To truly experience the culture of any country, a traveler must peel away its superficial layers to reveal the diverse local flavors that lie beneath. Just as spices bring character to a dish, regional culture enriches a nation’s heritage with delicious depth and complexity.
Our Encounters are handcrafted to capture the distinct qualities of the cultures that our travelers explore, so that they may be savored one region at a time.
A constellation of limestone isles scattered across glossy cerulean waters, Dalmatia is a dreamscape of red tile roofs and medieval villages of stone, hidden turquoise beaches and bold ramparts surveying the coast, moonlit squares aglow with lamp light and serene seaside roads winding through valleys of mandarin and peninsulas of vine. An endless blue that sparkles with the promise of undisturbed wonders to uncover and ancient Mediterranean roots as deep as the pride in the hearts of its people, Dalmatia is the indomitable spirit of Croatia.
Istria
Where fishing boats pepper the old Venetian harbors of pastel villages and narrow Renaissance lanes mingle with Roman ruins, where fairytale towns cast their hilltop shadows across leafy forests and rippling slopes of world class vines, Istria is a sailors’ song carried upon the winds of time. Romantic and unspoiled, the Istrian peninsula is steeped in ancient treasures and Italianate charms, a collage of Adriatic culture to behold and savor, from Rovinj’s Old Town swirling up from the sea towards its Venetian belltower summit and Pula’s incredibly intact Roman Arena to the region’s feast of delicacies like black truffle, Lim Bay oysters, olive oil and native Malvazija, reflecting a rich legacy of harvest and haul.
Bern
Like a luscious swath of green unfolding to reveal its verdant wonders, Bern is the regal keeper of resplendent natural beauty. The essence of Swiss culture and the capital of its nation, Bern is where the Bernese Oberland puts forth its emerald charms, a magnificent landscape of fairytale villages nestled along placid Lake Thun, and the formidable Jungfrau casts its frosty shadow across the cascading falls of the Lauterbrunnen. It is where rustic cheese farms and tiny country hideaways dot the fertile valleys of the Emmental, and the majesty of Bern’s medieval streets grace the banks of the winding River Aare.
Fribourg
Embraced by Lake Neuchatel and the cantons of Vaud and Bern, Fribourg is a petite paradise of quaint lake villages and picturesque town centers, medieval hamlets and storybooks castles. A mesmerizing expanse of bucolic pastures met by shimmering lakes, and a robust pre-alpine terrain accented by antique burgs, Fribourg is a wonderland of history and heritage waiting to be explored. From the gastronomic bounty and rural cheese farms of Le Gruyere to the temperate climate and cool waters of the Three Lakes region, and the mighty Sarine River traversed by bridges captured in time to the boutique vineyards of Le Vully, Fribourg offers a tranquil escape to a realm of irresistible beauty.
Graubünden
A land of green meadows and fertile valleys punctuated by Alpine ridges and crystal blue skies, Graubünden is Switzerland’s largest and most eastern bound Canton. Continuously inhabited for over 11,000 years, Graubünden is an ancient place rich with history and folklore, and possessing a cultural patchwork that combines a unique blend of traditions from German and Italian to Romansh. With its pristine Alpine landscapes, Graubünden is Switzerland’s capital for holiday jet-setting, with the luminous St. Moritz set as its crown jewel. Originally a Roman settlement, its Romansh communities provide an authentic portrait of the ancient people and traditions that have shaped the region for centuries. Adding both color and flavor to the cultural makeup of the canton, its many time-honored festivals held throughout the year are quintessentially local, while its varied cuisine is an extension of Graubünden’s three regional identities. A fabled land of enormous natural beauty, it is no wonder that it served as the setting for Johanna Spyri’s beloved novel “Heidi”, whose description of the scenery with its magical essence, would become the emblematic image of Switzerland for readers around the world.
Luzern
A mythic land of alpine forests and glacier lakes, ancient peoples and the dream of a nation, Luzern is a golden tale of centuries past echoed from exalted peaks. One of the country’s most ancient settlements, Luzern lies at the historic heart of Central Switzerland. A region that extends from the grandeur of its namesake city along a patchwork of sprawling valleys stippled in shades of green, to iconic snow capped summits traversed by triumphant mountain passes. The story of Luzern can be heard in the swirling waters of the Reuss as it rushes beneath the timber planks of the Kapellbrucke Bridge, in the steady churning of a fabled cogwheel train as it climbs towards the clouds, and in the gentle swaying of a cable car as it whispers gently to the wind.
Neuchatel
A wonderland for connoisseurs of the finer things in life, Neuchatel is a cornucopia of delights, from its magnificent Chasselas vineyards and dazzling namesake lake, to the region’s stately chateaus and legacy of fine handmade traditions. Curling up to western France, between the cantons of Bern and Vaud, Neuchatel is a bijou of French speaking Switzerland, best characterized by a rich artisan heritage that has inspired generations of superb craftspeople renowned the world over for their precise attention to detail and dedication to quality. From the boutique wineries and rustic cheese farms of Lake Neuchatel to the illustrious watchmakers of the picture-perfect Watch Valley, and the historic absinthe distilleries of the verdant Val de Travers, Neuchatel is a land of timeless traditions, joyously kept alive by the expert hands of its people.
Ticino
Nestled in the southern most point of Switzerland, Ticino not only shares Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore with Italy, but also an indelible cultural, historic and gastronomic link with its neighbor, making this Italian speaking canton an intriguing convergence of two distinct identities. Once an ancient Roman colony, Ticino would later be owned by the Visconti family of Milan before becoming part of the Swiss federation in the 15th century. Vestiges of Ticino’s Italian origins can still be found in the sun kissed promenades of Ascona and Locarno, and along the bustling arcades of Lugano. Crowned by an enchanting pedigree and bestowed with an abundance of natural beauty, Ticino’s storied past can still be appreciated in such treasures as its medieval Bellinzona Castle, while its glorious landscapes can be admired in the golden olive groves adorning the hillsides of Gandria, and in the fertile vines bearing ruby fruit for Ticino’s Merlot vintages. A singular heritage brought forth through the joining of Swiss and Italian traditions, the essence of Ticino lies in the beautiful simplicity of its customs and the charming warmth of its people.
Valais
Revered for its majestic Matterhorn and the world class getaways of Zermatt, Saas Fee and Verbier, Valais reigns over a kingdom of sweeping mountainscapes and endless alpine beauty. Nestled between Italy, Southwest France, and the canton of Bern, Valais stands at the crossroads of Europe, enfolding visitors into the irresistible embrace of its fertile glacial valleys and craggy peaks of pine. Vast vineyards blanket the region’s lush Rhone valley, as scenic wooden villages and glassy lakes of blue inhabit the expanses of this grand alpine land of enchantment. An overwhelming masterpiece created by nature, the nuances of Valais can best be appreciated from atop a frosty slope, amongst friends sharing a meal of Raclette within the warmth of a cozy chalet, and captured in a tranquil moment spent admiring a distant snow capped ridge.
Vaud
Where the faceted peaks of the Jura mountains and Bernese Alps sparkle against the mirror-like waters of Lakes Neuchâtel and Geneva, Vaud is nature’s jewel box of terraced, emerald vineyards, gilded valleys and sapphire skies. A French speaking canton located in Western Switzerland, Vaud is home to some of the country’s finest artisanal traditions and enchanting villages. Former Roman colonies like Vevey, Montreux and Lausanne, shine as centers of culture, gastronomy and music from the shores of Lake Geneva, while Lavaux puts forth its precious bounty from the vine. The charms of Vaud radiate brightest with each handmade treasure and natural wonder that springs forth from its fertile earth. From an artfully crafted timepiece of the Joux Valley to a crystalline Chasselas vintage and the allure of a chocolate confection from Vevey, the region is a trove of riches waiting to be uncovered.
Zurich
Adorned by the Alps, a spangle of glittering lakes and radiant cities, Zurich has shone as a beacon of Swiss industry and culture throughout the centuries. A German speaking canton located in the north of the country, Zurich has played a prominent role in the Swiss identity, from its prehistoric alpine settlements dating back to 5000 BC to serving as the onetime capital of the Swiss Federation. A thriving hub of productivity and innovation at its cosmopolitan heart, the region retains the essence of its ancient soul. A polished Old City of guild houses and elegant streets serenely outstretches along the banks of the Limmat, as glimpses of a rare work of modern art can be admired from within the conceptual space of an unlikely gallery. A cathedral bell tolls over the bustle of an urban milieu, as Zurich blends beautifully the old with the new.
Andalucia
Bold, breathtaking and brimming with beautiful life, Andalucia is the beating heart of Spain’s sublime south. A soulful rhythm that enlivens the spirit and stirs the senses, the region sings a song of blazing light and sultry shadows, brilliant colors and stark contrasts. A robust allegro of unwavering joy, the Andalusian identity is rooted in a centuries old synthesis of culture, from the ancient Iberians, Romans and Visigoths, to the Moors of North Africa and the monarchs of Castile. It is a mystical land where folkloric traditions are held close to the faithful heart, where rural customs are celebrated with festive zeal in city streets, where an unforgiving mountain terrain has cradled civilization, and the capricious sea has steered wary explorers home. From the dazzling alcazars of the Moorish kings to the towering cathedrals of the Castilian crown, and the delicious serenity of a hilltop pueblo at noon to the romance of an artisan flourish, Andalucia is a luminous dance through time.
Aragon
A land of vast contrasts and untamed landscapes, where the highest peaks of the Pyrenees are met by green pastures and Romanesque castles stand watch over plains divided by rushing rivers, Aragon weaves together a tale of age-old kingdoms and powerful dynasties. A collision of ancient empires, from the Celts and Romans to the Arabs and Franks, the region has been a cavalcade of culture marching through the course of history. Where agriculture flourishes across great expanses of unblemished terrain, Aragon remains largely unpopulated, with its great cities of Zaragoza, Huesca, and Teruel rising like burnished sandcastles from a supine horizon. Sweeping and timeless, the region’s almost boundless spaces have stoked the imagination of both ruler and artist, from King Ferdinand II to Goya, Buñuel, and Saura. The story of Aragon is told in the solitude of a medieval village, within the depths of a craggy river valley, along the graceful arch of a palace door, and rustling across the vineyard-laden foothills of the Somontano.
Balearic Islands
They shimmer like lustrous pearls emerging from a sapphire sea. A dreamy archipelago of four exquisite Mediterranean jewels, where history and romance marry beneath a brilliant sun, an unspoiled paradise that has called home seafarers and adventurers, artists and bohemians, for time eternal. The Balearic Islands are a mythical crossroads of ancient civilization, whose very origins remain a delicious mystery. A sparkling assemblage of heritage, from the ancient Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans, to the Arabs, Aragonese, Catalan, and Spanish, the islands celebrate the joys of the earth on every corner of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Groves of olive and orange lead dramatically to a striking coastline as honeyed stone villages sit perched along spectacular cliff sides of the Serra de Tramuntana. Secluded coves of aquamarine are watched over by picturesque fishing villages. A rugged dream of pristine white sand beaches and crystalline waters stretching beyond the horizon and kissed by the golden Mediterranean sun, the Balearics are paradisiacal lands of plenty destined to enchant.
Basque Country
Its jagged coastline plunges into a capricious cauldron of swirling azure. Where sand and rock and sea spray cease, mountains of misty emerald forests slope gracefully into creamy pastures below. Gradations of green melt into shades of saffron and ochre as cool breezes and warm sunlight coddle vast plateaus of vineyards. Euskadi (Basque Country) is an autonomous community situated within the border of northern Spain, with a people that proudly retain their own distinct culture and language, magnificently navigating between two identities: that of their ethnic homeland and of their nation. Like the delicious complexities of a stellar Txakoli vintage or an artfully constructed pintxo, the Basque Country of northern Spain is best savored note by note, allowing time for each flavor to reveal itself slowly and luxuriously.
Castilla La Mancha
A vast expanse of sun baked land stretches toward the horizon line where medieval fortresses rise like chess pieces from an earthen board. A warm wind whispers across the landscape rustling the sails of mythical windmills as they cast long shadows across the infinite plain. This is a land of fables and folklore, of ancient villages and rustic traditions, a place where echoes of Don Quixote seem to reflect from every hilltop and mountainside. Fields of wheat, barley and oats are flaxen islands amidst a verdant sea of vineyards and olive groves. Veritable treasure blooms from beneath this windswept terrain, where saffron crocus flowers cultivate their fiery and flavorful stigmas. Castilla La Mancha is the very heart of Spain, where the lifeblood of legacy pumps steadily through the veins of its nation.
Castilla y León
Honeyed stalks of wheat gild sweeping plateaus of clay as legions of sunflowers lift their heads in salute of an ever-present sun. The angular peaks of distant mountains pierce the skyline while rivers of sapphire serpentine through the landscape and disappear into ancient juniper forests. A magical realm of riches, where architectural marvels and romantic burgs punctuate the terrain and the allure of legend permeates the atmosphere, Castilla y León is an epic region characterized by a legacy of history kept alive by an unparalleled series of breathtaking castles, Roman aqueducts, medieval villages, Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, and ancient institutions of learning. A place of mythic proportions, the home of knights and legends, of saints and kings. Castilla y León is the cultural motherland of Castilian Spain, where Roman, Spanish and Moorish traditions incubated in a womb of civilization that birthed a golden empire.
Catalonia
A bold flourish of sunshine and sea, where dramatic cliffs meet the watercolor blue of the Mediterranean and craggy coves outlined with pine punctuate powdery stretches of beach, Catalonia is a glorious union of coastal beauty, ancient culture and modern ingenuity. Catalonia is an explosion of sensory pleasures, where the perfume of the sea and the heat of the sun kiss the air and temper the land, imbuing the region with its unique flavor and singular identity. A palette layered with the most vivid of hues, only such a rare and intoxicating landscape could be the inspirational playground for such vanguards of culture as the Surrealists and the Modernists. Catalonia’s energetic colors appear in the works of Joan Miró, as the seaside villages of its Costa Brava influenced the dreamscapes of Salvador Dali’s canvases, and the region’s natural, celestial beauty, informed the genius of Antoni Gaudi’s magnificent architecture.
Extremadura
A vast dehesa of green pastures and monumental oak rambles through an ancient land of Roman ruins and misty riverside vineyards. Extremadura is where the tale of Spain’s past is still told in the region’s hidden Baroque palaces and medieval fortified villages, and savored in the rich flavors of its landscape, from luscious Jamón Ibérico de Bellota and creamy Torta del Casar to scarlet Pimentón de la Vera and the succulent Tempranillo vintages of the Ribera del Guadiana DO.
Galicia
A shimmering watercolor of seascapes, Galicia is an ancient realm of misty stone villages and emerald hillsides, rugged vineyards and meandering Rias, converging at the mighty Atlantic and its Cantabrian Sea. Echoed in the waves that swell along its endless coastline of capes and islets, the region is a Celtiberian melody of earth and sea, where the sacred Way of St. James ushers pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, and a Roman tower guides wary sailors home. In Galicia, delicate gardens abloom with Camellias whisper to Baroque squares and narrow medieval lanes, mystical Iron age settlements slumber in quiet valleys, and ruddy sunsets illuminate a landscape of antique mariner’s houses along estuaries of indigo.
La Rioja
The fiery Mediterranean sun beats down on a rugged landscape of oak and stone, where lush vineyards flourish between the mighty Ebro and Oja rivers and stoic Iberian mountain ranges shade fertile plains beneath. Arid gusts of wind breathe life into the stillness of the day, seasoning the terrain with the aroma of land and vine as fabled monasteries speckle the scenery like coordinates across the map of time. Born of ancient feuds and intrigue, La Rioja has resiliently weathered the changing storms of invasion by transmuting the blood of ages into coursing springs of scarlet vintages. A center for the flourishing of Spanish culture and the first words of the Castilian language, the intertwining of the earthly and the spiritual is a bold thread that runs through La Rioja’s heritage just as the region’s Way of St. John weaves through its landscape.
Madrid
She stands undaunted, defiant to the changing tides of political ideology and the wounds of an empire subdued by the patina of time. Her vitality is her people, coursing through her boulevards and plazas like blood rushing through veins, enlivening her with the strength to thrive and evolve. She is her nation’s emboldened compass. She is a shrewd protagonist in the history of her continent. She is undeniably Madrid. To walk along Madrid’s imposing boulevards is to witness a thriving city of ideas and inspiration, thrusting its people into the promise of a progressive tomorrow while relishing the ingenuity, heroism and hard work of past generations. While observing the glowing faces of Madrileños as they passionately enjoy their city it no longer remains a question of why they fiercely love this plot of land once inhabited by bears and covered in wild strawberries, but rather, how could anyone not?
Navarra
Where the mighty River Ebro converges with the majestic Pyrenees rising to the sky like ancient towers, and surreal desert landscapes form the Bardenas Reales, Navarra is a land of folklore and feasts, festivals and family. A charming patchwork of hearty mountain villages, scenic towns, and expanses of green, the heart of Navarra lies within its vibrant communities proudly upholding the traditions of old. Bordering Basque Country, La Rioja and Aragon in Spain, with Aquitaine, France to the north, Navarra is a proud land of Basque Kings and Camino de Santiago pilgrims, awe inspiring abbeys and quaint country houses, splendid town halls and stark natural wonders. Where reminders of a rich past remain steadfast in the present, Navarra is alive with the passion and customs of its people, from the fervor of Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls and the handcrafting of a fine Idiazabal cheese, to the careful cultivation of precious produce from its fertile lands like the delicate white asparagus.
Valencia
A tapestry of sunbaked beaches and golden horizons, fragrant orange blossoms and the shade of palms, Valencia calls to the soul with its compelling coastal song. One of Spain’s most vital regions, the Valencian Community is a flourish of sophistication and simplicity, elegance and energy. Caressing the Mediterranean on the south eastern side of the Iberian Peninsula, Valencia is a magnificent melange of heritage from the Greeks and Romans to the Visigoths and the Arabs. Glorious character revealed in a morning walk through a bustling market, the sweet smell of almond, tiger nut and saffron hanging in the air as sea breezes caress the skin like a silk ribbon. Valencia’s varied landscapes are the precious threads that weave together a stunning brocade of Modern architecture and medieval fortresses, Moorish date palm orchards and Gothic treasures, fervent festivals, and fertile rice fields of plenty.
Alentejo
Where golden plains of olive and oak meet rugged herdades, and storybook castles stand guard over sparkling whitewashed villages, the vast sherbet horizon of the Alentejo glows gloriously across a mythical land of stone and vine.
Centro
An ancient land of Lusitanian legend, medieval frontier fortresses, Gothic monasteries and stone villages, the Centro region echoes the history of Portugal from every river valley and mountaintop. With a diversity of landscapes to behold, from the soaring Serra da Estrela range and boutique vineyards of Bairrada and Dão, to the Atlantic lagoon of Aveiro and golden sands of the Costa Nova, Centro is a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Portugal.
Lisbon & Tagus Valley
It is where emerald river valleys meet the teal waters of the Atlantic, medieval windswept villages cling to coastal cliffs and vineyards are kissed by the sea, and where Romantic hilltop towns swirl past idyllic Portuguese Riviera towns toward the spectacular capital splendors of Lisbon, with its Pombaline grandeur, bohemian Bairro Alto charms and ancient soul, the Alfama.
The Norte & Porto
A serpentine of placid aqua, the Douro River winds its way through a majestic landscape of dramatic terraced vineyards, ancient walled hamlets and an emerald countryside of Baroque manor houses, before reaching the jewel tone banks of vibrant Porto.
Abruzzo
Imagine for one moment a place where rugged mountain ranges dominate the skyline, their imposing blue shadows laying claim to vast forests of spruce and silver fir trees below. Picture tiny country roads winding through lush olive groves, an earthen carpet to guide you through the dense flora and fauna that abounds. Where great mountains meet placid turquoise seas, you will find Abruzzo, a land of savage beauty tamed only by a people robust enough to settle the unknown wilderness of its hills and mountains. Abruzzo is the proud birthplace of Ovid, predates ancient Rome, and is home to a distinguished nineteen Borghi piu belli d’Italia (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy). Yet it remains an undiscovered delight swallowed between the bellies of Le Marche and Lazio. From its astonishing series of medieval villages carved into mountain tops to the gargantuan trabocchi (fishing huts) that line its seashores, Abruzzo is a land of surprises, and whether accidentally or by design, one of Italy’s best kept secrets.
Basilicata
A dramatic terrain of towering mountain ranges punctuated by age-old villages that seem to hang from the sky, and outlined by a craggy coastline indented with calm bays of aquamarine, Basilicata is an intoxicating balance between the extreme and the beautiful. A hidden treasure untouched by time and suspended in the authenticity of a bygone era, Basilicata offers its visitors a moment in history, rare and eternal, which will forever remain indelibly Southern Italian. Otherwise known as the ancient land of Lucania, Basilicata lies between the regions of Calabria and Puglia, and is framed by the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. One of Italy’s least visited regions, Basilicata is unique in its unspoiled nature and remains a veritable time capsule where vestiges from the Paleolithic Age, the time of the ancient Greeks and the Middle Ages can still be appreciated.
Campania
To experience Campania is to understand the very soul of Italy. While the nation is a vast patchwork of distinctly diverse landscapes sewn together with ancient traditions, rich history and regional culture, it is Campania that emboldens the country with the vivid pigments of its indelible spirit. It is in the villages seemingly untarnished by time that one discovers the truth about Campania. The truths found in the generous hospitality and unwavering honesty of the people. A swirling, Baroque masterpiece of emotion and imagination, Campania is a land of deliciously opposing imagery. The pulsating, rhythmic streets of Naples are balanced by the coastal lemon groves of Sorrento. Where vast vineyards anointed in shades of olive, sepia and plum blanket the hillsides of Taurasi, fuchsia, coral and vermilion blooms gently spiral down the lush cliff sides of Positano. A land of spellbinding beauty, folklore and playful contradictions, Campania is a beaming ray of sunlight that reflects onto every surface.
Emilia-Romagna
The gray dawn kisses the azure of another day, and the changing light transforms green and gold visions into amber waves. A kaleidoscope of color and texture, Emilia-Romagna is not to be explained but best experienced first-hand. With its storied Roman and Byzantine heritage, heartland sensibility and fertile terrain, its natural abundance has nourished more than one surreal imagination. This is the land of Fellini, Bassani and Verdi, and there is no such thing as coincidence. Emilia-Romagna is, simply put, delicious. From its lush Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano, to its idealized Renaissance cities and bucolic seaside, it’s a region best appreciated one moment at a time. So open your eyes, take a deep breath, and let Emilia-Romagna draw you in.
Lazio
The sun-soaked Latium plains, accented with Italian cypress and stone pine, wait patiently to be admired – a land of ancient lakes and noble castles, charming villas and Etruscan treasures. Lazio is the golden cage that encircles the pulsating heart that is Rome. A Rome that can’t be defined or confined within the context of just a place, but a living, breathing reminder of all that came before. Lazio is a hearty land made for hearty people. You need only duck into a local osteria and smell the aroma of fried carciofi alla giudia or dig your knife into a sizzling plate of saltimbocca, to realize you’re in the place where Italians first learned to feast. Its people are passionate and honest, always ready to greet you with southern style hospitality or share a life story over a bit of sambuca. To experience Lazio is to know Rome before it was Rome, and to see the enduring spirit of a civilization that remains alive in the people and traditions of its region. Step outside the Rome you think you know, to discover the Lazio you need to know.
Le Marche
Picture sprawling emerald forests, medieval hilltop towns untouched by time, a rainbow of wildflowers in bloom, and fresh breezes that lull you into a peaceful haze. Tuscany? Think again. Umbria? Warmer. Le Marche? Could you be anywhere else? Upon arriving in Le Marche you are immediately struck by its unspoiled beauty, time seemingly to have never touched the boundaries of this undiscovered region. Its stone structures warmed by ancient sun and its vineyards perfumed by Adriatic winds, as the Monti Sibellini ridge keeps steady watch over its terra firma. From the infinite landscapes of Raphael’s masterpieces to Rossini’s operatic melodies, the Marchegiani have long been inspired by the enchanting embrace of their home. A veritable land of milk and honey, where pure joy can be sampled in every dish, seen from every window and enjoyed by all who stop to admire.
Liguria
Liguria is a symphony of land and sea, where ancient maritime traditions meet Riviera revelry. With its history as a powerfully wealthy nautical empire, Liguria has been an incubator of discovery and revolution, forever impacting the course of world history. But amongst its legends and triumphs, perhaps what makes Liguria such a mysterious and captivating place, is its people. Like the rings of a tree, the rich heritage of the region is chronicled in the proud faces of the Ligurians, living reminders of what once was and what continues to be uniquely great. Pause for a moment to observe the old fishermen, their faces weathered by countless harsh mornings out at sea and the warmth that emanates from their well worn smiles. Watch the cliffside farmers as they harvest olives, lemons and grapes from the same terraces that their families have cultivated for hundreds of years. These are the faces of Liguria. Real people, living real lives, in the unassuming paradise of their own design.
Lombardia
The mystery of its sweeping marshes, the romantic sophistication of its cobblestoned streets, and the Grand Tour majesty of its great lake, spin together the fairytale threads of this northern Italian dreamscape. But don’t let Lombardia fool you. It’s not all about glamour and industry…well okay it is all of those things, but also so much more. Peel away its layers to uncover a region that is as varied as any that Italy has to offer, with complexity and unexpected cultural treasures just waiting to be discovered. To turn a page of Castiglioni’s Il Cortegiano is to grab a glimpse of Lombardia’s noble heritage. A stolen moment inside a hidden opera house or a quiet stroll into the workshop of a family that has been crafting violins since the 1700’s, is to see a Lombardia suspended in its traditions. But a zigzag through the borough of Naviglio, with its avant-garde spirit, sultry alleyways, and rebellion predicated against the old guard, is to see the new Lombardia. Just peek beneath the surface, and what awaits you is a reflection of yesterday through the lens of a modern Italy.
Piemonte
Get lost down the rabbit hole in an enchanting land of rolling green hills, misty mountaintops and the sweet surrender of tranquility. Have you reached the Elysian Fields? Almost, you’re in Piemonte. The region’s natural wonder can only be matched by its sumptuous cuisine. It is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The Piemontesi, deeply rooted in a tradition of fine living and slow food, greet each traveler with generous warmth – smiles that grab you like a cozy hug and the type of charm that can only develop from generations of contentment. The birthplace of both unified Italy and the global Slow Food movement, Piemonte’s industrious spirit has always been tempered by its philosophy that simple but high quality is best. Whether it’s a velvety Dolcetto d’Alba or satisfying ribbons of tajarin con tartufo bianco, Piemonte will leave you no choice but to give in to its calming allure. And of course if you’re still not convinced that slow is better, just bite into the silky richness of a gianduja chocolate and you’ll become a believer.
Puglia
A whimsical land of stone huts, olive groves and white washed cities set against a backdrop of arid plains extending toward turquoise waters, Puglia is the essence of Italy’s Adriatic South. A rugged stretch of land jutting out into the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Puglia has been prized through the ages for its fertile lands of wheat, olive and vine. Mysterious and alluring, Puglia’s rich heritage has been shaped by ancient peoples, from the Greeks and Romans to Spaniards and Turks, all of whom have left their distinct mark on the region’s architecture, customs and flavors. A fabled land, beautiful in its nature and potent in its ties to antiquity, Puglia is best appreciated while sharing a meal at a country masseria with a glass of Negroamaro in hand, uncovering the mystery of a limestone trullo, or relishing the coastal breezes of an ancient village perched above the sea.
Sardinia
Words seem inadequate to describe the actual divinity of Sardinia’s natural landscapes. Sweeping, rugged, crystalline – while accurate, barely begin to describe all that this prehistoric island possesses in spades. Sardinia is real, raw and quite simply put, paradise because it is organic. Where dramatic rock-lined cliffs meet placid, emerald waters and almost other-worldly flora blankets mountainsides and river beds, Sardinia is one of few places in Europe that remains untouched and sheltered from time. The Sardinian people have preserved their island culture despite centuries of foreign influence and struggle, carefully balancing modernity with a resilient sense of tradition. The effort to maintain the island’s environment and culture, by Sardinians and for Sardinians, is a pillar of their philosophy. Travelers meanwhile, are graciously welcomed as Sardinians are happy to share their Eden with those that appreciate their Mediterranean pearl of an island.
Sicily
Illuminated by the Mediterranean sun and kissed by the Ionian sea, Sicily is a crossroads of the ancient, an irresistible treasure coveted by empires near and far. A formidable landscape of unspoiled riches immortalized in myth and legend, the island’s bold call into the azure beyond has been an intoxicating tale carried through the ages. Where once was conquest and strife, a vibrant culture has flourished, imbued with the folklore and flavors of the many who have crossed its shores. A collision of civilization echoed in the everyday, Sicily is a paradise meant to be experienced with the senses. It is the singsong dialect heard from within a bustling market, the sweet and sour notes juxtaposed in a timeless dish, and the soulful depths of its shining seas that have never ceased to enchant the most intrepid of voyagers.
Toscana
Fabled green hills undulate beneath an iconic golden sun as sinewy cypress trees pepper a landscape that reaches far beyond the horizon line. Argent olive groves blanket an earthen carpet of terracotta as stalks of wheat bend and sway like the flaxen strands of a Renaissance muse. If Lazio is the emblematic beating heart of the peninsula, Toscana is the breath that gives life to its nation. From her ample belly she gave birth to Etruscan civilization, from her bosom she nourished an entire country with fertile agrarian treasures, and with her unwavering beauty she inspired a vision that would become the Renaissance. Like the resolute matriarch of a massive family, Tuscany has patiently taught her nation how to impress the world with what it means to be Italian – how to speak, how to eat, how to drink, how to love, how to appreciate the beauty of living. An ancient land of historical and cultural precedents, and a cauldron of gastronomic delights, Tuscany cannot solely be known as some mythological. Rather, it is a region that has to be absorbed in the flesh, using every sense and faculty.
Trentino-Alto Adige
Where the distinct traditions of Trentino and South Tyrol gloriously converge, the region is a cultural swirl of Austrian, Italian, German and French influences, echoed in its hearty cuisine, languages, Tyrolean architecture and ancient customs. Trentino-Alto Adige is a diverse wonderland waiting patiently to be explored, where mountain rifugi perch high above valleys inhabited by meandering dairy cows and dotted by villages casting their reflections across placid lakes. It is where serene natural environments are balanced by graceful Renaissance cities like Bolzano and Trento, and where ancient castles and hilltop farms convey a distinct Tyrolean sensibility evolved over many periods and drawn from the ingenuity of several cultures.
Umbria
An infinite mantle of wildflowers releases their herbaceous perfume infusing aromatic olive groves with overtones of sweet, as an earthy undercurrent of black truffle permeates the entire atmosphere. Deliciously intoxicated you seek to observe all that your olfactory senses have indicated and what you behold is a lush landscape of laurel and umber, hills and river glens, mountains and thickets. A fertile treasure, cradled by land and caressed by river, Umbria nurtures graces from the earth in steady rhythm as only the green beating heart of Italy can. An ancient land of myth and lore, Umbria is the unpretentious yet brilliant jewel that lies between the Apennine Mountains and the Tiber River. The legacy of the middle ages has indelibly touched the Umbrian landscape as it is peppered with vestiges of the period in a manner that perhaps no other region in Italy can compare. Medieval towns line Umbria’s hilltops while castles and monasteries rise from its valleys, tangible evidence of an epoch suspended in perpetuity.
Veneto
It emerges from Alpine ridges and lush river valleys, and the mist of sapphire lakes and midnight lagoons. Like a behemoth of land and sea, it rises to meet the challenges of both sky and man, defiantly eager to protect the riches that it holds within. Said to have descended from the ancient civilization of Troy, the fierce, Venetian republic was born of savage storms and the unrelenting fear of invasion. The history of this maritime giant has been tempered by ancient feuds, the call of industry and the nautical domination of prized trade routes to the East. With formidable gastronomic and wine making traditions, Veneto is a prolific producer of signature wines like Amarone and Prosecco, and a culinary dynamo, introducing red radicchio from Treviso, Asiago cheese and the epicurean tradition of the cicchetti, into the lexicon of Italian cooking.
Athens
An intoxicating ambrosia of Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman flavors, the Greek capital is a bustling metropolis echoing the beautiful rhythms of east meeting west. Adorned by ancient riches and gilded in Neoclassical elegance, Athens envelops the landscape in a vast honeycomb of Mediterranean life being vibrantly lived, as it has for millennia before. Enticing and enthralling, the city pulls you into its humming hive of color, taste and sound, uniquely familiar yet deliciously enigmatic.
Crete
A captivating island of unbridled beauty and ancient rhythms, where secluded beaches stretch toward lucent waters of aqua and teal, and bastioned fortresses stand watch over seaside ports awash in jewel tone shades of lapis, ruby, and topaz. Crete is an enduring poem of human history, from the Bronze Age legacy of its Minoan civilization to its intriguing ballad of empire, from Byzantine and Arab to Venetian and Ottoman. Ancient flavors infuse the fabled farm to plate cuisine of the Cretan diet, beautifully enriched by organic marvels from the land. Wild herbs perfume the island’s iconic honey and peppery Graviera cheese, as the age-old vines of Peza offer up floral Vilari and spicy Kotsifali, and fragrant Raki flows as a jubilant ode to family and friendship in daily Cretan life.
Greek Islands
It is where island paradises sparkle against a sapphire sea and vestiges of great civilizations gleam from atop caldera cliffs. Where whitewashed labyrinths meander toward turquoise seas and sacred temples float amongst a dream of azure and white. The allure of the Greek Islands has captivated the most intrepid of wanderers, from Odysseus to the Argonauts, and cradled mythic gods from Artemis to Apollo. A spellbinding glimpse into the seafaring soul of Hellenic heritage and the serenity of bygone village life, from the Cyclades to the Ionian, the Greek Islands are a bewitching song of sea, sky and wind.
Peloponnese
Waves of ancient olive groves roll toward cerulean waters, as ribbons of emerald and sun-kissed gold ripple through a Mediterranean mosaic of stone and myrtle. Medieval villages perched atop slopes of evergreen peer over fertile plains peppered with the remains of Doric treasures retelling the story of Western Civilization. The Peloponnese is a mythical land of milk and honey, where the sweet nectar of its garden bounty pleases the palate, from lustrous Extra Virgin Olive Oil and garnet red Agiorgitiko to piquant Sfela cheese and zesty Kalamata olives. A basket of plenty where the heritage of Greece can be savored, and the winds of ancient Laconia whisper the heroic saga of the region’s Spartan past and Byzantine kingdom.
Bordeaux
A queen of the vintage and titan of tradition, Bordeaux is an opulent ode to the finest of tastes. Where steepled spires rise above handsome towns of stone, an emerald carpet of plush vines leads to a sacred pantheon of château cellars of vinicultural legend. The region’s refined riverfront capital stands radiant along a placid Garonne, a golden vision of grand boulevards and 18th century civic treasures, echoing the bewitching beauty of a region that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
Burgundy
A pastoral patchwork of fanciful timber-framed villages and sleepy country farms, precious vineyard blanketed hillsides and polished aristocratic cities, Burgundy lulls its visitors with an intoxicating lore of ambrosial delights from the earth, made glorious by human hands. From the ruby allure of a Beaujolais to the crisp freshness of a Chablis, wild escargot to artisan Époisses, and Charolais beef to Bresse chicken, the region is a cornucopia of coveted French flavors where a daily appreciation for the delicious is unapologetically the epicurean way of life.
Corsica
An island made for dreaming, Corsica croons a soulful melody of sundrenched mountain villages suspended in the sky and a sinuous coastline of sparkling cyan. Picturesque port towns serve as gateways to a robust interior of fertile valleys and rugged vineyards. From beneath the saw toothed spine of its imposing mountain ranges, lucent waters lap languidly against soft sand beaches and sleepy seaside villages sing a Corsican ballad of ancient island life.
Grand Est
A stately realm rooted in the ancient Latin and Germanic, where Gothic cathedrals rise like majestic mountains and voluminous forests abut meandering hillsides in the Ardenne and Vosges, Grand Est is a robust collage of cultural influences carried through time. Melding together the former regions of Alsace, Champagne, Ardenne and Lorraine, the Grand Est is a storybook land of Romanesque abbeys, sparkling Châteaux and medieval half-timbered villages, natural wonders to explore and epicurean delights to enjoy. Where fine wines flow from Alsace to Champagne, and rich culinary surprises abound from Pâté Lorraine and Choucroute Garnie to Quiche Lorraine and Coq au Riesling, Grand Est is a treasury of delights waiting to be discovered.
Loire Valley
A kingdom of sylvan valleys and meandering rivers, centuries old caves and noble villages, ensconced between a captivating nexus of monumental Châteaux, the Loire Valley is a lush garden of wonders ripe for the sweetest of daydreams. A region of inspiring beauty, where a backbone of tufa steadies a fertile landscape of regal orchards and triumphant vines, and heavenly towns reflect the ages along the glasslike waters of their scenic riverfronts, the Loire Valley is an ode to nature and celebration of ingenuity preserved gracefully in memory and stone.
Occitanie
Envision idyllic pastoral landscapes peppered by secluded abbeys along the way of St. James, as craggy cliff sides remain timelessly studded by magnificent medieval villages, and verdant vineyards extend to the pebbled shores of quaint fishing hamlets. Sublimely nestled between Spain’s Catalonia and the Mediterranean sea, Provence, and the dramatic Pyrenees, Languedoc-Roussillon encompasses the allure of Southern France in one sumptuous region. A flourish of French culture imparted with the influences of Roussillon’s former Catalan rulers, the region is a colorful quilt of French and Catalan traditions interwoven with a rich history, heralded into the present through its many bucolic delights and inspired coastal customs. The essence of the region sings with every signature recipe and vintage celebrating the fresh bounty of the land and sea, from a bubbling pot of rustic Cassoulet and the briny beauty of freshly harvested oysters, to a velvety glass of lush Minervois wine.
Paris & the Ile de France
The French capital and its surrounding region are a feast for the senses, pleasing to the refined palette and creative eye with signature haute cuisine, opulent architecture, and world class works of art. Like a jewel in a golden crown, Paris is the heart of a region offering a bucolic contrast to the metropolitan movement of the capital. Punctuated by former vestiges of kingdom, the Ile de France remains a pastoral hideaway inhabited by quaint country villages and medieval abbeys intersected by rivers and flourishing woodlands, which once inspired the grand palaces and sprawling chateau estates of a bygone age. From its serene environs, Paris rises like a radiant beacon of light calling home generations of visionary genius. Cultured and cosmopolitan, classic and contemporary, the city is an inspiring plein-air museum where beauty can be appreciated from the widest of boulevards to the tiniest of lanes. Authentic and animated, within each arrondissement a unique history lives, kept vital by the steady rhythm of the Parisian spirit pushing resolutely into the beyond while holding tight to its cultural inheritance.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
A prism of radiant color and sensations warmed by the sun, kissed by the sea, and perfumed by the sweetest of blooms, Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur is the scintillating soul of Southern France. Shaped by the capricious Mistral and the brilliance of the Mediterranean sun, the land is a celestial composition of glittering shores met by cerulean seas, stony hilltop villages, fragrant lavender fields, storied wine estates, and stunning French Riviera towns. With close historical ties to Italy, the region is a vibrant cultural blend of rustic French Mediterranean traditions and Italian influences, which have cultivated the warm and creative spirit that has for centuries beguiled art and history lovers, wine connoisseurs, and epicureans alike, as an utopia for the senses. Just as the region’s hues of coral, azure, green and yellow were forever captured by the dreamscapes of Renoir, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Matisse, its exquisite farm to table cuisine is a masterpiece of the land. From silky Provencal olive oils and full bodied Chateauneuf-du Pape vintages, to earthy black truffles and an abundance of aromatic herbs and produce, Provence and the Cote d’Azur offer a warm palette of wonder to awaken the soul.
Booking Request
Our collection of private and expertly pre-designed Encounters are meant to awaken your inner traveler, immerse you in rich regional culture, and capture the nuances that make for exceptional travel experiences. Now that you’ve fallen in love with your ideal trip, it’s time to request your dates and tell us a little more about your travel party. Within 72 hours of receiving your booking request, we will let you know if your dates are available, and provide you with booking and deposit payment instructions. So now it’s time to sit back, relax, and let us do the rest!
