- 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, Armory and the
Alexander Pushkin museums along with the 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.
- St. Petersburg, Moscow & The Russian Waterways
Experience Russia with your hosts, former New York Times Moscow
bureau chief Christopher Wren and his wife, Jaqueline.
Cruise the waterways from St. Petersburg to Moscow on one of Russia’s most luxurious and intimate ships, the MS Tolstoy.
Take in the passing Russian landscape of charming medieval towns, quaint river villages and breathtaking scenery at a leisurely
pace as you cruise down the Neva, Svir and Volga rivers.
Spend a full day viewing the magnificent art collection of the Hermitage which includes many important Impressionist paintings.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kizhi Island, home of the spectacular Transfiguration Church, and Novodevichy convent.
Enjoy 4-star hotels in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Russian language and dance lessons included.
Walk in the footsteps of Dostoevsky’s characters from his famous novel “Crime and Punishment”, in St. Petersburg.
See the gold and silver treasures of the Armory, housed within the Kremlin walls in Russia's magnificent capital city, Moscow.
- Civilizations 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mystical Sites of Ancient 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.
- 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.
- Splendors of Bulgaria: Art, Wine and Traditions
Splendors of Bulgaria: Art, Wine and Traditions
Highlights
Designed exclusively for Cultural Crossroads, “Splendors of Bulgaria” is for the culturally sophisticated soul of the great
discoverers and goes beyond and deeper then the classical tour of Bulgaria. The destinations are carefully chosen for their
significance and local charm, some of which are rarely frequented by tourists. Private visits, private concerts and chats
with insiders in the culture field reveal in a different light sites already famous for their significance for the world
cultural heritage. It mixes the glitter of luxury with the authentic, local character of the places.
Travelers will see signature sites such as the 10th century Rila Monastery and Boyana Church, the Danube Riverside, the Black
Sea Coast, the Thracian Tombs around Kazanluk, as well as the oldest Neolithic houses in Europe, built 6000 years B.C. Together
with the famous places, the tour includes small villages, pottery towns, ancient cities, and four out of the 7 sites included
in the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
Carefully designed so the traveler can admire both the pristine nature of the Bulgarian mountains, plains and rivers, as well
as the traditions of the Bulgarian people – their crafts, their arts and culture – the tour is a mosaic of experiences and
a feast for the eyes and senses.
“Splendors of Bulgaria” is also the richest tour to Bulgaria in gourmet and wine experiences, helping the travelers to discover
tastes and aromas deeply rooted in the best European traditions.
Woven into the tour program are also the rich interactions with the Bulgarians, so Cultural Crossroads travelers can understand
and live the legend of the country. Almost everyday there is an event in the tour which put the travelers in direct contact
with the local people. Once, it is a hand bread-making lesson, knitting the dough with young and old women, who preserve centuries
old rituals. Another time is a story-telling exchange between the travelers and high school students of English language.
And of course, there are the sophisticated dialogues with museum directors, archaeologists, musicians, wine or perfume makers.
A great cultural and creative tour, “Splendors of Bulgaria” shows the best of the country for the most demanding travelers.
