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Slow Travel Tours https://slowtraveltours.com/ Small Group Tours in Europe Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:24:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Villages and Vines in the South of France https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/villages-and-vines-in-the-south-of-france/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=villages-and-vines-in-the-south-of-france https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/villages-and-vines-in-the-south-of-france/#respond Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:24:08 +0000 https://slowtraveltours.com/?p=27042 Anne & Kirk Woodyard – Music and Markets Tours Join us for a wander in the arriere-pays – the lesser-known inland villages, hills and valleys of the region where we owned a home for twenty years. From the heights of Continue reading →

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Anne & Kirk Woodyard – Music and Markets Tours

Join us for a wander in the arriere-pays – the lesser-known inland villages, hills and valleys of the region where we owned a home for twenty years. From the heights of Béziers, the closest city to our home in Occitanie, formerly the Languedoc (sometimes called the OTHER or the REAL South of France),our gaze encompasses vineyards, the Canal du Midi, villages and winding roads blanketing the plain to the Montagne Noir in the distance. Cazouls-les-Béziers, our first stop, is one of the many places that include the big city in their name. It’s a quiet village (we don’t see a soul as we walk around!) set in the middle of vineyards, with a pretty church, St. Saturnin.Scents of the garrigue – scrub covering the uncultivated hills – wild rosemary, thyme, and other aromatic herbs – waft into the car (we’ve rented a convertible for this trip – perfect weather to ride al fresco!) as we slowly meander the narrowest roads we can find, traversing vineyards,vines heavy with grapes ready for harvest.Puisserguier (featured photo on top) is our next stop, a circulade (walled circular village) with abundant flowers throughout. We’ve noticed several of these delightful murals in Beziers and surrounding villages –wonderful trompe l’oeil details that make you want to walk right in!
The Languedoc cross flies over the chateau, dating from the 1200s, atop the village.We’re invited to pause for a tour, but decide to wander the rest of the villageand continue on to St. Chinian, a respected wine town where we sample a few local tipples, and come away with a few bottles for our wine cave in Aix.The harvest is in full swing around here, and nearly everyone is out in the vineyards. Chateau La Dournie, on the edge of town, has been woman-owned and operated for six generations, and Mme. Etienne (whose daughter is the current winemaker) is kind enough to take time away from her post in the office to show us the winery, fragrant with crushed grapes. Whites and reds await the magic of the winemaker – sweet to the taste, right off the vine.Dropping a light down into a vat, she shows us the grapes beginning to bubble and ferment – on their way to becoming a valued wine.We’ll definitely want to try one of their vintages when we return!
Last stop today is Murviel-les-Béziers, another circular village surrounded by ramparts. The elegant Chateau de Mus sits atop the town,with expansive views. Intricately carved portals, doors and mullioned windowsare a testament to the importance of the town in centuries past. Today, it quietly surveys the acres of vineyards carpeting the valley of the Orb River.
Do villages and vines entice?  This is just a sampling of the many villages and views awaiting exploration in the quieter interior of Occitanie, and just one of the many themes to choose for a customized itinerary in the south of France. We happily design and host personalized tours, crafted around the desires of our guests. Let us know where you’d like to explore!

The best way to describe us (Kirk and Anne Woodyard) is that we’re interested in the stories that make the places we visit come alive.

We’ve visited Europe more times than we can count, learned some entertaining stories there, and met some warm and helpful people who also enjoy the wonders of music and life in Europe. We look forward to sharing these stories and friends and experiences with our Music and Markets guests.

Since 2003 we’ve hosted Music and Markets tours in France, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, England and Spain, and in 2019 added Wonder Tours with a more intentional concentration on art and architecture, local culture, food and wine, and less time dedicated to concert-going.We also design and host custom private tours – previous locations include many French, Spanish, British and Italian regions.

Between our music-related travels, we enjoy our home in the south of France. While both of us have experience in organizing travel and music groups, Kirk’s background is in project management and competitive writing, and Anne is an accomplished pianist with over forty years of teaching and performance experience.

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.

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Pack for the Camino de Santiago in Spain https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/packing-for-the-camino-trail-in-spain/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=packing-for-the-camino-trail-in-spain https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/packing-for-the-camino-trail-in-spain/#respond Sun, 10 Mar 2024 11:55:40 +0000 https://slowtraveltours.com/?p=27021 Walking the Camino in Spain is slow travel at its best. As a pilgrim, what you see each day is what you find along the trail on your own two feet (or wheels if you are cycling the Camino). One Continue reading →

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Walking the Camino in Spain is slow travel at its best. As a pilgrim, what you see each day is what you find along the trail on your own two feet (or wheels if you are cycling the Camino). One of the big challenges when planning your Camino trip is packing.

  • What shoes should you wear?
  • How cold will it get at night?
  • Do you need walking poles?

Each year we host three Camino trips. This year our trips are in April 2024, September 2024, and October 2024. The October Camino journey is our only all-genders trip. The others are women only adventures.

Here are a few tips to help you pack for the Camino de Santiago in Spain whether you come with us or do the trek on your own.

Packing for the Camino women trip spain

Shoes:

  • Hoka Speedgoat or Ons are popular.
  • If you doing the part of the Camino over the Pyrenees and carrying a backpacking pack, then get boots.

Blister Care:

  • Compeed
  • Moleskin

Clothing:

  • Columbia Warm Trek Beanie
  • Lightweight Gloves
  • Columbia Hooded Jacket
  • Arc’teryx Fleece Hoodie
  • Columbia Saturday Trail Pants
  • Sports Bra Anita Air Control
  • Visit REI for additional options

Socks:

  • Darn Tough Women’s Light Hiker
  • Darn Tough Women’s Micro Crew
  • Sockwell Compression Socks for flight

Day Pack:

  • Osprey Daylite 20
  • Other options at REI

Other Resources:

  • Steps Out of Time by Katharine Soper
  • What Psychic Told the Pilgrim by Jane Christmas

 

You can see a complete list of Camino gear and links here.

 Regina Winkle-BryanRegina Winkle-Bryan is a writer, educator, and avid globetrotter based in Seattle, Washington. She founded Bold Spirit Travel to help women connect and create community while exploring our vast and beautiful planet

She leads all-women, small-group tours to Italy, Costa Rica, and her corner of the USA, the Pacific Northwest. She lived in Spain for a decade and loves to take guests along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, as well as curated trips to Barcelona and the Costa Brava.

Learn more about where you can travel next with Bold Spirit Travel: www.boldspirittravel.com

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.

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2025 Photo Tours in Europe https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/2025-photo-tours-in-europe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2025-photo-tours-in-europe https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/2025-photo-tours-in-europe/#respond Sun, 03 Mar 2024 14:46:36 +0000 https://slowtraveltours.com/?p=26973 Plan your 2025 Photo Tours in Europe now! It’s not too early to reserve your spot and start dreaming about creating your own masterpieces during your 2025 trip with Jim and Magrit of Photography Travel Tours (our 15th season) Photography Continue reading →

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Plan your 2025 Photo Tours in Europe now!

It’s not too early to reserve your spot and start dreaming about creating your own masterpieces during your 2025 trip with Jim and Magrit of Photography Travel Tours (our 15th season)

Photography and Travel – it doesn’t get any better than this!

Click on each photo below to find more information about each respective tour. If you click through to this page, you will also find answers to several frequently asked questions like group size (small and personal), required skill level (all levels are welcome), and travel philosophy (slow travel). We’re looking forward to traveling and photographing with you in Europe in 2025!

We specifically chose to focus on European destinations for photography and we assure you that we will take you to the most exquisite locations to add that WOW factor to your photographs. To see how our participants (we’re happy to say that over 60% are “repeat offenders”) feel about traveling with us, click here. »

If you’d prefer to join us this spring and early summer, you can read about all 2024 photo tour on our previous blog post by clicking here. » Some of our 2024 tours still have openings.

Join our 2025 photo tours in Europe in The Netherlands

Photograph the amazing diversity of this small country including medieval towns, boats, and canals, the stately windmills of Kinderdijk, the vibrant tulips fields of North Holland, over-the-top color in the Keukenhof Flower Gardens, modern Rotterdam, and much more.

Our 2025 photo tours in Europe take us again to the colorful fishing villages of the Cinque Terre.

If you are looking for one of the best destinations in the world for creating stunning masterpieces, join our popular Photo Tour of the five car-free picturesque Italian fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, perched against steep cliffs and surrounded by terraced vineyards — a highlight of our 2025 Photo Tours in Europe!

Join us on one or more of our 2025 photo tours in Europe in Tuscany

Imagine medieval hill towns, cypress-lined lanes, the scent of herbs and wildflowers, rolling green hills, delicious fresh food and wine, and best of all, capturing stunning, professional images on our Tuscany Photo Tour. One of the best destinations in the world to take a photo tour and create your own stunning masterpieces.

Magical Venice in Italy is one destination on our 2025 photo tours in Europe

One of our destinations on our 2025 photo tours in Europe is Venice, the most beautiful city in the world which has many different names: Venezia, City of Bridges, City of Light, City of Water, Queen of the Adriatic, and La Serenissima — all descriptive terms for this amazing city located on a group of sinking islands in the middle of a lagoon in NE Italy. The term of endearment that best suits this idyllic and magical city is “La Serenissima,” which means “The Most Serene” in Italian. Expect a fantastic visual feast on our Venice Photo Tour!

One of our destinations on our 2025 photo tours in Europe is beautiful and versatile Portugal

Join us on this exciting Portugal Photo Tour and photograph fascinating Porto, lush vineyards in the Douro Valley, impressive 12th-century monasteries, the tile-covered town of Aveiro, and medieval Obidos. Portugal is safe, very welcoming, and offers an amazing variety of breathtaking visual treats – a photographer’s paradise. On this Portugal Photo Tour, you will photograph trendy Porto, the lush wine terraces of the Douro Valley, the tile-covered town of Aveiro, medieval Obidos, a mysterious chapel in the surf, the impressive monastery in Tomar, and the charming fishing village of Nazaré.

Two favorite location on our 2025 photo tours in Europe are alpine Slovenia and the Dolomites in Italy.

Imagine photographing “Peak Italy and Slovenia” — Snowcapped mountains, vast meadows fragrant with wildflowers, romantic chapels, and charming alpine architecture. One of our favorite destination on our 2025 photo tours in Europe.

Our 2025 photo tours in Europe include photographing lavender in Provence and the white horses in the Camargue

Photograph lavender and sunflowers, white horses charging through the surf, flamingos, and charming French villages on our Provence Photo Tour. This region of France offers so many photographic opportunities and versatility in such a small area that we could not pass up offering it as a Photo Tour.

We warmly invite you to join us on our 2025 Photo Tours in Europe. 

Jim + Magrit

J_M_150x150(1)Jim and Magrit have been photographing professionally and traveling in Europe for the past 20 years.

They started Photography Travel Tours in 2011 with the goal of educating and guiding photographers to some of the most beautiful and iconic scenes in Europe.

The tours are not just about getting great photographs but also have the side benefits of doing so in wonderful environments. Great food, wine, people, and ambiance.

Read more about Jim & Magrit and their wonderful photo tours here: (http://photographytraveltours.com/about/).

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.

 

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Cruising From Restaurant to Vineyard Aboard the Randle https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/cruising-from-restaurant-to-vineyard/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cruising-from-restaurant-to-vineyard https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/cruising-from-restaurant-to-vineyard/#respond Sun, 25 Feb 2024 17:05:44 +0000 https://slowtraveltours.com/?p=26906 Cruising From Restaurant to Vineyard Aboard the Randle As February transitions into March we are busy with preparations for the 2024 cruising season. Aboard the Randle we are introducing water source heat-pump heating, marking another significant stride in our commitment Continue reading →

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Cruising From Restaurant to Vineyard Aboard the Randle

As February transitions into March we are busy with preparations for the 2024 cruising season. Aboard the Randle we are introducing water source heat-pump heating, marking another significant stride in our commitment to reducing fossil fuel consumption.

The Randle also holds a fascinating piece of maritime history as her construction includes vintage portholes, sourced from the renowned cruise liner Canberra. So esteemed was the Canberra in her day that a UK postage stamp was issued in her honour. Originally navigating routes from Melbourne to Sydney, Auckland, Suva, Honolulu, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, Randle now offers guests the opportunity to wake up to serene views from her portholes, gently cruising along the tranquil waters of the Canal de Nivernais.

The Canberra Commemorative Postcard

The Canberra Commemorative Postcard

Cruising from restaurant to vineyard is undeniably one of the great pleasures of travelling aboard the Randle. While Chardonnay and Pinot Noir take centre stage, there is a hidden gem in the Randle’s wine cellar: César, a grape variety introduced to Burgundy by the Romans two millennia ago and exclusive to the region. Cultivated around the charming villages of St Bris and Irancy five miles from the canal, the ancient César grape occupies approximately five hectares of land. Despite its rarity, César boasts unique characteristics, offering a distinct flavour profile.
The César wine’s robust tannins bestow upon it a distinctive flavour profile, necessitating a period of aging to unveil its complete character. With maturity, it presents a spicy palate complemented by delicate notes of raspberry and violet. Pairing beautifully with a variety of dishes, César wine harmonizes splendidly with roasts, game meats, casseroles, and gravied dishes. Additionally, it complements the richness of Epoisses and Soumaintrain cheeses, enhancing the overall dining experience with its depth and complexity. Indulge in pairings of cheese and wine aboard the Randle and savour the finest flavours of the region

Céser Wine Chablis

Céser from one of our local wine producers

Enhance your culinary journey by dining at some of the most esteemed restaurants in the area.

This month our featured restaurant is Au Fil De Zinc in Chablis, a culinary gem already recognized in the Michelin guide and poised for even greater acclaim. Experience modern and contemporary dining curated by head chef Mathieu SAGARDOYTH, whose inspiration stems from cherished childhood memories in his family butcher shop and countryside kitchens. With ingredients sourced from the very best local producers, each dish at Au Fil De Zinc embodies a celebration of homegrown flavours and artisanal craftsmanship.

Dine at Au Fil De Zinc with our exclusive door-to-door evening chauffeur service ensuring a seamless culinary experience.

Cruising from restaurant to Vineyard

The Randle: Cruising from restaurant to Vineyard.

Enjoy the convenience of our transfers from and to your Paris hotel and elevate your Parisian getaway by embarking on a canal trip. Your next cruising adventure awaits, promising relaxation and unforgettable memories, begin your journey here at Edge Charter

Tim Harrold is owner and captain of the Randle, a beautiful and classically styled river boat fitted with two en-suite cabins and all the modern facilities to travel in comfort.

Tim offers private barge tours on the picturesque Burgundy Canal du Nivernais and river Yonne. A luxury cruise with Tim and his crew includes gourmet cuisine, fine wine, and guided tours by private car to vineyards and chateaux. Learn more about Edge Charter and barge trips on the Randle along Burgundy's canals and rivers here.

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.

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Experiencing History and European Culture on a Small Group Battlefield Tour https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/experiencing-history-and-european-culture-on-a-small-group-battlefield-tour/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=experiencing-history-and-european-culture-on-a-small-group-battlefield-tour https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/experiencing-history-and-european-culture-on-a-small-group-battlefield-tour/#respond Sun, 18 Feb 2024 13:32:24 +0000 https://slowtraveltours.com/?p=26868 Small group battlefield tours are a great way to immerse yourself in history and learn a little European culture at the same time. At Knee Deep Into History (KDIH) we strive to bring the WW1 and WW2 battlefields of Western Continue reading →

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Small group battlefield tours are a great way to immerse yourself in history and learn a little European culture at the same time. At Knee Deep Into History (KDIH) we strive to bring the WW1 and WW2 battlefields of Western Europe to life while introducing American clients to a bit of European culture. It’s time to make history more interesting than a high school history lesson. Put on your hiking boots or trekking shoes and get knee deep into history with us! Here’s a brief description of what you can expect on a KDIH tour.

 

 

Battlefield Touring Activities

First and foremost, our small group battlefield tours are designed to tell the story of a particular battle by getting participants into the field. This means spending relatively more time where an action took place and relatively less time in museums and visiting memorials.

Where and when possible, we incorporate walks of moderate length and duration into our tours. These walks allow participants to gain an appreciation for the intensity of combat during the events that occurred there. For example, the Meuse-Argonne Sector and St. Mihiel Salient of WW1 are chock-full of the remains of German defensive positions, trench lines and No Man’s Land that the American Doughboys had to overcome. It is a bit harder, but not impossible, to find visible remains in the faster-moving WW2 battles.

Photographing trench remains in the St. Mihiel Salient on a recent small group battlefield tour

Photographing trench remains in the St. Mihiel Salient of WW1

KDIH tour guide Markus Klauer explains the German advance against the 99th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge during a small group battlefield tour

KDIH Tour guide Markus Klauer explains the German advance against the 99th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge.

 

We also rely on a variety of tools to put each story into the appropriate context of the battle and, ultimately, the war. These tools include then and now photos, first person accounts and maps. Then and now photos have proven to be amazingly popular with clients, as it helps them “see” a battlefield 80 – 100 years later. They also are used to show the geographic changes that have occurred over the last several decades.

Then and now photos are a great way to help participants see the battlefield on a small group battlefield tour.

Then and now photo of Apremont-sur-Aire, taken just across from the tour hotel

 

First person accounts are also great to help clients “see” a battlefield. For example, in the Ypres Salient (WW1) we visit the Gravenstafel Ridge and listen to Will R. Bird’s excellent account of an unsuccessful trench raid that his unit participated in the night of 2-3 November 1917. We then visit some of his deceased comrade’s graves in Commonwealth cemeteries and memorials to the missing in the Ypres Salient. In the Hürtgen Forest (WW2) we listen to Lt. Paul Boesch’s spell-binding account of the 121st Infantry Regiment’s assault on the Village of Hürtegen.

Small group battlefield tour guides rely on several first-person accounts for their stories

Just one of the excellent biographies we use in the field.

 

Finally, maps can also help participants “see” the action. This is true whether one is looking at official trench maps of WW1 or hand-drawn maps by an officer or NCO present during the action. This is especially helpful when the trench lines of WW1 have reverted to farmland, as is the case in the area shown in the map below.

Maps help tour participants visualize or see the battlefield on a small group battlefield tour.

French map showing WW1 trenches around Seicheprey, France

 

 

Commemoration Activities on a Battlefield Tour

Equally important to most participants on a small group battlefield tour is the inclusion of commemoration activities—especially when tour participants are walking in the footsteps of a loved one who died during the war. Commemoration activities can include spreading poppy seeds at or gathering soil from the spot where a soldier fell, as well as wreath-laying, grave rubbing and participation in flag-lowering ceremonies at military cemeteries. The advantage of a small group tour is that, with advance notice, we can build many commemorative activities into the itinerary!

Laying a wreath at the grave of a fallen soldier during a small group battlefield tour

Wreath-laying is a popular act of commemoration on a small group battlefield tour.

Grave rubbings provide the participants with a momento they can take home

Grave rubbings provide tour participants with a memento they can take home.

Visiting graves and reading letters from the fallen is also very moving

There wasn’t a dry eye in the group when Karen Z. read the last letter written by her great uncle, just days before he died.

 

 

Cultural Activities on a Battlefield Tour

We realize that even die-hard history buffs need an occasional break from the battlefields. Therefore, on our longer small group battlefield tours we incorporate a few cultural activities. Champagne or Calvados tastings are extremely popular. We also visit historic landmarks, such as the Bayeux Tapestry in Normandy or historic churches. And we build in some time for shopping or general sightseeing. We are also opportunistic with regards to other cultural activities such as commemoration concerts, street fairs, etc. For example, our December 2024 80th Anniversary Battle of the Bulge Tour will feature a visit to Trier, Germany’s Christmas Market right before the holidays.

Champagne and calvados tastings are always popular on a small group battlefield tour

Inspecting local champagne grapes before a champagne tasting on a battlefield tour

This 16th century sculpture is attributed to Ligier Richier.

Cultural activities include visits to churches. This 16th century altar is attributed to French sculptor Ligier Richier. It sits in a church amid the WW1 battlefields.

 

 

A Break in the Action

Participants can expect to be in the field from 9:00am to around 5:00pm. This is followed by two to three hours of down time, allowing participants to rest, relax, catch up on communications, etc.

 

 

The European Dining Experience

Bridging cultures is another one of KDIH’s core philosophies. European multi-course dinners tend to start later (at 7:30 or 8:00pm) and last longer (two to two-and-a-half hours) than American dinners. Thus, they provide an excellent opportunity to talk about events of the day, share information and ask even more questions to the guides. When the opportunity presents itself, we will invite special guests to join us for dinner. These can include ABMC superintendents and their families, key members of local historical associations or well-known authors and guides.

When possible, we will invite experts or cemetery personnel to dine with us

Participants had the opportunity to talk to Verdun historian Christina Holstein during this 2022 dinner.

Long European dinners provide a good time to reflect on the day's activities

On this 2021 Ardennes Tour we were fortunate to have a mix of American and German participants.

 

(To be clear, continental breakfasts are provided at the hotel, and we generally eat box lunches in the field to save time. In addition, our vehicles are stocked with fruit, snacks, soda and water, allowing clients to re-charge their batteries in the field.)

 

 

All of this in an ever-changing Environment

Tour guides have to wear many hats, and keeping up with the changes of a battlefield is one of them. New monuments and markers are unveiled. In rare instances soldiers are found and their remains are reburied. Restaurants and hotels open, change ownership or close. Good tour guides need to modify the itineraries of the small group battlefield tours they offer to take advantage of these changes. There is a wonderful story of closure behind this Brother in Arms Memorial in the Ypres Salient that is told in this blogpost.

Tour guides need to modify their small group battlefield tour itineraries to reflect new memorials.

One of the newer memorials in the Ypres Salient is this Brother in Arms memorial.

 

I often use this Venn diagram to illustrate that creating an engaging and inspiring small group battlefield tour requires so much more than just understanding and explaining historic events.

Small group battlefield tour guides need to know more than just history to run a successful tour

Small group battlefield tour guides need to know more than just history.

 

 

What our Clients Say About our Battlefield Tours

In closing, I want to share a handful of testimonials from recent clients.

This week has been a dream come true for me. Thanks to the meticulous preparation and execution of the two of you. I truly feel as if I was walking in the footsteps of my grand-uncle in WWI and of my dad in WWII, seeing what each of them was seeing, and trying to imagine what each of them might have been thinking and feeling during their respective wartime experiences. I couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful experience ant the way the two of you embraced my entire family made the experience even more magical and memorable for me. I can’t thank you enough!

John (aka Jack) Decker

June 2023

 

You have both far exceeded my expectations on this trip. I have been on many tours all over the world and know how they should be done and you two have surpassed them all. The time you both put in to personalize the trip details was extraordinary. The most thrilling part for me was sharing this experience with all of my brothers. We have never traveled like this all together and I was not sure how that would work out. Thanks to you two, it was fabulous. And to have Aidan and my grandson, Jake, as part of this is the thrill of a lifetime. They will never forget this experience.

Thank you!

Bill Decker

June 2023

 

On behalf of the men, women and horses of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard we can’t thank you enough for your professionalism, organization and friendship on this tour. Being able to walk in the footsteps of our unit and men during the Great War has been a tremendous experience. However, visiting the cemeteries and honoring our fallen has been very emotional and the highlight of this journey.

With kindest regards and admiration.

Capt. Paul Mazarra and Others

23 April 2023

 

What a well-conceived and well-managed expedition!

The route was efficiently planned and you provided appropriate context to make things clear when we were out of sequence. You offered the right level of detail for a general audience, while being able to discuss more detail and bring in the perspective of others. To a degree, we all discovered the Yankee Division together.

There were many highlights—places I’ve long wanted to see; memorable cemetery visits and wreath-layings; a feel for rural France. The group worked well together and enjoyed each other and you were catalysts to just the right degree.

Merci beaucoup! And I hope to be able to travel with you again.

Andy German

23 April 2023

 

 

Putting it all Together

We are pleased to offer a variety of small-group, all-inclusive, battlefield tours covering the WW2 battlefields of Normandy, the Ardennes, the Hürtgen Forest and Operation Market-Garden, as well as the WW1 battlefields of the American Expeditionary Forces, Verdun, Flanders Fields and the Somme.

History is more than just learning dates, facts and figures in a high school classroom. Whether you want to retrace a relative’s service or just learn more about a particular battle, get knee deep into history and to join us on a battlefield tour. There is still time to reserve a space for 2024!

Please visit our website for our 2024 tour schedule, our tour philosophy and additional testimonials and more.

 

Dragons teeth anti-tank obstacles along Germany's Westwall are still visible today

The infamous dragons teeth along Germany’s Westwall

 

 

 
 Randy GaulkeAfter decades of personal battlefield tours, Randy Gaulke quit his job as a financial analyst in Manhattan and spent eight months in France in 2017-18 as a freelance guide during the World War I Centennial.

He subsequently founded Knee Deep Into History, with a philosophy of getting clients into the field on a small-group tour designed for the military history enthusiast. Equally important is the attempt to tell both sides of the story and to help Americans bridge cultures. Most tours are led jointly with European guides, including retired Bundeswehr officer and historian Markus Klauer. The groups enjoy family-owned European hotels and restaurants.

Experience a military history tour that brings the battlefield to life! Learn more at www.kneedeepintohistory.com

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.

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New! San Gimignano Painting Workshop https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/new-san-gimignano-painting-workshop/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-san-gimignano-painting-workshop https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/new-san-gimignano-painting-workshop/#respond Sun, 11 Feb 2024 11:00:18 +0000 https://slowtraveltours.com/?p=26801 Live for a Week in a Tuscan Hill Town May 11 – 18, 2024 holds a New San Gimignano Painting Workshop opportunity. We will be living for the week in the quintessential Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano, also known Continue reading →

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This scene of a classic Tuscan farmhouse will be available as a painting location at San Gimignano Painting Workshop.

A classic Tuscan farmhouse in a sweeping landscape on the hills surrounding San Gimignano.

Live for a Week in a Tuscan Hill Town

May 11 – 18, 2024 holds a New San Gimignano Painting Workshop opportunity. We will be living for the week in the quintessential Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano, also known as the town of towers as it features numerous preserved medieval tower houses.

The tower houses and the ancient cistern are features in this photo of the main piazza of the Tuscan hill town San Gimignano.

The main piazza of San Gimignano features the beautiful medieval cistern which we shall surely paint!

San Gimignano is beautiful in itself and is surrounded by some of the most lovely Tuscan countryside full of vineyards, olive groves, tile roofed homes, cypresses, and curving dirt roads. Paintings appear at every turn.

View from Our shared Terrace Painting Location

This view of the incredible surrounding landscape was captured from the terrace of our hotel.

This might be my first painting at the New San Gimignano Painting Workshop!

Each Day Will Be Full of Beauty and Painting Inspiration

Our days will be a balance of staying in our home town to paint the Piazza di Cisterna which is right outside our hotel doors, and venturing outside the city walls to paint the landscape, and visiting other equally lovely and indicative Tuscan towns to explore and paint.

This Week’s Cultural Experience will Focus on the Art of Cooking

We always have a day of cultural fun during the week and this year we are spending the day with the well known and most kind Emiko Davies and her sommelier husband Marco Lami at their private cooking school Enoteca Marilou in San Miniato.

I did a test run with them last year and it was such a great experience we are returning this year. Our day will be spent food shopping in the local market, and then making pasta and other wonderful food which we will sit down and eat as a late lunch feast. Last year we even had fried flowers which Marco had just harvested down the street! It was experiencing the true art of Italian cooking.

Marco with his flower harvest which we battered, fried, and ate!

Marco with his flower harvest!

Margie making pasta guided by Emiko Davies.

Margie enjoyed pasta making!

Garden La Foce is another treat during the  New San Gimignano Painting Workshop

Another treat and photo op for future paintings will be touring Garden La Foce created and made famous by Iris Origo. It is stunning. It would be wonderful to paint on location there but they don’t allow it. We will soak up the ambience and it will come through in future pieces.

Beautiful image of stunning Garden La Foce.

View of the spectacular Garden La Foce

This workshop is available to artists of all levels from beginner to professional. I demonstrate my way of approaching a painting and take it through to completion for your observation if desired. All choose their own subject matter and I assist individuals as needed and desired.

For the novices I will have some very quick and non – threatening ways for you to get going on a painting without laboring over any aspect of the process.

It is meant to be a free and expressive experience and everyone achieves much success and creates some beautiful and distinctive art work. We all learn by doing and from each other.

It is a go at your own pace experience focused on individual instincts and creative growth.

Please visit the Links below to learn more specifics and register for the New! San Gimignano Painting Workshop and other painting workshop opportunities created by En Plein Air with Virginia Fergus LLC.

For En Plein Air Workshops, click here »

Virginia Fergus leads small group Plein Air Painting Workshops in Italy and France that are unique opportunities for creative immersion and personal transformation.

Each workshop includes plein air painting experiences in curated locations, sensitive and personal instruction, experienced and empathetic guidance, artistic immersion, beautiful accommodations and delicious meals in authentic and particular locations, and new friends for the journey.

Ginny's personal motto is “Authentic, Intimate, Beautiful” and is the creative and experiential goal of each workshop. To learn more, visit www.enpleinairwithverginiafergus.com

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.

 

 

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Experience Historic Italy — History Loves Company https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/experience-historic-italy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=experience-historic-italy https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/experience-historic-italy/#comments Sun, 04 Feb 2024 02:35:04 +0000 https://slowtraveltours.com/?p=26730 Experience Historic Italy Italy’s history loves company, and she is waiting for you with open arms to experience the history and essence of everything she has to offer. The culture, the museums, the food, the wine, the people, the fields Continue reading →

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Experience Historic Italy

Italy’s history loves company, and she is waiting for you with open arms to experience the history and essence of everything she has to offer.

The culture, the museums, the food, the wine, the people, the fields of flowers in the spring, the grape harvest in September, and of course the olive harvest in the fall.

 I want you to experience Italy the way I do…Like a local.

My Personal History

I realized a long time ago that my heart belonged to the peninsula of Italy. I was working as a Flight Attendant for American Airlines and kept coming back on my days off.  I studied Italian at the Universita Per Stranieri in Perugia. In the back of my mind, I kept thinking about showing other people what I love about this country, and Village Vacations in Italy was born.

On March 13, 2013, I signed the papers and took ownership of an apartment in the medieval village of Piegaro in the region of Umbria, near the Tuscan border.  Corny as it sounds all because of a book written by Frances Mayes, “Under the Tuscan Sun”.  When the movie came out, I just had to see it.  I was separated from my husband, and it was the first time I had ever been to a movie by myself. It was a matinee and there were only five of us in the theater, the movie had been out for quite a while. After the movie, I jumped up and very loudly said, “That’s it I’m moving to Italy”. The other four started clapping and said you go for it!  Yes, I did that and haven’t looked back since.

Experience Historic Italy in small charming villages

My village of Piegaro in Umbria

I sold everything I had in the States…my house, my car, and even my two motorcycles!  I gave many things “new homes” and donated much more. I love my life here and look forward to showing you my neck of the woods at a much slower pace.

Experience Historic Italy with

Village Vacations in Italy

Village Vacations in Italy‘s mission has been to give my clients “Insider Slow Travel Tours to experience the villages like a local”, not the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with visiting the big cities. The villages and smaller towns give another perspective. With a much slower pace, you are pampered and driven to a different village and experience each day.  A few of the villages I take you to are Cortona, Assisi, Deruta, Perugia, Citta Delle Pieve, and Castiglione Del Lago, a cooking lesson where you will enjoy the fruits of your labor on a gorgeous terrace overlooking the vineyard. . Come as a solo traveler, with friends or family and make wonderful memories.

Experience Historic Italy during the many traditional festivals

Calendimaggio Celebration of Spring in Assisi

Spring

Primavera, Spring is just gorgeous. After a long cold winter, everyone is busting at the seams to get outdoors.  With fields turning green and poppies lining the roads festivals and sagras are abundant with celebration.

Rose bushes are also grown near the grapevines. If there is a disease it will attack the roses first warning the farmers.

Autumn

In September during the harvesting of grapes, we offer “Grape Stomping” Lucille Ball style with lunch and wine tasting at a vineyard in Montefalco. This tour has become one of the most requested

Experience Historic Italy during grape harvest

Grape Stomping in Montefalco

Getting ready to squish after picking a few grapes off the vines. You experience the whole process

We also offer an Olive Harvest Tour in late October. You will pick olives for a few hours with the locals have a bountiful lunch and afterward a visit to the Frantoio, olive press, to see the process of turning olives into liquid gold.  Your taste buds will “thank you”.

Experience Historic Italy and the olive harvest

Come and pick olives with the locals

Lunch afterward and then a visit to the Frantoio where the olives are processed

Liquid Gold…this is FRESH Olive Oil

History loves company and you will have the trip of a lifetime with Village Vacations in Italy.

Our philosophy is Slow Travel, Unpack Once, and No Rush to enjoy your time in each village we take you to.  A wonderful opportunity to spend time in Umbria and Tuscany in a beautiful accommodation with everything arranged for you to truly enjoy and live “La Dolce Vita” for the week you are with us.

Includes:

  • Accommodations
  • Breakfast and Dinner Each Day
  • Roundtrip Airport Transfers
  • Day Trip Transportation with Escort to
  • Assisi-Cortona-Perugia-Deruta
  • Cooking Class -Vineyard Tour
  • Everything listed on the tour is included except airfare

Available Dates:

  • April 28-May 5
  • May 12-19
  • September 7-14
  • September 21-28 Grape Squishing
  • October 5-12 Grape Squishing (Sold Out)
  •  October 27-November 3

 

Nedra Marie Bottieri

Email: Nedra@VillageVacationsInItaly.com

Phone:  +1-954-661-4622

Italy +39-335-160-4880

WhatsApp available for both numbers

 Nedra Bottieri Former flight attendant Nedra Bottieri made a life-changing trip to Italy twenty years ago to re-discover her family heritage. Now with dual citizenship, she has a second home in Umbria.

Through her company, Village Vacations in Italy, she organizes and hosts small group tours based in small villages in Umbria and Tuscany, normally customized tours for private groups. Groups have included yoga workshops, writing workshops, and groups of family and friends. Nedra draws on her extensive experience and relationships to plan special accommodations and activities to meet each group’s needs and dreams. Experience “La Dolce Vita” in Italy!

To learn more about her tours, see www.villagevacationsinitaly.com

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.

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What’s so Classic about Orvieto Classico? https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/whats-so-classic-about-orvieto-classico/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=whats-so-classic-about-orvieto-classico https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/whats-so-classic-about-orvieto-classico/#comments Sun, 28 Jan 2024 16:36:23 +0000 https://slowtraveltours.com/?p=26700 You must try Orvieto Classico wine when you visit Orvieto.  But which one? And why does each bottle taste a little different? What’s so classic about Orvieto Classico? Orvieto Classico is a white wine made from a blend of grapes Continue reading →

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You must try Orvieto Classico wine when you visit Orvieto.  But which one? And why does each bottle taste a little different? What’s so classic about Orvieto Classico?

Adventures-in-Italy-blog-orvieto-classico-january-2024

Orvieto Classico is a white wine made from a blend of grapes local to Orvieto, a region of Umbria about 90 minutes north of Rome.  To be given the name, the wine must be produced within the region and made up of a 60% blend of grechetto and trebbiano grapes.  The remaining 40% can be, more traditionally, made up of druppegio, malvasia and verdello.  More recently, winemakers have added in grapes from outside the classico region like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc. The result is a slightly different taste based not only on the quality of the harvest, but the blend of grapes used.

Adventures-in-Italy-blog-orvieto-classico-january-2024

Graziella at Bartolomei teaches us how to describe the color of the wine

What makes Orvieto Classico so memorable?  In a word, the soil.  The volcanic soil makes for perfect grape-growing conditions.  Production dates back to the Etruscan era, 8th century BC, who were the first to cultivate vineyards in the region. During the Renaissance era, Orvieto Classico was the wine sought after by popes and nobility, and was part of the payment made to the artist who painted the chapel of Orvieto’s magnificent cathedral.

Adventures-in-Italy-blog-orvieto-classico-january-2024

wine at Palazzone

 

Adventures-in-Italy-blog-orvieto-classico-january-2024

Alessia at Palazzone shares the importance of the land in wine making

Each group of travelers with Adventures in Italy samples many different bottles of Orvieto Classico during a typical week.  Starting with our pairing of olive oils and wines with dinner at Bartolomei we taste one or two.  Most dinners are accompanied by wine, and of course there’s our visit to Palazzone where we take a tour of the wine making facilities and have a tasting.

Adventures-in-Italy-blog-orvieto-classico-january-2024

tasting at Bartolomei

Adventures-in-Italy-blog-orvieto-classico-january-2024

tasting at Palazzone

Ordering the “house white” in Orvieto will always get you an Orvieto Classico.  The challenge is keeping track of what you like best so you can remember to order it the next time! Come sample some wines with us!  A full list of tours on offer in 2024 is available HERE.

Adventures-in-Italy-blog-orvieto-classico-january-2024

You might also enjoy these posts:

Gelato vs Ice Cream

Tempt your Tastebuds

Hidden Gems of Orvieto

Michelle Logue
Michelle Logue leads cultural and creative adventures in Orvieto, Italy. With a mandate to provide "travel that transforms", Adventures in Italy gives guests an immersive experience. After more than 15 years of return trips, Orvieto has become a welcoming home base surpassing the typical Italian vacation.

Adventures in Italy operates trips in May and September, with two options: Artistic Enrichment nurtures creative expression, while Discover Orvieto invites visitors to focus on the history and culture of Orvieto and live as locals. Find out more about tours and special offers by following Adventures in Italy on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visit www.adventuresinitaly.ca

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.

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Slow Living in Gascony https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/on-a-sunday-morning-drive-through-the-southwestern-french-countryside/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=on-a-sunday-morning-drive-through-the-southwestern-french-countryside https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/on-a-sunday-morning-drive-through-the-southwestern-french-countryside/#comments Sun, 21 Jan 2024 08:46:14 +0000 https://slowtraveltours.com/?p=26693 On an unseasonably chilly Sunday morning I took a drive through the southwestern French countryside around my home in the Gers, départment 32, the heart of Gascony where all roads feel like back roads. At this early hour they were Continue reading →

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On an unseasonably chilly Sunday morning I took a drive through the southwestern French countryside around my home in the Gers, départment 32, the heart of Gascony where all roads feel like back roads. At this early hour they were virtually empty. In this part of France, it’s unheard of for locals to drive for pleasure. The car, van, truck and tractor are simply machines that get you where you need to go. The TGV doesn’t come here, there’s rarely a bus, and the closest airport is an hour a way. It’s hard to believe that a little over a century ago, this region was one of the most popular tourist destinations. Upstaged by the Côte d’Azur and Provence, the Gers has had plenty of time to perfect its rustic charm and authenticity. Let me share some of what I enjoyed when I set off.

Bread – The baking of bread largely remained a home-based function until the Industrial Revolution, though some large villages boasted artisanal bakeries or boulangeries, named after the boules, round loaves, they produced. Just as the French assimilated the croissant into their own cultural lexicon of cuisine (it actually originates from Budapest with a nod to the crescent moon on the Turkish flag), they’ve done so with the baguette, which came from Vienna in the 19th century with the aid of the newly-invented kneading machine and steam oven. By law, every village in France with a certain population  must have a bakery selling bread.  If there is no bakery in a village, a house or sometimes even the post office will display a depôt de pain, bread outlet sign.My village is so small it only has a boîte de postes, mail box. The closest place I can buy a baguette is in the post office of the nearby village of Campagne d’Armagnac. In the neighboring villages of Cazaubon and Cutxan Mme. Thérèse Garens had been delivering bread locally in her van for 58 years until she retired at the age of  92.

Geese – The Gers is the only départment with more geese, oie, than people. The first agricultural census of 1804 for the Gers counted 140,000 geese. Goose fat was so prized it was used for barter, payment of rent and passed on as inheritance. Of course most geese are raised for foie gras, literally translated from French as “fat liver,” but its origins date back far before French cooking made it a delicacy. Over 4000 years ago the ancient Egyptians hunted and then domesticated geese. They discovered that waterfowl developed large, fatty livers after eating substantial amounts of food in preparation for migration. Relief paintings found on the tombs of aristocratic Egyptians depict the hand-feeding of geese, an important source of nutrition around the Nile region, and though it has enjoyed a long history, foie gras is still produced by artisan farmers the way it has always been.

Armagnac – My house is surrounded by newly planted Armagnac grapevines. Armagnac is most likely one of the finest brandies you’ve never heard of nor tasted. The growing of vines in this region dates back to Roman times. The first use of Armagnac, as a curative for gout, hepatitis, fistulas and many other such ailments, formally dates back to the year 1310 when Maître Vital Dufour, Prior of Eauze (capital of the Armagnac region and 15 minutes from my house) extolled the 40 virtues of Aygue Ardente, water of burning immortality. Its history became intimately entwined with that of Gascony. Gascon eau-de-vie (between 50% and 70% alcohol) the basis of armagnac, was an everyday product commonly sold at village markets. Out of 100,000 hectares of vines devastated by the phylloxera epidemic in 1870, in the Gers, fewer than a quarter remained. Today the region is geared to reproduce its original 100,000 hectare capacity.

Sheep – Do you know the the difference between sheep, ram, ewe and lamb? Quelle est la différence entre mouton, brebis, bélier et agneau? Sheep, Mouton is the general term used to describe a flock. The male is called a Ram, Bélier, which is also the name of a zodiacal sign and its constellation. The female sheep is a Ewe, Brebis, and the Lamb, Agneau, is a sheep under one year old. Transhumance, transhumer — to change ones pasture— is the seasonal migration of shepherds and their livestock between summer and winter pastures. Transhumance dates to neolithic times, when there was a natural symbiosis between man, animals and the seasons. In France, large Roman sheep farms have been discovered from the 1st century AD. During the middle ages, transhumance became an economic practice linked to the buying and selling of sheep for consumption, and the 19th century saw it linked with the rising demand for wool. Today the transhumance serves an agricultural, environmental and cultural purpose. Sheep are often used in place of machines to clean pastureland and fertilize vineyards.

Donkeys – The Pyrenean donkey, Âne des Pyrénées, is a breed of domestic donkey from south-west France, encompassing Nouvelle Aquitaine and Occitanie, which is a large part of the historic region of Gascony. The Pyrenean donkey breed combines two quite different types: the short and powerful Gascon type, and the taller and more elegant Catalan type. In 1913 there were more than half a million donkeys in the southwest, one for every 76 people. Their numbers dwindled dramatically following WW I and II to no more than 20 by the 1990s. The breed was subsequently revitalized with stock imported from Spain.

Pétanque – Pétanque is one in a family of ball games that developed in the Mediterranean, also called boules, and bacci in Italian. One of the oldest games in human history, it involves throwing or rolling an object as close as possible to a bouchon, marker. At the turn of the 20th century, Jules LeNoir introduced le Jeu Provençale, which eventually evolved into the modern sport of Pétanque. It is still played by tens of thousands, primarily in the south of France. The average game takes three to four hours to complete. The most important competitions are the French National Championships, usually in June, and the Provençale, in August. Enthusiasts have made a serious bid for pétanque to become an Olympic sport.

Gascons – Towards the end of the 6th century, the Vascons invaded what became the First Duchy of Gascony. At one time ruled by both the English and French, Gascons have been described as fiery, impetuous, brave, swaggering, boastful, cavalier, provocative, unfailingly courteous, mercurial and appreciative of a good lie. Gascons remain a fiercely independent people, in fact, they often sided with the English over the French. Those who have lived here for generations do things the way they’ve always been done, with an uncomplicated joie de vivre, a love of old traditions and an almost mystical devotion to the land. The sense of contentment simple pleasures provide for them and those who visit are the true secrets of Gascony.

Sue Aran Sue Aran lives in the Gers department of southwest France. She is the owner of French Country Adventures, which provides private, personally-guided, small-group, slow travel tours into Gascony, the Pays Basque, Provence and beyond. She writes a monthly blog about her life in France and is a contributor to Bonjour Paris and France Today magazines.

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France, England and other European countries.

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How To Plan a Fabulous Wine Vacation To Poland in 2024 https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/how-to-plan-a-fabulous-wine-vacation-to-poland-in-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-plan-a-fabulous-wine-vacation-to-poland-in-2024 https://slowtraveltours.com/blog/how-to-plan-a-fabulous-wine-vacation-to-poland-in-2024/#respond Mon, 15 Jan 2024 04:43:29 +0000 https://slowtraveltours.com/?p=26619 Looking to travel off-the-beaten path in 2024? In this blog post we would like to highlight two fun wine trip ideas to Poland! Yes, although a wine vacation to Poland doesn’t come to mind for most travelers, we would like Continue reading →

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Looking to travel off-the-beaten path in 2024? In this blog post we would like to highlight two fun wine trip ideas to Poland! Yes, although a wine vacation to Poland doesn’t come to mind for most travelers, we would like to invite you to keep an opened mind, be adventurous and join us at the Open Wine Cellars Days in May 2024 or WinobranieGrape Harvest and Wine Festival in September 2024 in Zielona Gora, Lubuskie region of Poland – 4.5 hours drive west from Warsaw and less than 3.5 hours drive east from Berlin.

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

The Open Wine Cellars Days are scheduled to take place May 30 – June 2, 2024 in the city of Zielona Gora. During four days, 23 historic cellars are open to welcome locals and visitors to meet local wine makers, taste their wines and to learn about the history of Zielona Gora and it’s wine making traditions.

Here’s a list of planned wine cellars and vineyards:

1. Piwnica Johanna Jeremiasa Seydela – ul. Wodna 32 – Milosz
2. Zajazd Pocztowy – ul. Jednosci 78 – Aris
3. Piwnica Johanna Friedricha Seydela – ul. Jednosci 65 – Margaret
4. Piwnica Alexandra Krumnowa – plac Matejki 21 – Vineas Montis
5. Piwnica Gustava Seelera – plac Matejki 2 – Miedzypole
6. Piwnica Carla Engmanna – ul. Wroclawska 7 – Julia, Senator
7. Piwnica Augusta Gremplera – Palmiarnia – Saint Vincent
8. Piwnica na Wzgórzu Winnym – Equus
9. Piwnica Ernsta Mühle – park Sowilskiego – Pod Lipa, Stara Winna Góra, Trojan
10. Dom Stanów Ziemskich – ul. Sikorskiego 6 – Hiki, Pod Wieza
11. Plac Slowianski 26 – Winnogóra
12. Lisowskiego 14 – Saganum
13. Piwnica Försterów – Jednosci 3 – Cantina, Pod Winna Góra
14. Dawny hotel Reichsadler – Jednosci 10 – Adam Plonski
15. Grottgera 1 – Mozów, Wzgórza Cisowskie
16. Grottgera 3 – Lukasz, Marcus
17. Grottgera 23 – Marcinowice
18. Jazz Kino – ul. Sobieskiego 14 – Vae Soli
19. Wine bar Skrzynka Wina – ul. Sobieskiego 10 – Wybór lubuskich win
20. Piwnica Jacoba Tiedemanna – ul. Kupiecka 4 – Folwark Pszczew, Od Nowa
21. Piwnica Ernsta Theodora Franke – ul. Kupiecka 22 – Bachusowe Pole, Na Lesnej Polanie
22. Sala Szeptów – ul. Sowinskiego 3 – Kinga, Zelazny
23. Winiarnia Bachus – Stary Rynek 1 – Winne Tarasy

Source: Fundacja Tlocznia – Zielona Gora, Poland

There will also be additional cultural events, musical concerts, guided city tours and walks and winebuses to various vineyards during the event. The detailed 2024 program will be announced soon by the organizers.

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

WinobranieGrape Harvest and Wine Festival is scheduled to take place September 7 – 15, 2024 in the city of Zielona Gora and Lubuskie region vineyards.

This is the biggest and oldest Wine Festival in Poland. Typically, over 30 vineyards from Lubuskie region and Lubuskie Wine and Honey Trail participate at the Festival and there are more than 130 market stalls scattered throughout the downtown area offering wine, food, handicrafts and live entertainment. Winobusy – Wine Buses will be taking attendees to various vineyards for tours and tastings with local winemakers throughout the week.

The detailed 2024 festival program will be announced soon by the organizers.

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie - Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

Winobranie – Wine Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora, Poland

You may like our past posts highlighting wine vacation ideas to Poland:

5 Reasons Why Visiting Lower Silesia Region in Poland Feels Like a Celebration

How To Plan a Fabulous Wine Vacation To Poland – Continued

How To Plan a Fabulous Wine Vacation To Poland

Travel Ideas to Poland For Women on International Women’s Day 2023!

So, if you’re planning a family and friends trip or girlfriends get away adventure, please give us a call us 1+ 772-777-0571 or email at info@polandculinary.com and join us in Poland in 2024 on our Polish wine tours!

Na zdrowie! – Cheers!

Malgorzata (Sarna) Rose, is a native of Poland. Poland Culinary Vacations grew out of her love and passion for travel and everything Polish, including fine Polish cuisine, eventually blossoming into a first-class culinary travel company. While growing up in Poland, she experienced the great joy of cooking with family and friends. Using her grandmothers' recipes and fresh ingredients from their gardens, they prepared food for weddings, parties, and traditional holidays. Now, through Poland Culinary Vacations, she wants to share that experience with you, and show you the best of everyday Polish living: the special people and their hospitality, and the heritage and traditions unique to each region. Only a native can help you discover and fully experience the authentic Poland!

Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.

The post How To Plan a Fabulous Wine Vacation To Poland in 2024 appeared first on Slow Travel Tours.

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