Niagara Parks Commission and currently hold service contracts to provide ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Alcatraz Island and Niagara Falls. City Ferry companies offer specialized knowledge and expertise required to transport passengers, vehicles and other cargo safely across inland and coastal waterways, serving as operator of NYC Ferry and Puerto Rico ferry system, among others. City Experiences’ portfolio of companies also offers a range of water- and land-based experiences including shore excursions, partner-offered experiences, multi-port packages, with companies including Venture Ashore, Walks and Devour Tours. For more information visit cityexperiences.com.
GeoCultura’s Irelands Wild Atlantic Way Tour traces the route to the Cliffs of Moher.
With the promise of new beginnings and a new year, GeoCultura has unveiled its fascinating lineup of expert-led small-group tours for the curious traveler in 2024. Offering discovery and immersion, these tours promise an enriching exploration of the world’s most fascinating landscapes, guided by experts in local geology, history, and culture, while staying in deluxe accommodations and centuries-old inns and experiencing culinary handpicked restaurants.
Treasures of Southern England: London, Bath, and the Jurassic Coast Embark on a character-packed journey through Southern England’s most striking places with the Treasures of Southern England tour. Uncover the layers of history in Bath, wander the world’s largest prehistoric stone circle at Avebury Ring, and explore the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast. Peek behind the scenes of historic abbeys and cathedrals. Dates: May 6 – May 11, and September 15 – September 20. (Treasures of Southern England: London , Bath and the Jurassic Coast)
Journey to the Misty Isle: Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye Immerse yourself in the legends, landscapes, and rich history of Scotland on this exhilarating tour. Travel from Edinburgh to Inverness, then over the sea to the enchanting Isle of Skye. Explore dramatic lochs and whisky distilleries. Live the stories and traditions of Scotland in the company of local guides. Dates: April 29 – May 5 and August 8 – August 14. (Journey to the Misty Isle: Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye)
Scotland and the Isle of Skye: Landscapes and Photography Tour is geared for photography enthusiasts to capture the incredible mountains, lochs, and coastlines of the Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands. Join award-winning professional photographer Alex Hare on a small group tour, where, you’ll gain technical and creative tips, tailored to all skill levels, and learn the ‘read’ the landscapes. Dates: Sept 17- Sept 23 (Scotland and the Isle of Skye: Landscapes and Photography Tour)
Irelands Wild Atlantic Way Tour is a captivating seven-day journey along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, tracing the route from Galway Bay to the Cliffs of Moher. Delve into the rich tapestry of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, guided by experts who unravel the deep-time origins of West Ireland. Explore renowned landmarks, traverse the geopark’s highest peaks, and sail to an Iron Age fort on the Aran Islands. The Wild Honey Inn in the Burren Geopark offers a Michelin-starred experience but as the Chef Patron says: “where the service is proper, whilst having a relaxed and unfussy feel, and what’s on your plate depends on the seasons. Over four days, discover the geopark’s geological and cultural evolution, visiting landmarks like Dun Aonghasa, Poulnabrone Dolmen, and the iconic Cliffs of Moher. September 1-7, 2024 (Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way)
GeoCultura’s small group tours range from two nights and three days to six nights and seven days, and every tour is filled with stories that show how the earth, the land, and the people connect to bring us to where we are today. GeoCultura offers this new and exciting approach with trips to explore the world’s most important landscapes and geology and to hear fascinating stories linking them to local history. The tours have the benefit of being led by expert earth scientists working together with local historians and regional tourist guides. The aim is to immerse participants in the local culture and its origins, as well as enjoying the local cuisine. The tours provide an irresistible combination of awe-inspiring scenery, great company, and superb guides.
GeoCultura can also customize fully guided, partially guided, or self-guided trips with just friends, family, or colleagues.
Additional information can be found at www.geoculturaworld.com, Call: +44 2081 451011 or +1 713 400 6326.
On Tourissimo’s NEW 7-day Chef Bike Tour of Friuli Venezia Giulia hosted by Chef Brook Williamson and her husband Nick Roberts, guests will cycle from Tarvisio along the Tagliemento River Valley via the Alpe-Adria Bikeway, one of the first long-haul rail-to-trail projects in Europe.
(Turin, Italy) — Friuli Venezia Giulia (often shortened to Friuli) is a northeastern Italian border region tucked between Slovenia and Austria where travelers will find the cultural and culinary imprints of all three countries.
On Tourissimo’s NEW 7-day Chef Bike Tour of Friuli Venezia Giulia hosted by Chef Brooke Williamson and her husband Nick Roberts, guests will cycle from Tarvisio along the Tagliemento River Valley via the Alpe-Adria Bikeway, one of the first long-haul rail-to-trail projects in Europe. The rest of the biking will be on secondary country roads with many interesting and tasty stops. Chef Williamson will play an important role in understanding the local cuisine, which reflects the varied cultures that surround this region. Prices start at $4,995 per person double. Companions that are non-riders are welcome. E-bikes are available upon request.
“We are fond of Friuli not just because it is cycling heaven, but also because it is a must-visit destination for gourmands and wine lovers, and is finally being recognized as such,” said Beppe Salerno, co-founder of Tourissimo. “It is the perfect destination for someone who has been to Italy several times and is looking for something new and different.”
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Brooke Williamson has carved out an impressive resumé full of leading roles and professional achievement, such as being the youngest female chef to ever cook at the James Beard House, winning Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 14 in Charleston, and most recently, being crowned the first winner of Food Network’s “Tournament of Champions” in spring 2020.
Tour Highlights:
Scenic Alpe-Adria Bikeway
Wine tasting at a family-run winery that includes the rare and up-and-coming Schioppettino
Cividale del Friuli (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and Venzone (National monument)
Stunning cycling along rolling hills covered with vineyards and with the Julian Alps in the backdrop
Grado’s golden beaches
Palmanova and Aquileia
Regional food that combines Mediterranean and Mitteleuropean influences
Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant with cooking demonstration
The tour takes place June 25-July 1, 2023, $4995 pp.
Tourissimo are Italy experts and have several decades of combined experience in all facets of the adventure travel industry. https://www.tourissimo.travel.
TRIPS by Culture Trip launched in September to offer multi-day small-group adventures with itineraries that combine immersive activities and distinctive places to stay, and experiences for the young at heart, the off-the-beaten path enthusiast, the culturally curious and those with the belief that “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. Behind TRIPS by Culture Trip is Culture Trip itself – the travel website and app for booking hand-picked places to stay, unique travel experiences and now also small-group adventures.
To kick off the new year, Culture Trip is also offering special deals and discounts now through January 31, 2022 including a $100 Culture Trip voucher when you book with TRIPS by Culture Trip; a $50 Culture Trip voucher when you spend $200 on a hotel; and a $20 Culture Trip voucher when you spend $100 on an experience. T&Cs apply.
TRIPS by Culture Trip offers over 30 itineraries in some of the world’s most captivating and off-the-grid places across the world. TRIPS range from four to 13 days, welcoming up to 18 travelers aged 25 and over who can join solo or with friends. With a focus beyond mass-market offerings, TRIPS itineraries often avoid areas of over tourism and aim to put local people at the center; the team is dedicated to avoiding unethical activities or wildlife interactions that aren’t in the best interest of the animals.
“With everyone looking for that vacation or escape in 2022, here are some trips that many will never experience in their lifetime because, well, they didn’t know they could.” Check these out:
Wild camping under the stars and staying with a Bedouin family in the breathtaking Wadi Rum — also known as the Valley of the Moon and as filming location for Star Wars: the Rise of Skywalker — is an unforgettable experience. On this trip, travelers also learn how to make Arabic coffee, cook a traditional meal with local Bedouins, milk camels and help shepherds herd their goats in the sunrise. Treks through rust-colored mountains, street food tours in Amman, and visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra through a back door to avoid the crowds are also part of this itinerary. 9-day trip from $2,599* per person
Before exploring the tangerine dunes of the Sahara’s Erg Chebbi, bedding down in a desert camp in a Berber-style tent with a canopy of twinkling stars above, and stargazing in the desert with local astrologer Astro Hamid, travelers get to explore Casablanca’s diverse and historically significant architecture together with a local architect. 13-day trip from $2,809* per person
A trip to Mai Chau is unforgettable — a lush valley lined with rice paddies between forested mountains, inhabited by several ethnic groups in the Hoa Binh province. Here, the group will cycle through rice fields to a White Thai village to experience farm life first hand — including collecting food for buffalos and feeding them, while learning about the history and culture of the White Thai ethnic group, named after their white clothes. The trip also takes travelers to Hue where they will get to learn about the flavors and techniques behind the local cuisine through a market visit and cooking class with gastronomy artisan Ms. Huy. 12-day trip from $1,609*per person
This epic 12-day ‘Treasure Island’ adventure avoids the usual tourist areas for a glimpse of real Sri Lankan culture. Travelers get to visit a quieter, lesser-known side of Yala National Park — reducing the impact on the wildlife and environment. The park has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world with plenty of elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles. Equally memorable will be seeing herds of wild elephants in Minneriya National Park, visiting a rural village school to learn about Sri Lankan education, and attending a dancing school in Lankathilaka, where a generational dancing master will teach the ancient art of dance in his own backyard. 12-day trip from $2,039*per person
As part of the ‘Japan Rising’ 12-day journey through the land of the rising sun, travelers get to learn from a local aikido expert this Japanese martial art that involves breathing, stretching and self-defense techniques. They also can witness sumo wrestling training to learn about the centuries old history of this traditional sport, and test their rhythm over a taiko drum — played in traditional performing arts and festivals in Japan — with a local expert instructor. 12-day trip from $4,239*per person
Naturally, TRIPS by Culture Trip has an extremely flexible and generous cancellation plan in place should Covid restrictions change your plans , including rebooking for free up to 48 hours before departure and if TRIPS by Culture Trip cannot change your booking dates, they will refund the booking.
To learn more and book TRIPS by Culture Trip, visit culturetrip.com/trips or call 678-967-4965.
* Prices include the Local Insider; activities; accommodation based on two people sharing, with single occupancy available with a supplement; transport throughout the trip and a range of meals
TRIPS by Culture Trip is offering a BOGO deal from Nov. 22-Dec. 3, 2021: book a spot on one of their trips and bring someone along for free to places like Scotland, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Italy, Nepal and 20 more destinations.
Travel must take place before May 31, 2022 (the Iceland itinerary in Jan. 2022 is excluded). All trips available are on a first booked, first served basis. Space is limited and certain conditions apply.
TRIPS by Culture Trip are unique small-group adventures that help people experience extraordinary destinations in unexpected ways, together with other culturally curious travelers. Curated by travel experts and led by Local Insiders, the multi-day adventures offer itineraries that combine immersive activities, hyper-local experiences and unique places to stay. Thoughtfully planned with ample free time to unwind or explore, the itineraries offer the right balance of exploration, action, and relaxation.
Some of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are part of TRIPS by Culture Trip and can be enjoyed with this Black Friday deal:
Welcome to the Jungle: Exploring Northern Thailand 10-day trip from $1,599* per person; based on departures 20 February and 14 April 2022 Watch the sunrise over the highest mountain in Thailand and feed elephants in a sanctuary during this 10-day adventure. Take in Chiang Mai, Pai and the Doi Inthanon National Park and float through a 5,466 ft. cave and watch the sunset over the scenic Pai Canyon. In between jungle trekking and waterfall swims, enjoy a slice of slow living at a geothermal hot springs and savor local Thai delicacies. This off-the-beaten-track journey will showcase an authentic side of the former Lanna Kingdom.
From the Amalfi Coast to Puglia: the Complete Southern Italy Tour 10-day trip from $2,029* per person; based on departures 2 April and 7 May 2022 Discover cliff top villages, secluded beaches and authentic Italian cuisine on this journey across southern Italy. Sample street food in Naples, cruise along the Amalfi Coast on a private boat tour, uncover the secrets of Altamura bread at Il Frantoio and explore the ancient hilltop town of Matera, featured in the latest James Bond movie. Round off the trip by relaxing on the secluded beaches of Polignano a Mare and explore the Salento peninsula.
Riches and Ruins: Wine, Dine and Step Back in Time in Rural Georgia 9-day trip from $1,369* per person; based on departures 5 May 2022 Whether hiking in the Caucasus Mountains or whipping up a feast from a farmer’s market, this nine-day journey yields an immersive Georgian experience. Begin in the Old Quarter of Tbilisi and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites at nearby Mtskheta. See the ancient wine-making – and drinking – before exploring Lagodekhi National Park. The spectacular Truso Gorge, a hike up to Gergeti Church and a ramble beyond remote Juta village showcase the best of the High Caucasus.
La Vida Local in Mexico City 5-day trip from $1,209* per person; based on departures 10 February, 17 March and 14 April 2022 Climb ancient temples in Teotihuacán, watch lucha libre wrestlers in action and toss back mezcal shots on a five-day trip to Mexico City. Stay at the artsy Cadillac Hotel near Roma, before hitting the streets on a walking tour of the Condesa district. Enjoy sizzling meat tacos in Roma, visit Frida Kahlo’s house, then sing with the mariachis floating along the Xochimilco canals.
TRIPS by Culture Trip offers over 30 itineraries in some of the world’s most captivating and off-the-grid places, with new itineraries added regularly. TRIPS range from four to 13 days, welcoming a maximum of up to 18 travelers aged 25 and over who can join solo or with friends. With a focus beyond mass-market offerings, the itineraries often put local people at the center and avoid areas of over-tourism as well as unethical activities or wildlife interactions that aren’t in the best interest of the animals.
TRIPS by Culture Trip offers its Ultimate COVID Booking Guarantee, so if COVID regulations change a customer’s plans, they can rebook for free (valid for bookings made by Nov. 30, 2021 for travel before Feb. 28, 2022). For bookings outside these dates, no change or cancellation fees are imposed and customers can get a full refund should they need to postpone or cancel a trip up to 30 days prior to departure. All trips have COVID safety measures in place.
Black Friday travel deals are already underway at EF Go Ahead Tours. From October 26 to November 26, EF Go Ahead Tours, a leading provider of immersive, small group travel, is launching four weeks of discounted departures to every corner of the world. With up to $600 off — and some itineraries discounted by 20% or more — now is the ideal time to book a tour, as current bookings indicate 2022 will be a gangbusters year for international travel. The deals effectively mean 2022 and 2023 trips are available at discounted 2021 prices — the lowest they are likely to be — with experts who handle all the details and the complexities of traveling in the COVID-age taken care of for you.
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS:
Each week will have a theme with up to $600 per traveler/$1,200 off per couple on select itineraries:
Week 1: Oct. 26 to Nov. 4 Get first dibs on great deals around the world. Sign up to get Early Access to Black Friday deals with tours through 2023. In demand trips will sell out, so this is your chance to book early and save!
Week 2 Nov. 5-11: Save up to $600 per traveler/$1,200 per couple on Italy & Greece
Week 3: Nov. 12-18: Save up to $600/$1,200 per couple on UK & Ireland
Week 4: Nov. 19-25: Save up to $600/$1,200 per couple on Bucket List (Iceland, Egypt, Kenya, Costa Rica, Galapagos and more)
Black Friday: Nov. 26: “Special Lightning Deals!” with the best of what’s left!Plus up to $600 off on worldwide tours plus a doorbuster on Black Friday day!
*Specific itineraries per week available upon request
ALL MONTH LONG:
Each week EF will have a surprise “Lightning Deal” with an extra discount and incentive.
Solo within group travel is on the rise and EF Go Ahead Tours welcomes this travel style. Every week will include an extra $100 off for private rooms on top of the sales, which could equate to a free single room.
Only $99 down secures a spot when you enroll in AutoPay. Interest-free payments aren’t due until 60 days after booking. Book before November 30th and if you have to change plans, receive a refund of all money paid for that tour, including the deposit, through February 1, 2022. Change tour date or destination without a rebooking fee up until the Final Payment Date.
EF offers COVID Care Promise, a comprehensive offering that supports travelers, at no additional expense through unforeseen on-tour quarantines or hospitalizations.
EF’s 24/7 Safety and Incidence Team operates worldwide to inform country- and region-specific approaches to travel based on evolving CDC and WHO guidelines.
EF Go Ahead Tours offers 175 guided tours as well as can customize a private tour; if you bring a group, you travel for free.