Wow… 10 years. When did that happen! Yes, it’s been 10 years since I started Delectable Destinations. 2008 was the year to move forward (with a lot of support) and follow a dream, a passion. My first visit to Italy, and to the incredibly charming town of Ravello on the Amalfi Coast was over 18 years ago. I fell in love with just about everything and could never imagine back then where it would bring me – the incredible places, the wonderful people I would meet and the lifelong friendships that I have developed over the years. It seems almost fitting that this year was my busiest yet. We began and ended the year in India, with the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Tuscany, Andalusia Spain, Burgundy France in-between. And… a feature article in the renowned Lodestar magazine! Quite the year and many reasons to celebrate this milestone year.
I feel very fortunate to travel to some of the most beautiful places on earth and create one-of-a-kind itineraries for my guests, knowing in my heart that without the help of the most trusted and wonderful business partners, the trips would not be the success that they are. A community of passionate people is what Delectable Destinations is all about – connecting us all through exceptional and genuine experiences.
From the truffle hunt in Chianti region to sipping tea at the foothills of the Himalayas, sitting around a table with the locals after a cooking class, or dining at Michelin Star restaurants, to celebrating cultural festivals or just simply taking in the beauty that surrounds you. Each day is a gift to slowly unwrap and savor.
Next year, along with our signature trips, we will be adding Portugal, Ireland, a new itinerary for Sicily and an extended trip India with to Bhutan added as an option. Always something new to discover!
Thank you to all who have traveled with us and to all our guests who have already booked for 2019. If you are not booked yet, check out all our wonderful destinations for next year!
Wishing everyone the happiest and merriest holiday season! May the new year bring us all health, happiness, love, friendships and peace.
Happy 10th Anniversary Delectable Destinations! Looking forward to the next 10 and may the celebrations continue!
Salute!
Enjoy our photo highlights of 2018 and our adventures.
We certainly started off the year right on our “Colors of Rajasthan” journey! There truly aren’t enough words to describe how incredible the trip was. Visiting Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, then further south to Udaipur – the “city of lakes” – and our stay at RAAS Devigarh, a 18th century palace. And the absolute highlight… celebrating the colorful festival of “Holi” with a local family. No doubt we are all in agreement… best day ever!
Springtime in Amalfi! Everything is alive and vibrant and the lemons trees are in full bloom. We enjoyed a wonderful week with our guests discovering the many wonders of this region and we loved our day cooking at Mamma Agata’s cooking school in Ravello. Another highlight was our visit to the vineyards of Le Vigne di Raito for wine tastings and a delicious homemade lunch. Time spent with Patrizia the owner is always memorable. A wonderful wine tour and a visit of the charming town of Vietri sul Mare, accompanied by our always joyful guide Alfonso, is always a treat.
Puglia is the region that stretches at the “heel of the Italian boot” and is bordered by two seas. If you have not yet visited Puglia, put this wonderful region on your travel bucket list. It truly is the hidden gem of Italy with seriously amazing food & wine, azure seas, old world charm and welcoming locals. We really enjoyed our time here, especially dining at 4 different Michelin Star restaurants in one week and our accommodations at Don Ferrante Dimore di Charme in the seaside town of Monopoli.
What a great week in Tuscany with a beautiful family. A trip that was planned over a year ago was definitely worth the wait. Our market tour and cooking day with Chef Veronica is always a highlight and our farewell dinner at a historical Chianti Classico vineyard with the sun setting over the Tuscan hills was the perfect end to a very special week. Loved our stay at Villa La Quercia!
Our first chef-guided Burgundy, France trip and an absolute great week. The Fall was a beautiful time of year to visit charming villages, vineyards, historical sights, while enjoying plenty of wonderful food & wine. Our stay at a fabulous renovated 400-year-old farmhouse in the small “sleepy” village of Marigny-le-Cahouet was the perfect picturesque storybook setting. Another Delectable Destination to put on your list!
Thrilled to return to Andalucia, Spain this past Fall. One of our favorite destinations and our guests agree! From the stunning villa Cortijo El Carligto, which we called home for the week (Conde Naste Gold List – 7 years in a row), breathtaking landscape, fascinating history and superb culinary traditions. A private chef for our dinners nightly had us all spoiled and totally relaxed!
This was our 2nd “Recipe for Reinvention” retreat with Chef Rachel Reuben. Our first one was on the Amalfi Coast a couple of years ago and this time we enjoyed a wonderful week in Tuscany. Truffle hunting, cooking with Chef Veronica at Villa La Quercia, baking, cheese and wine tastings, vineyards, history in Florence and visiting charming towns along the way… with a bit of shopping :-). A week of treasures!
I was very excited to return to the Amalfi Coast in the Fall… my favorite time of year to visit and my guests were over the moon! A fun week with visits to vineyards, beautiful coastal towns, mozzarella making in a 17th century palazzo, fabulous and fun cooking day at Mamma Agata’s and our stay at our private villa – Villa San Cosma in Ravello was a definite highlight.
We began the year in India and topped it off with a second visit. On the agenda – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur but this time we headed to the spectacular region of Darjeeling, and our stay at the Glenburn tea estate was perfection. Seeing the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain range – the foothills of the Himalayas – was surreal. Etched in our minds forever. This adventure did not disappoint and looking forward to returning next year.
Pour yourself a glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy this short celebration of a few of our Delectable Destinations!
Hope to see you on a Delectable Destinations adventure in 2019!
Carol Ketelson is the owner and operator of Delectable Destinations LLC. Dedicated to planning, co-ordinating and curating customized group tours to hand-picked destinations. As an experienced travel planner, Carol’s customized itineraries, specialized tours and off-the-beaten-path experiences create memorable journeys for her small groups of singles, couples, and solo travelers, seeking exceptional trips into the culture and cuisine of destinations around the world. Spring and Fall bookings invite travelers to taste delectable local cuisine, culturally rich traditions and mesmerizing sights. For over 10 years, Carol’s tours have captured the true essence of Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Sicily, Spain, Ireland and India.
Delectable Destinations…Delivering your dream trip. For more information & 2018 trips log onto: delectabledestinations.com
