Down Under Gourmet - March 11-21, '10 $8,525pp/do
Experience the best of Australian food and wine as part of this five star, small group tour led my Liz O'Connell & Anna Weinberg of San Francisco's South food + wine. Australia is emerging as one of the top producers of great food, wine, and innovative chefs. This tour will take you behind the scenes of the changing culinary landscape with dining at some of Australia's top restaurants, tours of award winning vineyards, and VIP entry to the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
Liz and Anna will share their expertise while you visit sites such as the Sydney Fish Markets and Penfolds Magill Estate. Along the way you will also enjoy the company and teachings of famous Australian winemakers and cooks such as Chef Luke Mangan and winemaker John Duval. With so many tours and meals included you are sure to taste the best of Australian food and sites. Of course, you will also enjoy some downtime to explore the sites on your own and work off a few of those calories. Or if you choose you can simply relax and enjoy your luxurious accomodations overlooking the Sydney Opera House at the Park Hyatt or the vineyards of the Barossa Valley while staying at The Louise.
Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime foodie adventure!
Price includes:airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco, accomodations, touring, winery visits and tastings, group meals, guides Anna Weinberg and Liz O'Connell, entry to the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and all gratuities. Note: prices are not guaranteed until paid in full and are subject to currency fluctuation. |
Iconic Australia
Enjoy some of the best of Australia while exploring history, culture, and wildlife in Sydney, Cairns, Adelaide, and Kangaroo Island. Start your journey with four nights in Sydney, Australia’s oldest city, known for its beautiful harbor and Opera House. While these sights are must sees they are only the beginning. Visit the Taronga Zoo, the Blue Mountains National Park, or the Hunter Valley wine region. Enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and culture along with the friendly locals.
Hop a flight to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Four nights will give you plenty of time to enjoy snorkeling, diving, and swimming as well as time to explore on land. Visit the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest on the planet, or marvel at Aboriginal art. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of this vibrant city before heading south to Adelaide.
A blend of old and new, Adelaide offers visitors a taste of Australia’s colonial heritage wrapped in modern vibrancy. Relax at one of the many charming cafes or art galleries or explore the surrounding parklands. Savor the local produce and products at Adelaide Central Market or visit Barossa Valley for excellent Australian wines.
The highlight of any trip to Australia would be a visit to Kangaroo Island. Enjoy an evening on ‘Australia’s Galapagos’ to experience authentic Australia. This small island is home to a diverse range of wildlife including koalas and is one of the few places visitors can enjoy them in the wild. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience you will never forget.
This twelve night package offers visitors a taste of what Australia has to offer and is a great start for a first time traveler to this amazing country.
Price starts at $1,700pp for round trip international airfare on V Australia, domestic flights within Australia on Virgin Blue, accommodations for four nights in Sydney, four nights in Cairns, three nights in Adelaide(pre and post Kangaroo Island touring), one night on Kangaroo Island, and one day Kangaroo Island touring including ferry, transfers, breakfast and lunch. Optional tours for Sydney, Cairns, and Adelaide can be arranged at additional cost.
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Julia Child’s Paris and Provence
She was one of the most loved chefs of all time entertaining audiences worldwide while making French food accessible to the masses. Now you can experience Julia Child’s early days in Paris and Provence with a week’s worth of delicious activities designed my French travel experts Kathy Morton and Debra Fioritto. Drawing from their own knowledge and Julia’s memoir, My Life In France, they have created a seven night package that you can take at your own pace or arrange for a driver and guide to show you around.
Start your trip with a celebratory coupe de champagne at legendary Hotel Pont Royal where Julia and her husband spent their first days in Paris. Your detailed itinerary will provide you with a road map for exploring the Paris that inspired Julia’s love for French food and culture. Follow the walking routes, directions, and Metro stops to Julia’s favorite haunts, shops, and restaurants. Explore the markets she shopped in, dine in the cafes she ate at, and enjoy all the art, museums, and culture Paris has to offer. The pièce de résistance? A lesson at Julia's alma mater, the illustrious Le Cordon Bleu.
Enjoy one of the best ways to travel Europe as you relax in first class on the high speed rail, TGV, to Provence. You will enjoy this beautiful region with a one night stay at Les Baux at Oustau de Baumaniere and a three night stay at Chateau de La Begude. These historical accommodations offer comfortable and authentic places to explore the French countryside from. Explore Julia’s former haunts including a visit to her charming farmhouse, La Pitchoune. This epicurean pilgrimage is great for Julia Child fans, foodies, Francophiles, or as a girlfriend getaway. If you would like to spend more time exploring the culture and food of France consider an extension to Marseille and/or Normandy.
Price starts at $2,150pp for seven nights hotel (Hotel Pont Royal in Paris, L'Oustau de Baumaniere, Chateau de la Begude); Coupe de Champagne upon arrival in Paris; Daily breakfast; culinary experience at Le Cordon Bleu; One way 1st class train ticket Paris - Avignon; Detailed itinerary with directions - walking routes and Metro stops - activities and restaurant recommendations. Other hotel accommodations can be arranged at other price levels. Guide and driver can be arranged for more structured itinerary |
