Author Archive for Kathy Bechtel

A Venetian giro d’ombra and the top 5 bacari (wine bars)

A Venetian giro d’ombra and the top 5 bacari (wine bars)

By on Apr 27, 2013 in Bars, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe   - Read 2544 times

On any trip to Venice, food lovers must treat themselves to a visit of Venice’s famed Rialto market. Cross the famous bridge, and enter first into the multitude of fresh produce stands, displaying a stunning variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Right next to the vegetable stands are the butcher and cheese shops, in permanent [...]

5 Tuscan wines to enjoy – after you’ve tried Chianti

5 Tuscan wines to enjoy – after you’ve tried Chianti

By on Mar 28, 2013 in Europe, Food and Drink, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe   - Read 2727 times

A visit to Tuscany of course involves indulging in the regions simple, fresh delicious cuisine along with a great bottle of Chianti. Chianti is the most well-known wine region in Tuscany, famed for their eponymous wines produced from the Sangiovese grape. But there are many other fantastic wines to discover on your Tuscan adventure! Venture [...]

5 of the best experiences for your cycling tour down the South Tyrol Wine Road

5 of the best experiences for your cycling tour down the South Tyrol Wine Road

By on Mar 23, 2013 in Europe, Italy, Regions, Road Travel, Speciality Travel, Western Europe   - Read 2839 times

Visitors to the Trentino Alto-Adige region of Italy, home to the majestic Dolomite mountains, find themselves presented with breathtaking vistas around every turn. But in spite of the mountainous terrain, it is a perfect spot for a summer bicycle tour for cyclists of all levels. While this region is home to some of the most [...]

5 not-to-be-missed experiences in Verona, Italy

5 not-to-be-missed experiences in Verona, Italy

By on Jan 29, 2013 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Western Europe   - Read 4992 times

Verona, located in Northeast Italy in the Veneto region, is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.  Often overlooked beside neighboring Venice, it possesses an impressive artistic heritage and many cultural diversions. It has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the importance and value of its many historical edifices. Located [...]

Top 5 wines to enjoy on your Dolomites ski holiday

Top 5 wines to enjoy on your Dolomites ski holiday

By on Dec 02, 2012 in Europe, Food and Drink, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe   - Read 10105 times

The Dolomite mountains of Italy are a sought-after destination for discerning skiers and snowboarders. With dozens of ski areas from large resort towns to smaller, local venues, and a wide variety of other winter activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or shopping and spa visits, there is something for both skier and non-skier alike. But did [...]

On the wine trail in Italy – Soave, home to elegant whites

On the wine trail in Italy – Soave, home to elegant whites

By on May 22, 2012 in Accommodation, Attractions, Bars, Bed & Breakfasts, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe   - Read 1372 times

Just a little over an hour from Venice lies the lovely walled city of Soave, the center of the wine region of the same name, and home to some wonderful refreshing white wines. The wines here are made from the Gargenega grape, either alone, or blended with Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or most traditionally, the indigenous [...]

Great skiing, food and wine in Val Gardena, Italy

Great skiing, food and wine in Val Gardena, Italy

By on Jan 14, 2012 in Accommodation, Europe, Food and Drink, Hotels, Italy, Leisure Travel, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Western Europe   - Read 1211 times

One of the many ski resorts located in the majestic Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Val Gardena, Italy is a must-visit during any ski holiday in the region. Val Gardena is best known in ski racing circles as home to the Saslong Classic, a men’s World Cup downhill race, and long considered [...]

Discover the Prosecco zone, home of Italy’s favorite sparkling wine

Discover the Prosecco zone, home of Italy’s favorite sparkling wine

By on Jan 05, 2012 in Adventure Travel, Europe, Food and Drink, Italy, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe   - Read 1427 times

Lying north of Venice in the province of Treviso, in the foothills of the Marco Trevigiana running from Valdobbiadene to Conegliano, is the Prosecco DOCG wine zone. Vineyards take up just about every square food of land, amongst picturesque towns with ancient churches and castles. Here is the source of the wonderful sparkling wine that [...]

Top 5 reasons to ski Bolzano, Italy

Top 5 reasons to ski Bolzano, Italy

By on Nov 27, 2011 in Europe, Italy, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe   - Read 599 times

Looking for a great ski holiday this year? One that can allow hardcore skiers to indulge in scenic terrain from wide open bowls to gladed trails, while non- or sometime skiers have plenty of other activities to enjoy? Bolzano, in the heart of the Dolomite mountains of Italy, is the perfect spot for you. Located [...]