Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) has released its collection of “Connections Boutique Group Journeys” for 2023. Limited to just 24 guests, these itineraries are designed around authentic encounters with local people through arts, culture and culinary traditions.
As part of “Connections Boutique Group Journeys,” A&K offers 12 land-based journeys across Europe, Morocco and North America, along with five European river-cruise journeys.
The 10-day “Netherlands, Belgium & Luxembourg: Benelux Gems” itinerary will explore some of Europe’s hidden gems. Travelers can savor the sights and flavors of Belgium and the Netherlands with a private lacemaking demonstration in Bruges and a tasting of the region’s well-known cheeses at a dairy farm. They can have a glimpse of the former grandeur of the Dutch elite in the 17th-century Willet-Holthuysen House and delve into the reign of Charlemagne during a tour of Aachen. Highlights include exploring pivotal sites from the Battle of the Bulge in a vintage U.S. Army Willys Jeep and accommodation in a Luxembourg castle hotel.
On the 11-day “Sicily, Puglia & the Amalfi Coast” itinerary, travelers will step back in time to explore Sicily’s Greek and Roman ruins, and the mountain-carved city of Matera. They will be treated to a private buffalo mozzarella tasting and a visit to a Puglian olive oil producer. Highlights include an exclusive tour of Palazzo Francavilla with the owner; a visit to Roman Herculaneum—a town once submerged by mud and lava; a drive on the Amalfi Coast Road to Positano; and a stop in Corleone for an introduction to the Sicilian Mafia.
On the eight-day “Morocco: Imperial Cities” itinerary, travelers can explore Fez el-Bali, Morocco’s cultural heart, on a guided walk through its winding alleyways and myriad souks. They will tread the ancient Roman paths at Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at 2,000-year-old mosaics. Travelers can savor the cuisine and sights of Marrakech, and experience authentic Berber hospitality with a visit to a village in the Atlas Mountains.
On the 11-day “Switzerland & the Italian Lakes” itinerary, travelers can enjoy the views of Switzerland’s mountain scenery through the glass ceilings on the Glacier Express. They can gain private access to Bern’s landmark Zytglogge bell tower; savor Swiss chocolate during a tasting workshop; privately cruise Lake Maggiore; and enjoy a farewell dinner on Isola Bella.
On the 11-day “Spain: Seven Cities” itinerary, travelers can explore Alhambra, an architectural masterpiece overlooking the ancient city of Granada. They will have the opportunity to mingle with locals at La Boqueria market in Barcelona; experience an authentic bodega for a private sherry tasting in Jerez; ride in a horse-drawn carriage to a traditional tapas experience in Seville; and dine at a private palace in Seville, where flamenco dancers and singers perform for them.
On the 11-day “Switzerland & the Rhine” itinerary, travelers can cruise the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel on this European river-cruise journey, experiencing sightseeing in a private small-group vehicle. Tour highlights include a visit to the world’s largest flower auction; the Swiss Alps; and tastings of local beer, wine, cheese and chocolate.
A&K uses boutique hotels in each of its “Connections Boutique Journeys” itineraries. From the former mansion of Baron Reylof in Brussels to an 18th-century palace in Portugal, each property is selected for its mix of history, character, location and size. Preference is given to smaller, locally or family-owned properties, often housing less than 100 rooms. A&K’s “Connections Boutique Journeys” are led from start to finish by a Resident Tour Director, who has lived for decades, if not their entire life, in the destination.
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