California's celebrated Napa Valley veritably defines the “high life.” The region is truly intoxicating, with its bountiful vineyards surrounded by the scenic Mayacamas mountain range. Delightful towns such as Napa, Calistoga, and St. Helena seem to have jumped straight out of celebrated paintings. And of course, there is the wine — from acclaimed standard-bearers to a barrage of new “cult” wineries — all complemented by the culinary artistry of world-famous chefs. Now you and your privileged group will experience this renowned area like few ever have on this “ultimate high” adventure.
Arriving at San Francisco International Airport, your personal greeter/driver will assist with your luggage and escort you to your waiting private car. Wind your way past sweeping vistas as you make your way to Carneros Inn, your home for the next three nights. Set amidst 6,000 lush acres of pinot and chardonnay vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley, Carneros Inn offers the quintessential Wine Country stay. Settle into your tasteful Garden King Room and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure lounging by the pool, indulging in a healing mineral treatment at the spa, or sampling Chef Christophe Gerard's organic, French-inspired cuisine at the Inn's casually elegant dining room, FARM.
The following day, you'll see things in a whole new way — through the lens of your new Olympus SP-570 UZ. With its superior optics, power, and portability, the SP-570 UZ provides a wealth of creative control over your photo-taking, and you'll discover all that your new camera has to offer during your half-day educational instruction with professional photographer Lowell Downey of Art & Clarity. Lowell will review all aspects of the SP-570 UZ with you, including the added accessories (two 2GB memory cards, case, tripod, battery, and charger) and how to take the best photos possible during your Napa Valley vacation. That evening, be sure to bring your new camera along during your special cooking class and dinner with local winemakers. You'll want lasting memories as you and your fellow guests join a local gourmet chef in preparing your fine repast and designing the final plate. Bon appétit!
The next morning, you'll have a chance to try out your new photographic skills — and there is no better way to take in Napa Valley's rolling hills, ancient oaks, and legendary vineyards than from an exclusive, private Bonaventura Balloon Adventure in the magical light at sunrise. Experience the Napa high life — quite literally — as you join world-renowned FAA pilot Joyce Anna Bowen of Bonaventura Balloons, Inc., enjoying coffee, juice, pastries, and champagne before embarking on an exhilarating experience that is literally “over the top,” floating high above the ever-changing, world-famous Wine Country panorama. As Joyce expertly captains you above the valley's floor with its myriad wildlife and magnificent scenery, Lowell will assist you in capturing the best possible shots. Upon landing, indulge in a tasty celebratory brunch, while Joyce and Lowell review your photographic memories with you. Afterward, return to Carneros Inn for an afternoon at leisure. That evening, you'll enjoy a gourmet dinner at a select winery, during which each couple will receive a personalized book of the photographs taken during their “Ultimate High in Wine Country.”
Following breakfast the next morning, check out of Carneros Inn and relax during your private transfer to the airport for your flight home. Of course, you may wish to extend your stay in this artful region with an exceptional add-on experience with master glassblower Ed Breed. This is truly a unique opportunity to join Ed in the famous RASberries Gallery at Edward James Courtyard, learning about his ingeniously designed hot glass equipment and watching a glassblowing demonstration. Under Ed's expert tutelage, you'll not only be able to capture this fascinating display with your new camera — you'll have the chance to create your own original glasswork! Afterward, enjoy lunch at a private winery villa before returning to Carneros Inn for another night of cozy luxury.
Your World Elite™ MasterCard® offers a world of exclusive advantages — including unique travel experiences like this Wine Country experience, brought to you by Virtuoso®. To make a reservation or to have a Virtuoso travel advisor create a personalized travel experience just for you, call the number on the back of your World Elite MasterCard.
Three nights from US$42,675 for six guests, double occupancy.
Optional fourth night with glassblowing experience: Add US$14,000.
Available July 1, 2008 – December 31, 2009
Includes:
- Three nights' accommodation at Carneros Inn in a Garden King Room
- “Ultimate High” private Bonaventura hot-air balloon adventure and celebration brunch
- One Olympus SP-570 UZ camera, two 2GB memory cards, case, tripod, battery, charger per person
- Private cooking class with gourmet chef and dinner with winemakers
- Half-day camera and photo taking instruction with professional photographer Lowell Downey
- One personalized book of photographs (per couple)
- Coffee, juice, pastries, and champagne before balloon flight
- Gourmet dinner at a select winery
- Round-trip airport transfers to and from all activities outlined above
- All gratuities
- (optional) glassblowing experience
- (optional) lunch at private winery on day of glassblowing experience
Excludes:
- Beverages at included meals
- Personal expenses
- Insurance coverage
- Airfare
- Any sightseeing or meals not specifically mentioned above
- Incidentals, such as phone calls
Offer should be booked at least three months prior to arrival. All bookings must be made through a Virtuoso® travel advisor and must be reserved and paid for in full with a valid World Elite™ MasterCard®. Offer is subject to availability and may change or be cancelled without notice. Blackout dates do not apply. Additional terms and conditions/restrictions may apply. Offer may not be combined with any other offer and is valid on new bookings only. Normal Virtuoso travel advisor fees (including planning and service fees) may apply. All Virtuoso member travel agencies are independently owned and operated, and are not controlled by Virtuoso. MASTERCARD, WORLD ELITE and the Interlocking Circles Logo are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. All rights reserved.
