June 15, 2015
Just back from western Tuscany, where I had the chance once again to taste some delicious, if lesser known, Italian white wines. The hardest to find here in the US is Vermentino, known in France as “rolle”. The grape is widely planted in Italy’s Piedmont region, where it’s known as…
June 8, 2015
I’ve just completed the 2015 Amazing Amalfi trips. While these weeks are always a series of highlights, this year for me the hike on the Sentieri dei Fortini (“Path of Forts”) on the Isle of Capri was without equal. You can begin the walk, which extends 4-5 km depending where…
May 12, 2015
Here are some fun facts I’ve come across over the last few weeks: • The name “Italy” comes from the Greek “italos”, which means calf. It was originally given to the region of Calabria by Greek settlers in the 8th century BC, and was extended to the whole peninsula under…
April 30, 2015
“I am totally capable of planning and booking my own trips. I have the tools and the tricks. What I don’t have anymore are personal contacts and boots on the ground.” Paulette Hurdlik, as reprinted from International Travel News, November 2014. Paulette sounds like many of my travelers. Savvy, sophisticated,…
April 21, 2015
Final days of my stay in Florence I decided to travel a piedi (by foot) to meet Chef Marcella on my last day in town. This is the best way to make your own discoveries in Florence, especially as you put a little distance between yourself and the Duomo. After…
April 10, 2015
Wine and Chocolate Pairing in Florence Okay, you’re all waiting for my review of the wine and chocolate pairing lesson, right? First, even if you don’t partake in this amazing experience, make the Ballerini Chocolate Shop a stop on your next trip to Florence. It’s only a block from the…
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