|
SAVE $400 ON 2 FALL TOURS:
Hiking in Sicily and Rioja in Spain
RIOJA ROUNDUP
September 8-13
 The
standard-bearer of Spanish wine since the 1700s, Rioja is
undergoing an exciting revival. Now, classic and traditional Riojas
exist side-by-side with handcrafted, alta expresión wines from Rioja's New Wave producers. Meanwhile, Ribera del Duero has
also been reaping
critical accolades.
Explore both wine regions on this 6-day tour and sample the best of Spanish wine and cuisine. We'll also visit the Gothic cathedral in Burgos (a World Heritage site) and the port city of
Bilbao to take in the Frank Gehry–designed Bilbao Guggenheim Museum.
Sale price: $2,395/person (6 days/5 nights).
SICILIAN SAUNTER
September 21-27
 Sicily's rugged beauty is best appreciated on foot. Hike its rocky coastline and explore its mountainous interior on this wine & walking tour.
See Greek ruins, Byzantine mosaic cathedrals, the port town of Marsala, and the creation of sea salt. At daily private tastings, you'll discover why Sicily's ancient wine is the new hot thing!
Sale price: $2,595/person (7 days/6 nights). See full itinerary here.
Price on
tours includes all breakfasts, one lunch, and all dinners except one.
Accommodations are three-star hotels or farmhouse inns.
Call now to reserve! See our complete 2008 tour calendar here.
TRAVEL TIPS
for the Savvy Traveler
 Open Skies Good news for people in smaller US cities: New routes will be opening up to European hubs, thanks to the Open Skies agreement. Because Europe's low-cost airlines can now fly to the U.S., expect more choices and good deals ahead. See the New York Times' report.
In "Best Travel Secrets," Conde Nast Traveler recommends the airline search engine ItaSoftware.com as "the most comprehensive and least biased list of fare and route options." For search engines that also list foreign low-cost airlines, go to Mobissimo.com or Wegolo.com.
Another Reason to Pack Light
Most travelers overpack -- as they realize too late, when schlepping heavy, cumbersome luggage around while fleet-footed travelers breeze by. Now the airlines are offering another good reason to leave your excess gear at home: Many carriers are starting to charge as much as $25 to check a second bag. Best be prepared! Read more here.
2 Tips to Packing Safely
1) Never pack valuables in your checked luggage. Always carry on jewelry, cameras, medicine, etc. in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
2) If you're flying with a spouse or friend, pack some outfits in the other's bags. That way, if one bag gets lost, you'll have a change of clothes at hand.
FROM THE DOLCE VITA KITCHEN
Asiago Cheese Crisps
 At upscale restaurants in Italy, one popular item is parmesan cheese baskets, which might hold a salad or vegetable terrine. Here is a simpler and easier version of the same idea. These cheese discs look lacy and elegant, while tasting like comfort food — recalling the bubbly cheese that dribbles onto the pan when grilling cheese sandwiches. They're a perfect accompaniment to red wine before dinner.
1/2 lb. (about 2 cups) grated asiago (or montasio) cheese
1 tbsp flour
extra virgin olive oil
Combine cheese with flour in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Lightly grease a large skillet with extra virgin olive oil, the place over medium-low heat. Spoon 2 tbsp. of cheese onto heated skillet for each 2-3" round. Allow cheese to melt and edges to turn golden brown. Cook, without touching, for about 3 minutes, then turn with a spatula (when ready, cheese-crisp should come away easily from the pan) and continue cooking 2 minutes.
Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature.
From a recipe in SAVEUR. See more Italian recipes here.
La Dolce Vita Wine Tours, 576 Fifth St., Brooklyn, NY 11215
888-746-0022; www.dolcetours.com
|
Back to newsletter list
