Category Archives: Italy

Know your noodles

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Noodles are everywhere, well, not literally, but they are a global staple. There are hundreds of varieties made from dozens of ingredients, served hot or cold and served for breakfast and even for dessert.

There’s hand-pulled, rolled, extruded, gluten free and vegan noodles. With so many varieties, here at GetAway Travel we urge you to not fear the noodle and go forth and adventurously try them where ever you may roam.

Asian Noodles

The difference between noodles and pasta is primarily the ingredients. Italy has the market cornered on pasta with more than 350 varieties made from durum wheat semolina. Pasta can be sheeted, extruded and rolled. Noodles, traditionally Asian, are made from a variety of flours or starches and are usually rolled, pulled or cut.

Pasta, pasta and more pasta

Iconic noodles include Japanese ramen and udon, Chinese chow mien, Vietnamese pho, Italian pasta, Thai pad Thai and Filipino pancit.

Beef Lo Mein

Order them at restaurants, try them from street vendors and embrace the noodles of the countries where you travel. GetAway Travel stands ready to help you plan your next travel adventure and rest assured, noodles are included.

Pad Thai

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Breads around the world

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Bread around the world takes many, many forms, but it is universally recognized as a beloved staple of every culture. It is the oldest food form that requires work, and sometimes artistry, to complete. It has an amazing history. We are all about history and tasty vacations at GetAway Travel. We can create a vacation for you, with our without fermentation, that has plenty of history and yummy bread options. Since there is reportedly more than 6,000 types of bread in the world, we can guarantee there will be bread involved in your adventure! Let’s look at some of the bread options from around the world.

Africa and Asia

 The national bread of Ethiopia is Injera. Made with a sourdough starter, it has a unique spongy texture and you can eat it with toppings, or use it as a rolled up vessel for stew and vegetables. There’s also dabo which is generally reserved for special occasions. It is a thicker flatbread made with wheat flour, but it can also contain barley and other flours.

Injera

Enjoy Mielie bread in South Africa. Mielie means maize and the bread is made by steaming cornbread, chock full of while kernels of corn, over a campfire.

Mielie Braai (corn on the grill)

Krachel is a brioche-like roll that you’ll find in Morocco. It is flavored with sesame seeds, anise and orange flower water.

Krachel

Agege is Nigeria’s version of white bread and in South Africa, try roosterkoek which is balls of dough cooked on grates over a grill. Lavish is a soft, thin flatbread baked in a tandoor oven that you can find in Turkey, Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan. In Turkey you can find simit, a ring-shaped sesame coated flatbread.

Simit, cheese, and turkish tea

Nan-e barbari is Persian flatbread dusted with sesame seeds it has a similar texture to focaccia.

In Turkey you’d eat pide which is a flatbread topped with lots of tasty options. Vacationing in the Arab Emirates? Try Khameer, a soft, pillowy flatbread topped with sesame and black cumin seeds. Made with dates, water, milk and cardamon, it has a sweet, nutty flavor. In Jordan, Lebanon and Syria there is manakeesh. This flatbread is covered with a mix of za’atar (a spice mixture of sumac, herbs and sesame seeds) and olive oil.

Manakeesh

Your meals in India will be accompanied by naan, made by mixing flour with milk or yogurt and baking it in a tandoor.  Or, dosa could be served. Dosa is more labor intensive than naan or chapati. Roti and chapati are more like pancakes and they are baked on a grill. Dosa is made by soaking rice and lentils overnight, grinding the mixture into a paste and then letting it ferment for eight hours. It is grilled.

Masala dosa with chutney and sambar

Paratha is Indian flatbead with layers folded over with ghee in between. It is then pan fried and it heavier than a chapati. It is often served stuffed with vegetables and paneer cheese.

Aloo Paratha with butter and curry

Japanese milk break is fluffy white bread also called Shokupan. It is baked in a rectangular pan and has a flat top. A popular sweet in Japan is anpan. This fluffy, sweet dough ball is topped with sesame seeds and filled with a sweet red bean, chestnut or white bean paste.

Shokupan – Japanese milk bread

A popular street food in China is manton or steamed buns. They have a soft, puffy texture and a mild sweet flavor. It can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients.

Steamed bun with pork filling

A fluffy, sweet bun is called pai bao in Hong Kong and a popular street food in Korea is cream cheese stuffed garlic bread. A round, yeasty loaf is stuffed with cream cheese and garlic filling and topped with herbs.

Korean cream cheese and garlic bun

Options abound in Europe

Germany takes the prize for most kinds of bread and most rules designating what goes into specific bread. That’s why their bread traditions earns recognition from UNESCO and you can read about it here.

But UNESCO has also recognized France’s baguette. That long thin loaf with the crisp outside crust and chewy interior is an icon. You can try brioche in France, it’s an uptick on the baguette with lots of eggs and butter.

French baguette

France’s Provence region has fougasse. It is an olive oil rich round loaf with slashes on top to resemble wheat. It can be topped with rosemary and olives or stuffed with an olive tapenade or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also find sweet filled versions.

Fougasse

In Iceland try the Rúgbrauð, it’s a rich, thick chewy rye that is baked underground courtesy of the hot geothermal springs.

Icelandic volcano

The Netherlands has an interesting breakfast, or sometimes lunch, tradition. Hagelslag is buttered toast with chocolate sprinkles. Tijgerbrood is equally interesting. A loaf of bread is spread with a paste of rice flour, yeast, caster sugar, salt and oil. When the loaf is baked, the top turns golden and speckled — similar to a tiger coat.

Hagelslag, may be an aquired taste

Lefse is a Norwegian potato-based flatbread. A holiday classic, it is served with butter and jelly or with deli meat and cheese. In the southern most area of Norway you can find sunnmersbrod, a rustic bread made with wheat and rye flour.

Lefse

In Jewish communities throughout the continent try challah, a rich, eggy bread with a braided top. Chocolate babka is a sweet twisted bread with, of course, chocolate.

Challah bread

Spain’s pan de payes is a round loaf with a thick crispy crust with lots of nice air pockets inside. Slices of the bread are served with olive oil, tomatoes and salt rubbed on top. Pan gallego is similar, but made with more wheat flour and it can be shaped in a ring or baguette.

Pan gallego

Korovai in the Ukraine is a beautiful, artfully decorated bread that sits near the altar during marriage ceremonies.

Korovai – ready to get married

Obwarzanek krakowski in Poland is an important part of the culture. As a sign of hospitality, visitors are greeted with salt and bread. Bagels were invented in Poland. They are bigger than a bagel in the US and are usually topped with poppy or sesame seeds. Paska is a braided bread made with lots of butter, eggs and milk.

Bread stand in Krakow, Poland selling obwarzanek krakowski

Baking powder and buttermilk give Ireland’s soda bread its lift and distinctive taste and texture.

Ireland soda bread with currants

Italy excels as a bread country! There’s ciabatta, a bread created recently shaped like a slipper and used as a sandwich vessel. Focaccia is a bread brushed with olive oil and the top is sprinkled with salt and aromatic herbs. Sometimes there are elaborate edible scenes on top of the round or square loaf.

Focaccia

Limpa is a Swedish rye bread with orange, fennel or anise flavor. In Finland try pulla, a sweet, braided bread flavored with cardamon.

someone dropped the pulla – 5 second rule in force

In Hungary try the beigli, a stuffed brioche like dough with nut or poppy seed filling.

Beigli stuffed with poppy seeds

Next up on the blogs — bread options, alternatives in South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Oceania.

Can’t decide on a bread or a destination? Travel advisors at GetAway Travel have options! We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

Aegean adventure continues

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One of the great advantages of an Aegean cruise (on the GetAway 2027 agenda) is you usually get a chance to spend some time in Venice, Montenegro and Croatia. Stops in Kotor and Dubrovnik after some time in Corfu add a chance to experience beautiful scenery, ancient cultures and the heritage of the region. Thinking about a jaunt to the Greek islands including Montenegro and Croatia? GetAway Travel advisors are ready to chat with you about our 2027 adventure, or scheduling something sooner for you.

Cruise itineraries likely include stops in Milos and Kalamata and then on to the island of Corfu. Then travels to Montenegro and Croatia.

Corfu, Greece’s castle city

 Corfu, off the Northwest coast of Greece, has a cultural legacy honed by years spent under Venetian, French and British rule. But, it also has a legacy documented by tales of gods and heroes. Corfu, in mythology, was the home of the Phaeacians, the generous race of people who gave a ship-wrecked Odysseus a ship to he could return to Ithaca.

Paleokatstrista bay Corfu

The island name in Greek is “Kerkyra.” Kerkyra was the nymph who was the daughter of river god, Aspos. Sea god Poseidon became smitten with her and brought her to the island.

Corfu’s capital is the only city in Greece flanked by two castles, the Old Fortress and the New Fortress. They are placed strategically to ward off invaders. The city is the site of Greece’s first university and the first Greek Theatre and Opera House.

Corfu town, Old Fortress

Old Town and the Old Fortress are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Narrow passageways and streets in Old Town lead visitors to what is one of Europe’s largest public squares with a fabulous walkway that was once reserved for just the aristocracy.

St. Spyridon Bell Tower, Corfu

St. Spyridon has the tallest bell tower in the islands as well as relics of St. Spyridon. Inside there are wonderful icons and the ceiling decorations are stunning. Achilleion began its life as the summer home of Elsabeth of Bavaria, the Empress of Austria. The Neoclassical palace was designed by Italian architect Raffaele Caritto. The interior is a museum and the exterior includes fabulous gardens with decorations and sculptures.

Paleokastrista monastery Corfu

The Paleokastritsa Monastery dates back to the 13th century. The monks on site cultivate olives and press their own olive oil which is for sale.

Paleokastrista monastery mosaic of Jesus

There are groves around the island offering tours as well as some boutique wineries which offer tours.

Museums? Oh yes. There’s the Archeological Museum with items from ancient cities around the island, the Byzantine Museum of Antirouniotissa with rare icons and frescoes as well as other ecclesiastical items. The Asian Art Museum is one of the island’s more impressive museums. It is housed in the Palace of St. Michael and George. Just outside the city you can visit the Folklore Museum of Acharavi, the Sea Shell Museum and the Music Museum.

Ancient Greek temple in Corfu

Embrace the drama and cats of Kotor

 Stunning is the only way to describe Kotor, Montenegro. A gorgeous coastline bracketed by majestic mountain ranges greets visitors. The scenic bay is almost like a fjord and Europe’s deepest canyon, the Tara River Canyon is in Kotor’s Durmitor National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the canyon is 4,300 feet deep and 51 miles long.

Tara River Canyon

There are tunnels carved into the cliff sides.They were built by the Yugoslav army as hideouts for submarines.

Founded by the Romans, the city was an important commercial and artistic center renowned for its goldsmiths as well as its schools of masonry and iconography.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor’s medieval Old Town features well-preserved Venetian architecture. Indeed, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Natural and Culture Historical Region of Kotor was designated a site because of the way the historic structures in the area stand in harmony with the mountains.

The walls around Kotor are still largely standing, although you can’t walk on them. The gates are an impressive sight in themselves.

Cats Square is near the North Gate. Lots of cats congregate and sun there, but they are all over the area. They are supposedly a sign of good luck since they have survived earthquakes and sieges and keep the rat and snake population under control. There is a Cat Fountain in Cats Square and a Cat Museum which details the history of the feline preoccupation by Kotor residents.

Kotor Cathedral

The Tryphon Cathedral, a great example of Romanesque architecture, is dedicated to St. Tryphon. Inside the cathedral are amazing frescoes and a Sacred Arts Museum. You can’t miss the Church of St. Nicholas. This Serbian Orthodox Church was built between 1902 and 1909. It has a large cupola and two bell towers with black domes topped with golden crosses. A mosaic of the Serbian flag is over the main entrance. Inside there is art, icons and silver pieces on display.

The “Pearl of the Adriatic”

 Dubbed “The Pearl of the Adriatic” because of its stunning Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, its fabulous Mediterranean scenery and its temperate climate year-round, Croatia is a great place to visit. Ships dock at Dubrovnik’s port. The city is stunning. Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has well-preserved medieval architecture. Who can resist an area illuminated by real lanterns at night?

A recent addition to the port area is the Dubrovnik Brewing Co. It offers IPAs, lagers and great pub food.

The city walls offer panoramic views of the area. Think charming streets, amazing historic architecture and the stunning Adriatic coastline and that’s Dubrovnik.

It will likely look eerily familiar because the area was used during the filming of Game of Thrones as well as some Star Wars movies.

Onofrio’s fountain, Dubrovnik

Old Town, in addition to being the home of great cafés, restaurants and boutiques, is also home to Onofrio’s 16-sided fountain as well as the Orlando Column, depicting the legendary knight.

Orlando’s Column

The Rector’s Palace is where the symphony performs, but it also is a museum featuring exhibits of firearms and weapons. The statue of Marin Držić is near the palace. Considered the Shakespeare of Dubrovnik, rubbing his nose is supposed to bring you luck.

Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik

So many intriguing options for adventure if you are considering an Aegean area cruise. Your travel advisor at GetAway Travel can help you sort out your options. Ready, set, sail! We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

Eat well, drink well in the Veneto region

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Sure, pasta is king in Italy, but in the Veneto region, pasta takes a backseat to polenta and risotto. You are on the coast, so there is plenty of great seafood, including squid ink risotto and fabulously prepared octopus. You could be basking in the glory of the region and enjoying great food as well as Prosecco and special wine selections if you travel with GetAway on our group trip to the Greek Islands followed by our bonus Veneto trip in 2027.

Balcony at Juliet House – Verona

Salute! Great drinking choices

 The Veneto region is slightly smaller than the other wine-producing regions in Italy, but it generates more wine then any of the other regions. It is a geographically transitional area so the climate differences create areas where specific grapes can flourish.

Vineyard landscape in Soave

The region can be split into three different producing areas. The Northwest is the foothills of the Alps. The cooler climate gives fresh, crisp whites. In that same area, just north of Verona is Valpolicella and the subregion of Valpantena — giving us fruity intense reds, like Amerone. Traveling east of Valpolicella is Soave, home of the dry, white wine.

Vicenza gardens

Vicenza and Padua are in central Veneto and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Nero are produced there.

Anytime is a good time for Prosecco

Prosecco reigns supreme in the Northeast region. In 2019 this area received a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for its continued stellar production of Prosecco. Sweeter than champagne with bigger bubbles, Prosecco holds the lively taste of apple, pear, lemon rind, perhaps a hint of light flowers and even tropical fruit.

Sunset on the Piave River

The Northeast corner on either side of the Piave River, in the areas of Verona and Treviso is also the leading producer of Grappa. Using grape seeds, stalks and stems left over from the wine-making process, gives us the intensely flavored Grappa. Designed to be sipped after a hearty meal, it is served in a smaller glass and has a higher alcohol content than wine.

Grappa!

There are a number of wine route/Prosecco tours you can take, or take advantage of the many vineyard tours available in the region.

 

Aperoal Spritz is great on a hot day

We would be remiss if we didn’t talk about the spritz. Order it in any bar, it is three parts Prosecco, and two parts Aperol (an Italian bitter make with gentian, rhubarb and cinchona — it has an orange hue) or two parts Campari (a pinkish bitter made with fruit and herbs).

 Mangia! Savor the cuisine

 Sure, you can get the traditional pasta in the Veneto region, but it takes a backseat to polenta and risotto. The pasta you get here is bigoli, a thick spaghetti made with buckwheat or whole wheat and eggs.

Bigoli pasta with duck meat sauce

Polenta is served as a side dish with meat and game. It looks like grits when served, or is formed, then sliced and toasted. It is made of corn ground finer than traditional polenta found in the United States and it is often white rather than yellow.

Mixing up a big batch of Polenta

There are substantial rice paddies around Verona where the paddy fields are flooded and irrigated by the River Tartaro. The rice is cultivated along strict guidelines and carries the country’s status of PGI or Protected Geographic Indication.

Radicchio Rossi di Treviso

Radicchio, grown near Treviso, also carried the PGI designation. Radicchio Rossi di Treviso is unique to this region. It can only be grown in limited areas around Venice because it requires nutrient-rich soil and spring waters. It also has strict cultivation processes including harvesting. Certain varieties are harvested and the heads tied and kept in darkness for two weeks. Another cultivation method involves harvesting and then washing the heads over and over again in tanks of water

It is served grilled with olive oil, which removes much of the bitterness, as a poultry stuffing, with pasta or in a tapenade.

Treviso

If you are offered the chance to have a dish that includes white asparagus, don’t pass it up. It has a milder, sweeter flavor than its green counterpart. It grows underground in the perfect sandy soil around Treviso.

Mussels

You’re near the coast, so expect mussels, crabs, anchovies, sprat (herring-like fish) and octopus.

Sarde in Saor

A great bonus is that there is a variety of fabulous cuisines in different areas. In Vicenza, try the asiago cheese. Creu is a hot horseradish sauce that usually accompanies meat and sometimes stew. It is made by mixing fresh horseradish with bread crumbs, vinegar and olive oil. Baccalà alla Vicentina is stockfish (an air-dried variety of fish) cooked with onions, olive oil, sardines, milk, cheese and parsley served with polenta.

Pandora cake

Enjoy rich stews in Verona with polenta as a side. Brasata all’amerone is beef braised in wine and pastissada de caval is a horse meat stew. For dessert, Pandora, a brioche style cake dusted with powdered sugar.

Oca

Padua options include lots of tasty chicken dishes as well as Oca in Padovana, a rich goose dish. You’ll find horse meat on the menu here, included with pasta, risotto or cut in small dried strips and put on pizza.

Squid ink Risotto

Depending where you are, you can order bigoli in salsa which is pasta in anchovy sauce, risotto al Nero di seppia which is risotto with cuttlefish ink, sarde in saor (sardines preserved in a sweet and sour marinade) and baccalà mantecato which is (oddly enough) North Atlantic salt cod soaked, cooked in milk and then pounded with olive oil to make a mousse or pate. It is eaten with polenta.

Focaccia

Risi e bigi is risotto with peas and pancetta. Try the focaccia, oven-baked bread topped with a variety of ingredients. Salvia Fritter is fried sage leaves. The leaves are lightly battered in a batter of flour, olive oil, egg whites and salt, fried and then sprayed with salt.

Cichéti, small plates like tapas

 Bar patrons out in the afternoon take advantage of cichéti at bars called bàcari. With a glass of wine or a spritz, enjoy small servings usually accompanied by some type of crostini. Polpettes are one of the popular items, small meat or fish balls. A version of sarde in saor is also served. It is usually sardines fried in oil and then flavored with raisins, pine nuts and white wine vinegar. It hits all the notes — sweet, savory, sour and salty. There may be sandwiches, little squids, hard-boiled eggs, olives, vegetables and items served on polenta.

Hungry for travel? Thirsty for adventure?

GetAway Travel has just the answer. Give our travel advisors a call and start your vacation plans, (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

Art, history, cuisine make Veneto region a top destination

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The Veneto region of Italy is the northeastern area and it is the eighth largest region in the country. It was part of the powerful Venetian Republic for 1,000 years, from the 7th to the 18th century. The region has the most varied geography of any area in Italy. There’s an alpine region, hilly region, the plains and a coastal region. It is bounded by the Dolomite Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. The capital of the Veneto region is Venice,

Enough of the nuts and bolts stuff. Prosecco is created in the Veneto region and tiramisu was invented here. It was the major center of the Renaissance movement. You can’t throw a rock without hitting a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fabulous art gallery or a great museum. And, here’s the best news — GetAway Travel has Veneto region destinations on one of our planned group trips for 2027!

Padua, paving the way to the Renaissance

 Quaint streets, stylish cafés and a vibrant culture are attributes of this city credited with bringing naturalism to the country. No where is that more evident than in the Scrovegni Chapel. This UNESCO World Heritage site is Padua’s version of the Sistine Chapel. Hailed as one of Italy’s great Renaissance masterpieces, it took Giotto two years to complete. Dante, da Vinci and Vasari credit the fresco with bringing an end to the Dark Ages. It portrays biblical figures in humanistic depictions. The entire surface of the chapel is used to narrate the story of Christ from the Annunciation the Ascension. The chapel’s vaulted ceiling is a blue mantle of stars and a sculptural grouping of Madonna with child between two angels was done by sculptor Giovanni Pisano.

Scrovegni Chapel with masterpiece frescos by Giotto

St. Anthony is such a popular saint in the area that the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua is actually a whole complex that includes fabulous artwork and a convent. It took 70 years to complete the church. There are nine separate chapels with gorgeous frescoes.

Basilica of St Anthony – Padua.  Construction began 1 year after St Anthony died in 1231

Palazzo Bo is a Renaissance mansion that is the seat of Padua University, one of the oldest universities in the world. The university employed some the world’s greatest and most controversial thinkers such as Galileo, Copernicus and Casanova. The university recognized the first female doctor of philosophy, Eleonora Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia. University tours include the world’s first anatomy theatre and the Aula Magna, the great hall where Galileo lectured.

Interior courtyard – Palazzo del Bo

The university is the reason for another UNESCO World Heritage site in the city, the world’s first botanical garden. Created in 1545, it retains its original layout and the more than 6,000 plant species were created to study the medicinal properties of plants and herbs.

Padua – one of the oldest cities in Northern Italy

Verona: Italy’s “Little Rome”

 Dubbed “Little Rome” because of the large number of artifacts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is a lovely mix of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance influences. Surrounded by fields of rice, and we’ll talk about the cuisine later, the city has its own amphitheater. Built around 30 AD, it is better preserved than the amphitheater in Rome.

Duomo di Verona

Shakespeare was so impressed by Verona he made the city the backdrop for “Romeo and Juliet” as well as “Two Gentlemen of Verona.”

Balcony at Juliet House – Verona

Casa di Giulietta or Juliet’s house, is a 13th century Gothic style house once owned by the Capello Family. You can tour the rooms which retain their traditional medieval style, visit the tiny — but famous — balcony and admire the artwork in the house. There is a statue of Juliet outside and tradition has that if you touch her breast, it will bring you good luck.

Statue of Juliet in Verona

Castelvecchio Museum is a fortress turned museum. Built in the 14th century, it was turned into two museums by architect Carlo Scarpa. It houses an impressive collection of art from the Medieval and Renaissance periods including paintings, sculptures, weapons and ceramics.

Castelvecchio Bridge and Castle in Verona

Climb the Torre dei Lamberti in the heart of Verona. Erected in the 12th century, it is the tallest building in Verona and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and countryside. It’s 368 steps to the top, or take the elevator.

Torre dei Lamberti Verona

Explore the city’s history at the Roman Theater Archeological Museum.

Vicenza: City of Palladio

 The city is known for its elegant building designed by famed 16th century architect Andrea Palladio. The sites include the Palladian Basilica, Palazzo Chiericati, palaces, public buildings, religious building and 16 magnificent villas. UNESCO recognized his distinctive style by making the City of Palladio a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Statue on top of Pacifica Palladinia Vicenza

The Olympic Theatre was built in 1580. Inspired by Roman theaters, it was Palladio’s final project. The elliptical shaped theatre creates the illusion of streets receding into a distant horizon.

The stunningTeatro Olimpico – Vicenza

Need some green and calm? Parco Querini is an oasis of calm. The 24-acre park includes manicured gardens, a gazebo in the middle of a pond and a tree-lined avenue off the Southwest side of the pond lined with a series of statues.

Parco Querini – Vicenza

The Church of Santa Corona was built by the Dominicans in the 13th century to house what they believed were relics from Christ and the Crown of Thorns.

Treviso: A cooler, calmer Venice

 The walled city of Treviso, with its quaint cobblestone streets, intricate set of canals and cute little bridges, is the other Venice. It’s a city surrounded with rich countryside where radicchio and Prosecco reign supreme, where tiramisu was invented and where high-end clothing manufacturers abound.

Main gate into Treviso

The scenic canals here are bordered with modern public art installations.

The famous fountain here is the Fontana Delle Tette. At the election of each new mayor the fountain would let city residents have free red or white wine, dispensed from the breasts of the statue in the fountain. Now, it only dispenses water the actual original fountain is housed under glass in the Palazzo dei Trecento.

Fontana Delle Tette Treviso – only water, no wine

The Treviso Cathedral is magnificent. It has seven domes and the majestic columned exterior has a wide entry staircase flanked by lions. The interior has stunning frescoes and artwork, including Titian’s masterpiece “Malchiostro Annunciation.”

Treviso Cathedral

The Museo di Santa Caterina has an outstanding art collection including some modern works from the 19th and 20th century. It is a beautifully restored former church and convent.

The Chiesa di Santa Lucia, the church of St. Lucy, is a small church, but its walls and vaulted ceiling are covered with beautiful frescoes.

Treviso

These destinations are part of GetAway Travel’s Discover the Veneto portion of our Aegean Sunset to Venetian Canals tour, and advisors are ready to help you sign up for that trip, or plan a trip of your own. Stop by later to read about the fabulous cuisine and wine that awaits you in the Veneto region and we’ll also tell you about our planned stops in the Aegean portion of the trip.

Interested in booking a place now or planning your own trip? We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

 

 

 

 

Three Words to Savor: Osteria, Trattoria, and Ristorante

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When dining in Italy, you’ll hear three magical words that promise a delicious experience: Osteria, Trattoria, and Ristorante. While they all mean “places to eat,” each one offers its own vibe and flavor of Italian culture. Think of it as a journey from rustic charm to refined elegance. Let’s break them down so you can find your perfect Italian table!

🍷 Osteria – Cozy, Casual, and Full of Charm

Picture this: a no-frills, cozy spot where the wine flows, the locals gather, and the menu is short but oh-so-satisfying. Traditionally, osterie were simple taverns serving up hearty, affordable dishes. Today, they still keep things laid-back with comfort food, often highlighting seasonal, local ingredients. It’s all about relaxed vibes and big flavors. If you want to feel like you’ve stumbled into a friend’s kitchen, an osteria is your go-to.

🍝 Trattoria – The Heart of Family Dining

A trattoria is like the warm hug of Italian dining—still informal, but with a touch more structure. Often family-run, these spots serve up generous portions of classic Italian fare. You’ll get friendly service, fresh ingredients, and dishes that are simple but perfectly executed. Think homemade pastas, local meats, and seafood. A trattoria is where you go to feast like a local and leave blissfully full.

🍽️ Ristorante – Where Elegance Meets Italian Flavor

Ready to elevate your dining experience? A ristorante is the most formal of the three. Expect polished service, elegant décor, and menus with a sophisticated twist. From appetizers to desserts, dishes are often artfully presented and prepared with finesse. Whether it’s an upscale affair or a slightly more casual venue, a ristorante is where Italian cuisine puts on its fancy shoes. And don’t forget to browse the wine list—you might just discover your new favorite vintage.

Ready to dine like an Italian? No matter what kind of experience you crave, Italy’s dining scene has a seat just for you. Buon appetito!

Experience the Magic of Back-to-Back River Cruises in Europe

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For those who love the idea of leisurely exploring Europe’s stunning rivers, back-to-back river cruises are the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of multiple regions. Imagine drifting from one enchanting city to the next, without the hassle of unpacking, connecting flights, or switching hotels. Whether you’re passionate about history, wine, or simply soaking in the scenery, combining two or more cruises allows you to create a truly unforgettable European adventure.

Double the Adventure, Half the Effort

One of the biggest perks of back-to-back cruises is how easy they make travel. You get to experience multiple itineraries in one seamless vacation, without ever needing to repack or worry about logistics. With smaller, boutique-style river ships, the transition from one journey to the next is effortless, leaving you free to enjoy the adventure at your own pace. This is the perfect solution for travelers who want to make the most of their time without the stress of planning a complicated itinerary.

Explore More of Europe in One Trip

Why settle for just one destination when you can explore more? A back-to-back cruise lets you sail through multiple countries and regions, from the romantic Rhine to the enchanting Danube, all in one extended journey. One week you could be admiring Cologne’s Gothic cathedral, and the next you’re exploring Vienna’s elegant palaces. It’s a chance to see Europe’s most iconic cities and landmarks in one amazing trip, all while traveling in comfort and style.

Best of Both Worlds: Western and Central Europe

A popular option for combining itineraries is the “Castles Along the Rhine” followed by a journey down the Danube. This allows you to experience the charming towns and towering castles of Germany one week, then continue on to the grand capitals of Vienna, Budapest, and beyond the next. It’s the perfect way to enjoy both Western and Central Europe, giving you a taste of different cultures, histories, and landscapes.

Middle Rhine Valley

A Feast for the Senses: French Food & Wine

For foodies and wine lovers, combining river cruises through France’s best regions is a perfect pairing. Imagine starting with a culinary journey through Burgundy and Provence, with stops in Lyon and Avignon, and then continuing on to Bordeaux, the heart of one of the world’s most famous wine regions. From tasting fine wines to savoring gourmet meals, this combination offers a true feast for the senses.

Enjoy the Intimate Luxury of Smaller Ships

One of the most enjoyable aspects of river cruising is the intimate, boutique experience offered on smaller ships. With fewer passengers, you’ll enjoy personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere that’s more akin to staying at a luxury hotel than being on a large ocean liner. This makes extended back-to-back cruises even more appealing, allowing you to unwind and enjoy each leg of your journey without distractions or crowds.

Whether you’re looking to explore Europe’s rivers in depth, indulge in world-class food and wine, or simply relax as you sail through breathtaking landscapes, back-to-back cruises are the perfect way to experience it all. With so much to see and do, these extended journeys offer a leisurely yet luxurious way to discover Europe’s best-kept secrets.

Expert Guidance from GetAway Travel

At GetAway Travel, we specialize in crafting personalized, unforgettable travel experiences, and our expertise in European river cruising is second to none. Whether you’re interested in combining itineraries or looking for the perfect back-to-back cruise, our team is here to help every step of the way. We’ll guide you through selecting the ideal routes, handling logistics, and ensuring you get the most out of your journey. With years of experience in luxury travel, we know how to tailor trips to meet the desires of baby boomer travelers, providing seamless planning and exclusive perks to enhance your European adventure.

Amalfi Coast features lemons, olives, wine and fabulous cuisine

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The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its contribution to Mediterranean culture. That includes the lemon experience, “heroic” vineyards and olive groves and the world’s oldest pasta. If you’re looking for a vacation with fabulous scenery, lovely historic sites, and tours of terraced lemon and olive groves along with vineyards and unforgettable cuisine, GetAway Travel stands ready to help.

The lemon experience

 Lemons from the Amalfi Coast are distinctly different from those hard, waxy fruits you pick up at the grocery store. Amalfi lemons are knobby, football-shaped juice-packed wonders of nature. Fragrant with a balanced acidity that doesn’t evoke the lemon-sucked pucker, some are so sweet they can be eaten like apples. They can be purchased at street vendors cut up, sprinkled with a little salt, lightly drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with mint.

Their leaves are wrapped around vegetables and limoncello cheese is famous around the world. Traveling along the coast you can buy cookies iced with lemon frosting at street stands as well as granita di Limone which is sort of like a lemon slushy.

The Aceto Family is your host when you take the Lemon Experience tour in Amalfi. They have been growing lemons for six generations. Learn the art of terraced farming, also called “heroic” farming because the rocky, steep terraces don’t lend themselves to mechanical equipment. It takes heroic human effort to cultivate and harvest the lemons as well as olives and grapes at other farms on the coast. The produce is loaded into crates which are then brought out on the shoulders of employees and family members.

The Museum of Arts showcases the tools of the trade for lemon growing. There is equipment and documents that show the evolution of terrace farming. Take a cooking class and learn how to make the classic lemon tort or lemon jam. At the end of your tour or class, try the limoncello and its variations. Buy and take lemons with you, or ship them. And, for heavens sake, don’t skip the classic delizia al limone even if you are counting calories. It’s a lemon delight of sponge cake filled with lemon cream, brushed with limoncello and topped with lemon-based whipped cream.

Delizia al limone

Olives and wine

 Get your olive fix at Sorrento Farm. Olive grove tours are conducted under the olive trees, very fitting, and you get the history and an idea of the tradition and farming techniques. See tools from the process, everything from pruning to pressing, and finally the end product.

Sample a variety of olive oils, the farm produces 20 or so, flavored with oranges, truffles, chillies and, of course, lemon.

Terraced vineyard on Amalfi coast

Small-scale wineries are scattered throughout the coast. The indigenous grapes have a unique flavor due to the sea breeze, volcanic soil and heat of the sun.

Vietri sul Mare

Le Vigne di Riato is a lemon grove and vineyard directly above Vietri sul Mare. You can take a tour there or at Cantine Apicella or Ettore Sammarco near Ravello. Marisa Cuomo Winery is the best known winery in the area. Run by women, their wines celebrate the grapes of the region. Tenure San Francesco features wines from recipes that are 100 years old. Guiseppe Apicella is an organic boutique winery that only produces about 19 bottles of wine a year. It is in Tramonti.

You can taste a wide variety of coastal wines at the Le Tre Sorelle Wine Room in Positano. Ask for a flight or try one of the more than 40 wines sold by the glass.

Pasta, seafood and marvelous cuisine

 One of the oldest pastas in the world, ndunderi, a ricotta and pecorino cheese gnocchi, UNESCO recognizes it as a pasta created during Roman times. Minori lays claim to being the birthplace of the pasta, but there are fabulous dishes throughout the region.

Scialatielli ai frutti di mare

Scialatielli ai frutti di mare is a pasta dish packed with seafood including redfish, blue fish, shrimp, sea urchin, octopus, mussels and usually several more additions depending on the catch of the day. The pasta noodles in this dish are made with milk instead of eggs.

Colatura di Alica

Cetera, in addition to being the tuna capital of the world, supplies the area with Colatura di Alica, a fish sauce condiment made by stacking anchovies, fish, salt and flavorings together. This amber-colored liquid has an intense flavor and is used in spaghetti dishes.

Rigatoni alla Genovese

Rigatoni alla Genovese is cod cooked in oil and lemon peel and Zuppa di Cozze is a tasty mussel soup.

Parmigiana di melanzane

Parmigiana di melanzane is an eggplant dish where the vegetable is layered with tomato sauce. But you can also get eggplant in a sweet dish. Melanzane al cioccolato is eggplant and chocolate and depending where it is ordered, it could be layered with ricotta or a liquor and flavored with cinnamon, lemon and candied orange.

Moscardini

Moscardini con le patate is baby octopus simmered in red wine vinegar combined with potatoes boiled in saltwater. It all comes together with white wine, olive oil, herbs and garlic. Try cuppo d’Amalfi from any street vendor — fried fish and squid served in a paper cone.

Gnocchi

Is the Amalfi Coast calling to you? Then make a call to GetAway Travel! Call (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

Take a sun-kissed getaway to the Amalfi Coast

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Town of Amalfi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is about 35 miles of magnificent scenery that has retained the traditional Mediterranean atmosphere and charm. It carries the UNESCO designation because of the cultural value and historic authenticity of the area. The winding road along the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Campania Region shows off sheer cliffs, terraced olive, grape and lemon groves, lovely small beaches and about a dozen pastel-colored seaside towns each with its own distinct attributes. Are you thinking about a trip where every stop has fabulous views and cuisine — then GetAway Travel is here to plan your vacation to the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi

Sorrento has a fascinating mix of architectural styles as well as a fabulous selection of woodworking shops where you can browse for gifts, or just admire the craft. The city prides itself on its devotion to woodworking, so much so that visitors are invited to check out the Museo della Tarsia Lignea or the Inlaid Wood Museum.

Sorrento

If you are impressed by the inlaid wood panels that adorn the Sorrento Cathedral, you can learn the history as well as the ins and outs of the craft at the museum. There are furniture pieces made over the last century as well as a wing dedicated to contemporary pieces.

Sorrento Cathedral – interior

Explore the cloister near the Church of San Francesco. The cloister was built on the ruins of a monastery and it incorporates a variety of architectural styles including some from pagan temples. The columns on the many arches are all different heights and each is also decorated differently.

Cloister of San Francesco

The Museo Correale di Terranova is not what you would expect — it is in an 18th century villa and the collections are from two counts whose collections evolved into a museum. There’s examples of intricate marquetry, Japanese, Chinese and European ceramics, clocks, fans, Murano glass, porcelain, Bavarian crystal and ancient and medieval artifacts.

Positano

Visit Positano, the choice of the rich and famous. Picasso, Steinbeck and Elizabeth Taylor all extolled the virtues of the scenery and beaches. Perched on the cliffs are multi-colored villas — who knows what celebrity you might see!

Santa Maria Assunta, Positano

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano is visible everywhere because of its stunning majolica-tiled dome. Inside the lovely church is the famous Black Madonna icon. Dating back to the 18th century, it was supposedly brought to the village by pirates who crashed on the shore.

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Postcard-perfect Milan, Lake Como

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Lombardy is the leading industrial and commercial region of Italy. Iron, steel, automobiles, trucks and machinery are produced here. It is a finance center, a wholesale and retail hub and considered the international gateway to Northern Italy. It is a center for animal breeding for cattle and pigs and produces 30% of the country’s milk. Now, that’s all very interesting, but some more exciting information is that it’s also a fashion hub, Leonardo da Vinci rose to artistic prominence here, the scenery belongs on a postcard, it’s got castles, cathedrals, celebrities and flagship stores for top fashion designers.

View of city of Milan from top of Duomo

Have we piqued your interest? Advisors at GetAway Travel can get you to the Lombardy region for a fabulous adventure.

Fantastic cathedral, superb museums

 Milan is Lombardy’s capital city and the second largest city in Italy. It is home to Italy’s largest cathedral and, the country’s oldest shopping mall.

The Piazza del Duomo is Milan’s main city square and you can’t miss the Duomo also known as the Milan Cathedral. Huge, intricate, breathtaking, it took more than 500 years to complete.

Spanning 126,000 square feet, it one of the largest Roman Catholic cathedrals in the world and the third largest of any cathedral in the world. There is a dress code — no shorts, hats or miniskirts and no off the shoulder or low-cut blouses if you are planning on going inside.

It was constructed of pinkish, white marble sourced from Lake Maggiore and the building built in Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical styles is just as impressive inside as it is outside.

The roof of the Duomo is decorated with more than 100 towers and thousands of sculptures. You can get a closer look at the decorative features on the Duomo terraces on the rooftop. There’s also fabulous views of the city and the Alps from the roof. Take the 250 stairs up, or, thankfully, take the elevator.

The amazing roof on the Milan Duomo

The interior features lovely stained glass windows, beautiful patterned floors made of marble and impressive soaring columns. The Duomo Museum, on site, gives insight into the history of the cathedral and also has collections of sculptures, paintings, terracotta and tapestries.

The Santa Maria delle Grazie church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where Leonardo Da Vinci painted “The Last Supper.” The fresco, an unforgettable piece of art history, is located in the rectory.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

There are no shortages of museums in the city as well as on the grounds of Sforzesco Castle.

Around the city you will find: The Pincacoteca di Brera, the city’s premiere art museum with a vast collection of paintings by Italian artists including Raphael, Caravaggio and Montegna; the Museo del Novecento has modern and contemporary art including pieces from Giorgio de Chirico, Umberto Boccioni and Lucio Fontana; contemporary art leaning more towards the decorative arts can be found at the Fondazione Prada with furniture, glass, ceramics, paintings and sculptures, from the medieval period to the 18th century. The Museo Bagatti Valsecchi has decorative art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Pincacoteca di Brera

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