Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What types of journeys does Amble Journeys offer? We offer three ways to travel with us. Scheduled Small-Group Tours are fixed-departure journeys, typically 10–12 guests, where everything is privately hosted and designed to feel personal. Private Journeys are fully bespoke, built around your dates, interests, and pace — from a couple to a small group. Signature Experiences are single-day or short experiences, perfect as a standalone moment or add-on to a wider trip.

Who hosts our tours and experiences? Every Amble journey is hosted by what we call our Local Legends — the winemakers, sommeliers, chefs, mezcaleros, artisans, and producers who actually shape a destination's food and wine culture. These aren't professional guides or generalist tour leaders; they're the people living and breathing the places we visit, who open their cellars, kitchens, homes, and estates because they trust us.

That relationship is everything. It's why our guests sit down to dinner in a winemaker's private dining room, it's why a fisherman cooks his catch for us on the shore and it's why we get access to vineyards, workshops, and experiences that simply aren't available to book anywhere else.

When you travel with Amble, you're not being shown a place, you're being welcomed into it by the people who define it.

What are the best destinations for immersive food and wine experiences led by local experts? The best destinations aren't just about the food and wine on the table — they're about who's pouring it, who's cooking it, and what doors they can open for you. At Amble Journeys, we've built our journeys around exactly that: our Local Legends — the sommeliers, wine sommeliers, cheese sommeliers, chefs, winemakers, and artisans who host you from the inside.

Here's where we take you and what makes each destination exceptional:

Catalonia, Spain — Cava producers in Penedès, natural winemakers in Priorat, and the extraordinary food culture of Barcelona and the Basque Country, experienced through the people who define it
Burgundy, France — Private cellar tastings and winemaker-led dinners in the world's most celebrated wine region, in the company of the vignerons behind the labels
Umbria, Italy — Truffle hunters, olive oil producers, and chefs rooted in one of Italy's most authentic culinary regions, well off the tourist trail
Oaxaca & Mexico City, Mexico — Mezcaleros, market cooks, and chefs championing one of the world's most complex and storied food cultures
Japan — Sake brewers, ramen masters, and culinary artisans offering rare access to a food culture built on craft and precision

In every destination, you're not following a script — you're getting access you can't find on your own. Private tastings on estates, behind-the-scenes time with the makers, and meals that feel personal because they are.

What makes Amble Journeys different from other gastronomy tour companies? Most food and wine tours give you a guide. Amble Journeys gives you an insider.

The difference is who's actually hosting you. We don't work with generalist tour guides — we travel with what we call our Local Legends: the sommeliers, cheese sommeliers, winemakers, chefs, and artisans who are the living fabric of each destination. These are people who open doors because they trust us, and because they know the guests we bring will genuinely appreciate what's behind them.

That means private cellar tastings with the winemaker who made the wine. Winemaker-led dinners on the estate. Market visits and cooking experiences with chefs who aren't performing for tourists — they're sharing what they actually do. Access you can't find on a booking platform or Google.

We operate in destinations we know deeply — Catalonia and the Basque Country in Spain, Burgundy in France, Umbria in Italy, Oaxaca and Mexico City, and Japan — and we keep our groups small deliberately, limited to 10–12 guests, so every experience stays intimate and personal.

You can join one of our scheduled small-group departures, or we can build a completely private, tailor-made journey around your dates, your pace, and what matters most to you.

If you've travelled widely and want to go deeper — this is what Amble was built for.

Is Amble Journeys right for me? Amble is designed for travellers who value depth over volume, people who want to understand a place through the people who shape it, not just pass through it. Our guests are curious, discerning, and care more about access and connection than ticking landmarks off a list. If you love food and wine, appreciate the story behind what's in your glass and on your plate, and want to travel in a way that feels genuinely personal rather than packaged, you'll feel right at home with us.

What is the typical pace of an Amble journey? Unhurried. We design our journeys around slow travel, long lunches, unhurried tastings, and time to absorb where you are rather than rush to the next thing. A typical day might begin with a leisurely breakfast, an experience mid-morning, a long hosted lunch, and a relaxed evening. There's always time built in to wander, rest, or simply sit with a glass of wine and take it all in. This is intentional, we believe the best travel moments happen when you're not watching the clock.

How far in advance should I book? We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for scheduled group tours, as spaces are limited to 10–12 guests and popular departures fill up quickly. As a guide, most guests book 6–12 months in advance. For private journeys, we suggest starting the conversation at least 6–9 months before your intended travel date to allow time for thoughtful planning — though we can sometimes work faster depending on availability and itinerary complexity.

What currencies and payment methods do you accept? Our prices are quoted in USD. We accept payment by bank transfer and Visa and Mastercard. Full payment details will be provided at the time of booking. If you're travelling from outside the US and have questions about currency or payment, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Can I travel solo? Absolutely. Solo travellers are warmly welcomed on our scheduled group tours, many of our guests travel alone and find it one of the best ways to meet like-minded people. A single supplement applies if you'd prefer a private room rather than sharing. For private journeys, solo travel is equally possible and we'll design an experience entirely around you. Get in touch and we'll talk through the options.

What happens if I need to cancel? We understand that plans can change. Our full cancellation policy is outlined in our Booking Conditions, which we recommend reading before confirming your reservation. We strongly advise taking out comprehensive travel insurance — including cancellation cover — as soon as your booking is confirmed, as this provides protection in the event you need to cancel or curtail your trip.

What is Amble Journeys' sustainability approach? Sustainability is woven into how we travel, not bolted on as an afterthought. We work exclusively with small, independent producers — family-run wineries, local artisans, independent restaurants — rather than large commercial operators. Our group sizes are intentionally small, reducing our footprint and ensuring our presence benefits local communities rather than overwhelming them. We prioritise stays in boutique, independently owned properties with genuine character, and we choose experiences that support the preservation of local traditions and craftsmanship. Travel, done thoughtfully, can be a force for good in the places we visit — and that's something we take seriously.

Do I need travel insurance? Yes — travel insurance is a condition of booking with Amble Journeys for Private and Scheduled Departure dates. We recommend taking out a policy that covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, and travel disruption as soon as your booking is confirmed.

What travel documents do I need? Passport, visa, and health requirements vary by destination and nationality and are your responsibility to confirm. We recommend checking your government's travel advice and the entry requirements for your destination well in advance of travel.

Will I receive pre-departure information? Yes. Closer to your departure date we'll send a full pre-departure pack covering: meeting point details, what to pack, money and tipping guidance, local weather, WhatsApp group details, and any final arrangements.

Scheduled Group Tours

How many people are on a group tour? Our scheduled tours are limited to 10–12 guests, plus your expert hosts. The small group size is intentional, it's what makes the experiences feel personal rather than touristic.

Who will I be travelling with? A mix of solo travellers, couples, and small groups of friends or family, all sharing a love of food, wine, and meaningful travel. You must be 18 or older to join.

How do I book a scheduled tour? Fill in the inquiry form on the relevant tour page. Once we confirm availability, a deposit is required to secure your spot. Reservations are not confirmed until you receive written confirmation from our team.

What is included in the price? All accommodation as specified in your itinerary; private airport transfers; your local expert hosts throughout; most meals with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as specified; private tastings; local guides and private transfers between excursions; and all activities in the itinerary. Full details are listed on each tour page.

What is NOT included? International airfare; travel insurance (required); gratuities for tour leaders and local experts; any meals, drinks, or activities outside the itinerary.

Who hosts the Group Departure tours? Our tours are hosted by our Local Legends — the sommeliers, chefs, artisans, and producers who are the living heart of each destination. These aren't hired guides or generalist tour leaders. They're the people who've spent decades mastering their craft, who have developed deep relationships within their field which ultimately opens the doors for Amble. It's this access — to the real people behind the food, wine, and culture — that sets an Amble journey apart from anything else you could book.

What does a typical day look like? Every day is different, but the rhythm is always unhurried. A typical day might start with a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation, followed by a mid-morning experience — a private cellar tasting, a visit to an artisan's workshop, or a cooking session with a local chef. Lunch is always an occasion, often a long, hosted affair at a winery, estate, or local restaurant. Afternoons are generally lighter — time to explore, rest, or simply sit somewhere beautiful with a glass of wine. Evenings bring the group together for dinner, whether that's at a Michelin-starred restaurant, a winemaker's private dining room, or a table set under the stars. We build in breathing space deliberately — there's always time to wander.

Are the experiences on group tours truly private, or shared with other tour groups? Everything is exclusively for your group. Every tasting, every dinner, every behind-the-scenes visit is privately arranged for Amble guests only. You'll never be combined with another tour group or find yourself sharing an experience with strangers who aren't part of your journey. It means every experience can be tailored to the group, the conversations are genuine, and the access is real.

What boutique accommodation can I expect? We choose properties with real character, places that feel like a genuine part of the destination rather than an interchangeable hotel. On a typical tour you might stay on a working wine estate surrounded by vineyards, or in a beautifully restored historic property in a small town or village. We prioritise small, independently owned properties that reflect the spirit of where you are, with the comfort and quality that a luxury journey demands. Specific accommodation details are included on each tour page.

What happens if a tour doesn't reach minimum numbers? We require a minimum number of guests for each departure to go ahead — this is listed on the relevant tour page. In the unlikely event a departure doesn't reach that minimum, we will notify you as early as possible and give you the option to transfer to another departure date, apply your deposit to a private journey, or receive a full refund. We will never cancel a tour at short notice without doing everything we can to find you an alternative.

Can I extend my trip before or after the tour? Absolutely, and many of our guests do. If you'd like to spend a few extra days exploring before or after the tour — whether that's time in Barcelona before Catalonia, a few days in Rome before Umbria, or a week in Mexico City after Oaxaca — we're happy to help you plan and secure arrangements. Just let us know when you enquire.

How do I get to the departure airport? Each tour specifies a designated departure airport where our transfers begin and end, this is detailed on the tour page. Getting yourself to and from that airport is your responsibility and is not included in the tour price. If you're flying internationally and need guidance on the best routing or arrival airports, feel free to ask us when you enquire, we're happy to point you in the right direction.

Do you arrange airport transfers? Yes. You'll be met at the designated airport by one of your tour hosts and transferred privately to your accommodation. At the end of the tour, you'll be returned to the same airport by private group transfer.

What deposit is required? Deposits vary by tour and are listed on each tour page. Full payment terms are outlined in your booking confirmation.

Do you offer group discounts? No. The highly curated nature of our experiences means pricing is set to reflect the level of access and quality we deliver consistently.

What is the single traveller supplement? All prices are based on double occupancy. If you'd prefer a private room rather than sharing, a single supplement applies. The supplement varies by tour, refer to the specific tour page or ask us when enquiring.

Private Journeys

What makes a Private Journey different from a group tour? Everything. A Private Journey is designed entirely around you — your travel dates, your pace, your interests, and the experiences that matter most to you. You're not joining a fixed itinerary; we build yours from scratch using our relationships with local winemakers, chefs, and artisans. It's Amble at its most personal.

Can I travel on my own dates? Yes — that's one of the key advantages of a private journey. We work around your schedule.

How customisable is a private journey? Completely. Some guests want a deep dive into wine with back-to-back cellar visits and winemaker dinners. Others want a balance of food, culture, relaxation, and adventure. We design around what matters to you, and refine until it feels exactly right. If you're not sure what you want, that's fine too, we'll start with a conversation.

What destinations are available for private travel? We currently design private journeys across Spain (Catalonia, Mallorca, San Sebastián, La Rioja and Madrid), France (Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux), Italy (Umbria), Mexico (Oaxaca, Mexico City), and Japan. If you have another destination in mind, ask us — our network is growing.

How does the private planning process work? It starts with a conversation. We'll learn how you want to travel, then design an outline itinerary for your review. A $500 planning fee (applied to your total trip cost) is required to begin detailed planning. Once the itinerary is agreed, a 50% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 90 days before departure.

How long does planning take? This depends on your travel dates and the complexity of the journey. We recommend starting the conversation at least 6–9 months in advance where possible, though we can sometimes move faster for simpler itineraries or off-peak travel.

What is the minimum or maximum group size for a private journey? We design private journeys for couples through to small groups — typically 2–12 guests. Get in touch and we'll let you know what's possible for your group.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements or physical limitations on a private journey? Yes, and more flexibly than on a group tour. Since the itinerary is built around you, we factor in dietary restrictions, mobility considerations, or any other needs from the outset. We'll always be honest if something isn't possible to accommodate.

Can I combine a private journey with a scheduled tour departure? Absolutely, and many of our guests do. If you'd like to spend a few extra days exploring before or after the tour — whether that's time in Barcelona before Catalonia, a few days in Rome before Umbria, or a week in Mexico City after Oaxaca — we're happy to help you plan and secure arrangements. Just let us know when you enquire.

How do I plan a private, customized culinary or wine tour in Spain? The best culinary and wine experiences in Spain start with a honest conversation about what you actually want. Before anything else, clarify your priorities: Which regions interest you? How many days do you have? What's your budget and preferred level of luxury? Are you looking for hands-on cooking classes, guided tastings, Michelin-starred dining, or a mix? Will you want a private guide throughout, or prefer more independence?

Once you have those answers, the region almost chooses itself:

Catalonia (Penedès and Priorat) for world-class cava, natural wine producers, and Barcelona's extraordinary food culture just a short drive away
Basque Country for the world's highest concentration of Michelin stars, pintxos culture, and San Sebastián's legendary food scene
La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, or Priorat for immersive, private wine experiences at boutique and iconic bodegas

From there, the details matter enormously — private transport, advance reservations at sought-after restaurants, access to producers who don't open their doors to the general public, and itineraries built around your group's pace and preferences rather than a fixed schedule.

At Amble Journeys, this is exactly what we do. We design fully bespoke culinary and wine journeys across Spain — handling everything from your initial brief through to written confirmation of every experience, dietary accommodations, and logistics. You tell us your must-haves; we build the rest.

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