Current Tour Offerings
We have created and curated a small number of journeys that offer private access to exquisite sites and beautiful venues at the ideal times of year. Find your ideal journey by date or location and feel free to contact us with any questions at 1-800-856-1045 or info@connoisseurstours.com.
To view the downloadable itineraries, please ensure you have the free Adobe PDF reader, available here as a free download. |
American History Series
October 15 - 20, 2017 PRIVATE TOUR Very Limited Space Remaining
October 15 - 20, 2017 PRIVATE TOUR Very Limited Space Remaining
No war has had the abiding impact of the American Civil War. The four-year conflict spawned three constitutional amendments, led to the election of at least five presidents, laid waste to millions of acres of farm and forest, destroyed two-thirds of Southern wealth, slaughtered two-fifths of the region’s livestock, freed over four million people, swept three million men into military service, and killed 750,000 of them, more than all of America’s wars combined. "The war threatens to engulf us all," Ralph Waldo Emerson said in 1861, " no preoccupation can exclude it and no hermitage hide us. "
The war had its lighter side too — snowball fights involving thousands of men and letters home so achingly beautiful they are difficult to read. Reflecting on his soldier days, Oliver Wendell Holmes pronounced the whole experience "incommunicable." "We felt, and still feel, the passion of life to its top," he said of his generation. "In our youths, our hearts were touched with fire." Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin could not shake his war experience either: "In great deeds something abides," he said. "On great fields something stays."
Come, see, and hear what stays in this six-day tour of the nation's most vibrant battlegrounds. Conceived play-fully as an 'embed' with the Army of Northern Virginia (the army of Robert E. Lee), our tour will "march" north with Lee's Miserables, first to Antietam (the bloodiest single-day battle in American history) and then to Gettysburg, where Lee lost a third of his army, and where, four months later, Abraham Lincoln offered the benediction he thought Americans would "little note nor long remember."
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a risk-free reservation.
Click here to view scenes from In the Footsteps of a Confederate Civil War Soldier.
The war had its lighter side too — snowball fights involving thousands of men and letters home so achingly beautiful they are difficult to read. Reflecting on his soldier days, Oliver Wendell Holmes pronounced the whole experience "incommunicable." "We felt, and still feel, the passion of life to its top," he said of his generation. "In our youths, our hearts were touched with fire." Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin could not shake his war experience either: "In great deeds something abides," he said. "On great fields something stays."
Come, see, and hear what stays in this six-day tour of the nation's most vibrant battlegrounds. Conceived play-fully as an 'embed' with the Army of Northern Virginia (the army of Robert E. Lee), our tour will "march" north with Lee's Miserables, first to Antietam (the bloodiest single-day battle in American history) and then to Gettysburg, where Lee lost a third of his army, and where, four months later, Abraham Lincoln offered the benediction he thought Americans would "little note nor long remember."
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a risk-free reservation.
Click here to view scenes from In the Footsteps of a Confederate Civil War Soldier.
Colonial Charles Town and the Caribbean
Aboard Silversea's Silver Wind
January 16 - 26, 2018 PRIVATE TOUR Limited Space Available
Aboard Silversea's Silver Wind
January 16 - 26, 2018 PRIVATE TOUR Limited Space Available
The Historic Charleston Foundation escapes January’s winter doldrums to explore Charleston’s Barbadian and Caribbean historic cultural influences on land and sea! Joined in Barbados by Dr. Karl Watson on a discovery journey through the island and, in particular, the plantations and lives of Sir John Colleton, the Colleton Great House, and St. Nicholas Abbey diving into the intriguing history of the Yeamans and Colleton families.
The voyage is aboard the intimate and luxuriously appointed Silver Wind (carrying only 296 passengers, with personal butler service in every suite) sailing off the tourist route to the alluring islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Cartagena and Colon - regularly accompanied by local historians to discover the rich colonial history connected to Charleston’s Caribbean roots.
This intriguing journey continues with the magical realism of Cartagena, where top guides and historians deliver private tours designed just for HCF. Cartagena’s old city is enchanting -- with houses painted in every pastel shade, immaculate balconies from which bougainvillea spill down to the street below, the scent of flowers filling the air and old mansions standing stoic with their fortified studded doors. Discover the cultural heritage of Cartagena and visit the forts and beautiful historic sites in which the mix of colors, balmy breezes, smiling faces and the gentle music in the background all conspire to take us back to Sir Francis Drake’s day. This journey ends in Colon, Panama to view the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal.
Staterooms and Suites have limited availability at this time with a final payment due July 30, 2017.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
The voyage is aboard the intimate and luxuriously appointed Silver Wind (carrying only 296 passengers, with personal butler service in every suite) sailing off the tourist route to the alluring islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Cartagena and Colon - regularly accompanied by local historians to discover the rich colonial history connected to Charleston’s Caribbean roots.
This intriguing journey continues with the magical realism of Cartagena, where top guides and historians deliver private tours designed just for HCF. Cartagena’s old city is enchanting -- with houses painted in every pastel shade, immaculate balconies from which bougainvillea spill down to the street below, the scent of flowers filling the air and old mansions standing stoic with their fortified studded doors. Discover the cultural heritage of Cartagena and visit the forts and beautiful historic sites in which the mix of colors, balmy breezes, smiling faces and the gentle music in the background all conspire to take us back to Sir Francis Drake’s day. This journey ends in Colon, Panama to view the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal.
Staterooms and Suites have limited availability at this time with a final payment due July 30, 2017.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Colonial Cartagena
January 31 - February 4, 2018 Limited Space Remaining
January 31 - February 4, 2018 Limited Space Remaining
Connoisseurs Tours presents Colonial Cartagena, a five-day tour exploring the magical realism of Cartagena. In these five days, we explore the rich history of the old city and feel its many rhythms. Take a step away from the real to embrace the magical as we walk through centuries of history at every plaza, taste deliciously re-imagined Colombian cuisine, explore traditional Cumbia music, discover Spanish fortresses, and much more.
With a penchant for authenticity, our itinerary cultivates a more nuanced understanding of contemporary Colombian life while supporting sustainable, community-driven tourism. Our base will be the Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, a luxuriously renovated convent that dates back to 1621 that is consistently listed among the most elite hotels in the world. We invite you to step back in time and enjoy one of the most magical cities in the world.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make your reservation.
With a penchant for authenticity, our itinerary cultivates a more nuanced understanding of contemporary Colombian life while supporting sustainable, community-driven tourism. Our base will be the Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, a luxuriously renovated convent that dates back to 1621 that is consistently listed among the most elite hotels in the world. We invite you to step back in time and enjoy one of the most magical cities in the world.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make your reservation.
Magical Realism of Cartagena
February 7 - February 11, 2018 Limited Space Remaining
February 7 - February 11, 2018 Limited Space Remaining
Take a step away from the real to embrace the magical as we walk through centuries of history, taste deliciously reimagined Colombian cuisine, explore traditional Cumbia music, meander through lush mangroves, and much more. With a penchant for authenticity, this itinerary cultivates a more nuanced understanding of contemporary Colombian life while supporting sustainable, community-driven tourism. Our base will be the Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, a luxuriously renovated convent that dates back to 1621 and is consistently listed among the most elite hotels in the world.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make your reservation.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make your reservation.
The Colonies and The Caribbean
February 11 - 18, 2018 PRIVATE TOUR (Filled)
February 18 - 25, 2018 PRIVATE TOUR Limited Space Remaining
February 11 - 18, 2018 PRIVATE TOUR (Filled)
February 18 - 25, 2018 PRIVATE TOUR Limited Space Remaining
Expanding on the theme of The Rim of the Caribbean, we are once again embarking on a small luxury ship to sail through the Caribbean’s most elegant islands. Our onboard scholars will give us insight into the vital cultural and economic influence that these small Caribbean Islands had on the development of the thirteen colonies and the United States.
The Colonies and in particular Eighteenth-Century Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia sat on the outer edge of a booming plantation complex that stretched across the Caribbean and drew heavily on that colorful region for much of its cultural and economic life. From Alexander Hamilton and the Sugar Plantations of St. Kitts to the military stronghold of Antigua from which the British Empire’s navy was able to police (and in large part secure) its holdings, private shore excursions are available, designed exclusively for the NSCDA and guided by the most sought after historical luminaries of each island.
Aboard the luxurious Silver Wind which carries only 296 passengers, with personal butler service in every suite, we leave from old San Juan journeying to Virgin Gorda and Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Dominica, Antigua, Barbuda, and Jost Van Dyke.
As we dive deeper into the the cultural and trade-based interplay between the Caribbean Islands and the Colonies, we’ve made sure to include ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and relax by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean!
Staterooms and Suites are now on sale, prices beginning at $2650.00 per person, double occupancy, for reservations and payments received by August 30th.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here to view Suites and pricing.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to view scenes from the Colonies and the Caribbean.
*Please read our tour update for possible itinerary changes in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria
The Colonies and in particular Eighteenth-Century Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia sat on the outer edge of a booming plantation complex that stretched across the Caribbean and drew heavily on that colorful region for much of its cultural and economic life. From Alexander Hamilton and the Sugar Plantations of St. Kitts to the military stronghold of Antigua from which the British Empire’s navy was able to police (and in large part secure) its holdings, private shore excursions are available, designed exclusively for the NSCDA and guided by the most sought after historical luminaries of each island.
Aboard the luxurious Silver Wind which carries only 296 passengers, with personal butler service in every suite, we leave from old San Juan journeying to Virgin Gorda and Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Dominica, Antigua, Barbuda, and Jost Van Dyke.
As we dive deeper into the the cultural and trade-based interplay between the Caribbean Islands and the Colonies, we’ve made sure to include ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and relax by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean!
Staterooms and Suites are now on sale, prices beginning at $2650.00 per person, double occupancy, for reservations and payments received by August 30th.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here to view Suites and pricing.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to view scenes from the Colonies and the Caribbean.
*Please read our tour update for possible itinerary changes in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria
Holy Land & Biblical Jordan with Bishop Alden & Barbara Hathaway
February 2-13, 2018
February 2-13, 2018
Join Bishop Alden and Barbara Hathaway on this incredible journey to the Holy Land and Biblical Jordan. Together, enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and excitement of Israel. The freshness of the Mediterranean, the quaint businesses of Nazareth, the tranquil beauty of Galilee, the busy majestic wonder of Jerusalem, its ancient streets, its bazaar and its people, its color golden in the sunset.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here to make a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make your reservation.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here to make a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make your reservation.
Magical Realism of Colonial Cartagena
February 14-18, 2018 PRIVATE TOUR Limited Space Available
February 14-18, 2018 PRIVATE TOUR Limited Space Available
The Colonial Dames of Georgia present Colonial Cartagena, a five-day tour exploring the magical realism of Cartagena. In these five days, we explore the rich history of the old city and feel its many rhythms. Take a step away from the real to embrace the magical as we walk through centuries of history at every plaza, taste deliciously re-imagined Colombian cuisine, explore traditional Cumbia music, discover Spanish fortresses, and much more.
With a penchant for authenticity, our itinerary cultivates a more nuanced understanding of contemporary Colombian life while supporting sustainable, community-driven tourism. Our base will be the Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, a luxuriously renovated convent that dates back to 1621 that is consistently listed among the most elite hotels in the world. We invite you to step back in time and enjoy one of the most magical cities in the world with fellow Dames and friends.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make a reservation.
With a penchant for authenticity, our itinerary cultivates a more nuanced understanding of contemporary Colombian life while supporting sustainable, community-driven tourism. Our base will be the Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, a luxuriously renovated convent that dates back to 1621 that is consistently listed among the most elite hotels in the world. We invite you to step back in time and enjoy one of the most magical cities in the world with fellow Dames and friends.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make a reservation.
A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with St. Francis Episcopal Church
February 19 - March 1, 2018
Led by the Rev. Stuart Bates and the Rev. Dr. Peter Walker
February 19 - March 1, 2018
Led by the Rev. Stuart Bates and the Rev. Dr. Peter Walker
This February, St. Francis Episcopal Church will begin the pilgrimage to the Holy Land to be near Christ and the land of his birth, life and ministry and where his death and resurrection changed the world. Joined by The Rev. Dr. Peter Walker, a New Testament professor, author and seasoned guide.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here to make a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make your reservation.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here to make a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make your reservation.
Savannah, Decorative Arts, Antiques, & Colonial Georgia
February 28 through March 1, 2018
February 28 through March 1, 2018
The National Society of Colonial Dames of America excitedly presents Savannah’s Decorative Arts, Antiques and Colonial Georgia, a five-day tour granting exclusive access to the city’s finest private collections of antiques, artwork and architecture. Take part in the Savannah Antiques & Architecture Weekend’s events while also going more in depth into one of the South’s most iconic cities exploring its rich history and delving into the private collections of the city’s notable residents.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make a reservation.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make a reservation.
Bermuda: The 14th Colony
May 6-11, 2018
May 6-11, 2018
Bermuda: The 14th Colony, a six-day odyssey into the colonial history and impact of Bermuda. Few Americans today realize the importance of Bermuda before and during the American Revolution. Bermuda’s destiny was so intertwined with America’s that it was almost considered the 14th colony to join the rebellion against the Crown. In these six days, we’ll dive deep into Bermuda’s history to explore the strong bonds of blood, commerce, art, and history that bind the U.S. and the island to better understand why most colonial Bermudans sided with American rebels. In partnership with the Bermuda National Trust, we’ll gain exclusive access to the island’s most prominent sites with the historians, authors, and guides who know them best. While immersing yourself in the unfolding narrative of this island nation, we’ll also take time to relax and enjoy Bermuda’s most enduring and valuable resource: the sea.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make a reservation.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make a reservation.
The Idyllic Hudson River Valley
June 11-16, 2018 PRIVATE TOUR
June 11-16, 2018 PRIVATE TOUR
The College of William & Mary Alumni Association presents the Idyllic Hudson River Valley, a six-day tour of the majestic Hudson River Valley designed to celebrate over 100 years of women shaping history. In New York State, just two hours north of one of the busiest cities in the world, rests another place where the slow-moving Hudson River snakes around the old estates of America’s wealthiest families; where 150 years ago, runaway slaves risked everything moving up the Underground Railroad to find a better life; where female patriots, painters, poets, and first-ladies changed the course of American history. No other region in the country can provide such a relaxing atmosphere while, at the same time, allowing us to better understand the lives of some of our nation’s most remarkable women and the place that shaped them, the bucolic Hudson River Valley. Join fellow women of William & Mary on this memorable trip designed specifically to commemorate 100 years of co-education at the College.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make a reservation.
Click here to view scenes from the Journey through the Hudson River Valley.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here for a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to make a reservation.
Click here to view scenes from the Journey through the Hudson River Valley.
Iceland's Fire and Ice
July 21 - 28, 2018
July 21 - 28, 2018
Connoisseurs Tours excitedly presents Iceland’s Fire and Ice, a seven-day tour designed exclusively for Connoisseurs Travelers. In seven days, we’ll explore the drama of this small island, from its bold Viking roots and magical history to its wild landscape shaped by millennia of active volcanoes and tip-toeing glaciers. We’ll hike to the top of ancient volcanic craters, feel the mists of booming icy waterfalls, and soak in healing hot springs while staying in grand and uniquely Icelandic accommodations. Iceland balances untouched nature with uniquely cosmopolitan sophistication: chic cafés sell bread baked by geothermal heat, designer boutiques are filled with Scandinavian prints and natural fabrics. Join us on this exploration into the mythical, rugged beauty of otherworldly Iceland.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here to make a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to book your reservation.
Click here to view the Full Itinerary and read more.
Click here to make a 7-Day No Risk Hold.
Click here to book your reservation.
A Journey through the Hudson River Valley
October 1 - 6, 2018
October 1 - 6, 2018
One of our all time favorite journeys! Due to popular demand, this has become an annual mainstay of our repertoire.
Join us as we delve deeper into the Hudson River Valley to discover why this region is home to so many great authors, musicians, early captains of industry, and the Hudson River School of art.
We are setting out on the fourth annual departure to immerse ourselves in picturesque vistas along the Hudson River Valley and explore the area’s historical past, rich with architectural, cultural, artistic, and botanical sites.
We have engaged the Hudson River Valley's top guide, Dr. Jeff Behnke, to share his knowledge of local history and folklore, and will visit some of the area's most inspirational gardens and elegant estates, including the homes of Washington Irving, Frederick Church, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and Richard H. Jenrette’s Edgewater estate.
Along the way we will also stroll through Bellefield Gardens with the Beatrix Farrand Society (honoring the only founding female member of the American Society of Landscape Architects), visit the iconic Rockefeller landmark, Kykuit, and the Federalist architecture of Boscobel, and then enjoy a private cruise along the Hudson River’s winding waters to West Point aboard the Pride of the Hudson.
$3595 per person double occupancy with single supplement of $495
Call our office for more information: 1-800-856-6345
View the suggested reading list.
Click here to view scenes from the Journey through the Hudson River Valley.
Join us as we delve deeper into the Hudson River Valley to discover why this region is home to so many great authors, musicians, early captains of industry, and the Hudson River School of art.
We are setting out on the fourth annual departure to immerse ourselves in picturesque vistas along the Hudson River Valley and explore the area’s historical past, rich with architectural, cultural, artistic, and botanical sites.
We have engaged the Hudson River Valley's top guide, Dr. Jeff Behnke, to share his knowledge of local history and folklore, and will visit some of the area's most inspirational gardens and elegant estates, including the homes of Washington Irving, Frederick Church, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and Richard H. Jenrette’s Edgewater estate.
Along the way we will also stroll through Bellefield Gardens with the Beatrix Farrand Society (honoring the only founding female member of the American Society of Landscape Architects), visit the iconic Rockefeller landmark, Kykuit, and the Federalist architecture of Boscobel, and then enjoy a private cruise along the Hudson River’s winding waters to West Point aboard the Pride of the Hudson.
$3595 per person double occupancy with single supplement of $495
Call our office for more information: 1-800-856-6345
View the suggested reading list.
Click here to view scenes from the Journey through the Hudson River Valley.
President's Special Invitation Cruise to Australia & New Zealand
January 6-20, 2019
January 6-20, 2019
Anna Duff invites you to the first annual President’s Journey. The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America proudly presents the President’s Invitation Cruise to Australia and New Zealand, a fourteen-day odyssey into wild coastlines, fjords, pristine sounds, and cosmopolitan cities of the South Pacific. Aboard Silversea’s newest flagship vessel, the Silver Muse, we’ll explore towns consistently recognized for their high quality of life discovering their fusion of worldly culture and untamed nature. In the span of two days, experience idyllic cities on the forefront of art, winemaking, architecture, while also delving off-the-beaten track where porpoises breach alongside cascading waterfalls plummeting from high mountains into deep fjords. Learn first-hand the fascinating history of how waves of people came to call this remote land their home from the voyaging Maori to, early European explorers, all the way to modern immigrants spanning from all over the world. Relish and relax in the company of other Dames as we embark on this celebration of history and culture in one of the most rustic and remote corners of the globe.
Click here to view this sailing's full itinerary.
Click here to view available fares & suites.
Click here to view the Silver Muse deck plan.
Call our office for more information and to make your reservation: 1-800-856-1045
Click here to view this sailing's full itinerary.
Click here to view available fares & suites.
Click here to view the Silver Muse deck plan.
Call our office for more information and to make your reservation: 1-800-856-1045
