Italy Bound 2012

Hello! Tuscany delights...there is no other way to describe this locale...Villa Mangicone is a restored villa with magnificent views of the vineyards, olive gardens and the most amazing vistas - I am sure that our photos will not do it justice. We arrived in Firenze (Florence) by train from Rome, which was a beautiful way to travel. We taxied just 25 minutes out of the city to this beautiful vinyard and restored villa...it is something right out of a fairy tale. Please google the establishment www.mangiacane.com to see the photos and descriptions...I do not think that my descriptions after our afternoon of wine tasting on the terrace will do it justice. :) This is a place that I would love to return to with Scottie...it is a countryside teaming with birds, flowers, herbs and the aroma ... read more

There's much more to Roma than dusty ruins and medieval architecture...today was a day of learning...lessons from Roma! Thomas and Deanna picked us up early in the am after a luxurious breakfast at Hotel Bernini -we've noted that our senses are on fire today! Sherry's plan is to blog about our second day in Italy as a sensory tour...more on this from Peppy's Cafe at 5am tomorrow! It all started with the scent of morning cappucino. Followed by fruit and cheese flavoured taste explosions over breakfast. The dramatic sights of Ancient Rome, its ruins and impact on the landscape definitely dominated the day's experiences. We learned much from Thomas, our guide, and if you ever visit Rome, and wish to avoid line ups and crowds then a private guided tour is for you. We both experienced ... read more

From wine-initiated February discussions to the reality of planning and packing...it's really happening! Italy 2012 encompasses two weeks of girlfriend time, touring, and travel activities planned by Sherry (physician by day, travel agent by night)! We begin our adventure in Winnipeg with flights into Rome. You'll find us in the Piazza Barberini. We have walking tours and a private driver booked for our "Roma Tour". Next stop on the itinerary is Florence, via train, where we begin our tour of Tuscany - San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Italy...the name itself sounds so beautiful. It's here that we have our Italian cooking class and wine tasting! Perhaps we'll have a new recipe to share with family and friends on our return! Next we visit Villa Mangicone, where we relax and tour Tuscany on Vespas! No worries ... read more