Last Minute Opportunity to Book Bon Appétit Led Journey to South Africa, the Hottest Culinary Destination on the Globe

Bon Appétit Executive Editor Victoria Von Biel and Safari Specialist Ryan Hilton to Escort Travelers Through the Country’s Top Food, Wine, and Safari Destinations

Sarasota, Fla. (July 29, 2009) –  AuthentEscapes, a new concept in luxury travel that pairs iconic hosts with the world’s most exotic destinations, announces “Journey Through the Flavors of South Africa with Bon Appétit,” an 11-day tour that will introduce guests to the country’s extraordinary food and wine. Hosts for this exclusive journey are Victoria Von Biel, Bon Appétit executive editor, and Ryan Hilton, Condé Nast Traveler recommended safari specialist and COO of AuthentEscapes.

 A limited number of spaces for this exclusive trip, taking place Oct. 5-15, 2009, are available.  Space reservations close August 7.  Information and reservations may be found online at www.authentescapes.com.

“Guests on this journey are in for a once-in-a-lifetime mix of luxury, historical and wilderness experiences,” said Malaka Hilton, president of AuthentEscapes. “Having grown up in South Africa and spending his career guiding travelers on safari, Ryan is a deeply knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide who provides insider information that travelers love.  Victoria’s culinary expertise and engaging personality will delight our food and wine aficionados as they explore the country’s outstanding regional cuisines.”

Chef Bruce Robertson, one of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs and proprietor of The Showroom Café, will curate the array of culinary experiences presented throughout the itinerary.  The trip starts in the Winelands, where guests will meet top winemakers from the Franschoek and Elgin Valleys.  While in Cape Town, internationally recognized Cape Malay cuisine expert Cass Abrahams will offer a private spice demonstration and lunch. The trip will conclude with a safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park with a stay at the storied Singita Lodges, voted number one in the world by Travel + Leisure.  While in the bush, guests will have the rare opportunity to join Singita’s Master Chef in the kitchen to learn about South African ingredients before sitting down to a five star culinary event.

Malaka and Ryan Hilton are known throughout the luxury travel industry for having established the boutique, Virtuoso-Member agency Admiral Travel Gallery (ATG). To date, the Hiltons have prepared and escorted travel experiences throughout the world for high profile individuals as well as groups such as St. Regis Residence Club, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Bon Appétit, The Churchill Centre and numerous philanthropic, culinary and cultural organizations.

AuthentEscapes’ exclusive journeys are commissionable to travel professionals. Space on AuthentEscapes journeys is available on a limited basis and requires a deposit to secure a reservation.

To learn more, visit www.authentescapes.com or call 1-866-994-9814.