July 15, 2011

A Family Tour of Paris, Versailles & the Loire Valley in France

A wonderful way to experience France is with a private tour of the highlights of Paris, Versailles and the Loire Valley. These regions are great for families, sophisticated travelers, wine enthusiasts and culture lovers.

Destinations: Europe, France

Tags: antiques, Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Versailles, Chateau du Clos Luce, Chateau Villandry, chateaux, exclusive France tours, family tour, family travel, family travel France, family vacations, Four Seasons George V, France, French gardens, French pasty lesson, garden tours, Hall of Mirrors, Hameau de la Reine, Le Bristol Paris, Les Hauts de Loire, Loire Valley, Loire Valley tours, Paris, Paris luxury hotels, Paris tours, Paris with kids, private France tours, Versailles, Versailles tours

July 14, 2011

Touring the Berner Oberland in Switzerland: A Family Favorite

For many of our travelers, a day in the Berner Oberland is a highlight of their Switzerland tour. This beautiful region in central Switzerland is perfect for anyone wanting to see iconic Swiss landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, waterfalls streaming over cliffs hundreds of feet high, and chalets sitting on meadow-covered hillsides speckled with cows […]

Destinations: Europe, Switzerland

Tags: Berner Oberland, family travel, Interlaken, Victoria-Jungfrau

June 28, 2011

Quiet time in St. Petersburg, Russia

One of our favorite hotels in Russia is the Hotel Astoria, in St. Petersburg. The minute you arrive and are greeted by the doorman, you’re made to feel right at home. The staff is very friendly and professional, and they are eager to assist in any way they can. The Astoria is elegant and cozy. […]

Destinations: Europe, Russia

Tags: behind-the-scenes, Hotel Astoria, hotels, luxury Russia tours, museums, restaurants, Rocco Forte, shore excursions, St. Petersburg, tours

May 29, 2011

Private touring in Johannesburg, South Africa: art, shopping, history and more

Many visitors to South Africa see Johannesburg as merely a transit point and pass through the city without stopping. We think that’s a pity because South Africa’s most populous city is a very worthwhile destination. In addition to the Apartheid Museum–one of the most interesting and important places to visit in the city–we love Johannesburg […]

Destinations: Africa, South Africa

Tags: archaeology, art, crafts, food, galleries, hotels, Johannesburg, luxury, museums, restaurants, safaris, tours, UNESCO, wine

May 24, 2011

Private Shore Excursions the Artisans of Leisure Way

When taking a luxury cruise, a great way to make the most of your time in ports of call is with private shore excursions and private overland tours. Artisans of Leisure has a vast network of expert guides and drivers in cruise destinations around the world, and we work with sophisticated travelers to customize private […]

Tags: Artisans of Leisure, cruises, day tours, drivers, excursions, food, guides, luxury tours, overland tours, private, shore excursions, tours, wine

May 12, 2011

Must Stay: Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in the Blue Mountains, Australia

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, a three-hour drive (or short helicopter transfer) from Sydney, is a must-stay for those who wish to experience one of the very best resorts in Australia. The valley setting is magnificent, surrounded by sandstone escarpments and thickly forested hills. The resort is made up of approximately 40 stand-alone suites, furnished […]

Destinations: Australia, South America

Tags: active travel, Australia tours, Blue Mountains, cuisine, nature, spa, Sydney, wilderness, wildlife, Wolgan Valley Resort

April 28, 2011

Versailles Beyond the Palace: Markets, Gardens, Antiques, Nature and Luxury

Versailles is one of the most interesting and elegant cities in France. Our private France tours bring travelers to our favorite spots in Versailles, many of which are rarely visited by international travelers. One of the grandest royal palaces in the world, the Chateau de Versailles is a magnificent Baroque complex set on thousands of […]

Destinations: Europe, France

Tags: active tours, antique shopping, chateau, Chateau de Versailles, day tours, excursions from Paris, family tours, food markets, France tours, French gardens, garden tours, gardens, gourmet restaurants, King Louis XIV, luxury hotels, nature, palace, Paris, private tours, Versailles, Versailles Palace