From ancient forts and glittering temples to jungles humming with fascinating wildlife, nowhere in the world contains as much diversity as Southeast Asia. Cambodia &amp; Vietnam are the jewels in its crown, combining the crème de la crème of activities for all tastes and ages.&nbsp;There are endless temples and waterfalls to explore, mind-blowing cuisine to sample and bike trails through every landscape imaginable. Mountains, forests, vibrant cities, tranquil rice paddies, through world wonders like Angkor Wat and even high <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/take-a-ride-biking-the-hai-van-pass-in-vietnam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">above the clouds</a>. For foodies, its bustling cities combine local cuisine with touches of French, Japanese and Chinese. For local experiences, the people are proud to share their culture and traditions through colourful festivals, handicrafts and ancient wellness rituals.

On my recent research trip to Cambodia &amp; Vietnam, I had the opportunity to reconnect with our incredible local team, exploring the region for the first time in two years due to restrictions. It’s clear that Southeast Asia underwent a <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/travel-journal/25-reasons-to-visit-the-new-vietnam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">distinct shift</a> over the last few years, so a few thoughts raced through my mind during my flight: would I spend the first day scoping out new hotels or bike routes? Do I have enough time to visit the night market? Is my favourite spot for Cau Lau still open in Hoi An? (it was indeed, and I had two bowls of the local noodle for breakfast!).&nbsp;Upon landing in Vietnam, I met with our network of local guides and drivers that have been working with B&amp;R for the past 10-15 years. I embarked on a five-day trip with the team; we scoped out more new bike routes, ate great seafood, noodles and pizza, and visited some hotels new to our trips for 2023 and 2024.We had the opportunity to visit one of my favourite hotels on our Vietnam Biking Expedition, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. This beachside retreat is only accessible by water and was recently voted one of the best hotels in Asia by Conde Nast Traveller. There are endless private beaches and waterfalls to explore, and each villa is complete with its very own plunge pool. I’ve planned out an entire beach day dedicated to getting the best out of this unique stay, and I’m so excited to share it with my travellers.

We also had the chance to visit Zannier Bãi San Hô, another hotel highlight on trip. Stepping into this wellness haven, I was surrounded by incredible mountain vistas and a beautiful beachfront. The property is hidden among an untouched coastline and surrounded by a beautiful coral bay, the perfect retreat mid-trip to stretch your legs after all that biking.In Cambodia, everyone is thriving, happy and ready for travellers. The country interestingly seemed to have kept their heads down during the pandemic and focused on new biking infrastructure. I spoke with some drivers around Angkor Wat and discovered bike paths new to B&amp;R, which I’m so excited to share with my travellers on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/cambodia-vietnam-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cambodia &amp; Vietnam Biking</a> trip.Below are the highlights from my research trip, from biking the longest wooden bridge in Vietnam to sampling organic delicacies over unforgettable views.

Shortly after returning home from my research trip, I had the chance to update our Scheduled itineraries with all of the new bike routes, hotels and activities we discovered, and I'm thrilled to share them with my travellers. While there's so much to see and do in Vietnam and Cambodia, I'm certain the trips below will have you fully immersed in the Pandora's box of possibilities that await in Southeast Asia.<a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/vietnam-25th-anniversary-expedition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vietnam Biking Expedition</a>: a 12-day biking adventure from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.<a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/cambodia-vietnam-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cambodia &amp; Vietnam Biking</a>: an 8-day biking adventure from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Hue or Danang, Vietnam.

Feeling inspired to experience the wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia for yourself? Get in touch with Nathan Lane to chat travel.

Notes from the Road: A Research Trip in Vietnam & Cambodia

The past season has been unlike any other at B&amp;R. Through sweat, smiles, laughter and the clinking of glasses, it felt good to be back on the Slow Road all around the world. And having you join us this season has been a joy and a reinvigoration. We want to look back and share some of the memories made during the year. Some live music, boat rides, biking, hiking, rafting and pausing at a van stop for bubbly… all made better by all the people you met along the way.&nbsp;Whether you're planning on travelling with B&amp;R for the very first time in 2023, or thinking about re-visiting one of your favourite destinations, we look forward to seeing you on the slow road next season.Enjoy some highlights from the 2022 season, and of course, if you have photos to share, share by using <a href="https://www.instagram.com/butterfieldtravel/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#butterfieldtravel</a>

Scenes from our boat-based trip in <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/croatia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Croatia</a>! A Multi-Active trip that brings you to some of the most jaw-dropping coastlines ever – full of fresh cuisine, medieval cities to explore and daily dips in the sea. We’re biassed but our guides really know how to have fun!

Coastal Croatia Active

We're thrilled to be running the NEW Northern Greece Hiking Trip! It was supposed to run in 2020 but was postponed until this season. An incredible journey through Northern Greece hiking through Mount Olympus, Thessaloniki and rafting through granite valleys. A totally new view of <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/greece" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Greece</a>, away from the crowds and full of unique local people.

Northern Greece Hiking

Nothing beats the <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/france/provence-french-riviera" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Provençal light</a> and the way your surroundings glow at golden hour. Biking through these landscapes and being treated to al fresco meals and the local vintages is enough to make this trip a star, then mix in the history of famous artists and run-ins with local characters.

Provence Luberon Biking

When you’re with a guide who was born and raised in the area, you can’t beat the personal touches and insider knowledge. Walk through the sublime coastal <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/slow-travel-in-the-cotswolds-and-cornwall" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cotswolds</a> and experience history, nature, and incredible hotels, and pretty soon you’ll be feeling like a local yourself.

Cotswolds to Bath Walking

Here’s one way to feel small… visit the <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/italy/dolomites" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dolomites</a>; find yourself in the wide open meadows surrounded by sky-shattering peaks and plunging valleys. But really, along with the 360º views and vibrant alpine nature, the Northern Italian traditions, hospitality and exclusive dining experiences are the highlights. Move this to the top of your list.

Dolomites Hiking

Biking <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/france/bordeaux-dordogne" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bordeaux</a> into Dordogne takes you along dedicated routes through forests, along rivers, and up historic climbs. But really it’s all about slowing down with outdoor dining in tucked-away village courtyards and exploring prehistoric caves while trying new wines each day. Sounds indulgent… and it is–but you’ve earned it!

Bordeaux to Dordogne Biking

Photo Diary: Sharing Moments From The Season

Stepping foot on these lands for the first time, it's hard not to stare in disbelief as hundreds of sunbathing iguanas block your path, completely unphased by human interference. Here the tortoises are older than the radio, lava oozes from ocean floors, and folklore says that lost&nbsp;treasure might still be found thanks to the pirates and buccaneers who prowled the waters in the 16th century.This isn’t an excerpt taken from a mythical legend, these are the Galápagos Islands.

While I've been designing trips to the <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/ecuador-galapagos-bespoke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Galápagos Islands</a> for years, the magic of stepping off the plane never fails to be an assault on all my senses. Travellers have been crossing off the Islands as one of those once-in-a-lifetime destinations for decades—and rightfully so.With its lunar-like landscapes and rare flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth, it's an other-worldly haven.&nbsp;A haven and a vibrant backdrop for a family adventure.Getting up close with wildlife isn’t only magical for the kids, the close encounters with multiple species are something to engage you at any age. Learning about this ecosystem never stops, and what better way to adventure with multiple generations?

George Butterfield called on his family of 13 to join him on a trip, the challenge was to find a destination and itinerary that appeals to everyone – from 83-year-old George and 9-year-old granddaughter Ellie. But when you travel to the Galápagos, you’ll find it’s a place that keeps families together. Or in George’s words: “the perfect family trip.”&nbsp;“There are very few perfect family trips,” George says. “You must have something that appeals to everyone, so it's hard to encompass something that’s interesting for all age groups. Animal life and bird life are two of them, and that’s why the Galápagos is the perfect trip. It’s just like an African safari. There’s life on land and life in the water, and you’re all together exploring at the same time. There are no diversions.”Over 17 days, the Butterfields were able to reconnect after being straddled across the globe for the first time in two years thanks to a certain pandemic. By day they spotted rare animals like the blue-footed boobie; snorkelled, surfed, kayaked and hiked through white sand beaches and turquoise waters; and learned about Charles Darwin’s rare discoveries alongside naturalist guides. By night they motored to the next island via a 16-passenger private yacht, allowing the freedom to explore the lesser-known islands, each with its own unique wildlife (which is in fact our <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/a-boat-cruise-around-the-galapagos-islands" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">favourite way</a> to see the Galápagos!). When they weren't cruising the waters, the Butterfields also stayed at Galápagos Safari Camp, an intimate glamping experience comprising luxury tented camps, similar to what you would see in Africa.

The Butterfields Take On The Galápagos

While the Galápagos can be compared to an African safari, the animals here are much more up-close-and-personal; because of the harmonious existence with humans, the animals are not afraid of us. Iguanas mingle with sea lions, 600 lb giant tortoises meander along in groups and the various birds observe it all from above (or below in the penguin's case!).“I don’t think I know a place in the world where human beings haven’t taken it and changed it,” George said. “On these islands, there’s nothing except the way life was thousands of years ago. It’s very primeval. When you step around the iguanas, they don’t move. They don’t even scatter. That’s because human beings haven’t been predators to them, whereas in so much of the world human beings have killed them off.”But maintaining one of the world’s last Shangri-La is no easy task. The islands are 97% National Park and governed by a special law that restricts the number of travellers that can visit. And with more and more travellers looking to explore far-flung, remote, bucket-list destinations, it’s often advised to book a full year in advance for normal travel and 2 or more years in advance for festive dates and school holidays.

The Last Shangri-La

For George, the exclusivity of the island was what made it so appealing for a family trip in the first place. People should want to visit the Galápagos because they limit the number of visitors. The privacy is in fact one of the best parts, and sharing that special magic with loved ones is bound to create memories to last a lifetime.&nbsp;But you don't have to take it from George, take it from the grandkids themselves! From snorkelling among hammerhead sharks to watching unique birdlife at Darwin's Research Centre, we asked George’s family to share their most memorable trip highlights.&nbsp;

Feeling inspired to make this experience your own? Get in touch with Veronika Macas to start planning your next family adventure.

The Perfect Family Trip

Discover Hungary's beauty and hospitality through the eyes of B&amp;R CEO Mike Scarola, who spent much of his athletic career training, racing and rejuvenating around the Danube and Lake Balaton.

Growing up on the east coast of Canada near Lake Banook in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, sprint-racing canoeing has always been part of my life. My passion for the sport would allow me to travel the world and eventually led me to represent Canada at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.While racing demanded speed, I found slowing down and taking in the surroundings to be magical. Much like biking a route with friends, canoeing with a group of friends is a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of a region from a new perspective.&nbsp;While every European country has its unique charm, Hungary holds a special place in my heart as it played a significant role in my canoeing career. My long-time coach is Hungarian, and his passion for the sport and his homeland were unmistakable. Hungary has a rich history in canoeing and has produced more Olympic medals in the sport than any other country.

As an athlete, I spent many summers training and racing in Hungary. I trained with many of the best paddlers in Hungary, and some of the best paddlers in the world.&nbsp;While canoeing up and down the Danube river we would meet many locals who were happy to share a drink and a smile. Despite the language barrier, their warmth and welcoming nature shone through.&nbsp;Lake Balaton, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. Following a competition in Szeged, Hungary, I spent time in the region with my teammates and newfound local friends. I was immediately drawn to the culture and warm hospitality. The locals were incredibly generous in opening up their culture and friendship to us, something I'm excited to share with our travellers on <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/vienna-to-budapest-wine-country-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">B&amp;R's Vienna to Budapest Wine Country Biking</a> trip.

I'm excited to return to a country where I've spent a significant amount of time as an athlete and to now experience it in an entirely new way. I’ll be co-guiding our first Vienna to Budapest Wine Country Biking departure of the season, going deep into the history and culture along bike routes chosen for their authentic beauty, and connecting with some really interesting local people that entertain and inspire. Hungary is a country that has been through a lot in the past 80 years, and its people are very proud of their culture and eager to share it with open arms and warm spirits.&nbsp;Join me in Vienna and Budapest on our September 16 - 22 departure, an incredible journey that pulls out the best of Central Europe through the region’s top hotels, hyper-local wine experiences and unbelievable meals and biking routes.

My Time on the Danube: Paddling My Way Through Hungary 

In January, Japan’s Noto Peninsula suffered a major earthquake, which damaged roads and buildings, and impacted communication lines to the region.This part of the country is special to B&amp;R. We have been <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/central-japan-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cycling the Noto Peninsula for over a decade</a>, making friends and building a community here. In the days that followed the tragedy, information was hard to come by and we waited, hopeful to hear word from our partners on the ground that they and their families were safe.&nbsp;Chef Toshiya Ikehata is one of those people. One of the culinary highlights of our time in Noto has been dinner at his Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Noto in Wajima. Opened in 2014, he was planning to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his famed French restaurant with an expansion.&nbsp;

Orsolya Kako, our Experience Designer for Japan, managed to locate Chef Ikehata and his activities. While plans for his restaurant are on hold, he has focused his energy on feeding his community. Just two days after the earthquake, Chef Ikehata opened a soup kitchen, and brought peers from 20 restaurants together to do the same in several locations across the peninsula. They are now preparing and serving thousands of meals a day to residents and relief volunteers in Wajima.&nbsp;Through B&amp;R’s <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/who-we-are/sustainability/the-slow-fund" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Fund</a> we have been able to support his courageous efforts, and we cannot wait to return to introduce our travellers to him and his signature dishes once the region opens again to visitors.&nbsp;B&amp;R established the Slow Fund to support community projects in the destinations our travellers visit. The fund focuses on projects that serve education, arts and culture, nature and wildlife conservation and community wellbeing, and is currently supporting projects in nine projects around the world.

The Slow Fund: Japan Earthquake Update

We will always be grateful to our travellers for their tremendous response to B&amp;R’s appeal for Morocco. Through the Butterfield &amp; Robinson <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/who-we-are/sustainability/the-slow-fund" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Fund</a>, and the generosity of past travellers to the region, we have been working in partnership with Rachid, a longtime friend, host and mountain guide, in supporting him to rebuild some of his family’s’ homes in the village of Imlil. Many homes in his and neighbouring villages in the Atlas Mountains were severely damaged, along with the local school and clinic.Rachid has spent much of his time since the September 8, 2023 earthquake assisting rebuild operations and driving supplies to more remote villages in need of greater assistance.With an initial budget of US$50,000 (donations from B&amp;R travellers), Rachid set about navigating permits, materials, and a building crew in a race against the elements before the mountain winter set in.&nbsp;

Headline

As we write this update, mid-December, his latent project management skills continue driving building efforts as the first two homes near completion and work on a new third house commences. Rachid’s uncle Hamid and cousin, Said, both had their family homes condemned by government engineers. It is hoped that they will move into their new homes by the end of the December as the electrical wiring and plumbing works gets sign off. The third home currently under construction, will hopefully home Mustafa’s family by late January, 2024.&nbsp;Rachid hopes that he will be able to start work on his ancestral home in early spring. Their home is a heritage building, being the oldest house in Imlil and has seen several generations born here.&nbsp;Many other families who need to repair or rebuild, have moved down from the mountains for winter. They will return in spring, thus a long recovery ahead for many families still, but fortunately thanks to Rachid's timely efforts and the generosity of the B&amp;R community, many of his family have been able to stay in Imlil.

Our Regional Expert, Orsolya Kako, will be returning to Morocco in early 2024 and will connect with Rachid in Imlil to visit the new homes and discuss further needs. Following her assessment, the remainder of the relief budget will be allocated.Tourism remains a driver of the Moroccan economy. It’s essential that we continue to visit the region we love so much, supporting their economy in rebuilding all that has been lost

The Slow Fund: Morocco Earthquake Relief Update 

From the candy-coloured villages and the stunning Carpathian Mountains, Experience Designer Tom Abraham shares the highlights from his recent research trip to Romania.&nbsp;

I fly into Bucharest, arriving on a sunny and warm November afternoon, and head straight for Transylvania, a two-hour drive north. I cross the Carpathian Range at dusk and an hour later arrive at <a href="https://bethlenestates.com/depner-house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Bethlen Estates</a>, Romania’s newest luxury property, in the Saxon village of Cris (pronounced sris). It’s my kind of place, with a traditional exterior blending perfectly with the surrounding village homes, but bright and modern inside, with light wood floors, timber frame and tile accents, and a deliciously comfortable bed that is calling my name.&nbsp;I have a short jet lag-induced nap before dinner, which turns out to be an imaginative seven-course tasting menu created by Bethlen’s young chef, featuring fresh takes on traditional Romanian food paired with exceptional Romanian wines, including several from the immediate vicinity. So far so good!

My local guide Raluca and I start early the next morning with a brisk walk through the brightly painted village to the outskirts, where the gypsy community lives. Horse-drawn wagons pass by, heading for the fields as the early morning fog lifts, revealing beautiful fall colours in the surrounding beech forests.&nbsp;We pass several kids heading in the opposite direction to the village school.We hop in the car to scope out some new bike routes for our new Romania Biking trip for 2023. I find myself wishing I had the time to be doing this work on a bike, the riding looks incredible. We pass a colourful village every 10 kilometres or so. There’s always a church at its center. Between the towns is a mosaic of fields and forests and the snow-capped peaks of the Carpathian range shines in the distance. Who knew that November was such a nice time to travel here?In the afternoon, we drive a few kilometres into the hills on a gravel road. My guide wants to show me an ancient oak forest. We hike a short trail to the grandmother tree of the stand, a huge gnarled trunk with massive limbs spreading impossibly wide, over 800 years old. All around us stand dozens of oaks, almost as large.

The following morning we check out and head to Viscri, a village in the center of Transylvania, made famous by King Charles, who owns a house and property here. The biking looks amazing as we drive past rolling hills hosting large flocks of sheep, recording routes on GPS. We stop for lunch at <a href="https://viscri38.ro/en/galerie-foto/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Viscri 38</a>, a farm-to-table restaurant with a great selection of local products.In the evening we finish our long day of recording bike routes and admiring scenery at <a href="https://www.zabola.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Zabola</a>, a former count’s private manor converted to a 5-star hotel. We stretch our legs with a brisk walk into the hills, accompanied by the hotel’s three exuberant black labs. A hotel inspection follows. The spacious hotel rooms overlook two ponds and several gardens, a horse barn, a riding ring and a secluded spa building. It is a stunning property.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Viscri

In the morning we GPS a wonderful bike ride that passes by seven or eight farming villages on a quiet meandering road. The eastern slope of the Carpathians is right next to us, providing beautiful views, but the route is 65km of flat and fast riding. We have lunch, then drive to Brasov, the largest town in Transylvania, with a traditional Saxon old town at its centre. There’s a running marathon happening today, so the city centre is closed to traffic. We bump our roller suitcases for what seems like a marathon over cobbled streets to the hotel. The <a href="https://www.schusterhotel.ro/en/our-story/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Schuster Boarding house</a> is a welcome new property in the centre of town, just a few steps from the Black Church, Brasov’s iconic landmark. Created from an early 20th-century Art Nouveau building, the hotel's interior is remarkably sleek, modern and even techie. My room is bright, beautiful and spacious.

Brasov

An hour later, we hike back to the car and begin scouting a bike ride between Brasov and Rasnov. The Carpathians peaks reach their tallest height in the area around Brasov and they tower above the city. The riding here is the most challenging of the trip and the views over the city from the serpentine road are awesome. I’m doubly happy about our new fleet of e-bikes earmarked for the region.&nbsp;In Poiana Brasov, the base station for the local ski area, we stop for a superb coffee (Romania has an incredible coffee scene, especially in urban centres) and a snack, then continue down a long shaded descent through forested slopes to Rasnov, another charming small city on the opposite side of the mountain.We scout around the area, passing the notorious Bran castle, which is surrounded by kitschy souvenir stands, t-shirt shops and restaurants with Dracula-inspired names. It’s clear this place is not going to be part of our itinerary, but the surrounding landscape is truly beautiful—reminiscent of Switzerland. Returning to Brasov we wander the cobbled streets and end up at <a href="https://www.prato.ro/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prato</a>, for an excellent Italian evening meal.

Bucharest 

Another early start, and we head south through a narrow valley gap and leave Transylvania, headed for Bucharest. The mountains slowly settle out into the flat landscape surrounding the city. For the last hour we’re travelling on a highway until we enter downtown. I tour the Ceauşescu Mansion, which is an absolutely mind-blowing journey into the history and psyche of Romania’s notorious final communist ruler. It’s a super-interesting visit and my local guide does a spectacular job of bringing that crazy era to life for me.I check into my hotel, then take an abbreviated walking tour downtown. Like many eastern European cities, there are many exquisite historical buildings contrasted with some Soviet-style Brutalist architecture. It’s a big, bold and fascinating city with a surprising number of green spaces and leafy avenues. A couple of hotel inspections are on the schedule for the late afternoon, including <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/buhak-the-marmorosch-bucharest-autograph-collection/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(74, 110, 224);">Marmorosch</a>, a recent addition to the city hotel scene, and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=hilton+athenee+palace&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(74, 110, 224);">Hilton Athenee Palace</a>, which still remains my top choice for a Bucharest city hotel.After a long day, we head to dinner at <a href="https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Romania/Bucharest/Kaiamo.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(74, 110, 224);">Kaiamo</a>. The restaurant is the creation of Chef Radu Ionescu and his food is delicious, playful and unique. The presentation is perfect and his staff is young, engaged and highly competent. Watching him and his kitchen staff work behind the glass is entertaining and impressive. We spent a few minutes chatting with Chef Radu at the end of the evening over a glass of wine.

The next morning my third visit to Romania ends with an early flight to Sofia, Bulgaria, where the next phase of my 2023 research begins. After many fits and starts and delayed plans because of covid, I am so excited about debuting B&amp;R’s new <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/romania-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Romania Biking</a> trip. It’s been worth the wait. The hotels are better than ever, the biking is fabulous, the food and wine are diverse and delicious, the culture and history are interesting, and the Romanian people are just as welcoming and fascinating as ever.

With its crossroad of cultures, unique architecture and long-standing farming traditions, there are so many reasons to visit Romania beyond its remote landscapes. Get in touch with Tom Abraham to reserve your spot on our Romania Biking trip in 2023.&nbsp;

Notes From the Road: A Research Trip in Romania

Yvonne's journey with B&amp;R started over a decade ago, when a good friend working from our headquarters in Beaune revealed to her that B&amp;R was in search of Guides for the upcoming season. While she was based in Ireland at the time, Yvonne had already spent a year living in Italy and was yearning to live out la dolce vita once again. She hopped on board to guide her first B&amp;R Walking trip in the Cinque Terre and hasn't looked back since."I still have fond memories of leading travellers through those spectacular cliffs and making fresh pesto at a local friend's house at one of our lunch spots. I got hooked on the B&amp;R way of life straight away - travelling and slowing down to see the world."Since making Madrid her home eight years ago, this guide-turned-Experience Designer has become a true expert in all things Spain-related and loves nothing more than to plan amazing adventures to her adopted Spanish soil. Get to know more about Yvonne in our Q&amp;A below!

<h2>Vital Stats:</h2>Years in Travel Business: 25Years with B&amp;R: 16Regions of Expertise: Spanish Wine Country, Camino de SantiagoCountries visited: 20+Countries lived in: Italy, Spain, Ireland, UK, ArgentinaTrips planned: 15+Trips guided: Lots! 40+

<h2>Q&amp;A with Yvonne:</h2>This officially marks your first year as a B&amp;R Experience Designer after gaining a wealth of experience guiding over 40 trips. And what a year it's been! Any favourite moments or lasting impressions from the season?It’s been a special year for planning trips as many of our travellers were hitting the road for the first time since before the pandemic. I felt their travel experiences were almost more sacred than ever before and that made it a real privilege for me to be part of the process.After spending a lot of time before the trip communicating by email or phone it’s always really special to receive photos or videos from our guides of the group out on the road, cycling around La Rioja or dancing up a storm during their final night celebrations! That’s when it makes it all worthwhile.

What’s your preferred method for immersing yourself in a new place?Shopping for food. It sounds basic but I make a real effort to seek out local food markets and shop in small, independent butchers, fishmongers and fruit shops when I spend time in a region. There's no better way to learn the language, speak with the locals and get a feel for what’s going on in the area.Food is a huge part of any culture and speaking about food with others creates a universal connection that taps into historical and cultural habits and norms. I learn so much about a place and its people by trying their food and getting curious about their cooking traditions. Needless to say, It also pleases my palette immensely!Favourite hotel in the world?It has to be Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara in the west of Ireland. Being Irish I am, of course, a bit biased but that hotel for me personifies Irish charm and elegance.As soon as you walk in the hotel’s main door you're greeted by friendly staff at the front desk and the peaty smell of the open fire with its trusty old leather armchairs perched to the side, just inviting you to sit down and relax beside the cozy hearth. Combine that rustic charm with beautiful natural surroundings and I think that Ballynahinch really is the most idyllic country haven (and you can experience this incredible stay on our <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/ireland" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ireland Biking</a> trip!).

Favourite bar/wine bar/watering hole in the world?It has to be Casa Gonzalez in Madrid. It’s an old-school deli and wine bar that’s been around for almost 100 years and is still in the same family. The owner Paco is a real character and serves a great variety of wines by the glass and top-quality Spanish cheeses and cured meats. This place is a much-loved institution in the Huertas neighbourhood and the front-window table is the ideal place to watch the world go by over some tasty treats.Favourite restaurant in the world?OK, I am going to cheat here a bit as this is not a restaurant but I have to say the street food at the local markets in South East Asia and I am specifically thinking of <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/asia/vietnam" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vietnam</a>.If I think about my favourite food experience this is absolutely what springs to mind. I’ve had the most delicious foods on an early morning trip to the fish market in Hoi An where all of your senses are just blown away by the bustling market scenes, the loud chatter of the vendors, the pungent smells of the fresh fish and the first tastes of exotic foods that I had never tried before. It’s a truly memorable place to eat and it makes me smile every time I think back to it!

Favourite bottle of wine?Well, this changes regularly as I love to try lots of different wines but they are always Spanish and, over the years of living here, I have made it my mission to try as many of the different varieties available. That keeps me busy as Spain has 69 wine regions or DOs!! So, while I still have lots more to get through I will say that my most recent favourite is a red blend of tempranillo and mencía grapes from Galicia, in the north of Spain, called Pajaro Loco or Crazy Bird in English. So delicious!

Are there any destinations you haven’t been to, but want to visit?Yes, many! Nepal, New Zealand and Iceland are probably up there in my top three.What are your three most underrated destinations?I would say Bangkok, Naples and New York. They all just happen to be big cities that often get a bad rap and I guess I like them because I love the buzz and chaotic energy of big cities and the random encounters you can have there.When I was in New York people couldn’t have been friendlier to me with strangers stopping on the street one day to help me with directions, which obviously goes against all the negative stereotypes you hear of New Yorkers!&nbsp;What items are absolute musts on your packing list?A refillable water bottle, Mac red lipstick and a notebook and pencil.And finally, what’s your favourite trip you’ve ever taken?Oh, that’s a difficult question but I would have to say the hiking trip that I did in Patagonia, Argentina. Never have I felt such awe and respect for nature as I did in that part of the world. You can’t help but be overwhelmed by the beauty and sheer magnificence of the scenery there. It puts a lot of things into perspective and makes you realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

Experts + Insiders: Yvonne Power

As we cycled through the medieval streets of Beaune during B&amp;R's annual Guide Kickoff, Bernard, one of our seasoned guides, imparted words that would echo throughout the week: "To be a great guide is to wake up every day and strive to be the best version of yourself."Think of it as a week-long training extravaganza from our office in the heart of Burgundy, where our guides from all around the world come together to prepare for the start of our season. Bernard’s statement stuck with me, as it perfectly captured the ethos of each and every one of our guides.

From savvy veterans to bright-eyed newbies, our guides are truly the most interesting people in the world, bringing with them a unique skill set and outlook on life that made me eager to experience a B&amp;R trip with every single one of them. They speak multiple languages, they know all the best restaurants in town, and they’re keen to share their outlook and intense knowledge of life and culture.&nbsp;Take Maria, an Argentinian living in Croatia, who decided to take a break from her stint as an acrobat to guide for B&amp;R. Or Aurelie, who hails from Alsace and was kind enough to spend most of her night translating every single ingredient on the menu for me during a dinner in town (I promised her next year I would brush up on my French!).Beyond honing their skills in the bike atelier, our new guides had the chance to connect with B&amp;R's local friends who cater our Burgundy Wine Country Biking trip, discover the charming L'Hôtel de Beaune, the first hotel on trip, and explore the routes that await our travellers this season. Connecting with partners and digging deep into a region are key elements of a successful B&amp;R trip.

Throughout the week, the energy was electric and the generosity of our guides was unparalleled. From how they looked out for one another on our afternoon rides to the infectious enthusiasm they brought to every conversation, it felt like being at a party where everyone was the host. No glass of Pinot was ever left behind at dinner, no detail overlooked.&nbsp;During one hilly bike ride to the Meursault vineyards, I found myself trailing behind. It was then that I knew our travellers were in good hands this season, as our guide Urban voluntarily pushed me up the hill while riding his own bike with ease. Urban, who guides our Norway Biking trips, later confirmed that he had done the same for our travellers while tackling the imposing Trollstigen Pass.&nbsp;This was one of many experiences during my time with our guides that highlighted their unwavering dedication – even off the clock. Our guides really are the best people in the world, and I left the Kickoff feeling like I had not only met the incredible people who guide our trips, but also a new family of inspiring and passionate leaders.

From mastering their mechanical skills in the atelier to savouring the flavours of Burgundy, our guides have been through an intensive week of training to ensure that every B&amp;R trip is nothing less than exceptional. Enjoy the highlights from Kickoff as they prepare for an extraordinary season ahead.

Guide Kickoff 2023

Our 2022 European season commenced unlike any other year we’ve seen in history.&nbsp;After two years of virtual dinner parties, post-work Zoom happy hours and flexing their creative muscles from the <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/what-social-distancing-looks-like-around-the-world" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">comfort of their homes</a>, it’s safe to say that our Guides were absolutely yearning for the moment to reconvene in true B&amp;R fashion.We’ve hosted our annual Guide Kick-Off from our office in Beaune in the heart of Burgundy every year. And while a certain pandemic drove a significant wedge into how our seasons regularly commence, it also wove a silver lining into the atmosphere at this year’s festivities.

Seeing friends who’ve been scattered around the world for the past two years was incredibly special and inspiring. Feelings of emotion filled the air as our talented team shared stories, laughter and tears of joy. From eager new guides and our savviest veterans to a few faces from our Toronto office—this year’s Kick-Off marked a new era at B&amp;R. One signifying the return of travel, feeling grateful to embrace human connection once again and being more inspired than ever by the places we’re so lucky to visit.

Typical days at Kick-Off began with communal breakfasts and plenty of espresso—energized to hear rousing information sessions from our varying departments. New guides were filled in on everything from B&amp;R’s history to our sustainability efforts as Experience Designer Christine Tucker shared the latest news about our revitalized <a href="https://butterfield.com/who-we-are/sustainability/the-slow-fund" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Slow Fund</a>.Come lunchtime we settle into picnics with our local friends in Beaune, a few who cater our <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/burgundy-wine-country-biking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Burgundy Wine Country Biking</a> trips! Fuelled for the afternoon, the crew heads to the atelier for bike training with our cycling experts, then embarked on daily 30 km bike rides through Burgundy’s villages and vineyards. This was the perfect opportunity to make use of our new GPS system, bringing forth a seamless way to navigate the meticulously-crafted biking routes you can expect on this season’s <a href="https://butterfield.com/how-to-travel/scheduled-trips" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Scheduled trips</a>. It was incredible seeing everyone assume the role of a Guide: raising one another’s spirits, embracing physical activity and ensuring no one was left behind.

That quintessential spirit of generosity proliferated throughout evening aperitivi, dinners and wine tastings, where our entire roster of Guides then assumed the role of a host: refilling their neighbour’s glass before their own, ensuring everyone sampled the best dishes and diving into vibrant conversation.The final night’s celebration started off as a beautiful dinner and slowly evolved into an impromptu talent show and karaoke! In true Guide fashion, no one was afraid to show off their chops. High spirits and adrenaline filled the air as five days of intense training came to an end.&nbsp;Below are some of our favourite moments from this year’s Guide Kick-Off!

Guide Kick-Off 2022

The Slow Fund is proud to partner with <a href="https://www.olivami.com/en/corporate-gardens/butterfield-robinson/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">OlivaMi</a> to support their vision and reforest the landscape of Salento, Puglia, a region our travellers have been experiencing for over a decade.In Italy's heel, olive trees are the landscape, the cultural heritage, the economy; they are the symbolic heart of Puglia. The trees have been part of the Adriatic coast for thousands of years and some families trace their ancestral roots along with the ancient, gnarled groves.&nbsp;Everywhere you visit in Puglia, winding routes lead through lands of ulivi monumentali — centuries-old olive trees that you instinctively want to hug. The oil produced is&nbsp;amongst the most sublime in the world.Puglia produces nearly half of Italy’s olive oil but in the last decade, this cultural heritage has been decimated by the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa, destroying over 21 million olive trees in Salento alone, a significant amount even for a region so dedicated to this argricultural practice. Salento has been at the heart of olive oil production for centuries, and has been the source of income and purpose for generations of farmers. Because of the Xylella problem, sadly around 5,000 growers no longer have workable groves.

Out of this devastation, a beautiful opportunity to reimagine and reforest the Salento countryside has been born through OlivaMi. OlivaMi is a nonprofit association run by a diverse group of young locals, united in their focused passion: to restore the olive groves, revive their cultural heritage, secure their economic future, combat climate change and cultivate new biodiversity through introducing Xylella-resistant olive species as well as other species of tree along a grove’s perimeters.

Through a donation in the fall of 2023, 160 new olive trees were planted and 40 established trees adopted. The new varietals include Leccino and Favolosa olive trees. Butterfield &amp; Robinson is committed to helping Puglia and the olive trees and will continue to evaluate ways to support Olivami and their efforts.On our <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/europe/italy/puglia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Puglia trips</a>, we visit what will grow into a B&amp;R sponsored olive grove. Every traveller booked in the region contributes to the project to ensure the expansion of the restoration efforts.

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