Guided sight-seeing tours in France and Italy

Provence June 11-20, 2016 (9 nights, 8 days)

In the South of France, between the azure blue of the Mediterranean and soaring French Alps, lies a land of such beauty that writers and painters have flocked here for centuries. A place of ancient history and timeless traditions, here you'll experience wonderfully preserved Roman architecture, centuries-old monasteries, palaces and castles. Stroll along the winding cobblestone lanes of the famous perched villages, explore the local galleries, museums, and artists' workshops, and pick out the perfect Provençal souvenirs to take home. The fruit and vegetable markets are brimming with the taste and smell of the famous local cuisine with creamy cheeses, an astounding choice of olives, and endless varieties of wine. The memories of lavender fields, sprawling vineyards and stunning scenery will remain with you forever.

Our eight-day (9 night) Provence tours include one week in a 220-year old farmhouse near St. Remy-de-Provence, with pool and wifi, plus two nights in a hotel in La Ciotat, on the Mediterranean coast. Tour includes eight days of sight-seeing, all breakfasts, all lunches, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, three dinners (on the first and last nights in the farmhouse, and the first night in La Ciotat) and pick-up and drop-off at Marseille Airport. The other evenings (5 in the farmhouse and one in La Ciotat) you are responsible for your own dinner and will be free to eat locally, in restaurants, or prepare your own food at the farmhouse.

This year renowned yoga teacher, athlete, and author, Sage Rountree joins us on our Provence tour. Deepen (or begin) your yoga practice with Sage, finding rejuvenation and transformation. (Yoga is optional and will be held each morning before we head out for the day). Learn more about Sage.

Price: $3,995 per person / $3,895 if two or more guests sign up together (prices are double occupancy or +$600 single supplement).

Tuscany June 25 - July 2, 2016 (7 nights, 6 days)

Whether you have always wanted to visit the storybook landscape of Tuscany, or you are returning for another adventure with Liz and Claire, this very special tour will bring you into the heart and soul of life in the castle-topped, stone and terracotta villages and the working vineyards that scatter the hills around them. We have selected the jewels in the crown of this region for you to experience: shopping at the bustling markets, tasting local wines and cheeses and, of course, enjoying the endless choices of delicious Tuscan dishes. Living in community in our spacious and stunning villa, you will share dinner under the stars, appetizers by the pool, take a walk through the flower gardens and even take a yoga class on the lawn.

Walk through ancient piazzas, see the breath-taking masterpieces of Michelangelo and da Vinci and cross Florence’s 14th century Ponte Vecchio for a look at some of the most beautiful gold and silver jewelry in the world. Visit the famed Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, the Pearl of Tuscany, and hear its history from our local art and history expert, Silvia. Opt for a bike ride, relax at the villa, or have a glass of wine in a romantic outdoor cafe as you soak up the Tuscan way of life. Truly “La Bella Vita!”

The seven-day Tuscany tour includes one hour of yoga each morning (optional) with Liz, a leisurely brunch, 5 afternoons sight-seeing including some with a local bilingual guide, and dinner "en famille" at the villa. On the first and last nights of the tour we will have dinner in a restaurant. Guests also have the choice to dine out independently on any evening rather than eating at the villa.

Price: $3,795 per person / $3,595 if two or more guests sign up together (prices are double occupancy or +$600 single supplement).