Travel with Judith
My Informal Tours
My Informal Tours offer cultural and culinary delights, with a particular emphasis on inspiring gardens and beautiful places.
The aim is to provide small-group tours, with a maximum of 15 and a minimum of 10 guests. These are popular, stylish boutique tours, and we certainly don’t consider ourselves “tourists”! I want everyone to feel part of the group while still having plenty of personal space and privacy.
Where possible, I choose small, family-run, distinctive and conveniently located hotels. Since 2023, the French and Italian tour has also included a week in a luxury villa, complete with a chef. It provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy some quiet time, relax around the swimming pool and spend lovely, leisurely evenings together.
Breakfast is always included, and I provide either lunch or dinner, with wine, every day. Dining experiences range from simple local delicacies to fine dining, always showcasing the food and flavours of the region. Many restaurants are in fabulous settings – on islands, in charming small villages, high in the mountains, beside stunning lakes or in edgy city locations.
The tours combine a wonderful mix of garden visits and historical sites, with the opportunity to gain an insider’s perspective through the help of knowledgeable local guides. There is also time for a little shopping, as well as time to simply absorb and enjoy each region at your own pace. We also make sure to experience the best of the major attractions.
Travel is in a comfortable 28-seater coach, with charming and helpful drivers who are always there to assist with anything we need. They are irreplaceable and quickly become an integral part of each tour.
We do not depart early in the mornings, and you will never be expected to have your bags outside your room at 6am on travel days! Usually, we stay for two, three or even four nights in each location, allowing you to become familiar with your surroundings, unpack properly and truly settle in.
Over the years, the owners of our hotels and restaurants have become long-time friends. They look forward enormously to welcoming another group of New Zealanders and are always delighted to see us return.
The tours are inclusive, as outlined in the itinerary, so you are not continually being asked to pay for extras along the way.
International flights are not included in the tour price, as many guests choose to travel before or after the tour. It is therefore easier for everyone to make their own flight arrangements to suit their individual plans.
I personally prefer to fly with Emirates, as they fly directly to most of my destinations and provide a comfortable and reliable way to begin and end our travels.
Kay Dunn
0275222389
kayd@vincentgeorgetravel.co.nz
Come and Join Me
Join me and travel in a small group with like-minded people. I can assure you, it is a lot of fun!
Make new friendships, leave the organisation to me and simply sit back and enjoy the ride. My aim is to give you the opportunity to learn, become involved and experience a new and different culture – creating wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Be prepared to have fun!
It’s always difficult to describe yourself, so I thought I would let a few of my past guests do that for me. My greatest wish is for everyone to have a fabulous time. The tour is about you, and my job is to work hard behind the scenes to ensure you return home with many wonderful memories.
“Judith, your organisation and energy levels are amazing. Every detail is planned to perfection, with a perfect mix of planned and free time. As we reflect on the wonderful memories of our trip, we thank you – the tour was perfection.”
“Judith’s tours are unique in that she is personally involved in every stage of planning and execution. I’ve always found her groups to be friendly, inclusive and cohesive. The included meals and accompanying wines are always extremely generous, reflecting Judith’s gift for hospitality. She goes out of her way to ensure everyone has a good time, while also showing and educating her groups – including through the use of local guides – about the history, customs and cuisine of the surrounding countryside. I cannot recommend her tours highly enough for value for money and good entertainment.”Best Wishes
Judith