2027/2028 Exclusive Member Journeys
Dear Connoisseurs Travelers,
It is with deep gratitude that we reflect on the journeys we have already shared with so many of you, and we eagerly anticipate the adventures awaiting everyone registered for our upcoming season.
The goal of the Connoisseurs Team is to create journeys that foster connections—both among yourselves and with the world around you—allowing you to feel rejuvenated, truly present, and deeply alive. We carefully curate each voyage so that every place we visit holds a new moment of wonder or surprise, as we gently carry you through experiences shaped with care, intention, and heart.
The guest list is as carefully curated as the itinerary. We believe that the true luxury of any journey—regardless of the destination—lies in the invisible thread of shared values, sophisticated tastes, and a lifetime of friendship and community that connects everyone who travels with us.
With great appreciation,
Kathryn J. Waller
President & CEO
Connoisseurs Tours
Your participation benefits the mission of historic preservation.
Connoisseurs Tours makes financial contributions to organizations advancing the mission of historic preservation and promoting appreciation for the people, places, and events that led to the formation and development of our country.
A Connoisseur's Italian Odyssey: the Dolomites, Lake Garda, and the Emerald Coast of Sardinia
May 19 to 27, 2027
Sardinia Post Journey Extension May 27 to 30, 2027
We invite you to join Dr. Julian Brown as we traverse Italy’s most culturally rich landscapes, fusing architectural grandeur, private history, and the secrets of longevity into a single, unforgettable narrative.
The journey begins with four nights in the Veneto, Lombardy, and the Dolomites at Villa Cipriani, Asolo, featuring curated access to Palladian villas, private Prosecco tastings in Dolomite vineyards, and a WWI open-air museum.
It continues to Lake Garda for a stay at the Grand Hotel Terme, exploring the hidden gardens of noble estates and centuries-old wine cellars by private vehicle and boat, with an emphasis on refined luxury and cultural immersion.
Guests can choose to extend their journey to Sardinia for three nights at the Belmond Hotel Romazzino on the Costa Smeralda. This leg explores the megalithic Nuragic ruins (a contrast to classical architecture) and delves into the island’s Blue Zone interior to investigate the secrets of longevity among centenarians through authentic local interactions. Very limited space remaining.
Experiencing the Celtic Soul: The Majestic Highlands and Islands of Scotland
June 5 to 15, 2027
We invite you to join us on a journey through the Celtic Soul, where the Gaelic Language and Christianity first took root in Scotland. This is a command encore performance of the Majestic Highlands and Islands of Scotland by Land and Sea.
Embark on an exquisite journey through Scotland's most enchanting landscapes by Land and Sea aboard the exclusively chartered Lord of the Highlands. This meticulously curated journey offers an opulent exploration of Scotland's rich history, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant culture. Very limited space remaining.
Alpine to Azure Coast Passage: Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean
June 17 to 26, 2027
Join Dr. Julian Brown on a luxury journey, Alpine to Azure Coast Passage, starting in Lausanne, Switzerland, with a Golden Express train ride through the Savoy Alps. The experience continues aboard the intimate Riverside Ravel vessel, designed like a private villa with butler service. The cruise glides past vineyard-clad hills and historic châteaux, offering serene views and regionally inspired French cuisine paired with fine wines.
The immersive journey includes intimate explorations of historic villages, Roman ruins, and gardens, with behind-the-scenes experiences like private tours of Champagne houses, the Beaujolais wine region, and Avignon's Palace of the Popes. This trip is a blend of high-end comfort and cultural experiences for lovers of wine, gastronomy, and history, traversing 2,000 years of viticulture from Syrah to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This journey is currently accepting Waitlist Requests.
“De Finibus Terrae” A Doorway to Heaven where the Land Ends
A Curated Italian Journey: Lecce, Matera, & The Amalfi Coast Privé
September 20 to 28, 2027
Sardinia Post Journey Extension September 28 to October 1, 2027
“De finibus terrae”—where the land ends and our bespoke Italian journey begins. This highly curated itinerary weaves through the dramatic Baroque elegance of Lecce, the prehistoric, hauntingly beautiful cave dwellings of Matera, and the legendary, sheer-cliff glamour of the Amalfi Coast. This is a seamless transition from the quiet, aristocratic soul of Italy's deep south to the vibrant, sun-drenched luxury of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Our odyssey contrasts the ancient, rugged soul of mainland Italy with the sophisticated allure of the coast. From the golden Baroque elegance of Lecce and the prehistoric mystery of Matera’s stone-hewn sanctuaries to the vertical drama of the Amalfi Coast, every moment is designed for deep, human connection. We dwell in history at the world-class Vetera Matera and find serenity within the 13th-century walls of the Anantara Convento di Amalfi.
Space is strictly limited to 20 participants to ensure an unparalleled level of intimacy and service. We invite you to join us for this unforgettable narrative. This journey is currently accepting Waitlist Requests.
A Connoisseur's Italian Odyssey: the Dolomites, Lake Garda, and the Emerald Coast of Sardinia
October 4 to 12, 2027
Sardinia Pre Journey Extension October 1 to 4, 2027
The journey begins at Lake Garda with a stay at the Grand Hotel Terme, exploring the hidden gardens of noble estates and centuries-old wine cellars by private vehicle and boat, with an emphasis on refined luxury and cultural immersion.
It continues to the Veneto region, Lombardy, and the Dolomites at Villa Cipriani, Asolo, featuring curated access to Palladian villas, private Prosecco tastings in Dolomite vineyards, and a WWI open-air museum.
Guests can choose to extend their journey to Sardinia for three pre-nights at the Seven Pines on the Costa Smeralda. This leg explores the megalithic Nuragic ruins (a contrast to classical architecture) and delves into the island’s Blue Zone interior to investigate the secrets of longevity among centenarians through authentic local interactions. This journey is currently accepting Waitlist Requests.
A Journey Through Light and Legacy: The Connoisseur's Christmas Passage
November 29 to December 10, 2027
This private journey promises an elegant Christmas experience, combining the wonder of the Arctic wilderness with the architectural grandeur and traditions of Europe’s most magnificent capitals.
The itinerary features an enchanting stay in Lapland, offering a rare opportunity to witness the Northern Lights and encounter the spirit of Father Christmas. This is followed by a refined voyage along the Danube from Vienna to Passau aboard the all-suite, butler-serviced Riverside Mozart. The journey concludes in Prague, a quintessential storybook setting, with festive concerts and elegant holiday shopping.
Conceived for the true connoisseur, every moment of this experience is thoughtfully composed. This journey is currently accepting Waitlist Requests.
Land of the Maharajas and Kings
January, February, March 2028
For centuries, India's maharajas built magnificent palaces, established powerful kingdoms, patronized the arts, and created cultural traditions that continue to define much of the country's heritage. This luxury expedition is designed to follow in the footsteps of those royal dynasties, connecting destinations that played a central role in shaping India's aristocratic legacy. The journey combines architectural grandeur, cultural depth, luxury hospitality, and carefully curated experiences across some of the country's most celebrated royal cities.
Beginning in Delhi and continuing through the royal capitals of Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur, the itinerary allows travelers to experience a different side of India—one defined by elegant palaces, historic forts, artistic traditions, and remarkable stories of leadership, diplomacy, and cultural achievement. Luxury accommodations, private transportation, and expert local guides ensure a seamless travel experience while providing opportunities for meaningful cultural engagement and visits to colonial estates.
The pace of the journey has been carefully balanced to combine sightseeing with leisure. We invite you to embrace the "slow life"—to savor sun-drenched flavors, private boat excursions, and exclusive access to sites usually closed to the public. In a world of fleeting sights, we offer the pinnacle of meaningful exploration.
We continue our curated expedition through Sri Lanka for the discerning traveler. This journey seamlessly pairs the regal romance of the British colonial era with the vibrant luxury of modern Sri Lanka. Highlights of this exclusive journey include: Luxury Rail Travel: as we bypass the roads and travel in comfort and style; Exclusive Accommodations in restored colonial tea bungalows and private sanctuaries; VIP Access: to UNESCO World Heritage sites; as well as our Architectural & Cultural Focus: Tracing the island's evolution from Ceylon to modern Sri Lanka, featuring the iconic Tropical Modernism architecture of Geoffrey Bawa across ancient royal capitals and high-country tea plantations.
Guests will have ample time to appreciate each destination while enjoying exceptional service, comfort, and exclusivity. Please note that space is strictly limited to 20 participants to ensure an unparalleled level of intimacy and service.
A post-journey option to the Maldives is available.
A Return to South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Botswana
February, March 2028
This journey is truly one of the most incredible experiences I have encountered in my 45 years of designing unique travel experiences. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana are diverse and breathtakingly beautiful countries. Be prepared to lose track of time and indulge in fresh farm-to-table cuisine—yes, you’ll likely gain weight, as I did!
Our hotels and lodges are exquisite, nearing perfection. We’ve upgraded rooms, selected ideal locations for meals, and secured private arrangements that surpass anything I’ve experienced. This includes access to scholars, head gardeners, owners, and winemakers, as well as hand-selecting the best safari trackers and guides for Sabi Sabi and Chobe. For instance, in Johannesburg, we’ll tour the Cradle of Humankind with a paleontologist from the discovery team. In Stellenbosch, we’ll tour Babylonstoren (one of the oldest Cape Dutch Farms) with its curating gardeners and dine at phenomenal restaurants such as the renowned Babel, which requires reservations months in advance. We’ll visit Stellenbosch’s renowned winemakers, such as Meerlust, which rivals top French estates—be prepared to send cases home, just as I did!
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge and its safari experiences are pure perfection—the first time I’ve given any experience this rating. The trackers and rangers here are at the top of their field. With luck, and mainly through their skill, we’ll experience the Big Five, plus all the must-see animals and birds. In Sabi, a private reserve, we’ll encounter wildlife up close, just a few feet away. Imagine looking a lioness in the eye as she walks by our vehicle, or watching hyenas attempt to jump 30 feet to reach an impala that a leopard has lodged high in a tree (hyenas aren't the brightest!).
Our visit to Victoria Falls coincides with its peak flow. As David Livingstone said, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” We’ll experience the Falls by land, water, and air. In the evening, we’ll cruise the Zambezi River aboard our privately chartered boat (yes, I toured every boat on the Zambezi, much to my guide’s dismay!) for an experience featuring cocktails and canapés on the top deck and dinner on the main deck. One of Zimbabwe’s most notable historians and raconteurs will join us to share the history and lore of Livingstone’s explorations. And of course no visit would be complete without a helicopter bird's-eye view of Victoria Falls.
Finally, Chobe, the "wild west" of safaris! Here, we can encounter all of the Big Five in abundance, along with Chobe River wildlife, massive herds of elephants, abundant hippos and buffalo, crocodiles, and over 450 bird species. Our safaris will be by land and water along the Chobe River, which borders Namibia. Our home, the Chobe Game Lodge, is the only five-star lodge in Chobe National Park. Our advantage in staying in the park is that we can start safaris before anyone else enters and end after non-resident vehicles have long departed.
Beginning in Cape Town at the One and Only with glorious explorations of this magnificent city and ending in the luxurious Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg - this journey is as close to perfection as one can get.
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