Must-See Landmarks in Tuscany

May 19, 2017 By Patty Moss

In addition to experiencing the wine and food of Tuscany, the Florence & Chianti in Tuscany tour, September 6-17, 2017, will take guests to several must-see landmarks. While in the countryside, we will visit medieval towns, restaurants, artisan marketplaces, Chianti wineries, local merchants and chefs. However, we could not go this far and not experience these landmarks to truly understand the rich history, culture, art and architecture of the region. Guests will have guided tours of each.

Siena Cathedral

Siena Cathedral, Interior

Siena’s beautiful Gothic Cathedral was built from 1229-1263. The alternating bands of dark green and white marble that make the cathedral’s facade and campanile so striking, continue on to the interior. Filled with works by Italy’s artists of the day such as Pisano, Donatelli, Pinturicchio and Michelangelo, the cathedral will take your breath away!

Accademia Gallery, Florence

The Accademia Gallery in Florence is home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece sculpture, David. In addition, the Accademia houses a large collection of sculptures and Renaissance paintings. Many of the works were commissioned and were part of the collection of the powerful Medici family. The main halls offer works by great Italian artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Pontormo. The Accademia is Florence’s most visited art gallery.

The Florence Duomo

The Florence Cathedral, also called the Duomo, is the main Roman Catholic church of Florence. Begun in 1296, the cathedral complex, located in the Piazza del Duomo, includes the Florence Cathedral with Brunelleschi’s magnificent Renaissance dome, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile. These buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence. We will tour the Duomo with options to see the adjacent Baptistery and Campanile.

Florence & Chianti In Tuscany: A Cultural & Culinary Adventure
September 6-17, 2017

Group Size: 15 + guides

EARLY BIRD SALE: Register with a deposit before June 1, 2017 and receive a $200 discount.

Registration ends soon !

One Day Walk on the Camino de Santiago

Mar 28, 2017 By Patty Moss

Experience the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is a network of three ancient pilgrimage routes stretching across the Iberian peninsula coming together at the tomb of St. James in the Cathedral de Santiago de Compestola, Spain. The history of the Camino de Santiago goes back to the 9th century.

Every year, thousands of people walk the Camino de Santiago either in organized groups or on their own. The purpose is as varied as the people themselves. Some of the ‘pilgrims’ set out on the Camino for spiritual reasons but many others find spiritual reasons along the way as they meet other pilgrims, attend pilgrim masses in the churches and monasteries and see the large infrastructure of buildings and establishments provided for pilgrims over the many centuries.

The most popular route is the French Way or the Way of St. James which stretches nearly 500 miles from France across northern Spain ending in Santiago de Compestola. We will spend a day on a rural section of the French Camino outside Santiago de Compestola during the tour PORTUGAL NORTHWARD TO SPAIN, June 13 – 25, 2017. Along the way, we’ll experience the culture of the Camino, meet pilgrims who are en route, stop at establishments frequented by pilgrims and feel the spirit of the Camino.

Our route will be a 3-4 mile stretch between Arzua to Amenal, one of the loviest sections near Santiago. This section will take us through pretty woods, across streams and through medieval villages. We will stop for lunch and visit the villages we pass.

Our Portugal – Spain tour is designed to give guests unique immersive experiences. This walk will provide only small taste of the Camino. It will be enough for those who are just curious or give inspiration for those who decide to become a pilgrim one day.

Note: An alternate activity will be provided for those who do not walk.

A Day on the Cies Islands in Galicia, Spain

Mar 22, 2017 By Patty Moss

More heaven on earth…

The beaches of Galicia are regarded as sone of the best in Spain…and there are a lot of them. This area really is a beach mecca and we will discover the most notable ones in the area. Famous for their fine white sand and crystal clear water, most Spainards flock to this area of Spain themselves for vacation.

On our tour, PORTUGAL NORTHWARD TO SPAIN, June 13 – 25, 2017, we will spend a day on the Cies Islands. There are no hotels or roads on the islands, just a camping site and a few beach bars. The Cies islands are also a natural bird preserve. Aside from the seagulls, there are pairs of Iberian Guillemots, a bird species that is almost extinct, larger birds of prey and busy woodpeckers.

The destination will be Rodas Beach, voted by The Guardian as the ‘most beautiful beach in the world’. Spend a day on Rodas Beach. Relax, walk, discover its coves and enjoy a meal at one of the local hang-outs.

Galicia brings in more fish, shellfish and crustaceans than any other region in Spain (or Eurpoe, for that matter) and the Galicians regard it as their staple diet. Typical Galician dishes include: Pulpo a la Feira (octopus), Empanadas (stuffed with fish, scallops, tuna or octopus) and Salpicon de Mariscos (seafood salad). The area is known for its clams, cockles, razor clams, spider crab, shrimp, lobster, and ‘percebes’ or goose-neck barnacles. If you can’t decide on just one, we can always order a mariscada or a huge seafood platter.

For those that don’t like or can’t eat seafood, there is a range of other meat or vegetarian options in Glaicia. Try the Lacon Con Grelos (pork shoulder with greens, Churrasco (barbecued meat) or Caldo Gallego (Galician stew).

This will be a great beach day…and who couldn’t use that ??

« Previous Page