Luxury Travel Blog

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July 18, 2024

Marbled Paper in Italy: Private Lessons, Shopping & More

Italy is renowned for its rich heritage of traditional crafts, including leatherwork, ceramics, goldsmithing, bookbinding, perfume making, glassmaking and marbled paper.  Artisans of Leisure arranges for our travelers to visit historic workshops and enjoy hands-on private lessons in traditional crafts such as marbled paper.

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March 21, 2024

Just Back: A Private Luxury Tour of Bhutan

We recently returned from an unforgettable private luxury tour of Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom with warm people, well-preserved traditional culture, beautiful landscapes and incredible luxury lodges. Artisans of Leisure arranges private Bhutan tours that include the very best luxury hotels and most interesting locations.

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November 21, 2023

The Best of Italy: An Interview with Ashley Ganz

Many of our travelers return to Italy again and again, drawn by the enduring appeal of the country’s culture, food, wine, landscapes and people. Ashley Ganz, the Artisans of Leisure founder and CEO, travels to Italy frequently to relish her favorite places and scout the latest in luxury hotels and insider experiences. Read more about some of her favorite places and experiences throughout the country.

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April 6, 2022

Just Back: Cornwall & Devon in England

We just returned from a private tour of Cornwall and Devon, counties in southwest England that are known for their beautiful coastlines, windswept moors, magnificent gardens, superb cuisine and mild climate.

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January 31, 2022

Private Perfume-Making Lessons in Grasse, France

The hillside town of Grasse in the South of France is renowned as the perfume capital of the world. Artisans of Leisure can arrange private tours of the leading perfumeries and a private lesson to create a custom scent.

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May 26, 2020

Iconic Australia

Read about some of our favorite iconic destinations and experiences in Australia, including a helicopter flight over Sydney, learning about Aboriginal culture at Uluru, exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest and staying at an exclusive resort in the Great Barrier Reef.

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June 13, 2019

Just Back: Luxuries of China

Enjoy this interview with Ashley Isaacs Ganz, founder & CEO of Artisans of Leisure, about her most recent visit to China with her family. Q.) What inspired this trip to China? The country is changing so quickly, and I wanted to revisit some of my favorite cities to focus on new hotel, culinary and cultural […]

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April 24, 2019

Just Back: The Best of Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur

Enjoy this interview with Ashley Isaacs Ganz, the founder of Artisans of Leisure, about her recent France tour that included Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur–some of our favorite destinations during the glorious summer months. Q: Where did you visit on this trip? A: We started in Paris, where we stayed at the iconic Ritz Paris. […]

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November 1, 2018

Ashley Isaacs Ganz on The Best of Ireland

We asked Artisans of Leisure founder and CEO Ashley Isaacs Ganz to share some favorite experiences in Ireland based on her most recent visit to this beautiful country. Read more about her tour and the best of Ireland. Q.) Tell us about your trip. Where did you go? I traveled all over the country, and I also […]

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March 2, 2018

Magical Kyoto in Spring

Spring is a particularly magical time to visit Japan, one of our favorite destinations. Plum blossoms bring the first blush of spring to Japan in February, followed by the legendary sakura (cherry blossoms), which paint the country pink from the end of March through the beginning of April. Kyoto is wonderful in any season, but there’s […]

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October 9, 2017

Just Back: Egypt

Artisans of Leisure travel specialist Maria Merrill recently returned from Egypt and shares her thoughts about one of our favorite destinations in the Middle East.

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May 19, 2017

Just Back: Nepal

Enjoy these photos from our most recent visit to Nepal, which included the highlights of Kathmandu, the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan National Park. Artisans of Leisure arranges private, customized luxury Nepal tours.

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June 23, 2016

New Culture, Art & Food Tours of Mexico

We’re excited to announce a new series of luxury Mexico tours that are ideal for food and culture lovers, families, honeymooners and individual travelers. Our new Mexico tours include exclusive experiences such as: • In-depth art and architecture touring in Mexico City • A private tasting tour in Mexico City • Street food tour in Puebla • Chocolate tasting in Oaxaca • Visiting […]

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December 11, 2015

Private Archaeological Touring in Peru

One of the highlights of touring in Peru is learning about the country’s important archaeological sites while accompanied by an expert guide. Peru has been home to many important and powerful civilizations, including the Chavin, Moche, Nazca and Chimu. The best-known ancient Peruvian civilization is the Inca Empire. Inca heritage is still apparent in the […]

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November 6, 2015

Exclusive New Culinary Tours

Artisans of Leisure has been on the cutting edge of culinary travel for over a decade. Staffed by a group of in-house foodies, food writers, cooks and culinary travel experts, we continue to expand our culinary tours around the world. With an international network of culinary experts, acclaimed chefs, food historians and writers, Artisans of […]

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November 2, 2015

A Private Cooking Class in Chennai, India

Artisans of Leisure’s new Culinary Tour of India features private cooking classes in locations throughout India. These hands-on classes are a fun and delicious introduction to Indian cooking, and a great way to learn about Indian food culture and culinary history. We recently experienced a cooking lesson in Chennai that is included in our culinary tour.   […]

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October 15, 2015

Just Back: Insider Peru

We recently returned from an extensive private tour through Peru, one of our favorite destinations for its rich offering of cultural, culinary and adventure experiences. Highlights included Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu (including Huayna Picchu), Cusco, the Nazca Lines and the Bellestas Islands.

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July 1, 2015

Just Back: Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Finland & Russia

Artisans of Leisure’s founder and CEO, Ashley Isaacs Ganz, recently returned from an incredible private tour of Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Finland and Russia. Read about favorite cultural, scenic and culinary highlights from her trip.

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June 24, 2015

Exclusive New Private Culinary Tour of Peru

Artisans of Leisure is excited to announce our new Culinary Tour of Peru, a food-focused private tour that immerses travelers in Peru’s culinary and cultural traditions. Peru is one of the most exciting culinary destinations in South America, and our new tour showcases the country’s wonderful culinary traditions and latest culinary innovations, from ceviche and pachamanca […]

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February 5, 2015

Just Back: Seville

We have just returned from Seville, Spain. Located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, Seville has gorgeous Moorish gardens and unique Mudejar architecture. Our private luxury tours feature the best of the city.

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September 24, 2014

Just Back: A Private Tour of China & Tibet

Highlights of our most recent trip through China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xkan, Guilin, Chengdu, Hong Kong and Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Artisans of Leisure arranges private luxury tours of China and Tibet.

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June 28, 2014

New Authentic Experiences in Southeast Asia: Food, Culture, Art and Style

We’ve recently introduced a number of exciting new activities in Southeast Asia. All of the experiences—including culinary, active and art options—can be incorporated into our private luxury tours. New Artisans of Leisure experiences in Southeast Asia include: Culinary Touring •    Learning to prepare pho (noodle soup) and banh mi (baguette sandwiches) in Vietnam •   Taking […]

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June 9, 2014

Exclusive New Sri Lanka Tours

Our new private Sri Lanka tours are filled with authentic, hands-on experiences that capture the best of the beautiful island country, such as: •    Touring a historic tea factory with the resident tea planter •    Learning to prepare Sri Lankan curry during a private cooking lesson •    Riding elephants at a private sanctuary •    Visiting […]

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February 20, 2014

Exclusive New Sicily Tours for Foodies, Culture Lovers and More

Lunch with a duchess in her seaside palazzo. A private cooking lesson with a renowned Sicilian cookbook author. Meeting a member of the Italian royalty and touring her exquisite Mediterranean garden. These are a few of the exclusive culinary and cultural experiences included in our all-new 2014 private Sicily tours. The tours define the best of […]

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February 13, 2014

Must Try: Private Yoga Lessons When Traveling

If you love yoga, or if you have always wanted to try yoga, consider incorporating it into a private tour. Artisans of Leisure can arrange expert-led private yoga sessions in many of our destinations, including a sunrise session among ancient ruins in India, one-on-one lessons at spa retreats in the Himalayas, a beach side yoga […]

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October 4, 2013

Just Back: A Private Tour of Vietnam

Highlights from our most recent private tour of Vietnam, including highlights of Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Saigon and the Mekong Delta. Artisans of Leisure arranges private, customized tours of Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia.

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February 19, 2013

Just Back: Portugal

Artisans of Leisure tours feature the very best of Portugal, including Madeira, Porto, the Douro Valley, Lisbon, Sintra and the Alentejo region.

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January 11, 2013

Where Do You Want to Travel This Year?

2013 is an exciting year for Artisans of Leisure: it’s our 10th anniversary! We’re proud to be celebrating our first decade of offering the most luxurious and creative private tours available. Where are you considering traveling? For inspiration, we asked a few of our clients to comment on favorite aspects of their recent Artisans of […]

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August 21, 2012

Five Favorite Basque Country Experiences

Comprising four provinces in northern Spain and three provinces in southern France, the Basque Country packs a lot into an area about the size of New Jersey. The region has its own language and a rich cultural heritage that make it a surprising change from the flamenco-tinged pueblos of Andalusia and the big-city bustle of […]

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July 14, 2012

Learn by Doing While Traveling the World

Want to learn to make mozzarella by hand on the Amalfi Coast? How about a private karate lesson in Kyoto? A surfing lesson in Bali? Would you like to paint porcelain in Austria or assist on an archaeological dig in Israel? We offer hundreds of such learning experiences that can be incorporated into our private […]

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June 6, 2012

Traveling vegan, kosher, gluten-free or with food allergies

Many people with restricted diets or food allergies worry about finding appropriate meals when traveling overseas. Several of our in-house travel experts have food restrictions, so we understand firsthand the challenges. We also know how to overcome them. Artisans of Leisure regularly works with travelers who have food restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, kosher, gluten-free and […]

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April 13, 2012

Inspiration for Amazing Family Trips

Your son likes castles, your daughter likes shopping, your husband likes history, and you like art–how can you make sure that family vacations please everyone? Artisans of Leisure specializes in one-of-a-kind, private, customized family tours that feature a world of engaging experiences sure to satisfy families of all sizes, ages and interests. Here are a […]

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February 20, 2012

South Africa for Families

South Africa is an incredible destination for families, especially when it’s done right. A luxury safari is undoubtedly a highlight of any South Africa tour, and Artisans of Leisure will work closely with you and your family to customize your safari experience. We can provide specialized services such as private rangers and safari vehicles, private […]

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December 29, 2011

Eating Our Way Through Israel

We love eating as the locals do when we travel, and we find that food often inspires some of our best travel memories. Artisans of Leisure recently traveled across Israel and we particularly loved visiting the open-air markets, sampling street food, and dining where the locals like to eat. Here are a few of the culinary […]

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October 7, 2010

Culinary touring in Laos

Part of what makes Laos such a unique destination is its cuisine. Travelers can expect to enjoy typical Lao dishes such as Mekong river fish steamed in banana leaves with ginger and coriander; laap, a spicy dish of minced meat or fish marinated with spices and herbs, such as mint; and Luang Prabang Salad, a […]

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February 5, 2010

Just Back: South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

We recently returned from an incredible trip Africa tour that included wildlife safaris in South Africa, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, cultural touring in Cape Town, art and wine touring in the Cape Winelands, and seeing spectacular Victoria Falls.

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October 13, 2009

Family travel in Peru

Peru is one of our most popular family travel destinations. With awe-inspiring archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu, abundant wildlife, and incredible natural beauty, Peru offers the perfect mix of culture, nature and family-friendly activities. Our guides in Peru are particularly skilled at keeping sightseeing interesting and fun for the entire family. No visit to […]

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April 3, 2009

Archery in Bhutan: A Private Lesson in the National Pastime

One of the highlights we arrange for our travelers visiting the Kingdom of Bhutan is seeing an archery competition. The Bhutanese are very passionate about their national sport, and almost every village has their own archery range with multi-day competitions taking place throughout the year. In Bhutan, archery competitions are lively and colorful events, filled […]

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February 6, 2009

5 Introductory Flavors of Peru

Peru is becoming a major foodie destination. For first-time visitors, here’s what to be sure to try while traveling in Peru, along with a few suggestions for the best places to sample each item. 1. Ceviche Made of raw seafood, marinated and essentially “cooked” in a citrus-based mixture, a fresh ceviche may end up being […]

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September 2, 2008

Family Travel in Morocco

A family on an Artisans of Leisure private tour of Morocco wrote to us about their favorite experiences on their trip. Artisans of Leisure arranges private, customized Morocco tours.

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