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.
The Travel Corporation’s non-profit foundation, Treadright, welcomes new project partnership in Seville, Spain with The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art to support the conservation of flamenco dance.
Cypress,
Calif.- The TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family
of award-winning brands, including Trafalgar, Uniworld, Insight Vacations,
Contiki and Red Carnation Hotels, has announced a new project
partnership with The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Artin
Seville, Spain. The new project falls under TreadRight’s ‘People’ pillar,
which encourages the cultures, traditions and arts of the communities TTC
visits.
The
Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art is a private, non-profit entity,
created in 1993 in Seville by Cristina Heeren, Hispanist and American patron.
Its aims are the promotion, the teaching and the conservation of flamenco both
in Andalusia and Spain, as well as internationally.
The
TreadRight Foundation is supporting The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco
Art by establishing four scholarships for advanced guitar, singing and dance
students at the Foundation. The TreadRight scholarships will
be dedicated to advanced students who need financial assistance to complete
their third or fourth year of training. These higher-level students display
great skill and competence in their disciplines, however, they often struggle
to find the funds to continue or complete their training. The TreadRight
scholarship will now allow them to see their training through to its completion.
In
addition, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold guests will have a culturally
immersive and unique experience while visiting The Cristina Heeren Foundation
on select trips. They will start with a flamenco dance
class before taking front-seats for a fiery performance of flamenco to truly
embrace the artform.
“Anyone
who has ever had the chance to experience a flamenco performance can’t help but
be moved by the centuries old artistic tradition. It is obvious why UNESCO
recognized flamenco as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and
Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010,” says Brett Tollman,
Chief Executive, TTC and Founder, The TreadRight Foundation. “It
represents such an incredible and indelible contribution to Spanish culture and
heritage, as well as world culture and heritage. We are delighted to be
partnering with The Cristina Heeren Foundation to help support the brilliant
young artists working to keep this beautiful tradition alive and thriving.”
“That
our friends at the TreadRight Foundation should have understood the importance
of Flamenco, a unique art form, is close to miraculous,” shared
Cristina Heeren, President of The Cristina Heeren Foundation of Flamenco Art. “Indeed,
few people realize that flamenco is unique, being a product of the numerous
ethnic influences left behind by those groups that settled in
southern Spain over the centuries. Now, thanks to the TreadRight
scholarships, our most promising students will be able to enter the
professional world,” she continued.
Since
1996, the prestigious school has trained more than 6,000 youths from around the
world in song, dance and guitar. It has been recognized with the Flamenco
in the Classroom Prize from the Andalusian Government, the Order
of Alfonso X from Spain’s Ministry of Culture, the National Teaching Prize from
the Chair of Flamencology in Jerez and the distinction Flamenco Thursdays from
the Cajasol Foundation, among other honors.
Created
as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands,
The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to safeguard the planet,
wildlife & people for generations to come. TreadRight’s mission is to
#MakeTravelMatter through conservation, leadership and support for
communities. To date, TreadRight has supported over 55+ sustainable
tourism projects in 280+ communities worldwide. Foundation priorities are set
by the Steering Committee. Past project partners include WWF,
Conservation International, WildAid, The Travel Foundation and The
National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include the Wildlife Conservation
Society’s Big Cat fund, WE.org and inspiring nature advocates
like Céline Cousteau, Costas Christ and Terri Irwin. To learn more about our
past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at treadright.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram,
and Twitter using our hashtag
#MakeTravelMatter.
Ireland is rich in culture with its wild landscapes and hearty culinary delights. From enjoying a pot of Irish stew, to exploring Ireland’s lush lands and regal castles, connect with your Gaelic Roots on Insight Vacations’ immersive experiences.
Ireland may be a small country but it is rich in culture
with its wild landscapes and hearty culinary delights. From enjoying a pot of
Irish stew, to exploring Ireland’s lush lands and regal castles, you’ll connect
with your Gaelic Roots on Insight Vacations’ immersive experiences.
Lonely
Planet named Galway as one of the top places to visit
in the world in 2020—a cultural destination highlighted on Insight Vacations’
Ireland itineraries. The accolade has been
given in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2020, describing the city as “arguably
Ireland’s most engaging city”.
According to the European
Capital of Culture, visitors to Galway can expect to
experience the city and county’s best year yet, with a year-long program of
extraordinary street spectacle, live and digital art as well as world-class
music, theatre and dance.
As the award-winning leader in premium escorted
travel, Insight Vacations wants travelers to observe Galway with experiences
that go beyond the ordinary. On Insight’s journeys to Ireland, guests
are invited to meet and interact with locals and explore various establishments
that offer authenticity as well as good old-fashioned fun.
Here are several Insight trips that immerse guests
into the unique aspects of Galway:
Country Roads of Ireland (12
Days):Travelers will get the chance to enjoy
breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the
strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. They will spend a day at
their leisure to relax and enjoy the city– perhaps joining an Optional
Experience to the Aran Islands – a genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way.
With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish
experience.
Focus on Ireland (7 Days):Lead
by Insights’ dedicated and knowledgeable Travel Director, guests will explore
the infamous Lynch Memorial and the Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher
Columbus reputedly prayed before his discovery of America. They will also see
the aged Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John
F. Kennedy.
Irish Elegance (8 Days):Guests will journey the City of the Tribes and visit
Galway’s stunning cathedral. They can take in the beautiful scenery during
their two-night stay at the Connemara Coast Hotel, which is spectacularly set
on the shores of Galway Bay.
For a limited time on Insight Vacations journeys, guests can
visit Galway with Insight Vacations’ amazing air offer:From
now until Dec. 18, travelers can save up to $300 per couple on economy
air on departures from Oct. 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020, and Sept. 1, 2020 to Nov.
15, 2020.
By choosing flights with American Airlines, British Airways,
Finnair and Iberia, travelers can save $150 off per person on Economy,
$200 off per person on Premium Economy or $300 off per person on Business Class.
In addition to the these air offers, Insight
Vacations is also offering a 10% savings to Europe with their popular Early
Payment Discount for those who book and pay in full by December 18, 2019. This
discount is combinable with Insights’ air offers.
Save Venice, an American nonprofit organization, has formed an Immediate Response Fund for artistic and cultural heritage recovery following the extreme floods (acque alte) that devastated Venice between November 12-17, 2019. The Embassy of Italy in Washington DC and Save Venice are partnering to raise funds for the Immediate Response Fund, which will support urgent relief efforts and preventative conservation. Donations can be made at savevenice.org/donate by selecting the Immediate Response Fund, and will be matched by Save Venice, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000 through February 2020.
“Save Venice was born in the aftermath
of the terrible floods of November 1966, and the November 2019 floods
underscore the urgency of our mission,” said Save Venice Chairman Frederick Ilchman. “The Immediate Response
Fund will allow Save Venice to move quickly to mitigate the effects of
corrosive saltwater and deposits in flooded churches, museums, and comparable
public buildings, to support emergency conservation treatment for paintings,
stonework, floors, wooden furnishings, and books and archival documents, as
well as to undertake preventative conservation to minimize damage from future
floods. We will continue to do what our track record proves we do best: protect
Venice’s irreplaceable artistic heritage.”
The Italian Ambassador, Armando Varricchio, noted, “Venice has deep
historical roots and is a modern and vibrant city, innovative and open to the
future with a strong entrepreneurial and industrial background. Venice and
Venetians are resilient. They will rise to this challenge,” adding that “the legacy
of the past, the energy and dynamism of nowadays Venice are the solid
foundations on which to build a bright future for the city.”
Dr. Ilchman said, “We are honored to
partner with the Embassy of Italy on this important initiative to make a difference
for Venice, and we express our gratitude to Ambassador Varricchio.”
Headquartered in New
York City, Save Venice maintains a full-time office in Venice with staff
members diligently overseeing each conservation site. They are collaborating
with conservators and local authorities to assist with damage assessment and
plans for the recovery process. As new environmental challenges arise, Save
Venice and its family of experts are prepared to devise and implement
additional preservation protocols. The Board of Directors of Save Venice is
convinced that the time to act is now.
Save
Venice is a leading American non-profit organization dedicated to
preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy for the world. Founded in
response to the floods of 1966, the worst in recorded history, and incorporated
in 1971, Save Venice has since worked tirelessly to preserve, protect, and
promote the art and culture of Venice and has funded the conservation of more
than 550 projects comprising over 1,000 individual artworks. In 2015, Save
Venice established the Rosand Library & Study Center in Venice, creating a
nexus for the research of Venetian art, history, and conservation. Save Venice
also provides grants for fellowships, exhibitions, and publications to advance
Venetian scholarship and conservation.
Luxury Gold launches exclusive 2020 Themed Journeys with culinary focus
As the era of food tourism continues
to grow, Luxury Gold, the worldwide leader in luxury guided journeys, is launching
new and exclusive 2020 Culinary & Cultural Discoveries Themed Journeys.
Today’s traveler focuses on the how to eat aspect of their
culinary travels and seeks immersive experiences in unique settings. Continuing
to lead on this gastronomy trend, Luxury Gold’s new experiences take you on a
journey beyond the ordinary to explore distinct destinations that are rich in
cultural and culinary delights.
“With our ability to connect to
taste makers, we know that one of the best ways to get to know a destination is
through its memorable and unique cuisine and the sharing of stories,” said
Jon Grutzner, president of Luxury Gold. “Food is no longer a simple
pleasure, it exposes culture and traditions, allows for meaningful connections
and fosters memories. That’s why we’ve introduced these new Themed Journeys
which are in demand and with only one or two 2020 departures. Space is limited,
and clients need to book soon.”
You can enjoy these exclusive
Exceptional Dining and VIP experiences and relax at luxury hotels
while traveling on Luxury Gold’s exclusive
Themed Journeys:
Peru has been named the World’s
Leading Culinary Destination for 7 years consecutively by the World’s Travel
Awards and it’s no wonder as the country holds five of the world’s best
restaurants, including Mil by Virgilio Martinez. You’ll have the
opportunity to experience this renowned restaurant on this incredible itinerary
and experience Peru’s culinary diversity. A journey through the Andes reveals a
fresh farm-to-table meal at a working hacienda where guests will learn about
the many ingredients that are local to Peru, including over 4,000 varieties of
potatoes. You’ll savor the creative combinations thanks to the father
of Peru’s gastronomic revolution, Gaston Acurio, as he adds his
signature flair at Chicha, during a Celebration Dinner in Cusco. To
understand the history and significance of Machu Picchu, you’ll explore
alongside a Local Expert and witness one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World.Making travel matter with The TreadRight Foundation, clients
will also visit the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC) to meet
local artisans including Nilda Callanaupa, a weaver, and bring home
the wonderful creations that women in this cooperative make by hand.
From an electrifying performance of
traditional tango in Argentina, to world-class vineyards and wineries,
the best Chilean restaurants and vistas from Valparaiso, the UNESCO
World Heritage city center, this journey pairs the cuisine, wine and culture of
Argentina and Chile perfectly. Expert guides offer an in-depth
exploration of the best vineyards in Mendoza, offering you the chance to
sample the New World’s best wines. Introducing Chilean ingredients, techniques
and products to the world, Rodolfo Guzmán is the mastermind behind
Chile’s best restaurant, Borago, and clients experience his innovative dishes
while in Santiago. From edible coral
mushroom, to venison tartare, duck hearts grilled in duck fat, you can expect
to find these unique and typical dishes over dinner.
You’ll immerse yourselves in Athens
as though you’re local Athenians. Discover the colorful tastes of Greece
by dining seaside at Greece’s first Michelin-rated restaurant located
on a boat that is based on land. You’ll learn the art of making the perfect
Greek coffee at a local kafenio (Greek café) in Athens before enjoying a VIP
Experience in the afternoon, where you’ll meet a world-class Athenian
scholar and philosopher in the Ancient Agora to understand how ancient
Greek philosophy affects our lives today. You’ll also travel to the island of
Delos to enjoy a private guided visit to the birthplace of Apollo and
learn about traditional farming methods in Mykonos after
visiting a traditional farmstead before indulging in a freshly prepared organic
meal.
To book a journey, contact your
local travel advisor, call 888-862-5952 or visit www.luxurygold.com.
Luxury Gold guests can take a gentle hike to the Taskshang Monastery in Bhutan
With
its ancient cultures, mountainous backdrops, and oasis of tranquility, Nepal
and Bhutan each hold a wealth of centuries-old stupas and temples. Recently
described as a “once in a lifetime journey” by the United States Tour Operators
Association (USTOA) and AFAR Magazine ambassador, Luxury Gold’s Magnificent Nepal and Bhutan journeyis nothing short of an “A-list”
bucket-list experience ifor travelers seeking authenticity, exploration and
cultural immersion.
“I was met with this sort of awe each moment of my journey with Luxury Gold, as our Traveling Concierge kept my journal occupied, and my camera at the ready,” said AFAR Magazine ambassador, Ryan Neal Cordwell, in his recent USTOA blog. “It isn’t only the absorption of undiluted insight, but the ability to participate interactively, that stamps this page of the world with gold.”
Luxury Gold’s dedicated and knowledgeable Traveling Concierges, VIP treatment, delectable dining, and immersive, local experiences bring together the true beauty of this enchanting region.
As
a VIP experience in Kathmandu, meet with the monks of Boudhanath
stupa for a private puja (blessing) ceremony. Hear traditional chanting,
drumming and tales of the monks lives inside the temple. You’ll be cherished by
this visit by being blessed by the monks. Later, meet a local pottery
craftsman who will explain the traditions and processes of their
works, before guiding you to try for yourself.
While
in Paro, choose a private traditional mask dance and cultural
show or learn about the passion the Bhutanese have for the national
sport of archery, attending a range to interact with the locals. You can
also join a gentle hike to Taktshang Monastery known as
the Tiger’s Nest.
In
Thimphu, you’re invited into the home of a local family for a delicious
home-cooked meal of typical regional fare. Visit the National Memorial
Chorten, dedicated to world peace, along with Tasichho Dzong, known
as the fortress of the glorious religion. Visit the bustling market, an
opportunity to mix with the locals.
In
Punakha, stay at the luxurious Dhensa Boutique Resort, which
sits in lush Punakha Valley and offers spectacular views. Visit the winter
residence of the monk body that is also the capital of Bhutan – Punakha
Dzong and can walk to Chimi Lhakhang temple and
admire the magnificent views over the Losesa Valley.
At
the Dochula Pass, participate in a prayer flag hoisting ceremony,
an integral part of Bhutanese landscape. It is believed that when prayer flags
flutter, they carry a blessing to everyone around.
Luxury
Gold is bringing back the golden era of travel with the launch of their
worldwide collection by offering a 10% Early Payment Discount if
you book and pay in full by December 18, 2019.
For reservations, contact your local Travel Advisor, call 1-888-428-1503, or visit www.luxurygold.com.
SEATTLE, WA – Over-touristed sites are now the new norm throughout the world.
For example, this year in record numbers, tourists are queuing up at the Blue Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Istanbul.
“Travel is an investment in time and money. Istanbul has cultural and historical treasures that extend beyond the Blue Mosque. So why waste hours just to get inside a building you have been told you must see?” asks Kurt Kutay, CEO and President of Wildland Adventures.
Instead, Wildland Adventures guides with deep knowledge of Istanbul and Turkey will share the Blue Mosque story with fine-tuned timing that skirts crowds and by introducing historical/cultural takeaways at less selfie-prone places.
“This resurgence of interest to visit Turkey is keeping us on our toes,” Kutay says. “We have to be aware, well in advance, where the maddening crowds will gather next. Then we plan contingencies that will connect the same cultural dots that the hot spots do – but perhaps even more effectively without the distractions that come with crowds.” Turkey has 100,000 registered historic spots. If a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site is over-run by crowds, Kutay’s team will choose the best hours to visit or designate a comparable place to fulfill a similar interest and expectation.
Wildland Adventures to Turkey embrace the culture people flock here to experience. “We bring our guests as close as possible to real worlds, freed of artifice, must-sees and must-dos,” Kutay explains. Among the takeaways that Wildland Adventures guests enjoy are:
Extant Greek and Roman ruins, more numerous here than in Greece and Italy combined.
One of the world’s prized cuisines. “We make sure to feature a different dish every day. Dining in Turkey is simultaneously a history lesson served up on a plate,” Kutay exudes, paraphrasing Poet Abdulhak Sinasi who wrote: “Do not dismiss the dish saying that it is just, simply food. The blessed thing is an entire civilization in itself.”
Visits to less-known alternative sites that are comparable to the crowded hotspots to imbibe history, culture and traditions. “Instead of waiting in lines, our guests talk with local people including merchants, artists and religious leaders.” Most tours focus exclusively on historic sites around Sultanahmet Square, which is less than half a mile in diameter and a stone’s throw from the cruise ship dock. But Constantinople (so named until 1930) is surrounded by 14 miles of walls; the heart of the ancient city is four miles east to west. Wildland Adventures extends tours into old, traditional neighborhoods and to Bosphorus villages for a full understanding of old and contemporary Istanbul.
Experiences that move beyond monuments and historic buildings. Guests visit markets, eat street food, visit artist workshops, neighborhood coffee shops, wine bars and panoramic rooftop bars to take it all in on a grand scale.
Cruising the Turquoise Coast of the Mediterranean in traditional hand-built Gulets (classic Phoenician-style, wooden yachts). Guests explore along footpaths only accessible from the sea, paths that lead to pastoral grazing lands chalk full of Crusader, Byzantine Greek and Roman archaeological sites. “It’s all about timing as well by avoiding busy coastal towns and beaches where tourists flock by day,” underscores Kutay. “We anchor in quiet coves and wait until tourists disappear for the day. We then serve wine and appetizers in ancient ruins where, sitting in the sunset, we take turns reciting poetry or singing a song in the Odeon (a stone structure specific to the ancient arts).”
The tours Wildland
Adventures offers in Turkey are:
Turquoise Coast Odyssey – a 13-day itinerary from $4,965 per person double. Accommodations include a restored Ottoman home in the heart of a mountain village, a boutique cave hotel and Istanbul inns with rooftop restaurants. Highlights are Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kas, an Anatolian village, Ephesus and a voyage along the Turquoise Coast in a traditional gulet yacht.
Highlights of Turkey – a 9-day exploration from $3,695 per person double. This itinerary embraces Turkey’s three most important cultural and political centers: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus on foot along ancient pathways and by boat. Guests enjoy well-appointed friendly hotels, a boutique cave accommodation and a renovated historic hotel in the Aegean highlands.
Departure dates are
available upon request. Kutay notes that even though there’s more pressure on
prices because of renewed demand by tourists, the Turkish Lira has fallen
against the stronger dollar.
“Our trip prices remain the same as they were three years ago,” he notes.
Kurt Kutay, Founding CEO/President, and Anne Kutay, Vice-President, established
Wildland Adventures in 1987. As active managing directors, they are
continuously refining and evolving their Wild Style of travel. The ‘Wild Style’
is based on an ethic of sincerity, compassion and understanding that breaks
down barriers of separation to build lasting intercultural, interpersonal, and
environmental bonds designed to enhance rather than exploit the people and
places where they travel.
