Category Archives: Travel

Make bread part of your tasty adventure

2 Replies

Bread is one of the world’s oldest “prepared” food. It is a universal staple and eating it together is one of the simplest forms of bonding. “Breaking bread” is a symbol of friendship, reconciliation, hospitality and camaraderie. Bread holds religious significance and it shows up in proverbs and slang. While you may not want to tailor your travel adventure around this staple, advisors at GetAway Travel can make sure you get what you knead in your travel itinerary and we can even add some time for loafing around.

From stone ground to stone baked

Recorded history shows bread is an important part of culture and diet. It is the oldest food that doesn’t require foraging or hunting. The oldest unleavened bread was flatbread discovered in Jordan in 14,400. It was wild wheat, barley and einkorn. Stone tools were used to crack and smash the grains. They were initially mixed with water to make a porridge and then, the porridge was spread on rocks and left in the sun. The dried, sun-baked mixture was the first bread.

With the domestication of wheat in the mid-East, the cultivation of grain to bread spread.

Egyptians used bread as a vessel, other countries began using it as utensil. Before coins became prevalent in Egypt, workers were paid with bread and beer.

Iberians and Gauls used foam from beer and discovered it added lightness and taste.

Europeans used beer as leavening and sourdough evolved. Until the development of yeasts during the 19th century every bread was sourdough. In the 1980s demand for sourdough was so high, there were regulations drawn up to define what could be sold as sourdough.

Mayans used corn and that evolved into tortillas, tamales and other bread varieties.

While there are thousands and thousands of type of bread world wide, Germany is the big winner for bread varieties clocking in at more than 3,200.

Bread is different in Europe due to the use of different wheat varieties. They are softer and the bread has a lower gluten content. Many countries also use more diverse wheat strains grown especially for their taste. There are stricter regulations on what can be included in flour.

Cassava

Global prestige granted to bread

Maltese Ftira

 UNESCO recognizes bread making traditions as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage designation. The recognition is designed to protect the practice of making bread, including traditions, unique craftsmanship, ingredients, social importance, historical roots. It is designed to promote and preserve these practices. UNESCO designations go to France’s baguette, Malta’s Ftira, Haiti/Caribbean’s Casabe cassava bread, Lebanon’s Manoushe and the German bread culture.

Lebanese Manoushe

Germany is in a whole category of its own when it comes to bread. It is an integral part of their culture and they have more varieties than any other country. According to the bread register of the German Institute For Bread (really, it does exist, we aren’t making it up) there are more than 3,200 types of bread. It is a staple at most meals. There’s bread for breakfast and bread for break time, called Pausenbrot or “break bread.” Bread for lunch and, of course, bread for dinner called Abendbrot or bread of the evening.

Pausenbrot

German supermarkets have their own corner bakeries attached and bakers are held in high regard and must undergo a high level of training. There are German standards for bread quality including the size of the loaf and each year the German Institute announces the bread of the year. For 2025 the bread of the year was Nussbrot or Nut Bread. You can enjoy farmer’s bread, mixed bread, stone oven bread, pumpkin bread and five-seed bread.

Abendbrot

There’s bread rolls which come in several varieties and may be called something else depending what part of the country you might be in and milk rolls which are a breakfast item when they contain raisins or chocolate chips. Hörnchen is another breakfast staple. The name means “little horns” and the half moon shaped rolls are the German version of a croissant with a lot more butter. They are served with jam or a chocolate spread.

Vollkornbrot

Vollkornbrot, whole grain bread, is a predominant bread at bakeries. It is a dark bread commonly used with meat and cheese for sandwiches in the evening. There is a law making it mandatory that loaves of Vollkornbrot must have whole grain flour content of at least 90%.

Pumpernickel bread in Germany is a rich, dark bread made of 100% rye flour. Most supermarkets in Germany sell it in pre-sliced small batches. It must be baked at a low temperature for a long time and frequently sells out at the bakeries. Roggenbrot is any rye bread other than pumpernickel.

Pumpernickel

Katenbrot is a dark brown, coarsely textured whole grain bread. The name means “barn bread” and it is great as sandwich bread. Sonnenblumenbrot is sunflower seed bread. This slightly sweet offering is great for breakfast and is served with cream cheese and jam. Dreikornbrot/Fünfkornbrot is the healthiest of the bread options. It is made with a variety of wheat, rye, barley, oats and maize flour and grains.

 

GetAway Travel advisors are by no means bread experts, but in their travels they have tried many delectable varieties and can give great tasty vacation advice. They can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel Check back for our next blog which takes you around the world to check out more bread options.

 

 

 

 

Tour London’s fabulous museums, cathedrals

Leave a reply

There’s palaces, parliament and prisons to see in London, but there’s also cathedrals steeped in history and some of the finest museums in the world. Travel advisors at GetAway Travel can help tailor your adventure to include all the points of interest you’ve been dreaming about seeing.

Awe-inspiring cathedrals and churches

 St. Paul’s is an architectural masterpiece that towers over Ludgate Hill. This 300-year-old marvel is recognized as one of London’s most magnificent buildings. Inside, the imposing dome is supported by eight huge columns. If you are feeling particularly fit, take the stairs to the walkway around the dome which was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

St Paul’s Cathedral

More stairs up takes you to the Whispering Gallery, more stairs and the Stone Gallery, still more stairs to the Golden Gallery. There, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the city.

Interior ceiling – St Pauls

The crypt area has memorials to 300 of Britain’s famous residents including Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

St Bartholomew the Great – London

St. Bartholomew the Great is the city’s oldest parish church. Built in the Norman Romanesque style, it might look familiar. It was used as a backdrop in the films “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and “Shakespeare in Love.”

Continue reading →

Thanksgiving: A Journey That Changed Everything

Leave a reply

Nearly 400 years ago, a small group of Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people gathered for a feast to celebrate survival and a successful harvest. That moment became the foundation of our national holiday—but the story behind it is really about travel.

The Pilgrims were part of religious congregations who fled England’s turbulent politics for the relative calm of Holland. Known as Brownists, they believed in a congregational form of worship—a dangerous idea in a time when disagreeing with the monarchy could cost you your life. Under the 1559 Act of Uniformity, skipping official Church of England services meant fines, imprisonment, or worse. So, they packed their bags and headed to Holland.

But Holland wasn’t the final stop. Fearing they’d lose their cultural identity, the Pilgrims dreamed of a new life across the Atlantic. Their first ship, the Speedwell, leaked like a sieve. Enter the Mayflower—a merchant vessel never designed for passengers. Imagine a two-month voyage in cramped quarters, no privacy, and only a chamber pot for a toilet. Seasickness, boredom, and brutal storms were constant companions. Yet, they pressed on.

When they finally arrived, winter was waiting. Many didn’t survive those first months, but thanks to the Wampanoag, they learned to hunt, fish, and grow crops. By autumn of 1621, they celebrated their first successful harvest with a feast—what we now call Thanksgiving.

Mayflower Replica

So, What Does This Have to Do With Travel?

Travel has always been about hope, resilience, and discovery. The Pilgrims risked everything for a better life. Today, we travel for joy, connection, and cultural enrichment—but thankfully, in far more comfort than a wind-tossed merchant ship!

At GetAway Travel, we believe every journey should be memorable for the right reasons:

  • Luxury & Comfort: Custom tours, exciting expeditions, and elegant river cruises—where your accomodation truly feels like home.
  • Cultural Enrichment: Guided tours that immerse you in history, art, and local traditions.
  • Hassle-Free Planning: We handle the details so you can simply enjoy the adventure.

This Thanksgiving, as you gather with loved ones, remember: the spirit of travel is woven into the very fabric of this holiday. Ready to start your next chapter of discovery?

Visit London for history, grandeur, culture

1 Reply

It’s a city with history that goes back to Roman times and everywhere you turn is stunning architecture and sites recognizable from the news and movies. It’s a city of kings and poets, high tea and crown jewels, double-decker buses, tradition and pomp and circumstance and so much more. London has so much to offer and the travel advisors at GetAway Travel can offer you lots of options to make your trip there fabulous!

Take in the royal sights

 See the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. The guards perform a ceremonial march accompanied by pomp and fanfare. Check the schedule, it doesn’t happen every day. You can tour Buckingham Palace. The state rooms open to tours have fabulous art and antiques. It is open for tours from July to September. After that, it becomes a “working” royal palace and is only open to the public at select times.

Buckingham Palace

The Tower of London is an iconic landmark with 1,000 years of history behind it. It went from being a royal palace to a fortress and then to a prison. It houses the crown jewels. We aren’t talking about a crown or two. We’re talking about a majestic display of grand proportions. More than 100 pieces of jewelry and coronation finery worn or used by kings and queens over the years.

The Tower of London

The most famous feature of the Palace of Westminster, which is the Houses of Parliament, is Elizabeth Tower which is more commonly known as Big Ben. The legendary 13-ton bell is atop the tower. You can take a tour and enjoy the fabulous views, but be prepared. You need to be able to climb 334 steps to see the clock and inner mechanisms. You are supplied with ear plugs because it’s loud in there.

Westminster Palace

Westminster Abbey, formerly known as Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster has enormous historical significance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been the setting of coronations for 40 English and British monarchs as well as a burial site for 18 English, Scottish and British monarchs.

Westminster Abbey

A tour here encompasses 10 centuries of history, with burial sites and memorials of individuals who shaped the history of the United Kingdom. Notables including Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens are buried here and there are numerous memorials to famous people including Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton.

Westminster Abbey interior Courtyard

Admire the soaring ceilings, including the vaulted ceiling in the Henry VII Lady Chapel that was an architectural marvel at the time it was built. There are stained glass windows and intricate carvings to admire. The Cosmati Pavement near the high altar, with its colorful stones and glass, is gorgeous.

Henry VII Chapel at Westminster Abbey

Plenty of famous places to visit

 The London Eye is a futuristic ferris wheel that takes 30 minutes to do a complete turn. When you are at its highest point, 443 feet, the views of the city can’t be beat.

The Eye

Seeing a production at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater means experiencing the work of the bard in its most authentic setting. It is actually a rebuilt faithful reproduction of the original Globe. It burned to the ground when a theatrical cannon explosion during a production set the thatched roof on fire.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theater reproduction

A guided tour takes you around the theatre to an exhibition on Shakespeare and life in the 17th century in Bankside.

Don’t skip an opportunity for an afternoon high tea while in London. While many venues require a reservation, there are still plenty of places, including several museums as well as cafés on High Street, that take walk-ins. Enjoy finger sandwiches — cucumber, egg salad and smoked salmon and cream cheese, and quiches, mini pies and sausage rolls. The sweets selections will include small cakes, tarts, sweet scones with jelly and cream, eclairs, petit fours and shortbread.

The Shard

The Shard is a splinter-like building that is one of the tallest buildings in Europe. It is 1,016 feet high with 95 floors. The 72nd story has an open-air sky deck with spectacular views.

The thousand-year-old Borough Market at the southern end of London Bridge has more than 100 stalls and small shops. Some scenes from Harry Potter movies were filmed here.

You can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and a plethora of international cuisine options for lunch including falafel, flatbread, bento boxes, black truffle pasta, tacos and pulled pork. Try the Camden Market with hundreds of stalls catering to your inner fashionista — from vintage to alternative. You can also find art as well as music and film memorabilia here. The Portobello Road Market is one of the world’s largest antique markets.

Tower Bridge

Up for a stroll? Take a walk along the South bank of the Thames River from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge. You can get a look at many of the most iconic sights including Big Ben, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Globe Theater.

An upcoming blog will go through the great museum and cathedral options in the city

Vacationing in the United Kingdom, England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland, is a great way to dip your travel toe in the waters. Concerned about going to a country where you don’t know the language — this fits the bill perfectly. Is London and the surrounding area, calling you? Advisors at GetAway Travel will help you craft the perfect adventure!

Aegean adventure continues

Leave a reply

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

Leave a reply

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

1 Reply

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

 

 

 

 

Costa Rica offers incredible biodiversity, rich culture

Leave a reply

Stunning terrain, 800 miles of coastline, no national army — but one of the highest literacy rates in the world at 97% and home to 10% of the butterfly species in the world. Costa Rica has 200 volcanoes, not all are active, a long history of public services including education and health care and 25% of land is protected as national parks or wildlife preserves. You can zip line along a forest canopy, take a chocolate, sugar cane and coffee tour and visit a jade museum and visit a gold museum. Interested? You can pack a lot of adventure in a country that is just about the size of West Virginia. Travel advisors at GetAway Travel are available to help craft your perfect Costa Rica adventure.

San José, the cosmopolitan capital

 Costa Rica, in Spanish, means the “rich coast.” Christopher Columbus sailed to the eastern shores of Costa Rica in 1502 and reported natives wore great quantities of gold jewelry. Nicaragua is on the country’s north border, the Caribbean Sea to the Northeast and Panama and the Pacific Ocean to the Southeast. The country’s primary export is coffee, followed by tobacco, sugar and cocoa.

With a population of over 325,000, San José is a city of stunning architecture, interesting museums, shopping opportunities and great art galleries. The beauty of visiting a small country is that you can be in a great restaurant at noon and zip-lining among the tree canopies two hours later.

Festival Parade, San Jose

The country’s iconic Poás Volcano is just a little over an hour away from San José and you can visit a coffee plantation, and tour the La Paz Waterfall gardens on the way there or on the way back. Visitors rave about the Doka Coffee Plantation tour. The 4,000-acre coffee plantation lets visitors experience every step of the coffee-making process. There are numerous other plantation tours offered around the country, too.

Poas Volcanco crater

The National Theater in San José is modeled after the Paris Opera. It is considered on of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The neoclassical exterior is amazing with its intricate detailing and the inside has sculptures and frescoes.

National Theater, San Jose, Costa Rica

A great mix of museums

The city has an impressive and eclectic mix of museums.

The National Museum, which was an army barracks until the army was abolished, showcases pre-Columbian and historic artifacts. The Jade Museum has the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian jade pieces with some dating from 500 to 800 BC. There are translucent carvings of fertility goddesses and animals among the very impressive pieces.

National Museum of Costa Rica

The Gold Museum has hundreds of gold items including jewelry, coins, trinkets and religious icons. They are exhibited to showcase the manufacture and use of many of the objects.

Bridge in the Monteverde rain forest

On the second floor of the San José main post office is the Stamp Museum. Enjoy postage stamp exhibits, early phone displays and historic displays.

La Soledad Church, San Jose

The Museum of Forms, Spaces and Sounds is in what was once the Atlantic Railroad Station. Here you will find all forms of sculptures in wood and stone as well as musical instruments and scale models.

Cartago, the country’s former capital

 Cartago was founded in 1563 and remained the country’s capital until 1823 when it was decided to move the capital to a larger city. It’s about a days travel from San José and it has the most Spanish colonial sites in the country. There are numerous coffee plantations around Cartago to tour and the city is home to one of the country’s largest educational institutes, the Technological Institute of Costa Rica.

Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles

The huge basilica, the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, which pays tribute to the country’s patron saint, the Black Madonna, is in Cartago. The stunning, mostly Byzantine architecture, is a mix of styles. Framed by mountaintops, the basilica with its towering ceilings and octagonal dome is impressive. Inside, the small statue of the Black Madonna is atop one of the altars. The interior has fabulous stained glass windows as well as statues.

Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles

The country’s highest volcano, Irazú, is in Cartago. Located in Irazú National Park, the active volcano has several craters which visitors can explore. On a clear day, you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts from volcano outlooks.

Irazú Volcano

 Embrace the outdoor options

 Volcanos, fabulous national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, zip-lining over the forest canopies, night and day wildlife tours — the biodiversity of Costa Rica is amazing and visitors should take advantage of all it has to offer.

Corcovado National Park is internationally renowned by ecologists for its biodiversity. It is the one park in the country where all four species of Costa Rican monkeys can be found.

Night and day naturalist tours are offered at Manual Antonio National Park and you can see snakes, monkeys, sloths, macaws and more.

White Faced Capouchin Monkeys, Costa Rica

Walk on the hanging bridges in La Fortuna. There are 14 bridges at Mistico Hanging Bridges and six are hanging bridges. The La Fortuna Waterfall is a sight to behold. The 230-foot waterfall shoots out from the cliff to a frothy pool.

La Fortuna

You can check out the Arenal Volcano and a short distance away is Tenorio Volcanic Park. The park is also famous for Teñideros, where two rivers meet and mix into the brightest blue lake you have ever seen. Take a tour around the lake and visit the sulfur hot springs at Borbollones.

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

You can go whale watching at Drake Bay.

Marino Ballena National Park is on the southwestern coast and is set up to protect marine life, especially humpback whales.

Montererde Cloud Forest is a wildlife sanctuary with epic views and a huge array of birds and wildlife including jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, reptiles and butterflies. It is named because of the gorgeous mist that shrouds the landscape.

Sloth hanging out in Costa Rica

Territorio De Zaguates, also known as doggy paradise, is in the Heredia Province in the mountains of Santa Bárbara. The “Land of a Thousand Strays,” was founded initially as a sanctuary for several strays. Now, it is non-profit, no-kill shelter with 1,300 dogs. You can take a “dog walk” on the property with some of the residents and volunteers and hear some adoption stories.

Black sand at Playa Ostional

On the Northeast side of Nicoya Peninsula is Playa Ostional. It is a mass turtle nesting area and hundreds of thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Several weeks later a mass of conservation volunteers show up to shepherd the baby turtles into the sea away from predatory birds and dogs.

Sunset in Costa Rica

So much to see, and, you can enjoy amazing beans and rice concoctions, tamales and fabulous seafood dishes! Ready for a Costa Rica adventure? Contact a travel advisor at GetAway Travel. We can be reached at: (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway

1 Reply

Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun, an outdoor adventure land, cultural and historic significance, art and Vikings, a myriad of experiences await visitors to Norway. There’s no better place to start your visit than Oslo, the gateway to the country. Referred to as the most beautiful country in the world, is Norway on your bucket list? GetAway Travel advisors are ready to help you “check it off” your list and get you there.

 

Gateway to Norway

 Oslo is the economic and government center of Norway. Trade, banking, industry and shipping are all represented in this capital city. It is a city of incredible nature beauty. There is the stunning waterfront, but also a plethora of green space.

Oslo harbor at night

There are also some amazing examples of architectural innovation. Visit the opera house, not only to attend a performance, but to walk on the roof to enjoy views of the city and surrounding area.

Oslo Opera House

There are marvelous examples of Scandinavian architecture, galleries, art and design centers, take a walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House. Speaking of opera, a 20-year concentration of development around the city has made it a world-class cultural capital. The art and modern history museums are fabulous.

Oslo Nobel Peace Center

The Nobel Peace center is in Oslo. Nobel prizes are presented in Stockholm, but the Peace Prize is presented at Oslo City Hall with the winner making the keynote speech at the ceremony.

Interior, Oslo City Hall

And, you can go island hopping. A short ferry ride can take you to one of the islands near Oslo for beach time, visiting a fishing village or two or sightseeing among the historical ruins.

Museums? Oslo has got ‘em

 There are 40 museums in Oslo, so there’s likely something to see for anything a visitor might be interested in. In addition to the art and history and cultural offerings, there’s the Armed Forces Museum, the Nordic Bible and Book Museum, the Labour Museum, the Salmon Center, the Norwegian Mining Museum and Silver Mine and you can take a look at the world’s largest collection of miniature bottles at the Mini Bottle Gallery.

But, let’s go through some of the popular museum choices.

National Gallery, Oslo

The National Gallery houses the country’s largest collection of traditional and modern art including many of native son Edvard Munch’s best known works including “The Scream.” There are also pieces by Gauguin, Claudel, Picasso, El Greco, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Matisse, Cezanne and Monet.

Munch’s paintings, drawings, wood cuts and photographs, the largest collection of his works in the world, is at Munch Museum. There you will also be able to see traveling international exhibitions of art as well as musical performances and film. Plan for some time there, the museum has 13 floors.

 

Gol Stave Church, Oslo

Norway’s largest open-air museum is the Norsk Folkmuseum. It is one of the city’s most popular attractions. More than 140 buildings have been moved here to showcase what life was like in the 17th and 18th century. There are barns, raised storehouses and timbered farmhouses with sod roofs. Gorgeous wild flowers grow on the grounds, there are farm animals and horse and cart rides. There is a complete 20th century town reproduction including a village shop, gas station and homes. There are artisan and cultural activities going on throughout the site including weaving and pottery making.

An exhibition hall near the entrance is packed with exhibits of Norwegian folk art, historic toys and national costumes.

Kon-tiki at the Fram Museum, Oslo

The Fram Museum is dedicated to early polar exploration and the Kon-Tiki museum pays homage to Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl who sailed from Peru to Polynesia on a balsa raft in 1947.

Some other awesome attractions

 The Royal Palace, home to Norway’s royal family, allows tours. The 172-room palace was completed in 1849. Visitors can see about a dozen rooms including the lavish banquet hall, the Cabinet parlor and the palace chapel. Be sure to catch the changing of the guard performed here every day.

Oslo Nobel Peace Center

 

Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park, is a truly extraordinary sight. It is an open-air exhibition of 212 granite and bronze pieces done by beloved Norway sculptor Gustav Vigeland. There are intertwined lovers, gentle senior couples, crying babies and beggers.

Vigeland Sculpture Park

The Oslo Opera House is a jaw-dropping architectural marvel. Located on the waterfront, it is constructed of 36,000 luminous marble blocks and resembles a glacier floating in the water. Go to the roof to enjoy the views — and to be able to say you walked on the roof.

You can zip line down the spectacular ski jump at the Holmenkollen and Ski Museum. You can also immerse yourself in all things skiing. The nearby Rose Castle is an outdoor installation that commemorates the attack on Norway and the subsequent liberation during WWII.

Homenkollen ski jump, Oslo

Seven of the stained glass windows at the lovely Oslo Cathedral were designed and created by Vigeland and 17 more were gifted to the church in 1952 by Borgar Handlid. It’s done in Baroque style now and during a restoration, gorgeous paintings were revealed on the ceiling.

Oslo Dom Kirche

The Nobel Peace Center is dedicated to the peace prize and the Nobel laureates. Interactive exhibitions highlight human rights, conflict resolution and the importance of peace.

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle where visitors can explore the old walls, art, towers and the castle. Enjoy great views of the city and harbor.

Akershus Fortress, Oslo

What about food, you ask…

 Norwegians are the world’s second largest coffee drinkers. There are great coffee places everywhere.

Røkelaks – salmon and cream cheese on flat bread

Kjøttkaker are Norwegian meatballs served with mashed peas, potatoes and gravy. Smoked salmon, Røkelaks is served in various forms at most eating establishments, often as a meal starter. Pølse is a hot dog, closer to a sausage, served on a soft potato flatbread which is almost tortilla-like. It is topped with ketchup and mustard.

Opened face smørbrød with salmon and egg

Sandwiches or smørbrød, are served open-faced and garnished with a variety of toppings including meatloaf, eggs, smoked salmon or prawns.

Sweets? Oh yes! Waffles are enjoyed with brunost, sour cream and jam. Brunost is a sweet, Carmel-like cheese. Rømmegrøt is a traditional sour cream porridge garnished with butter, sugar and cinnamon. Buns, or holler, are sweet wheat buns served plain or filled with raisins or chocolate. A variation is skolebrød, filled with custard and topped with grated coconut.

Skolebrød

Interested in visiting the gateway to Norway? Travel advisors at GetAway Travel are ready to help you with your adventure plans.We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel

 

Journey to new worlds by train

Leave a reply

Vacation train travel offers a unique way to experience an area. Trains take you where buses and cars can’t go. It is said, “A journey by train is an adventure in itself.” While the trains run like clockwork in Switzerland and there’s lots of options there, don’t overlook the chance to take a train junket if there’s one available where you are vacationing. The seating is comfortable, have a beverage and revel in the knowledge you are seeing the country and being kind to the environment by reducing your carbon footprint since you aren’t driving. Your travel advisor at GetAway Travel can help you with train adventure possibilities. Here are some options to think about.

“Life is a journey, enjoy the ride,” especially if its on a train!

Vietnam’s Reunification Express takes travelers on the North-South railway that became a symbol of the reunification of the country when it opened in 1976. Travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Pass close to the sea in some places and enjoy the scenic views of rice paddies, villages, mountains and even some beaches.

Rice fields, Vietnam

Norway has a number of interesting options. The Bergen Line is considered the most scenic. There’s stunning mountain scenery on the trip fro Oslo to Bergen. The train takes you through the Hallingdal Valley along the picturesque Hardanger Jøkulen glacier. It’s a great way to travel between Norway’s two most important cities.

Bergen, Norway

The Flåm Line is one of the world’s most famous and technically interesting railways. It’s a steep action journey from Myrdal station down to the village of Flåm and you’ll pass dramatic waterfalls, rivers, valleys, streams and mountains. Take in what is considered the epitome of Norwegian nature on an antique train.

Flåm Norway train to Myrdal

The steep, angled climb from zero to a half mile above sea level takes two engines. One is at the front and one is at the back and each has a special braking system.

Take the seven-hour ride from Oslo to Trondheim on the Dovre Railway. You’ll enjoy the journey through Gudbrandsdalen, Rondan and Dovrefjell. The tracks go through some of Norway’s lovely national parks and you’ll see Lake Mjøsa as well at Eidsvoll, the birthplace of the Norwegian Constitution.

Sunset over Lake Mjosa Norway

Safari, Sri Lanka, India and the Outback

 The Rovos Rail in Southern Africa takes a 15-day journey from Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam. The luxury train goes through five countries with scheduled stops at game reserves, the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, Victoria Falls and through Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park. You can enjoy canapés and champagne during formal evenings on the train and safari, cultural and historic excursions during off-train times.

Victoria Falls – Zambia and Zimbabwe border

The British created the Ella to Kandy line through the central highlands of Sri Lanka to move tea and travelers. The seven-hour trip takes you through mountains, across rivers and over gorges. You pass giant tea plantations, farm fields, quaint small rural temples and occasionally stop at tiny stations to pick up travelers.

Ella to Kandy line passing through tea plantations

A train trip from Delphi to Mumbai on the Maharajas Express India takes seven days. The luxury train offers a fabulous tasting menu that is tailored to the area you are passing through and travelers are treated with marigold garlands when they board the train. There are great lounges with comfy couches, books and board games for you to rest and relax after you take advantage of planned excursions at stops along the way.

Palace of the Maharaja

Fancy a train trip though the Outback? There’s a three-day option on The Ghan that goes from Adelaide to Darwin. The environmental changes are amazing. You go from wine country in Southern Australia to the arid desert of Central Australia to the tropical landscapes near the Timor Sea.

The Ghan railway, Australia

Japan, Portugal, Canada, Egypt and the UK

 A train ride in Japan, the birthplace of the bullet train, is a three-hour blast from Tokyo to Shin Aomori. The Tohaku Shinkansen is the longest of the super speed lines that cross the country. Although it’s wicked fast, you can still see the volcanic landscape, snowy forests and villages.

Shinkansen trains

Portugal’s Douro Line takes you on a three-hour journey from Porto to Pocinho. The rail line was created in the late 19th century to move port into rural areas. You can admire the lovely vintage landscape with the neat rows of grapevines tucked into the steep hills. The start of the trip is pretty spectacular. Porto’s Sâo Bento Station is covered in decorative blue and white ceramic tiles, known as azulejos. The azulejos at the Pocinho station, where there is a bottle shop, depict the grape harvest.

Train line in Douro valley, Portugal

You an experience the pristine grandeur of the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer line. GetAway Travel advisors can attest to the awesome scenery because they took the Journey Through the Clouds trip. Imagine traveling in a comfortable coach outfitted with gigantic picture windows so you don’t miss any part of the scenery. You travel between Vancouver and Banff.

Lake Louise

Take a 10-hour rail trip from Cairo to Luxor and get dropped off at the doorstep of the Valley of Kings. The line runs parallel to the Nile River and goes from the delta to Alexandra and past the Aswan Dam.

Luxor Temple

The Heart of Wales line in the United Kingdom takes you from Craven Arms, England to Llanelli, Wales. The single track runs through the center of the country and takes you over ancient viaducts and through quaint rustic stations.

Caerphilly Castle, Wales

A trip on the Royal Scotsman starts at Edinburgh’s Waverly Station, takes travelers through the heart of the Scottish Highlands and past some great landmarks. If you want to soak up the ambiance of the British countryside in restored train cars featuring Art Deco touches from the 1920s and 1930s, ride the British Pullman. Tour the countryside and cities and towns like Cambridge, York and Canterbury.

Canterbury Cathedral

Ready to go full steam ahead on a train adventure? Your GetAway Travel advisor is on board with that!  Reach us at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel