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Mangia, Mangia!
The
Italian command from every mama to eat is more that just a word in Italy, it
is a way of life. For the epicurean it is also a reason to travel. To truly
experience a place and it's people, you need to break bread with them. There
is no better way to learn about a society or share in its everyday life that
around the table, or in the kitchen!
This month's issue
is all about local foods and wines, the heart and soul of every culture.
Whether your trip is to master a new culinary skill, learn a previously
unknown cuisine, or just snack away while you adventure or explore the
history and arts, tasting the regional specialties is a great way to
experience a country's different areas.
Follow in the
footsteps of hungry travelers that have gone before by focusing your trip
on great accommodations known for their restaurants, chase Michelin stars
for a truly gourmet experience, eat like the locals right off the street
or learn from the best chefs and your holiday is sure to be a delight.
The following list
is just a taste of the culinary tour hosts that CulturalTravels.com
features. I hope reading their articles makes you as hungry as they did
me.
This
month's tour hosts review:
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Les Routiers Ireland
Pick of
the Month |
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Location: Ireland, England |
| Specialty:
A select membership organization of hotels and restaurants
specializing in culinary delights |
| Why
We Like Them: Offering a number of guidebooks and maps of their
featured locations throughout Ireland,
Les Routiers is a great way to plan your
trip if you are looking to follow the culinary route though Ireland. With
properties as diverse as castles, country houses and B&B's you can enjoy
Irish hospitality and good cooking, regardless of your budget. Their web
site features great articles from their guidebooks, an interactive map to
help plan your route and online reservation capabilities making Les Routiers
Ireland this month's Pick. |
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Music and Markets |
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Location: France, Italy, Amsterdam and Prague |
| Specialty:
Shopping local markets and the best music at each venue |
| Why
We Like Them: Besides great music, Anne and Kirk lead their
travelers to the best local markets. Whether they are
shopping for food, antiques or just general browsing, these
tours are sure to please. Once on a trip, many clients
return again and again, and I've heard the great reviews for
myself. Small group size ensures the best seats and personal
attention. You can't go wrong with a Music and Markets tour! |
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Article:
My Tuscan Shopping List |
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Epiculinary Inc. |
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Location: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal US, Mexico,
Vietnam and Canada |
| Specialty:
Group tours
and independent cooking schools |
| Why
We Like Them: For nearly 35 years, Bill Beard has been
operating dive programs with the last 20 combining adventure holidays as
well. Whether you are looking for a dive specific holiday, a romantic or
family beach getaway, Bill Beard's Costa Rica can create a holiday that
includes the sites and culture of this small yet diverse country. |
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Article:
Eating My Way Through
Vietnam |
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Phillip Oakes, Arte Culinaria |
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Location: Italy |
| Specialty:
Cooking school and farmhouse accommodations |
| Why
We Like Them: At the foot of the Dolomites lies La Casa Gialla a converted farmhouse that is the home to the school and
accommodations for your stay at Arte Culinaria. Located in the Venito about
an hour from Venice, Padova, Belluno, Bassano, Vicenza, and Asolo in the
village of Cison, Arte Culinaria offers a great location to explore the
region and of course a great place to learn about No. Italian cuisine —
complete with 18c bread oven. An indoor swimming pool and activity center as
well as the surrounding region has a lot to offer the non-cooking partner as
well. |
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Article:
The Veneto’s Culinary
Cycles |
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Divina Cucina |
|
Location: Italy |
| Specialty:
1-3 day cooking classes |
| Why
We Like Them: Since 1988, Judy Witts has been offering
cooking classes in her adopted city of Florence. Enjoy one, two or three day
classes, on your schedule. Each class is offered in her home and limited to
no more that 6 persons. Larger and private groups can be accommodated as
well. All courses start in Florence's fabulous Mercato Centrale to meet
Judy's idols, taste the wonders of the city, and purchase the best seasonal
ingredients for the days class. Jud't web site as a great newsletter, filled
with mouthwatering recipes. A must do while in Florence, or any serious
Italian food lover. |
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Article:
Italy A Chocolate lover’s
Paradise |
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Culinary Vacations, Inc. |
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Location: Spain, Italy, France and USA |
| Specialty:
Culinary vacations including cooking classes |
| Why
We Like Them:
Learn to cook regional favorites with the
freshest season ingredients, all classes are escorted by
Chef John himself. Trips include 5 nights accommodations,
participatory cooking classes, lots of excursions, great
meals and wines. Chef John also offers Gourmet Getaways in
Ashville N. C for those looking to learn closer to home.
Great for all skill levels, trips have a great balance of
class and free excursion time. |
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Article:
Travels Around the
Tuscan Table |
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