Sample Custom Private Trips
Custom, Private London & Paris
8-11 Days Year Round
The royal family, Shakespeare, Dickens, Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, and Winston Churchill — all of these have earned London its place in our imaginations. But London is no dry and dusty page out of history, but rather an engaging destination filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Visit the Tower of London after the tourists have gone, and witness the oldest continuing ceremony in England – the Ceremony of the Keys. Want to visit the area of the Churchill War rooms that is off limits to most? Or, zip along the Thames in a speedboat, a la James Bond? Visit the home of the Arsenal Football Club? Consider it done. Once your time in London comes to an end, hop on the Eurostar and travel through the famous “Chunnel” for the journey to Paris, a city with a unique spirit. Standing on a bridge above the Seine at sunset, or staring down a gargoyle atop Notre Dame Cathedral, you’ll sense the enthusiastic joie de vivre of the city. Visit the Louvre with our guide – an American artist who visited Paris and never left. You’ll want to see the Musée d’Orsay and climb (or take the lift) to the top of the Eiffel Tower! But Paris is so much more than her iconic landmarks. Here you can explore the oldest and largest flea market in Europe, cruise the River Seine at sunset (while enjoying a Champagne tasting) and head out of town on an excursion to Monet’s home in Giverny or the Palace of Versailles.
Classic Italy plus Hiking Cinque Terra
11 Days – Summer & Fall
Explore Italy’s three greatest cities — Rome, Florence and Venice — on this quintessential visit to one of the most visited countries in the world. In the Eternal City of Rome learn to make fresh pasta with a local cook, visit the Vatican Museums after all the tourists have left and tour the city on a Vespa, like the locals.
Florence is filled with art and history — this is the place to begin – or deepen – your understanding of the Renaissance. But one does not live by art alone – here you’ll also learn to make gelato at one of the oldest gelaterias in the city. How about driving a vintage Fiat 500 to a private picnic in the vineyards above the city? We’re happy to arrange it!
Before moving on to Venice, you’ll detour slightly to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage region of Cinque Terra (5 Lands). Perched above the sea on steep, rocky cliffs, the Cinque Terre are an otherworldly combination of utterly charming villages, wild coastline and rugged mountains.
Discover hidden Venice on a walking tour of the hidden parts of this enchanting city, strolling along the narrow streets alongside canals and through residential neighborhoods. In the museums and palaces, see some of Venice’s fine art; in a local workshop see the vibrantly painted masks being readied for Carnivale.
Sailing Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
10 Days – Spring, Summer & Fall
This private journey begins with three days in Istanbul where the Orient and the Occident meet – a city that marvelously blends the mysteries of ancient Asia with the comfort and culture of Europe. From here you’ll head to the coast, board your luxury Turkish gullet – a traditional wooden yacht – and explore history-rich waters, enjoy relaxing days in the sun and discover ruins in beautiful harbors that were once home to ancient civilizations. You’ll sail along the coast, into coves, onto beaches and over the seas to small islands, sometime sailing (and swimming and snorkeling) over sunken ruins as you go.
Costa Rica – The Green Adventure Experience
8 Days – Year Round
Costa Rica lies in the heart of Central America, a country of friendly people and astonishing natural beauty. We combine these with a host of active adventures: whitewater rafting, hiking through the rain forest, mountain biking along the base of a volcano, soaking in natural hot springs and just relaxing on the white sand of a Pacific beach. Along with a first hand understanding of Costa Rica’s adventure scene, you’ll observe some of the unusual wildlife found in the country. Our Costa Rica trips have been planned for families, honeymoon couples and adult adventurers. We’ve included surfing lessons, a 50th wedding anniversary party overlooking the Arenal Volcano, and an all out, no expense spared, luxury trip for 10.
Peru, Machu Picchu & the Amazon Family Adventure
10 Days
Take a journey to the majestic land of the ancient Inca — from charming Cuzco, to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to mysterious Machu Picchu, the cultural wonder of South America. This trip even overnights at Machu Picchu giving you the luxury of a second, unplanned day to explore the ruins on your own, before most of the tourists arrive. Plus, you will have the added benefit of touring this famous site with a renowned National Geographic archeologist. When most people think of Peru, they focus on Machu Picchu. But Peru’s luxurious hotels, superlative cuisine and astoundingly friendly people will convince you there is so much more to this beautiful country than its most famous icon. Travelers who crave an active trip filled with the “best of” as well as the unusual will find this the perfect Peru program.
Australia
10 Days
