Whether you have traveled many times to the Old Continent or this is your first visit there, Cultural Crossroads will guide you through new cultural enchantments and memorable experiences.

Extending our tours beyond the borders of the European Community, our journeys lead you to known destinations, such as Tuscany, France, Spain or to the mysteries of Turkey and to Russia’s Tsarist grandeur.

Enjoy ancient civilization tours together with gourmet delights across the continent named as destination number one for culture. Savor French cheeses or Tuscan wines in the middle of captivating nature and traditional excellence in hospitality.

Cultural Crossroads Tours to Europe at a Glance

• Gardens and Gastronomy in France
  

  This “colorful and tasty” program has been designed especially for Cultural Crossroads travelers who are particularly interested in discovering the secrets of French cuisine and some of the most interesting gardens including many private gardens not normally opened to the public. Cultural Crossroads travelers will enjoy a cooking demonstration by a well-known Chef, wine and olive oil tastings, and a private visit to a Renaissance castle which is now a private residence. We also visit a workshop that creates Provencal fabrics, a glass blowing museum, the impressive estate and winery of Val Joanis, and a class with a perfume expert in her laboratory in one of the most famous perfume factories of Grasse. Of course, every day will include local French cuisine.

• Treasures of Art in the Loire Chateaux Country
  

  Amboise will be our home for 6 nights, a perfect location in the heart of the Loire Valley, which is often referred to as the center of the French “Art de Vivre” because of its long tradition of elegant chateaux and delicious food. Cultural Crossroads travelers will follow our expert study leader, from castle to castle from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the 18th and 19th century, we will discover treasures of art, exceptional parks and gardens, arts and crafts of the region and enter the fascinating history of the châteaux country.

• Moscow and St. Petersburg
  

  Join Cultural Crossroads as we experience the great art and culture of these two cities. Explore the Kremlin, the Armory and the A. Pushkin Museums along with incredible Hermitage. Visit St. Catherine’s Palace in all its beauty and enjoy a folkloric show, theater performances, a Russian Choir and the Ballet Academy.

• Historical Treasures of Turkey
  

  Cultural Crossroads takes to the most exotic parts of this majestically charming country. You will discover ancient civilization, pristine nature and authentic experiences with hospitable people of Turkey.

• Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya and Sailing Along the Turkish Coast
  

  From the ancient and modern city of Istanbul to fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, our journey takes us to many archaeological and historical sites in Turkey capping off our voyage of discovery sailing along the Turkish Coast.

• Marvels of Eastern Turkey
  

  Cultural Crossroads takes to the most exotic parts of this majestically charming country. You will discover ancient civilization, pristine nature and authentic experiences with hospitable people of Turkey.

• Mysteries of Less Traveled Turkey - 21 Day Trip
  

  From Christian temples hidden in caves and high-up rock hewn churches to picturesque mosques, this is one of Cultural Crossroads most visually striking tours. It also reveals in depth the secrets of the Hittite, Anatolian, Christian and Muslim civilizations. A real paradise for lost cultures and history enthusiasts. And, it puts us in contact with the REAL Turkey – its people in villages and small towns, some of them living as they were centuries ago, always hospitable and charming.

• Sailing Along the Turkish Coast for Women
  

  Cultural Crossroads invites you to experience the highlights of Turkey. We begin our journey in the bustling city of Istanbul. We will visit the fairy-chimney land of Cappadocia, the Whirling Dervishes in Konya and then we'll sail along the Turkish coast visiting many archeological sites and relaxing onboard our Gulet (or traditional Turkish wooden sailing boat.) Join Cultural Crossroads as we enjoy the magic of this historical landscape.

• Back Roads and Hidden Treasures of Tuscany
  

  Escape with Cultural Crossroads to the back roads to see the hidden treasures of Tuscany. We will travel though the scenic landscape of southern Tuscany, visit cathedrals, gardens, thermal pools, private wine estates, medieval centers, hidden abbeys and much more. Stroll through piazzas and relax over meals in small trattorias. Come explore the known and lesser known gems of Tuscany.

• Exploring the Sud-Tyrol - A Cross Cultural Journey
  

  A cross-cultural journey awaits us in the Sud-Tyrol region on Italy. Enjoy a meal with local Tyrolians, a wine tasting, a meeting with a cheese producer and enjoy the samples. We also visit a working farm to discuss the farmers struggle between traditional and modern farming methods and we will participate in a hands-on cooking class.

  With Cultural Crossroads you will explore palaces and stately homes surrounded by the Alps and Dolomites. Our Tyrolian trip concludes with a private after-hours visit to see Da Vinci’s “Last Supper.”

• In Search of Persephone’s Island - The Four Corners of Sicily
  

  Travel to Sicily with Cultural Crossroads to explore the islands highlights from Palermo to Monreale, Erice, Marsala, Agrigento, Ragusa, Taormina and Mt. Etna. We will take in a marionette show, listen to an opera tenor and participate in pastry and wine tastings. The culture and architecture are very different to the rest of Italy, as is its cuisine. Come join us and enjoy a lesser traveled area of Italy.

• Villas, Gardens and Hidden Treasures Along the Shores of Italy’s Romantic Northern Lakes
  

  The beauty of the Italian Lakes are enhanced by the private villas and gardens that Cultural Crossroads travelers will visit. Discover the charm of each lake surrounded by the Alps, lakeside villages with their tiled roofs and narrow streets and the rolling green hillsides. Enjoy the private art collections the music and even Swiss chocolate tasting. Included on the way home is a private visit to see Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” in Milan.

• Art in Spain
  

  Cultural Crossroads invites you to take in the wonderful Spanish culture, art and architecture of Barcelona, Madrid, Segovia and Toledo. We’ll walk through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and see the impressive architecture of Old Barcelona. Enjoy the Picasso Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum and the National Museum of Art of Catalunya as well as the collection and tapestries on the Joan Miro Foundation. And what visit to Barcelona would be complete without seeing the works of the modernist architect, Gaudi.

  In Madrid Cultural Crossroads travelers have a Flamenco Dance lesson before enjoying a spectacular Flamenco show. We’ll also see the world’s largest art gallery, the Prado, housing over 8,000 works of art, In Segovia We’ll visit two World Heritage sites, the Old Town and the Roman Aqueduct. Its medieval churches, the Cathedral and Alcazar fortress make up its beautiful landscape. Christian, Moors and Jews coexisted in Toledo and it still remains the country’s religious center. Its extensive cultural history and buildings make it another World Heritage site. Join Cultural Crossroads for this fascinating journey of Spain’s art treasures.