Europe
Two destinations with one thought in mind. Food. For all you foodies out there it is a difficult choice between Italian or French. Spend a few days in Lyon, or head off to Tuscany to cooking school. Enjoy the tastes and smells of these two regions where food is important and life is good..
Lyon a culinary gem
Lyon, the culinary capital of France, is magical in the Fall. This charming city lies between two rivers, the Rhone and the Saone, just south of Burgundy. The Roman ruins and large Renaissance quarter provide a rich historical experience and even though it is only a two train ride from Paris it is remarkably free of tourists. However it is not only history which draws people to the city but it is also the food. You can sample traditional fare at any of the local bouchons, or splurge by going to Paul Bocuse’s famous restaurant L’Auberge du Pont de Collogne. Be in the area on the third Thursday in November and you can be part of the festivals held throughout the region which accompany the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau. Plan ahead for 2009 with a pre river cruise from Avignon to Lyon and take advantage of the very generous early booking discounts offered by the river cruise companies. Use the services of a host guide, someone who knows the area well and spend a day living like a local Call us for more information.
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The Dream of Tuscany
Imagine visiting Tuscany. A region of brilliant sunshine, rolling hills, carafes of red wine and newly-pressed extra-virgin olive oil. Montepulciano, Voltere, San Gimignano, the names conjure up images of leisurely lunches on verandahs shaded by grape laden pergolas. Spend a week not only eating like a Tuscan but learning to cook as the Tuscans do. Toscana Saporita on the Camporomano Estate in the provinve of Lucca provides an ideal opportunity to do just that. Attend daily three hour lessons which are totally hands on and then enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. In the afternoon accompany a professional English-speaking guide on tours in the area before returing to the villa for dinner, a glorious, candle lit affair featuring four delectable courses prepared by your instructors and accompnaied by a variety of excellent wines. Camporomano offers an ideal base for touring Tuscany. Florence is only 50 miles away, Pisa 20 and Lucca 12. Buses and trains area readily available and the estate is less than a mile from the autostrada entrance. Call us. We have been there and done this.
Mangia Bene. Vivi felice
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