Gourmet & Culinary

'Gourmet' & 'Culinary' are expressions that can mean anything from a full "hands on" cooking experience, to simply taking in a tour visiting places of general interest, interspersed with the enjoyment of eating regional delicacies and drinking local wines... with the locals!

"Small groups of like minded people travelling around together, off the usual touristy routes, enjoying the exquisite wines and food of the country, coupled with the history and culture of the towns you visit..."

"Search for truffles in the heart of Tuscany? Experience "Aida" under the stars in a first century amphitheatre? Revel in medieval pageantry at a traditional festival of thanks for autumn's bounty..."

If you can relate to any of the above, then a Travel Concepts Gourmet or Culinary experience is for you!

We are agents for a wide range of Gourmet & Culinary Tours:

Luigi & Isabells'a Italy ~ Culinary adventures in Italy

Off The Beaten Path ~ France ~ Gourmet adventures throughout France

Tours & Detours ~ Burgundy (France) ~ tailor made tours

Auckland Fine Wine Tours ~ personalised half and full day tours and cruises.

Luigi & Isabella's Italy

Your Tour Operators and Hosts ~ Luigi & Isabella (author of Vanilla Beans & Brodo) Dusi Luigi and I established Project Travel International in 1994. Since then, many guests from USA, Europe and as far away as Australia and New Zealand have traveled with us on programs we have personally developed to suit their specific needs.

We have lived permanently in the village of Montalcino, Tuscany, since 1994 – a medieval village where, on the surrounding hills, is produced the internationally acclaimed wine Il Brunello di Montalcino.

We have lived permanently in the village of Montalcino, Tuscany, since 1994 – a medieval village where, on the surrounding hills, is produced the internationally acclaimed wine Il Brunello di Montalcino.

Luigi who was born in Italy but lived many years in Australia, brought me to live here – and neither of us ever wants to leave! Which is no surprise, considering the wonderful life we have journeying throughout Italy with guests who desire an extraordinary experience of Italy with us as their personal hosts. We always end up very close friends with our travelers.

Isabella - In 2001, my book – Vanilla Beans & Brodo – was published in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand – more editions are soon to follow. When writing Vanilla Beans & Brodo – Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany - I sought not to tell a story about Luigi and myself, but rather, to give the reader real insight into how Italians live. Aside from the tremendous success my book is enjoying, it enables readers to comprehend the depth of understanding Luigi and I have developed for Italy – and Italians. And readers are the most wonderful travelers! Vanilla Beans & Brodo has now been published in USA, or you can order a signed copy from me here in Montalcino.

Luigi & Isabella We are ready to research and prepare your small group Itinerary, do all the necessary in-country ground work, and then escort your group from the moment of arrival…….it’s a very personal service and it offers an extraordinary experience of Italy – and Italians. We look forward to sharing Italy with you.

THE ITALIAN 'GOLDEN TRIANGLE' ~ Sicily & The Amalfi Coast
Sicily, Naples, Capri & The Amalfi Coast - 12 nights from Monday 11 July to Saturday 25 July 2005

HIDDEN TREASURES OF ITALY - THE HEART OF ITALY
Rome, Florence & Venice including Opera under the Stars at Verona and Medieval Pageant and breathtaking Palio at Siena - 12 nights from Thursday 11 August to Tuesday 23 August 2005

ITALIAN HIGHLIGHTS ~ including VERDI'S OPERA AIDA at the VERONA ARENA
12 nights in Italy. Includes; Joust of the Saracen medieval pageant in Arezzo and Guiseppe Verdi's Opera AIDA at the Verona Arena

BACCHUS & FORTUNA
Departs Rome Saturday 09 April, finishes Rome Thursday 21 April 2005.
12 nights (2 overnights on first class cruise ships)
Sicily - Amalfi Coast - Puglia including wines of Sicily and Puglia

VILLAS & VERDI ~ an Opera & Festival
Advance bookings now for June 2005

Contact us for more information on Luigi & Isabella's Italian Tours

Tours & Detours - Burgundy (France) Tailor Made Tours

Wine & Tourism in Burgundy ~ “Off the Beaten Track”

Tailor made itineraries around the Burgundy region ~ let us tailor make an itinerary to suit you and your friends ... even make up your own small group of 3,4 or 5 couples!

Contact us for more information on Tours & Detours in Burgundy

Auckland Fine Wine Tours

Travel Concepts is pleased to be associated with Auckland Fine Wine Tours who offer a wonderful range of personalised half and full day tours and cruises. New Zealand's temperate climate is ideal for producing world-famous wines - like the zingy Sauvignon Blancs and the buttery Chardonnays to the Pinot Niors and Merlots that have exceeded expectations. All tours are personally guided and offer a sense of style and attention to detail.

The touring options available include:

Half Day West Auckland Tasting Tour
Half Day North Auckland (Matakana) Tour
Brunch Tours
Kapiti Wine & Cheese Tasting Tour
Luxury Harbour Cruise Tour Large Group and Corporate Tours
The Great Auckland Food Tour

Enjoy a relaxing, luxurious, wine-tasting adventure to some of New Zealand's prestige wineries. You will also be shown the beautiful rural countryside and breath-taking views of the West and Pacific coasts. Travel Concepts can provide further tour and activity options in Auckland and New Zealand. Spoil yourself with superior accommodation, specialised activities and personalised tours.

“Experience Our Experience”