Nancy Novogrod

Unscheduled

This 11-day journey into the sublime will reveal the extraordinary fusion of the traditional and contemporary that define Japan today. Ranging from an exploration of the perfection of Japanese crafts to visits to storied temples and gardens to unforgettable encounters with art, architecture, design, and food, the trip will provide an exclusive view of the singular magic of this historic country.

Unscheduled

A long-weekend immersion in 20^th and 21^st century design and style in Paris, this four-day trip offers unique insider experiences of the trendsetting people and places in the French capital, from shops and galleries to decorators who have garnered glittering international reputations to  favorite restaurants of in-the-know locals—and, of course, incomparable monuments of modern architecture. We will be staying at the Montalembert,  an intimate and elegant design-forward hotel located in the 7^th arrondissement, in the heart of the Rive Gauche.

Unscheduled

For many people, Tuscany is the very essence of Italy—its gently rolling hills topped by ancient walled cities, the olive trees and vineyards producing some of the country’s finest wines, the powerful flavors of Tuscan culinary specialties made with the freshest locally grown ingredients, and the almost unimaginable magnificence of Renaissance art and architecture. This trip, will offer special access to gardens, vineyards, houses, and collections; visits to Arezzo, Siena, and Florence with a leading art historian; and an immersion in the arts and culture of Italy that will remain fixed in memory.

Unscheduled
EXTRA: 2-day optional extension to Petra, Jerusalem

The birthplace of three religions—and a crucible of geopolitics today—Israel dazzles not only with its history but with its modern culture. We’ll explore the country’s top sites, as well as its vibrant art, fashion, food, and tech scenes. The trip can be extended to include a visit to the astonishing ancient monuments of Petra, Jordan.

Unscheduled

EXTRA: Optional 2-night extension to Evora and Alentejo

Rimming the southwestern coast of Europe between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal has long been a destination for lovers of decorative arts, with stunning azulejo-tiled houses and elegant gardens, and enclaves such as Sintra and Cascais known for their luxurious lifestyle. In recent years the country’s lively contemporary art and architecture scene—its outstanding private collections, museums, artists, and galleries—have been luring culturally-minded travelers. And no surprise that with its abundance of fresh seafood and produce grown locally year-round, and its history of importing exotic flavors and spices from abroad, Portugal is also gaining traction as a destination for food lovers.  

Insider Access

• Visits to artists’ studios and private residences with outstanding work by leading International artists
• Private tours of Serralves, one of Europe’s most renowned foundations for contemporary art, and Lisbon’s exciting new MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology)
• A deep immersion in Portuguese food and culture

For complete itinerary and pricing, please write to info@culturatitraveldesign.com

Unscheduled

There are many ways to “do” India, a country where vivid colors and exotic flavors run wild, where the cacophony of traffic sounds is matched by the quiet of spiritual contemplation, where extremes collide to make the most culturally diverse nation in the world. Ranging from Mumbai in the south to Agra, Rajasthan, and Delhi in the north, from temples and palaces to contemporary art galleries and insider shopping favorites, this expertly curated private journey will provide insider access to singular experiences that reveal the essence of India from its fabled past to its vibrant present.

Unscheduled

One of the most interesting cities in the world—densely populated, sprawling, unnerving in its contrasts—the Mexican capital has become a magnet for international travelers. Its attractions are virtually unlimited, from monumental murals by Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros to the house where Frida Kahlo and Rivera lived, to the monastic residence of the mid-20th-century architect Luis Barragán, to museums and galleries and artists’ studios—and chefs and restaurants renowned for their modern Mexican cuisine. Located to the southeast and virtually on the other end of the spectrum in terms of cosmopolitanism, Oaxaca’s appeal is rooted in its wide-ranging mix of indigenous peoples and cultures, its crafts and artisans, the excellence of its traditional Mexican cooking—this is the place for exquisite moles, tamales, and enchiladas—and, in recent years, its burgeoning contemporary art scene.

Insider Access

• Visits to artists’ studios and curator-led tours of top museums
• Private cocktail reception at Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Antropologia
• Expert-guided shopping for green pottery, woven rugs, and other crafts by Oaxaca’s top artisans
• Memorable experiences of the best of Mexican cuisine—and a Mezcal tasting

For complete itinerary and pricing, please write to info@culturatitraveldesign.com

Unscheduled
EXTRA: 2-day optional extension to Antwerp, Belgium

This small country has been at the very center of innovation and creativity in the arts, architecture, and design for centuries. Our trip will offer a deep immersion in the art of the Golden Age, as well as modern and contemporary art and design, with visits to important museums and collections, designer studios and shops, and some of the top spots in the country’s ever-more interesting food scene. In Antwerp, those who choose to come along will have another centuries-spanning experience, from Rubens to Axel Vervoordt to the city’s cutting-edge fashion and food scene.