Postcards from Paris . . . the Pyramid at the Louvre, the national museum of France . . . housing more than 35,000 objects . . . including the Venus de Milo . . . and the Mona Lisa . . . so much to see, so little time . . . avoid the long lines with advance tickets!
Do you know what lies on the lower level under the pyramid?
For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
Postcards from Paris: Cafe Angelina . . . is right next door to Le Meurice . . . in fact, it shares a wall . . . so conveniently close . . . do you know what it is known for?
This is pastry heaven . . . a place where you can experience death by chocolate or attempt suicide by sweets . . . just inside the front door.
If you can resist & manage to walk past the pastries & desserts, the “salon de the” in the rear serves . . . the most decadent hot chocolate . . . like a melted bar of dark chocolate . . . as if that were not enough, it comes with a sinful side of fresh whipped cream.
By the way . . . did I mention that ALL these delights are available to go? Until they are sold out, of course. Go early in the day.
Jacintha
culinary escape arist
For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
Postcards from Paris: there are many grand dames in Paris . . . famous hotels in prime locations . . . directly across from the Tuileries Gardens, down the street from the Louvre Museum . . . do you recognize this one?
Hint: it appeared in Woody Allen’s movie “Midnight in Paris”
The plush lobby of the Le Meurice Hotel welcomes you into the splendor that was Versailles. The “casual” Le Dali is open all day for drinks and meals , while the Michelin 3 Star Le Meurice Restaurant (not shown) accepts reservations 5 months in advance due to the popularity of Chef Yannick Alleno’s Terroir Parisien gastronomy.
Le Dali Restaurant
Jacintha
culinary escape artist
For more delicious details, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
Postcards from Paris . . . the iconic Eiffel Tower beside the Seine River. . .
Enjoy lunch with a view. Did you know there are restautants on the 1st & 2nd stage?
For the bird’s eye view, take the elevator to the top!
Paris is an easy city to navigate in terms of major landmarks.
Jacintha
culinary escape artist
For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
Just returned from an AMAZING Gourmet Getaway in France, stay tuned for all the delicious details to follow . . .
Jacintha
culinary escape artist
For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, culinary escape artist
Gourmet Getaways, a division of
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
916.897.9597
Portugal, Spain & France Wine Cruise
August 4 -13, 2012
The intimate & luxurious, all-inclusive, all-suite 380-passenger Silver Whisper sails from Lisbon to Southampton with port calls in Oporto, Portugal, Bilbao, Spain and Bordeaux, Saint-Malo and Honfleur in France. On this wine-themed cruise, discerning travellers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling great vintages and learning about the tradition and art of winemaking in special tastings and lectures. Enjoy optional private tours to renowned vineyards and world-class wineries. On board, you’ll enjoy an extensive selection of fine red and white wine pairings with both lunch and dinner.
Your host, Richard Nurick, a retired London wine merchant, is a distinguished wine judge and lecturer who has taught wine appreciation courses at Newbury and Henley colleges in the UK. He is currently a full judge with the International Wine Challenge.
For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Master Cruise Counsellor
Jacintha@IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597
PROVENCE WINE CRUISETOUR
March 25- April 8, 2012
Join celebrity wine hosts Carissa Chappellet & Archie McLaren, Owner & Managing Director of Chappellet Winery on a wine-themed cruisetour. Enjoy 3 nights pre-cruise in Barcelona, Spain, then savor a 7-night river cruise through Provence on the intimate AmaDagio, followed by 3 nights post-cruise in Paris, France. This special sailing features complimentary lectures, wine tastings and wine-themed shore excursions. You will enjoy exclusive visits to historic vineyards and cellars.
For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Master Cruise Counsellor
Jacintha@IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597
Category: Cruises, Europe, Food & Wine, France, General Travel, Gourmet Getaway, Portugal, Spain
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Tags: Barcelona, France, Gourmet Getaway, Paris, Provence, river cruise, wine, wine cruise, wine events |
Comments off
Q: Why is there so much variation with so-called “all-inclusive” resorts?
(We went to one & were very disappointed.)
A: The all-inclusive concept is wonderful in theory but varies quite a bit in reality.
Accommodations and meals are a given but any or all of the following may or MAY NOT be included: beverages; land activities and water sports; spa or golf , service fees and gratuities. A few resorts and ships are truly ultra all-inclusive, many are definitely not!
Also, all-inclusive is NOT synonymous with high quality. Glossy advertsing can create unrealistic expectations.
If you are envisioning upscale accommodations; a la carte meals with menu items cooked to order; soft drinks, espresso drinks and premium cocktails; 24 hour room service and resort activities to all be included but instead find basic accommodations; 3 daily self-serve buffets, generic alcohols from a wall dispenser, limited room service and resort activities fees, then you are at the wrong place and will definitely feel let down.
This is a very black-and-white example but there are many shades of gray. Get some expert advice before you commit your vacation time and money.
Q: Do I REALLY need TRAVEL INSURANCE?
A: An unexpected accident, illness or injury before or during travel can derail the best laid plans. Cancellation fees and medical expenses can add up quickly. Insurance protects your financial investment. Any prepaid, non-refundable components of your trip should be insured.
Also, most U.S. health insurance plans do NOT cover international travel. Some provide reimbursement upon your return but it is your responsibility to have and submit the appropriate paperwork. It is very important to have a policy that includes an emergency assistance hotline, medical coverage and medical evacuation.
Q: Can you help me find a travel companion?
A: I do maintain a Will Share List for each group getaway and introduce same sex singles to each other with mutual permission from both parties. I recommend they chat or meet in person to gauge compatibility before they agree to room togther.
A few companies will place solo travelers together in shared accommodations. I caution my clients NOT to to do as you will be occupying close quarters with a complete stranger. You could potentially make a friend for life or find yourself in a very stressful situation.
At the moment, a few select travel companies are offering single accommodations based on availabilty at no additonal cost or a very small (10%-25% ) additional charge.
Cross Island Mountain Trek, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
For more information, go to:
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com