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Not necessarily the world’s top 10 destinations,
Just a few of our favorite places  

How do you do an issue on “favorite places?” Whose favorites? My knowledge is too limited to do the theme justice;  I just haven’t been everywhere yet, but I’m certainly trying! So I asked our staff, our contributors and our tour hosts to help. A few of this month’s articles and the companies below are really close to my heart. 

Two cities which I have lived in are represented – Florence and New York – yet there are tons of places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting that are not here: Queensland, Australia, Istanbul and, of course, London. There is also a host of places I have yet to experience, such as Kyoto, St. Petersburg, anywhere in South America and the wonders of China.  

Luckily, we have some wonderful writers and tour hosts that can speak for these destinations and introduce us to the wonders of their favorite places.  

Tour Host: Welcome to Renaissance
Specialty: Art, History and Culture and all things Tuscan
Why We Like Them: Providing in-depth seminar tours focusing on the art and culture of Tuscany and Umbria. Sam Hilt and Pam Mercer, the company’s founders, both teach courses on Italian Renaissance art when they’re not leading trips to their second home. In addition to art history, they offer an art workshop and a hill town tour. Their article gives fantastic insights into Italian culture.
Article: "Tuscany: the Genius of the Familiar"

Tour Host: Latitude Cultural Center
Specialty: Cultural and Educational Center in SW France
Why We Like Them:  E. Barbara Phillips, the center’s founder, has created a space where people from many lands, as well as the locals, can enjoy seminars and courses ranging from baroque art, astronomy and yoga to the culinary and social history of the region. Located in rural southwestern France, the property features a 14th-century mill and an ex-tobacco hanging barn as lodging.
Article: "The Lot: an off-beat, off-the-beaten-track French destination"

Tour Host: Panticolla
Specialty: Nature tours of the Manu National Park
Why We Like Them: Dedicated to preservation of Peru’s Manu region and the native Yine Indians who inhabit it, Panticolla offers a series of trips to explore one of the finest ecotourism destinations in the Amazon basin. Whether you enjoy bird watching or camping, or desire to study the Spanish language or rainforest ecology, this company is an expert in this great destination.
Article: "An Ancient Rainforest Community In the Peruvian Jungle"

Tour Host: Imperial Tours
Specialty: China
Why We Like Them: A great resource for planning a trip to China. Its web site is filled with useful information, including photos, articles and theme-oriented reasons to visit China. Tour themes include a culinary tour, family trips, furniture, ceramics, architecture and even opera. A selection of short city tours and custom-designed individual tours are also offered.
Article: "The Silk Road’s Mogao Caves: A Study in Harmony"

Tour Host: French Links Tours
Specialty: Everything Parisian!
Why We Like Them: Whether you seek a walking tour focused on art, literature, food or shopping, Rachel and her staff have a perfect trip. With this company’s in-depth knowledge of Paris, any request is its command – from shopping for antiques or discounted couture to reservations for the best restaurants, this team can get it done.
Article: "Why Paris Still Remains My Favorite Shopping Destination"

Tour Host: Dailey-Thorp Travel, LLC
Specialty: Music and Opera Travel
Why We Like Them: Great cultural programs in New York and worldwide. Opera, theater and music tours throughout Europe and great weekend getaways to New York. Dailey-Thorp offers trips to Vienna, Italy, Germany and opera in Los Angeles and San Francisco (the latter is home to America’s second greatest opera company).  

Whether you’re returning to your favorite destination or looking to discover a new favorite, Cultural Travels can help you find the perfect tour company to plan your experience.