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In 2023, travelers on our Indagare Journeys explored more than 40 destinations around the globe, pursuing personal passions together in small groups of like-minded travelers with our expert guides. Our specialist hosts and our on-the-ground networks opened doors and revealed insider perspectives, providing connection and inspiration. From a deep dive on slow food in Puglia with top chef Ryan Hardy to experiencing the markets and monuments of Rajasthan with Love India's Fiona Caulfield or Istanbul with Serena Crawford to discovering wonders big and small in Egypt and Namibia, these small-group luxury trips allowed for rich cultural exploration. They also provided exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to ateliers in Paris and Milan on our fashion-focused journeys, dinners and visits to the private homes of interior designers featured in Architectural Digest in Tangier and Mexico City and learning about art and history in Spain.
Read on for some of our favorite trips from 2023, and what dozens of travelers on our Indagare Journeys had to say about their experiences.
"Incredible opportunity—so well curated. Elise is simply lovely, she is so personal and educated. It made the trip so special to have her lead us with her smile and grace."
"A perfect mix of history and edgy design."
"AMAZING! Elise is phenomenal and Amy Astley was a knowledgeable and wonderful presence."
"The trip fulfilled exactly what it promised."
"I enjoyed Guatemala and was happy with the rich culture, food and positivity towards visitors. The people are friendly and proud of their country."
"Wonderful group, the destination was amazing."
Related: Fill out our preview access form and be the first to know when a new itinerary for Guatemala is released.
"A complete delight! I loved meeting all of our fellow travelers and I felt so lucky to have access to so many special, private spots that I otherwise would never have seen. I was so inspired by the experience."
"This was a beautiful town. The houses were overall lovely and the cooking demo was fantastic."
"I loved the variety of activities that we did—both historical and cultural mixed with shopping."
"I had a wonderful time. The organization was fantastic, the hotel was beautiful and I loved the access to all the beautiful private homes."
"Very well curated—the venues were outstanding, very organized and personal."
"It was a fantastic journey filled with so many incredible sites and iconic memories."
"Cairo is essential because of the pyramids, Sphinx and museum, but the best part was Luxor—getting out of the city. The cruise and everything we saw along the way was excellent. Our guides were terrific and John was our fearless leader; they really took care of us!"
"What a fabulous trip we all experienced. I have literally dreamed of traveling to Egypt since I was a young girl, and John, along with the Indagare staff, helped that dream become a reality. Every day was an adventure and every adventure a rich experience on so many levels."
Related: Want to experience Egypt for yourself? Join one of our two Indagare Journeys to Egypt, October and December 2024.
"We love how the trip hits many highlights and must-see attractions."
"Our guide was one of the best parts of the trip. His local knowledge, ability to adapt to the groups needs and overall service were excellent."
"Luxurious, immersive and well-planned. I felt safe."
Related: Experience Magical Morocco on our October Indagare Journey.
"Page was fabulous. She made the entire trip so worthwhile, educational and fun. Her relationship with the other guides and their combined knowledge was super! She was definitely the most stylish guide we’ve ever had!"
"I thought the trip to Spain was exceptional in many ways. The planning and execution, down to the very last minute, was wonderful, and the insider experiences were spectacular. Two in particular: Seeing the Alhambra both in daylight and in the evening light, and dinner on the last evening at the Palacio de las Dueñas—a beautiful way to close out a very special trip. I appreciated the attention to detail and the unique insider experiences that Indagare provided on this trip."
"Page, as always, provided a wealth of information on the history of the region, the museums and cultural sites we visited—and, of course, the art."
Related: Join Page May 1-5 in Paris on our Indagare Insider Journey "Celebrating French Impressionism," where you will have an after-hours tour of "Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism" followed by a special gala dinner at the Musée d’Orsay.
"The guide who accompanied us everywhere was EXCELLENT, as were his colleagues. They clearly love their country, are well-informed as to its history, politics, food and terrain, and are also very well-connected with interesting people all over the country. As an example, the small restaurant where we had lunch on the way to Hisa Franko was probably our favorite meal—because of the guide's connections, the owners opened and cooked only for us. The meal was very special with their company and we would have never found that spot on our own."
"We loved the opportunity to meet U.S. Ambassador Jamie Harpootlian and visit her home in Ljubljana. This was one of our favorite things! Thanks to Indagare for arranging such a special and unexpected pleasure."
Related: Experience this destination for yourself on our Indagare Journey to Slovenia & Croatia, September 21-27.
"I can't begin to put into words (although I have tried) how magical and wonderful this trip was for me. The takeaway for me from this trip is that there is room for me (at age 65) to become MORE."
"I really enjoyed it and hope to do a different section each year. The group was great and the right size."
"It was the best way to walk the Camino—spiritual and challenging, and in good company."
Related: Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley shares eight key learnings from hosting our first Camino journey in 2023—and discover more inspiration in her essay “Walking the Camino: The Way of the Traveler.”
"The trip was exciting and fun, filled with the wonder of nature and great people."
"An incredible experience that I will remember forever."
Related: Read Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley's "Zimbabwe Recap: A Once-In-A-Lifetime Rewilding Experience," and click here to be the first to know when new safari itineraries are released.
"I've been on Cloud Nine since returning from Italy. Every aspect of the journey was perfect in my mind."
"The Indagare Insider Journey was incredible and has left us somewhat speechless—we are still in awe and processing all the wonderment of our time in Florence."
"I loved the combination of visiting museums, exploring private home collections and dining at private homes while also visiting galleries and experiencing various events. It was a truly unique and captivating experience."
"I liked the combination of art/architecture history tours and visits to ateliers, the Pucci family estates and dining in exquisitely beautiful surroundings! Of course, the chance to meet Laudomia Pucci was a huge draw. She was lovely, gracious and a joy to talk to. I also loved the emphasis on supporting growth of arts in young people. This was a perfect trip."
Related: Join Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley as she returns to Florence for another Indagare Journey this November 3-8, 2024.
"We loved being with Ryan and Agatha! There were so many fun elements of this trip, driving the cars, cooking classes, hiking to the ancient church. The food was outstanding and the insider experiences also."
"Ryan was so knowledgeable about the region. He brought personal insight into many venue visits, and he spoke beautifully about the culture and traditions in Puglia."
"Having Ryan and Agatha as our hosts to bring us to their favorite restaurants, wineries and suppliers made this such a personal experience! We would have never found these places ourselves. During this entire trip, and really anytime we participate in an Indagare Insider Journey, I comment to my husband almost every night, 'there is no way we would have been able to have this experience any other way.'"
Related: Upon return from the trip, Ryan shares where to eat, stay, shop and what to do in Puglia. Read the article here. Plus, sign up to be the first to know when Ryan is hosting a new Indagare Insider Journey.
"The trip was wonderful and so well done and organized. The guides, the itinerary, the logistics were well in-line with my expectations. It was a wonderful mix of seeing many places, learning about the history of the country, eating delicious food, having such special exclusive experiences and shopping."
"By far the best Indagare Insider Journey I have been a part of. The amazing surprises just kept coming. Fiona and Diana were absolutely exceptional hosts. Wow! India exceeded my expectations by far."
"Traveling with Indagare is incredibly special because it goes way beyond the amazing destinations and well-scouted hotels and guides—it’s the relationship with the trip designers, the hosts, the guides, the special surprises, the special gifts. It’s getting to know and share the world with the wonderful community of Indagare travelers that to me is the cherry on top."
"It has been an amazing trip full of contrast. One day we were having tea with the Maharana, the next day we were exploring alleyways in the pink city. All of it was so memorable!"
Related: Join Fiona on another exciting Indagare Journey to India this November 4-11, 2024.
"Robin was a 10—she is a brilliant doctor who shared an enormous amount of complicated information in a clear and understandable manner. She easily connected with a group of women who were in all different stages of life."
"Dr. Noble was definitely the highlight of the trip and I think we all learned a lot from her! She is a great speaker and a terrific host."
"I benefited from the information I received and enjoyed the location, accommodations and camaraderie."
Related: Fill out our preview access form and be the first to know when new wellness journeys are released.
Curious about small-group travel? It’s not too late to join one of our adventures for 2024. Click here to learn more about the Indagare Journeys program from Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley, and explore our upcoming calendar of trips here—with many more coming soon!
Published onMarch 21, 2024
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities.
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