Slow Travel Tours is an informal affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.
- We share a passion for special places in Europe, places that have stirred something deep inside ourselves, places we enjoy sharing with people who are seeking a different kind of tour.
- We share a common philosophy about travel. We believe in traveling more slowly and seeing what's around you, immersing yourself in the local landscape, the history and culture, the food and the wine, and the people.
- We believe a small group enhances the quality of that experience, and we enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded travelers. The people who join our groups become our friends.
- We love what we do and where we do it. These are small part-time businesses, and we all manage and lead our trips ourselves, often involving local friends with our groups.
Some of us live in Europe; others visit several times a year. We're not just in the travel business - we're travelers too. Learn about our tours here. Then visit our websites for more detailed information.
Small Group Tours of France
Personalized tours in Provence, southern France.
The Luberon Experience - Kathy and Charley Wood
www.luberonexperience.com
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Luberon, the most scenic part of Provence. Experience the good life in the medieval perched village of Bonnieux. Savor the countryside, history, food and wine, markets, and local culture. Enjoy a relaxed week with a group of compatible travelers.
We're passionate about Provence. We spend several months a year here, and we love sharing the special places we've discovered with others. Our groups are small, never more than 12 people. We host groups five weeks a year, in May and September, including one all-women week. Other people visit the Luberon. With us you will experience it.
Small Group Tours of Italy
Personalized tours of Italy in Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio and Le Marche.
Adventures in Italy - Kristi and Bill Steiner
www.adventuresinitaly.net
Rediscover the joy of learning through our cultural and art based trips. We engage all your senses in adventures of cultural understanding, self discovery, personal enrichment, and travel. Spend a week in enchanted Orvieto and its environs falling into local rhythms, residing at a homey convent B&B, and exploring food, culture, wine, and artful living. Live at an Italian pace. Melt into, feel, and absorb the culture. An array of local activities yields cultural insights. Immersion in the Italian way instructs us about our own.
Our trips pair Kristi's creative teaching background with Bill's international, cultural past for trips of a lifetime. Uncover that inner child alive with the joy of life. Travel to learn, learn to travel.
Arts Sojourn - Matthew Daub
www.artssojourn.com
Arts Sojourn is more than a traditional art workshop or guided tour. It is for those who enjoy the camaraderie and advantages of group travel, but without the rush and regimentation. Our Sojourns are impeccably planned, but we intentionally keep the dynamics of the painting workshop and group relaxed. Our philosophy is simple - to create the most enjoyable cultural travel experience possible, featuring the best accommodations at the most reasonable cost. We are expert in the areas that we visit.
Director, Matthew Daub is a nationally known artist who has been leading groups to Italy for well over a decade.
Gail's Great Escapes - Gail Hecko
www.gailsgreatescapes.com
Escape with us to the medieval village of Montisi in the beautiful Southern Tuscany countryside. Seven days of fabulous food, art lessons, winery tours, ballooning, cooking classes, laughter and fun. A picture-perfect view at every turn; history, art, and inspiration a part of everyday life. A 15th century restored villa will be your home, and you will have a personalized week of your choosing. You decide what you want to see and do, with our guidance and advice.
What we wish for you is to make a little piece of Italy your own. Its luminous energy, its sounds, tastes, and vistas - so much has remained the same for centuries. There is heart-restoring tranquility here and a peaceful spirit.
Italian Excursion - Cheryl Alexander
www.italianexcursion.com
Your week long adventure in the Italian countryside will give you a taste of Italian life that most travelers never experience. This part of the country touches the best of the Tuscan, Umbrian and Lazio regions. Visit newly discovered ancient Etruscan sites; see magnificent art; learn about the local cultures, past and present; taste the best food and wines this area has to offer.
Your trip can be designed to fit your travel dreams. We also offer such cooking classes; Italian lessons; yoga/fitness instruction; family event planning; hiking/biking; shopping; wine tasting. Groups limited to 15 for maximum comfort and enjoyment.
Palmabella's Italy - Palma and Brad Hansen
www.palmabellasitaly.com
Join us for a unique small-group travel experience in a gem of a place, a less-traveled part of Italy, bella Umbria. Imagine ten days in a charming and comfortable country inn overlooking olive trees and vineyards. Enjoy the regional food and wine, and explore the delightful local villages and medieval hill towns. Relax by the pool, sip wine on the stunning terrace, participate in a home-cooked feast, or stroll through fields of blooming sunflowers. Experience Umbria's magic in a relaxed and personal way.
Palma and Brad look forward to sharing our experience in this charming area of our beloved Italia.
Panorama Italy - Bryan and Valerie Schneider
www.panoramaitaly.com
Tucked away in southern Le Marche the fascinating province of Ascoli Piceno boasts architectural gems, breathtaking scenery, delicious regional foods and wines, and verdant hills topped with timeless towns. Bryan and Valerie live here full-time and can immerse you into the richness of the region with fully customized specialty activities. We will tailor your tour to your interests. Some of our offers include walking tours of Ascoli Piceno's centro storico; visits to small, family-run vineyards; scenic drives to historic castles; trip planning, and much more. We invite you to explore the hidden treasures and rich culture of the place we call home.
Slow Travel Tours is an informal affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.