ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPES

Majestic structures, lush gardens and hearth-stopping architectural landscapes always have impressed travelers by showcasing the unlimited creativity of the human race. Monasteries, pyramids, cathedrals and pagan temples have served mystic ceremonies and rituals since the most ancient times. Futuristic glass and concrete structures host innovative technology companies, or modern art. Beautiful flowers in manicured gardens, or wild jungles inspire romantic passions. Architectural styles were created with different purposes and usages in mind, but always have been part of a local and global culture – the culture of heritage monuments and sites.

Cultural Crossroads trips with a focus on architecture and landscapes explore many destinations and time periods. Some of our trips go to places rich in architectural and landscape achievements, proudly wearing the label of a UNESCO World Heritage  Site or Monument. Some of our trips journey to the undiscovered treasures of local architecture, charming with their minimalist or romantic understatement.

From the Egyptian pyramids, to Renaissance palaces, and from the castles of Loire to Buddhist monasteries, Cultural Crossroads offers the best of architectural travel, and a wealth of varied landscapes that will make any trip a memorable and enriching cultural experience.

• Gardens and Gastronomy in France
  

  This “colorful and tasty” program has been designed especially for Cultural Crossroads travelers who are particularly interested in discovering the secrets of French cuisine and some of the most interesting gardens including many private gardens not normally opened to the public. Cultural Crossroads travelers will enjoy a cooking demonstration by a well-known Chef, wine and olive oil tastings, and a private visit to a Renaissance castle which is now a private residence. We also visit a workshop that creates Provencal fabrics, a glass blowing museum, the impressive estate and winery of Val Joanis, and a class with a perfume expert in her laboratory in one of the most famous perfume factories of Grasse. Of course, every day will include local French cuisine.

• Treasures of Art in the Loire Chateaux Country
  

  Amboise will be our home for 6 nights, a perfect location in the heart of the Loire Valley, which is often referred to as the center of the French “Art de Vivre” because of its long tradition of elegant chateaux and delicious food. Cultural Crossroads travelers will follow our expert study leader, from castle to castle from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the 18th and 19th century, we will discover treasures of art, exceptional parks and gardens, arts and crafts of the region and enter the fascinating history of the châteaux country.

• Moscow and St. Petersburg
  

  Join Cultural Crossroads as we experience the great art and culture of these two cities. Explore the Kremlin, the Armory and the A. Pushkin Museums along with incredible Hermitage. Visit St. Catherine’s Palace in all its beauty and enjoy a folkloric show, theater performances, a Russian Choir and the Ballet Academy.

• Back Roads and Hidden Treasures of Tuscany
  

  Escape with Cultural Crossroads to the back roads to see the hidden treasures of Tuscany. We will travel though the scenic landscape of southern Tuscany, visit cathedrals, gardens, thermal pools, private wine estates, medieval centers, hidden abbeys and much more. Stroll through piazzas and relax over meals in small trattorias. Come explore the known and lesser known gems of Tuscany.

• Exploring the Sud-Tyrol - A Cross Cultural Journey
  

  A cross-cultural journey awaits us in the Sud-Tyrol region on Italy. Enjoy a meal with local Tyrolians, a wine tasting, a meeting with a cheese producer and enjoy the samples. We also visit a working farm to discuss the farmers struggle between traditional and modern farming methods and we will participate in a hands-on cooking class.

  With Cultural Crossroads you will explore palaces and stately homes surrounded by the Alps and Dolomites. Our Tyrolian trip concludes with a private after-hours visit to see Da Vinci’s “Last Supper.”

• In Search of Persephone’s Island - The Four Corners of Sicily
  

  Travel to Sicily with Cultural Crossroads to explore the islands highlights from Palermo to Monreale, Erice, Marsala, Agrigento, Ragusa, Taormina and Mt. Etna. We will take in a marionette show, listen to an opera tenor and participate in pastry and wine tastings. The culture and architecture are very different to the rest of Italy, as is its cuisine. Come join us and enjoy a lesser traveled area of Italy.

• Villas, Gardens and Hidden Treasures Along the Shores of Italy’s Romantic Northern Lakes
  

  The beauty of the Italian Lakes are enhanced by the private villas and gardens that Cultural Crossroads travelers will visit. Discover the charm of each lake surrounded by the Alps, lakeside villages with their tiled roofs and narrow streets and the rolling green hillsides. Enjoy the private art collections the music and even Swiss chocolate tasting. Included on the way home is a private visit to see Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” in Milan.