Results for Slow Travel

Thank you for your interest in my Taste of Tuscany itinerary which I created from my recent trip there. I hope you enjoy some of my suggestions for your next trip to Florence and the Siena region of Tuscany. If you do, please let me know in a message and maybe a photo. I am organizing this particular tour during this harvest season from September/ October, 2023. Let me know if you would like more information about this trip, it is limited to a small group of 8. As a travel consultant, I have been organizing bespoke tours all over France and Italy since 2012. I enjoy traveling and sharing my wonderful local small/slow travel experiences with the intension of helping small family businesses recover from the past couple of difficult years. I have more itineraries to share from around the world, so be on the look out. I envision the Next Renaissance will be in the small towns and villages in Italy, where the people have lived close to the earth for generations, cultivating a simple but beautiful way of life we can all learn from. There is a shift away from big travel business, toward slow/small travel. It is the way I like to travel. Enjoy! Buon Viaggio!! ...and please mention my name to the locals :) Taste of Tuscany Tour By Sweet Life Italy (aka Alecia Caine) Friday, Oct 21 - Day 1 Montalcino Wine Excursion Drive through the beautiful Siena province to Montalcino where we will stay for 2 nights at Paradiso di Caruci https://paradisodicacuci.com , a family owned Winery and Bed & Breakfast that produces a small quantity of exceptional Brunello. Tour the vineyard and winery with Francisco followed by a Wine Paring Lunch. In the evening, wander around the historical town of Montelcino during the Sagra del Tordo, taste the famous white truffles, chestnuts, mushrooms, fresh pressed olive oils, salumi and wines, of course. For transportation from anywhere in Florence, train station or airport, contact Marco Modesti at info@tuscanytopdrivers.com Saturday, Oct 22 - Day 2 Tuscany Tour, Montalcino Medieval Nights. Drive to Pienza, a beautiful medieval village that was completely renovated during the Renaissance. Enjoy the views and also try the Pecorino cheese this town is famous for. Then drive through the famous rolling hills of Val d’Orcia on the way to visit the town of Montepulciano. Then back to Montalcino for a special dinner during the Medieval Palio di Arcieri or Archery competition hosted by Francesco Ditta from Paradiso di Caruci. Sunday, Oct. 23 - Day 3 Tuscany Tour, Florence After breakfast, we are on our way to Siena, a beautiful terra cotta medieval town. See the famous Duomo, climb to the top to see spectacular views. Walk the quaint circular streets stopping in the specialty shops for regional delicacies, panforte or biscotti. Make your way down to the Piazza del Campo where the famous Palio di Siena, the horse race that takes place twice a year. Enjoy a coffee in the Piazza. Drive through the Chianti region, enjoy lunch at Dario's Antica Macelleria. https://www.dariocecchini.com/ On to Florence and check into your hotel. The Calimala https://www.hotelcalimala.com/ (or Hotel Bonifacio is a budget conscious option https://www.hotelbonifacio.it/en/home-en-3/) Monday, Oct. 24 - Day 4 Florence, the Birthplace of the Renaissance The morning light is amazing in Florence and has inspired artists and art lovers for centuries. It’s no wonder Florence is at the heart of the Italian Renaissance. The scent of cappuccino and fresh baked Cornetti will gently signal it’s time to awaken to your own personal Renaissance. After breakfast, your guide will meet you downstairs for a private walking tour of the Duomo, Giotto’s tower Brunelleshci's dome, MichelAngelo’s David and the Uffizi Museum to see my favorite Botticelli, The Birth of Venus. After a long day of sight seeing, it’s time for a siesta to refresh and be ready for an aperativo at Enoteca Alessi https://www.enotecaalessi.it/. With a huge selection of Italian and international wines as well as whiskeys, spirits and liqueurs from all over the world, you can enjoy a bottle or 2 among friends with a tagliere of Italian cured meats and cheeses. Dinner at Ribeo, https://www.facebook.com/OsteriaRibeo/ the hand cut Chianina tartare will not disappoint. On the walk back to the hotel stop by My Sugar Gelato Artiginale https://my-sugar.business.site/. The Black Sesame and salty caramel are my favorites. For tour guide in English contact Carol Ann Sicbaldi https://carolsmoveablefeast.com/ or Christina’s Florence christinasflorence@gmail.com Heliania Vogli at https://www.florenceconnection.net/ Tuesday, Oct. 25 - Day 5 Central Market and Cooking Class Our chef will meet us after breakfast and take us on a tasting tour of the Central Market to indulge in regional delicacies such as truffles, Pecorino or Sheep Cheese, olive oil, prosciutto, salamis and wines. We will gather ingredients for a cooking class followed by lunch. After a siesta, visit the tiny but packed art and leather studio of Daniela Baldini http://pitturantica.it/ for ancient style paintings and leather objects. Shop at Melrose Vintage https://www.instagram.com/melrosevintagestorefirenze/?hl=it and for leather goods. Enjoy an aperativo at La Menagere https://www.lamenagere.it/ Wednesday, Oct. 26 - Day 6 Foodie and Artisan Tour of the Oltrarno After breakfast, finish shopping to bring some goodies back home, stroll around, sit in a café and just enjoy with all your senses. In the afternoon meet up with Lorenzo Marchi for a fantastic food and wine tour of the other side of the Arno, known as the Oltrarno infoLorenzoMarchi@gmail.com. You will visit the quaint authentic neighborhoods where the Florentines hang out tasting all the best from the Tuscan region. Stroll around after your tour and check out the artisan studios in the cradle of the Renaissance. You will see small workshops of Goldsmiths, bookbinding, handmade leather and paper products, crystal, bronze and musical instruments Thursday, Oct 27 - Day 7 Last Day in Florence. After breakfast, enjoy the day, take a stroll, shop, have lunch. Contact: Alecia Caine abccpa@sbcglobal.net Instagram : Sweet Life Italy Facebook : My Sweet Life Italy https://sweetlifeitaly.blogspot.com/
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Looking to explore Ireland down the country road less traveled? The west of Ireland is the perfect place to unplug, unwind and experience the true heart of Ireland. I love traveling as much as I possibly can and live by two travel rules. Firstly, I have to have at least one trip booked at all times and secondly, I have to visit at least one new place each year. I went on my first flight at two-weeks old (to Ireland funnily enough) and I’ve been back to visit every year since. It’s the only exception I make to rule #2.  I’m a third culture kid meaning I was raised in a country other than where my parents were raised. I was born in London to an Irish mother (who was born in Arizona but raised in Ireland) and an English father (who was born and raised in Singapore). We moved to Connecticut when I was 6, Hong Kong when I was 13 and back to Connecticut when I was 15. In an effort to keep my brothers and I in touch with our maternal Irish roots, we spent eight-weeks each summer on the west coast of Ireland in Spanish Point, County Clare.  Spanish Point is a little seaside village along the Wild Atlantic Way about 45 minutes from Shannon Airport named after two boats part of the Spanish Armada that shipwrecked off the coast in 1588. It’s a perfect little spot to retreat to with lush, green, rolling hills, breathtaking cliffs, freshest air, and friendliest people. There are so many things to do within a ~30-minute drive from Spanish Point making it the perfect place to stay without spending too much time stuck in the car. There is so much to see in this tiny but wonderful country and you might feel pressured to bop all over the place to squeeze in as much as you possibly can. If you take anything away from this piece, it's to lean into slow travel. Ireland is the perfect place to enjoy the journey instead of just the destination, immerse yourself in local culture and connect with charming locals. Plan your trip to have no real set agenda at all. You’ll be so surprised at what you stumble upon. 
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Experience the heart of Lisbon with these 5 must-visit spots, perfect for slow travel. 1. Jardim da Estrela Also known as the Estrela Garden, this garden is one of Lisbon’s most enchanting green spaces, as it offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. This beautifully landscaped garden, located opposite the iconic Basilica da Estrela, is a perfect spot for relaxation and unhurried exploration. Spread over 4.6 hectares, Jardim da Estrela features a diverse array of exotic plants, towering trees, and vibrant flowerbeds, creating a lush and serene environment. As you stroll along its winding paths, you’ll come across charming gazebos, ornate fountains, and quaint ponds inhabited by ducks and swans. Needless to say, it's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 2. Jerónimos Monastery Marvel at the stunning architectural grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site and immerse yourself in its rich history. Take your time exploring the intricate details and serene cloisters. This place gets pretty crowded, so make sure to get here early. 3. Miradouro das Portas do Sol This is one of Lisbon’s most iconic viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s historic Alfama district and the Tagus River. This scenic overlook is a must-visit spot for anyone seeking to capture the essence of Lisbon’s charm and beauty. Perched on a hillside, Miradouro das Portas do Sol provides a stunning vantage point to admire the red-tiled rooftops, winding cobblestone streets, and whitewashed buildings of Alfama, one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Lisbon. From this viewpoint, you can see notable landmarks such as the dome of the National Pantheon, the twin towers of São Vicente de Fora Church, and the grandeur of Lisbon Cathedral. The terrace itself is a lively and vibrant place, often filled with street musicians, artists, and vendors selling local crafts and refreshments. It’s an ideal spot to pause and soak in the atmosphere, with plenty of benches and seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the view. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly magical times to visit, as the soft light enhances the beauty of the landscape and offers fantastic photo opportunities. 4. Embaixada Located in the charming Príncipe Real neighborhood, Embaixada is a unique shopping gallery housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century palace. This cultural hub features a collection of boutiques and concept stores showcasing local designers, artisans, and contemporary brands. As you wander through the elegant halls and rooms, you'll find a diverse range of products, from fashion and accessories to home décor and gourmet treats. The building itself is a work of art, with its intricate architectural details, grand staircases, and ornate ceilings, making it a destination worth savoring at a leisurely pace. Embaixada is perfect for those who appreciate creativity and wish to support local craftsmanship while enjoying a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. 5. The National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo) This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the art and history of Portuguese tiles, known as azulejos. Housed in the former Convent of Madre de Deus, this museum offers a serene and captivating environment to explore the intricate and colorful tiles that have become a defining feature of Portuguese culture. The collection spans several centuries, showcasing the evolution of tile-making techniques and styles from the 15th century to contemporary works. Each spot provides a unique glimpse into Lisbon's vibrant culture and beauty, making it an ideal itinerary for those who love to savor their travel experiences.
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Discover the Best of the UK with our Interactive Guides – Free and Paid Options Available! About Me: After an unforgettable road trip through Scotland in Summer 2018 and a year in the UK as part of my Erasmus+ degree, I fell head over heels for this beautiful country. I returned to France to finish my master’s degree, met my British husband, and we managed a long-distance relationship for 3+ years. Fast forward to November 2022, we got married and relocated to London in April 2023. Now, whenever we get the chance, we escape London to explore the UK’s stunning national parks, towns, and cities. With these carefully curated guides, my goal is to inspire YOU to discover the UK's hidden gems and most beautiful locations. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there's something for everyone! Pro Tip: Want to get a sense of where these locations are in relation to major cities like London? Be sure to use the interactive map feature to find directions instantly! I hope these guides spark your curiosity and inspire you for your next UK adventure. COMING SOON: ➕ Day trips from London 🌄 Brecon Beacons National Park 🌊 Cornwall Itinerary 🌄 7-Days Scotland Road Trip 🦖 Jurassic Coast Itinerary 🏙️ Guide to Bath 🏙️ Oxford & Cambridge and more! Be sure to tag me in your travel photos! @Tootly.Travels Important Note: This is an interactive guide, not a PDF. When you click on a location or map pin you can directly open directions in Google Maps, call restaurants or book hotels on the go. Don't forget to download the FREE Thatch App for quick and easy access to all your travel guides! Start exploring today and unlock the UK's best-kept secrets with just a click!
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