Bespoke Travel
PRIVATE TRIPS MADE TO FIT
Welcome to the Best in Custom Travel
What’s so special about a Bespoke trip?
In a word, everything . These aren’t just vacations, they’re over-the-top, life-altering, mouth-watering, oh-my-God-I-never-knewI-needed-that adventures. The kind that go off-piste, off-menu, off-road, off-Google and off-the-charts with such mind-bogglingly unique experiences that your friends will be drooling over your social media posts— and begging to come with you next time. Looking for a trip that you’ll never forget?
Let your journey begin.
Opposite page: Puglia, Italy
This page: Capri Island, Italy
Front cover: Bhutan, photo courtesy of Six Senses Bhutan
Mike on the road guiding in this special part of the world.
NORTHERN GREECE
It all starts with our
Experience Designers.
Our travellers often debate what makes B&R so unique. Some say it’s our Guides—the vibrant, larger-thanlife personalities who joyfully lead you through the world. Others insist it’s our Experience Designers —the visionaries who uncover the hidden gems and stories in every destination. The truth? It’s both.
Our Experience Designers are more than planners. They’re authors; they’re storytellers; they’re conjurers. They’ve evolved from Guides with years of handson experience, to be masters in their craft, often living in the regions where they design trips. I’ve had the privilege of joining many of them this year in places like Slovenia, Morocco and France, and their passion for exploration and new adventure is nothing short of contagious.
Today, travel trends are changing. Many of our travellers are no longer just looking for B&R to plan their next incredible getaway, they’re looking for us to help them map out the next five years of travel with their friends and loved ones. From romantic escapes with a partner, to private experiences with close friends, to multi-generational family adventures where memories span generations, our travellers are committed to seeing the world on their timeline.
So, whether it’s the journey of a lifetime next month or a five-year plan, we’re here, ready to help you experience it all.
Enjoy the pages ahead. And let us know when you’re ready to have us write your next adventure.
See you on the road,
Mike Scarola, CEO
How We Travel
We have three types of travellers at B&R: those who love exploring the world with other like-minded B&R travellers; others who prefer to adventure on their own on private trips; and the many who alternate between the two. How would you like to see the world?
Bespoke Travel
Go Bespoke . Return Bespeechless . How big is your dream? Small? Medium? Large? Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? (That last one is our specialty.) No matter what you have in mind, our team of dream-weavers-cum-ExperienceDesigners will craft a Bespoke journey just for you. A multi-generational family getaway? An epic celebration with your best friends? A retreat with your colleagues? Just say the word, and we’ll start weaving our magic.
Scheduled Group Trips
Find a trip you love and hop on a Scheduled departure . Our Scheduled trips pull together a small group of fellow wanderers for the trip of a lifetime. Led by signature B&R guides, we float up mountains together, sip Barolos together, poke around castles together, and puff our way to the top of Tuscan hills together.
Privatized Group Trips Self-Guided
Bring your own gang and have it all to yourselves . Want to set your very own guest list? Be our guest. Simply choose the friends, family members or colleagues you want to slow down to see the world with, pick a scheduled trip, settle on a date, and go. Privatizing a scheduled trip means all you have to do is board the plane.
You’re on your own (but we’ve always got your back) . Looking for a little more intimacy? Like to be self-reliant? SelfGuided Trips combine the hallmarks of B&R (superb hotels, amazing local friends, stunning routes) with the freedom of pacing each day exactly the way you like. Your B&R Local Host is always just a phone call away.
Why Choose Bespoke?
Hand over your wish list, we do all the rest.
What sets our Bespoke trips apart? Well, for starters, they have character. And wonder. And wit. And a distinct sort of joie de vivre. They aren’t designed to simply satisfy your list of requirements—that’s the easy part. They’re infused with a creative zeal that leaves everyone on your trip speechless.
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are a lot like world-class chefs. Their favourite ingredients? Off-the-beaten-path routes, incredible restaurants, swoon-worthy hotels—and just a pinch of magic, to taste.
Years of Local Friendships
We don’t just “see” a region—we forge such strong connections with its people that we’re granted everything from long-held family recipes and keys to the (literal) castle, to warm-hearted invitations to return—and bring our friends with us.
Lifelong Memories
Bespoke trips are designed to go way beyond the ordinary. These aren’t just holidays, they’re unique, unforgettable, intricately crafted journeys designed to move you at every turn, and feel less like “travel” and more like transcendence.
Creativity and Spontaneity
Every Bespoke journey is an imaginative, surprising opus—which is why every person who touches your trip imbues it with passion and creativity. We’ll get to know you personally, learn where you set the bar, then find 279 creative ways to leap way over it.
Our Approach
The Bespoke Planning Process
Whether you want an intimate bonding experience with your family or an over-the-top blowout celebration with your friends, if you can dream it, our Experience Designers can make it happen—as long as it’s (roughly) within Earth’s atmosphere.
1
Initial Consultation
Whether you have a specific trip in mind or are looking for inspiration, get in touch with your travel preferences and requirements, and one of our Experience Designers will start the planning process with you.
3
Itinerary, Refinement and Confirmation
Your Experience Designer will share a tailored trip plan and will collaborate to adjust and finalize the itinerary and confirm all bookings. A per-person trip deposit is requested at this time, with full payment made before departure.
2
Detailed Brief
After a conversation to learn more about your trip, you’ll receive details on an adventure with us, including activities and accommodation options in the destinations. An initial Trip Development Fee is made at this stage.
4
Trip Support Before, During and After
Before your trip, you’ll receive an information package detailing every step of your journey. You’ll have dedicated support while on trip, and the B&R team is available to you post-trip for feedback.
How We Move
Our motto is Slow Down to See the World—but only because “Slow Down to See, Sip, Taste, Meet, Greet, Learn and Become Enlightened” was too much of a mouthful. Rest assured, no matter how you choose to travel, each of these remains essential to a B&R trip.
We’ve got a flavour of adventure to suit every palate.
From invigorating bike trips and sumptuous wine grand journeys to roaringly up-close safaris and family trips that will thrill your whole brood, we’ve got plenty of ideas for unforgettable adventures.
With Bespoke, the possibilities are endless. Have an idea you’d like to run by us? Call our Bespoke team at 1-866-551-9090
By Sea
Some of history’s greatest adventures happened at sea— and so do some of ours, including island hopping, river cruising or luxuriating on a yacht.
With us, a safari isn’t like The Lion King, it’s more like the Louvre: an inimitable, unforgettable and up-close experience you’ll never forget.
Arts & Culture
Get exclusive access to some of the world’s best museums. Visit the Vatican before opening hours. We don’t just skip lines— we avoid them entirely.
Family
Who said you can’t have kids and have adventures? We craft family trips that illuminate, inspire and (don’t tell the kids!) educate travellers of all ages.
Settle yourself into one accommodation for the duration of your trip (trust us, these are the types of digs you won’t want to leave).
Gastronomy
Want to get a real taste of a region? Our contact list is so full of chefs, sommeliers and winemakers, we could practically be consultants for The Bear.
Walking & Hiking
Traversing by foot is the ultimate way to slow down. No other activity allows you more flexibility, or connects you to a place more intimately.
Biking
After nearly six decades of cycling, we’ve still never found (or felt) anything better than pedalling through the world’s best playgrounds.
Multi-Active
Travel by two wheels, two feet, two fins, or two humps of a camel. We’ve got myriad ways to immerse you in the planet’s most amazing playgrounds.
Winter Adventures
Think winter is for hibernating? Think again. In our favourite winter wonderlands, it makes for some of the most enchanting and awe-inspiring adventures.
Safari
Villa Stays
Butterfield & Robinson Bespoke
NORTH AMERICA
LATIN AMERICA
SPAIN
Rioja
Camino de Santiago
Alentejo
Algarve Andalucia Azores
Douro Valley
Catalonia
Basque Country
Mallorca
Menorca
A FRICA EUROPE
OCEANIA
Notes from the Road
A Bespoke trip can be anything you want it to be . For inspiration, we’ve selected ten Bespoke journeys crafted by some of our best storytellers. Want to gallivant with friends from Bordeaux to Burgundy? Have a birthday bash in Positano? (We throw a good party.) Take the family on an epic adventure across Southern Africa? All you have to do is call.
An adventure on the Adriatic
FROM CROATIA’S BIGGEST CITY ON THE WATER TO ITALY’S MOST ICONIC ONE, THIS SAILING JOURNEY FROM SPLIT TO VENICE SHOWED OFF THE BEST OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
Asailing adventure exploring hidden gems along Croatia’s coastline and ending in one of Italy’s most iconic cities on the water was the perfect summer adventure for this family trip. Experience Designer Tom Abraham created a 10-day itinerary for multiple generations gathering to spend quality time together while indulging individual interests.
“Bespoke really is the only way to do a multigenerational trip and please everybody,” says Tom. “It’s magic when you can find the right amount of activity for everyone’s ability, cultural opportunities for the entire group plus experiences for those in the group who are less active.”
Instead of hotel hopping for this extensive trip, which covered a lot of ground along the coast, the family chartered a stunning luxury yacht to navigate the waters from Split, Croatia to Venice in Italy. Whichever activities the group members chose during the day, the ship was where everyone could gather to share stories of their days and spend time together swimming, doing watersports off the edge of the boat, or climbing to the top deck to relax and watch the incredible Dalmatian sunsets.
Expert planning resulted in a diversity of experiences to choose from enthusiastic cyclists could be on their bike every day, but there was always the choice of a non-active experience, too. While some in the group biked past vineyards and conquered challenging terrain to reach hilltop medieval villages near Split, others explored the UNESCO designated town of Trogir, winding their way through centuries-old cobblestone streets. Up the coast in Istria, some family members pedalled past castles and villages to the Istrian hinterland, while others toured relics of the Roman Empire in Pula, including the incredibly preserved amphitheatre. And during another morning of riding, part of the group had an immersive adventure truffle hunting in the world’s most prolific black truffle forest.
Meals were enjoyed in the gardens of a wine estate in Istria, one of Croatia’s premier wine regions, and at a tiny family-owned restaurant known for their traditional coastal menu and house-made grappa. The family had many dinners on board the ship, too, a chance to spend quiet time together and enjoy the privacy afforded to them with a yacht.
“Yachts work particularly well for intimate family time compared to hotels, which require more transportation time to get from activity to activity,” Tom explains. “And often there’s no matching the complete level of service that a high-end yacht crew can offer.”
FEATURED DESIGNER
Tom Abraham | Greece, Croatia, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Montenegro, Slovenia, Canada, United States
Since 2010, Tom has designed over 350 trips for B&R travellers looking for an original way to explore the world. He loves pushing people outside their comfort zone, helping them see the world from a totally new perspective. He’s also passionate about yacht-based travel. “I love floating hotels—and only unpacking once.”
Three Countries in Three Weeks
OPEN TO HOW THEY WOULD SPEND THIS TIME, THIS GROUP DOVE INTO THE DIVERSITY FOUND IN VIETNAM, LAOS AND CAMBODIA
Sometimes travellers have a specific destination in mind. At other times they have a very confined period in which they can travel and are open to how and where that time is spent. This group of friends had a specific three weeks for their trip and were intrigued about Vietnam. Then they spoke with Nathan Lane, B&R’s Experience Designer for Southeast Asia.
“They were travelling in fall, a time of year that is rainy in Central Vietnam, where we usually do our cycling, so we expanded their exploration to include time in neighbouring Cambodia and Laos,” Nathan says.
While these countries are geographically close, their incredible diversity of culture and history made for an immensely rewarding experience. Adding to the unique nature of this trip were the guides. The group had B&R guides in each country they visited who have been guiding our groups for decades. To ensure the entire journey, including visas to each country and immigration formalities, was smooth, there was also a B&R guide on the road with them from start to finish. “It was essential to make sure everything on the trip was seamless,” Nathan explains.
In Vietnam, they embraced the atmosphere of Hanoi with a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, then balanced that by exploring the wilderness of Northern Vietnam where they walked through a valley of sweeping rice terraces, meeting with locals in the area’s rural villages.
Their next stop was Laos, a country that typically isn’t on travellers’ radars. Home to dozens of different ethnic groups, each with their own languages and cultures, it’s a place that keeps visitors guessing. Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the fusion of traditional Lao structures and colonial architecture.
“It ticks all the boxes of the romance of travel in Asia.”
“It ticks all the boxes of the romance of travel in Asia,” says Nathan. “Every single morning at sunrise there’s a couple hundred apprentice monks in orange, from like seven to 70 years old, walking around the town receiving alms. There is good bike riding on traffic-free roads, and boat trips that cruise down the Mekong River.” The group experienced all of this with time for meandering through the city’s neighbourhoods as well. And in Cambodia they travelled to towering ancient temples by bicycle and learned about the spiritual history of the country. A highlight of the group’s time here was a takeover of a luxe boutique hotel surrounded by lush jungle foliage. The intimate three-villa hotel is inspired by traditional Khmer villages, each structure built on stilts and design inspired by Cambodian craft. “It’s the coolest hotel experience you can have,” says Nathan. Having a property all to themselves, not common in Asia, meant the group got to indulge in private experiences like a candlelit dinner around the pool, adding to the magic of the entire trip.
FEATURED DESIGNER
Nathan Lane Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Oman, Jordan Nathan has guided more than 125 trips and designed over 200. He uses your dreams as the starting point to create itineraries that get to the heart of the places you’re exploring. If your wish list includes something no one else has done, Nathan’s your man. Condé Nast Traveler has named Nathan a Top Travel Specialist every year since 2017.
FEATURED DESIGNER
Georgia Yuill Dolomites, Sardinia
Georgia joined B&R to spend one summer as a guide before getting a “real” job. That was 28 years ago. She is so passionate about exploring the Dolomites that she made it her home. And it shows: Georgia has been named a Top Travel Specialist for Italy by Condé Nast Traveler since 2019.
An Epic Winter Escape
FOR A BIG GROUP, ITALY’S DOLOMITES OFFER
A WEEK OF MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE AND PLENTY OF WAYS TO RELAX, TOO
For a winter adventure that was equal parts active and inspiring, there were few places on Earth better suited than Italy’s South Tyrolean Dolomite mountains. “Hiking high alpine trails, tramping across glittering white meadows under bright blue skies with snowshoes strapped to their boots and poles to propel along the paths, filling up lungs with fresh, cool air surrounded by the perfume of pine and larch forest, this is an exceptional destination for multi-generational family trips and groups of couples,” says Georgia Yuill, B&R’s Experience Designer for the region.
Georgia speaks from first-hand experience. “I have been spending time in the Dolomites since 1996, both winter and summer, which led to making it my home,” she says. “I love sharing the experiences I have discovered over the seasons with friends and family.”
During this week of adventure, the days were filled with a collection of winter-based activities. Strapping on snowshoes and trekking across a snow-covered meadow to a nearby mountain was paired with a speedy descent courtesy of a sled ride down a four-kilometer toboggan run. A night hike, lit by headlamps only, offered an incredible session of stargazing. There was an opportunity to strap on skates or nordic skis and enjoy well-groomed valley tracks with higher altitudes for serious alpine skiers, which is an experience available only on Bespoke trips. Another advantage of opting for a Bespoke trip, says Georgia, “is the ability to customize the level of activity for every traveller in the group.”
The rewards for every adrenaline-pumping activity were plentiful. A rest stop mid-hike in a mountainside hut where steaming cups of apple cider or vino caldo (mulled wine) were waiting for the group also included a musical duo who played during lunch catered by the hut’s owner, who happens to be an emerging chef. It was like a private restaurant above the clouds. And the chance to soak in a sauna ritual at the exceptional spas at the group’s luxury lodges was not missed.
Of course, no trip to Italy is complete without culinary indulgence, and this was no exception. Lunches, featuring hearty regional specialties, were enjoyed in rifugios, traditional mountain huts, with views of the surrounding mountains. And one exceptional dinner took place in the cellar of a 16th-century hunting lodge; the young farmer whose family has cared for the land the lodge sits on for generations was the evening’s host.
“The people we encounter, from super capable certified mountain guides to proud farmers, creative chefs to our always hospitable lodge hosts, are now friends and always ensure our travellers feel welcome,” Georgia says.
“Hiking high alpine trails, tramping across glittering white meadows under bright blue skies... this is an exceptional destination for multi-generational family trips.”
“Here, cuisine and culture are inseparably linked.”
Sights, Sounds and Flavours of France
THIS IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF BORDEAUX, DORDOGNE AND BURGUNDY INVOLVES ALL FIVE SENSES
There was no one better positioned to create this trip for a couple hoping to get to the heart of three storied regions in France, to connect to the culture, history and architecture and interact with local people throughout the trip.
Jérôme Boré, B&R’s Experience Designer for a handful of French regions, among them Bordeaux, Dordogne and Burgundy, was thrilled to create an adventure that immersed these travellers in his home turf. The mix of activities, biking and walking, as well as a balance of guided activities in the daytime and a self-guided schedule in the evenings offered both flexible and fully tailed experiences for the travellers.
“They could move at a relaxed pace and decide how much time they wanted to spend at each location, creating a more intimate experience,” says Jérôme. “They really got to experience the journey exactly the way they wanted to, with the freedom to make adjustments along the way.”
Over two weeks, the couple mixed guided walks through historic towns, cobblestone-lined villages and rural routes surrounded by vineyards. Time in Bordeaux for instance was spent with a brilliant local guide. “Seeing the modern city through her eyes, they took in some of the most beautiful architectural wonders as well as medieval and even Gallo-Roman structures,” Jérôme explains. There was also hiking with a local mountaineer guide in the Auvergne. Known for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, it’s home to the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a chain of dormant volcanoes that offers stunning views.
Bike rides helped them see the region in a different way with routes on quiet countryside trails, alongside picturesque canals and through some of the most famous vineyards in the world, including Romanée Conti, La Tâche and Richebourg musts when you’re travelling through two of the great wine regions in France.
And of course, there was a multitude of cultural and culinary experiences during this adventure. From meeting with a local chef to tour her favourite markets, producers and shops in Burgundy to truffle hunting with a trained dog leading the way. There were also tours and tastings at family-owned wineries, estate picnics and a hands-on barrel coopering workshop.
“Here, cuisine and culture are inseparably linked,” says Jérôme. To explore any other way simply wouldn’t be a complete experience in these regions.
FEATURED DESIGNER
Jérôme Boré
Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Provence, Champagne, Alsace Jérôme has been designing trips for over a decade, specializing in France’s storied regions. Whether it’s exploring Bordeaux’s vineyards or the quiet beauty of Provence, Jérôme crafts magnificent trips that do a deep dive into both the local culture and natural splendour.
“They could move at a relaxed pace and decide how much time they wanted to spend at each location.”
A Family Adventure in Portugal
FROM NORTH TO SOUTH, PORTO TO THE ALGARVE, THIS TRIP EMBRACED ALL THAT PORTUGAL HAS TO OFFER
With ambitions to see the very best that Portugal has to offer – from its rich artistic and cultural heritage to unique food scene to gorgeous landscapes – this family hoped to pack in as much as they could, while also having time to relax. Thanks to the expertise of Alvaro Diez Diaz, B&R’s Experience Designer for Portugal, this adventure achieved all their goals and more.
“This was our very first trip that went to the South of Portugal and the Algarve,” says Alvaro. “We introduced them to wineries, restaurants and horseback riding. They did some kayaking to the Benagil Caves as well and loved it. No other way of planning compares to Bespoke.”
The needs and preferences of the group made for an exceptionally diverse trip. There was biking alongside vineyards, orchards and small farms in the Douro Valley, with a lunch stop at a riverside restaurant. Routes also explored the hillsides of Alentejo as the journey moved south. And a hike in sunny Algarve led the family to some stunning coastal views.
Paired with the active exploration were experiences sure to be lifelong memories. A guided tour of Porto in sidecars took the group through the city’s historical centre, bustling residential neighbourhoods and along the river. In Alentejo, the family spent an evening with an astronomer counting the stars in the Alqueva Dark Sky reservoir, some of the darkest skies in Europe. And an early morning wakeup call was rewarded with a hot-air balloon ride over the Alentejo countryside.
“The goal for the family was to spend time together, and cover the interests of all the children,” says Alvaro. “They were wine and food lovers, and enjoyed an evening with the chef. They were keen for cultural immersion, so there were lots of musical events, from a performance by a modern fado singer to Cante Alentejano, traditional singing by a choral group.”
Balancing it all was time to unwind and connect while enjoying the grounds, spas and views at some of the country’s incredible boutique hotels.
“The goal for the family was to spend time together, and cover the interests of all the children.”
Alvaro Diez Diaz Portugal, Azores, Mallorca, Menorca
Alvaro has climbed volcanoes in the Azores, combed the vineyards in the Douro Valley and biked every hill of Mallorca to find the very best experiences for B&R travellers. This includes the deliciously hard work of wine and cheese tastings, food tours and farm visits. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.
FEATURED DESIGNER:
Extraordinary Switzerland
THIS FAMILY ADVENTURE COMBINED CLASSIC SWISS EXPERIENCES WITH LESSER-KNOWN TERRAIN AND AUTHENTIC CULTURAL MOMENTS
The request from this family: a Swiss adventure that included all the traditional experiences chocolate, cheese, cowbells while going off the well-trodden path and exposing them to new activities to bond over.
For Experience Designer Marya Valli, this was an opportunity to show off hidden gems in a country she loves so much. For Experience Designer Marya Valli, this was an opportunity to show off hidden gems in a country she adores. “Switzerland is incredibly diverse, like several countries in one. I loved introducing the family to people who share their passions, whose enthusiasm is palpable, be they farmers, artisans or outdoor guides.”
The trip started with some urban exploration in lively Zurich, including a hands-on experience with a fair-trade chocolatier, before setting out for a week of multi-active adventure in Engadin, one of Marya’s favourite corners of the country. Every day presented a different opportunity to get their hearts pumping while also exploring a different aspect of the country’s stunning alpine scenery.
One morning the group stepped into wetsuits and grabbed paddles for a thrilling white-water rafting experience on the Inn River. Other days were spent entirely on dry land. There was time for hiking on this fall trip a wonderful opportunity to soak in the views of autumn colours as the leaves turned. And multiple rides, pedalling bikes through the valley terrain past rural farms complete with grazing cows and to quaint towns, including a visit to the 1,000-year-old Tarasp Castle which an artist now uses as gallery space a surprise to the most well-travelled of folks. One day’s ride even offered the challenge of cycling from one hotel to the next. “Riding on a Swiss long-distance path, up through woods and down along the Inn river, is a super fun challenge,” says Marya.
And of course, plenty of time for those quintessential Swiss experiences. Swimming is a must, and the family relaxed at the public hot springs in the town of Scuol, which are fed with pristine water from nearby mountain springs. “Visiting Swiss spas is such a wow,” Marya explains. “Think of a giant public five-star spa/swimming pool, with natural water from the hot spring funnelled into different Jacuzzis, as well as a heated indoor-outdoor pool and multiple steam room and sauna options.”
One morning the family biked to a farm specializing in cheese-making for a demonstration of the process and a generous tasting, and the trip’s last dinner was an indulgent fondue in a converted wooden ski gondola under a majestic starry sky. It was a rich end to a week of peak Swiss bliss.
Marya Valli | Switzerland, Corsica, Normandy, Brittany Seattle-born and Corsican-settled, Marya has been with B&R since 1999 and has guided trips all over the world—the perfect warm-up for designing adventures to suit every B&R taste. Whether you want to sand sail Norman beaches or yodel to Swiss cows, Marya’s deep connections make absolutely anything possible.
FEATURED DESIGNER
“We secured the villa over a year in advance and spent the autumn fine tuning the itinerary to get it just right.”
Postcard from Positano
AN IMMERSION IN THE BEST ITALY’S AMALFI COAST HAS TO OFFER MAKES FOR A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER
Amilestone birthday celebration for two families paired with the monumental landscape of Amalfi coast. That was the challenge Experience Designer Courtney Mundy was given by a traveller who was planning this trip as a surprise for his wife and her sister.
“We secured the villa over a year in advance and spent the autumn fine tuning the itinerary to get it just right,” says Courtney. The villa in question: Villa San Giacomo, the premiere private accommodation in Positano, a full-service home away from home that offers stunning historic suites dating back to 18th-century history, a large garden with terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, and a serene hilltop pool.
Over seven days, the families found a balance between hiking, exploring and relaxing. Hikes, guided by local naturalists, included paths through the Valley of the Mills in Amalfi, as the scent of lemons floated through the air and views of waterfalls, dramatic mountains and the sea prompting photo stops. On another route, the group made their way to the Sorrentine Peninsula, exploring the natural paradise of Punta Campanella, where the island of Capri can be spotted on the horizon.
Paired with that were rich experiences connecting with locals for an immersion in Italian culture and traditions, especially tasty ones. A local cheesemaker
FEATURED DESIGNER
Courtney Mundy Amalfi Coast, Piemonte, Tuscany, Umbria
Courtney has been living in Florence for 25 years. After guiding over 100 trips for B&R, showing off the very best of Italy, Holland, Ireland, Belize, and New Zealand, she turned her creative zeal toward designing trips of a lifetime for B&R. Courtney has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler since 2020.
came to the villa to lead a hands-on tutorial in making mozzarella, and on another day, the group visited a family-owned pizzeria where they crafted their own Neapolitan pies savoured under a lush canopy of lemon trees.
There was down time, too. “We secured a fabulous boat for a few days at sea where they could stop and swim, snorkel, sip Prosecco and enjoy a memorable toes-in-the-sand kind of lunch at local spots along the way,” says Courtney. And of course, a birthday bash at the villa that included a professional photographer to capture the one-of-a-kind celebration for the families.
“And,” adds Courtney, “probably most importantly for the group, we took care of every bit of the logistics, choreographing smoothly moving vans, boats, restaurant reservations and more, ensuring a carefree celebration for all.”
Reconnecting with roots in Estonia
AN IMPORTANT FAMILY TRIP TO DISCOVER THEIR HERITAGE BECAME AN OPPORTUNITY FOR IMMERSION IN THE COUNTRY’S ARTS SCENE
This exploration of Estonia by multiple generations of a family could be considered a quest of sorts, to reconnect with their roots in the country, which stretch back a century. But the week was also a deeply culturally enriching experience, inspired by the travellers’ own artistic interests.
“Of course, we had some general highlights that we wanted them to experience,” says Mario Koch, B&R’s Experience Designer for Estonia. “But when speaking to the travellers during the planning process I learned that most of them were artists. Hence, the trip became a journey into the culture both old and contemporary and the landscapes of Estonia as well as a trip to connect with local artists, curators and collectors.”
To get their bearings, there was time spent learning about the country’s Soviet history in the capital city, Talinn, and a tour of the National Museum in Tartu.
Mario Koch Austria, Baltics, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands
Mario thrives on designing complex, highly individual trips, and has been doing so since 2016. A former travel writer, he is skilled at weaving together a narrative that will help you explore your destination in an exciting and unforgettable way.
Mario’s also a former chef.
So you can be sure your trip will be delicious in every way.
Mario was especially excited for the family to experience some true connections with the arts scene made possible thanks to his extensive network. This included a private visit to the KUMU Museum, the premiere art museum in the country, and a meeting with the vice president of the Estonian Artists Association. “They actually went to his house for snacks and drinks, met with his wife, daughter and Golden Retriever,” says Mario. And one such connection had an element of surprise to it. The family met with one of the country’s well-known watercolour painters, who invited them to her house for coffee and a chat, where it was discovered that, following a few branches of the family tree, they are related.
And there was an element of active adventure, with cycling on the paths in Lahemaa National Park, rich in forests and wetlands, and a guided walk in one of the Baltics’ famed raised bogs, a unique ecosystem home
to many lakes and carnivorous plants. Amid all the activity, relaxation was found in authentic experiences like an afternoon at a traditional smoke sauna, an experience UNESCO has added to its list of intangible cultural heritage, as well as time set aside to meet with a family relative.
Throughout the week the family’s guide, a resident of Talinn, provided insight and spontaneous suggestions that only a local could. The result was an incredible adventure that brought the family closer together and helped them better understand their heritage.
FEATURED DESIGNER
Beyond Tokyo
THIS MULTI-GENERATIONAL EXPLORATION OF JAPAN WAS ROOTED IN FUN AND A DEEP PASSION FOR LEARNING
There are so many reasons to travel, sometimes it’s to explore the culinary expertise of a region or to see ancient sights up close and personal. In other instances, it’s to achieve a personal goal. In this case, a traveller was heading to Japan to run the Tokyo Marathon, and decided to have his family and his wife’s parents join him on an incredible adventure. Not only would he have a cheering squad as he crossed the finish line, but they’d make incredible memories exploring the unique country.
“As they had already spent a few days in Tokyo before the marathon, they really wanted to focus in and around Kyoto as well as an experience in the countryside to really get a sense of Old Japan,” says Orsolya Kako, B&R’s Experience Designer for Japan. Working with the family, she created an itinerary that spoke to all three generations and gave them hands-on experiences to really understand the culture and history of places they were visiting.
There was a session with an artist to try their hands at the delicate technique of making washi paper, as well as a soba noodle tutorial, after which they enjoyed the delicious results of their class.
In Kyoto, the family learned the history and traditions of samurai and then, after a demonstration, got to channel their inner warrior and prac-
“The goal was to keep all three generations having fun, learning and engaging each day.”
tice some skills. They also shared a quiet moment over a tea ceremony in a historic home, a time-honoured spiritual experience that speaks deeply to Japanese tradition. “These special moments helped them to understand the depth of history that Kyoto offers as the ancient capital of Japan,” Orsolya explains. They also visited a geisha house and spent some one-onone time with a maiko, an apprentice geisha. “This special and intimate experience was a dream come true and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that not many get to experience.”
In between these immersive experiences, was time spent together absorbing the landscape and natural beauty of the country. They explored the sublime Kenrokuen Gardens, considered one of the country’s most beautiful and the definitive example of an Edo-period garden. A visit to Ozouchi village offered insight into how these remote places are trying to revitalize themselves. And a walk through the countryside of Asuka, a daytrip from Kyoto, offered access to the area’s historical legacy.
“The goal was to keep all three generations having fun, learning and engaging each day with our friends and the local culture,” says Orsolya. “It was the perfect trip for this family since they played an active part in designing it with me. Sometimes that makes all the difference.”
FEATURED DESIGNER
Orsolya Kako Japan, Morocco, Iceland, Faroe Islands
Orsolya has been designing epic B&R trips since 2012. With some of the world’s most popular destinations in her portfolio, she excels at getting travellers off the beaten path, off-Google, and away from the hordes. This not only makes for incredible experiences but supports efforts in Iceland and Japan to prevent overtourism.
FEATURED DESIGNER
Christine Tucker Southern Africa, East Africa
For Christine, designing a trip is more than logistics, it’s about telling a story. With every trip she strives to create a narrative that is rooted in powerful experiences that you will never, ever forget. For her, it’s essential that travellers get their feet on the ground and experience not only wildlife but the people, their art and creativity, and real life.
Photography by Bushcamp Company
Sights Set on Southern Africa
A THREE-WEEK TRIP SPANNING SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIA OFFERED UNFORGETTABLE CULTURAL IMMERSION, WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS AND INSIGHTS INTO LOCAL TRADITIONS
Though this trip was bookended by time in South Africa’s most notable cities, stunning Cape Town and inspiring Johannesburg, the exploration and adventure took on a whole different look and feel once this family stepped out onto less developed terrain.
The intent, says Experience Designer Christine Tucker, who specializes in B&R trips in Eastern and Southern Africa, was to immerse the entire family in places, flavours, smells and sounds they hadn’t experienced before. “It was a trip for the senses,” says Christine. “And an itinerary totally unique to them.”
After a few days discovering Cape Town, from a hike up Lion’s Head, one of the city’s most famous mountains, to a beach that a small colony of penguins calls home, the family headed north to Zimbabwe for some time in Southern Hwange National Park. The largest natural reserve in the country, this was a prime spot for safari and wildlife viewing over 100 mammal species and 400 different types of birds call it home. After incredible game drives, the family spent relaxing evenings recalling animal sightings around the fire at a luxury bush camp. “The family experienced everything I had hoped for and then some. Nature put on a show for them that they will never forget,” says Christine.
Their next stop was an eco-lodge at Victoria Falls in Zambia, right on the banks of the Zambezi River. Along with stunning sunrise and sunset cruising along the river, they had visits to a sustainable community farm and a local village to gain a deeper understanding of daily life in the area. They travelled to South Luangwe National Park to track animals on foot a highlight of travel in Zambia.
“There is nothing like a walking safari,” says Christine. “Having a true connection to the land, feeling that energy rise up through your feet to the back of your neck knowing predators, or worse cranky buffalo are wandering nearby. The world just slows down and simplicity takes over.”
Another highlight one of many during the three-week Bespoke trip was an epic hike. The family walked to their next camp in South Luangwe following a 12-kilometre route, an incredible experience with a private guide that helped them truly understand the essence of this spectacular part of the world.
“But let’s just say we can only set the stage and then Africa provides the magic,” explains Christine. “It’s never the same twice. What is meant to happen will happen and the best experiences are those you never would have imagined or planned for.”
Our Experience Designers
What makes our designers so unique?
Only a select few are invited to craft immersive, unforgettable experiences for B&R Bespoke. They need travel-planning chops, of course. But this is B&R. So, they also need an architect’s mastery of form, a wedding planner’s problem-solving skills (and their grace under pressure), a historian’s love for deep dives, and a landscape artist’s eye for beauty. Above all, they must have a deep passion for the region and a burning desire to make it come alive for others.
Greece, Croatia, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Romania, Montenegro, Slovenia, Canada, United States
Tom has been designing trips since 2010 with a passion for pushing travellers beyond their comfort zones. Specializing in yachtbased travel, Tom creates itineraries that expose travellers to new perspectives. Having lived in six countries, his expertise covers 40+ destinations. Fun, learning, and adventure are his trademarks.
Italian Lakes, Veneto
Edoardo has been guiding trips in Italy’s iconic regions for over a decade. His deep roots in the Italian Lakes and Veneto regions allow him to create authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. With a background in wine production and fluency in five languages, Edo ensures travellers are fully immersed in the local culture. He’s also a vintage bike racing enthusiast, combining sport and style on his journeys.
Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Provence, Champagne, Alsace Jérôme has been designing trips for 11 years, specializing in France’s storied regions. His knowledge of local terroir and heritage ensures that travellers experience the best France offers. Whether it’s exploring Bordeaux’s vineyards or the quiet beauty of Provence, Jérôme crafts trips that highlight both culture and natural splendour. He’s been with B&R since 2006.
Tom Abraham
Edoardo Bausani
Jérôme Boré
Alentejo, Douro Valley, Azores, Madeira, Porto and Northern Portugal
A native Alfacinha (aka, a Lisbon resident), João has deep connections in Portugal and a passion for adventure, arts, and bringing joy to those around him. From a private concert of traditional music to an intimate foodie experience at a chef’s home, João’s network throughout the Iberian peninsula allow him to immsere you in its culture, traditions and talent in a way that few get to experience.
Puglia, Basilicata, Sicily
Born and raised in Southern Italy, Ernesto brings travellers the very finest experiences in Puglia, Sicily, and Basilicata. A former chef and olive oil producer, food is at the heart of his trips, with authentic local flavours and artisanal connections woven into every itinerary. A polyglot with seven years of guiding experience, Ernesto’s trips are rich in culture, history, and unforgettable culinary adventures.
England, Ireland, Scotland
Lucy’s 25 years of travel experience spans backpacking, luxury hotels, and epic rail journeys. Based in the UK, she brings a deep understanding of British and Irish culture, always uncovering hidden gems for seasoned travellers. A lover of rail travel, she’s also worked at London’s Royal Botanic Gardens. When she’s not designing trips, she’s exploring Scotland’s windy hillsides or planning her next adventure.
Switzerland
Since completing his art and architecture studies in Florence, Tuscany, Fede has traveled from Canada to New Zealand, managing a successful restaurant and exploring every continent before moving to the Swiss Alps to boost his hospitality career and answer the call of Europe’s highest peaks. Now based in Valais, when not guiding, he can be found mountain biking or skiing the backcountry.
Portugal, Azores, Mallorca, Menorca Alvaro’s local knowledge in Portugal, the Azores, and Mallorca has shaped unforgettable journeys since 2015. A former guide, he uses his deep connections to offer exclusive experiences, from vineyard tours to volcano hikes. Whether it’s wine tastings or exploring the Douro Valley, Alvaro ensures each trip is a sensory delight. Off duty, he tends to his pistachio trees and gardens in the Iberian Peninsula.
New Zealand, Australia
Rob’s adventurous spirit drives his trip designs in New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. With B&R since 2005, he has guided in regions as diverse as Bhutan, France, and the Pacific Islands. A former ski coach and seasoned adventurer, Rob thrives on creative problem-solving and uncovering hidden gems. He crafts immersive, authentic experiences that let travellers connect deeply with their surroundings.
Ernesto Fucci
João Carvalho
Lucy Clark
Rob Grieve
Federico Fiorillo
Alvaro Diez Diaz
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Patagonia, Peru, Uruguay
Stephanie’s passion for Latin America shines through in every trip she designs. From Argentina to Brazil, she crafts itineraries focusing on vibrant food scenes and hidden cultural gems. A former guide with five years of design experience, she speaks Spanish and Portuguese, using her expertise to unlock the magic of these diverse and fascinating regions.
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Oman, Jordan
Having designed over 200 trips since 2011, Nathan’s expertise in Asia is unparalleled. From bike rides to culinary classes, Nathan curates authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences for adventurous travellers. He’s guided more than 125 trips and is always up for a challenge, making him the go-to designer for complex, multi-country itineraries filled with laughter and learning.
Iceland, Japan, Morocco
With a knack for getting off the beaten path, Orsolya has been designing epic trips for B&R since 2012, specializing in Japan, Iceland, and Morocco. She’s a master at avoiding overtourism and finding authentic local experiences. A frequent traveller with her kids, Orsolya understands the intricacies of family travel and knows how to craft itineraries that are both educational and fun for travellers of all ages.
Bhutan, Indonesia, Nepal, India, Thailand, Egypt
Karen has spent over 20 years crafting trips across Asia, drawing on her extensive guiding and planning experience. Specializing in regions like Bhutan, Nepal, and Thailand, she’s known for creating unforgettable family adventures. A problem-solver at heart, Karen ensures each journey is packed with adventure and unique experiences, turning travellers’ dreams into reality.
Austria, the Baltics, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Hungary
Mario’s expertise in Europe spans from Germany to Scandinavia, designing intricate, personalized trips for travellers since 2016. A former travel writer and chef, Mario has a keen eye for creating memorable narratives and top-tier culinary experiences. His love for road trips and multi-country adventures fuels his passion for designing exciting routes.
“Our
Experience Designers are our superpower. They’re Batman to our Robin, and while they might not leap tall buildings, their ability to craft the perfect journey is superhuman. They live in their regions, hang with the locals, and know those hidden spots you’d never find on your own.”
—George Butterfield
Karen MacRae
Orsolya Kako
Mario Koch
Nathan Lane
Stephanie Gulledge
Austria, the Baltics, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Hungary
Florian has been designing trips since 2016, specializing in Central and Northern Europe. His deep knowledge of Austria and Germany ensures travellers enjoy exclusive, insider access to hidden gems. A former swimmer and rock climber, Florian enjoys crafting active, adventure-filled itineraries for bold, curious explorers.
Catalonia, Andalucia, Algarve
Born in Uruguay, raised in Barcelona, and now based in Portugal, Andrés spent years working in advertising before trasnitioning to tourism, where he led a tourism company in Portugal. His passions revolve around culture, languages, travel, and connecting with people. He also deeply loves sports, especially surfing, music, and nature. In addition to his native Spanish, he’s fluent in English, Portuguese, and Catalan.
Amalfi Coast, Piemonte, Tuscany, Umbria Courtney has lived in Florence for over 25 years and has been guiding and designing trips for B&R travellers across Italy and beyond. Her expertise spans from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the art-rich cities of Florence and Venice. Known for her insider connections, Courtney provides travellers with authentic experiences, from lunches in private homes to immersive cooking classes with locals.
Liguria, Sicily
With almost 30 years of experience, Dana is one of B&R’s most seasoned and knowledgeable trip planners. She specializes in the Italian Riviera and Sicily, leveraging her family roots and decades of travel expertise to design trips that go beyond the ordinary. Whether it’s a private boat tour, wine tasting, or exploring hidden gems, Dana’s trips are filled with personal touches and truly unique experiences.
Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Piemonte, Umbria Melanie’s deep-rooted passion for Tuscany and Umbria fuels her trip designs, where sustainability and cultural connections take centre stage. A New Yorker by birth but Italian at heart, Melanie has been crafting unforgettable journeys for travellers for years. Her background in theatre and love for storytelling make her trips not just an exploration, but an artful journey through Italy’s landscapes, flavours, and traditions.
Greece, Croatia, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Montenegro, Slovenia, Canada, United States
Erin’s 18 years with B&R have taken her from Europe to Canada to Southeast Asia, designing trips that emphasize deep connection to nature and culture. Erin fine-tunes her trips to perfection (she was B&R’s first female bike mech, after all). Her passion for movement practices like yoga brings mindfulness to every experience she designs.
Andrés Reyes Ottonello
Melanie Neu
Dana Quinn
Florian Marbach
Erin Reed
Courtney Mundy
Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia Christine brings a storytelling approach to trip planning, designing unforgettable adventures in Southern and East Africa. Her trips immerse travellers in the wildlife, rich culture, and vibrant art of the region. Christine is passionate about getting travellers out of their comfort zones, with a strong focus on family travel that sparks curiosity and deeper connection.
Burgundy, Provence
Born and raised in Burgundy, Eugénie has been designing trips since 2005, focusing on France’s wine regions. Her insider knowledge and deep connections with local winemakers, chefs, and artists ensure travellers experience the very best of Burgundy and Provence. Eugénie’s trips are playful and authentic, offering travellers a chance to truly engage with the culture, cuisine, and beauty of her homeland.
Switzerland, Corsica, Normandy, Brittany Born in Seattle but settled in Corsica, Marya has been with B&R since 1999, guiding and designing trips across Europe. Her expertise spans from the beaches of Normandy to the peaks of Switzerland. Her experiences never fail to connect travellers to the region’s history and traditions. A lover of regional languages and chocolate, Marya’s trips are filled with unique cultural insights and personal touches.
Costa Rica, Panama, England, Ireland, Scotland
Steve’s expertise spans from the UK to Latin America, specializing in complex, multicountry adventures. Since joining B&R in 2011, he’s designed logistically challenging, off-the-beaten-path trips, including B&R’s longest itinerary—a 97-day trip! With a love for trekking, Steve crafts unforgettable experiences for travellers seeking adventure and discovery.
Rioja, Basque Country, Camino de Santiago Ninon’s artistic background and love for Spain have shaped the journeys she designs on the Camino de Santiago and in Rioja and the Basque Country. Spain has been her home since 2010 and she hasn’t missed a moment to explore every corner of the country. She crafts immersive, highly personalized adventures that enable travellers to soak up the rich culture and spectacular landscapes of Spain.
Dolomites, Sardinia
Georgia joined B&R 28 years ago and hasn’t looked back. Now based in the Dolomites, her love for the outdoors and passion for discovery fuel the trips she designs across Sardinia and the Dolomites. A top Travel Specialist, Georgia personally vets every trail and experience she offers, ensuring each trip is packed with authentic connections and local charm. When she’s not designing, she’s hiking or skiing the mountains.
Eugénie Weiss
Christine Tucker
Steve Wilson
Georgia Yuill
Marya Valli
Ninon Vlug
