"a taste of ..."
about
About us
“a taste of…” trips are led by Brian Smith and are limited to small groups. We travel to destinations in Europe and the UK, choosing comfortable and luxury hotels with character. We visit food & drink producers, markets, cheese makers, wine makers, chocolate makers, food academies, and more. Restaurants we visit offer menus ranging from Michelin star to local rustic plat du jour. Our trips include cultural aspects by visiting museums, galleries, music and dance performances and other “normal” tourist attractions.
Bespoke itineraries
Based on intimate knowledge of our destinations, “a taste of…” trips are original, imaginative, and fun, informative, and balanced. We pay attention to the smallest details and always to do our best to provide you access to places and experiences not available to regular tourists.
Accommodation
Our hotel partners are chosen with care. We know the owners and have stayed with them before. We have exacting criteria for hotel partners, and we insist on professionalism, comfort, friendliness, and style. The hotels fall into the categories of 5-star, 4-star, or boutiques, depending upon the destination.
We invest similar efforts in the selection of restaurants, menus, and wines, aided by staff with a specialist knowledge of these areas.
Small groups
Most of our trips are for groups up to twelve participants. Numbers are limited to provide intimacy and the ability to adhere to our itineraries with a minimum of fuss. Most importantly, we try when possible to all sit around one table for our dinners. The small numbers ensure that we have congenial groups with like-minded aspirations and desires.
Client care
We look after our clients and endeavour to provide a faultless experience from your first contact with us to the end of the trip.
We want you to come back and travel with us again to other destinations.
Commitment to value
Our trip prices are designed to provide best value. The trip price covers most costs such as hotel, ground transfers, group meals, tips, drinks, attractions, and local taxes. Any meals or drink not included will be specified. Travel to and from the destinations are not included.
Our founder
“a taste of…” was created by travel expert, food enthusiast, and wine ambassador Brian Smith, a Californian who has lived in the UK for over half his life. His enthusiasm for travel, food and drink was gained through living, working, and travelling in America, Africa, Europe, and London. His passion for food and travel is nurtured through close relationships with hotel owners, chefs, artisanal food producers, and wine growers. Smith is a member of the Royal Automobile Club, where he chaired the club’s food & beverage committee, and was a member of the club’s wine committee. He is a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
