Flavors of the Season in the Cultural Heart of New Mexico
Special Holiday Themed Tour
Give yourself (or someone you love) the unique gift of a Santa Fe holiday getaway. During this magical time, you can walk through the historic plaza with its candlelit luminaria and seemingly endless twinkling lights, and shop along the tree-lined streets adorned with shops stuffed to the ceilings with fabulous gift ideas. Native American culture permeates every fiber of this town, from the incredible cuisine and enchanting art to the mesmerizing landscapes. You will enjoy luxury accommodations just a few blocks from the Plaza, the heart of the historic district. A melting pot of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European cultures is responsible for the City’s distinctive architecture and cuisine…with an ambience so unique that it earned the nickname, “The City Different.” Santa Fe is truly a food lover's paradise. This special holiday edition of our very popular Santa Fe Culinary Getaway is entirely focused on this very festive season. Come and enjoy its unique culture, its fabulous food and its magical landscapes. The memories are yours to keep for a lifetime!
ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•3 Nights Luxury Accommodations
•Valet Parking Included
•Chef's Holiday Tasting Dinner
•Guided Historic Plaza Tour with Holiday Lunch
•Winter Flavors Heritage Dinner & Wine Pairing
•Hands-On Holiday Cooking Class
•Chef Signed Cookbook
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
For Two weeks Only! December 5 - 8 and December 12 - 15, 2024. Also available between December 4 - 7 and December 11 - 15, 2025.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
▶
Arrival and Check-InTravel is all about having real, memorable experiences. It's about going on vacations that inspire you long after they're over. Here at the Inn and Spa at Loretto, a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown, you're immersed in the real Santa Fe, free to experience Southwest culture as it was meant to be. Welcome to the Inn and Spa at Loretto. Valet parking is included in your package, so your vehicle will be in good hands during your stay in this very walkable city.
▶
Hands-On Holiday Recipe Cooking Class with DinnerYou'll not only master the flavors of the real Southwest during this unique, hands-on cooking class, but this special holiday version will provide you with a working knowledge of seasonal recipes that you can reproduce for friends and family back home. Chefs will create a special menu just for our guests during this very festive time of year. Make sure to bring a healthy appetite, since you'll be enjoy a bountiful dinner at the conclusion of your instruction.
▶
Personally Signed Glossy Cookbook!After your class, you will receive a signed copy of the Chef's cookbook. Chef Johnny Vee has taught cooking for over 20 years and enjoys a second career in food writing as a regular columnist for The Santa Fean magazine. His cookbook is filled to the brim with unique and delicious recipes. Fresh ingredients, local foods and products, Native American, Mexican and Spanish flavors…and the blessed green chile…are the hallmarks for Santa Fe-style cooking.
Day 2
▶
Guided Historic Plaza Tour with Holiday LunchThere is no better time for a guided tour of the Old Santa Fe Plaza than during the holidays. Downtown Santa Fe during the holidays transforms into a winter wonderland brimming with charm and festivity. The historic plaza is adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant decorations, and traditional luminarias line the streets, casting a warm, inviting glow. The air is filled with the aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine from local vendors. Artisans and craftsmen display their creations in holiday markets, while seasonal music and performances bring an extra layer of cheer. The combination of adobe architecture, festive decor, and cultural richness creates a magical and unforgettable atmosphere. You'll cap off your tour with a seasonal lunch at one of Santa Fe's top rated restaurants.
▶
Winter Flavors Heritage Walking Tour with Multi-Course Dinner & Wine PairingSanta Fe, New Mexico, is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene that blends indigenous flavors with Spanish, Mexican, and American influences. The city's cuisine is characterized by its use of locally sourced ingredients, bold spices, and creative fusions. Santa Fe's culinary landscape also boasts a plethora of contemporary and upscale eateries, where chefs experiment with innovative techniques and global ingredients while staying true to the region's flavors. You'll journey through the rich culinary history of Santa Fe with your guide as she discusses architecture, pueblo arts, and the lesser-known facts of The City Different. Your walking tour will end with a "Heritage" focused multi-course dinner with wine pairings. The experience will include a narrative by your guide, along with talking points by the award-winning Chef.
Day 3
▶
Chef's Tasting Holiday Dinner at SazónFernando Olea, co-owner and Chef of Sazón – named 2022 James Beard Best Chef (Southwest) – has created a mouth-watering array of dishes that speak to both the festive season as well as culturally rich traditions enjoyed in this region during the holidays. When paired with notable New Mexico wines, this evening's dining experience will definitely put you in the mood for celebration.
Day 4
▶
Check-Out and DepartureTime flies when you’re having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, culinary oasis. Remember, you can always extend your stay based on availability. Should you desire an extension, please let your culinary travel specialist know prior to check-in. May your future travels come from sweet dreams, and create tasty memories!
Inn and Spa at Loretto
Travel is all about having real, memorable experiences. It’s about going on vacations that inspire you long after they’re over. Here at the Inn and Spa at Loretto, a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown, you’re immersed in the real Santa Fe, free to experience Southwest culture as it was meant to be. You’ll find it in the vast, open landscapes. You’ll find it in the vibrant downtown Plaza. And you’ll find it in our distinctive guestrooms, luxury suites, event space, spa and restaurants. Welcome to the Inn and Spa at Loretto. Enjoy your authentic New Mexico experience.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
▶
What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
▶
What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
▶
What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
▶
If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
▶
Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
▶
May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
▶
May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
▶
Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
▶
Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
▶
If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
▶
Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
▶
What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
▶
Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
▶
Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
▶
Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
Winner OUTSTANDING CULINARY TRAVEL Category
Vacation options presented on this website are offered by Epitourean LLC doing business
as Edible Destinations pursuant to an agreement with Marriott Resorts, Travel Company,
Inc. d/b/a MVC Exchange Company (“MVC”). MVC and its respective affiliates make no
warranty, express or implied, regarding the quality, condition, features or amenities
or any other aspect of any tour or package. The tours and packages offered herein may
have limited availability, are subject to change, and/or may be subject to additional
fees and/or taxes. MVC and its parent company and respective affiliates are not liable
for any damage to, loss of, or theft of personal property, for any bodily injury, or
any other matters, that occurs arising out of or related to the tours or packages
available through Epitourean. MVC HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CONDUCT OF Epitourean, AND
DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY IN THIS REGARD TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Access to the Culinary Tours is made available through the Abound by Marriott Vacations™
exchange program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the
applicable Abound documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual
arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees.
The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are
subject to change.
Marriott Vacation Club International and its respective affiliates and subsidiaries make
no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, features or
amenities or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed
herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or
the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of
or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.
Winner
