WHO WE ARE

We are passionate about what we do.

Our personal travel experiences inform each journey we plan, making us eager to make those journeys not only personal to each client but so special, so rich and so memorable that people will call on us again and again to create their next magical journey. We want our clients to experience the same richness of history, bountifulness of a territory, exuberance of local people and luxuriance of choices that have inspired us.

We are driven by the desire to provide exceptional service, to lend meticulous attention to the details of planning, and to share the passion we feel for this enriching and limitless endeavor to expand horizons and to weave those journeys into the fabric of your life’s experience.

Here are our stories:

Barbara T. Freedman, Co-Owner
& Manager, U.S. Operations

The travel bug bit me early. My very first trip was by train to New Orleans where I tasted my first oyster on the half shell. Evidently, I loved the train – and the oyster – because I said “more!” to my father. I was 18 months old. And it was just the beginning. I have lived in Georgia, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Boston, New York and New England and traveled to more than 20 countries. I have been informally arranging journeys for myself, my family, my friends and my co-workers for years. I have embraced the process enthusiastically. Each time someone raved about their trip and suggested I do this professionally, I smiled and thought, “maybe someday.” Now I realize I should have started this business years ago! Researching and finding the perfect weekend getaway, the ideal 10th anniversary location, the best restaurant in the tiniest of towns – it’s all a rich and wonderful puzzle. Organizing the pieces to come together beautifully and seamlessly for sophisticated travelers is my dream job and my greatest satisfaction.

Favorite travel memory:

One of the memories that feeds my love of travel is the night my husband and I saw Zeffirelli's AIDA in the 2000-year-old Roman Arena in Verona – on the night that Italy won the World Cup soccer championship! Their victory came about 30 seconds after the end of the second act. The crowd was on its feet applauding the triumphal march of the warriors through the Grand Gate of Thebes, the cast was taking their bows, and all of a sudden the piazza surrounding the Arena exploded in the most amazing cacophony of horns honking, fireworks blazing and people shouting "Viva l'Italia"!!! The entire cast, crew, orchestra and extras swarmed onto the stage, climbed the center pyramid and hoisted a tremendous Italian flag while the orchestra played the Italian national anthem. There was a full moon rising behind the set. It is a moment neither of us will ever, ever forget!

Anne F. Zimmerman, Co-Owner &
Manager, European Operations

I ran away from the hectic life of New York City and the theater at the age of 42 and found myself in a 10th century stone house on a mountaintop in Tuscany with a breathtaking panoramic view and no electricity, no running water, and no easily passable road. It transformed my life. For the first time in years I took the time to take in and appreciate my surroundings, to listen, to reflect, to eat a meal at leisure and to enjoy the company and the conversation (usually political) in a magical place surrounded by the hills of Mugello. I fell in love with Italy not just by visiting the art and the churches and the cities – although they, too, are enthralling and have so much to offer – but by living the life. I had had a taste of living abroad when I was 17 and spent the summer in Brive-la-Gaillarde in France, living with a family. It was time to share those transforming experiences with others, to open their eyes, their minds and their hearts to different ways of life, not only in Tuscany but wherever their hearts lead them to explore. Broadening horizons is enriching. It will enrich you, as it has me.

A real appreciation for performance:

My years in the theater have given me a real appreciation for performance. It's in the details. And planning the details, bringing them together to create a unique performance, is a journey in and of itself, combining inspiration, knowledge, timing and serendipity. The reward is a standing ovation at the final curtain. When clients’ memories of their journey are their most precious souvenirs, that's my standing ovation and my motivation for the creation of the next exciting and memorable performance.

Indispensable Office Assistants

Completing our staff are our indispensable Office Assistants. Julie is on duty in our New Hampshire office, while Ali, Lolita, Dante and Goku keep us on track in Italy.

Fran & Michael's personalized trip to Sicily

“You two are seriously amazing!....Thank you so much for all your planning and help with our trip. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. The hotels you selected were wonderful…. The service and accommodations were top notch. We loved Sicily!”

Fran & Michael, New York NY who explored Sicily

“Without the services of Cornucopia Journeys, planning for the 20 members of my family traveling in Veneto in northern Italy would have been daunting. Cornucopia arranged guides, vans and even a boat to move us around - all on schedule and in the company of delightful local experts."

Marilyn, Hanover NH who visited Veneto

“It was just amazing to go away and know that everything was in place, all details were in hand and you were there to help if needed. That was a huge gift to have.”

Sally, London, England who went to Tuscany

“It is a joy working with someone who is crystal-clear about everything!”

Betsy & Russ, Harrisville, NH who visited Amsterdam & Germany