R. Crusoe & Son specializes in full-service luxury journeys to extraordinary destinations. Every trip is handcrafted to suit your interests, whether it’s delving into Japan’s rich traditions, exploring the landscapes of New Zealand, or experiencing India’s vibrant culture. We offer deep destination knowledge, exceptional service, and carefully selected partners to ensure seamless and immersive travel experiences.

Every journey we create is entirely customized, though we do offer sample itineraries to help spark ideas. We design your trip based on your travel style, preferences, and interests—whether you want a private tea ceremony in Kyoto, a behind-the-scenes castle tour in Ireland, or an immersive market experience in Delhi. Note: Our journeys require that you book a minimum of five days of accommodations and escorted sightseeing.

No. Our journeys are created specifically to fit your schedule. They are private tours arranged just for you… or you and your traveling companion(s).

We do offer a few exceptions. Crusoe tours with set departure dates are: Hosted Journeys, Private Jet Journeys, cruises and Special Interest Group Tours that we have arranged.

We begin by discussing what you’d like to do. We then create a sketch for you with a ballpark price. Once you decide to move forward, we ask travelers new to R. Crusoe & Son to pay a small consulting fee for the development of a more detailed, customized day-by-day itinerary based on your specific travel dates and requirements. This fee is applied to the final cost of your journey. Once you’ve traveled with R. Crusoe, you automatically become part of our Selkirk Society. One of the perks? The consulting fee is waived.

After you approve your itinerary, a deposit from you reserves the space, allowing us to book guides, hotels and internal air (if necessary) and confirm all tour arrangements. We then provide you with documents and checklists to help you prepare for your journey.

Inclusions and exclusions vary, and our tour consultants discuss these with you during planning. Typically, we include private local guides; private ground transportation; accommodations; transfers; entrance fees; sightseeing; and some meals. We also arrange your internal flights if needed but those are priced separately. We don’t include international airfare (but can assist with booking), visas, gratuities, insurance or personal expenses.

Not necessarily. Private travel can be more expensive (as it is customized just for you), but you’re also receiving a personalized experience and the added value of a private guide and driver all to yourself. While the flexibility of private travel can increase some costs, it can also reduce or eliminate other expenses associated with group touring.

Yes. All of our travelers are accompanied by hand-picked guides that are experts in their destinations. No matter if you’re traveling alone or with a large group of family or friends, we arrange top-notch local guides for you. We also provide you with leisure time to explore on your own. During planning, your travel advisor discusses this important balance with you.

Our specialty is in crafting full itineraries rather than booking individual hotel stays or flights. However, through our relationship with Andrew Harper, we can connect you with their team for one-off requests. Please note that in those cases, you’ll likely be working with an Andrew Harper advisor rather than an R. Crusoe & Son advisor.

We book internal flights that you take during your journey; you book your own transcontinental air. Many travelers prefer to arrange their own flights so they can use frequent flyer miles. Would you rather someone else arrange your air? The Andrew Harper air team does just that.

Yes. Please let us know about any special needs or limitations in advance. We can create an itinerary that accommodates each and every traveler in your group.

We focus on unique and enriching destinations across the globe. Our expertise lies in places like Japan, India, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, and beyond—places that offer history, culture, and depth. While we don’t specialize in Mexico, the U.S., or the Caribbean, we can always recommend trusted partners for those destinations.

We’ve traveled the world to find the most exceptional destinations. If you don’t see a destination on our website, please contact us to discuss the possibilities.

No. We also offer river and canal cruises, rail journeys and ocean cruising that we can customize with pre- and post-arrangements. In addition, we feature Private Jet Journeys, Hosted Journeys and Special Interest Groups.

We work with you in whatever way you choose. Typically, that means by phone and/or by email. We help you prepare for your trip in the format that is best for you.

We continue to offer the same exceptional journeys we always have, but we now operate under our sister company, Andrew Harper. One of our long-time travel advisors, who has been with us since 2015, remains dedicated to providing the level of service our travelers expect. Our network of preferred partners and hotels remains strong, ensuring you receive the highest quality experiences.

We cherish the beautifully designed brochures we were once known for, and we know many of our travelers do too. However, we now provide all materials digitally to ensure up-to-date information and greater accessibility.

Yes! We are thrilled to be expanding again, bringing in more talented experts to craft and support unforgettable journeys. Our commitment to personalized service and extraordinary travel experiences remains stronger than ever.

We work best with travelers who value unique experiences, seamless planning, and deep cultural immersion. Many of our clients are well-traveled and return to us for their next great adventure. If you’re looking for a highly personalized and enriching journey, we’d love to help.

We’d love to hear from you! Contact us to start the conversation, and we’ll guide you through the process of designing a trip tailored just for you. Reach out via email ([email protected]), fill out a contact form on a destination of interest or give us a ring at 312-980-8000.

Led by a person in the know, these meticulously planned journeys offer unprecedented behind-the-scenes opportunities. Some examples? The company president, a noted author, a local naturalist, a chef—all experts with whom we love to travel.

Usually 24 or fewer likeminded travelers.

Currently, Hosted Journeys in Japan are being developed. Have a group of friends or family who would like to journey together? We can always create a custom group journey for you, utilizing the best of local guides and partnerships to create an amazing journey just for you!

Yes, our Hosted Journeys are selectively planned during ideal times of year and have just one departure each.

While inclusions and exclusions vary, typically, we include private local guides; private ground transportation; accommodations; transfers; entrance fees; sightseeing; and some meals. We also arrange your internal flights, but these are priced separately. We don’t include international airfare, visas, gratuities, insurance, or personal expenses.