Custom Trips

9 Day Greek Islands

Explore Greece with this 9 Day Greek Islands independent itinerary that includes Athens, Mykonos and Santorini from just $1449 per person, land only. The travel season for the Greek Islands is April through October so be sure to book early! This program can be completely customized to fit your needs.

Package Includes:

2 nights in Athens
3 nights in Mykonos
3 nights in Santorini
Breakfast daily
Ferry tickets, Piraeus/Mykonos/Santorini
Air ticket, Santorini/Athens, including applicable taxes, fees, and fuel surcharges
All transfers

Saturday arrivals are used as a guideline for this package, however, daily arrivals are available.

DAY 01: SAT – Upon arrival at Athens Airport, you will be met and assisted then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Athens.

DAY 02: SUN – The day is at leisure. We suggest a visit to the Acropolis and Plaka on your own or join an optional tour. Overnight in Athens. (B)

DAY 03: MON – This morning you will have an early transfer to Piraeus Port for your ferry to Mykonos. Upon arrival in Mykonos, you will be met and assisted then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Mykonos. (B)

DAY 04/05: TUE/WED – The days are at leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches, the sea, and the sun of this wonderful island. Be sure to check out the incredible nightlife in the evening. Overnight in Mykonos. (B)

DAY 06: THU – This morning you will be transferred to the pier for your ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival in Santorini, you will be met and assisted then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Santorini. (B)

DAY 07/08: FRI/SAT – The days are at leisure to enjoy this breathtaking island. Admire the town of Fira’s whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and open-air cafes that cling to a steep cliff accessible by cable car or donkey. Overnight in Santorini. (B)

DAY 09: SUN – You will be transferred to Santorini Airport for your flight to Athens in time to connect with your return flight. (B)

*All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking. Airfare is not included, but is available for purchase separately.

8 Day South Africa Gourmet Cuisine, Wine, and Safari

8 Day South Africa Gourmet Cuisine, Wine, and Safari Wine Tours, Spa, Safari and More from $1999 per person, land only. Ask about airfare from your closest airport city!

Package Includes:

Meet and Greet at Cape Town airport
3 nights in a non-sea facing classic room at the 4-star Winchester Mansions on a B&B basis
2 nights in a standard room at the Augberge Bligny Homestead in Franschhoek on a B&B basis
2 nights 5-star Water Lodge at the Pumba Game Reserve on a fully inclusive basis (includes accommodation, all game drives, meals and all drinks)
Bo Kaap Walking tour and Cape Malay Food tour (includes lunch)
Car rental for 6 days.
Transfers as needed.

Sunday arrivals are used as a guideline for this package, however, daily arrivals are available.

DAY 01: SUN – You are met at Cape Town airport by our representative and handed your travel documents. You travel into Cape Town and check in at the 4-star Winchester Mansions, situated on the Atlantic seaboard with uninterrupted sea views. It is five minute drive from the trendy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This charming and gracious hotel offers its guests understated elegance and service. The luxurious rooms have sea or mountain views. Sip sundowners whilst viewing the spectacular ocean sunsets and relax around the decked pool. There is an in-house spa offering health and beauty treatments. The Winchester Mansions’ in-house restaurant, Harvey’s, is fast becoming a culinary hot spot in Cape Town. Hard to find among Cape Town restaurants today, Harvey’s offers discerning diners an appetising taste of traditional Cape cuisine. The Harvey’s Bar, adjoining the restaurant, allows you to enjoy arguably Cape Town’s best view – the sun slipping into the Atlantic – while sipping a long cocktail on the terrace. The rest of this afternoon is at leisure to relax or you can take an optional half-day city tour of one of the one of the world’s most beautiful cities. You will visit the historic Castle and the Bo-Kaap Malay Quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and colourful mosques. You view the Houses of Parliament and then, weather-permitting, you will ride the cable car up Table Mountain to enjoy the view over Cape Town and across Table Bay to Robben Island (cable car fare is not included in tour price). If the weather is inclement, you will be taken on a scenic drive up Signal Hill. You will be dropped off at the hotel after the tour. Overnight at the Winchester Mansions. (B)

DAY 02: MON – Today is at leisure in Cape Town. We suggest you either take a tour or self-drive along the coast around the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point. You travel along the Atlantic seaboard via glamorous Clifton to the quaint seaside village of Hout Bay. Here you can take a boat ride from the fishing harbour out to the seal colony on Seal Island. Continue via the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point. Looking at this dramatic promontory jutting into the sea gives one an idea why early sailors nicknamed it the Cape of Storms. You then follow the coastline northwards via Simonstown, where you can visit the penguin colony of Boulders Beach. A leisurely drive through the leafy southern suburbs will bring you back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight at the Winchester Mansions. (B)

DAY 03: TUE – We suggest you spend this day at leisure exploring the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, which is a five minute drive from the hotel. If you do not have a hire car, your hotel concierge will call a taxi for you. The Waterfront is Southern Africa’s trendiest shopping precinct and is a great place to look for gifts. You can take a ferry from the Waterfront across Table Bay to Robben Island. An ex-prisoner takes you on an extensive tour of the prison, which includes a visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell, the limestone quarry and the old leper colony. Today you will take a half-day Cape Malay Tour, which includes a hand-on cooking demonstration in a Cape Malay home followed by lunch. This afternoon you could visit the Waterfront’s Two Oceans Aquarium, which is highly recommended for the insight it gives into life in the two oceans off the southern tip of Africa – the cold Atlantic Ocean and the warm Indian Ocean. Alternatively, you may like to relax on one of the trendy beaches of Camps Bay or Clifton. Museum lovers can wander through the South African Museum and the National Art Gallery. This evening would be a good time to go up Table Mountain if the weather was inclement on Day One. Tonight you may like to try one of the fine quayside restaurants at the Waterfront. Overnight at the Winchester Mansions. (B)

DAY 04: WED – This morning you travel to the Winelands, with its backdrop of majestic mountain ranges and lush valleys and vineyards. If you are self-driving, we suggest you stop for a wine tasting and cellar tour at Fairview and Boschendal Estates. A scenic drive over the Helshoogte Pass (Hell’s Heights) takes you from Stellenbosch to the Franschhoek Valley, where you check into Auberge Clermont. This magnificent Auberge has been created in an old wine cellar amid vines laden with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and the classic Bordeaux Reds of France. There are just six deluxe en-suite rooms on a working wine and fruit farm with an ambiance, style and feel of a little corner of Provence in South Africa’s Winelands. Enjoy the luxury of splendid bedrooms individually decorated in the colours and moods of Provence. Loft rooms are light and stylish with great views. Pool rooms overlook the plum orchards and majestic mountains beyond. A tennis court and swimming pool are great for summer fun. Linger over a delightful breakfast served in your room or on the terrace under 140-year-old oak trees overlooking the plum orchards. Overnight at the Auberge Bligny. (B)

DAY 05: THU – We suggest you spend today following the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek Wine Routes. You can either self-drive or arrange a tour through your hotel concierge. You can stop for tastings at wine estates along the way and you will have the chance to purchase some of the wines you have tasted. Other sights worth seeing in the Winelands are Stellenbosch, the “town of oaks” and South Africa’s second oldest town. In Franschhoek itself you can visit the memorial to the French Huguenots, who sought refuge from religious persecution in Europe and settled here in the late seventeenth century. Paarl, with its three imposing granite domes and monument to the Afrikaans language, is also an interesting stop. Franschhoek is known as South Africa’s gourmet capital. For lunch visit La Petite Ferme – a feast of culinary delights. For dinner you might like to try Le Quartier Français Restaurant, which has been rated by Restaurant Magazine in London as one of the world’s 50 Best Restaurants. Another excellent Franschhoek Restaurant is Haute Cabrière. A combination of fine wine and food, the elegance of the cellar venue and the breath-taking views have put Haute Cabrière in all the top 10 listings in South Africa. Overnight at the Auberge Bligny. (B)

DAY 06: FRI – You depart Franschhoek and travel to Cape Town airport to catch a flight to Port Elizabeth. From Port Elizabeth you travel to the Big Five game reserve. Upon check-in at 1 pm, you are served lunch. Discover wildest Africa in true luxury at the Pumba Private Game Reserve in South Africa. This Eastern Cape safari lodge has achieved a 5-star rating for its unrivalled beauty, world-class service and the abundance of wild animals on its doorstep. In addition to the famous Big 5 (lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants), guests of the game reserve have the rare opportunity of seeing the magnificent White Lion, stalking prey and lazing under the trees in its natural environment. This South African retreat is equipped with two intimate lodges (the Water Lodge and Msenge Bush Lodge), each boasting their own touch of opulence. In addition to this inviting accommodation, complete with outdoor showers and private pools, guests are invited to savour the flavours created by the qualified 5-star chefs. To complete the Pumba experience, the Msenge Bush Lodge’s Soul Spa is guaranteed to work off the last remnants of the stress of city living. Overnight at Pumba Private Game Reserve. (B/L/D)

DAY 07: SAT – This morning after a light breakfast you are taken on another game drive. Game drives at Pumba bring you face to face with a multitude of game species. After lunch relax on your deck or enjoy a swim in the pool. Afternoon game drive followed by dinner. Overnight at Pumba Private Game Reserve. (B/L/D)

DAY 08: SUN – This morning you are taken on your last game drive at Pumba. After brunch you bid farewell to this African wonderland and you travel back to Port Elizabeth airport and board your flight home. (B)

* All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking. Airfare is not included, but is available for purchase separately.

Barcelona to Valencia: Art, Wine & History

Visit Barcelona, Villa franca del Penedes, Montserrat, Conca del Barbera, Tarragona, Priorat & Montsant and Valencia on this 7 night culinary & wine adventure

This private small group tour is based on 6 people traveling together however can be customized for any size group from 2 persons on up.

From $2265 per person, land only

Itinerary:

Day 1: BARCELONA
Arrival in Barcelona and accommodations at your hotel (transfer not included). Unless your arrival is very late, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a walking tour of old Barcelona. Accommodations.

Day 2: BARCELONA
Breakfast. Walk to the Gothic Quarter to meet our chef of the day at our selected kitchen/workshop from which we will walk to the Boqueria Market, where we will pick up the necessary ingredients for our LUNCH. Return to the kitchen/workshop where we will participate with others in the preparation of the selected dish, a Paella. Upon completion, we will enjoy the delicious result right there in the kitchen/workshop. In the afternoon we will dedicate outselves to knowing some of the works of the architectural genius Antonio Gaudi, including his most colossal work, the Holy Family Basilica, but some other corners of the city, perhaps Casa Battllo. Accommodations.

Day 3: BARCELONA-PENEDES
Breakfast. We depart southwestward to the charming unspoiled beach village of Sitges, now something of an artist colony; then inland to the heart of the Penedes wine region to visit the small winery Jean Leon which combines tradition with the cutting edge of winemaking. We will sample some of their products. Continue to the heart of Villafranca del Penedes where we will observe up front how the culture of wine determines the rhythm of the region. Continue to our charming area hotel for the next two nights. Accommodations.

Day 4: PENEDES
Breakfast. This morning you may choose (in advance) to visit some local vineyards by bicycle or on foot. En route we will visit a traditional vineyard guided in depth by an expert local guide. In the afternoon we will pay a visit to the impressive Monastery of Montserrat, to which you may walk if you are feeling energetic. Later, return to the hotel.

Day 5: CONCA DEL BARBERA & TARRAGONA
Breakfast. A little more to the south we find the Denomination of Origen Conca del Barbera, where we follow the Cistercian Route where the landscape is marked by vineyards and olive groves. This route is marked by a series of monasteries like Santes Creus, Vallbona de les Monges and El Poblet. At the latter, surrounded by vineyards, we will visit the interior. While in the area, we will visit one of the local wineries and taste some of their products. Continue to Tarragona and our hotel. Accomodations.

Day 6: PRIORAT & MONTSANT
Breakfast. Today we will visit the noted wine growing region of Priorat, in the hilly interior, passing through quaint villages and stopping in some of its wineries. Lunch on your own. Later we will enjoy its natural beauty with a little walk. Return to the hotel. DINNER in a local restaurant. Accommodations.

Day 7: TARRAGONA-VALENCIA
Breakfast. Today we travel by train (approx. 3 hours, 30 minutes) along the Mediterranean coastline to Valencia. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, followed by a tour of the City of Arts & Sciences, designed by the architect Calatrava and one of the city’s outstanding attractions. Return to the hotel. Accommodations.

Day 8: VALENCIA
Breakfast. End of tour. Transfer out not included.

Your tour Includes:

Private transportation with English speaking guide throughout
7 nights of accommodation at selected hotels
1 cooking class Barcelona
1 Lunch
1 Dinner at local restaurant in Tarragona
Guided sightseeing in Barcelona, Tarragona and Valencia
Cycling or walking tour of Penedes
4 Winery visits with wine tasting in Penedes (2), Conca del Barbera and Priorat
Train tickets from Tarragona to Valencia

EAT, PRAY, LOVE… IN BALI

Relaxing pool villa at Kupu Kupu in Ubud

Escape to Bali from $2999USD per person with round trip air from Los Angeles to Denpasar on Eva Airway, 7 nts hotel, some meals, transfers, guided excursions.

Its lush beauty and scenery makes Ubud the ultimate location for amour, yoga, meditation and relaxation. Stemming from this best-selling memoir based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s experiences in Asia, this one week itinerary offers the cultural highlights of Ubud: Balinese healing, a cycling tour, local cooking class and a romantic dinner on Jimbaran Beach.

Day 1. Arrive Bali.
Upon arrival at Denpasar Airport, your Goway representative will be waiting for you at the main gate, holding the a sign board with your name on it. After a warm welcome the guide will take you to Ubud and brief you about your itinerary. Located in the cool mountains, Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart, and the center of Balinese arts and crafts.

Day 2. Ubud.
Today you will have the opportunity to participate in an early Meditation class and Hatha or Asthanga Yoga program, held in the hotel’s outdoor yoga space, which overlooks a rice field. After breakfast, the remainder of the day is free to explore Ubud, a short 25 minute walk or a quick taxi ride away. Enjoy some of the other activities offered by the hotel, such as painting or wood carving lessons. (B)

Day 3. Ubud Touring.
You can enjoy a full day touring Bali. First visit the Tampak Siring, the holy fountain of youth located in Tampak Siring Village. The temple and its bathing spots have been used by the Balinese for over a thousand years promoting good health and prosperity. Regular purification ceremonies also take place here. You will also visit the Elephant Cave (known as Goa Gajah), nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to the 9th Century. Then pass through the Tegallalang Rice terraces to capture a picturesque green rice terrace. Arrive back to your hotel at 5pm and the rest of your day is free at leisure. (B)

Day 4. Ubud Healing.
No visit to Bali would be complete without an exploration of its insightful healers. Today you will experience traditional Balinese faith healing with a visit to one of the most noted healers in Bali, Pak Cok. You will meet with him in a private session for a consultation, where you have the opportunity to discuss anything you would like to know, let him check you and offer recommendations covering all aspects of life, health, career and family. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the Lotus Restaurant in Ubud. Spend time strolling through the many shops and galleries before returning to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at your leisure. (BL)

Day 5. Cycling around Ubud.
After breakfast, you will be picked up for a relaxed cycling trip around Ubud’s villages to see the local Balinese rural life and a village temple. Cycling along small roads, the tour will take about 2 hours and you will see many friend locals along with way. Arrive back at your hotel around 3pm and the balance of your day is free. (BL)

Day 6. Ubud Cooking Class.
Once again you can start the day with an early morning 7am Yoga Session and meditation. Enjoy a healthy breakfast and leisurely morning and at noon, you will be taken to a traditional family home near Ubud to learn the secrets of Balinese cooking. Embark on a culinary adventure in this afternoon cooking class, utilizing traditional ingredients and preparation methods, in a fully equipped community village kitchen. This experience involves a trip to the local market, a guided explanation of the local ingreidients and then the class. Enjoy your efforts for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore town or relax at your hotel. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner at Café Wayan. (BLD)

Day 7. Ubud – Benoa.
Rise and shine and start the day with a one hour yoga session with meditation. At noon, prepare to be transferred to your beachfront hotel in Benoa. This evening, enjoy a candle lit dinner on Jimbaran Beach.(BD)

Day 8. Depart Bali.
The day is free at your leisure until your transfer to the airport or your extension to other parts of Bali or Indonesia. (B)

“Starting From” PRICE INCLUDES:

6 nights accommodation in Ubud and 1 night in Benoa/Nusa Dua, meals shown as BLD, return airport transfers (Denpasar Airport), all touring & as stated in the program including a full day Ubud tour, Indonesian cooking class, cycle tour, and a consultation with a Balinese faith healer.

This program can be completely customized to your interests! Ready to plan your next romantic escape or girls getaway? Contact me to get started.

Private Tours Around The World

Bavarian & Austrian Delights
Munich, Salzburg & Vienna Discovery
8 Days from $2,800 pp
With the start of Oktoberfest just around the bend, you might start wondering why you haven’t yet experienced Germany. From tales of the Brothers Grimm, Mozart melodies & quintessential alpine villages to storybook castles, dancing white horses, traditional Weiss beers & mouth-watering spatzle, this elegant adventure through German & Austria will satisfy your wanderlust! Led by expert guide explore a mosaic of modern & medieval wonders as you tour Munich, Salzburg & Vienna. Cruise the legendary Danube, taste the beer capital of Europe & live the “Sound of Music” at Schonbrunn Palace. With stylish hotels, private & shared tours, all transfers & more. Customize your tour with a trip to the BMW Factory, classical concerts or a Bavarian alpine discovery.

Prayers, Pagodas & Burmese Arts
Myanmar Discovery
7 Days from $1,895 pp
From the New York Times to Lonely Planet & elite globetrotters to curious backpackers, the prior Kingdom of Burma is on the mind of every traveler. Behold this time-locked land evocative of South East Asia of a century ago with this exquisite private guided adventure. As you tour Yangon, Inle Lake & Bagan, be immersed in intriguing wonders. Cruise with leg-rowing fishermen, village-hop by bicycle, receive Buddhist blessings, picnic beside ancient temples, sample local wines, learn to roll Burmese cheroots, visit a jungle monastery, tour artisan workshops & find exotic delights round every bend. This is a dreamlike way to discover this once forbidden land.

The Circle of Life
Kenya’s Great Migration
7 Days from $2,385 pp
Behold one of the greatest spectacles on earth, Africa`s Great Migration with this safari through Nairobi, Lake Naivasha & the legendary Masai Mara. A never-to-be-forgotten experience, witness thousands of wildebeest & zebra as they take their epic journey through the plains of the Masai Mara – evading lions, crocodiles, leopards & hyenas along the way. Visit the Karen Blixen Museum, Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Sanctuary & vibrant handicraft markets – or go to Lake Naivasha for a boat cruise. Safari through Nakuru National Park & see flamingos, monkeys & rhinos. Featuring classic safari camps, private guide & driver – if you’ve ever wanted to experience the circle of life firsthand, book now!

Royal Incan Odyssey
Peru by Orient Express
8 Days from $6,300 pp
For those who believe the journey should be just a pleasurable as one`s destination, this decadent tour featuring iconic Orient Express properties allows you to behold the timeless treasures of the mystical Incan civilization in high-style. Led in luxury by expert private guide & chauffer tour the streets of Lima, the prehistoric spiritual center of Pachacamac, the former capital of the Incan Empire Cusco, the magical Sacred Valley & enigmatic Machu Picchu. From UNESCO Sites, the Hiram Bingham train & an afternoon hiking to Peruvian cuisine, Pisac markets & cultural performances, this voyage is truly exquisite.

Cities, Temples & Beaches
Malaysia Encompassed
10 Days from $3,250 pp
From the futuristic towers, ancient temples & spicy culinary delights of Kuala Lumpur to the talcum powder beaches, waterfalls & jungle wilds of sun-drenched Langkawi, delve into the true rhythm of Malaysia with this all-encompassing private guided journey. A fusion of sweet & spicy, heaven-sent wilds, ancient traditions & diverse cultures, discover the lush Cameron Highlands & the colonial elegance & holy sites of Penang. Featuring quaint villages, fragrant tea plantations, mangrove cruise, spiritual blessings, animal encounters, vivid batik painting workshops, lively night bazaars, private guide, driver & 5-star hotels.

Africa’s Camelot
Treasures of Ethiopia
10 Days from $3,740 pp
Set off on a soul stimulating voyage showcasing the ancient dynasties, mystical cathedrals & spiritual people of Ethiopia. Explore the bustling highlights of Addis Ababa. Visit Blue Nile Falls, cruise Lake Tana & tour the age-old island monasteries of Bahir Dar. Follow in the footsteps of ancient kings to the medieval castles of Gondar before trekking the Simien Mountains to meet gelada monkeys. Next pilgrimage to Lalibela, home to the underground churches, considered Ethiopia’s World Wonder. Ride atop a mule to a 13th century monastery & finish amongst the ruins of old in Aksum. With cultural encounters & the luxury of private guide, this often overlooked country makes for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

*All prices are USD per person based on double occupancy, subject to availability, dates travelled & applicable to new bookings only. Other conditions may apply.

Each tour program can be completely customized to fit your needs. Contact me today for sample itinerary!