Tag Archives: excursion

An Afternoon Wine Tasting in Tuscany

During a fall trip to the Mediterranean, I was looking forward to visiting the Tuscany region of Italy.  I had booked a seven-day cruise on the Pullmantur Sovereign and decided to experience the rolling hills of vineyards on an excursion sponsored by the ship.  The opportunity to sample the Italian wines outside of Florence was an unforgettable experience and from that point forward, I became fascinated by the wines of Italy from Chianti to Sangiovese.

The day was absolutely beautiful for a morning in Pisa then a short bus ride to the Tuscan region of Lucca.  Famous for its wine and spectacular countryside, vineyards of Semillon and Pinot Bianco grapes surrounded us as the bus arrived at Fattoria il Poggio.

Fattoria means “farm” in Italian and the il Poggio is what the Italians refer to as an agritourismo, otherwise known as a farm stay.  Farm stays are  perfect for guests who are interested in immersing themselves in the local culture based in an agricultural setting. In most cases, the restaurants at a fattoria will incorporate the “farm to table” concept using its own fresh produce and meats.

With voracious appetites, we were eager to sample the local wines as well as the olive oil produced by the farm.  This beautiful eco-tourismo exports seven red and white wines as well as a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegar.

We arrived to elegantly prepared tables draped in white linen tablecloths where empty wine glasses patiently waited to be filled.  Our host welcomed us to Fattoria il Poggio as servers filled our tables with copious bottles of wine and antipasti.  I could not wait to indulge in the estate wines, snack on locally prepared meats and cheeses and enjoy some of the finest ingredients organically grown at the farm.

The hospitality at Fattoria il Poggio was exceptional, the scenery mesmerizing and the food was more than outstanding.  Enjoying the generous portions set before us, we learned so much about the daily farm activities as well as how their products are made.

The wine pours were flowing and there were plenty of meats, cheeses, bread and olives.  Served family style, I can assure you that no one left hungry and not a drop of wine was left in the bottles.  What an amazing way to spend the afternoon.

We were offered six wines to sample as well as the wide range of items produced at the farm.  Fattoria Il Poggio has been making high quality wines since 1845 as well as growing fruits and medicinal herbs.  These items were available for purchase at the gift shop where other wine related souvenir items were sold as well.

A day in Tuscany is certainly not enough time to visit the region of remarkable wines which has made such an impact on the country’s culture.  With seven World Heritage Sites and endless charming villages, this area is one of the most visited in Italy.

Should guests decide to book a stay at Fattoria il Poggio, luxury  accommodations include such amenities as WiFi, satellite TV, floor heating, a private spa and a rooftop pool.  Additional services include local tours,  onsite events and cooking classes.  The il Poggio is the ideal location for wedding ceremonies, anniversaries and other monumental celebrations.

I absolutely love the idea of supporting local families and booking a stay at an agritourismo.  With first class service, outstanding amenities and fabulous produce, Fattoria il Poggio is the perfect farm stay for a future visit to Tuscany.

Are you a wine lover?  Have you visited a winery that you absolutely loved?  Or do you have the experience of staying at an agritourismo?   I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. And if you have visited Lucca and can recommend other wineries, I would love to hear about your favorites as well.  Many thanks for reading about my wine tasting in Lucca and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  +39 0583 22088

Where to Stay:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  +39 0583 22088

Where to Eat:

Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone:  39 0583 22088

Fattoria il Poggio’s Menu

During our wine tasting, we sampled various delicious Antipasti dishes.

What to Eat: 

  • Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone steak with the filet on one side and sirloin on the other.
  • Cacciucco is a fish soup dish from the port towns of Livorno and Viareggio.
  • Castagnaccio is a cake made from chestnut flour.
  • Crostini Toscani is bread topped with chopped liver sauce.
  • Lampredotto sandwich is made from the fourth stomach of a cow served in broth and served with a spicy sauce.
  • Lardo di Colonnata is cured pork meat.
  • Panzanella is a bread soup served cold made from bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil and vinegar.
  • Pappa al pomodoro is a simple soup made of tomatoes, garlic, and basil leaves served with stale bread.
  • Ribollita is a soup made with cabbage, beef, carrots and onion.

What to Read:

  • A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany,  by Beth Elon
  • A Thousand Days in Tuscany, by Marlena de Blasi
  • A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Dream, by Ferenc Mate
  • Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life, by Frances Mayes
  • Not in a Tuscan Villa, by John and Nancy Petralla
  • The Agony and the Ecstacy, by Irving Stone
  • Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes
  • War in Val D’Orica: An Italian War Diary, 1943 – 1944, by Iris Origo

Photo Guide for Tuscany:

Here are some amazing locations to photograph Tuscany, Italy:

  • Florence:
    • Canonici Palace
    • Florence Baptistry
    • Florence Cathedral
    • Florence Skyline:  view from Palazzo Vecchio
    • Il Duomo
    • Marcampo
    • Michelangelo’s David statue
    • Montalcino Street
    • Palazzo Strozzi
    • Perano Castle
    • Piazalle Michelangelo
    • Piaza del Duomo
    • Pienza
    • Ponte Vecchio
    • The Streets of Florence
    • Uffizi Gallery
    • Volpaia
  • Pisa
    • The Leaning Tower
    • Marina
  • Tuscany
    • Abbazia San Galgano
    • Abbey of Sant’Antimo
    • Agritourismos
    • Basilica di Santa Magherita
    • Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
    • Carrara Marble Quarry
    • Castel Boccale
    • Chianti
    • Cortona
    • Crete Senesi
    • Firenze – the Arno River from the Ponte Santa Trinita
    • Monte Divalli
    • Montepulciano
    • Monticchiello – Strada dei Cipressi
    • Palazzo Pitti
    • Pitigliano
    • Podere Belvedere countryside in the Val D’Orcia
    • Poggio Covilli d’Asso
    • San Gimignano
    • San Giovanni
    • Seminario Maggiore
    • Siena – view from the Torre del Mangio
    • Terranuova Bracciolini
    • Tuscan Tunnel
    • Volterra
  • Wineries
    • Avignonisi
    • Barone Ricasoli
    • Capezanna
    • Castello Banfi
    • Castello di Ama
    • Castiglion del Bosco
    • Poggio al Casone
    • Poggio Antico

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Barbados Shore Excursion: Malibu Rum Tour and Beach

Update:  Malibu Rum Distillery is now The West Indies Rum Distillery

Barbados was one of my favorite ports of call when I worked for the cruise lines.  In addition to visiting all of the historic sites, I loved its coastal beauty.  So years later, when I had an opportunity to visit Barbados again, I wanted to visit the Malibu Rum distillery and its nearby beach.  Exiting the ship, I strolled through the duty free shops and found the taxi stand located outside of the shopping plaza.   I hired a driver for the short 7 minute ride.

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One of the Caribbean’s southernmost islands in the West Indies, the island is known for its rum, beaches, natural wonders and cuisine.  I was looking forward to a relaxing  afternoon soaking up the sun and drinking some fruity Malibu Rum drinks.

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It was easy to find a cab to take me to the Malibu Rum Distillery.  Malibu is the largest coconut rum producer on the island and I love its tropical taste. I entered through a small garden where I found the ticket counter to purchase my tour ticket.  The entry fee allowed me a tour through the distillery, a welcome drink which included the yummy rum and entrance to Malibu Beach with a complimentary beach chair to use for the afternoon.  With ticket in hand, I made my way to the guide for the start of the tour.

Update:  The Malibu Rum Distillery is now the West Indies Rum Distillery

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I learned the process of making rum, the secrets to perfecting the flavor where the tour guide walked me and the group through the process of fermentation, aging and the blending of the liquor.

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Following the informative rum tour, I could not wait to sink my toes in the sand and enjoy the stunning beach with its pure white sand and clear blue waters.  There was a variety of water activities that were free or available for purchase.  I pulled up a lounge chair and clearly enjoyed the beautiful surroundings as well as a couple of free (Malibu rum) mixed drinks.  The cold fruitiness of the drink, the summer breeze and the refreshing waters were a perfect ending to my limited visit on the island of Barbados.

After a couple of hours, I made arrangements for a taxi to return me back to the ship just in time for sailing.

Barbados is a beautiful island that I loved during my days working for the cruise lines.  I can’t wait to explore Barbados again on another cruise in the future.    What a beautiful day in paradise!

Have you visited the island of Barbados?  What did you enjoy the most about your vacation?  I would love to hear about your experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my wonderful visit to the island of flying-fish soup and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The West Indies Rum Distillery
Brighton Beach, Barbados
Telephone:  246 425 9300

Home of Cockspur and Malibu Rum

Where to Stay:

Accra Beach Hotel
Rockley, BB15139
Christchurch
Bridgetown, Barbados
Telephone: 246 435 8920

Where to Eat:

Waterfront Cafe
The Careenage, Bridgetown
St. Michael, Barbados
Telephone:  246 427 0093

What to Eat:

  • Flying fish and cou cou is the national dish of the island
  • Black Cake is baked with dried cherries, prunes and raisins with a little rum added to it.
  • Conkies are sweet desserts made from corn meal, raisins, coconut, and pumpkins with sugar cane and spices which is then put inside of a banana leaf and steamed.
  • Cutters are small sandwiches usually made up of ham, cheese or egg and served with a salad.
  • Fishcakes and Bakes are weekend meals usually cooked for fishfrys. The fish is usually cod, fried in a batter seasoned with local spices and herbs.  Bakes are a form of bread made of flour, salt and water and once baked, dipped in hot sauce.
  • Jug Jug is a casserole made from a mixture of beef and pork along with pigeon peas, onions, hot peppers, corn and stewed.
  • Macaroni pie is similar to macaroni and cheese with onion, herbs and ketchup added to it and topped with breadcrumbs and baked.
  • Pig Tails are a local street food made from the meaty part of the pig tail.
  • Sea Urchins which are stewed or fried.
  • Souse and pudding is a pork and potato dish made from sweet potatoes seasoned with local herbs.

What to Read:

  • Triangular Road: A Memoir, by Paule Marshall
  • Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini
  • A Tan and Sandy Silence, by John D. MacDonald
  • The Seven Lives of Lady Barker, by Betty Gilderdale
  • The Tale of the Body Thief, by Anne Rice
  • Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl, by Kate McCafferty

Photo Guide for Barbados: 

  • Andromeda Botanical Gardens in the east is home to over six acres of flowers and plants
  • The Animal Flower Cave in St. Lucy for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and interesting formations in the cave
  • Barbados Wildlife Reserve in St. Peter to photograph the local Green Monkey.
  • Bath in St. John for stunning views and a popular picnic spot
  • Bottom Bay in St. Philip is known for its rugged, towering cliffs on the southeast side of the island.
  • Bridgetown in St. Michael is a lovely location to photograph its architecture, harbor and charming capitol.
  • Cattlewash and Bathsheba in the east are fabulous surfing locations with large boulders and spectacular beaches.
  • Codrington College built in 1743 is the oldest Anglican Theological College in the Western Hemisphere. The architecture and grounds are absolutely stunning and is one of the most photographed locations on the island.
  • Cove Bay in St. Lucy offers panoramic views of the rocky coastline
  • Culpepper Island is on the east side of the island and only accessible at low tide, located approximately on hundred yards off of the coast.
  • Crane Beach in St. Philip offers pink sand and rugged cliffs.  Most photographed from the Crane Beach Hotel, this location is on the southeast side of the island.
  • East Point Lighthouse is located at Ragged Point and provides a stunning backdrop for views of the coast.
  • Farley Hill National Park in St. Peter was built on a hill with outstanding views of the east coast.  Photograph the architectural ruins and cliffside structure.
  • The Flower Forest is located on the north side of the island that offers panoramic views of beautiful gardens
  • The Garrison in St. Michael is home to several historic buildings and attractions.  The Garrison Savannah is open seasonally offering horse racing.
  • Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary on the south side of the island is home to wildlife set on thirty five acres.
  • Grenade Hall Signal Station in St. Peter was once used to send signals across the island. Beautifully restored, its beautiful views include the surrounding forest and forest trail.
  • Gun Hill Signal Station in St. George is one of two signal stations recently renovated.  Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the large lion statue and panoramic views of the island.
  • Miami Beach / Enterprise Beach for white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas
  • Morgan Lewis Windmill in St. Andrew was built in 1776 and on the site of the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill.  Cherry Tree Hill is north of the windmill and offers panoramic views of the east coast and mahogany forest
  • Orchid World in St. George to photograph a wide variety of orchids
  • Speightstown in St. Peter is great for photographing architecture
  • St. John’s Church in St. John offers stunning gothic architecture and awesome views.
  • St. Martin’s Bay in St. John is a charming fishing village with breathtaking views of the coastline
  • Sunbury Plantation House on the south side of the island is a historical plantation set in a mahogany forest.
  • Welchman Hall Gully in St. Thomas is a great place to photograph plants and the Barbados Green Monkey.  Welchman Hall is a spectacular building that measures nearly three quarters of a mile long.

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Stingray City, Grand Cayman’s #1 Excursion

The weather could not have been more perfect for our amazing excursion to Stingray City.  We arrived at the pier early to catch our tour boat taking us to the barrier reefs of the North Sound.  After a 25 minute ride, the boat anchored near a series of shallow sandbars. The snorkeling site was teaming with colorful fish and the infamous southern stingrays.

With our snorkeling equipment in hand, we disembarked into the sound.  Carefully shuffling our feet so that we did not step on the stingray’s barb, we arrived in the shallow waters measuring three to four feet deep.   Our guide had brought a pail of chummed squid meat for us to feed the stingrays.  We were instructed to hold our hands flat underwater so the stingray will try to “suck” the meat from our hands.   Before long, we were surrounded by nearly 50 stingrays ranging in various sizes, rubbing up against us with hopes of being fed.  These gentle giants were so friendly, we could pet them, feed them and take photos with them.

Stingrays are known to live 15 to 25 years and learned that several of the stingrays on our tour were regulars.  Some of the star stingrays in the group were “Ray Charles” and “Sugar Ray.”  I was most surprised at how unafraid they were of humans and that they were actually playful, rubbing up against us with their soft, slimy-feeling fins.

We enjoyed our 90 minute encounter with these amazing sea creatures which was such an amazing, educational experience.   If you visit the island of Grand Cayman, Stingray City is a must.

Have you visited Stingray City in Grand Cayman?  What did you think of your experience?  I would love to hear what you thought about snorkeling with stingrays if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my amazing experience at Stingray City and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stingray City Cayman Islands
31026 Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands KY1-1205
Telephone: 345 322 3400

Visit the website for a number of excursions that include a trip to Stingray City.

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Bacaro
Yacht Drive, West Bay
Grand Cayman, KY1-9006
Cayman Islands
Telephone: 345 749 4800

I could not resist the Salumi e Formaggi Platter assorted cured meats and gourmet cheese, olives, dried figs, nuts and homemade crackers and ended my night with a chocolate martini.

What to Eat:

  • Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
  • Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
  • Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
  • Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
  • Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
  • Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
  • Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read: 

  • The Firm by John Grisham
  • Founded Upon the Seas:  A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
  • The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
  • Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman:

  • Cayman Crystal Caves:  stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
  • Rum Point:  beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
  • Seven Mile Beach:  pristine white sand for miles
  • Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
  • Stingray City:  above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
  • Sunset over the Edge Cafe:  amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.