Welcome on a journey of discovery as we take you inside some of our favorite destinations, places and unique experiences around the world.
Here in New England, the signs of autumn have arrived gently, but unmistakably. The trees, once green and full of summer’s energy, begin to blush in rich shades of crimson, gold, and amber. Mornings now carry a crispness in the air that hints at the season ahead. Shorts and t-shirts are tucked away, replaced by jeans, cozy sweaters, and the comforting rituals of fall.
And few things bring comfort quite like the flavors of the season – think apple pie fresh from the oven, warm apple cider doughnuts, simmering soups, hearty chili, and for many, the unmistakable aroma of pumpkin spice.
So this fall, let’s savor the season together and take a culinary journey around the world. And hey, who knows, maybe one of the dishes below will become a big hit at your Thanksgiving table this year.
Castagnaccio Toscano – Italy
We begin our culinary adventure in Italy, where the scent of rosemary and roasted chestnuts fills the air. In Tuscany and throughout northern Italy, fall brings with it Castagnaccio Toscano – a rustic, naturally gluten-free cake made from chestnut flour, water, olive oil, and rosemary. No sugar, no dairy – just the natural sweetness of chestnuts and dried fruits.
Rich, dense, and earthy, Castagnaccio speaks to centuries of tradition. Its name comes from castagna, the Italian word for chestnut, a beloved autumn ingredient across the region.
Seasonal Mochi – Japan
Next, we travel to Japan, where fall is welcomed with Ohagi, a traditional sweet made of soft mochi (steamed glutinous rice pounded into a sticky dough) and coated in smooth red bean paste.
Eaten during the autumn equinox, Ohagi is named for the bush clover (hagi) that blooms across Japan in the fall. With each delicate bite, it’s easy to understand how deeply tied Japanese cuisine is to the natural rhythms of the seasons.
Sakura Seas: Japan & South Korea, Essence of Japan, Journey Through Japan… A Family Adventure
Hobak Jeon – South Korea
From Japan, we head to Korea, where autumn is celebrated with Hobak Jeon—savory pancakes made with squash, egg, and flour, lightly pan-fried and served with a soy dipping sauce.
While traditionally made with zucchini, the word hobak refers to all types of squash. In fall, the version made with butternut squash adds a soft sweetness to this comforting favorite, often served alongside meals or enjoyed as a snack on its own.
Ugali – Kenya
Further south, across the African continent, we arrive in East Africa, where Ugali is a daily staple and a symbol of connection. Made from maize flour and water, this dense porridge is shaped into wedges and used to scoop up richly flavored stews and vegetables.
Simple, satisfying, and deeply rooted in community, Ugali is more than a dish—it’s a way to gather and share in the abundance of harvest season.
Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari, Tanzania: A Grand Family Safari, Great Migration: Tanzania & Kenya, Mountain Gorilla Safari: Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda
Pionono relleno de dulce de leche – Argentina
Alas, much like our tours, all great things must unfortunately come to an end. Our culinary journey concludes in Argentina, where dessert takes center stage. Pionono relleno de dulce de leche is a sponge cake rolled with creamy dulce de leche, sometimes whipped cream, and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or caramel drizzle.
Whether served at a holiday table or a weekend gathering, this sweet roll is an indulgent nod to Argentina’s love affair with bold flavors and shared moments.
The most colorful time of the year – fall foliage season.
While New England may be the classic autumn getaway, the magic of fall stretches far beyond American borders. Across the globe, villages, cities, and countryside landscapes transform into tapestries of amber, gold, and red – here are some of our favorite foliage getaways.
Kyoto, Japan
In Kyoto, tradition and nature go hand in hand. From late October through early December, temple gardens and shrine pathways are accented with fiery reds. Reflections ripple through tranquil ponds, and every stroll feels meditative.
Every autumn, Kyoto hosts seasonal festivals, such as the Kitano Tenmangy Shrine illumination, where the vibrant foliage colors the scenery from lantern lights under the trees.
See Kyoto in the fall on Essence of Japan.
Porto, Portugal
Along the Douro River, Porto wraps itself in warm hues as vines and trees shift from green to gold. Between late September and October, the colorful streets glow even brighter beneath the foliage. Sip on a glass of port by the riverside and watch as amber leaves drift by.
Each October, the Porto Photo Festival invites photographers to capture the city’s autumn beauty through guided photo walks to capture the beauty digitally and first-hand!
See Porto in the fall on A Week In… Portugal.
Québec City, Canada
Québec City blends the coziness of New England fall with a French-Canadian charm. Maple lattes steam on café tables, the St. Lawrence River sparkles, and every hillside is covered with vibrant reds and oranges – a familiar yet refreshingly new scene.
Québec City offers gondola rides to lift you high above the landscape with sweeping views of parks, mountains, and more – including Mont Sutton and Park de la Chute-Montmorency.
See Québec City in the fall on Canada’s Capital Cities plus Niagara Falls.
Heidelberg, Germany
In Heidelberg’s storybook Old Town, ivy-clad walls and medieval castles feel even more enchanting with the fall foliage backdrop. Local shops glow, cobblestone lanes invite exploration, and the season casts a golden haze all over the fairytale scenery.
Heidelberg Castle’s gardens enchant in every season, but in autumn their pathways and terraces are framed by golden leaves that make each stroll unforgettable.
See Heidelberg in the fall on Romantic Germany and The Rhine and Moselle.
Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva’s autumn is cinematic beauty – trees share vivid colors, and the lake reflects beautiful shades. Enjoying the views from a lakeside café and walking around the town is enough to make you never want to leave Switzerland’s charming fall season.
Park La Grange is one of Geneva’s loveliest spots to admire the foliage, with centuries-old trees and secluded corners, it’s the perfect spot for reflection.
See Geneva in the fall on Rhine Connoisseur: Lake Geneva to Belgium and Switzerland: Europe’s Crown Jewel.
These stories shared from the road are a testament to the endless joys of travel in some of the world’s best destinations.
Patron of the Month – Marybeth Hillier
When Travel Advisor Marybeth Hillier first traveled with Tauck back in 2008, something clicked. She knew from that moment on that was how she wanted to travel, and with whom.
“Traveling with Tauck felt different,” she told us. “It felt like family. And when you travel with a family company, you don’t just book a trip… you become part of the family too.”
Building Lifelong Travel Friendships
She continued. “There’s a heart to Tauck that you just don’t find with other escorted travel companies. I’m passionate about Tauck – not just because I sell it, but because I choose to travel with them myself. It’s where I bring my own family. And that says everything.”
Marybeth has joined us on over 21 trips since her first travel experience with us 17 years ago. Since then, she has crisscrossed Europe on our land journeys, navigated its great rivers aboard our riverboats, and experienced our Tauck Bridges family adventures with her children and grandchildren in tow. She travels with both friends and family, as well as clients, delighted to share what she calls the best way to discover the world. Last year she went to Morocco with some of her clients, now friends, people she first introduced to Tauck years ago. She mentioned that her friends have now taken more than ten Tauck trips and are traveling to Botswana next year with new friends they made on their trip to Morocco. That small group trip to Morocco was special, Marybeth told me. It was full of unforgettable experiences, and many new friendships were formed along the way.
That’s the magic of Tauck. The pervasive sense of family you feel on a Tauck trip that continues to live on through guests who make lasting connections with their fellow travelers. Tauck makes you comfortable from the moment you connect with them, assuring that you feel included and cared for wherever in the world you travel.
She recalled an experience in Morocco that demonstrated Tauck’s commitment to the care and safety of their guests. They set out to explore one of the city’s bustling medinas, where it can be difficult to navigate the labyrinthine alleys and lively atmosphere. Thanks to Tauck said, they were accompanied by extra guides who not only ensured their comfort, but who brought them to a little café where they could enjoy a surprise refreshment.
“We were in this wonderful, exotic land. When we went through the Medina, Tauck made sure we were accompanied by an additional guide to walk with us through the Medina, which was very busy and a bit chaotic with lots of people, but here was this very capable gentleman with us. It was a small group and he walked ahead of us, pointing out steps to us so we wouldn’t trip. Our tour director was in the back, making sure that everything is flowing smoothly. Halfway through this particular Medina, we stop for soup and drinks in some little restaurant. It was a treat that we weren’t aware of ahead of time. It couldn’t have been better. It’s just perfect the way that Tauck thinks of this and put things together. They include unexpected experiences that make the trip even more special,” she enthused.
“Just when you think you’ve been there and done that, Tauck creates some other way to see the world,” she added.
While admittedly difficult to choose a favorite trip – “it’s always the one I’m on,” she said – one of her favorite stories goes back to the baseball-themed event Tauck offered in Cooperstown several years ago, where documentary filmmaker Ken Burns was at the heart of the program. It started to rain, disrupting their al fresco dinner.
“We moved inside to a ballroom, the bar opened, music started playing, and I found myself at a table with Ken. The mood was a little low, so I turned to him and said, ‘I think we should do a conga line.’ And we did. Ken, my husband, me — weaving through the room, picking people up as we went. It changed the energy of the night. And, as it turns out, Steve Spivak, VP of Sales and Marketing for Tauck, saw a video someone filmed that evening and invited me to join the Tauck Advisory Board. It was the beginning of a long and wonderful relationship.”
One of our first Advisory Board members and invited back as a member again in honor of our 100th anniversary, one of the things Marybeth loves most about her participation is that Tauck listens – to their guests, to their travel advisors, to their staff. For example, after traveling solo on a river cruise when her husband couldn’t join her, she suggested a simple way to help solo travelers identify one another so they could get together for a coffee, a drink, dinner. It’s a great way to make people traveling alone feel more welcome and comfortable. That openness and desire to always listen and raise the bar for their guests truly makes a difference she said.
When Plans Change, Tauck Shines
“I’ve also seen how Tauck handles the unexpected. When the unexpected happens, you can expect another amazing experience to take its place. With Tauck, there’s never a “Plan B,” only another “Plan A.”
On her Danube river cruise a few years ago, low water in Vienna forced a change of plans because the ship couldn’t continue to travel on the river. Instead of experiencing stress and disappointment, they found themselves with a great opportunity to spend a few extra days to explore Vienna. Tauck handed out cash for eventualities, set up shuttles, arranged excursions, and turned a logistical hurdle into a highlight.
“I said to everyone traveling with me, ‘well, how glorious is this? We thought we only had one day in Vienna, and now we get to do all of these extra things.’ And I think everybody on the ship felt that. We even ended up at the symphony — an experience I’ll never forget. The next day we took a coach to Bratislava because we couldn’t cruise there. Tauck set up a beautiful luncheon at the Carlton Hotel. We all had a great meal. We enjoyed our tour excursion, and then we came back by coach. We drove to Budapest at the end of the trip. We still had a wonderful day at the end in Budapest, it was just we did not cruise from Vienna to Budapest. Tauck has been doing land journeys like no one else for 100 years so you better believe everything was perfect. That’s what sets them apart: behind every trip is a team anticipating every possibility.”
“You Just Show Up”
As a travel advisor, we were curious about how she introduces Tauck to new clients. She didn’t hesitate with her heartfelt reply.
“When new clients come to me and ask what makes Tauck different, I keep it simple:
‘You just show up. I — and Tauck — handle everything else.
No stress. No planning. No worrying about who buys the first or next champagne at the bar. Every detail is included and taken care of, door to door. But it’s more than convenience. People who choose Tauck tend to be curious, like-minded travelers. They want meaningful experiences, and they want to share them. My clients make lifelong friends on these journeys.”
Family Journeys that Spark Joy
“I’ll never forget our Tauck Bridges trip to Kenya and Tanzania — a multigenerational journey with grandparents, parents, teens, and young travelers. On the first night, our Tauck Director seated the young travelers together. By day two, they were inseparable — laughing, exploring, bonding. They’re not treated as ‘kids’ – Tauck considers them young travelers. And while the adults marveled at the wildlife, the cultural interactions, and new discoveries, the young travelers were having their own unforgettable moments. At the end of that trip, all the grandfathers gathered for a photo together — new friends for life.”
Meeting Every Traveler Where They Are
Not everyone interested in travel wants to take a fully escorted tour right away, but Marybeth is a pro at describing all the benefits of traveling with Tauck to those who want the freedom to explore on their own.
When it comes to cost, she reminds her clients that booking a trip independently can cost as much as Tauck once you factor in everything — except you don’t get the same quality or care. She learned that the hard way when she tried another river cruise line.
“Let’s just say: there were hidden fees, no tour directors, extra costs for excursions… and a lot of frustration. That experience only deepened my appreciation for Tauck.”
As a travel advisor, she is privy to even more rewarding experiences, telling me that once she books a client with Tauck, it’s an annuity. They just want to keep coming back to Tauck whenever they travel.
“In my position, my job is to make people happy and Tauck never fails to make that job easy. We are all happy when it comes to Tauck.
We pressed her for one more question before our conversation ended. “Could she share a special moment that has stayed with her from any one of her 21+ trips.” She didn’t hesitate with her answer.
“After all these years, my favorite moment on any Tauck trip is still the same. It’s that instant when you step off a long international flight and see a Tauck representative waiting for you. It’s the most wonderful, comforting feeling,” I always tell people, “Because from that moment on, you know you’re taken care of.
Learn more about some current events happening around the world this month.
We have a winner!
Congrats to Vince & Lisa LoPresti for winning our Frank Pepe’s & Tauck: A Century of Flavor & Discovery sweepstakes!
For 100 years, Tauck and Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria have been creating unforgettable experiences – one through award-winning guided journeys that connect people to the world in meaningful ways, and the other through New Haven’s legendary coal-fired pizza.
This year, in celebration of our centennial anniversaries, we came together in a partnership rooted in shared values. Like Frank Pepe’s, we’ve always believed in doing the right thing and putting people first. We’re guided by a deep sense of purpose – to enrich lives through meaningful experiences – and we share an enduring passion for Italy, a place that’s inspired generations of Frank Pepe’s family recipes and Tauck travelers.
To mark this special milestone, we teamed up with Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria to give a couple the chance to win an once-in-a-lifetime prize that blended the heart and soul of both our companies: an all-inclusive trip for two on Tauck’s beloved Tuscany, Cinque Terre & the Portofino Coast journey, plus 100 free Pepe’s pizzas.
Buon viaggio, Vince & Lisa – and buon appetito!
Longtime Tauck partner, Ken Burns’, newest docuseries set to debut in November 2025.
The upcoming six part miniseries, The American Revolution, by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein & David Schmidt explores the country’s founding struggle and its eight-year war for Independence. Ken, his collaborators and PBS decided to schedule the broadcast for 2025, to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the start of the war, which began in the spring of 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.
To honor 250 years of the American journey, we’re excited to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience next year: Celebrating America’s 250th – Featuring Ken Burns from October 23–29, 2026.
Explore New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., with exclusive events including:
• A keynote and meet-and-greet with Ken Burns
• Private, after-hours access to the National Archives and the Museum of the American Revolution
• Stays at the JW Marriott Essex House, The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, and The Willard InterContinental
Join us next year for this unforgettable chapter in American history.
See the World Through Our Eyes
Bring the feeling of a Tauck journey to life from the comfort of your couch as you peruse our new Video Gallery, showcasing our shared adventures and highlight experiences from coast to coast, ocean to ocean and across all seven continents.
Wine Regions of the World
Wine has played a meaningful role in the history, identity, and evolution of countless cultures and regions. At Tauck, we believe wine is more than a beverage – it’s an experience. Each pour embodies the region it’s produced in, offering a taste of its culture and history.
That’s why we love weaving wine into our journeys – whether it’s visiting a vineyard, a curated wine tasting, or a private lunch among the grape vines – it brings a deeper connection to the places we visit.
Read our wine blog
Colin Treadwell – Dreaming Vietnam and Cambodia
This month, our resident roaming reporter Colin brings us to Southeast Asia as reminisces about his travels to Vietnam and Cambodia.
In celebration of Tauck’s 100th anniversary, we’re inviting our partners, employees – and you, our valued guests – to share your Tauck story, whatever it may be. From memorable moments on tour to small, personal connections, every story is worth telling. We want to hear from you. Click below and share your story with our one global family.
