Sampling small delectable bites at the local cicchetteria is a Venice, Italy tradition. Similar to Spanish tapas bars, the local Venetian “cicchetteria” is a small local restaurant-bar offering food and local wine. Much like a pub-crawl, we visited several one evening for a fun-filled way to meet locals and fellow travelers and an inexpensive way to sample Venetian cuisine.

Today we celebrate the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ reign. When in Rome be a part of the Wednesday Papal Audience. We have programs that include tickets, an expert English-speaking guide, seating and audio headsets for this moving experience. Call us today for details.

The 31st annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is underway north of Seattle through the end of April. It is one of our favorite Spring stops. Imagine acres and acres of tulips in full bloom!

In Italy wine tasting can seem to be more like a meal then the “here’s a few tiny glasses, drink up and leave” experiences we often have back home. Be patient and enjoy!

Italian agriturismo (farmhouse) – working farm holidays, farm guest houses, B&B’s, farm restaurants and wine and olive farms draw thousands of visitors each year. Nestled in view of the beautiful Renaissance town of Pienza and overlooking the farmlands and estates in the Tuscan Val d’Orcia we found the Podere Il Casale cheesery and farm restaurant. Sandre and Ulisse, the owners of this 170 acre farm, have established a reputation for crafting wonderful goat and Pecorino cheeses and their private olive oils and wines. Following our meal featuring delectable products from their sustainable farm – such as chestnut pasta over lentils and kale and various cheeses, of course, Sandre escorted us through the farm full of baby goats, peacocks in full plumage, donkeys, chickens, sheep and pigs. In the cheesery she gave us a thorough understanding on the processes they use and what it takes to be a recognized sustainable farm in Italy.