from $11,175* per person	6 Days	Year-round
Luxury accommodations		Exertion level: 3
Operator: Artisans of Leisure		12 people max

Kyoto is the most enchanting destination in Japan and easily warrants a week to truly experience its thousands of quiet temples and shrines, intimate gardens, narrow backstreets lined with rustic wooden homes and shops, the regional culinary specialties, and craft shops that have been in families for generations. This tour gives a thorough introduction to the ancient capital.

Stay two nights at one of Kyoto's most prestigious ryokan (traditional inns), either the Tawaraya or the Hiiragiya, followed by three nights at the luxurious Hyatt Regency Kyoto. Tour major temples and gardens, and gain access to imperial villas such as Katsura Rikyu or Shugakuin, and other private gardens such as Saihoji, the moss garden. Drink green tea in a bamboo forest and sample Buddhist vegetarian cuisine at a local temple. Tour Kyoto's geisha quarter and catch a glimpse of maiko and geisha as they make their evening rounds in Gion. Shop in local markets and specialty stores for fine foods and crafts. Take an excursion to ancient Nara, Himeji Castle, or the I. M. Pei-designed Miho Museum. Alternatively, opt to visit the mountain districts of Ohara and Kibune. Also enjoy a visit to one of Kyoto's most spectacular private estates.