Peru: A Culinary and Cultural Experience

When you think of Peru, you likely picture its dramatic Andean peaks, overgrown jungles hiding ancient Inca ruins and a fascinating culture rooted in a unique history. But let’s not forget the food.

Peruvian food, thanks to an influx of immigrants from around the world, has influences of everything from Spanish to Japanese. That, along with the country’s incredible biodiversity, unusual varieties of vegetables and grains, and access to some of the world’s finest seafood, makes food in Peru a culinary pleasure. Is your mouth starting to water? Our Peru Culinary Adventure, complete with a chef host, takes travelers from Mistura (the largest food and cultural festival in Latin America) to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and beyond.

We begin our trip in Lima, considered to be Latin America’s gastronomical capital. Here, we’ll spend several days taking in Peru’s traditions and customs as we attend workshops highlighting regional cuisine at Mistura, explore local markets and eat our way through Lima at exclusive tastings and gourmet dinners. Perhaps you’ll even try Cuy (fried guinea pig!), which was often served to Incan royalty and is still considered a special food in Peru.

Eventually our foodie journey takes us to Cusco and the Sacred Valley where Inca ruins and cooking demonstrations await. We’ll visit the ancient Inca site at Ollantayabo and later a local restaurant where we’ll learn how to cook Pachamanca, a Peruvian-style barbeque made underground. Later, with our bellies full and too many new experiences to count under our belts, we’ll finally make our way to mystical Machu Picchu. A full-day tour of this ancient gem is the icing on the cake of this sweet culinary journey.

A perfect itinerary for the inquisitive “foodie,” our Peru Culinary Adventure will not only satisfy your taste buds, but your adventurous spirit too.

TRIP LENGTH: 9 Days (allow extra days for travel time)
DATE: September 7 - 15, 2013
PRICE: $3399 per person based on double occupancy
ADDITIONAL COST: $480 flight from Lima to Cusco

Morocco: A Magic Carpet Ride for your Senses

Find yourself in a land of strange and amusing characters, full of magical sights and experiences, as you embark on a journey unlike any other. From the moment you set foot in exotic Morocco you’ll be transported to a whole new world. And that’s exactly what we want from a good adventure, right?

We begin our trip in bustling Marrakech, rich with sounds and smells that will light your senses on fire. You’ll want to stay and explore this surreal place, and you’ll have plenty of time to do so later, but first we leave the city behind and head into the rugged natural world of this unique country.

Nestled in the Atlas Mountains, is the crystal clear Ahansel River, which offers a fun, Class III+ whitewater experience through remote villages and stunning gorges. Yes, it’s hard to believe there’s whitewater rafting in Morocco, but you’ll quickly learn that it’s a land of many surprises.

After several days on the river, we find ourselves back in Marrakech. Here, you’ll wander the famed Djeema el Fna. As you wander through the souks (Marrakech has the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco), you might find yourself thinking, “Mmmm, the smell of fresh spices (cinnamon, cumin, coriander)…no wait, leather.” Then you’ll look to your right. “Ha! Is that a monkey over there?” And before you even blink, your attention will switch over to a lively gang of street musicians and snake charmers performing as the sun begins to set. Your eyes, ears and nose will be pulled in every direction, unlike any place you’ve ever been.

Eventually on our journey, we head to the dunes of the Sahara Desert, where we experience the peace and tranquility that only the largest desert on earth can provide. Did we mention you’ll be riding camels?

With such a diverse number of experiences lined up, the Moroccan Deserts and Rivers adventure will no doubt become one of your all-time favorite trips.

TRIP LENGTH: 12 days/ 11 nights (allow extra days for travel time)
DATE: March 30 - April 10, 2013
PRICE: $2095 per person based on double occupancy