Where do you want to go?
Australia | New Zealand | Club Med | Hawaii | Europe |South Pacific
AUSTRALIA
Call for details – 650 854 9649
Sample travel packages are listed below, but what I really love to do is custom design an itinerary for you that incorporates your specific interests (history, photography, adventure, etc.), your budget, travel style and your past experiences.
Sydney
Sydney’s one of my favorite cities in the world – it’s got history, architecture, great cafes, pubs and restaurants (with amazing seafood); the Sydney Zoo, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, beaches, museums and art galleries. It’s an easy city to get around, either by walking or using public transportation, which gives you more free time to explore.
In addition to the city, in just an hour or two outside of the city you can be wine tasting or exploring out in the bush (or a combination of both)!
Roundtrip airfare to Sydney
Hotel accommodation
a 5 Day Sydney Pass with unlimited hop on/hop off travel on Sydney buses,
ferries and city trains
Discounts on attractions
Melbourne
Welcome to the capital of Victoria – a beautiful city that focuses on fashion, food, sports, entertainment, shopping, history and heritage, the arts and good living. Enjoy some “retail therapy” – lots of stores featuring locally designed originals to the best international brands; discover the “cafe society” that Melbourne’s famous for.
We’ll arrange a day tour so you can experience the famous Great Ocean Road; one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives; or, if you prefer to drive it yourself, perhaps onto Adelaide and the wine country, we can arrange that as well.
Roundtrip airfare from San Francisco to Melbourne
Airport transfers
Hotel accommodation
Day trip to the Great Ocean Road – explore the Shipwreck Coast
See the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge
Brisbane
Spend 3 nights discovering Sydney – the historic Rocks district, Bondi Beach, museums and art galleries before drivng south on one of Australia’s most stunning touring routes.
Explore national parks and beautiful beaches; tour at your own pace over the next 4 nights, exploring historic towns and quaint fishing villages, sampling great seafood and local produce. You may even see whales, seals, and dolphins.
Roundtrip airfare to Sydney
Airport transfer upon arrival
5 days car rental
3 nights hotel accommodation in Sydney
Sydney, the Hunter Valley &
World Heritage Blue Mountains
Sydney has one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, as well as great restaurants, entertainment and shopping; just outside the city is the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions, as well as the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains.
I don’t think you’ll have time to experince ALL 120 wineries, but you can certainly enjoy some of them on a winery tour! You’d also be able to sample some of the region’s local food with lunch included, and there’s always the option of some serious pampering at a day spa, or maybe play one of the area’s championship golf courses. Continue on to the Blue Mountains, sometimes called “Australia’s Grand Canyon” with ancient forests, spectacular rock formations and wildlife.
Roundtrip airfare to Sydney
Airport transfer upon arrival
4 days car rental
3 nights hotel accommodation in the Hunter Valley
2 nights hotel accommodation in the Blue Mountains
Ancient Rainforests of Southern Queensland
Visit a World Heritage listed National Park – great for nature lovers or birders, then onto Brisbane for a visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. With this sample itinerary, you can experience a subtropical rainforest as well as a stay at an eco-resort on the world’s largest sand island.
Roundtrip airfare to Brisbane; all transfers; hotel accommodation; tour of the Australia Zoo with transfers.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Reef is a World Heritage area that comprises over 1200 miles and is made up of more than 1000 islands, ranging from sandy little cays to islands containing rainforests and known all over the world for amazing marine life. It’s one of the few things on the planet that can actually be seen from space.
I’ve snorkelled in the Caribbean, Mexico, (home to the second largest barrier reef in the world), Tahiti and Hawaii, and I’ve never seen coral and the variety of fish that you see at the Reef!
With so many islands, there are many “mix and match” itineraries we can help you with. One of the most popular islands is Heron Island, because it’s a a true coral cay right ON the Reef. Heron’s known as a home to sea turtles and a huge variety of bird and marine life. When staying here, you can spend your days snorkeling, diving, relaxing by the pool or enjoying spa treatments.
Kangaroo Island
Experience a luxury lodge, located in the heart of the Island’s attractions with spectacular ocean, beach & wilderness views where you can experience the fusion of nature and luxury together.
NEW ZEALAND
AUCKLAND & QUEENSTOWN SAMPLE PACKAGE – 8 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS
Auckland is the ‘City of Sails’ and offers almost every activity that you could want, from high-speed America’s Cup racing yacht to a casual cruise on the harbor. Beyond the city you will find islands like Waiheke, known for their local artists and wineries!
Queenstown is New Zealand’s “Adventure Capital” – jet-boating, bungy jumping and heli-skiing set against a stunning backdrop of lake and mountains.
Included
- Round-trip airfare on Air New Zealand from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland and Queenstown
- Additional add-on airfare from other gateway cities – ask us for rates
- Four nights Auckland, choice of hotel grade
- Four nights Queenstown, choice of hotel grade
- US/foreign taxes & fees including Sept 11 Security Fee
Additional packages available on request – just ask!
SOUTH PACIFIC – sample packages
Fiji
Qamea Resort & Spa: Stay 7 nights pay for 5 or stay 5 nights, pay for 4.
Crusoe’s Retreat: Stay 5 nights, pay for 4.
Tokoriki Resort: Stay 5 nights and receive a voucher good for $250 (Fijian dollars) per bure.
HAWAII & MEXICO
call for sample itineraries & packages
EUROPE
Italy
Independent Tour of Italy – sample itinerary
This is a sample of what’s called a “Hosted Program” – we take care of all the details of your trip, but YOU set the pace. We take care of all the essentials: airfare, hotel accommodations, airport transfers, inter-city transfers and guided sightseeing tours
– all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself.
If you have any questions about sightseeing, shopping, dining, excursions, or any particular personal interests, you can ask the Local Hosts for help.
Included:
Hotel accommodation: 3 nights Rome, Florence and Lake Como, 2 nights in Venice
Daily buffet breakfast at your hotels
All transfers per itinerary
First Class train from Rome – Florence and Florence to Venice and Venice to Lake Como
Half day guided sightseeing tour in Rome, Florence and Venice
A travel bag, document holder and luggage tags
All hotel taxes and service charges
“Treasures of Rome”
9 Days / 8 Nights
Itinerary:
DAY 1
Upon arrival in Rome, proceed to Passport Control and collect your luggage inside the Customs area. Meet your driver for private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Eternal City. In the evening, meet your host who will give you an overview of your tour program. Overnight in Rome.
Day 2
After breakfast, transfer to the Vatican for a guided tour; discover masterpieces of Greek and Roman ancient art, the works of Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. After the tour ends, return to the hotel by private coach. The afternoon is available to explore the city on your own. In the evening, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Rome.
Day 3
This morning you have free time to explore on your own. Meet in the afternoon to learn about the thousand years of history and legendary heroes of the Colosseum. Tonight, enjoy a great dinner served in a traditional trattoria, among the locals. Overnight in Rome.
Day 4
In the morning, depart to Siena. Enjoy the views of rolling hills covered by vineyards, olives trees, cute villages and ancient bell towers. Upon arrival in Siena, meet your local guide for a walking tour of this lovely medieval city. Siena’s heart is Il Campo, where the famous horse race Il Palio takes place twice each summer. Lunch will be served in a farm house outside of town. Continue onto Florence with a stop in San Gimignano. Enjoy free time (and gelato!) and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval towers. Arrival in Florence late afternoon. Overnight in Florence.
Lorenzo de Medici transformed Florence into the premier Renaissance city in Italy by attracting the best artists, architects and writers of the time, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli by commissioning them to create art works. Enjoy a morning walking tour and visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, the Dome with Giotto’s bell tower, Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Florence on your own, visiting the Uffizi or the Accademia or take the opportunity to visit Pisa or Lucca. Dinner will be served in a local Tuscan restaurant. Overnight in Florence.
Day 5
Morning transfer to the train station for the high speed train to Venice. When you arrive in Venice, meet your contact who will transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s an orientation tour, and viewing the major sights. In the evening, enjoy a Venetian dinner, followed by a small walking tour. Overnight in Venice.
Day 6
Breakfast, then free time to explore Venice; you will have a choice optional tours available to you. Then, a special Farewell dinner; overnight.
Rates will depend on the departure date you choose. Give us your gateway city and we will give you a rate for your international airfare.
FRANCE
Paris & the Loire Valley
Day 1 (Sun)
Leaving the US Saturday evening, you will land at Paris CDG airport early Sunday morning where your tour director will meet & welcome you.
A 2-1/2 hour ride to the Loire Valley will give you an opportunity to catch some rest.
Our first stop will be for the castle of Azay-le-Rideau; romantic and harmonious, the chateau is set on a small island of the Indre River and is one of the first castles built as a residence and not as a fortress. After touring the castle, we will have lunch in the village.
Arriving in Chinon late afternoon, you’ll be able to refresh in your room before dinner (with Chinon wines of course…) in this small medieval town before a well deserve good night rest.
Our hotel is Le Diderot, family owned in the heart of Chinon, and your home for the next 4 nights.
Day 2 (Mon)
After breakfast, a short drive brings us to Chateau d’Usse for a stop. This castle is still occupied by its owner’s since it was built in the XV century; its exceptional and imposing presence inspired Perrault for his Sleeping Beauty novel.
Then Le Chateau de Villandry for a visit of the most beautiful medieval gardens. Entirely replanted twice a year to follow the season a large part of the gardens uses colorful vegetable, herbs and fruits for stunning displays. Lunch in the village of Villandry.
Back in Chinon, time permitting, we’ll stop by Couly-Dutheil, consistently producing high quality Chinon or, at the Chateau de Coulaine where the family de Bonaventure, has been working the land since the 13 century.
Dinner tonight on your own. Overnight at the Diderot.
Day 3 (Tues)
En route for Saumur, we stop by the village of Turquant for troglodytes house and artisans’ shops. Before lunch in town, we will have time to admire the castle built in the 14th century for the Duke of Anjou, towering above the old city and the Loire River.
After a stop by the village of Candes-Saint-Martin and its 10 century church, at the confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers, we’ll revive Alienor d’Aquitaine in the beautiful 11 century Abbey of Fontevraud. Twice Queen (France then England) and mother of two kings, Alienor’s life is a fascinating novel set in medieval times.
This region produces remarkable bubbly as well as excellent still whites; glasses of Saumur will help us to finish the day at the Langlois-Chateau winery for a short class on “how to make bubbly” and a tasting of their production.
Dinner on your own. Overight at Le Diderot.
Day 4 (Wed)
Amboise and the Royal castle where Leonardo da Vinci is buried is our morning stop.
A tasting of their famous whites in the caves of the Cooperative de Vouvray will be a perfect aperitif before lunch in a village.
We’ll then spend the afternoon in the most stunning gardens of the Loire Valley in Chaumont-sur-Loire. Besides the spectacular castle and the permanent gardens, a “Festival des Jardins” is organized each year, following a given theme. One constant: an always extraordinary display of imagination and colors.
A tasting of local goat cheese at the farm, the famous Sainte Maure de Touraine, will end the day (time permitting).
Evening at the excellent restaurant Les Annees 30 for a farewell dinner to Chinon. Last night at the Hotel Diderot.
Day 5 (Thurs)
Leaving early, we’ll drive North towards Paris with three stops on the way for a busy last day in the Loire Valley.
First, Chateau de Cheverny a fully furnished private castle, only partially open to the public, then Chenonceau. built, owned and cared for by women during its entire history, this spectacular castle has an obvious feminine charm and beauty.
Last, but by no means least, Chambord, the most spectacular castle of the Loire valley. Build in the 1520’s by Francois 1st, it is the largest of the Royal castles.
A two hours drive bring us to the French capital and our hotel *; charming, very Parisian and wonderfully located. A Paris welcome dinner in a traditional Parisian bistro, wine included.
Upon availability, we will stay at the Hotel des Grands Hommes, Hotel Le Pantheon (both located on the Pantheon Square) or Hotel des Academies et des Arts in the same area or Hotel de la Paix in the Montparnasse district.
Day 6 (Fri)
Orientation and advice about transportation system, museums, sites etc.. will be available at breakfast. If this is your first time in the “City of lights”, a travel representative will help you to plan your day to discover Paris. There are more than 100 museums in the city itself. Le Louvre and Orsay are the two big ones, a must if this is your first visit. Then, there’s: Notre Dame, Carnavalet, Delacroix, Invalides, Cluny, Sainte Chapelle, the Opera, etc.
Many sites also deserve to be included: Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees, Le Louvre, Le Palais Royal, Place des Vosges, Le Marais etc. — there’s never enough time — you’ll just have to come back!
Lunch and dinner on your own.
Day 7 (Sat)
If shopping is on your list, the Galeries Lafayette, the Printemps and the small exclusive shops of the Marais, Opera, Bastille, Saint Germain, Faubourg Saint Honore or Avenue Montaigne districts are waiting for you today.
Pick up a bike (or “Velib”) at one of the many stations to ride around Paris, perfect to get acquainted with the City on Saturday, when the streets a less crowded.
Lunch on your own. Farewell dinner tonight, wine included.
Day 8 (Sun)
Early private transfer for your return home, the same day.
Bordeaux & the Loire
Day 1 (Sun)
Leaving Saturday evening, you land in Bordeaux around noon. Our hotel is the Mercure Cite Mondiale*** located downtown Bordeaux, a short walk from the shops, museums and restaurants. Take a 2 hours nap or spend your afternoon walking the streets of this old city. The stock exchange square, the 15 century “Grosse Cloche” gate, the “Grand Theatre”, or the 18th century district.
After many years of noisy and dusty road work everywhere, tramway lines were created, historical buildings restored, old warehouses along the river renovated and now occupied by restaurants, shops and art galleries. Bordeaux is a lively and pleasant city.
A welcome dinner -with Bordeaux wines- will end the day. Overnight in Bordeaux.
Day 2 (Mon)
The most famous vineyards of the world are yours for a day in Medoc. A 9:00AM departure for a drive on the “Route des Chateaux” for Margaux, Cos d’Estournel, Talbot, Latour, Laffite-Rothschild, Palmer, Gruaud-Laroze, Rauzan-Segla, Beychevelle, etc. Our first stop will be for Chateau Margaux one of the five first Grands Crus classés (or Cos d’Estournel – St Estephe) for visit and tasting.
Lunch in Pauillac afterwards, a visit and tasting to Chateau Mouton-Rotschild (Pauillac) another one of the five “Premier cru” of Medoc (or Branaire Ducru, Grand Cru of the Saint Julien appellation). Coming back to Bordeaux around 4:30PM, you’ll have time to do some shopping or visit a museum (Beaux Arts, Arts Decoratif, ior Aquitaine).
Dinner on your own. Overnight in Bordeaux.
Day 3 (Tues)
On the road at 9:00AM, going to Saint Emilion, the kingdom of Merlot challenged by Cabernet Franc! The Chateau Angelus will open the doors for visit and tasting.
After lunch in the village, you can waner the streets of the charming Saint Emilion village for a guided visit of the monolith church, carved in the rock between the years 800 and 1100 as well as the 7th century cave, the refuge of the monk who founded the city.
The afternoon visit will be the Clos de la Madeleine (grand cru classé), tasting takes place in their spectacular cellars, dug in the rocks. This Chateau could be replaced by Beausejour-Becot, La Gaffeliere or Trotte Vieille.
Dinner on your own, your last night in Bordeaux.
Day 4 (Wed)
Specific climate, regular morning fog, lots of work and centuries of knowledge: all these elements are necessary to produce the exceptional wines of Sauternes-Barsac. We’ll end our Bordeaux experience at the Chateau d’Yquem, to sample a natural sweet wine.
Lunch on the road and afternoon drive to the Loire Valley. The hotel Diderot, a simple and charming hotel in the heart of Chinon, family owned and run, will be our home for the next 3 nights. Welcome dinner in Chinon, with Chinon wines of course.
Day (5) Thurs
Today we visit the castle of Azay-le-Rideau. After lunch, we plan a brief stop by the Chateau d’Usse, still occupied by its owner’s since it was built in the XV century. Whether it’s Spring, Summer, Fall or even Winter, the gardens of the Chateau de Villandry are a “must be seen”.
Back in Chinon, the welcoming family de Bonnaventure working the same land since the 13 century will present us the production of their domain, the Chateau de Coulaine.
Dinner tonight on your own, overnight at the Diderot.
Day 6 (Fri)
Today we visit one of the most famous castle of the region: Chenonceau.
Built, owned and cared for by women during its entire history, this spectacular castle has an obvious feminine charm and beauty.
Lunch in the small city of Amboise where we will admire the oldest royal castle (King’s property) of the region. Built in the 1400’s, it introduced the Italian renaissance style into the Loire valley. The great Leonardo de Vinci spent his lasts years there as Francois 1st mentor and is buried in the garden.
Time to take care of our thirst, so we’ll stop by the Vigneau-Chevreau domain in Vouvray to taste their superb whites, bubbly or the dry and sweet, in their cellars dug in deep caves.
Dinner in Chinon with local wines.
Day 7 (Sat)
After enjoying the weekly open market of Saumur (weather permitting) we plan to take a glass of bubbly as an aperitif at Bouvet-Ladubay and learn everything about the Methode Champenoise. After lunch, we will stop by the castle of Saumur built in the 14th century by the Duke of Anjou, towering above the old city and the Loire River.
A guide/historian will help us learn of Alienor d’Aquitaine in the beautiful 11th century Abbey of Fontevraud. Twice Queen (France then England) and mother of two kings, Alienor’s life is a fascinating novel set in the 12th century. Time permitting, bottles of Saumur Champigny will help us to finish the day at the Domaine des Roches Neuves or Domaine des Sanzay for a presentation of these superb reds.
Dinner on your own, last night in Chinon.
Day 8 (Sun)
On our way back to Paris, we stop by the Chateau de Cheverny to visit this occupied and fully furnished house, only partially open to the public. Lunch on the road and then a visit to Chambord, the most spectacular castle in the Loire valley. Build in the 1520’s by Francois 1st, it is the largest of the Royal castles. A 2 hours drive will bring us back to the Charles de Gaulle airport for a night at the Novotel Hotel.
Call us for details.
SPAIN
Southern Spain – 9 days – Sample itineraries
Rates listed are land-only tours unless indicated otherwise; please ask us for a quote for airfare from your Gateway City
Day 1 Fri
Depart USA Overnight flight to Malaga, Spain.
Day 2 Sat Costa del Sol
Arrive at the Malaga Airport where you’ll be met and taken to your hotel. You’ll have the day at leisure. In the evening, meet your host and traveling companions and enjoy a welcome dinner at a fun restaurant in Costa del Sol. (D)
Day 3 Sun Costa del Sol/Granada
After breakfast, leave the hotel with the tour professional and head toward the quaint town of Nerja. The hightlights of your visit include: visiting prehistoric caves before continuing to Alpujarras with views of the picturesque mountain villages sprinkled across the area. Once you arrive, you’ll take part in a special cooking class and then enjoy your creation for lunch with your fellow travelers. Afterwards, continue to Granada for dinner and your overnight stay. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Mon Granada
Today begins with a step back into the rich history of Granada as you tour the amazing Alhambra Palace, widely regarded as being one of the 10 architectural wonders of the world. This beautiful citadel is laced in stone and surrounded by gorgeous gardens and fountains. You’ll have ample time to walk through the beautiful grounds of Generalife before returning to your hotel. (B)
Day 5 Tue Granada/Cordoba/Seville
After a short drive, you arrive in Cordoba where you’ll have a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Historic Center. Visit the ljama 8th century Mosque which combines Islamic, Baroque and Gothic design and is recognized as an architectural treasure. Afterwards, stroll along Cordoba’s Jewish quarter before continuing onto Seville. (B)
Day 6 Wed Seville
This morning, you start out with a local guide for a tour of the romantic city of Seville. Included is a visit to the cathedral, considered the world’s largest Gothic edifice. Afterwards, stop for some photos of La Giralda tower before strolling through the narrow lanes of Santa Cruz, a former Jewish Quarter. (B)
Day 7 Thu Seville/Jerez/Costa del Sol
Today’s excursion begins with a visit to Jerez, known for fine sherry and beautiful horses. Highlights include a visit to a local bodega for wine tasting, followed by an equestrian ballet at the Horse Ride Exhibition center.
You then continue to Costa del Sol for your overnight stay. (B)
Day 8 Fri Seville/Costa del Sol
Walk along the beaches, try one of the many cafes and restaurants, or simply relax and take in your surroundings. Your afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. (B)
Day 9 Sat Costa del Sol to USA (or you can extend your stay)
After breakfast, it’s goodbye to your fellow travelers. You’ll be taken to the airport for your flight to the USA, arriving the same day. (B)
Spanish Masters – 10 days
Day 1 Depart USA
Board your overnight flight for Malaga, Spain.
Day 2 Malaga
Arrive at Malaga Airport where you will be met and taken to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the Mediterranean coastal shores of the area.
Day 3 Malaga
Begin your day with a double decker bus tour of Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso. Your visit in this seaside city includes the magnificent Baroque Cathedral and the Gibralfaro Castle. In addition, view the ruins of the Roman theatre, the Plaza del Obispo, City Hall, the Courthouse and the Alcazaba Palace. Afterward visit the Picasso Museum, which is one of only three museums in the world dedicated exclusively to the artist.
Day 4 Malaga/Madrid
After breakfast, transfer on your own, to Malaga train station where you’ll board the train for Madrid. Upon arrival in Madrid, you’ll transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day as you choose – shopping the boutiques of the Salamanca district, or sampling tapas at a Chueca neighborhood cafe.
Day 5 Madrid
Begin your daywith a unique view of the city as you board a double-decker bus viewing the city’s highlights including historical monuments and the modern architecture; spend your afternoon exploring Madrid on your own.
Day 6 Madrid
Visit one of the internationally recognized museums along the “Golden Art Triangle”. Enjoy the Prado, one of the world’s foremost museums and home to great European compositions by Goya, Velazquez and El Greco. You could also choose to visit the Reina Sofia Museum featuring modern masterpieces by Picasso, Dali and Miro.
Day 7 Madrid/Barcelona
After breakfast, transfer to the train station to get the ttrain for Barcelona, Spain. Upon arrival in Barcelona, transfer on your own to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Day 8 Barcelona
Begin your day getting to know Barcelona – board your double-decker tour bus where you can “hop on & off” at various points, as many times as you like during the day. From this vantage point, you can view some of Barcelona’s great architectural buildings, such as Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and Casa Mila.
Day 10 Barcelona to USA (or you can extend your stay)
After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye.
You’ll be transferred for your flight home, arriving the same day.
Airfare Quote upon request, just let us know your gateway city.
Heart of Spain
This escorted tour gives you a journey through Spain’s rich culture and history. Your tour begins in the capital, Madrid, where a host will be available to help you take advantage of the city’s at your own pace. After a few days in Madrid, a transfer is provided to the station where you will board a high-speed train to Seville. Once arriving in Andalusia’s capital city, a tour guide will accompany you throughout the rest of the days as you explore southern Spain. As you travel along the route, your tour includes guided tours to UNESCO World heritage sites including, Seville’s famous cathedral, the Mosque of Cordoba and the Alhambra Palace, together with the Generalife Gardens in Granada. Your tour ends with a few days on the Costa del Sol, relaxing by the Mediterranean before heading home.