Travel to and in the USA

From Sea to Shining Sea – A Continent to Explore!

The world’s fourth largest country in terms of area, the United States is close in size to the entire landmass of Europe. At every point of the compass, though separated by vast distances, Americans share a common history, government and language but inhabit a widely diverse landscape: soaring mountain ranges, coastlines both accessible and wild, great historic rivers, vast forests, endless plains, the majestic Great Lakes, the sultry and gracious South, and the iconic deserts and canyons of the Southwest. This is the American vista, awesome and dynamic, interspersed and enlivened by vibrant, modern, broad-shouldered cities.

Within this panorama, Americans are a multiethnic population representing every nation of the world, including indigenous peoples who first set foot on this continent over 50,000 years ago. America is a feast for the senses, fueled by its own exuberance and sense of destiny. There is much to see, much to learn, much to instill a sense of wonder.

Let your group journey begin here! With a simple click you can access our expertise and hands-on experience. Don’t know exactly where you want to go? The suggestions below are fertile ground, but know too that this is only a sampling. We have so much more up our sleeve…

America’s Castles

Without a knight in sight, with no jousts or suits of armor, America created its own romantic history by erecting resplendent mansions and castles across the country. From the estates of 19th century industrial barons that line New York State’s bucolic Hudson River to the palaces of American aristocracy in Newport, Rhode Island, from the storied plantations of the South to magnificent Hearst Castle overlooking the Pacific, each region has its treasures from the Gilded Age.

The Birth of a Nation

Viewed through the lens of Western civilization, the United States is still a young land, colonized little more than 500 years ago. The trappings and vestiges of its history remain fresh on the land. Discover them in New England, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland where pioneer days, the American Revolution, and the Civil War come alive. For history lovers and those curious about the magnificent American experiment in democracy, these itineraries are priceless.

Gardens of the Atlantic States

With fertile soil and a milder climate, the Mid-Atlantic States are ideally suited to grand-scale horticulture. Nineteenth and early twentieth century families made wealthy by industrial success – American ‘aristocracy’, you could say – carved magnificent gardens into the naturally beautiful hills and valleys of their estates, creating a scenic lushness that enhanced and sometimes even eclipsed their splendid mansions. Steeped in tradition and really a world apart from the rest of the country, these East Coast gardens are a wonder to behold.

The Finger Lakes Region, New York

Often skipped by those unfamiliar with northwestern New York State, the extraordinarily beautiful Finger Lakes region is a hidden gem, once the watering hole for the rich and famous. Slower-paced and under the radar, it features eleven glacier-carved lakes such as Oneida and Cayuga, surrounded by verdant hills cloaked in farms and vineyards. Explore its country roads, rocky gorges, over 1000 spectacular waterfalls, and its cities and towns, full of history, culture, gourmet and down-home restaurants, small boutiques, craft industries and surprisingly good wineries.

Along the Mississippi from Chicago to New Orleans

If you were to write a novel about the United States, the mighty Mississippi, riverine highway for indigenous tribes, French fur traders, cotton growers, paddle wheelers and jazzmen, would surely be a main character. From Lake Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico, this north–south axis crosses six states and delivers a large-scale slice of Americana - gleaming industrial cities, agrarian countryside, old-time river towns, the plantations and misery of the slave era, the freedom highway, and the irresistible beat of ragtime, Dixieland, jazz and blues. Besides musicians and composers, the Mississippi region gave inspiration to authors like Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Truman Capote and scores of others. Let us design your journey to include the delights of Chicago, St. Louis, Memphis (Elvis!), Nashville, Birmingham, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and more.

Frontier Days in South Dakota and Beyond

“Home on the Range” is a classic western folk song describing the expansive prairie where millions of bison (“buffalo”, the song said) were slaughtered in the 19th century, almost driving them to extinction. Now carefully managed, bison again roam the western ranges, along with wild horses, elk, deer and wolves. Put your city slicker aside and be awed as you discover the Great Plains, a landscape that has barely changed since pioneer days. Along the way you’ll catch up with decades of American history in Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse memorials, in the numerous national parks of the Badlands and the Black Hills, and in the many scenic drives and acclaimed recreational trails that line your route. Want more? Extend into neighboring North Dakota, Wyoming and the Teton Mountains, and the Colorado Rockies.

Leaf Peeping on Foliage Tours

Most people think of New England when they want to experience a Fall Foliage tour, even though its northerly location shortens the season. While we can organize this for you, let us offer you another option: if you can’t make the early deadline for Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire, you can still experience nature’s pyrotechnic display, later, in a more leisurely fashion and without the hordes of tourists, in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Colorado and Northern Arizona. You’ll have a great peeping experience while experiencing the welcoming ambience of these less-visited destinations.

New Mexico, an American Original

Bordering Mexico but utterly American, the southwest state of New Mexico offers enticing attractions: Santa Fe, Taos, Native American pueblos (communities), old mining, ranching and railroad towns, a unique art scene (painting, ceramics, silver, obsidian and turquoise jewelry, weaving and operatic music) and spectacular scenery. It is truly the “Land of Enchantment,” integrating the early influence of Spanish missionaries with its native populations (23 Indian tribes including 19 pueblos, 3 Apache tribes and the Navajo nation) and its ingrained American cowboy culture that spawned the likes of Billy the Kid and Pancho Villa. New Mexico’s breathtaking landscape of red-toned mesas, deserts and rocky prominences contrasts with the clear blue prism of a sky that gets even more spectacular at night, when a billion stars are on display. New Mexico is an adventure for the soul – let us show it to you!

Arizona & the American Southwest – a spectacular paint box!

Explore the Old West, where fortunes were made, hearts were broken and dreams were fulfilled! Use Arizona as your base to discover this region of painted deserts, verdant forests and towering mesas. Legends of the Old West can be found amidst the movie locations, ghost towns, saguaro cacti and sage-and-tumbleweed landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Go beyond the lights of cosmopolitan Phoenix and Tucson and you’ll see an incomparable star show illuminating the night sky. Winters are balmy here, with endless sunshine and low humidity, perfect for discovering natural wonders, cultural and historical heritage - 22 tribes inhabit the region including the Hopi, Apache, Paiute, Zuni and Navajo – and have for 12,000 years! Western hospitality enhances Christmas celebrations which are particularly heart-warming. Let us show you the often lesser-known treasures of this fascinating region.

Through the Eyes of an Architect, Mary Jane Colter

An American innovator and a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright, Mary Jane Colter blazed a trail through the Southwest, shaking up traditional architectural practices in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The very fact that she was an architect was astounding – women who aspired to this male-dominated field were not taken seriously and were rarely accepted by architectural firms. Her remarkable buildings paid homage to traditional Native American design, combining it with Spanish Revival, Mission Revival and other architectural elements. Notable buildings included Hopi House and Desert View Watchtower in Grand Canyon National Park (declared National Historic Landmarks in 1987) and gracious hotels and rustic lodges throughout the Southwest – in Grand Canyon, Winslow and Santa Fe. Colter originated the genre that is today known as the National Park style. For architectural buffs, Colter is key to a different perspective on the Southwest.

Washington State Wine Country – north, north of Napa!

Cooler climate and rich volcanic soils allow Washington State to produce over 70 grape varietals, about 2/3 of them red. There’s a lot of wonderful sipping here – Cabernet, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Riesling and Chardonnay. Raise your glass to some spectacular sightseeing, hillsides of laden vines, the Klamath Mountains and their famous active volcanoes, and the Columbia and Snake river valleys. This was the endgame of the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition – echoes of those glory days are still to be found and evoke the boldness of continental discovery. Seattle can be your terminus, a world-class city with a fresh, exciting vibe.

Oregon – Marching to its own Drummer

Environmentalist and free-thinking, Oregon personifies a thumbs-up attitude that is self-confident and self-reliant. With a long dramatic coastline, mountains and volcanos, and a dry eastern slope, the state is visually stunning and produces excellent agricultural products to fuel its farm-to-table culture. Oregon’s more temperate climate is just right for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, with small friendly wineries that welcome visitors. Portland, capital city Salem and Eugene are its major cities, boasting excellent universities and the nation’s largest number of independent bookstores, most serving excellent coffee to sip as you browse. With many special corners to explore, Oregon is a place to bring your hiking shoes.

Northern California – California Dreaming, part 1

California’s famous wine regions (Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Russian River) beckon, with bucolic countryside, charming small towns like Napa, Yountville, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg, and some of the most renowned labels in the world. You’ll eat and drink to perfection, if not to excess, but save time to stand in awe at the base of the giant redwoods, to tour pristine Yosemite with its famous El Capitan, to ramble through abandoned Gold Rush towns, and to savor California’s quintessential “laid back” culture. The pleasures and temptations (shopping, cuisine, museums, night life, street vibe!) are just down the coast in San Francisco…

Santa Barbara and the Central Coast – California Dreaming, part 2

Central California seems like a step back in time to 50 years ago, when life was simpler and more indulgent. Here you’ll find uncrowded beautiful beaches, Hearst Castle, Channel Islands National Park and a succession of quaint towns and villages for antiquing and art galleries. The countryside has a unique beauty with its often yellow and ochre hillsides punctuated by the gnarly trunks and deep green foliage of California live oaks. Spanish Colonial-style Santa Barbara has a hip vibe in its restaurants, museums and galleries, making travelers reluctant to leave - but they do, drawn to the Central Coast wine region that’s right next door. With some of the best wine terrain in the United States, the Central Coast features visitor-friendly boutique wineries that offer excellent vintages at often less than Napa prices.

Greater Los Angeles – California Dreaming, part 3

The City of Angels is so much more than Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach and the Pacific Ocean, but many tourists never see more than that! Add to your list gracious Pasadena with its old-money mansions and lively art scene, where once the most powerful Angelinos lived; the stunningly revived Downtown, a triumph of well-used urban space full of surprising corners; the laid-back Beach Cities (so much more than surf!); a cornucopia of shopping, museums, exciting dining and cultural events. Let us show you our own special places off the beaten track. This is the place to see and be seen. Plan extra time – you may land a juicy part or get your script accepted!

San Diego and vicinity – California Dreaming, part 4

As far south as you can go along the Pacific coast and still be in the United States, San Diego boasts a near-idyllic climate and seventy miles of coastline. It is a charming city of neighborhoods: downtown’s historic Gaslamp Quarter with its Victorian architecture and lively street scene, beach-obsessed Coronado, and trendy La Jolla, surrounded on three sides by ocean bluffs and beaches. In the vicinity are the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and Aquarium, Sea World, the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (where the animals roam and the visitors are enclosed), the old mining town of Julian and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California.

THE SPECIAL INTEREST TRAVELER

When the destination is only part of the destination

Sometimes travelers like to pursue a theme as a background and enrichment – or a raison d’être! - to their travels. We offer many options that are tailored to your needs. Here are a few to pique your interest, but inquire if you don’t see what moves you.

Native American Culture

Whether your interest is historical or cultural, we can organize encounters with Native Americans throughout the United States for special tours, exchange of ideas, or meeting with Native American artists in multiple media such as painting, carving, jewelry design, weaving, ceramics, leather-working, etc.

Metaphysical programs – Mysterious places

There are places of antiquity, often deep within nature, that carry with them the aura of mystery, a spiritual upwelling for those who are open to receiving it. We can take you to Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, Sedona, Joshua Tree National Park, Mount Shasta, and more, with just the right guides. Our programs can be an add-on to a conventional trip or the whole trip.

Birding

A delight to the ear and the eye, there are over 1000 avian species in the United States, some endemic, some common and some rarely seen. Pursue your passion on our guided birding tours from Maryland to New Mexico, from Texas to Washington State. Southern Arizona in particular is fertile ground for bird watching. Combined with other outdoor activities, this makes for a fabulous trip.

Battle Buffs / Military Tours

Name your war - we’ll plot your battles: the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the War of 1812, American-Indian wars, the Mexican-American War, stateside sites of World Wars I and II. The United States has multiple excellent museums as well as battlefields to explore.

Agricultural tours

This category is aimed at the professional farmer or rancher who would like to tour and meet with their counterparts in select regions of the United States.