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Historic Cafes of Venice

Venice is well-known for its canals, gondolas, Carnivale and the Bellini.  And of all the notable places, the Piazza San Marco might be the most popular and heavily-trafficked part of Venice.  Most would tell you to steer clear of the overcrowded touristy square, but not me.

Being a coffee-lover, people-watcher and a sucker for history and elegance, I’d advise you to make it a point to visit one of the famous historic cafes, whose tables spill out onto the piazza.  Here, waiters dressed smartly in black pants, bowties and white dinner jackets will deliver what is sure to be the most expensive drink you’ve ever had.  But in return, you’ll be rewarded with time to linger, a priceless view and from April through October, musical accompaniment. A fair trade, indeed. On second thought  - why not visit them all?

Caffé Florian

First opened in 1720, Florian is one of the most beautiful cafes in the world. On the inside  you’ll be amazed at all the gilt-gold decor, the red velvet banquettes, hand-painted mirrors and gorgeous frescos that adorn the ceiling. In a word – stunning. Famous clientele reportedly included Casanova, who used to hunt for prospects here, as it was the only cafe that admitted women at the time.  It’s also home to the Venice Biennale, an annual contemporary art exhibition.  Florian is located the furthest away from the Basicila, at the far end of the square.

Caffé Quadri

This cafe and restaurant has been around since 1775.  Quadri started its life as a cafe, but in 1860 the addition of a restaurant on the second floor breathed new life into the place.  The decor of pastel yellow and light green stuccoed walls serves as a perfect backdrop for Pongo’s paintings of daily Venetian life. Frequented by both modern day actors attending the Venice Film Festival, including Woody Allen and past literary greats like Proust, the cafe is a popular haunt for artists, writers and journalists.  The gelato al forno is an exclusive favorite.

Caffé Lavena

Located at the foot of the L’Orologio (clock tower) in San Marco square, Lavena has been open since 1750.   Billed as an Austrian-style salon, it boasts green marble tables, 18th century mirrors and hand-blown Murano glass wall lamps and chandeliers. Visitors can sit near second-floor windows which look out onto the piazza.  The cafe’s orchestra is named after Richard Wagner,  a loyal customer who is alleged to have composed part of his world-renowned opera Parsifal at a table. To locate Caffé Lavena, just look for their signature yellow chairs on the Piazza San Marco in front of their doors.

And just so you can get the full effect, here’s a little video of an orchestra playing at Lavena on the piazza!

So, would you shell out extra euro to grab a table and watch life go by on Venice’s Piazza San Marco?

Photo Credits: TracyElaine / brianandjaclyn / Krancien

Heading to Venice?  Perhaps you’d be interested in one of these Venice excursions.

Travel Tip Tuesday : How to Avoid Surprise Bags Fees

A few weeks ago I was reading an article in the LA Times about a couple who were flying a budget airline from Ireland to Paris with only carry-on luggage and were socked with surprise bag fees.  A hefty $800 worth of fees!

This angers me to no end, especially when I am sure part of the reason they were traveling on a budget airline, was to save money on airfare.  And hello – I don’t know about you, but $800 could have bought me a whole new wardrobe to replace whatever was in the bag.  Except perhaps my digital camera.

It got me thinking about how I would avoid such a catastrophe, and today I’d like to share three tips I’ve come up with :

1.  Do your research. Check with each individual airline that you will be flying during your travels to find out the exact requirement and fee structure for both checked and carry-on luggage.  Many airlines, especially budget airlines, may not even allow one free carry-on – so know what you are getting into. You can also check with SeatGuru.com, which lists airline bag fee policies on their site.

But, I’d even go so far as to place a call to customer service for those airlines to confirm what they have listed on their website. And since these rules and regulations are subject to change at any time, it would be prudent to double-check again right before your trip.  Armed with this info, you’ll know what to expect – and the fees associated with not adhering to their policies.

2. Weigh and measure.  Armed with the information, you need to weigh and measure the dimensions of your bag after it’s packed to see if it will meet both the weight and dimension requirements.  And these budget airlines are no joke.  This is how they make their money.  If it’s 6 ounces over, it’s over.  But getting to your destination is just half the battle.  What happens on the way back when you have purchased souvenirs?  You’ll have no idea what your bag weighs then.  If you are that concerned, either don’t come back with anything you didn’t take with you or invest in a portable luggage scale.  The $20 investment might be worth avoiding an $800 overage fee.

3.  Have a back-up plan. Always pack a small foldable tote in your carry-on which can be used as another piece of luggage in a pinch. If you are facing huge overage fees, believe it or not, it may be a much cheaper solution to unpack a few things from your main suitcase and place them in the tote. This way you can check, or carry-on two bags that are underweight, rather than one that is grossly overweight.

Honestly though, one of the easiest ways to avoid this hassle is to consider NOT using airlines that have such confusing policies when it comes to bag fees and opt for those that have a more generous and cut-and-dried policy.  That $20 roundtrip ticket may not be worth the stress of trying to figure this all out and may end up costing you not only your sanity but an amount of cash equivalent to taking ten roundtrip flights.

Would you avoid these airlines like the plague or just do your homework and hope for the best to score a good deal on airfare?

Head over to Cherrye’s for your double-dose of travel tips today!

Interested in ditching big bags and becoming a carry-on traveler, but don’t know where to begin? Click here to see how I can help you convert!

Four Wine Regions of France

Many a food and wine-lover has surely placed France on their list of must-see destinations and for good reason.  France is home to over seven main wine regions, each with landscapes more beautiful than the next. With their verdant rolling hills and perfectly placed rows of ancient vines bursting with ripe fruit, its no wonder they produce some of the finest and tastiest wine in the world.

If you are lucky enough to find yourself planning a trip to France  - whether you are a devoted wino strictly wanting to visit wine regions or just wandering through the countryside and need a little break from touring and sightseeing, consider adding these four wine regions to your France itinerary and let these vineyards full of wine, fill your glasses.
Champagne

Technically it may not make the official list as a true wine region, but this historic province located in the north-east of France, best known for the sparkling white wine that bears the same name, garners a spot on our list. The region has been known for producing quality wine since the early Middle Ages, specifically growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Covered in rolling green hills, it’s a charming spot to explore on a warm afternoon and makes a great day trip from Paris.

• Moët and Chandon

Claude Moët founded the House of Moët and Chandon back in 1743. Since its humble beginnings, the champagne produced here has become synonymous with grand celebrations of success, achievement and triumph. From restaurant proposals to the Academy Awards, the champagne of Moët and Chandon is the drink of choice for happy occasions.

So if you’re in the area, allow yourself to indulge by taking a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars. Reservations are recommended, can be arranged in over eight languages and only charge a minimal fee that includes a tasting. Located about a hundred miles from the bustle of Paris, it is the perfect escape if you’re looking for a luxe champagne experience.

• Pommery Champagne

Pommery Champagne has four separate visiting estates, spread over a variety of sites that offer a great diversity of soils. This gives their wines complex tastes and aromas. The founding estate, Domaine Pommery, was built to showcase both modernity and extravagance – creating a breath-taking image of fine architecture. It fuses art, passion and wonderful taste that are sure to fill your visit with wonderful memories.

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is well-known for its wine, but that isn’t the only reason you won’t ever want to leave. Often called the Garden of France, this area is fully stocked with cultural history and beauty. From the architectural wonders once built for nobility to the valued works from the Renaissance – Loire Valley has the loveliest and most romantic aspects of France rolled into one. So while you aren’t sampling the best of the Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir grapes (which the region is known for) – explore a castle, get lost in art and enjoy the beautiful Loire Valley.

• La Noblaie

This estate was born out of familial love when Jacqueline and Pierre Manzagol bought and restored the area. The vineyard had been devastated by World War II, yet the two put their heart and souls into its revival. Today, their grandson continues to run the vineyard. About 42 acres of vines surround the estate, trailing off into gentle sloping hills. La Noblaie is picturesque and peaceful, ideal for those who’d appreciate a long stroll through the vines while sipping the delicately crafted wine.

• Domaine de la Semellerie

Spread across 96 acres, here you’ll find some of the oldest vines in the Loire Valley. The wine is harvested with great care using a mix of both traditional and modern techniques to create a drink rich in flavor and quality. These Cabernet Franc-based wines can be sampled by visitors after touring the vineyard and the cellars.

Once you’ve finished your wine, you’re in perfect placement for a trip to the gardens of Villandry – widely regarded as the most beautiful and intricately created gardens on Earth. Also in the area is the historic castle where Joan of Arc convinced the King of France to give her an army to defeat the English in the Hundred Years War.
Rhône Valley

Hailed for its innovative style, the Rhône Valley has long been known as the home to France’s most delicious dishes. And what goes better with a wonderful meal than a light and locally brewed glass of wine? The soil is fed directly by the famous Rhône river, producing a wide variety of wines, including the popular Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Syrah and Viognier are two of the most popular grapes used in the area.

• Les Marcellins

This vineyard is the youngest in our lot – having only opened in 1999. Founder Christophe Pacalet tried his hand at biochemistry and cooking before deciding to devote his time to making wine. His goal is to produce quality wine without causing harm to the environment. The grapes are still harvested by hand, a classic tradition that most vineyards have not let slip away. This estate gives visitors a priceless glimpse into the beginning states of a vineyard and the opportunity to see how far the group has come. Currently producing five distinct wines, the vineyard hopes to release four more soon.

Languedoc – Roussillon

Located in the South of France, this area places you right near the Mediterranean – giving the wines produced in the region a distinctive taste, very different than those cultivated up north. Currently Languedoc is the largest wine-producing region in the world and produces more than one-third of the grapes used for wine in France.

It’s home to about 16 grape varieties including Carignan, Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvedre as well as vin de payes, ‘country wine’, which is a step below the AOC classification. For those of us not lucky enough to live in the beautiful region, taking a visit there is cause enough to indulge in a bit of wine, both mountain and coastal views and the wonderful Mediterranean climate.

• Chateau de Lascaux

This vineyard, like many others, originated with family. Jean Benoit Cavalier took over the land (about 50 acres) in 1984 and cultivated it into an impressive 210 acres of vines. The area is surrounded by woodland, creating an environment rich in biodiversity and providing protection for the growing vines. With four reds, two whites, one rosé and more in the process of being produced – the vineyard offers visitors a heavenly selection of their best products as well as a chance to experience some of France’s most beautiful and natural surroundings.

Thirsty yet?  Tell us about your favorite French wines or any vineyards you’ve visited.
Santé!

Written by:  Kelly Gallucci   Photo credits : epiczero / acrib / Megan Mallen / jez.atkinson

Planning a trip to France?  Perhaps you’d be interested in a custom Foodie Adventure?

Travel Tip Tuesday : Italy Celebrates 150 Years

Though Italy is a country steeped in old traditions, the unified Italy that we know today is a relatively young country.  In fact, Italy is celebrating their 150 year anniversary this year.

And this Travel Tip Tuesday, I wanted to let you know of some great events happening on the actual anniversary, which is March 17th.

Part of the country-wide celebration includes Notte Bianca, Rossa e Verde (white, red and green night) where most Italian museums in major cities will stay open late on the evening of March 16th, until about 1:00 am the morning of the 17th.  And at 7:00 am on March 17th, Italian flags all over Italy will be raised simultaneously as a tribute to the anniversary.

Here is a listing of some other events taking place in Italy’s major cities – Rome, Florence and Turin that day.

Florence

• A special lighting ceremony at the Pitti Palace, designed to showcase the facade of the Palazzo.
• A beautiful red, white and green path, honoring the Italian flag, will be set up from the Piazza Baccaria to the Piazza della Republica – many shops along the route will also be decked out.
• A stage show dedicated to Italian art in the Piazza della Signora.
• Live music and theater pieces in Santa Croce.
• A market near the Duomo, featuring hand-crafted items.

Rome

• An opening ceremony at the Vittorio Emmanuele monument in the Piazza Venezia.
• Memorial ceremony honoring Italy’s first king in the Pantheon, where he is buried.
• Release of white doves and music concert in the Piazza del Popolo.
• Cannon salute (yes, 150 shots!) and a tricolor fireworks display in the park on Gianicolo Hill.

Turin and Piedmont are two other regions that are hosting many other special events for a nine month period – beginning March 17th and running through November.  For more information on that, you can visit the website for Esperienza Italia.

You can also visit the main website for the 150 year celebration, which is only in Italian.

Know of  any other cool events happening for Italy’s 150 year anniversary?  Please tell us about them in the comments!

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Don’t forget to check out Cherrye’s travel tips at My Bella Vita.

Thinking of traveling to Italy? Click here to see how I can help plan your trip!

Travel Photo Friday : La Habana Cuba

I’ve never been able to travel to Cuba. But that doesn’t mean I’m not curious about going. I’ve seen some downright gorgeous shots of secluded Cuban beaches that make me want to hop in the Atlantic swim right over, but there is so much more to that interesting country.

This Travel Photo Friday, reader and fellow traveler Andi Perullo, gives us a look into that Cuba, with a little shout out to the revolutionary Che Guevara.

Andi writes :

“The photo was taken while exploring the center of La Habana, Cuba by foot.  It was quite easy to get lost in the colorful and rhythmic city with incredible photo opportunities around every corner.”

Thanks Andi!

Join us for the next edition of Travel Photo Friday, April 1st.

A Moveable Party in Paris

After a long day of sightseeing in the Ciy of Light, many folks decide to pack it in early.  Those who are into the party scene know there is plenty of nightlife in Paris to keep you busy after hours. But did you know that some of the coolest and hippest Paris nightlife actually happens on moving vehicles?

That’s right, these three, fun after-hours activities in Paris will keep the party moving, because they all happen at night on buses, trains and boats!

Batofar

While this one doesn’t actually cruise up and down the Seine, the fact that the action happens on a boat docked on the river means it qualifies in my book!  Batofar, which is located at the Porte de la Gare in the 13th arrondissement, was the original Paris nightclub on a boat. At the evening, this lighthouse boat still attracts the hip crowd with DJ’s spinning music for after-hours dance parties, avant-garde techno bands and live International Jazz.

Open Tuesday – Saturday nights from 6pm on.  Cover is € 12 – € 16 depending on the event. Closed during the winter months.

Paris Soiree Bus

If you’re looking for an über cool VIP experience, the Soiree Bus is a party bus for rent. The bus is available for your own special event or private party, like a family reunion, bachelorette party or after-hours business event.  Six or seven different packages are on offer and can include casino games, a DJ, dancefloor, a bar and even food. You can tool around to all the popular Paris monuments, with the brightly-colored neon flashing lights announcing your arrival or design your own custom tour.  You can also just book individual tickets for the Paris Night Ride – a sightseeing after dark tour.

Paris Night Ride from € 30 pp, other VIP events from € 660

Check out their cool video!

The iDNight train to Paris

Who needs sleep when you’re dancing, drinking and chatting on the night train to Paris?  After all, you’ll have plenty of time to sleep when you’re dead, right? This special TGV night train was designed to attract younger travelers by replacing sleeper cars with party cars and offering up cheaper ticket prices on the Paris to Nice route.  DJ’s spin music, there is a bartender and a lounge and even prize giveaways – like movie tickets and t-shirts. It may not be a hard-core club atmosphere, but there is definitely a fun social vibe among fellow travelers.

iDNightTrains only run on the weekend.  Tickets start at € 15 one-way.

Can you see yourself visiting these hip and trendy nightspots?  Which one appeals the most?

Traveling to Paris? Click here to see how I can help plan your dream trip!