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Pula was an administrative center of Istria since Roman times and the roman arena still stands as a sign of old roman glory. And an old culinary trad…morePula was an administrative center of Istria since Roman times and the roman arena still stands as a sign of old roman glory. And an old culinary traditions which shows in its great markets. Valsabbion is a sophisticated boutique hotel and a much awarded restaurant with very innovative cuisine both in content and presentation. Down toward the central region of Licka are the Plitvize lakes. Surrounded by 3 mountains feeding the lakes this world heritage site is a grand collection of amazing waterfalls and 16 lakes known for their unusual changing colors colors ranging from blue to aqua to turquoise Then through the ancient village of Mlinize with looks to have stepped out right out of the Middle Ages. Nearby in Kuterevo in the Licka region there is a shelter for bear cubs run by volunteers and worth a visit. The peninsual of Primosten is one of the most photogenic places on the Adriatic. This is also a rich wine country. Further south is Trogir a World Heritage site with great architecture and the feeling of having stepped right into the Renaissance. Split is another World heritage site with a very old history: it has an amazing old city built inside the huge palace built by on Roman Emperors’ Diocletian. Split is a lively city with large markets and great outdoor life Ston was a small town built to defend nearby Dubrovnik and its 5 kilometers wall it has the longest fortiefied walls in Europe. Ston is also the center of oyster growing in Dalmatia. Freshness does not come any closer. Korchula is another spectacular island settled since Neolithic time Its most famous citizen Marco Polo is supposed to have been born here. The Matusko winery is right outside Dubrovnik and it produces excellent full bodied reds like Dingac and Plavac. And then there is Dubrovnik . This is the city of all cities a fortress town a port a living museum the jewel of the Adriatic with great beaches history and a feel of having entered a magic place. less

Zagreb is a bustling modern city with a thousand year history. The 20th century blends without effort with its great buildings and monuments from the…moreZagreb is a bustling modern city with a thousand year history. The 20th century blends without effort with its great buildings and monuments from the 17th 18th and 19th century. Samobor is where people from Zagreb come to relax. The town with its beautifully preserved medieval plan looks almost unreal. When here must try the famous aperitif called Bermet and its very special custard cake which the people of Samobor claim has no calories. 30 minutes from Zagreb is a small winery called Korak. The family has been in the wine business for centuries. The current winery has been producing superior wines for 20 years Rieslings and Sauvignons are exceptional. Opatje is a popular Summer and Winter resort on the Adriatic. The emperor of Austria loved this place. It was the Austrian nobility favorite spot in the 19th centuries and it shows. This place is all about indulging and pampering. Motuvun is an old medieval town on top of a hill is in the heart of Istria. Population 500 tradition lives on in Motuvun. In Li’vade there is an outstanding restaurant called Zigante, the cathedral of the Istrian truffle . The Chef prepares a pasta with black truffles, the Summer variety. A white truffle found by Zigante is in the Guinness Book of Records. And of course the store is all about …what else? Great food needs great olive oil. In Buje one can taste what has been a specialty of Istria for centuries: the many varieties of olive oil. In Brtonigla is Astarea one can taste traditional recipes of Istrian grandmothers prepared to perfection by loving traditional hands In the rich wine country of Umag, is another outstanding winery: Kabola with its awarded wines like Malvasia and Grey Pinot. Fusion spa in the hotel Melia has experts from Thailand and India practicing a range of sophisticated massages from Thai to Ayruvedic, to Tibetan Chi Nei Tsang massage In Umag another major winery: Coronica . The wines of Istria are shaped by the red soil rich in iron and the salty sea air. Coronica uses no fertilizers and focuses on its native grapes producing mostly Malvasia for whites and Teran red. Rovinj is a beautiful Adriatic town with a beautiful harbor and a charming an old town which owes its goods looks to the long presence of the Venetians. With a big influx of tourists from nearby Italy and northern Europe it has great hotels and restaurants. less

A sizzler for a 6 X 30' TV series Imagine traditions that have been unchanged for 5,000 years. Where food and wine give way to art and culture. …moreA sizzler for a 6 X 30' TV series Imagine traditions that have been unchanged for 5,000 years. Where food and wine give way to art and culture. Watch men and women engaged in a ritual year after year to bring forth and nurture the best grapes the Earth can grow. Watch as they pick, crush, and ferment this precious juice until all their labors come to fruition. Watch Michelin chefs and humble cooks pick the freshest products of their regions and follow them as they create dishes that will titillate the senses and awaken every taste bud. Finally watch how chefs and sommeliers marry the food to the perfect wines to create magical communal experiences at the table. Wine and food are about family, culture and history. Meet a Tuscan who embodies it all, to the hilt. And in the castle restaurant the baron highlights his wines with innovative Tuscan dishes. 2,500 years ago The Romans built a column at the end of the Appian way in Brindisi. Winemaker Rubino tells us why the Romans loved the wines of Apulia made from Negroamaro grapes still grown exclusively here. His chef works hand-in-hand with the winemaker. You will learn about the secretive and fascinating world of truffles. You will learn why some wines acquire personality. How to identify a great red. You’ll get great tasting tips from great sommeliers. You will learn why wine comes first, food second and not the other way around. You will learn the fundamentals of pairing. In season 1 we’ll visit Tuscany, Piedmont, Umbria, Apulia, Croatia, and Napa. Journey with us through medieval towns, waterfront villages, ancient and new towns in the Mediterranean and America to experience the culture and lifestyles of the people making magic in the cellars and the kitchens. The Dolce Vita Journeys. Informative. Inspiring. Intoxicating. less

Sihanouk Ville is a great little tropical getaway in the sun, sea and white sandy beaches. A place to unwind in a lay back ambience, enjoy ocean-fres…moreSihanouk Ville is a great little tropical getaway in the sun, sea and white sandy beaches. A place to unwind in a lay back ambience, enjoy ocean-fresh seafood and take in a snorkeling or scuba diving trip. The Sokha Luxury Hotel Sokha Beach Resort, set amidst 23.5 hectares of beautifully landscaped beachfront and garden with its own 1.5 kilometer pristine white sandy beach is a top choice when vacationing in South East Asia. It was voted amongst the Best New Hotels in the World in Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's Ninth Annual Hot List of 2005. A nearby attraction is the Ream National Park located 18 km from Sihanoukville and a must see while in Southern Cambodia. The park, which has been open since 1993, encompasses 30,000 acres of rainforest and 12,000 acres of marine habitats. http://www.sokhahotels.com less

Amidst the Mekong and Tonle Sap River Phnom Penh. NagaWorld was birthed in 1995 in the capital city of Cambodia, a city rich in Khmer history. Acc…moreAmidst the Mekong and Tonle Sap River Phnom Penh. NagaWorld was birthed in 1995 in the capital city of Cambodia, a city rich in Khmer history. According to legend, NagaWorld derived its name from the mythical fable of a 7-headed dragon or “Naga.” The majestic dragon was believed to be residing in the rivers and guarding the entrance to Phnom Penh. Ever since, NagaWorld has attracted a broad range of guests from the free-spirited adventure traveler to the gaming connoisseur. Today, NagaWorld is recognized as the finest integrated casino-hotel in Indochina rivalling top Southeast Asian and world-renowned casinos. The Hotel boasts a multi-faceted 8-storey wing dedicated to entertainment, more than 500 luxurious Deluxe Rooms and plush Suites in the 14-storey Hotel Wing, a dedicated spa, signature restaurants ranging from Italian to Korean to French and amenities like a night club and a cigar room where visitors will enjoy the lavish comforts offered by unique world-class hotel. The Hotel is within easy distance from the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, the National Museum and the Central Market. http://www.nagaworld.com less

S Medical Spa is one of the most luxurious rejuvenation centers in Asia winner of the AsiaSpa award in 2009. Unlike other spas, S is staffed by cer…moreS Medical Spa is one of the most luxurious rejuvenation centers in Asia winner of the AsiaSpa award in 2009. Unlike other spas, S is staffed by certified physicians, dermatologists, gynecologists, psychiatrists and nutritionists who seamlessly combine Eastern healing and spa treatments with cutting edge Western science. Innovative Intense pulse light treatments are known to repair sun damage and restore skin by removing the ravages of age. The Spa focuses on improving gynecological issues as they relate to aging and endorses rejuvenation therapies through hormonal rebalancing. http://www.smedspa.com/ less

Castello di Tornano in the heart of Chianti (Gaiole in Chianti) makes an outstanding wine from the vineyards surrounding it. The complex was a mediev…moreCastello di Tornano in the heart of Chianti (Gaiole in Chianti) makes an outstanding wine from the vineyards surrounding it. The complex was a medieval castle from the 10th century, lavishly restored. The Ricasoli family of Castello di Brolio dates back to the 7th Century. An ancestor of the current owner Francesco, Bettino Ricasoli, was prime Minister of Italy in the 19th Century and invented the Chianti formula. The winery is the oldest in Italy. Badia a Coltibuono once an Abbey from the 11th century is now a charming hotel, restaurant, winery and cooking school run by the Stucchi Prinetti family dedicated to the preservation of the oldest traditions of the Chianti region. Poggio Antico in Montalcino is the highest elevation winery growing Brunello. An excellent Restaurant run by Chef Roberto Minnetti is on the premises preparing dishes steeped in Tuscan history. Castello Banfi at Sant’Agelo Scalo is owned by the Mariani family dedicated to producing superior wines on their large 6,000 acres estate, marked by technological innovation. An old farm complex in nearby Collupino serves as residence for guests of the Banfi winery. Montepulciano is a Medieval Renaissance town on top of a mountain in the province of Siena known for its “Nobile wine” only produced here. Valdipiatta, an awarded winery, produces the vino Nobile from Prugnolo and Lanaiolo grapes. The owner Mr Caporali runs a wine school educating visitors about wine varieties and growing techniques. He also runs Il Grifon D’Oro, a trendy restaurant and Il Poliziano, an historic cafe in the center of town. Contucci is the oldest wine cellar in Montepulciano holding tastings since Renaissance times. It is located in the main piazza overlooking Palazzo Comunale. Avignonesi is a combination of 4 estates growing awarded wines. It is also a farmhouse growing its own products for its kitchen and its store. The open farm kitchen serves local specialties. Relais San Bruno is an elegant boutique Hotel set among an olive grove and fruit orchard under the walls of Montepulciano. less

Authentic Italian cowboys, tending to the cattle farms that produce the renown Florentine steak have been a tradition in Maremma, Western Tuscany. …moreAuthentic Italian cowboys, tending to the cattle farms that produce the renown Florentine steak have been a tradition in Maremma, Western Tuscany. Near Grosseto in the South is the Saturnia Resort and Spa whose thermal waters have been known known since Roman times. The moisturizing thermal plankton is the active ingredient. The Thyrrhenian Coast is rugged and beautiful. The Pellicano, a five star luxury resort has villas hidden in the cliff overlooking a secluded bay near trendy Porto Ercole.The cuisine is also 5 star run by a Michel awarded chef. The Coast is also home to glamorous wineries which in the race to stand out among the competition have contracted famous architects to design their headquarters. Like Rocca di Frassinello in Zavorrano a partnership with Les Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite designed by Renzo Piano. The winery as a cathedral. And the Petra Winery in Suvereto designed by Mario Botta. L’Andana co-owned by Chef Alain Ducasses is another five star resort in Castiglione della Pescaia. It also raises cattle on its 1000 acres Estate. The Bolgheri area is known for wineries like Grattamacco, making “Supertuscans”, higher quality wines made from Sangiovese, Merlot and Shiraz. San Giminiano the walled Medieval city in the province of Siena holds regular Medieval festivals and re-enactments. The next resort is Borgo di Colleoli near Palaia built entirely around a medieval castle and carefully restored. It ha san innovative Tuscan kitchen and an extensive wine cellar. Pisa: beyond the leaning tower lies an historic city with great churches, monumento and charming piazzas. Bagni di Lucca was known for its thermal bath since Etruscan and Roman times. The mountain community and spa by the same name are hidden in the hills surrounding Lucca. Lucca is not to be missed. Home to composer Giacomo Puccini it is an historical city with sophisticated dining, great markets and vibrant night life. Cantine Bernardini, housed in a 16th century palazzo owned by the Bernardini family, is a Lucca landmark serving local specialties and wines. Several wineries are scattered in the hills surrounding the town. In Montecarlo we find the awarded winery Montechiari producing excellent reds on its 20 acres estate. less

Located in the heart of downtown, Cafe Sistina is a culinary landmark in Honolulu. Founded by Chef Sergio Mitrotti 20 years ago, it is not only a tem…moreLocated in the heart of downtown, Cafe Sistina is a culinary landmark in Honolulu. Founded by Chef Sergio Mitrotti 20 years ago, it is not only a temple to Italian cuisine but also a temple to art. The Chef, over the years, has frescoed this airy and spectacular place with scenes from the Sistine Chapel. The Chef spent time in New York and Los Angeles before moving to Hawaii and his cooking style, as Italian as they come, has been influenced on the way by the experimentation of New York and the eclecticism of Californian cooking, creating a unique fusion cuisine. Café Sistina offers a country Italian menu and a fusion cuisine integrating West Coast fresh flavours and the produce indigenous to Hawaii. 1314 King Street Honolulu, Hawaii 808-596-0061 www.cafesistina.com less

Four major museums, a world-class botanical garden, and culinary delicacies whet one’s appetite through this enticing taste of the alluring arts dist…moreFour major museums, a world-class botanical garden, and culinary delicacies whet one’s appetite through this enticing taste of the alluring arts district of the Paseo del Prado in Madrid. Join Iris Brooks and Jon H. Davis of Northern Lights Studio as they explore Spain’s vibrant capital city in a cultural feast for all the senses. less

Austria's food is a movement and celebration of its history and aristocratic culture. Cakes, Wine, and traditional dance fill this ecclectic travel …moreAustria's food is a movement and celebration of its history and aristocratic culture. Cakes, Wine, and traditional dance fill this ecclectic travel video by Curt Faudon. less

Per info: www.albergo-larocca.it - info@albergo-larocca.it - Tel 0546-81180 It dates from the fifteenth century, 10, with 4 generations of the fa…morePer info: www.albergo-larocca.it - info@albergo-larocca.it - Tel 0546-81180 It dates from the fifteenth century, 10, with 4 generations of the family Valgimigli welcoming guests. Today the hotel offers 19 rooms all with wifi internet with a 100 seats restaurant. The kitchen is type of international and traditional, with homemade pasta and the use of selected raw materials from the area. A wide selection of Italian wines with a predominance of both regional and local. Very impressive is the panoramic terrace. Its central location makes it an excellent starting point to explore the village and the surrounding area, with the rail link with Florence, Rimini, Ravenna and Bologna. Visit the town, spend a day at the spa, or greens of the golf club just a few kilometers away. Brisighella is tradition, history, culture, welfare, sport. less