Barefoot Journeys -

Spend the day discovering one of the culinary world's most prized ingredients - the Truffle. Join a licensed truffle hunter and his trusted sniffer dogs on their quest for Tuscany's "black gold"… Tuscany is famous for its fabulous food and wine as well as its stunning countryside, and this tour gives guests a great opportunity to enjoy both! Meet your guide Giulio at the Truffle House in the morning for an aperitivo and an introduction into the fascinating world of truffles. His knowledgeable yet entertaining discourse on the origins and the science of what the locals call "black gold" will give you insight into this precious commodity and its role in local cuisine and culture. Then, head for the hills with Giulio and his prized dogs Maga and Edda to see how a real truffle hunter spends his day. With a few sizable nuggets in hand, head back to the Truffle House for a master class on cleaning and preserving truffles before sitting down with Giulio for a special truffle-themed lunch. The deep earthy flavor of the Tuscan truffle comes through in dishes like homemade tagliatelle with butter and fresh truffle or the delicious contradiction of creamy ice cream and truffle honey, and the carefully selected wines provide the perfect complement to the menu. The tour comes to a close as we toast with a glass of sweet Passito to the health of Giulio - and of course Maga and Edda! Seasonality: year-round, weather permitting Experience duration: 4 hours Family-friendly

What is more iconically Italian than the Fiat Cinquecento?! Take to the hills south of Rome in this famous Fiat compact and discover why Castelli Romani has been the playground for Rome's rich and famous for centuries... Millennia of volcanic activity formed the unique topography south of Rome known as Castelli Romani. This picturesque countryside rolling with hills and dotted with lakes is known for its outstanding wines and grand estates where industrialists and emperors, popes and cardinals fled during the holidays to escape the pressures of Roman society and the sweltering Roman heat. And what better way to beat a modern-day retreat along these historic routes than in the coolest of Italian vehicles: the Fiat Cinquecento. It'll give you a taste of what transportation was like in the Italy of the dolce vita days of the 1950s - no AC, no mod cons, but tantissimo style! Our expert guide/driver will do everything to ensure your safety and comfort from start to photo finish, providing a wealth of information on the sights en route: like Frascati, the home of the crisp white wine of the same name and Castel Gandolfo, the pope's summer residence. But where the area's charm truly comes alive is in the small characteristic villages, where we'll stop for a caffé or a gelato.  Seasonality: year-round, weather permitting Experience duration: 4 hours Family-friendly

The most spectacular way to experience the stunning Isle of Capri is from the water itself. Climb aboard your own private yacht and cruise past Capri's stunning marinas and coves, eerie grottos and storied rock formations. On this full-day tour, join your English-speaking captain to explore the beautiful bays and grottos that surrounds the Isle of Capri, not to mention the cool blue water itself! As you circumnavigate Capri with its rocky outcrops and jagged coastline, you'll discover first-hand what makes this 4-mile block of limestone the world's favorite island. Your trusted captain will be at your full disposal to tailor-make this experience to your specifications: you may want to explore the picturesque Li Galli islands, stop off for a lunch featuring fresh-off-the-hook fish and local wines in a traditional trattoria or take a refreshing dip in the crystal blue waters. Seasonality: from April to October, weather permitting Experience duration: 8 hours Family-friendly

Today's cooking class begins with a visit to the Mercato Centrale and ends in Stefania's kitchen where the freshest local produce, time-honored traditions and a dash of storytelling are all part of the recipe... One of the brightest ambassadors of her native Tuscany, Stefania welcomes you into her family home near the Porta Romana for a master class in cooking that goes beyond simply following recipes. Sharing culinary history, igniting passion for traditional recipes and creating inviting table settings are just as important to Tuscan cooking as relying on the finest in zero-kilometer produce. And to source the finest in farm-fresh produce for your cooking class, you'll venture to Florence's Mercato Centrale to join the Italian mamme and local chefs as they do their daily shop. Back in Stefania's kitchen, you'll discuss the day's menu over an aperitivo and then get down to the business of cooking a five-course meal including such traditional Italian fare as schiacciata bread, homemade ravioli with pesto and a cake made with chocolate and red wine. Stefania's enthusiasm is contagious, her tips and tricks are fool-proof and her recipes are all destined to become part of your regular meal rotation at home. As you take your place at her lovely table to enjoy the fruits of your labor, you'll raise your glass of wine and toast to your new-found friend.

Jump aboard a private helicopter for a bird's eye view of this stunning region. Whether it is the craggy lakeside peaks or the stunning villas and villages, the sky is literally the limit! Experience Lake Como as you have never seen it before - from the seat of a twin-engine helicopter! Flightseeing is a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area's peaks, and valleys and better understand the local geography left behind after the last ice age. Our loyal helicopter partners make guest safety their highest priority, with technologically advanced, regularly-maintained aircraft and expert flight crews with years of experience - much of it spent flying difficult search and rescue missions. You will enjoy the flight crew's entertaining and educational commentary throughout the flight as well as the opportunity to discover areas of Lake Como that they would like to return to when they're safely back on the ground. Photo ops abound - from lovely Villa del Balbianello on its promontory perch to charming Cernobbio and from the Balcony of the Alps in Brunate to the craggy Grigna peaks.

Travel with ME to WE and be a part of real, sustainable change.Meaningful travel is about being a part of something larger than yourself. It’s about being immersed in a new culture, fostering genuine connections and seeing the world through a new lens. It’s about embarking on an unforgettable journey and creating a lasting legacy. All trips are hosted by expert local facilitators Suitable for all age groups Travel year-round (Saturday departures from US) Safety is #1 priority along with comfort ME to WE trips are perfect for families. Ideal for individuals, couples or small groups. High profile executives, world leaders and celebrities have all taken their families on these trips. The experience is unique for volunteer travel.  Kenya trips: 9 days, 8 nights or 10 days, 9 nights India trips: 9 days, 8 nights or 11 days, 10 nights Not your typical accommodations in India or Kenya!

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