Posts Tagged ‘Italy’

From their new book, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011, the editors at this renowned publication have compiled the best in atmosphere, cuisine, culture, and adventure into a list of the Top 10 Countries to visit in the upcoming year. As always, we like to highlight destinations in our collection that are included in these coveted lists, so take a look below to see how you can make a spectacular travel choice in 2011 with Boundless Journeys.

ITALY

“Italy is a beguiling, beautiful, charismatic mess…one of the world’s most magnificent places to be. The food is delicious, sunshine is plentiful, scenery and towns are sublime, and there is millennia-worth of art to look at. There are 44 Unesco World Heritage Sites here, more than in any other country.”

To join Boundless Journeys on an exploration of Italy that will exercise the soul as well as the soles, check out:

Italy: A Taste of Tuscany & Umbria

Italy: Ancient Sicily

TANZANIA

“It’s true, Tanzania is a place of great marvels – Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar… But that’s not all. It also has great herds of elephants in Ruaha, tree-climbing lions around Lake Manyara, chimpanzee sanctuaries in Gombe and Mahale and packs of wild dogs in Selous. There are also sunsets on the Rufiji River, when the water boils with hippos and crocodiles. In fact, the country has the whole panoply of east Africa’s wildlife – including such rarities as the red colobus monkey, black rhino, hawksbill and leatherback turtles and Pemba flying foxes – concentrated in an unrivalled collection of parks and reserves. So you think you’ve seen it all? We’re betting Tanzania still has a surprise or two for you.”

A trip to East Africa is indeed an adventure that changes your outlook on life – let Boundless Journeys assist you in your experience by choosing one of the following itineraries:

Tanzania: Migration Safari

Tanzania: Beyond the Serengeti

Tanzania: Beyond the Serengeti Private Safari

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

As travelers on a walking tour in Italy it’s essential we make the effort to understand local customs, traditions and ways. Well, when ordering coffee it can be difficult to get what you want.

Ordering coffee used to be easy. But thanks to our love of coffee culture, things have become a little complicated of late: flat white, macchiato, skinny latte, espresso – the list is getting longer. Understandably proud of their coffee, the Italians have a real affinity for the black gold. And they make the most excellent coffee. However, again it’s not always the easiest drink to order…

According to researchers, the average bar in Italy sells 230 cups per day, and the most popular type of coffee drink (60 per cent of that sold) is the espresso – which you will soon find is not called an espresso!

So, here’s how to order a coffee in Italy. But first, three snippets of Italian coffee culture.

Cappuccino is commonly served at breakfast and before 11:00 am. But waiters are happy to serve regardless.

An Italian breakfast often consists of an espresso, or cappuccino, and a pastry.

Italians like to relax in a café around 5:00pm, enjoying a gelato (ice cream), tea, or cup of coffee.

What to order

Cappuccino is cappuccino

If you want an espresso ask for a caffè – “un caffè”

Double espresso: Just ask for a “doppio” (a double shot).

Macchiato: A double espresso with a drop of warm milk – a lovely compromise between the traditional short shot of coffee, and longer more social drinks.

Marocchino: A mini cappuccino (of sorts). It’s a shot of coffee, as splash of milk and a sprinkle of chocolate/cacao powder.

Latte: Is a latte, but make sure you get coffee in the top – latte means steamed milk, so take care when ordering.

Americano: probably the default order as it’s the closest you get to standard US coffee. It’s a long drink, this time watered down espresso. Served with milk separately.

Perhaps the most interesting is the Corretto (corrected). It’s a coffee that has been ‘corrected’ by having some alcohol added – and you get to choose your tipple.

Whichever way you have it, coffee – like wine – is an integral part of Italian gastronomy. So when you take a break from an Italy walking tour, take a moment to remember how to order, and then you’ll be sure to enjoy some of the finest coffee in the world.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

With warmer weather upon its way, Europe is looking perfect for a hiking or walking tour.

The Tuscan countryside is perfect for a walking vacation

Spring is bringing Europe to life, especially in its more rural areas, such as the Italian region of Tuscany. Carpeted in vineyards and olive groves, the Tuscan countryside is dotted with medieval hill towns. Travel to Tuscany and it won’t be long before you’ve got your boots on and are off exploring.

So what’s happening in the region at the moment? Florence, the provincial capital is hosting ‘Florence’s Blue Night 2010′, a 24hr showcase of European traditions. Classical concerts, performances, music and lectures are to be feature in some of the city’s most prominent buildings. In the first half of May, museums across the region are to open to the public, and offer special guided tours and activities. The ‘Museums as Friends’ initiative is a great complement to a Tuscany walking tour – Tuscan trekking in the day and Renaissance culture in the evening.

The spectacular Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a festival of opera and classical music, is perhaps the region’s most significant cultural event. It runs all through May and into June. For fans of modern music there are regular performances at the Comunale Theatre, Florence. Canadian crooner Rufus Wainwright performs this month. Antiques fans looking for a bargain could always try their luck at the regular markets. These run at weekends, in Lucca, Florence and Arezzo. Sports fans will soon pick up the local passion for soccer this month, as Fiorentina and Siena meet for passionate local competition.

So after a great day of  hiking in Tuscany, you can expect wine, culture and music. Whether it’s in the hilltop village of Spello, or the city of Assisi, there’s always a cultural delight to conclude your walk.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Excerpt from Forbes Traveler

All across Europe, the harvest marks one of the most festive times of year. For author James Fraioli, whose travels frequently take him to the Italian regions just south of Lugano, there’s no better time to appreciate la dolce vita. Researching Italian cuisine for his latest cookbook, Festivals of Italy: Celebrated Recipes from 50 Food Fairs, Fraioli found the fall calendar crammed with harvest fetes. In towns across Tuscany, locals thronged to celebrate the arrival of the season’s truffles, chestnuts, wild mushrooms, wines and olive oils. The experience was typically vibrant, colorful—and, as Fraioli puts it, “intensely local.”

For most American tourists, European vacations are synonymous with summer. But fall is when “the real residents of the cities return.” The cultural life, too, is restored to the neighborhoods noting that while the temperature starts to drop in the fall, the cultural season is just beginning to heat up.

Discover the bounty of fall on our Tuscany & Umbria walking tour, Oct. 11-18, with Boundless Journeys. Call 800-941-8010 and speak with destination manager Deborah Tobey to learn about some exceptional offers.

About Boundless Journeys
Selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, February 2009; and as the #7 Best Tour Operator in the World by Travel & Leisure, August 2009

If diversity of adventure is what you are seeking, Boundless Journeys has trips to satisfy your most imaginative spirit. Offering worldwide adventure tours, featuring experiences ranging from wilderness treks to cultural journeys, we always find the hidden gems of each destination. Small group or private itineraries, memorable accommodations, and expert local guides define the signature Boundless Journeys adventure travel experience.

France, Italy, and Switzerland: The Tour du Mont Blanc
by Mary Jane Hammond

My curiosity was piqued some years ago while guiding groups of hikers in the Canadian Rockies. On the trail a favorite topic of conversation is other hiking trips that guests have taken. The Tour of Mt Blanc was mentioned enough times that it made it onto my top ten wish list. The fact that past participants spoke of challenging terrain combined with eye-popping alpine scenery made it sound too good to be true.

Having just completed the full 10 – day circumnavigation of Mt. Blanc, I can attest to the above. The combined elevation gain adds up to two climbs of Mt. Everest in 170 kilometers of walking. Spectacular is an understatement. While the route is challenging, taken day by day it is not beyond any fit person’s capability. The magnificent scenery is well worth the effort, not to mention the unique opportunity of being able to walk in a circle from France to Italy to Switzerland and back to France in one vacation.

The size and scope of the Mt Blanc massif is hard to comprehend when looking at a map. As a resident of one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world, I wasn’t prepared for the uninterrupted breath-taking vistas of glaciers and peaks – close enough to touch, it seemed. The history of these mountain trails is significant. Roman roads and bridges are still part of today’s route. Salt merchants used the same passes in medieval times, and pilgrims have trekked here for centuries. Twentieth century mountain climbers and their successors based out of Courmayeur and Chamonix are celebrated for their daring summit successes. One can understand how this place would be the centre of alpinism in the world. For the rest of us, it is enough to gaze up and appreciate it from a distance.

In late June, the wildflowers are at their peak, and the glacial melt is in full force. Unique and endearing to the Alps is the melodious sound of cowbells – world-famous cheeses of the Haute Savoie are the result of grazing on the high meadows. Tomme, Beaufort and Reblochon cheeses are featured in specialty Savonard fare of fondue, raclette, and tartiflette. Hikers don’t have to worry about being hungry here.

While the suggested route starts in Les Houches, France (near Chamonix) and goes counter-clockwise back to the point of origin, my partner and I started our hike in Switzerland and walked clockwise. This turned out to be a good decision, as we hardly saw anyone on the trail after about 11 am.

Hiking in Europe is such a delight, thanks to the massive infrastructure that is in place to assist walkers of all ages. There are many ways to enjoy a day in the mountains; the availability of trams, cog trains, and chair lifts ensures that anyone with a sense of adventure can enjoy the views from a mountaintop. By taking advantage of lifts and local buses, many of the challenging climbs are optional. In addition, the countless refuges spread throughout the region offer first class accommodation, meals and my personal favorites, cappuccinos and fresh baked deserts! If carrying a pack for 10 days isn’t for you, take advantage of the expertise and services of outfitters who will take care of all the details so that you can concentrate on the scenery. This truly is one of the top ten treks of the world – be sure to add it to your bucket list.

When not hiking through the various mountain ranges of the world, Mary Jane Hammond makes her home in Canmore, Alberta and guides Boundless Journeys’ tours in the Canadian Rockies.

To learn more about a fully supported and guided Tour du Mont Blanc with Boundless Journeys please go to the following page:
France, Italy, Switzerland: The Tour du Mont Blanc

About Boundless Journeys
Selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, February 2009; and as the #7 Best Tour Operator in the World by Travel & Leisure, August 2009

If diversity of adventure is what you are seeking, Boundless Journeys has trips to satisfy your most imaginative spirit. Offering worldwide adventure tours, featuring experiences ranging from wilderness treks to cultural journeys, we always find the hidden gems of each destination. Small group or private itineraries, memorable accommodations, and expert local guides define the signature Boundless Journeys adventure travel experience.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is undeniably one of the world’s greatest inn-to-inn hiking routes, and a classic mountain adventure.

I hope that you are enjoying your summer thus far, and that you have great adventures planned. We have a few spaces that we still need to fill for our August 22-30 Tour du Mont Blanc departure, and as it is fast approaching, we are willing to offer a very special last minute savings. If you can still find the time in your busy summer schedule, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Join us August 22-30 and save $700 per person, now making the trip only $2995 per person.

For more information on the trip please click on the following link:
http://www.boundlessjourneys.com/europe/france-italy-switzerland/tour-du-mont-blanc/

Reservations must be received by July 10th as all unused space will be released at that time.
We hope to see you on the trail!

Matt Holmes
President