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Our Adventures Blog

Musing of A Tour Designer: Our 2018 Greece Tour

February 1, 2019 By Patty Moss

Reflecting on a tour I’ve designed is something I do a lot in the moment and after I return home. I try to design my tours in the same way I would put together a family trip – with memorable experiences. Our tour to mainland Greece and the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini was truly unforgettable. First, the wonderful group! We were a group of 11 women and one man. These were individuals who bonded quickly, gave of themselves when needed, cared for each other and generally embraced the concept of group travel. We had guests from California, Ohio, South Carolina, New Jersey and Colorado. We had two sets of sisters and two repeat clients. Most started off not knowing each other but made friends quickly and have now gone home with 10+ (new) good friends  As I often say, this is more like a group of friends traveling together than the standard ‘canned’ tour.  Seeing people learn through immersive cultural experiences and sharing in that joy with newly-made friends is the greatest reward I could ask for. Thank you to everyone who joined us on another adventure ~ one we will not forget!  

 

We arrived to Athens in a Medicane – a Mediterranean hurricane. The rain and wind was an unusual weather pattern they were experiencing in Greece and we ‘enjoyed’ it for all three days we were there! Nevertheless, we persisted. We visited the Acropolis with a certified Greek guide who was an expert in archaeology and Greek history. The winds were 45mph and the rain did not stop. What better way to visit the Acropolis!? Our guide was a delight and extremely knowledgeable about the Acropolis, its temples and the artifacts in the Acropolis Museum. We learned so much and it was a day we will all remember! 

 

We headed north from Athens to Delphi. Delphi is one of the most important historic sites in Greece. The ancient Greeks considered Delphi to be the ‘center of the world’. They went to Delphi to consult Pythia, the Oracle, who gave advice on everything from when to plant crops to whether to go to war. She sat in Apollo’s Temple, the ruins you see here. Visitors would line up to see her. This site and museum are well worth a visit. Out guide unraveled the mysteries and history surrounding this important Greek site.

 

 

 

 

 

Onward to Kalambaka and the Meteora monasteries in mainland Greece. This area is magical with monasteries built on top of and amongst great rock outcroppings. Beginning in the 14th century, nomadic Greek Orthodox monks built monasteries as a way to create isolation, peace and protection. The monks built them using only ropes, pulleys and baskets and would raise access when they needed to escape invaders. They still use cable cars today (replacing the old baskets) to move people and goods between the monasteries. We had a wonderful hiking guide who entertained and informed us the whole way! 

 

We flew from Athens to Mykonos, a short 35-minute flight. That evening was spent in Chora/Mykonos Town doing some much-anticipated island shopping, eating and imbibing of Greek wines. We visited the Kato Windmill overlooking Little Venice where we dined on the waterfront. It was so lovely to sit and watch the sunset with new friends, enjoy freshly caught fish and take in the magic of this Greek island.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPA!  It was a lively Greek Night on Mykonos! Our guests had a great time watching the show and participating in traditional Greek dancing! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A day spent sailing on a private catamaran is good for the head and the heart! We sailed to two protected coves off Mykonos, swam and enjoy a magnficient lunch on board! 

 

Santorini is simply breathtaking! The white cubiform buildings lining the cliff of the volcano, the views across the caldera, the sparkling sea and the flowers in bloom everywhere are something photos do not adequately convey. Oia, on the tip of the island, is a shoppers’ paradise filled with boutiques and trendy restaurants. Guests loved having some free time to discover the island on their own. This is the sunset one night looking across the caldera from my room – now forever etched in my memory!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santorini wines are some of the best Greek wines. Grapes grow in  the volcanic soil and absorb the warm sunshine producing wonderful wines. Guests spent the day with a sommelier touring a vineyard, tasting and learning about Santorini viticulture. They then participated in a hands-on cooking class making traditional Santorinian fare: fava dip, tomato fritters, Cretan salad and pork cooked with wild herbs in a local wine reduction sauce. Yum! It was a perfect last day to an incredible 12-day adventure in Greece!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Blog

Musings From Our 2018 Tour

June 20, 2018 By Patty Moss

Our Basque, Pyrenees & Rioja Tour

Reflecting on a tour I’ve designed is something I do a lot in the moment and after I return home. Our tour to the Basque Country of Spain & France and the Rioja winemaking region of Spain will be on my mind for months to come.  We had a wonderful group of women from California, North Carolina and Colorado. As I often say, this is more like a group of friends traveling together than the standard ‘canned’ tour. Some were friends who had signed up together. All became friends through this kind of travel and its shared experiences. Seeing people learn through immersive cultural experiences and sharing in that joy with newly-made friends is the greatest reward I could ask for!  Thank you to everyone who joined us on this adventure ~
 
 
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is not only an amazing work of architecture but hosts a wonderful collection of modern art. We learned about this Frank Gehry masterpiece and its exterior sculptures including ‘Puppy’ and “Mamam’.  We enjoyed the permanent exhibits as well as the current exhibit on view: Chagall – The Breakthrough Years, 1911-1917.
 
This is our group at the first night’s Welcome Dinner in Bilbao. Ad Hoc Cascanueces is a well-regarded restaurant in Bilbao. We were treated to a presentation by its owner/chef who prefers to ‘guide’ guests to a more personalized experience. Explaining his take on Basque cuisine, he features the local ingredients ‘of the day’. The meal was outstanding and the creative presentation of the dishes was truly memorable! 
 
 
No visit to San Sebastian is complete without a lively ‘Pintxo Hunt’. Pintxos are the Basque version of tapas. The pintxo bars are filled with locals conversing, cozying up to the bar, eating, drinking and just being social. The idea is to never stop moving from one pintxo bar to the next, taking a drink and eating the specialties of the house. We ended at La Viña, well known for their creamy cheesecake enjoyed a with a glass of sherry. If the bar is too full, you just move it outside!
 
Cooking at Mimo San Sebastian was a favorite for everyone. Executive Chef Patricio presented an outstanding experience. We learned how to cook the Basque way – with painstaking attention to detail and presentation. It was such a lovely evening with exceptional food paired with outstanding wines. Many thanks to Patricio for sharing his expertise, patience and hospitality!
 
We visited two French Basque seaside towns: San-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz.The time spent walking along the ocean promenade was a nice change of pace. Of course, a little shopping and a marketplace visit were also necessary! Our guides bought local specialties for our picnic the next day in the Pyrenees!
 
Off to the French Basque Pyrenees…what do you get when you combine a remote French country inn, incredibly beautiful scenery, sheets of rain, a wet hike and an onsite Porche museum? The answer: an adventure!  First the rain: it never stopped for very long but also made everything so green!  It wasn’t a bad thing, just a challenge. We tried to hike but headed back early because the sky was ready to ‘open up’ again. And, it did! What better way to entertain ourselves than with a handy onsite Porsche museum full of exquisite cars? (The owner houses his own plus others.)  Due to the rain, we improvised by holding the picnic in one of our suites complete with a roaring fire, wine and gourmet food. Everyone loved this beautiful inn and our short, but wet stay.  An added bonus – we all had golf carts to get around the property!  
 
Welcome to La Rioja – some call it Spain’s Tuscany. La Rioja has beautiful rolling hills, medieval hamlets and exquisite wines!  The Vivanco Winery & Museum of Wine Culture was a great introduction to the history of winemaking in the region showcasing wine-related equipment, artifacts, artwork and the Vivanco Winery facilities. The museum is dedicated to the history of winemaking and man’s relationship with it over 5,000 years. We enjoyed a beautiful Rioja luncheon in their restaurant featuring traditional Riojan cuisine while overlooking their vineyards. We toured the winery from vineyard to cellar to production facilities. It was a great start to the next few day of our Rioja wine tour. Heaven!
 
Our day of touring architectural wineries/bodegas started at Bodega Ysios designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. Constructed of wood, titanium and glass, it is visually spectacular set against the Cantabrian Mountains.  Wonderful wine tasting with a view!
Bodega El Fabulista is an old family winery set under the medieval town of Laguardia. The system of underground tunnels once used for protection from invaders are now utilized for wine production and storage. The caves provide the perfect humidity and temperature. We toured the caves with the winemaker, learned how to taste wine and sampled. She invited us to come back to stomp grapes during harvest this fall!  Anyone interested?
Bodega Marques de Riscal Hotel which is part of the winery complex is simply breathtaking when you lay eyes on it!  Designed by Frank Gehry of Guggenheim Museum fame, it is constructed of gold, silver and pink titanium with wood, stone and glass. The wines are amazing, as well!  I am including photos of these wines because we can get them in the U.S. Do yourself a favor – they are divine. 
 
We ended our tour at the lovely Bodega Vieja in Rioja. Known for their roasted sucking pig cooked for hours, the tradition is to cut it vertically with a plate – it’s that tender. We didn’t do this but we certainly enjoyed our Farewell Luncheon on the last day. ‘Salud’ to a great group and trip well-enjoyed!
 
 
 

Filed Under: Blog

Greece On Your Plate

April 9, 2018 By Patty Moss

 

Greek cooking is fun for many reasons. The fact that some recipes have existed for thousands of years always creates excitement among those who are preparing Greek food.  Greeks approach food with a combination of seriousness and nostalgia, thinking back to the dishes they grew up on. They don’t eat to live but rather live to eat. A meal is always a social and lively occasion which reflects on the true meaning of companionship and family.  Cooking seems to be a way of ‘speaking to someone’s heart’. 

Olive Oil

A Greek Tradition

Greek cuisine has five key secrets: good quality, fresh ingredients, distinctive flavoring using herbs and spices, Greek olive oil and simplicity. The traditional Greek diet is (of course) very Mediterranean: fish, meat, vegetables, herbs and grains.  

Seafood

Greek Seafood

Being a maritime nation, the Greeks incorporate plenty of seafood into their diet. Fish and seafood is a staple in Greek cuisine. Enter the local catch of fish, mussels, clams, shrimp, lobster, squid, sea bass, anchovies, crab, cod, cuttlefish, sardines, octopus, sea urchin and more!  Just a little lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper and you have heaven on a plate! Simple and fresh.
Greece is also a major consumer of meats such as lamb, beef, pork and chicken. Traditional vegetarian dishes are widely available in Greece. Greek vegetarian dishes are made with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onions, potatoes, green beans and wild greens (horta), to name just a few. Beans and legumes are often added. After dinner, Greeks often treat customers to seasonal fruits such as karpoozi (watermelon), peponi (honeydew) and apples, pears, cherries or oranges. Figs, which are ripe from mid-August to September, have to be tasted to be believed!  

 

Classic Greek Dishes

Eggplant parmesan

 

Moussaka: a rich oven baked dish of eggplant, minced meat, tomato and Béchamel sauce – it’s Greek comfort food 

Greek Kabob
Soulvaki:  marinated meat such as chicken, pork or lamb cooked on a skewer; can be eaten straight off the stick or wrapped in pita bread; often served with tzatziki sauce 
Spanakopita
Spanakopita: Greek spinach pie that has a rich phyllo crust filled with spinach, onions, cheese and herbs 
Fasolada
Fasolada: a white bean soup sometimes called ‘the national food of the Greeks’; made of beans, tomatoes, carrot and generous amount of celery; sometimes served with a variety of salty side dishes such as olives or anchovies 

Horiatiki

Horiatiki: a traditional Greek salad made of tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, onions, olives, feta cheese and herbs 
Paidakia
Paidakia: Greek lamb chops marinated in olive oil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, mustard and peppercorns; usually served with roasted potatoes 
 Tzatziki
Tzatziki: made from Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, chopped cucumbers and dill or mint 
Galaktoboureko
Galaktoboureko: a  traditional Greek dessert made from a crispy phyllo pastry crust, filled with creamy custard, sprinkled with melted butter and bathed in scented syrup 
 Loukoumades
Loukoumades:  Greek honey dumplings; pastries made of deep fried dough soaked in syrup, chocolate sauce or honey and often sprinkled with sesame seeds or chopped walnuts 

 

Greek Cultural & Culinary Terms

  • mezes – a collection of small dishes usually served with various dips, spreads and accompaniments 
  • arni – lamb
  • brizola – chops (beef, pork or lamb)
  • psari – fish
  • fourno – oven
  • kotopoulo – chicken
  • retsina – a white wine infused with pine flavoring
  • ouzo – an anise-flavored apertif 
  • meli – honey
  • octopodi – octopus, traditionally served grilled
  • lathera –  dishes cooked in oil; often vegetarian
  • taverna – a small restaurant serving traditional cuisine
  • kafenio – a cafe where people often socialize and play card games
  • metaxa – a spirit that is a blend of brandy, spices and wine
  • kali orexi – Bon Appétit!

Filed Under: Blog

What is the Caldera of Santorini?

April 1, 2018 By Patty Moss


Santorini

Santorini is probably the most famous Greek island. Its white-washed cube-like architecture, bright-blue domed Byzantine churches and glorious views over the expanse of the Aegean Sea are symbols of this little paradise. 

Santorini is a volcanic island and it was centuries – or even millennia – in the making. Santorini’s half-moon shaped bay is the center of the Caldera. A caldera is a cauldron-like depression that occurs after the mouth of the volcano collapses from the eruption of the volcano.

Santorini is actually a group of islands located in the heart of the Aegean Sea. It’s comprised of five distinct islands: Santorini (the main island, also known as Thira), Thirasia, Aspronisi on the periphery and the two Kameni islands in center.

Santorini’s biggest volcano eruption was during the Minoan civilization 3500 years ago. Studies have shown that the island was the cradle of this advanced civilization which was ultimately destroyed by the explosion of the volcano.  The eruption was so massive that it was possibly one of the biggest volcanic eruptions on earth. Santorini’s volcano also erupted in 97BC, 1570AD, 1707, 1866 and 1926, shaping the caldera and the islands, as we know them today. 

The landscape consists of cliffs and rock along he caldera’s edge almost 1000’ above sea level. They also extend underneath the sea for an additional 1000’ – thereby creating the perfect harbor in the center. 

Oia At the northernmost end of the caldera lies the quaint village of Oia (pronouced eee-uh) perched on the rim of the Caldera. Oia is famous for its panoramic views over the Caldera during sunset. The capital city of Fira is located on the eastern edge of the Caldera and also affords beautiful views of the Caldera from a different perspective. 

Caldera Trail to Oia

 

During our tour, Greece & the Greek Islands, September 26 – October 8, 2018, we will visit the towns of Oia and Fira. We’ll also hike a portion of the Caldera Trail to Oia. This is really the best way to experience the Caldera and the incredible views that are the hallmark of Santorini.

Filed Under: Blog

Monasteries Suspended in Air

March 29, 2018 By Patty Moss

Meteora monasteries

High above the landscape below, lie the Meteora monasteries in the central Greece. Sixty monks and nuns live in the fabled monasteries perched on top of immense natural rock pillars surrounded by hill-like rounded boulders. In centuries past, this place of worship brought them solitude and peace from unwanted trespassers. Today, the Greek Orthodox monasteries are one of the most revered destinations in all of Greece.

Meteora Meteora is in central Greece only a few hours north of Athens. It is the site of six Greek Orthodox monasteries built by monks beginning in the 14th century. Windswept monoliths rise abruptly from the earth, with vertical cliffs forming a dramatic backdrop. The picture-perfect vistas have been the inspiration for films and TV shows, including ‘Game of Thrones’.

The word ’meteora’ means ‘middle of the sky’ and monasteries seem as if they are ‘suspended in air.’  The six monasteries were built by monks beginning in the 14th century providing protection from the warriors below. The monks used a network of ropes, pulleys, baskets and ladders to lift supplies and worshippers to the monasteries. In times of war, these were raised denying access to anyone that posed a threat. 

Kalambaka

During our tour, Greece & the Greek Islands, September 26 – October 8, we will stay in the nearby village of Kalambaka and hike the area. Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy this unique geological phenomenon and to learn the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Centre. We’ll walk through hidden trails only the locals know. Our guided hike will take us among the gigantic rock pillars of Meteora to visit two monasteries and enjoy the truly breathtaking views.

Note: This hike is rated ‘easy to moderate’. Our guide knows the way!

Filed Under: Blog

The Athens Acropolis

March 28, 2018 By Patty Moss

Acropolis of Athens

No trip to Greece is complete without visiting the Acropolis of Athens! On our tour, Greece & the Greek Islands, September 26 – October 8, 2018, we’ll explore the major monuments of the Athens Acropolis.

The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a citadel built on a hill during the Golden Age of Athens (460-430 BC). The Acropolis served as the preeminent sanctuary of the ancient city of Athens and its purpose was to provide sacred grounds to the goddess Athena. Athena was the goddess of many things: wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law, justice, mathematics and the arts.  She was essentially urban and civilized but was also the goddess of war.

Led by a certified guide, we’ll tour and learn about the key monuments of the Acropolis: 

Key monuments of the Acropolis

Parthenon 
Temple of Athena
Erectheum
Temple of Athena Nike
Propylaea
Temple of Zeus
Theather of Dionysis

We’ll also visit the Acropolis Museum (opened in 2009) that houses the historic and archaeological treasures of the Acropolis as well as objects of Athenian every day life. The museum hosts its collections on three levels and has an archaeological excavation site that lies at its foundation.

The Acropolis Museum

 

The Acropolis Museum

 The Acropolis Museum

 

 

Filed Under: Blog

The Top 15 Things To Do in Greece

March 26, 2018 By echoboomerdesign

The Acropolis Museum

  1. Be guided through the Acropolis temples: the Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, Theater of Dionysis, Temple of Athena Nike…follow with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum.
  2. Drink Greek wine…you’ll love it!  Also, tour and taste at Santorini wineries.
  3. Enjoy free time to wander, shop and dine in the Plaka District of Athens. 
  4. Take a culinary walking tour in Athens…sample and taste Greek delicacies and liqueurs.
  5. Enjoy an evening event (a concert, dance, theatre) at the Acropolis…it’s especially beautiful lit up at night!
  6. Hike to two Meteora Monasteries and visit their interiors…a serene experience!
  7. Be guided through Delphi, the site of the Temple of Apollo…followed by a visit to the Delphi Museum.
  8. Sail around the island of Mykonos on a catamaran… Greeks are known for their skill on the water.
  9. Snorkel in a secluded cove…Greece has some of the most beautiful sea life on earth.
  10. Enjoy the local cuisine in Old Mykonos Town from a seaside cafe…order some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.
  11. Visit a Greek volcano…hike along the Caldera of Santorini, the edge of the volcano.
  12. Watch a Greek sunset… perhaps the best sunset you will ever see is from Oia, Santorini.
  13. Eat a traditional Greek meal… we’ll try local specialties and traditional Greek dishes everywhere we go!
  14. Learn to cook as the Greeks do in a hands-on cooking class paired with Greek wines.
  15. Take in the beauty of the Aegean Sea…it’s a vista you will always remember!

Whatever you do…enjoy yourself and take in all that Greece and the islands have to offer during this small group tour!

Filed Under: Blog

Basque & Rioja Tour Daily Itinerary

December 5, 2017 By Patty Moss

Guggenheim Museum

French Basque beach towns
Bodega Muga Winery Tour & Wine Tasting
Vivanco Culture of Wine Museum
This is a 10-day trip to the Basque regions of Spain & France combined with a wine tour of the Rioja region of Spain. It focuses on the Basque & Spanish culture, art, architecture, exceptional gastronomy and world of wine. Our guides will give you a unforgettable experience. They will share this part of the world they know well and love so much!DAY 1: Arrive; Welcome to Bilbao – Home of the Guggenheim Museum; Free Afternoon; Tour Orientation; Welcome Dinner

DAY 2: Guggenheim Museum Tour; Drive to San Sebastian; Evening ‘Pintxo Hunt’

DAY 3: Bicycle Tour of San Sebastian Beaches & City; Free Afternoon; Basque Cider House & Dinner

DAY 4: Brexta Market Tour; San Telmo Museum; Free Afternoon; Hands-on Cooking Class at Mimo Food, San Sebastian Culinary School

DAY 5: Visits to two French Basque beach towns: Saint-Jean-De-Luz and Biarritz; Walk on Beach; Guided Market Visit; Rocher De La Vierge; Arrive in the French Pyrenees

DAY 6: Hike & Picnic in the Pyrenees; Free Evening in Saint Jean Pied-de-Port

DAY 7: Arrive Rioja; Bodega Muga Winery Tour & Wine Tasting Class; Free Evening in Lograno

DAY 8: Visits to Two Architectural Rioja Wineries; Medieval Town of Laguardia & Wine Caves; Tastings

DAY: 9: Vivanco Culture of Wine Museum & Winery Tour; Farewell Lunch; Arrive Madrid

DAY 10: Departure from Madrid; Farewell, Spain!

Filed Under: Blog

Chianti in Tuscany’s Hill Towns

May 29, 2017 By Patty Moss

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

 

During our fall tour, we will base ourselves for a week in a villa in the Chianti region. From the villa, we’ll visit these Tuscan medieval towns. Each town has its unique history, culture, architecture, traditions and charms. We’ll meet locals along the way. Get ready to discover these ‘gems’!

greveGreve: Greve is the hub of the Chianti Classico region. It is the center the Chianti wine industry. Greve regularly hosts a Slow Food Market. Its central square, Piazza Matteotti, is lined with attractive shops, restaurants and  tasting rooms. We’ll wander the streets of Greve, check out its shops and cafes and go to the farmer’s market. We’ll also visit the Wine Museum to learn the history of winemaking in Chianti.

 

panzanoPanzano: Panzano is a charming medieval town located on a high ridge surrounded by Chianti Classico vineyards. Panzano’s views are of vineyards dotted with cypress tress, olive groves, and farmhouses. Panzano has a good range of restaurants, ‘enotecas’/wine tasting shops and is home to the famous ‘Butcher of Panzano’, Dario Cecchini, featured on The Food Network. We’ll visit his butcher shop and have dinner at his restaurant, La Officina. 


san-miniatoSan Miniato is a medieval hilltop village (in the province of  Pisa) half-way between Pisa and Florence. It is an ancient settlement above the meeting point of the Arno and Elsa Rivers giving it a rich history due to its strategic location. Its origin is BC. Ancient artifacts have been found in the surrounding area. The Tower, on the summit of the hill, dominates the valley below. San Miniato is a Tuscan ‘Slow City’ and is the center of the white truffle zone. We will go on a truffle hunt near San Miniato, take a truffle cooking class and visit this remarkable town.

sienaSiena: Siena is the furthermost southern town we will go to in Tuscany. The city center is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings and fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo. The Siena Cathedral, a focal point of the city, is a medieval Roman Catholic church completed between 1360 and 1370. Its interior and exterior are constructed of distinctive white and dark green marble in alternating stripes. Built in two stages, the Siena Cathedral combines elements of Gothic, Romanesque and Classical architecture. It is a site not to be missed!  

montefioralleMontefioralle: The ancient village of Montefioralle is still enclosed within its original walls. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the largest military and administrative centers of the area. It is believed to date back to 1085 AD. The village itself is virtually free of cars. The ancient passageways lead to the entrance of its main castle. Vineyards stretch in every direction and there are wonderful hiking trails in the area.

We will visit the town and taste at the Monefioralle winery.


san-gimianoSan Gimignano: San Gimignano is a walled village about halfway between Florence and Siena. It is famous for its fascinating medieval towers that rise above all the other buildings. At the height of its glory, San Gimignano’s patrician families had built 72 tower-houses as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano still retains its feudal atmosphere and appearance. This town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit our website for more details: http://www.packafork.com/florence-tuscany-a-cultural-culinary-adventure/ 

JOIN US!   THROUGH JUNE 1, RECEIVE $200 OFF ON REGISTRATION. HOLD YOUR SPOT WITH A DEPOSIT.  REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 1st.

Filed Under: Blog

The Bauds – Our Italy Tour Guides

May 26, 2017 By Patty Moss

Tour Guides

We are so fortunate to have these two people as guides for our trip to Tuscany this fall – Claude & Cristina Baud. They  have been very well received by our guests on past tours! They are knowledgeable about the regions of Italy, having lived in Florence and traveled throughout Italy. They the perfect the guides for our trip!  Claude & Cristina truly care about each person, are interested in what guests want to see/learn and work to provide unique experiences. They are committed to Pack A Fork! tours being outstanding. They will ask guests to try new foods (“just one bite”), point out details most visitors do not normally see, teach guests who want to learn and ensure that everyone has an authentic local experience.  They also make THE BEST gourmet picnics using local artisan foods and wines! A trip with them is rewarding and ‘rich’ in so many ways.  Get ready for a life experience you will not forget!

Claude Baud comes from five generations of Swiss hoteliers. Claude attended the Hotel School of Lausanne in Switzerland. He worked at the Hotel Tamaro in Ascona, Switzerland. He has also been a maitre d’ in country clubs around the United States. Claude speaks four languages: English, Spanish, French and Italian. He is a food and wine connoisseur. He has taught culinary classes and is a talented chef. Claude has been traveling and exploring regions of the world for 35 years. He is truly a ‘man of the world’. Claude has brought community together through food and wine his entire life.

Cristina Baud is a native of Madrid. Cristina’s compulsive craving for travel has taken her to over 38 countries around the world. From these travels, she has gained considerable insight in to numerous cultures, peoples, traditions and religions.  Cristina has dedicated much of her life to learning from the countries she has visited or lived in. When traveling, her soul feel most engaged with the experiences it presents. Cristina also speaks four languages. Her expertise is in history, art, architecture and local cuisine.  She is a delight!

Claude and Cristina have three sons. One lives in Barcelona and has won the ‘Mixologist of Spain’ award. They also have one grandson. The Bauds are from Boulder, CO and own a home in southern Spain.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Blog

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Musing of A Tour Designer: Our 2018 Greece Tour

Reflecting on a tour I've designed is something I do a lot in the moment and after I return home. I try to design my tours in the same way I would put together a … [Read More...]

Reasons to Travel with Pack a Fork!

  • Small group tours - no more than 15 guests + two guides and one tour director for a more personal experience
  • Guides who are experts on the culture of the region, food, wine, art, history, the language and local customs
  • Staff who truly care about guests receiving more than they anticipated
  • Tours that include must-see sites and off-the-beaten path experiences
  • Trips that are about learning, camaraderie and fun with the, always necessary, down-time added to the itinerary
  • Gourmet food experiences from meals in restaurants and cafes to hands-on cooking classes and gourmet picnics - always with local artisan foods
  • Wine education and tastings in a particular region
  • Visits to local marketplaces to learn about artisan foods and products
  • Carefully selected private dining experiences that are varied, local and unique
  • Opportunities to try new foods and preparations of the region
  • Local experiences that allow guests to feel a part of the culture by meeting its people
  • Carefully selected accommodations
  • Private transportation on a chartered coach for traveling across country
  • Walking, hiking and other outdoor activities
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Contact Pack a Fork! LLC • Phone: 303-652-1535 • Fax: 303-485-0500 • Email: info@packafork.com