Mystical Culinary Adventures in Northern New Mexico with Chef Maher
Taos’ rich Native American heritage, which displays a profound respect for the land, continues strongly to this day. In addition to being an important historic site, Taos is also an artistic mecca, proudly offering museums and galleries of its talented artists and craftspeople. The beauty of Taos has attracted many famous artists, photographers, writers and actors from all over the world, including John Nichols, D.H. Lawrence, Georgia O’Keefe, Dennis Hopper, Julia Roberts, etc. And Taos has more art galleries per capita than any other location in America for those who like to mix art with their culinary adventures. Taos is also home to very talented chefs who are lending their skills to the art of culinary instruction. Your getaway will include hands-on cooking paired with gourmet dining to create memories of a magical (if not mystical) experience in this truly enchanting destination.
A Taste of Taos Culinary Adventure
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ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note: Our tours are designed
with flexible itineraries to accommodate
seasonality and desired dates of travel.
•2 Nights Luxury Accommodations
•Southwestern Breakfast
•Hands-On Cooking Class
•Dining at De la Tierra
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
Year-Round Based on Your Travel Schedule
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
(click item for details)
Day 1
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Arrival and Check-InAmidst the mystical beauty of Taos, New Mexico, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa™ offers a secluded sanctuary in harmony with the Earth. Experience exquisite accommodations inspired by Native American and global culture and a dramatic art collection graced by world-famous artists.
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De la Tierra Gourmet Dining AdventureIn keeping with El Monte Sagrado’s philosophy, dining at the resort is an expression of harmony with nature. With a creative menu of global and local influences and inviting atmospheres for dining, El Monte Sagrado is a culinary destination. The award-winning De la Tierra restaurant at El Monte Sagrado is graced not only by world-class cuisine, but by stunning architecture and décor. While enjoying Chef Chaperont’s Tasting Menu, you’ll experience why De la Tierra was named one of the world's best new restaurants by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine.
Day 2
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Southwestern BreakfastExpect a taste of the local, seasonal flavors that make the region unique, offered alongside stunning global selections. For a more natural setting, you can dine al fresco in The Gardens. Get your day off to a great start with a yummy Crispy Huevos Rancheros or the El Monte Eggs Benedict. Daily breakfast in included with your package.
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Private Hands-On Cooking and Dining with Chef MaherJoin James Beard recognized chef, Chris Maher, for this 100% hands-on culinary workshop in what is considered to be the jewel of the land of enchantment. Although New Mexico is most famous for it’s chiles and salsas, you will enjoy an integration and fusion of global cuisine and also New Mexican fare. Classes are 100% hands on participation lasting approximately three hours. You’ll discuss techniques, be assigned prep tasks, cook and then sit down to enjoy what you have prepared together. Students have fun gaining new skills, and walk away having learned unique recipes, techniques and theory.
Day 3
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Southwestern BreakfastExpect a taste of the local, seasonal flavors that make the region unique, offered alongside stunning global selections. For a more natural setting, you can dine al fresco in The Gardens. Get your day off to a great start with a yummy Crispy Huevos Rancheros or the El Monte Eggs Benedict. Daily breakfast in included with your package.
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Optional Self-Guided Taos Pueblo TourTaos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-storied adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. You are encouraged to visit this historic village when traveling in Northern New Mexico. The Taos Pueblo is open from 8 AM to 4 PM daily. Price of admission is only $10 per person, and there is a $6 per camera fee if you intend to take pictures (and who wouldn’t?).
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Check-Out and DepartureTime flies when you’re having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, “Edible Destination.” Should you desire an extended stay, please let your culinary travel specialist know prior to check-in. May your future travels come from sweet dreams, and create tasty memories!
El Monte Sagrado
Inspired by Native American culture and exotic locales, El Monte Sagrado’s 84 guestrooms, suites and casitas offer a rich, tranquil environment. Behind each door is a unique and uplifting experience awaiting your discovery. Hand-painted walls, the work of local Taoseño artists, gas fireplaces and natural mountain beauty surround you while luxurious amenities rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Amidst the mystical beauty of Taos, New Mexico, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa™ offers a secluded sanctuary in harmony with the Earth. Experience exquisite accommodations inspired by Native American and global culture and a dramatic art collection graced by world-famous artists.
Taos, New Mexico
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Is a Deposit required to book a tour or getaway?
Yes. We require a 30% refundable deposit for all our domestic (USA and Canada) getaways and tours, and a 50% refundable deposit for international destinations outside of the USA and Canada. Reservations made for destinations within the USA and Canada must be paid in full 30 days prior to departure. Reservations made for destinations outside of the USA and Canada must be paid in full 60 days prior to departure.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What is your Cancellation Policy?
Generally, you may cancel any tour or getaway package within 30 days of making a reservation, and receive a full refund of any deposit or payments made, as long as the cancellation is made at least 31 days in advance of departure for domestic tours or 61 days in advance of departure for international tours. Cancellations made after 30 days incur a 10% cancellation fee (10% of the deposit amount paid, not the full price of the tour package). Cancellations made 30 days or less in advance of departure for domestic packages (60 days or less for international packages) cannot be refunded due to loss of inventory.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and
your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include
coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency
Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information
on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
Gifts and Gift Cards
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
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