Gourmet International Tours

'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 starts in a first centry amphitheatre?

Revel in the medieval pageantry at a traditional festival of thanks for autumn's bounty...'

If you can relate to any of these,

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

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

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

Claudio Polles Tours ~ The Italian Way

Luigi & Isabella's Italy
Your Tour Operators and Hosts
~ Luigi Dusi & Isabella Dusi (author of Vanilla Beans & Brodo)

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.

Contact us for an up to date list of Luigi & Isabella's tours

Off The Beaten Path - France

Join Off the Beaten Path, to travel through the most beautiful regions of their home country of France, as you embark on memorable journeys into the heart and soul of French Culture. Discover Provence, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Dordogne, Alsace, Lot, Tarn, Canal du Midi, Loire Valley, Lyon, Beaujolais and Paris.

Select the tour below to view the itinerary for 2006:

Paris & Champagne Gourmet, Cultural Walking Tour

Best Adventure in Provence Tour

Loire Valley Gourmet & Cultural 7 Day Tour

Loire Valley Gourmet & Cultural Get-a-Way 5 Day Tour

Tuscany “Purely Gourmet” & Active Cultural Tour

Dordogne Gourmet Walking Tour

Ultimate Burgundy Gourmet & Wine Experience

'Off the Beaten Path' are one of a kind, small group tours,walking tours, gourmet tours, wine tours, active cultural tours and specialty event tours in France and include such things as gourmet discovery, wine appreciation workshops, cellar tours & wine tasting, cooking lessons, shopping at open markets and artisan craft fairs, farm visits and much more. Travellers learn about regional traditions, customs, culture through participation in the activities and excursions that are uniquely designed for Off the Beaten Path tours.
Off the Beaten Path, LLC offers a culturally enriching, interactive and fun itinerary for any choice of destination in France.

Contact us for more information on your Off the Beaten Path holiday.

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 tosome 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.

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

Claudio Polles Tours
- The Italian Way

Passion for Italy

For lovers of fine food, wine, art and culture