Dear Travelers:

 Come and join us in exploring our world!

We're here to help you invest your Time wisely.  The Internet, voicemail, Email and cell phones have put an enormous array of information at our fingertips 24 hours a day. Our work schedules often mean we don’t know exactly when we’ll have a moment to go exploring until weeks and, in some cases ~ days, before we want to travel. Our most precious commodity is Time.

We help you make the most of those gold-like moments of your life. You may want a long weekend to re-focus your body and mind at the beach, a spa, the golf course, aboard a ship or at the top of a mountain retreat. You could wade through the volumes of material on the internet, in your library or canvas as many of your friends as possible before deciding where to go ~ or call us! We are continually researching the myriad travel possibilities available to our client’s, whether they are two hours from home or half a world away. Our personal experience, those of our clients and of travel writers are scanned for various perspectives to ensure you get the experience right for you at this particular time.

The longer we’ve worked with you and more we get to know your interests, tastes and lifestyle, the more options we can offer. Our relationship with our clients improves with every opportunity we have to assist you. We winnow out the best offerings and present you with a number of possibilities for your consideration. Over the years we may have learned you hate getting up early and love leisurely dining, or you like having windows that open, must have at least 1 hour of good exercise a day, have a special fondness for local markets or enjoy seeing sunsets from special viewpoints. Everything you mention paints a clearer picture of how we can best serve you.

Travel with us to Morocco  where  special experiences waits for you - from sleeping in a spangled bedouin tent amid the sand dunes of the Sahara to traveling through the snow capped Atlas Mountains with their green verdant terraces in the valleys that would make you swear you'd found Shangri La!  The warmth and genuine welcome of the people combined with the amazing design and artisanal work being done in Morocco today make this a place to visit NOW.  Call us for more details on this wonderful place.

The Seychelles should be at the top of every traveler's list who is looking for pristine, exotic islands with stunning beaches, excellent food and thanks to recent openings, some of the worlds most luxurious resorts - from the "every room is a villa" style of The Banyan Tree on Mahe, your own private island at Anoneyme Resort (only 6 suites) to the equally stunning resort of the stars Fregate Island Resort (with some of the best shelling in the world),  Lamanai Golf Resort on Pralin (whose spa is second to none) and the excellent Alphonse Island Resort for snorkeling, diving and some of the world's best bone fishing.  With more than 110 islands - from Coral to Granite in origin - there's the perfect place for everyone.  We can recommend Air Seychelles Coach and Business class service and they continue on to the Maldives for those of you still in search of more perfect beaches...

There is no place quite like Scotland to celebrate the New Year - as anyone who has done so will tell you.  Since Scotland's famed golf course only close when the ground is frozen, you can play the Old Course at St. Andrews and celebrate New Years Eve at one of the golfing world's most beautiful settings - Gleneagles.  With luck you could even manage a Thai massage followed by a visit to the outdoor jacuzzi hot tub while light snow flakes dot your head before enjoying an evening of superb food and wine.

"Fascinating, stimulating and beautiful" were Diane Hilliard’s comments on her trip to southwest France. Traveling to Toulouse, she began her exploration of the pre-historic caves and medieval cities of the "Midi". Legendary Carcassone, Rocamadour and the villages of the Dordogne enchanted her. Rich farms, meandering rivers that beckon to kayakers and canoers, green valleys and walnut forests of this lush countryside are dotted with the spectacular cave art left behind by pre-historic man. On close inspection and under the tutelage of expert guides, the peaceful life and highly skilled artists of our ancestors comes to life.  Her visit with Franck & Christine Desdemaines-Hugon at their restored farmhouse outside of Les Eyzies in the Dordogne valley was a feast for the soul.  Franck is a contemporary, minimalist artist whose works with light and form bring joy to the viewer. 

Sara Monick's  Fall 2006 and winter 2007 schedule of trips promises to be a blockbuster!  Join Sara Monick,  a culinary and travel professional in her 19th year of designing and escorting her European tours.  These very popular and highly personalized tours offer an opportunity to explore the unique lifestyle, special flavor, and the rich culinary traditions of an area with a travel and food professional.  Sara is a certified member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals.  

If you haven’t been receiving Sara’s mailings, please let us know. Her trips are very special with only 10-15 travelers, private visits to artisans, gardens, chefs and markets.  For more details on Sara's trips - call us!

The Treasures of Portugal

Portugal is the least explored corner of Western Europe.  It is a country of rugged landscapes, sophisticated cities, rural backwaters, and sharply contrasting traditions. I am delighted with the following itinerary which will lead us on an exciting and varied look at central Portugal.  You will be captivated by this very special journey -  the magnificent sites, the exceptional opportunities to enter private domains and meet their owners, our lovely hotels, and varied dining experiences. And it’s a marvelous time of year to be there. This program was a huge success in 2004 and we are delighted to offer it again. There has been a great deal of interest so call soon to make your reservation. We’re going to have a wonderful time.

 Saturday, September 16  Lisbon  Hotel Lisboa Plaza

You may want to take time this afternoon for a restorative walk in the Botanical Garden nearby our lovely hotel - the Lisboa Plaza.  We will meet this evening for a welcome cocktail and light supper in the stunning palace and gardens of the Marques de Fronteira where we will be welcomed by Doña Assunçao Mascarenhas. The lovely gardens are the most representative of the 17th century Portuguese garden style.(Cocktails & Light Supper)

 Sunday, September 17  Lisbon  Hotel Lisboa Plaza

Today we’ll start with a panoramic drive around Lisbon to see the Tower of Belem and the Monument to the Discoveries. We will also explore the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery and the Carriage Museum with a stop for one of Lisbon’s very special taste treats to fortify us as we continue on to the National Tile Museum. It is housed in the Madre de Deus Convent where we will have lunch after viewing the collection. In the afternoon we’ll tour the Richard Espiritu Santo Foundation of Decorative Arts in the legendary Alfama District, with its lovely furniture, textiles, and ceramic collections. This evening will find us at the private home of the well-known Portuguese sculptor, Juan Chartres de Almeida followed by dinner and a fado performance at the Casa de Linhares, accompanied by fado expert Vasco Telles da Gama who is a direct descendant of Vasco da Gama.(B/L/D)

 Monday September 18  Estremoz  Pousada Da Rainha Isabel

We leave Lisbon this morning and drive into the lovely region of Alentejo.  Our first stop will be Arraiolos, renowned for its beautiful carpets.  On to Evora, a captivating city that rises clean and white from the Alentejo plains. Lunch at the Pousada Dos Loios located in a former monastery. This afternoon a tour of the city, including the Roman Temple and the extraordinary Chapel of Bones in the Church of Sao Francisco.  We drive on to the stunning  Pousada da Rainha Isabel in Extremoz. Located in the castle within the medieval city walls, this is the site where Vasco da Gama received the Royal Standard from King Manuel before leaving for India.  We’ll meet cuisine and wine aficionado Susanna Redman who will assist us in our discovery of the area before dinner at the Pousada.  (B/L/D)

 Tuesday, September 19  Estremoz  Pousada Da Rainha Isabel

This morning Susanna Redman will share her recipes for Portuguese dishes with an international touch at a private quinta (country estate). I’m sure we can tempt her to share some of her very amusing stories as well. A discussion and tasting of regional wines and the legendary Port wines will precede our lunch. After we visit a most interesting olive oil mill where we will learn how the local olives are processed and taste the different oils they produce.  The evening is free. You may want to relax at the Pousada or perhaps discover some of the local cuisine.   (B/L)

 Wednesday, September 20  Estremoz  Pousada Da Rainha Isabel

Quinta Doña Maria, the lovely historic private home of the Bastes family, will be our destination this morning. The family are well known wine producers. After having sold their famous Quinta du Carmo brand to Rothchild Lafayette in 1991 they have again started their own production. Doña Isabel Bastes will lead us to the wine cellar after showing us the lovely family home. The tiles are truly extraordinary. On to the Tapada dos Coelheiros Winery. We’ll visit the cellars and enjoy lunch at the family home with a sampling of the famous dishes from the Coelheiros kitchens. Dinner this evening at the Pousada.     (B/L/D)

 Thursday, September 21  Busacco  Hotel Palace do Busacco 

Another marvelous day ahead, this time at the Quinta do Gaio de Cima, near Santarem, the private breeding farm of the famous Luisitano horses. We will be welcomed by the very lovely owner Doña Maria deo Carmo Infante da Camara after which we will enjoy a dressage exhibition while tasting the wine from their private vineyards, reportedly the finest in Portugal.  After lunch we have a real treat as we visit the estate’s “brave bulls” which they also raise. We’ll say farewell and head on to Busacco and the Busacco Palace   formerly a royal hunting lodge and today an amazing hotel renowned for it’s enchanting location, sumptuous atmosphere, and fine food.  Dinner at the hotel.             (B/L/D)

 Friday, September 22   Busacco   Hotel Palace do Bussaco

A morning drive to Coimbra. As the site of the first Portuguese university this city has been  considered the intellectual center of the country since the 16th-century. We will visit the university and the impressive cathedral. Lunch on our own in Coimbra. The lovely gardens of the Busacco Palace and the immense forest that surrounds it will be ours to explore at leisure this afternoon.  Dinner at the hotel.                   (B/D)

 Saturday, September 23  Sorrel de Monte Agar  Quinta Salvador do Mundo  

En route to Sobral de Monte Agraço near Torres Vedras we visit the Monasteries of Santa Maria in Alcobaça and the flamboyant Gothic and Manueline Monastery of Batalha. The charming Teresa Paiva, owner of Quinta a Salvador do Mundo, our home for the next two nights, will greet us before we enjoy a light lunch.  A cooking demonstration at the quinta plus a discussion of traditional foods, holidays, and entertaining at home will give us an intriguing insight into Portuguese culture.  Cocktails and a candlelight dinner follow.          (B/L/D)

 Sunday, September 24  Sorrel de Monte Agar  Quinta Salvador do Mundo

The atmospheric town of Obidos, the domain of the queens of Portugal, will be our focus today. Have your cameras at the ready for this most photogenic of towns will surely charm you. This evening a wine lecture and tasting at the Quinta de Panics followed by dinner. We will return to Quinta Salvador do Mundo for the night. (B/D)

 Monday September 25  Lisbon        Hotel Lisboa Plaza

Sintra, recognized as a  UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 will occupy our attention this morning.  Following, we will be welcomed by Madame Françoise Baudry for cocktails and a light lunch at her private home and garden Quinta da Bemposta. Free time this afternoon before our farewell dinner of Portugal’s best lamb at the delightful family-run Tasquina dos Adelaida.                          (B/L/D)

 Wednesday, September 26

After breakfast we will say adeus to Portugal (B)

Cost:   $5995.00 based on sharing a room.  Exclusive occupancy supplement:  $945.00

Deposit:   $800.00 with balance due June 1, 2006

Included:  Fully escorted by Sara Monick;  10 nights accommodations; 9 breakfasts; 8 lunches; 6 dinners;  services of local guides, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, sightseeing and private visits as described, gratuities in restaurants and porterage of luggage in hotels.   Limited to 15 participants

Not Included:  Airfare, arrival or departure transfers and any other item not specified in the itinerary.

 Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance is STRONGLY recommended.  Please call us for a brochure.

*Hilliard & Olander Ltd. does not accept liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket in connection with this tour.  **Substantial changes in the value of the dollar may require changes in the price of the tour.

CHATEAUX COUNTRY DISCOVERED ~ AT HOME IN THE LOIRE VALLEY

 An Art of Living tour with Sara Monick

In a beautiful countryside setting on the banks of the River Indre, the lovely, historic chateau-hotel Le Domaine de la Tortiniére was the site of my first tour twenty years ago. I think it’s cause for celebration and I hope you will join me as I return to this charming spot to celebrate this special anniversary. This family owned hotel has been guided by the Olivereau family since its conception. When I began taking groups there the very charming Denise Olivereau was at the helm. She was a delight to work with. Today, her son Xavier and his wife Anne will warmly welcome us for our week of discovery of the cuisine, culture, history, and the sheer beauty of France’s legendary Chateau Country. The area was known as the playground of the kings. It will be our playground for a lovely week this fall. It’s truly magical.

 Sunday, October 8, 2006  (D)

The minute you pass through the gates of Le Domaine de la Tortiniére and enter the park covered with wild cyclamen you will feel at home. We will congregate here to begin our discovery of the region. We will join the Olivereau’s for aperitif before dinner in the Orangerie where we will sample the cuisine of Chef David Chartier.

Monday, October 9, 2006  (B/L/D)

We’re in the kitchen with chef this morning as we learn some of his culinary secrets. After a lunch of our new recipes we’ll head to the river Cher and my favorite chateau, Chenonceau. Our guide will reveal the history of the royal family members whose lives formed this stunning place as we visit its elegant interiors and appreciate its architecture and beautiful natural setting. The floral arrangements alone are worth a visit and we’ll hope to visit the atelier where they are created. Back to Tortinière for dinner.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006  (B/L/D)

The city of Tours and the manufacture of silk have been closely tied since the 15th century. The Jean-Roze company has been producing the finest of silk fabrics since the 17th. We have the good fortune of visiting them today where we will learn about their history and the magnificent work that continues today. Lunch will be at the charming L’Epicerie Gourmande where we will enjoy both their delicious cuisine and taste some of the wonderful wines for which the region is so justly renowned. The top chateau garden award goes to Villandry as you will see for yourself during our guided tour there. Another delicious dinner at “our chateau”.

 Wednesday, October 11, 2006  (B/D)

Chef Chartier will accompany us to the market in Tours today where he will help us to determine how to shop for the best ingredients. We’ll have lunch on our own. There are many choices. The cities of Minneapolis and Tours are Sister Cities and we have been invited by “La Ville de Tours” to have a guided tour of this very important city. Those who enjoy antiques will not want to miss the shops of Rue de la Scelerie. This evening’s dinner is in Saché at the Michelin starred L’Auberge du XIIème. Yes, that is a Calder in the town square!

 Thursday, October 12, 2006  (B/L/D)

Le Chateau de la Bourdaisière is a 15th century beauty that was recently renovated by the Princes de Broglie. Louis- Albert is one of Paris’s most famed gardeners, who here cultivates 400 types of tomatoes in the chateau's potager. They have also created a very handsome line of garden accessories under the name Prince Jardiner that will require our presence in the boutique. On to the royal town of Amboise for a light lunch. Depending on the weather we will either take a “toue” boat ride on the Loire or take cover in the chateau. Tonight we have been invited for a cocktail by the city of Tours followed by dinner at the restaurant Jean Bardet which boasts 2 Michelin stars.

 Friday, October 13, 2006  (B/L/D)

Artisans attract our attention this morning. Agnès His creates stunning ceramic jewelry and decorative arts pieces. We will visit the atelier before learning how the beautiful reed baskets are made at La Coopérative de Vannerie. Lunch will be at a private chateau. Back to Tortinière for cocktails with the Olivereau family before our farewell dinner.

 Saturday, October 14, 2006  (B)

After breakfast we say au revoir to our friends at Tortinière.

 Cost:   $3295 based on sharing a room.  Exclusive occupancy supplement:  $325

 Deposit:  $800 per person with the balance due July 1, 2006

 Included:  Fully escorted by Sara Monick; 6 nights accommodations; 6 continental breakfast daily;  4 lunches; 6dinners; sightseeing and private visits as described. Limited to 12 participants.

Not Included:  Airfare; transportation to hotel from airport on arrival or departure; alcoholic beverages except wines as specified and any other items of a personal nature.

 
The Treasures of South India

January 5-22, 2007

Raghavan and I are close to having our 2007 Tour of Southern India itinerary put together. We wanted to give you a heads up on dates and the cities we will be visiting.  We will depart from the US on January 4, 2007 and the program will start in Chennai (Madras) on January 5. We will fly out of Bangalore for the US on January 22, 2007.

There is an extension starting on January 22, to the North that will end on January 30.  The principal tour will visit: Chennai, Trichy, Madurai,Thekkady, Kumarakom, Cochin, Mysore, Bangalore  The extension will visit: Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra, Delhi

Art and Architecture, Temples,Tea and Spice Plantations, Cuisine, Culture, Crafts, History, Markets, Tropics, Technology, Wild Life Preserves, Elephant Herds, and Lovely Hotels. They will all be part of our magnificent sojourn.

Let us know if you are interested and we'll keep you posted.  And do pass the word. Hope you'll think about joining us. We can hardly wait!
                                                       Sara & Raghavan

Sara S. Monick, Director                                                            Raghavan Iyer
The Art of Living Tours                                                                 PH: 952 975-6015
PH: 763 374-2444                                                                      CELL:  612 998-5159

These are not group trips but specially designed flexible, independent programs for the individual traveler

Luxury Golf in the USA

An independent 10 day Northern California golf itinerary playing seven great courses and over nighting at luxury hotels including the Highlands Inn and Campton Place.

La Docle Vita ~ Italy by Luxury Car

On this eight day self drive tour via Ferarri we’ve combined three of Italys most extraordinary and intimate hotels will a luxury car and the ultimate plan for an Italian indulgence.

Treasures of India

A luxurious 12 day privately guided exploration of India’s highlights designed to include Agra Jaipur and Delhi with susnet tea at the Taj Mahal, dinrks and dinner with the royal fmaily of Jaipur and a picnic in the shadow of the Himalayas.

The Chef’s Table ~ Montreal

Few weekend getaways can match the robust international flavour, cosmopolitan flair and the convenience of nearby Montreal. Discover the city’s French heritage and character as you explore art galleries and antique shops. Your weekend includes meals at three of Montreal’s finest restaurants

San Francisco  & the Napa Valley

The fresh, new and the unexpected will characterize this long weekend in northern California. Explore the offbeat galleries,"fringe" fashion designers, experimental art, performance theater and bistros that characterize the underground art scene in this city so long identified with "The Beats. An excursion to the Napa Valley should  include vineyards such as Opus and Clos Pegase, great food and art collections. The Di Rosa Preserve is 53 acres of pristine lakes and green rolling hills that house contemporary works by San Francisco Bay area artists in four buildings. The Hess Collection, a winery containing the holdings of Donald Hess including works by Francis Bacon and Gerhard Richter. A special visit to the new Oxbow School founded by Walker Art Center family member, Ann Hatch in Napa promises to be exciting.