Europe

Participants: 12 pax,  Accommodation: 4 Star, Duration: 09 days

Day 01: Arrive Tallin, Estonia

Upon arrival at Tallinn, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in north eastern Europe. The city will surprise you with its charming Old Town full of towers, narrow winding streets and old limestone walls existing beside modern buildings and business centers.

Day 02: Tallin

This morning enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Tallinn. Start with a walking tour of Old Town with its Old Town Hall, numerous Gothic Churches and Toompea Castle where the government of Estonia is situated. Also visit Kadriorg Park and the Baroque Palace, built in 1720 as a summer residencefor Peter the Great. It is now an Art Museum and the official residence of the President of Estonia. Continue to Pirita, the sailing center, and take a walk on the sandy beach. This afternoon drive outside the city center to visit Rocca al Mare, the Open Air Ethnographical Museum.

Day 03: Tallin – Riga, Latavia

Transfer to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Drive past Parnu, a popular summertime beach resort. Cross the border into Latvia and drive to Gauja National Park, a densely wooded park set in the Gauja River Valley, with scenic cliffs, small caves and wonderfully tall, ancient oak trees. Visit Turaida Castle, a red brick archbishops’ castle founded in 1214. Drive through Sigulda town, the main gateway to Gauja National Park, with a stop to view the Sigulda Castle ruins. Known locally as the “Switzerland of Latvia,” Sigulda and its environs boast a string of medieval castles and legend-laden caves scattered along one of the prettiest stretches of the Gauja valley. Continue to Riga, where the balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 04: Riga

Full day Riga city tour. Begin with a walking tour of the Old Town, with buildings dating from the 13th century. Visit Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church and the Swedish Gate. View the “Three Brothers,” a quaint row of houses including Latvia’s oldest, dating from the 15th century. Visit the Freedom Monument, erected in 1935 as a symbol of independence and left untouched by the invading Soviets. You will also view many of Riga’s well-preserved Art Nouveau buildings. In the afternoon visit the Latvian Ethnographical Open Air Museum, located on the shores of Lake Jugla just east of the city.

Day 05: Riga – Klaipeda, Lithuania

Transfer to Klaipeda, Lithuania’s third largest city and gateway to the lush natural beauty of the Curonian Spit. Drive south from Riga to Rundale to visit the 18th-century Rundale Palace, considered by some to be the most beautiful building in the Baltic states. Cross the border into Lithuania and continue to the Hill of Crosses, located about 6 miles (10 km) north of Siauliai. This small hill is covered in a forest of thousands upon thousands of crosses – large and tiny, expensive and cheap, wooden and metal. Continue to the port city of Klaipeda, Lithuania’s oldest city, dating back to the 7th century. Although much of its original architecture has been destroyed through the years, the city has retained a distinctly Germanic look from its 700 years of Prussian rule. Klaipeda today is an exciting modern city with an expanding harbor.

Day 06: Klaipeda – Nida – Klaipeda

Drive along the Curonian Spit, a thin 60-mile stretch of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. Small fishing villages are scattered along the spit. Visit the resort town of Nida with its Great Dune and German writer Thomas Mann’s summerhouse. On the way back to Klaipeda, stop at the Hill of Witches in the resort town of Juodkrante. Fantastical and grotesque wooden carvings from Lithuanian folklore line this sculpture trail. In the afternoon, take a short stroll through the Old Town, Theatre Square and along the Klaipeda Channel.

Day 07: Klaipeda – Palanga – Vilnius

Transfer to Palanga, a picturesque seaside resort. Visit the excellent Amber Museum, housed in a classical palace. Continue to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Founded in the 10th century, Vilnius exudes a warm, Northern European charm.

Day 08: Vilnius

This morning’s sightseeing tour includes a panoramic tour of the city and a walking tour of the Old Town. Visit Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, St. Anna’s Church, the Old University and Gates of the Dawn. This afternoon enjoy an excursion to Trakai. Set on Lake Galve in a region of forests and rolling hills, Trakai was the medieval capital of Lithuania. The restored Trakai Castle on the peninsula makes a lovely setting for a walk. A second castle is built on a nearby island – rent a boat and paddle, row or sail across the placid lake to get there.

Day 09: Depart Vilnius

Transfer to the airport for your departing international flight. 

 Participants: 15 pax,  Accommodation: 4 Star, Duration: 07 days

Day 01: Reykjavik, Iceland – Hella

Arrive Keflavik International Airport, you are met at the airport this morning to begin your tour. Departing Keflavik airport, drive past the capital city of Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park. Stroll around the country’s most sacred site, home of the old Viking parliament Alþingi and major events in Iceland’s history. Thingvellir is a place of fascinating natural beauty, one of the most geologically spectacular regions of the country. It is set on a vast plain flanked by large fissures, right on Iceland’s largest lake, Thingvallavatn. Also visit Langjokull glacier, where you have the opportunity to go on an optional snowmobile tour (not included.) Continue over a scenic route to your hotel in Hella, about 60 miles from Reykjavik city center.

Day 02: Hella – Landmannalaugar – Hella

Drive two hours through the black volcanic sand of Iceland´s most active volcano, Hekla, and the green valley of Dómadalur. Arrive in Landmannalaugar, a volcanic zone with a mixture of colorful rhyolite stones and black obsidian stones. Walking around in Landmannalaugar is a feast of color contrasts. The adventurous may end their walk with an outdoor bath in a natural hot water pool – no locker rooms, changing done outside! On the way back to Hella, stop at Ljótipollur (ugly pond) a huge crater formed in the 15th century, now hosting a lake. Pass by an area with several hydroelectric power plants before returning to your hotel.

Day 03: Hella – Gullfoss – Geysir – Akureyri

This morning visit one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls, Gullfoss (golden waterfall.) Gulfoss cascades 105 feet (32 meters) into the canyon of Hvítá (white river) after a journey of 20 miles (30 km) from the glacier Langjökull (long glacier.) Not far from the waterfall we find the Geysir area with its numerous hot springs. Geysir, the word meaning “to spout/erupt” is used internationally for spouting hot springs, found only in few countries of the world. In the area we find the geysir Strokkur (churn) that spouts every 5-10 minutes. The old Geysir has turned down its activity and has not spouted naturally for a long time, but it is there to be admired. Continue over the highland road Kjölur to Akureyri and your hotel. Akureyri is the second largest town in Iceland. An industrial, shipping and dairy town on Eyjafjordur Fjord, it has a folklore museum and botanical gardens that shouldn’t be missed and, when the weather is colder, plenty of winter sports. During the summer, because the sun never sets, contestants in the Arctic Open play midnight golf. Located in the heart of Akureyri, gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with a high standard of elegance, quality, service and comfort.

Day 04: Akureyri – Húsavík – Lake Mývatn – Akureyri

Today, head to the picturesque fishing village of Húsavík, the „whale watching capital“ of Iceland. Down at the harbor we board a traditional fishing vessel that has been renovated to serve as an excursion boat, and take a course west across the bay. There is a 98% chance of seeing whales on this cruise. Minke whales, fin whales, harbor porpoises and dolphins have all been sighted here. As the voyage begins, excitement soon grips both crew and passengers on the lookout for whales spouting or lifting their tails. „No two trips are ever the same,“ our captain informs us, which means there is always as much excitement and anticipation on every cruise. Minke whales are seen on virtually every excursion and some spectacular sightings have been made over the past couple of years. Afterwards we continue to lunarlike Lake Mývatn (midge lake) with its impressive green inlets and geothermal activity. We walk to the top of the 2500-year old crater Hverfjall (hot spring mountain), a crater that looks very similar to those found on the moon. From there we continue our walk to the bizarre lava formations at Dimmuborgir (dark cities). If it were not for the indicated walking paths, it would be very easy to get lost in this maze. The Mývatn area is a paradise for birds, especially ducks, and all the ducks to be found in Iceland lay their eggs in the Lake Mývatn area. During the nesting period, areas around the lake are closed to human access, but we will try during our stops to spot some of the numerous birds around the lake.

Day 05: Akureyri – Skagafjörður – Reykjavik

This morning depart Akureyri and drive through the narrow green valleys and well-shaped mountains of the north to Skagafjörður valley, known as the “Valley of Horses”. Here we get to know the Icelandic horse as we take a one-hour horse riding tour. Then we travel back in history as we visit the old turf house of Glaumbær, where we learn about how the Icelandic people lived and worked throughout the centuries. Continue south past the crater Grábrók (grey trousers) and its 3000-year old moss covered lava field before arriving in Reykjavik. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 06: Reykjavik

The day is yours to explore Reykjavik on your own. A private guide can also be arranged at an additional charge. The world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik (which means „Smoky Bay“) sits on the southern coast of Iceland. It’s a pleasant surprise – surrounded by a ring of mountains and Faxafloi Bay, the city is immaculately clean, and visitors will find that it’s easy to explore on foot. The two main areas encompass the harbor and the lake. The harbor, teeming with boats and fishermen, provides a pleasant stroll and a glimpse into the life of a fishing nation. In the lake area, you’ll find Althingi (the parliament building), the Nordic House, the National Gallery of Iceland (impressive, widely varied collection) and City Hall. The Arni Magnusson Institute, located at the university, contains ancient manuscripts. Optional activities (available at an additional charge) include a day trip to Greenland or guided excursions to other points of interest near Reykjavik.

Day 07: Reykjavik – Depart

You will be met at your hotel at 12:00 noon for a transfer to the Blue Lagoon, located near Keflavik Airport. Enjoy a relaxing bath at the Blue Lagoon to prepare you for your journey home. The Blue Lagoon is an otherworldly setting where lava and thermal water complement each other. The effects are heightened in the winter, due to the unbelievable contrasts of hot and cold, dark and light. Filled with mineral-rich waters, the Blue Lagoon has become internationally known for providing soothing, medicinal relief for sufferers of skin ailments, as well as for others simply looking for a sensational bathing experience. Your taxi will wait for you while you enjoy your bath at the Blue Lagoon. Then continue to Keflavik International Airport for your departing flight.

Participants: 20 pax,  Accommodation: 5 Star, Duration: 03 days 

Day 01: Arrive London

Arrive at London airport and meet our professional guide who will escort the group to the vintage coach to head to the city centre for a tour of the most popular sights. Arrive at the luxury hotel where the group will be welcomed by drinks and canapés.

Transfer to the famous garden restaurant situated 100 feet above the street level. Guests will enjoy a four- course meal followed by music and a stroll along the footpath crossing the formal gardens and the woodland, complete with streams, ducks and flamingo birds.

Today the group depart London to reach an airfield close by where guests will have a chance to fly on one of the old ‘classic ladies’ and enjoy the views over the English countryside. Air enthusiasts, why not try a flying lesson! Alternatively, if they still prefer to keep their feet on the ground, they can choose to go for a battletank driving lesson. A private tour will also take them behind the scenes where the engineers will show them how old aircraft are restored to enrich the collection of the local museum. A coffee break and a light lunch will help our guests to keep going through the experience until mid afternoon when they will be driven to a luxurious former manor house to enjoy a traditional afternoon cream tea.

The group will be back in London in time to relax and change before leaving for an exotic evening meal.

Day 02: London

Today the participants will start their day in Little Venice where they will board a private boat to cruise along the Grand Union Canal disembarking in Camden Town ready for the ‚antique bargain competition‘. At lunchtime they will be taken to a fish restaurant for a taste of the ‚North Sea‘.

In the afternoon the group will follow for a private visit of the ‚Globe‘ by the river, the unique Shakespearean Theatre re-built according to the original project dating back in the 16th century.

After returning to the hotel to change for dinner, the guests will be met outside the hotel by a line of stretch limousines where they can relax over a glass of champagne on their way to the luxury boat waiting to take them down the river. On board they will enjoy a gourmet meal with live music.

Day 03: London

Participants leave after breakfast for a private visit of Chiswick House, the finest Palladian villa in England. Lord Burlington built it in the 18th century to create a fit setting to show his friends his fine library and collection of art. Before starting the visit, guests will be offered coffee and biscuits.

Depart for a charming country house hotel where you will be treated to a delicious lunch in a traditional restaurant overlooking formal gardens.

Transfer to the airport for your departing international flight. 

Participants: 10 pax,  Accommodation: 5 Star, Duration: 05 days 

Day 01: Edinburgh

Enjoy a Panoramic Tour of Edinburgh and transfer to hotel. Dinner at the Dome. For two hundred years, this building has cosseted the cream of Scotland’s talent; first as Physicians Hall and then the national headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. The Georgian Suite is located on the 1st Floor and are exquisitely decorated, providing luxurious surroundings for Private Dining.

Day 02: Edinburgh

Depart for City Centre and enjoy an Edinburgh city tour. We begin by visiting the world famous Edinburgh castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels, and one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.

We then travel down the historic Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace the Queens official residence in Edinburgh. We take a tour of the palace followed by lunch in a restaurant in the dock area of Edinburgh. After lunch we have free time to explore Edinburgh independently. 
Dinner in the Tower Restaurant. Spectacular views of Edinburgh’s castle and city skyline feature on the menu of James Thomson’s unmissable rooftop Tower restaurant above the landmark Museum of Scotland.

Day 03: Into The Highlands

Depart from Edinburgh and travel the few miles to South Queensferry. Take a boat trip under the amazing Victorian Forth rail bridge to the small island of Inchcolm, where there is a ruined monastery and many birds and seals to see. Actors can be arranged to meet the clients on the island dressed as monks to guide them around.

We then depart from the island and travel to Aberdour where the coaches meet us. We then travel north in to the Highlands for a visit to the Glenturret whisky Distillery maker of Famous Grouse whisky where we have lunch followed by VIP tour.
In the afternoon we travel through the Perthshire Highlands to Pitlochry before returning to Edinburgh in the late afternoon. Dinner tonight is at Historic Prestonfield House in a private dining room.

Day 04: Roslyn and New Lanark

Depart from Edinburgh and travel the few miles to Roslyn to visit the chapel made famous by the book by Dan Brown “The Da Vinci Code”. It is a fascinating place to see with the mystery of the Apprentice Pillar one of the mythical hiding place ot the Holy Grail.

We then travel south to New Lanark for a visit to the centre.New Lanark was a major Victorian cotton mill town owned by Robert Owen the “father of socialism”. It is perfectly preserved and recently was awarded World Heritage status. You can wander through the houses, mills and school of the village. It is situated beside the spectacular falls of Clyde one of the favourite scenes of the Victorian landscape painters.
We have lunch in one of the mills before returning to Edinburgh to prepare for the gala dinner.In the afternoon we could also have activities such as clay pigeon shooting, off-road driving, archery, golf tuition etc.Dinner on the Royal Yacht Britannia. This was the Queens Yacht and was where Charles and Diana had their honeymoon. This is one of the most exclusive dinner venues in Britain.

Day 05: Farewell to Scotland, Hello London

Transfer with Assistance to Airport. Flight to London. Pick up From Airport by guide.

We start our visit to London with lunch at Fortnum and Masons in the St James Restaurant. A 3 course lunch awaits, in one of London’s most historic and exclusive eateries. After lunch we tour the sights of London and visit the London Eye to see the breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The London Eye has become, quite literally, the way the world sees London. It is one of the most spectacular and popular attractions in the world. In the evening we take dinner at The Avenue, one of London’s most fashionable restaurants in London’s Mayfair.

Participants: 15 pax,  Accommodation: 4/5 Star, Duration: 07 days

Day 01: Arrive Paris

Meet your guide at your Paris hotel. We begin with a city orientation tour to see the major sights of Paris. Return to the hotel and enjoy an Introduction to Wine Tasting taught at the level of the group. Then we’ll head out for our welcome dinner cruise on the Seine on the Bateaux Parisiens. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner with wine on this elegant cruise, accompanied by live music and dancing as you pass by the city’s greatest monuments, illuminated against the night sky.

Day 02: Paris – Champagne – Paris

Today we head to Champagne. During the 2 hour drive to the region, Mary will provide an introduction to this region and its wines. You’ll visit the famous house of Veuve Clicquot in Reims for a tour of their vast and beautiful cellars, ending with a tasting. Afterward, you’ll see the spectacular Reims Cathedral, where the kings of France were crowned. After lunch with regional wines at the elegant Millénaire restaurant, move on to Epernay in the Côte des Blancs and the renowned house of Moet et Chandon for a tour and tasting. Back to Paris, dinner on your own with our suggestions.

Day 03: Versailles – Paris

Start the morning with a short drive to the Chateau of Versailles, the extravagant palace built by king Louis XIV. You’ll have a guided tour of the State Apartments (including the Hall of Mirrors) before lunch at La Flotille restaurant right on the Grand Canal. Then on to Normandy and the beautiful home and gardens of impressionist painter Claude Monet at Giverny. Return to Paris, where the evening is yours to enjoy one of its many fabulous restaurants.

Day 04: Paris

You have the day free to see the sights and soak in the Parisian atmosphere. Meet at the hotel in the early evening and take the short walk to Bistro du Sommelier, owned by one of France’s biggest names in wine, Philippe Faure-Brac, Best Sommelier in the World 1992. After a visit to his personal cellar, with its many rare and very old bottles, Philippe will design a 5 course, 5 wine meal for us, choosing first the wines and then creating the dishes around them with chef Jean-Michel Descloux. All wines will be served blind in carafes, and we’ll challenge you to guess the appellation and year to win a bottle of Grand Cru Champagne!

Day 05: Loire

Leave Paris today for our two day excursion to the Loire Valley. Along the way, we’ll talk about the diverse wines of this beautiful region. After a two hour drive, we’ll visit the Chateau of Chenonceau, probably the most famous of the Loire Valley castles. The chateau is also a producer of fine wines, and we’ll stop for a tasting of their AOC Touraine wines. Lunch is at the Chateau’s own elegant Orangerie restaurant. This afternoon, you’ll visit another great winery in Vouvray before checking into your own chateau: the beautiful 4- star Chateau de Rochecotte near Bourgeuil. Take a dip in the pool or a walk in their gardens before dinner at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant.

Day 06: Loire

Today we taste wines of the Anjou region; but first, a stop along the way to see the lovely Chateau of Azay- le-Rideau. Our next stop is quite unique: it’s the Cave aux Moines, a cave cut deep into the hillside along the Loire River. We’ll tour the cave to see their production of mushrooms and snails (specialties of this region) before lunch in their restaurant in the middle of the cave! We go on to visit the Chateau de Fesles and taste wines of appellations Coteaux de Layon, Quarts de Chaume, Savennières and Anjou. Our farewell dinner will be at the hotel’s fine restaurant.

Day 07: Loire – Paris

After breakfast, you’ll return to Paris in our motor coach, dropping off those who have outgoing flights back home at Charles de Gaulle airport with drop-off at the Hotel Bedford in Paris. Later this afternoon transfer to the airport for your departing international flight.

Participants: 20 pax,  Accommodation: 5 Star, Duration: 05 days

Day 01: Arrive Kiruna

Fly from Frankfurt to Kiruna, via Stockholm. Transfer to the Mushers Lodge husky camp and check in for the next few nights.

Day 02: Kiruna

Meet the dogs after breakfast and have a training session before heading off on late morning and afternoon practice drives. Lunch is at the camp.

Days 03-04: Artic Tundra

A 2-day guided wilderness expedition driving your own dog team. Begin in snow-clad forests, move upwards to higher ground then across arctic tundra – the route is determined by the weather conditions and will end in the village of Jukkasjarvi. Visit the Sami Museum, picturesque church and the famous Icehotel® on the banks of the frozen Torne River. On day 4, you will be able to relax with a sauna before a hearty farewell dinner.

Day 05: Back to Germany

Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Germany via Stockholm. 

Participants: 21 pax,  Accommodation: 5 Star, Duration: 04 days 

 Budapest, home to two million people and the largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a beautiful city destination. Within an intriguing mix of Renaissance and modern architecture, along cobblestone streets and in sight of the River Danube, you and your guests will find elegant cafés, inspiring art galleries, and a multitude of museums in Hungary’s capital. With long sunny days, Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.  Its extensive World Heritage sites includes the banks of the Danube, Gresham Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Buda Castle Quarter, and the Millennium Underground Railway– the second oldest in the world. The city of Budapest is more than 1000 years old and has a wonderful variety of the old and the modern. 

Day 01: HOTEL & ARRIVAL 

DINNER – The 5* hotel is set in a beautiful historical building with breathtaking views over the Danube, the Chain Bridge and the hills of Buda. The hotel offers golf, tennis and one of Hungary’s best restaurants, and is within walking distance of many of the major sights. The menu for your welcome dinner will be a combination of modern Hungarian cuisine and international delights, designed by the hotel’s Executive Chef.

Day 02: PRIVATE TOUR BY WATER LIMOUSINE 

Guests will spend an unforgettable hour on the water – Budapest without the Danube would not be Budapest, and whoever tries it once will always remember the magic of admiring the view from the river. After the tour, climbing back to the river shore, you’ll find yourself once again in the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to see the Academy of Science, Parliament, St Stephen’s Basilica , Synagogue, The Opera House, Heroes’ Square The Chain Bridge, Royal Palace and Citadel, all from the comfort of their own luxury water limousine. 

LUNCH – Situated on an oasis-like, atmospheric island in the lake in the City Grounds of Budapest, you will find a lovely glass pavilion restaurant. The owner has created a superb setting in which to enjoy an imaginative array of fine food and drink. During the warm weather the glass panels are opened, letting the outdoors inside. There is something for everyone, from international fare to offerings from classic Hungarian cuisine and home-made desserts.

DINNER – In the past century this area has been at the centre of Hungarian winemaking, famous for its cellar system estimated to be more than 100 km long, which to this day serves as the home for prize-winning vintners and manufacturers of champagne. Dinner will be enjoyed at an elegantly renovated cellar, where attractive cabinets made out of barrels decorate the reception area and a cozy vineyard chapel is also to be seen. This is an ideal setting for your evening dinner, combining wonderful wine and gastronomy. Guests can enjoy wine tasting whilst walking through the cellar before dinner.

Day 03:

RELAXATION AT A THERMAL BATH – After breakfast at leisure, guests will experience one of the most famous thermal baths in the world. Budapest can rightly be called the city of spas and you will be relaxing in one of Europe’s largest bath complexes, dating from the late 1800s.. The atmosphere of Roman bathing culture may be felt in its light, spacious pool halls, while Greek bathing culture is reflected in the tub baths, but traces of Nordic traditions may also be found in the heat chambers, saunas and dipping pools. Guests have unlimited use of the numerous indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, Turkish bath, steam, etc, with the opportunity to book massage and treatments upon request.

LUNCH & BONBON-MAKING – Lunch will be taken on a three levelled docked boat, with a fantastic view to the Buda castle and the Chain Bridge. This will be followed by a visit to a chocolate and confectionery manufacturing shop which now allows guests special access and an insight into the process and secrets of manufacturing handmade bonbons. Besides tasting the delightful handmade sweets, you have the opportunity to try your hand at preparing them.

DINNER- For dinner, you will find yourselves guests at a beautiful, late nineteenth-century neo-baroque library whose main building is a former palace. Its salons and ballrooms offer an unforgettable experience for your group’s offsite dinner, enabling your guests to enjoy and reflect on the atmosphere of this 19th century palace. Entertainment can be added to enhance the evening should you wish to do so, including a singer or a musical quartet. 

Day 04: DEPARTURE – After a leisurely breakfast, guests will be collected by private coach transfers back to Budapest International airport for the return flight back to their respective destinations.