Q: When and how did you become interested in birding?A: My mom has been birding forever, and she would take me along with her when I was a kid. Eventually it clicked for me, and I've been doing it ever since. I was very active in high school, volunteering for Seattle Audubon, going on birding trips with other teens, and even participating in birding competitions around the country. I had a bit of a hiatus in college and while living in Europe, but I'm getting into it again now that I'm back in the US.
Q: Why do you like birding?
Q: What were some of your earliest birding experiences?A: As a kid, I remember lots of trips north to the Skagit Valley or across the mountains to eastern Washington. I would mostly color in the back seat, looking up occasionally at a Horned Lark or a flock of Snow Geese. I remember one particular spot in eastern Washington where my mom would blast a cassette recording of a Pygmy Owl from the car. This attracted lots of birds, which would come in to check out the sound and see if it was a potential threat. I can still hear that sound and picture that dusty back road.
I also remember my first international trip: birding in Costa Rica, where I had my eighth birthday. We watched the colorful motmots at Finca Rosa Blanca, our lovely inn near Braulio Carillo National Park, and had our food stolen by the precocious monkeys by the beach at Manuel Antonio. I love looking back at the journal I kept on that trip.
Q: Is birding just an excuse for travel, or is it the other way around?A: It can be both. For example, I don't know that I would have ever visited Ghana if it weren't for birding. On the other hand, when my husband and I decided to go to Cambodia for our honeymoon, I knew I had to take advantage and do some birding. I saw some great stuff, like hornbills, sunbirds and paradise-flycatchers, and even convinced him to come out with me a few times! If a destination has great cultural touring and also offers good birding, it's like the icing on the cake for me.
Q: What was your most recent birding trip?A: I just got back from a weekend in Ohio with my parents. They've been going to Magee Marsh State Park, which is a migration hotspot, for about eight years. It was my first time, and I've never experienced birding like it. Over the years, the area has taken on a festival atmosphere during migration. Now they even call it "The Biggest Week in American Birding." They organize lectures and events, and there are special birding guides to help with spotting and identification. Thousands of people come, and I've never birded with so many people! The boardwalk was absolutely clogged. But having so many eyes (and the Twitter hashtag #BiggestWeek) helps to find good stuff, like the Black-billed Cuckoo or the very rare Kirtland's Warbler, both of which were life birds for me. Overall, we saw around 20 species of warblers, plus several other species, in just one morning. I want to go back next year and stay longer!
Q: Where would you most like to go for birding in the future?A: Turkey is one of my favorite destinations for cultural touring, but its position between Europe, Asia and Africa makes it a hotspot for migrating birds as well. I'd love to go back and do some birding there. I also didn't do enough birding when I lived in Spain, and like Turkey, it's on a major migration route. It offers fabulous birding at some of its national parks, such as Monfrague and Donana.
Artisans of Leisure arrange private tours to Sri Lanka on a request basis. It is a bird-lover's paradise, and I have been salivating over the idea of combining cultural touring in the temples, tea plantations and colonial cities with birding and wildlife spotting in the national parks.
Also on my "to bird at some point in my life" list are Papua New Guinea, Galapagos and Antarctica.
Q: Of all the places you've visited for birding, what has been your favorite so far?A: Tanzania, hands down. It's such a beautiful country, and birding was a wonderful way to experience it. There was always something to look at when the animals weren't around, plus being attentive to the birds helped us find the animals--a win-win!
Q: Is it easy to fit birding into cultural or other touring while traveling?
A: Absolutely. The great thing about birding is that you can do it anywhere, and you don't need any special equipment, though binoculars are obviously helpful. Whether you're at a Mexican resort or a European capital, you're never too far away from a patch of nature where you can spot a few species. Taking a day excursion to a nearby park or forest is a great way to sneak some birding into a trip.
Q: Have you ever planned a trip around seeing a certain bird?A: Well, there is certainly no other reason to visit the city dump in Brownsville, TX! (It's the only place in North America where you can see the Tamaulipas Crow.)
My family's trip to Ghana was somewhat planned in this way, since it's currently the most stable country where you can see the White-necked Picathartes, which is a very rare and endangered bird. But usually we plan our trips based mostly on how "birdy" a location is.
Q: Do you keep a bird list?A: Not anymore. I kept a North America list in high school when I was competitive, and I know that I have over 500 species, but I stopped counting. I like to keep a checklist when I travel, to remember what I've seen, but I'm not usually too concerned with the number.
Q: Do you think of birding as a kind of collecting?A: A lot of birders do (we call them "listers"), but I don't. I'm more interested in observing their behavior and enjoying the experiences that birding provides than just ticking a box and moving on.
Q: Do you have any good stories from bird watching--particularly difficult conditions, serendipitous spottings, etc.?A: Looking for the picathartes in Ghana was one of the most difficult birding experiences I have ever had. We had to hike for about an hour through the hottest, densest jungle I've ever been in, scramble up a steep hill, and then wait silently by the rocky overhang where the birds build their mud nests. We sat there for about an hour, but when the bird finally came in, it was so worth it.
Q: What kind of binoculars do you use?A: Swarovski EL 8.5x
Q: Any other specialized gear you take with you?
A: I don't, but if any of my birding companions has a spotting scope with them, I take full advantage!
Q: What are your favorite bird films and books?
A:
• The Life of Birds - David Attenborough's fascinating 1998 series for the BBC
• The Big Year - Hollywood mostly gets it right, for once, in this 2011 comedy starring Jack Black, Steve Martin and Owen Wilson
• The Sibley Guide to Birds - My favorite field guide for North American birds
• Kingbird Highway - Renowned birder Ken Kaufman's memoir of the year he dropped out of high school to bird the country
• To Kill a Mockingbird - Okay, not actually about birds, but still a great book!
Q: Have you ever seen any bird exhibitions at museums or elsewhere that were particularly memorable?A: I love the collection of decoys at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont, and the National Geographic Society has had some wonderful photography exhibitions. A pair of 17th-century Japanese screens in the Seattle Asian Art Museum, gilded and painted with the silhouettes of hundreds of crows, is also dear to my heart.
There are also several artists whose bird representations I look for wherever I go:
• Ito Jakuchu - His 18th-century painted scrolls are exquisite
• John James Audubon - Audubon primarily worked in watercolor, but I saw a wonderful oil painting of two Peregrine Falcons at the Cleveland Museum of Art on my recent trip to Ohio. An early American ornithologist, he was the first to present birds in a natural way. His The Birds of America is the original field guide
• Constantin Brancusi - so sleek, modern and minimalist
• Joan Miro - About as abstract as it gets: he uses curved lines to represent flight paths and creates imagination-bending birds
Q: How's the birding in New York City? A: It's great! Central Park is a hotspot during migration, and New York has one of the country's most active Audubon Society chapters, which sponsors lots of outings to parks and wetlands all over the city.
Q: What kind, if any, of birding communities are you active within (local, virtual, etc)?
A: I recently became a member of NYC Audubon, and want to get more involved. I also signed up for eBird, a free online service where you can enter the birds you see on any given outing. Your list serves as a record for you but also provides population and distribution data that helps ornithologists and conservationists.
Q: Have you ever studied birds from a scientific perspective, e.g. banding or tracking birds?A: I certainly wouldn't call myself an ornithologist, but I have volunteered to help with mist netting and banding a few times.
Q: Are there any stereotypes about birders you'd like to dispel?
A: Yes. First, birding doesn't necessarily mean sitting in a duck blind all day waiting for something to fly by. Usually it involves taking a nice walk, hike or drive and seeing what you see along the way.
Also, birders aren't all tunnel-vision bird nerds or cocky hotshots who brag about their life lists. Sure, you get a few who are really serious and totally focused on birds, but most birders I know have a wide range of interests and knowledge.
Q: For travelers who love birding and who are considering an Artisans of Leisure trip, what should they know?
A: If you want to build birding into an itinerary, we can do that! Of course, some destinations are "birdier" than others, but even in most cities you're only an excursion away from a nature park where you can add a few species to your list.
Q: What Artisans of Leisure destinations would you recommend for incorporating birding?A: You can find good birding in any of our destinations, but I especially recommend:
• India
• Australia
• Bhutan
• Malaysia
• Spain
• Turkey
• Jordan
• South Africa
• Botswana
• England
• Ecuador
Contact Artisans of Leisure or your preferred travel agent to learn more about our customized, private birdwatching tours in international destinations.
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Artisans of Leisure specializes in one-of-a-kind, private, customized family tours that feature a world of engaging experiences sure to satisfy families of all sizes, ages and interests.
Go hiking in the Alps, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes visit to a chocolate factory in Switzerland.
Trace family history in places like Scotland, Germany, Hungary, Russia and Poland.
Learn about wildlife conservation during a private safari in South Africa and Botswana.
Learn to cook noodle dishes in Thailand.
Cambodia.
lederhosen in Austria.
Have a private, introductory lesson in flamenco guitar in Spain.
Visit an orangutan sanctuary in Malaysia, or ride an elephant in Thailand.
lesson.
Spot kangaroos and crocodiles in Australia, tigers in India, pink dolphins in Peru, and the Big Five in South Africa.
works of art, such as Guernica and the Mona Lisa, while standing in front of them.
Enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes visit to a sumo wrestling practice in Japan.
Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, and do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb in Australia.
Explore Mayan ruins in Mexico.
See iconic sites such as Stonehenge in England, the Colosseum in Italy and the Pyramids in Egypt.
sand dunes and spend the night in the Sahara.
We recently spoke with one of our favorite guides in Portugal and asked her to share what she loves showing our travelers when they visit her country.
Q: Why did you decide to become a guide? 
Q: What always surprises travelers when they visit Portugal?
Q: What are some special places or experiences that you like to incorporate into touring?
Q: What are a few "must" experiences or places in Lisbon?
Q: What are your favorite Portuguese gardens? 
Q: Do you collect anything?
Q: What do you like about Artisans of Leisure clients?
Q: Why visit Portugal?
Q: What's your favorite day trip from Lisbon? Why?
Touring highlights:
The private transfer from Cusco to the Sacred Valley passes through beautiful rural landscapes with the snow-capped peaks of the high Andes as a backdrop.
Unexpected highlights:
Singing and dancing to the live band in the wood-paneled bar car of the luxury Hiram Bingham train en route back from Machu Picchu. The three members of the band were hilarious showmen, and they handily performed everything from stirring Peruvian ballads to rocking Rolling Stones tunes.
Favorite activities:
Cusco is a beautiful and historic city that's not fake or touristy.
I also enjoyed my cooking class and Pisco sour-making class. I learned to make quinotto, which is risotto made with quinoa and Pisco sours, the classic Peruvian cocktail made with Pisco brandy. However, I confess to a weakness for the refreshing chilcano, which is a cocktail of Pisco mixed with ginger ale and lime juice.
Favorite shopping purchase:
Favorite not-to-be-missed destination:
Once there, you'll want to spend at least three days to relax and take in all the region has to offer. 
I loved feeding baby alpacas, seeing condors soaring through a 3,000-foot-deep gorge at Cruz del Condor and hiking along the edge of Colca Canyon.
I met local farmers planting their bean crops and toured Las Casita's extensive gardens. 
The bathroom was also extraordinary. It's the first I've encountered with a walled herb garden (for making your own tea infusions) that leads to your outdoor shower.
Favorite Artisans of Leisure Peru itinerary:
A luxury safari is undoubtedly a highlight of any South Africa tour, and Artisans of Leisure will work closely with you and your family to customize your safari experience. We can provide specialized services such as private rangers and safari vehicles, private chefs and special meals for travelers on restricted diets, and private charter flights.
We can also plan separate activities to satisfy each member of your family, such as a day at the spa, a walking safari, learning to identify animal tracks, and having a one-on-one lesson with an expert ranger.
Staying at the appropriate luxury safari lodge is also key to getting the most out of your family's safari experience. Our Africa travel specialists stayed at all of the top safari lodges in South Africa and have selected the very best lodges and rooms for families in legendary safari destinations such as Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. 
We've also selected the best luxury safari lodges in lesser-known but equally outstanding wildlife destinations such as Thornybush Reserve and the malaria-free Madikwe Reserve and Kalahari Desert.
We arrange private family safaris in the optimal places to see members of the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and Cape buffaloes) and other popular animals such as zebras and giraffes. We also know the best destinations in South Africa for birding and seeing smaller and more elusive animals such as aardvarks, wild dogs and meerkats.
Throughout South Africa, we offer many unforgettable activities that can be personalized to your family. For example, we arrange unique wildlife encounters around Cape Town such as visiting a cheetah rescue center, touring an ostrich farm, whale watching off the South African coast, seeing penguins on the Cape Peninsula, and watching a shark feeding at Two Oceans Aquarium Cape Town.
Cultural touring is another highlight of our South Africa tours. Among the many options are meeting local musicians, taking an African dance lesson, and learning to prepare Cape Town's distinctive Cape Malay cuisine. Perhaps visit a township to see how local people live or stop by a school to interact with local children. 
Or, enjoy a food and wine excursion in the Cape Winelands, where you can also tour a vintage car museum.
For a perspective on South African history, learn about apartheid at Robben Island, Nelson Mandela's house or the Apartheid Museum. Or, go much further back in time during a meeting with a paleoanthropologist in the Cradle of Humankind.
We can also arrange many family-friendly soft-adventure activities, such as biking, horseback riding, cruising aboard a private yacht off the South African coast, helicopter and hot-air balloon excursions over the bush, and private excursions to spectacular Victoria Falls in Zambia or neighboring countries such as Botswana.
Contact an Artisans of Leisure travel specialist to learn more about how we can customize the perfect South Africa safari tour for your family.
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.
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.
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)
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
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
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
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. 
Favorite hotels on this trip: Gleneagles, in the Perthshire countryside, is truly one of the great resorts in Europe. 
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.
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. The meat eaters in our group loved the traditional Sunday Roast.
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.
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.
Our most popular Myanmar tours: 
Our most popular Portugal tours: 
Our most popular England tours:
Our most popular Peru tours: 
Our most popular China tours: 
Our most popular India tours: 
Our most popular South Africa tours: 
Our most popular Germany tours:
Our most popular Israel tours:
Our most popular Morocco tours:
Located on a hilltop above the town of Granada in Andalusia (southern Spain), the Alhambra is a fortress-palace-garden complex built from the ninth through the 14th centuries by the Moors who ruled over much of the Iberian Peninsula at the time. 
From below, it's a spectacular sight. The fortified walls and crenellated towers rise high above Granada's whitewashed buildings and the backdrop of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains. 
Behind the fortified walls of the alcazaba (citadel) is what the Moors conceived as paradise on earth: extensive gardens, carved stone fountains and palaces elaborately decorated with tile and carved stucco.
Artisans of Leisure arranges private tours that take travelers throughout the Alhambra complex. To fully appreciate the intricate design of the Alhambra, a daytime tour is essential. We also recommend having us arrange a second visit during the evening, when dramatic lights and shadows--not to mention nighttime views over Granada-- make it magical.
Journey into the heart of the Alhambra to see extraordinary architecture and elaborate designs in the harem, baths, Hall of the Ambassadors and Court of the Lions. Walk through the Palace of Carlos V, which was built in the 16th century by the Spanish king following the Reconquista. Explore the pleasure gardens and palaces of the Generalife, which served as the summer residence for the Moorish royalty. Throughout the Alhambra, enjoy incredible views of the palace, the grounds, the city and the mountains.
For special occasions, Artisans of Leisure can arrange very exclusive visits to the Alhambra during hours when it is closed to the public.
We always recommend having lunch on the terrace of the Parador, located on the grounds of the Alhambra. For the ultimate Alhambra experience, we love spending a night or two at the Parador, especially in one of the suites.
Many of our private tours of Spain include Granada, the Alhambra, and other highlights of Andalusia.
We are particularly fond of the El Cardenal branch located in the Centro Historico near the Zocalo (Plaza de la Constitucion). The restaurant is conveniently located for a meal during private touring in the oldest part of Mexico City. 
El Cardenal is a favorite restaurant among the city's power brokers, who come here for breakfast and lunch meetings. The refined interiors are decorated with solid wood-and-leather furniture, stained glass windows set in wooden frames, and oil paintings depicting Mexican landscapes. But don't think that means El Cardenal is stuffy--it's also a popular restaurant for families.
What's on the menu? In addition to their famous hot chocolate, freshly baked bread and home-made tortillas, our favorite dishes include Huautzontle paddies, cheese wrapped in squash blossoms, chicken mole, corn with peppers and cheese, and tacos with cheese, lime and avocado.
You might also like to try seasonal dishes such as chiles en nogada (stuffed peppers topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds) and unusual dishes such as ant larva with epazote.
El Cardenal is a popular place for breakfast or lunch, so we'll be sure to make reservations for you in advance, should you wish to dine there during your private Mexico City tour.
El Cardenal is also a recommended lunch stop on our private Culinary Tour of Mexico.]]>
October and November are two of the best months to travel in many of our destinations--the crowds are gone and the weather is often ideal. If you are considering booking an overseas getaway during the next several months, here are a few of our travel specialists ' top picks for Fall 2011 trips.
Autumn is a terrific time to enjoy our unrivaled 
One of our favorite itineraries is our new 16-day 
Clear skies, traditional festivals, and the onset of tiger-viewing season make this a wonderful time to explore the highlights of India for the first time or to return to discover new regions. Our private 
It's spring in the Southern Hemisphere, which is a great time to enjoy the sunny coastal beauty of Cape Town, the lush greenery of the Winelands, and a luxurious safari in or near Kruger National Park or at one of South Africa's malaria-free game reserves. Travelers on our exclusive 
Our favorite time to visit Japan is autumn, when the brilliant fall foliage reaches its peak and creates a delightful backdrop for touring, especially at the temples and gardens in Kyoto. The destinations in our 
It's spring in South America and that means the violet-hued jacarandas are in bloom and the weather is ideal for enjoying our culture-meets-soft-adventure 
Italy is beautiful in the autumn. Temperatures are moderate and the crowds are gone, making it a lovely time to explore the country's legendary cities and lesser-known rural regions. Our 
Our 8-day