Many travelers on Artisans of Leisure tours like to shop for items that are unique to the destinations they are visiting. Myanmar, a.k.a. Burma, is one of the best places in Southeast Asia to find high-quality crafts, decorative items, and traditional objects that are used for everyday use. We are particularly fond of Burmese lacquerware, and over the years we have found gorgeous pieces both old and new.

For centuries, Burmese have used lacquer to create a wide range of beautiful objects with glossy, highly decorated surfaces: containers for storing and serving food, musical instruments, religious objects, furniture and more.

One of the iconic Burmese lacquer objects is the Buddhist monk's alms bowl. On our private Burma tours, we arrange for travelers to watch saffron-robed monks walk through the streets collecting their daily donations of rice in their large lacquer alms bowls. We also arrange for travelers to visit monasteries to meet monks, learn about Buddhism in Burma and monks' lifestyle, and to participate in local ceremonies and daily activities.

Lacquer is the sap of an indigenous tree that hardens into a natural resin. It is typically applied as a varnish to a core made of woven bamboo, wood and/or horsehair, creating a smooth, water-resistant surface. Lacquer can also be mixed with ash or sawdust to create a malleable putty that's used to smooth surfaces and form decorative embellishments.

Today, most Burmese lacquerware is made in Bagan and nearby locations, including the religious center of Salay. Our Myanmar tours include visits to our favorite local studios and workshops to see lacquer being made by some of Burma's finest artisans. Producing lacquer is a collaborative process, with different artisans applying their expertise at steps along the way.

One of the final stages is adding decoration to the surfaces of the lacquer object. Artisans engrave lines into the surface of the lacquer, which is typically red or black. Then, colored lacquer is applied to the lines, creating detailed decorations such as flowers, figures, patterns, astrological calendars, and scenes of daily life. Gold leaf may be added as a final, glittering touch.

Contact us or visit the Burma luxury tours page of our website for more information.

Artisans of Leisure travel expert, Diana Dove, recently returned from Russia. Here are a few highlights from her trip.

Most memorable meal: Café Pushkin in Moscow. This is a great place to sample traditional Russian fare such as borscht or pelmeni, which are dumplings with various fillings. My meal of mushroom pelmeni was delicious in its simplicity: topped only with a drizzle of olive oil and served with sour cream.

Touring highlight: Private access to the Amber Workshop at Catherine's Palace in Pushkin, just outside St. Petersburg. Having a look behind the scenes was really memorable. I have new appreciation for the precision and craftsmanship that goes into maintaining and restoring the phenomenal décor throughout the palace.

Cultural travel "must" when in Russia: Ballet. If you have the opportunity to attend a performance of ballet (or opera) at one of Russia's landmark venues, such as the Bolshoi or Mariinsky, do take advantage. I will never forget my view of The Sleeping Beauty from our box seats in Saint Petersburg.

Living like royalty: In St. Petersburg, The Grand Hotel Europe makes it feel as though you are living as Russian royalty once did. I found remarkable similarities between my suite at the hotel and the opulent palaces I toured each day. Though the hotel is full of remarkable antiques, it feels anything but tired. A recent renovation updated all fixtures and technology, not to mention the common spaces, such as its bright mezzanine café.

Favorite souvenir: I found these Jewish-themed matryoshka (nesting dolls) at St. Petersburg's Grand Choral Synagogue. Traditional matryoshka of varying sizes and qualities can be found anywhere in Russia, but these dolls conveyed a sense of humor that I couldn't resist.

On Russian cathedrals and design: The sparkling opulence of the Peter & Paul Cathedral (located within the Peter & Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg) is typical of the cathedrals I toured in Russia. Each site's color and detail seemed more elaborate than the last! Photos don't do it justice.

Favorite place for a drink: The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow has a rooftop bar with an unbeatable view of Red Square and the Kremlin.

Most appreciated: Having amazing guides. I loved learning about the history of everything I saw. For example, I learned that Catherine the Great had a reputation as a lover of art and education. It was she who oversaw the Russian Enlightenment of the 18th century. Her influence is obvious throughout the grounds of Catherine's Palace, including this Chinese statue outside its gates.

Insider tip: I did a hard-hat inspection of the future Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace in Saint Petersburg, and it promises to be a spectacular addition to the city's hotel options. I especially loved the sun-drenched winter garden, which will be available for dining all day.

To learn more about what Artisans of Leisure can arrange for your private tour of Russia, view our recommended Russia tours, or contact us at 1-800-214-8144.

We love eating as the locals do when we travel, and we find that food often inspires some of our best travel memories.

Artisans of Leisure travel expert, Sonja Stoerr, recently traveled across the country and particularly loved visiting the open-air markets, sampling street food, and dining where the locals like to eat. Here are a few of the culinary highlights from her trip throughout Israel.

JERUSALEM
Jerusalem has such an incredible history that the city easily warrants several days of touring just to see all of the main highlights. A walking tour of the four quarters of the Old City is a must, as is a visit to the impressive Israel Museum and Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum).

To experience the flavors of Jerusalem, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a tasting tour at Mahane Yehuda market, known by Jerusalemites as "The Shuk." This bustling and colorful market has over 250 vendors selling a wide variety of produce and specialties from across Israel, such as Safed cheese (a white cheese from the Galilee, similar to feta), olive oils, dates and nuts, halva, and burekas (savory, flaky pastries stuffed with cheese or meat).

After exploring The Shuk, we recommend having a meal at Machneyuda. Located just outside the market, this popular restaurant is run by three chefs from Jerusalem and has a Mediterranean-inspired menu that changes daily according to the seasonal produce available at the market. Reservations are essential and Artisans of Leisure can make arrangements in advance for those interested.

Don't forget to try a Jerusalem bagel while touring the city. Unlike traditional bagels, the Jerusalem Bagel is not boiled before baking and has a lighter consistency. These bagels come in a large oval shape—big enough to share—and are topped with sesame seeds. You might also like to try dipping your bread in za'atar, a blend of spices and salt.

ACRE (AKKO)
Just north of Haifa, the city of Acre (Akko) has a rich history as a strategic port dating back to Phoenician times, earning it the title of the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the country. Those interested in history and archaeology will enjoy seeing evidence of Acre's past revealed in the architectural layers around the city—including Muslim, Crusader, Ottoman and British influences—both above and below street level. A private tour of the Templar's tunnel is a highlight. Discovered in 1994, this secret underground tunnel built by Crusaders in the 12th century runs from the Templar Fortress to the sea.

After returning to the surface, stroll through the old city for a taste of Acre. The fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is characterized by its narrow and winding streets, courtyards, mosques, khans (inns), baths, and residential areas, such as the Muslim Quarter, where you might come across the delicious smells of grilled kebabs. We also recommend a visit to a local favorite, Humus Sa'id. Located at Acre's old city market, this popular restaurant often has a line outside the door and is considered by many Israelis to have the best hummus in the Middle East.

Try a fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice from one of the local vendors by the harbor—a great way to end the day.

THE NEGEV DESERT & MITZPE RAMON
Those travelers with time might like to consider an overnight in Mitzpe Ramon in the heart of The Negev, a large desert of rugged gorges, saw-toothed mountains and colorful desert landscapes. A drive through the desert can include touring at sites such as the desert home of Israel's first Prime Minister, Ben Gurion, at the Kibbutz Sde Boker or the ruins of the ancient Nabatean city of Avdat, a caravan stop on the spice route between Petra and Gaza. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a private helicopter for the transfer from Tel Aviv or for a scenic flight over this incredible landscape.

A delicious Israeli breakfast is our favorite way to start the day before a privately guided morning hike or 4WD excursion to the Ramon Crater (Machtesh Ramon), a spectacular naturally-formed geological depression and one of the highlights of The Negev. Breakfast in Israel typically consists of fresh baked bread, eggs, Israeli salad (tomatoes, cucumbers and onion), local cheeses, labneh (a homemade yogurt cheese), sliced vegetables, and a variety of dips, such as hummus, tehina (a thick sesame seed based dip), or baba ghanoush (roasted, pureed eggplant).

EILAT
Located on the Red Sea between the borders of Egypt and Jordan, the resort town of Eilat is the southernmost town in Israel and the place to go to enjoy the sun and beach. It's also a great base for travelers wishing to take a day trip to the impressive archeological site of Petra in Jordan or for those interested in adventure activities, such as camel rides or 4WD excursions in the desert, hiking at Timna National Park, snorkeling in the reef, or swimming with dolphins. Eilat is also a great destination for families.

One of our favorite things to do in Eilat after a day of adventure is to stroll along the promenade with an ice cream, relax at an outdoor café, or have a delicious shawarma sandwich by the beach. Shawarma is a classic Israeli street food made with thinly-sliced grilled marinated meats stuffed in a fresh pita or lafa (large pita). Toppings often include salad, eggplant, pickles, and a variety of sauces, such as tahina, hummus, mango or chili sauce. In Israel, shawarma is typically accompanied by a side of French fries

TEL AVIV
Tel Aviv has it all: the buzz of a cosmopolitan city, the café culture of Europe, and white sandy beaches on the Mediterranean Sea. Tel Aviv also has a thriving culinary scene, with everything from upscale dining in the trendy Tel Aviv Port and Neve Tzedek neighborhoods to traditional kosher Jewish-Yemenite cuisine in the old Yemenite Quarter. A highlight is exploring the stalls at the Carmel Market, Tel Aviv's largest open-air market. For an insider's tour of the best of the market, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a private Israeli cooking lesson and market visit with a local Tel Aviv chef.

At the Carmel Market, enjoy sampling local treats. From sweet, Middle Eastern pastries...

...to fresh olives.

Old Jaffa, the ancient port of Tel Aviv, is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon browsing galleries and antique shops, strolling along the maze-like streets of the old city, or haggling your way your way through the famous Old Jaffa Flea Market.

And when in Jaffa, do as the locals do and eat at Dr. Shakshuka's, a legendary, no-frills restaurant that specializes in home-style Jewish cuisine from Tripoli and Morocco. The "doctor's" most famous dish is his namesake: shakshuka—an egg poached in a delicious stew of tomatoes, onions and spices and served right in the frying pan with a side of bread.

Contact us to learn more about our private Israel tours and our other favorite destinations in Israel, including the Dead Sea and Masada, Haifa and the Galilee, and the Golan Heights.

In addition to experiencing the history, culture and landscapes of Israel, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange private Israeli cooking classes with local chefs, market tours with culinary experts, shopping tours for ingredients and ceramics and housewares, special meals (Druze, kosher, Yemenite, and more), visits to wineries, cheese farms, chocolate factories and much more. All Artisans of Leisure tours in Israel can be customized to accommodate for kosher diets or other dietary restrictions.

See more foodie-inspired photos of Israel on our Facebook page.

Artisans of Leisure founder and CEO Ashley Isaacs Ganz reveals a few of her favorite things about Scotland and her recent trip there.

Favorite hotels on this trip: Gleneagles, in the Perthshire countryside, is truly one of the great resorts in Europe.

I also love The Balmoral in Edinburgh. The location is ideal. It's an historic property with high ceilings and beautiful decorative details. Many of the rooms offer incredible views over the city. The restaurants are excellent. The amenities are great too. My kids loved the cookies and other children's amenities, and I loved the all-natural lotions and shampoos—the bathrooms are stocked with large and luxurious bottles.

Touring highlight of the trip: A privately guided tour through the most spectacular Highlands scenery. We stopped every few feet to take photos of the dramatic landscapes. We also visited top whisky distilleries and picturesque villages with small shops that are renowned for their tartans.

Cultural travel "must" when in Scotland: Touring Charles Rennie Mackintosh buildings in Glasgow. We arrange private tours of many Mackintosh buildings, including the interiors of The Glasgow School of Art, which is considered a masterpiece by the Scottish architect. It's one of the most incredible works of architecture and design that I have ever seen.

Genealogy: I brought my extended family on this trip, and together we did genealogical research into the Scottish roots on one side of our family. We visited towns where our relatives were from and had private appointments at local records offices. Artisans of Leisure arranges this type of activity for travelers in destinations around the world.

The kids' favorite activity: Off-roading in their own mini Land Rovers and taking golf lessons at the golf club at Gleneagles.

Favorite shopping purchase: Traditional Scottish wool blankets from Kinloch Anderson, which holds a Royal Warrant as tailors and kilt makers to the Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Charles.

Most memorable meal: Dinner at The Strathearn, the main dining room at Gleneagles.

Favorite spots in Edinburgh: The Royal Botanic Garden, the Royal Yacht Britannia, Arthur's Seat, beautiful residential districts, backstreets along the Royal Mile, and museums such as the National Portrait Gallery, which just reopened. All of these are included on Artisans of Leisure tours in Edinburgh.

My ideal Scotland itinerary: Edinburgh and the Highlands with excursions to Stirling Castle, St. Andrews and Glasgow. Scotland and England are also a perfect combination by air, train or with overland touring en route between them.

To learn more about what Artisans of Leisure can arrange for your private tour of Scotland, view our recommended Scotland tours, or contact us at 1-800-214-8144.

The just-released Artisans of Leisure Cultural Travel Hot List for 2012 is your guide to the top luxury travel destinations for the coming year.

Each December, we look ahead at the destinations and activities our travelers have booked for the next 12 months, as well as those that we anticipate becoming popular as the year progresses. Because we offer private, customized tours in more than 50 countries, and many of our travelers book tours with us multiple times a year, we are keenly aware of destination trends among high-end travelers as they develop.

After browsing the short list, be sure to continue down for further details about why each country was selected for our list this year and what types of experiences you can expect to enjoy on a private Artisans of Leisure tour in each of them.

The Artisans of Leisure Cultural Travel Hot List 2012

1. Myanmar (Burma)
2. Portugal
3. England
4. Peru
5. China
6. India
7. South Africa
8. Germany
9. Israel
10. Morocco


1. MYANMAR (BURMA): Myanmar's nascent democratization is great news for the Burmese and inspiration for anyone wanting to visit this beautiful but little-known country, where we have operated tours for years. Myanmar has also become a popular destination for honeymooners seeking culture, value and an exotic once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Our most popular Myanmar tours:
Highlights of Burma
Treasures of Burma
Luxuries of Burma

Favorite Artisans of Leisure Myanmar experiences:
Meeting and observing master artisans (lacquer, gold leaf, textiles, ceramics and wood)
Visiting a monastery to learn about Buddhism and the lifestyle of monks
Hot-air balloon rides over the temples and pagodas of Bagan

2. PORTUGAL: Why has Portugal become one of our most frequently booked destinations in Europe for the coming months? In addition to two key reasons—great value and an increasing number of luxury hotel options—are Portugal's impressive culture, incredibly rich history, excellent food and wine, high-quality traditional crafts, and great modern design.

Our most popular Portugal tours:
Highlights of Portugal
Food & Wine of Portugal
Highlights of Spain & Portugal

Favorite Artisans of Leisure Portugal experiences:
Exclusive private boat rides on the Douro River
Private, behind-the-scenes tours of Portugal's leading decorative tile factory
Access to remote locations with spectacular fossilized dinosaur tracks

3. ENGLAND: London is more festive and exciting than ever, with preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games and Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. The city is buzzing with new luxury hotels, incredible new restaurants, acclaimed new museum exhibitions and other new cultural attractions. London is also the gateway to England's many other popular destinations, such as the Cotswolds, Oxford and Bath, all of which are featured on Artisans of Leisure tours.

Our most popular England tours:
Highlights of England
Family Tour of England
London in Depth

Favorite Artisans of Leisure England experiences:
Insider shopping and foodie tours in London
Private cricket lessons at Lord's Cricket Ground
Access to private gardens and heritage-listed homes

4. PERU: New luxury hotels in the beautiful Sacred Valley and in fascinating Cusco—where the much anticipated Palacio Nazarenas hotel is scheduled to open in summer 2012—are adding even more appeal to this outstanding destination. Artisans of Leisure Peru tours are especially popular with families, who enjoy traveling on the legendary Hiram Bingham train, expert-led tours of iconic Machu Picchu, and luxury Amazon cruises.

Our most popular Peru tours:
Essence of Peru
Peru in a Week
Peru Adventure Tour

Favorite Artisans of Leisure Peru experiences:
Private tours of little-visited Inca and pre-Inca sites
Privately guided hiking excursions to traditional villages
Private tours of Machu Picchu with an archaeologist

5. CHINA: China is a perennial favorite for cultural travelers, many of whom return regularly with Artisans of Leisure to explore different regions or see what's new in the rapidly developing Middle Kingdom. Contributing to China's popularity are expanding luxury hotel, dining and shopping options in places such as Shanghai, Beijing and Hangzhou, as well as new luxury hotels in more remote destinations such as Xian and Lhasa, Tibet.

Our most popular China tours:
Discover China
Exclusive China
Family Tour of Southeast Asia

Favorite Artisans of Leisure China experiences:
Private kung fu lessons
Tours of private sections of the Forbidden City
Private art and architecture tours in Shanghai

6. INDIA: India is in high demand for 2012 as many sophisticated travelers are either visiting the country for the first time or returning to explore new regions. India's palace-style luxury hotels, spectacular cultural sites, and great regional diversity make it irresistible. And ongoing improvements in infrastructure are making travel in the country ever more accessible and comfortable. Artisans of Leisure India tours feature not only iconic destinations such as Delhi, Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal and Varanasi, but also incredible but less-visited places such as Kerala, game reserves, and Ajanta and Ellora.

Our most popular India tours:
Highlights of India
Essence of India
Art & Temples of India

Favorite Artisans of Leisure India experiences:
Private Bollywood dance classes
Private yoga lessons in spectacular settings
A private cooking class with a royal chef

7. SOUTH AFRICA: A safari in one (or more) of the top game reserves in South Africa is a dream trip for even the most worldly travelers. Our South Africa tours appeal to young and old alike with sophisticated touring in Cape Town and the Winelands, customized activities for all ages, and safaris at Singita and other luxury lodges in Sabi Sand Reserve, Kruger National Park and malaria-free regions.

Our most popular South Africa tours:
Highlights of South Africa
Malaria-free South Africa
Classic South Africa & Botswana

Favorite Artisans of Leisure South Africa experiences:
Private game drives while on safari
Visits to local schools and community projects
Personalized wine touring with a local expert

8. GERMANY: Good value and an abundance of outstanding art museums, modern architecture and picturesque villages are among the many reasons our Germany tours are so popular for 2012. Many of our travelers like to combine Germany with destinations in neighboring countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Our most popular Germany tours:
Best of Berlin, Potsdam & Dresden
Highlights of Germany
Best of Southern Germany

Favorite Artisans of Leisure Germany experiences:
Researching family heritage (visits to hometowns, meeting with local genealogical specialists)
Private, behind-the-scenes tours at legendary concert halls
Tours of car factories (e.g. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Porsche)

9. ISRAEL: Israel remains enormously popular for 2012 because it's one of the easiest and most rewarding travel destinations in the Middle East. Our travelers love Israel for its great food, mild climate, incredible ancient ruins, design districts and spa resorts. Our Israel tours also feature activities such as private cultural touring in Jerusalem, floating in the Dead Sea, and visiting a Druze village.

Our most popular Israel tours:
Highlights of Israel
Family Adventure in Israel
Journey Through Israel

Favorite Artisans of Leisure Israel experiences:
Private safaris by jeep or camel in the Negev Desert
A day working on an archaeological dig
Private architecture and design tours in Tel Aviv

10. MOROCCO: The opening of a number of new luxury hotels and resorts in Marrakesh over recent months has focused even more attention on Morocco, which has long been popular among Artisans of Leisure travelers for an exotic adventure that includes luxury spa resorts, private day hikes, private cooking classes and desert safaris. Morocco's ongoing popularity is also due in part to its mild climate, which helps make it a great year-round destination.

Our most popular Morocco tours:
Journey Through Morocco
Essence of Morocco
Luxury Adventure Tour of Morocco

Favorite Artisans of Leisure Morocco experiences:
Private air charters to remote Sahara Desert locations for overnight Bedouin safaris
Private shopping tours in the souks
Exclusive private dinners with Moroccan music, belly dancers and tray dancers

Contact us for further information about these or any other destination you are considering for a private tour in 2012.