For centuries, Hangzhou has been regarded as one of China’s most beautiful and relaxing destinations. The region’s charms—scenic West Lake, ancient Buddhist temples, and abundant tea plantations—have changed little since Hangzhou was the imperial capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The emperors may be long gone, but a luxurious lifestyle remains. The Fuchun Resort—one […]

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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 […]

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Normandy is one of our favorite travel destinations in France. It’s just a few hours by private car and driver from Paris, and there are endless touring options. One of the highlights of traveling in Normandy is the food, which we feel is among the best in France. Normandy is the home of many of […]

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One of the highlights of having a privately guided tour of the Cotswolds is the opportunity to learn about the incredible gardens in the region–the history, unique characters and characteristics of the manor homes and their gardens, and how international trade and exploration influenced English gardens, planting and style in the Cotswolds. Our tours of England and the […]

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Known as the City of Frescoes, Padua is a compact historic town less than an hour from Venice. It has a lively university atmosphere, great outdoor cafes and a wealth of cultural treasures well worth seeing. In fact, fitting all of them into one day can be a challenge! For our travelers, we take care […]

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We love to introduce our travelers to the special people we know around the world.  It makes the travel experience so much richer, and is a great way to get an insider’s view of the local culture and people. One such person is our good friend, Ann (pictured above), who lives in Inle Lake, a beautiful […]

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When in Delhi, we always recommend making the time to visit the Lodhi Gardens. A favorite of affluent residents in New Delhi, the gardens are a peaceful oasis and a favorite spot to do yoga, have a picnic lunch, or read a book. There are incredible 15th century ruins scattered throughout the gardens. Our private […]

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Estufa Real Lisbon Estufa Real is located in Lisbon’s botanical gardens and was one of our most memorable dining experiences during our recent visit to Lisbon. The cuisine was innovative yet unpretentious, featuring fresh ingredients and herbs picked from the garden out the window. After dining, it’s worth strolling through the gardens. A driver is […]

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