Authentic is premium. Traveling halfway around the world to stay in a cookie-cutter hotel that resembles the one around the corner is not our idea of premium. Premium travel means immersing yourself in a cultural landscape to experience something uniquely rich and satisfying. We believe we’ve created the perfect method for doing just that. Our handcrafted Encounters are custom trips meticulously designed to include the finest boutique accommodations, regionally authentic restaurants, culturally robust locales, knowledgeable local experts and engaging activities, with the goal of bringing you the most rewarding and enriched travel experience possible. But we don’t stop there…
It is the sum of its parts, best understood one region at a time. All CountryBred Encounters are crafted to capture the individual beauty and merits of regional Europe.
We don’t believe in whisking you around on a non-stop dash to places where hordes of tourists block your view and all you’re left with are a few bad pictures and a case of vertigo. Instead, we lead our travelers down roads less traveled and always leave time to enjoy the quiet moments that make for remarkable memories.
A hotel is as much a part of your travel experience as the food you eat or the places you visit. While on the go, your hotel is a home away from home…only better. Our premium accommodations are distinct reflections of the regions they reside in, with real histories and real people behind them.
Each accommodation has been carefully selected to bring you the best in what a region has to offer. That by the way, means that we’ve shared a meal and more than a few laughs with our hoteliers while staying at every accommodation we include in our Encounters. From luxury boutique hotels to historic villas and charming estates, our exquisite hotels are your front door to the lifestyle and personalities of the communities you explore.
To say that we’ve packed on a few pounds researching the best in regional cuisine would be an understatement. But it’s all worth it if our travelers are happy and well fed.
We began our research by asking locals where they liked to eat most. This you can imagine started more than one heated debate over where to find the best Saltimbocca in Rome or the ultimate Olive Ascolane in Ascoli Piceno. Our taste buds stop at no length to ensure that our travelers enjoy the very best in regional culinary traditions.
Fear not, you will never see a megaphone or microphone in any of the hands of our capable ambassadors. We refer to our guides as ambassadors because they mean more than just a day of information. They are truly passionate about their home and have unparalleled regional knowledge.
Our ambassadors go beyond educating, to actually invite you into their community and introduce you to their unique corner of the world. Don’t be surprised if you start the day off at a tiny bakery where a parade of only locals happily sample their confections or interpret history through the nuances of a forgotten fresco.
Every CountryBred Encounter is a personalized experience, whether you’re a single traveler, a couple, group of friends, family or an organization. We don’t believe in racing you around on a non-stop dash but instead offer a relaxed pace focusing on unique cultural experiences.
Getting from one destination to the next is comfortable and easy with our dedicated chauffeured transportation. No more jockeying for the best seat on the bus or following a one size fits all schedule. You and yours are the only ones that matter.
Enrichment is the key ingredient when we craft your custom CountryBred Encounter. Good for the mind, good for the soul, think of our Enriched Booking process as a way to nourish your next adventure with the best ingredients.
When you travel with us, you select your own travel dates, trip length and travel party size, with the flexibility to enjoy as much guided time with our regional ambassadors as you’d like. While crafting your itinerary we can add and combine elements from across the CountryBred collection of trip inspirations to create an experience that is uniquely yours. Like something from another itinerary? Just ask, and we’ll make it happen. Even if you’re not exactly sure where you want to go, by the end of our Enriched Booking process, we’ll have you practically speaking the language.
When you travel with CountryBred, it is our commitment to provide a holistic travel experience where your time is spent savoring the subtle moments instead of worrying about the details. Your trip will be designed exclusively for you and your chosen few, reflecting your unique tastes, your interests and your ideal pace.
Are you a solo traveler who enjoys Spanish cheeses and group cooking classes? Maybe you’re a couple interested in an afternoon vaporetto ride along the Venetian islands? Or perhaps, you and your most creative friends would enjoy a private painting lesson on Lake Como? Need a little inspiration for your next private group getaway? Take a look at our collection of trip inspirations or give us a call to get started.
