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.
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.
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 
One of the Southern Hemisphere's most sophisticated and dynamic cities, Buenos Aires is the perfect year-round destination. Nicknamed "The Paris of South America," the Argentine capital possesses a compelling combination of beauty and culture. That's part of the reason Artisans of Leisure offers so many private and customizable tours that include Buenos Aires.
With so much to offer, it's easy to spend several days in Buenos Aires, also known as BA. But with your own expert Artisans of Leisure guide and driver, you can enjoy the city's best sights and neighborhoods in a single, perfect day of flexible touring customized to your interests.
The architecture is significantly less upscale but still impressive in nearby La Boca, a neighborhood settled by working-class Italian immigrants in the late 19th-century. Once the city's main port, La Boca's rusted-out industrial ambience has been buffed a bit over the past decade as its trademark houses--built of brightly painted corrugated metal from the shipyards--in the Caminito area have been transformed into a touristy arcade of souvenir shops. Still, La Boca's unique architecture is worth a quick look (and a few photographs) as it stands in contrast to BA's more refined neighborhoods.
Other touring highlights in El Centro include walking through the historic Plaza de Mayo. Named for the May Revolution of 1810, the plaza has long been a gathering point during important moments in Argentine history. Bordering the plaza is the Casa de Gobierno (Government House), better known as the Casa Rosada or Pink House because of its salmon-hued facade.
In trendy Palermo--BA's epicenter of design--we take our travelers to the best boutiques for local specialties such as high-quality leather goods, fashions by young Argentine designers, one-of-a-kind housewares, and folk art from around Argentina.
Istanbul is one of our favorite shopping destinations, and we love arranging private shopping tours in Turkey's dynamic capital. Many first-time visitors want us to incorporate stops at the city's best shops and bazaars into their private cultural touring, which includes highlights such as the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, top museums and a boat cruise on the Bosphorus.
Others travelers are repeat visitors to Istanbul who recognize that it is truly one of the world's greatest and most sophisticated cities...and that it is a shopper's paradise! 
Our private guides take travelers to Istanbul's very best shops and markets, many of which are difficult to find. Some are hidden deep in the massive Grand Bazaar. Some require appointments. And because most of Istanbul's best design and antiques shops are spread across the Asian and European sides of the city, they are most easily visited by private car.
What do we love shopping for in Istanbul? The perfect kilims, textiles, ceramics, glassware, tea cups, jewelry, contemporary paintings and very high quality antiques, as well as excellent local food products such as spices, pistachios, and Turkish delight. 
Our guides are extremely flexible and coordinate the schedule each day to make sure it accommodates the needs of our travelers, whether they want to take a break with a glass of tea, enjoy a nice lunch, visit a museum off the beaten path, or have time at the end of the day to sit by the pool at the Four Seasons Bosphorus or Ciragan Palace.
The Galapagos Islands is a dream trip for many travelers. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see incredible volcanic landscapes and the unusual plants and animals that inspired Charles Darwin and continue to intrigue scientists and visitors alike.
Our most popular Galapagos cruises range from four to eight or more days. The cruises typically travel to different islands each day and include two excursions per day--naturalist-led walks on islands or excursions along the shoreline by pangas, small Zodiac-type boats--plus additional options such as snorkeling and kayaking.
Located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, the 19 main islands (and over 200 additional islets and rocks) of the Galapagos Archipelago and the surrounding marine reserve became a national park in 1959 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
One of the first things travelers to the Galapagos realize is that every island has a unique combination of landscapes and indigenous flora and fauna, meaning that each excursion is filled with new discoveries. 
A trip to the Galapagos is incomplete without additional touring time in mainland Ecuador, especially to Quito and the Otavalo Valley. Visit our website for more information about our private tours of 
This beautiful region in central Switzerland is perfect for anyone wanting to see iconic Swiss landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, waterfalls streaming over cliffs hundreds of feet high, and chalets sitting on meadow-covered hillsides speckled with cows and sheep. 
Interlaken, the gateway town to the Berner Oberland, has one of our favorite resort hotels in Switzerland, the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. It has the ideal combination of luxury and Old World charm, including elegant rooms with great views, a large spa complex and excellent restaurants.
Called the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is the highest train station in Europe (elevation 11,332 ft/3,454 m). It sits on a saddle between the peaks of the Monch (Monk) and Jungfrau (Maiden) and overlooks the vast expanse of the Aletsch Glacier, part of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Families with children enjoy seeing the valley that inspired the setting for Rivendell--an Edenic realm of the elves--in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Travelers interested in hiking and mountain climbing will be thrilled to see the imposing north face of the Eiger, one of the most iconic and difficult mountaineering challenges in Europe.
Once at Jungfraujoch, a highlight is to venture to the viewing platform known as the Sphinx Terrace for spectacular, panoramic views over the mountains and Aletsch Glacier. Another option is visiting the Ice Palace, a series of ice-blue tunnels and rooms burrowed into the glacier. 
The minute you arrive and are greeted by the doorman, you're made to feel right at home. The staff is very friendly and professional, and they are eager to assist in any way they can. 
The hotel's central location makes it ideal for touring beautiful St. Petersburg with one of our expert private guides. In addition to in-depth touring of cultural highlights, our luxurious 
Art and design lovers will enjoy our private day tours that visit upscale neighborhoods such as Rosebank, Parkhurst, Parkwood, Parktown North and Sandton, as well as up-and-coming Bloomfontein, to explore the city's best art galleries, housewares stores, antiques shops and cafes.
Visit select boutiques that sell high-quality locally produced art, ceramics, housewares, and jewelry.
We also give our travelers access to must-visit galleries that specialize in interesting, quality art from trusted sources. This stone sculpture is outside Everard Read Gallery in Rosebank, one of Johannesburg's premier art venues. 
Explore our favorite craft markets, where you can find a mix of crafts and folk art from all over the African continent, including carved wood sculpture, printed textiles, jewelry, beads, fertility dolls, toys and more. 
Colorful bowls woven from telephone wire always make a nice souvenir or gift.
Travelers with more time in Johannesburg and an interest in archaeology should consider a private excursion to the Cradle of Humankind, a beautiful area and UNESCO World Heritage Site, just 45 minutes outside Joburg.
We arrange for our travelers to see the Sterkfontein Cave and excavation site, or have a private tour with a paleoanthropologist to an excavation site that's otherwise closed to the public. 
We also recommend having lunch with wine pairings at one of the top restaurants in South Africa, Roots at Forum Homini, in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind.
The hotel's peaceful atmosphere has attracted celebrities and world leaders alike--Nelson Mandela finished his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, here.
Artisans of Leisure has a vast network of expert guides and drivers in cruise destinations around the world, and we work with sophisticated travelers to customize private shore excursions that are totally tailored to your interests and desired pace. Want to tour with your spouse or a group of friends? Walk a lot or not much? Focus on a particular interest? Let us know and we'll make sure your needs are met.
Having your own guide and driver can make all the difference in experiencing cultural and scenic highlights. And our in-depth local knowledge and specialty services ensure that all the details are in place, including port transfers, reservations at top local restaurants, access to local experts, and tickets to cultural events.
Artisans of Leisure's private shore excursions open a world of possibilities in the most enchanting destinations: tour Barcelona with an architecture expert, have a degustation lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant on the Amalfi Coast, take a private boat to Capri for the day, enjoy a private day tour on Santorini or Crete, visit Mont-St-Michel and the D-Day Beaches with a historian, dine at the best restaurant in Monaco, tour the most interesting neighborhoods in Lisbon, skip the lines at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, enjoy a private shopping tour in Istanbul, tour Shanghai with an art and architecture expert, have a private cooking class in Bangkok, enjoy a private dinner in the Arabian Desert outside Dubai, discover world-class wines at vineyards in New Zealand and much more.
We also arrange multi-day overland tours, transferring you to the next port of call on your cruise, if desired. For example, travel from Alexandria to the Pyramids over several days, staying at Egypt's best luxury hotel and resorts; travel across Israel, focusing on local history, culture and cuisine; venture inland to see the Taj Mahal in India or the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, China; take a three-day excursion to Machu Picchu, riding on the luxury Hiram Bingham train; take a multi-day safari during your stop in Cape Town; visit the Great Barrier Reef during your stop in Australia; or have an unforgettable stay at an exclusive hot springs ryokan in Japan.
Contact our office for more information about our private, personalized shore excursions. Artisans of Leisure arranges custom private shore excursions for travelers requiring at least seven days of private touring. 
Our specialty is arranging extensive shore excursions combined with pre- and post- touring and some overland touring during the cruise. We also work closely with travelers on around-the-world cruises who are looking for the ultimate luxury travel experience.