October 6, 2009

Top 5: Quick getaways over the Christmas and New Year holidays

Looking for great options for a short international trip over the Christmas and New Year holidays? Our luxury travel experts have selected five of their favorite destinations. 1.) Marrakesh A week in Marrakesh promises over-the-top luxury, thriving traditional culture, great shopping and dining, and plenty of outdoor options. We recommend using Marrakesh as base for five or […]

Destinations: Austria, Czech Republic, Egypt, Europe, Italy, Middle East, Morocco, Turkey

Tags: Christmas, Christmas Markets, cities, culture, December, European getaway, family, family travel, festivals, food, gardens, getaways, holiday travel, holidays, interior design, international, January, luxury resorts, luxury travel, markets, New Year, once-in-a-lifetime, ruins, shopping, short trips, spas, tours, travel, trips, vacation, wine

September 25, 2009

Porticos of Bologna

Porticos are as essential to Bologna as gourmet food and university students. The distinctive covered walkways course 38 kilometers (more than 23 miles) through this attractive and very walkable city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, sheltering pedestrians and window-shoppers from the elements while providing access to daylight and fresh air. Porticos typically flow […]

Destinations: Europe, Italy

Tags: architecture, architecture tours, art, art tours, Bologna, Bologna's porticos, culinary, design, Emilia-Romagna, food, frescoes, history, Italian, Italy tours, Jewish, luxury, luxury Italy tours, portico, private, tours, travel, UNESCO

September 17, 2009

Classical Music: A Central European Tradition

Classical music is the enduring soundtrack of Central Europe and one of the many compelling reasons to visit the region. Some of the world’s greatest composers were born here—including Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt and Dvorak—and their musical masterpieces are a legacy treasured by locals and visitors alike. One of our favorite ways to immerse […]

Tags: Artisans of Leisure, churches, Classical music, classical music tours, composers, concert halls, concerts, Europe tours, European, festivals, historic, luxury travel, music, music festivals, music tours, musical traditions, opera, opera house, palaces, performances, Prague, tickets, tours

September 11, 2009

Must Stay: the Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam

The Nam Hai is the best luxury resort in Vietnam and is a must for anyone in search of luxury, relaxation (beach and spa time), and plenty of activities (including some of Vietnam’s best cultural touring). The resort is located on a beautiful white-sand beach in Central Vietnam. Guests at the Nam Hai stay in […]

Destinations: Asia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam

Tags: beach, cultural touring, Hoi An, luxury resorts, luxury Vietnam tours, romantic, romantic Vietnam, spa, the Nam Hai, tours, Vietnam tours

August 20, 2009

Traditional Buddhist culture in Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is a wonderful place to experience the rhythms of a traditional Buddhist culture. The atmospheric town in northern Laos sits on the banks of the slow-moving Mekong River, and traditional wooden houses, French colonial architecture, abundant palm trees, and a lack of high-rise buildings give it a low-key, unspoiled charm. Dozens of modest […]

Destinations: Asia, Laos, Southeast Asia

Tags: alms processions, Amantaka, artisans, Artisans of Leisure, Asia tours, Buddhism, Buddhist alms, Buddhist tours, excursions, French colonial architecture, Indochina, Laos tours, Luang Prabang, luxury Asia tours, luxury resorts, markets, Orient Express, Pak Ou Caves, photography, private, private guides, Residence Phou Vao, resorts, silk, temples, UNESCO, Wat Xieng Thong, wats

August 12, 2009

An interview with one of our culinary travel experts

Artisans of Leisure is well known for our private culinary tours in destinations around the world. We hope you enjoy this interview with one of our culinary travel experts. Q: How does food influence how you travel? A: Basically, I travel to eat. Quite often I plan my touring around a certain restaurant I want […]

Tags: Artisans of Leisure, books, cuisine, culinary tours, culinary travel, cultural tours, food, food blog, food markets, food tours, foodie, Indonesia, Jewish tours, restaurants, shopping, tours, travel

August 3, 2009

Secret London: Chelsea Physic Garden

The Chelsea Physic Garden is one of our favorite places in London. Hidden behind high brick walls and largely unknown to many travelers, this three-and-a-half-acre garden is not just a beautiful and relaxing sanctuary. It’s also a fascinating window into the botanical world, international trade and London’s history. The garden was founded in 1673 by […]

Destinations: England, Europe, UK

Tags: botanical gardens, botany, British, Chelsea, Chelsea Physic Garden, England tours, English gardens, flowers, garden design, garden history, garden tours, gardens, history, London, luxury tours, plants, private tours

July 20, 2009

Bluff oysters: a superstar among New Zealand’s sensational seafood

Among New Zealand’s many seafood sensations, a standout is the legendary Bluff oyster. Plump, delicate and sweet, Bluff oysters are highly coveted among Kiwis. But, unlike much of New Zealand’s excellent seafood, Bluff oysters are sold only in New Zealand, and they are available fresh only from March through August. New Zealand has some of […]

Destinations: New Zealand, South Pacific

Tags: Bluff Oysters, cuisine, culinary tours, food, New Zealand tours, oysters, seafood