Wicked travels summer 2015

WICKED

Summer 2015

travels

Swimming With Whale Sharks in Australia Anything But Ordinary!

From The Editors Welcome to summer - surely this is everyone's favorite season. W e wait all year with thoughts of the long lazy days of summer, yet they invariably speed by all too quickly.

To help you get the most out of your precious summer season, we've put together an issue that shines a light on exceptional destinations for summer vacations. Whether you plan to fly off to Europe or pack the family car for a road adventure, we've got you covered!

With this issue we are introducing our newest technology feature - Wicked Good Video Tours! There are so many times when mere words just can't convey everyting we want to tell you about a resort destination. Now we have the ability to bring you touring along with us as we experience new destinations. In this issue peak inside the very lovely Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Plymouth Massachusetss, and several premier Inns along the coast of Maine.

City Wine Tours $10 Off all Tours in New York or Boston Just Mention "WickedGood" When Booking

Features 4 Unforgettable Places in Italy You Never Knew Existed 22 Oceania Marina - Cruise Ship Tour 28 Practical Tips Before Traveling to Cuba 35 Boston City Wine Tours 38 Swimming With Giant Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Australia 42 Experience French Chateau Lifestyle in Massachusetts 48 Traveling Inn-To-Inn Along The Coast of Maine 60 Wellness Retreats Worth Traveling For

Photos used in this publication are the property of WickedGoodTravelTips.com, or sourced from Google Commons unless otherwise noted.

Unforgettable Places in Italy ...

You Never Knew Existed!

by Weronika Lass

Where To Next?

15 Amazing Places in Italy villages, hilltop towns and seaside communities that aren’t crowded That You Didn’t Know and offer a real glimpse into Italian Existed But Are Well culture – which is not just about beautiful piazzas and delicious Worth Discovering pizzas.

When visiting Italy, tourists usually find themselves caught between the charming atmosphere of Rome’s Trastevere, the busy markets of Florence, or romantic evenings at the Venetian Piazza San Marco, never getting the chance to experience the real feel of Italy.

Living in this peculiar country for a few years now, I’ve learned the best of Italy can be found in small

That’s why I bring you a selection of some of the most picturesque cities in rural Italy that most people don’t know about. Visiting these authentic pockets of Italy is definitely a better way to make the most from your stay in Italy that than losing time in long cues to Galleria degli Uffizi or the Vatican Museums.

their famous towers – among them, you’ll find one called Leper’s Tower, which was made famous by Xavier de Maistre in his novel Le lépreux de la cité d’Aoste. The town’s alpine Our journey beings in the north feel and its ancient roads and arches offer a very unusual of Italy – the lovely region of combination – something that you Valle d’Aosta, which boasts a won’t find on the other side of the stunning and characteristically border. Make sure to have a look at bilingual city of Aosta. Aosta was the stunning Cathedral standing once an important Roman among the Alpine peaks that settlement and recent history brought it a breath of life once the surround Aosta.

Mont Blanc tunnel was opened in Nature lovers will find a moment of the 1960s. tranquility at two national parks Are you ready to embark on a breathtaking journey through Italian hills, valleys and seas?

Andiamo!

How to make the most from your visit to Aosta? Stroll around the ancient town walls of Augusta Prætoria Salassorum and admire

located nearby – Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso and Parco Nazionale Mont Avic, which both offer some truly breathtaking natural sights.

Aosta, Italy

Another northern gem found in Italy’s alpine regions, Trento is a picturesque town surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Trento is full of historical jewels waiting to be discovered by curios travelers – having a walk along its narrow

stone streets, you’ll spot characteristic Renaissance-era pastelcolored palazzi with their wooden balconies.

Trento’s spacious Piazza Duomo and the stunning architecture of Case Cazuffi Rella.

Another must-see is the impressive Castello del Trento offers a vibrant Buonconsiglio, which cultural atmosphere houses some truly and is definitely more breathtaking frescoes Italian the nearby

by Romanino and the Bolzano. Have a look at Dossi brothers.

Vieste, Italy

Italian hidden treasure, Vieste used to serve as an actual treasure for many people who wanted it for their own – pirates, Saracens and other numerous enemies of the Kingdom of Naples. Today, Vieste offers breathtaking sights and architectural wonders. The town’s castle and cathedrals, set against the characteristic rock formations, are a sight you won’t see anywhere else.

Among those unusual rocks, you’ll find the Pizzomunno, a 25 meter-long vertical monolith that rises directly from the beautiful blue waters that surround the town. Have a walk along its marvellous beach called Spiaggia del Castello and take a look back at the night-lit skyline of Vieste.

Your evening cannot get anymore charming.

Trento, Italy

Anagni, Italy Located in the heart of central Italy, in a historical region called Ciociaria, Anagni will stun you as a real hidden gem. Anagni has been tied to papacy for centuries. It was already mentioned by Virgil in one of his historical accounts and from the 5th century this ancient town served as an important point of reference for the Catholic faith. It became a favorite of many popes – especially those who didn’t appreciate the daily hustle and bustle of Rome.

Stroll around its historical center and take in all the sights – medieval palazzos and other architectural wonders that boast such ancient history that they’re bound to take your breath away. Don’t forget to visit the beautifully decorated tomb of Anagni’s patron, Saint Magnus, which you can find in the crypt of the city’s cathedral.

This is also the place for admiring the marvelous masterpieces of Byzantine art, as well as a breathtaking floor mosaic, which was created by the notorious Cosmati family. If you’re in Rome and you’ve got one day to spare, journey south and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this ancient gem of Lazio region. for the royal court. There’s no better place to soak in the atmosphere of royal Italy!

Montalcino, Italy If you’re traveling from Florence to Siena, it would be a sin not to stop at the little hilltop village of Montalcino. Famous for its delicious Brunello di Montalcino wine, it will surely steal your heart.

Montalcino actually dates back to the Etruscan times and offers several examples of Renaissance wonders typical for the region of Tuscany. Coming towards the city, you’ll spot the towering Rocca fortress or the impressive thin tower of Palazzo dei Priori.

Montalcino is located in the heart of Parco Naturale della Val’Orcia, so you can only imagine what kind of sights you’ll see from the town’s panoramic balconies. Explore this Tuscan gem and you won’t regret it – a visit to its stylish wine bars and cozy trattorie will help you to quickly fall in love with this charming town.

Montalcino is nothing like a sleepy town on the hill – every July lots of people come here for the famous Jazz&Wine Festival.

Caserta, Italy This is a real marvel that doesn’t get enough attention, even though it is located just north of Naples.

Considered the Versailles of Italy, Caserta and its amazing Royal Palace will surely make an impression on you. The palace is what Caserta is known for – it was build in the 18th c. and today it’s listed as UNESCO World

Heritage Site. Prepare to spend some time visiting it as it boasts around 1200 rooms, each decorated in completely different style.

But that’s not all Caserta has to offer. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll have an opportunity to admire the park surrounding palace. Have a stroll and explore it – you’ll

see beautiful fountains, waterfalls, lakes, as well as an English garden.

Once you’re done visiting the majestic Reggia di Caserta, remember to stop by the picturesque Aqueduct by Vanvitelli and the nearby Palazzo Vecchio, which used to serve as a summer residence.

Fiesole, Italy

If you find yourself in Florence with a free afternoon to spare, you can find a moment of peace in the little town of Fiesole that stands on the surrounding mountains. A 10-minute drive from Tuscany’s permanently overcrowded jewel will take you to a place that offers some spectacular sights on the Florentine Duomo.

But that’s not all. History buffs will feel at home – you’ll have the

opportunity to see a beautiful Roman amphitheater dubbed teatro romano, as well as a selection of Etruscan wonders, such as the ancient Etruscan Acropoli and walls.

Insider’s tip: the top spot for admiring the local panorama is Fiesole’s casa del popolo – drinks are cheap and views are to die for.

Alberobello, Italy This southern jewel is something you shouldn’t miss once you find yourself in Puglia. Moving along its picturesque coast, you simply must stop at Alberobello. This little town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its iconic architecture.

Named after an oak forest Arboris Belli that used to surround the area, Alberobello is famous for its district called Zona dei Trulli, which boasts some 1500 small, white beehiveshaped houses. A visit to Alberbello must include sleeping in one of those little houses – you’ll find out that they’re more practical than they seem.

Once you accommodate yourself in one of the cute trulli, take an evening stroll among the charming streets of Alberobello and admire the towering sanctuary of Parrocchia Santuario Basilica S.S. Cosma e Damiano.

Volterra, Italy

You’ll find this little hilltop town on the west side of the traditional tract between Florence and Siena. The charming town of Volterra has become a favorite of those who were enchanted by a certain vampire-themed trilogy during the last couple of years. Volterra serves as the headquarters of the bloodthirsty vampire clan, the Volturi, but for the locals the town is mostly known as a real medieval jewel.

Walk around its narrow streets and

enjoy the view at its central piazza, housing the impressive Palazzo dei Priori, which is accidental also the oldest town hall in Tuscany. Have a walk on the beautiful Balze cliffs, admire the fantastic panorama of Chianti valley and visit Volterra’s historical Duomo.

Finish your day at a local wine bar or trattoria, accompanying a glass of Tuscan sweet liquorish wine Vin Santo with one of the typical sweets of the region – salame di cioccolato or castagnaccio.

Lucca, Italy If you’re an opera lover, there’s no better place to visit than this little town located west to Florence and very close to the shores of the Ligurian Sea – it’s the hometown of one of the most famous opera composers, Giacomo Puccini.

Lucca is an antique town that deserves your attention because it boasts something you won’t find in any other city in Italy – a set of impressive and fully-intact walls that surround the historical center of the town. Inside those walls, you’ll find a selection of the most beautiful piazzas of Tuscany.

Wandering through its streets, you’ll stumble upon Piazza San Michele, Piazza Napoleone and Piazzale Verdi and all of them are bound to amaze you with their architectural beauty. A definite must see of Lucca is the characteristic, oval-shaped Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

Have an aperitivo in one of its charming trattorie and enjoy an evening in the tunes of Puccini’s famous arias from La Bohème and Tosca.

This is one of the top towns to see if you find yourself between Florence and Milan – in the long stretch of land called Emilia Romagna, that’s where you’ll find the small city of Ferrara.

Today a small municipality with its own university and quite a few attractions, Ferrara used to be the possession of d’Este family, which added a lot to its historic architecture – one look at the characteristic Estense Castle should be enough to show you the power of the family.

Walk around its narrow medieval streets and arrive at its large and open shaped piazzas that will simply take your breath away. Admire the rich architecture of its beautiful churches and palazzos. What I find truly unique in Ferrara are its picturesque red brick houses, so very untypical for Italian Renaissance cities.

Other must-sees include: St. Anthony monastery, Via delle Volte and the basilica of San Giorgio Martire. If you appreciate good art, head straight o Palazzo Diamante – it offers great exhibitions housed in a building that is just another example of Ferrara’s stunning architecture.

Manarola, Italy Part of the Cinque Terre region, Manarola is a real seaside gem. The sharp rocky lines of Liguria’s coast are combined here with pastel-colored houses, which together create one of the most beautiful sights of the Italian seaside.

The beauty of Cinque Terre is that you cannot reach it by car, which obviously reduces the number of tourists that travel along the coast. Taking the local train, you can visit all 5 towns by the seaside – each of them is beautiful in its own right.

Manarola will be perfect if you like hiking – there are lots of interesting trails that lead towards land – you’ll surely enjoy the beauty of Cinque Terre national park while exploring the green vicinity of Manarola.

Ferrera, Italy

Siracusa, Italy

Siracusa or Syracuse is a Sicilian town that will be just the perfect spot for those of you who simply love the culture of ancient Greece. Once an extremely important city in the Mediterranean world, today the entire city of Syracuse, as well as the nearby Necropolis of Pantalica are part of UNESCO World Heritage.

Walk around the city and you’ll see Greek marvels you could only dream about – the Fountain of Arethusa, the

Orvietto, Italy

Temple of Apollo and the impressive Greek Theater, which is one of the largest buildings of that type built by the ancient Greeks.

You’ll find a Roman amphitheater as well, together with a towering Duomo and military fortress Castello Maniace, built by Frederick II who was constantly fighting with the Papacy and needed a good point of military defense.

Lounging at the shores of the famous Lake Garda, you might stumble upon Sirmione. Don’t let it fool you as just another another cute village.

Sirmione is much more than that.

Overlooking the beautiful waters on the notorious Lake Garda, you’ll have a selection of ancient ruins at Grotte di Catullo, as well as the cream of Italian medieval port fortifications at Rocca Scagliera. After a whole day of sightseeing, it’s best to simply rest on the beautiful Giamaica beach or head to the extravagant Terme Virgilio for an evening of true relaxation.

Sirmione, Italy

This pearl can be found among the beautiful hills of Umbria. Orvieto is known for its breathtaking Duomo, which is considered a true masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture and houses frescoes by early Renaissance artists.

of Orvieto marching through its narrow streets dressed in medieval costumes – that’s quite a sight!

Breathe in the town’s air of tranquility while having a glass of the local Classico Amabile white wine with your early evening aperitivo in a charming enoteca.

Famous for its artisanal pottery, Orvieto has made a name for itself thanks to its annual Corpus Domini This is how you do it the Italian festival. During one day each year, way. you can see more than 400 citizens

Come Along On A Tour Of The Luxury Cruise Ship -

Oceania Marina

I had the privilege of visiting the cruise ship, Oceania Marina whi le it was docked in Boston Harbor for a one day port call. My invitation came from Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel), a Boston-based tour company specializing in learning vacations.

Road scholar offers learning cruise voyages on over 40 cruiselines.

First Impressions Lavish, elegant and tasteful were the first words that popped into my mind when boarding the ship.

My impression was that I was entering a five-star hotel atmosphere – dignified and understated.

Most ships have elaborate lobby staircases, and the Marina is no exception. The impressive display of marble and glass definitely earns it a WOW. As we made our way to the Grand Dining Room for our luncheon, we passed through several very inviting lounges. No glitz, wild colors and pumping music here, rather comfortable, inviting seating areas where you can easily picture yourself sipping a cocktail and chatting with friends. The artwork was museum quality and very engaging. The feeling was of being at a Ritz, Four Seasons or other luxe property.

The Oceania Marina was built in 2011 and welcomes approx 1,200 guests to cruise in relaxed elegance. While the interior is often lavish in design, cruise guests are encouraged to go “Country Club Casual� to all of the restaurants and events. The Oceania cruise line has one of the best guest to staff ratios in the industry, with the Marina having 1.56 crew members for every guest. There were smiles and welcomes wherever we roamed on-board. Hallmarks of cruising with Oceania include longer stays in port including some overnight stays, exceptional cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, a high percentage of staterooms with balconies or floor to ceiling windows, and pricing that offers the best value in the upscale small ship cruise market.

Lunch was, of course, wonderful featuring caviar, Maine lobster risotto, and Wellington of Veal Tenderloin. Oceania has a particular emphasis on cuisine and has partnered with Master Chef Jacques Pepin as their Culinary Director. They offer several specialty restaurants including Toscana, La Reserve, and Red Ginger, and there is no additional fee for dining in any of the ships specialty venues.

After lunch we were off for a tour of the staterooms which were downright roomy by cruise ship standards. We peeked in a room with a balcony and one with floor to ceiling windows. Very nice.

Specialty Spaces Touring the Marina revealed that Oceania seems to have a way of making expected places exceptional. The library for instance, is a whole series of cozy nooks and crannies that make up an “English Library� complete with comfy chairs and raised paneled walls. You can sit and read in cozy privacy or join a larger alcove and meet others. The pool deck includes puffy day beds and evening movies under the stars.

Cooking School At Sea

Oceania’s uniqueness is at the fore with a state-of-the-art culinary program featuring the industries only hands-on cooking school at sea.

They also have an Artist’s Loft with an artist-in-residence who helps guests create their own masterpiece. The spa is affiliated with famed Canyon Ranch, and golfers will enjoy the top deck 18 hole putting green.

Artist's Loft

All-in-all, I was very impressed. I’m not a huge fan of massmarket cruise lines, so I found Oceania to be a welcome difference with a more sophisticated atmosphere without being stuffy. It's clear that customer comfort, top service, and excepional cuisinemake Oceania a stand-out in the cruise arena.

Practical Tips For Traveling To Cuba Some of these will surprise you!

Since the United States and Cuba have restored diplomatic relations, many have expressed the wish to visit the Caribbean island before the new political course changes its character for ever. I think it is going to take a good while for Cuba to overcome its long isolation, yet, I also believe that anytime is a good time to visit this incredible country. Cuba suits all needs and all tastes: it has beautiful colonial cities, lush nature and varied landscapes, gorgeous beaches, great hiking, diving and snorkeling opportunities, tasty food, fun music and dance and friendly people.

However, traveling in Cuba is not exactly easy or cheap. Transportation is less than efficient, there is no real online booking system for buses or accommodation (in fact, there is no wi-fi and internet access is almost impossible to find anywhere in the country), tourist traps and scams are around each corner. Even experienced travelers like myself may have a hard time backpacking their way through Cuba, and end up spending much more than expected.

So, here are some valuable tips to prepare for a trip to Cuba:

Deciding when to go Any time is a good time to visit Cuba. However, I think it is best to travel there between November and March, during the dry season. It may still rain in some areas – it rained every day at some point when I visited Baracoa in February – but generally speaking it is not as hot and humid as during the rest of the year. It just makes it easier to visit and bare the heat.

Documents Before You Go Whoever travels to Cuba is required to have a good medical insurance and a visa, called tarjeta de turista, which is usually valid for 30 days and costs around $30 USD. A good travel agency can provide both. Alternatively, the tarjeta de turista can be bought at the Cuban consulate. Be sure to check with the Department of State for current rules and regulations: http://tr avel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/cuba.html. Or the government agency from the country you are traveling from.

Currencies Cuba has two currencies. Travelers are only allowed to use the Peso Convertible, known as CUC, which is more or less worth a dollar. The other currency is the Moneda Nacional (MN). The conversion rate is 1 CUC = 25 MN. I was able to get hold of a few MN but I could only use it to buy very few things, such as peanuts from a street vendor. Watch out for change when using the CUC as some of the notes are very similar to those of MN, which are worth much less. Credit cards are not used in Cuba: basically all payments are done in cash. There are ATMs all over the country, but occasional power cuts make it at times hard to withdraw.

Cards generated by US bank accounts are not accepted. It is also better to carry Euro over US Dollars.

The Double System Affects Almost Everything Pretty much there is a private and public system for anything related to tourism in Cuba. Each public service has its own private equivalent. There are state owned taxis and their private counterparts (known as taxi particulares); state owned hotels and private homes (casas particulares), state owned restaurants and private restaurants (paladares); state owned tour agencies (such as Cuba Tours and Havana Tours) and private guides. I tend to prefer and recommend private services: they are more flexible, and the quality is generally better – not to mention, they are much cheaper.

Bartering The average salary of a Cuban is between 12 and 20 CUC per month.

Knowing this, I had a better idea of what things should really cost. Most of the bartering I had to do was for taxis. Jineteros (a word that originally referred to both female and male prostitutes, but which now is used to refer to the intermediaries that normally get a percentage for bringing business to a specific casa, restaurant or, more often, a taxi) normally state a price that is much higher than the one that should be paid. Knowing what the price of a ride should be always helps when bartering. I may be a bit ruthless, but my first offer after hearing the suggested price if for a tenth of it. Eventually, I settle to pay a fourth or a third of the original price.

Long Distance Transportation I only used taxis for long distances if I could find people to share the ride, otherwise the costs would be too expensive for me. Travelers usually have a choice of two bus companies. Viazul is the most used one: buses are ok, at times very dirty, drivers tend to stop when they like (I happened to see a driver to stop first to buy some groceries, then to drop them off at home!), they are freezing inside and departure times are not always convenient. Tickets can’t be bought in advance, but going to the bus station and putting down your name on the list of passengers may help saving you a seat. Transtur buses are better and the prices are pretty much the same, but they don’t cover all the same routes.

mail address) or, better via phone.

Once there, the owners usually Accommodations inquire about the future travel plans, and they will help out to Cuba is out of the main booking systems as known in the rest of the reserve a room in the next place: they all have a friend, a relative, an world; there are no hostels and there is no couchsurfing. Unless you acquaintance that runs a casa somewhere else and will want to are thinking of going to an all help travelers by making their inclusive resort in Varadero and reservations, and friends by book a whole holiday package, bringing them business. chances are that you are going to stay at a casa particular (a In any case, traveling to a place homestay). without having any bookings is hardly a problem. I noticed that Havana Casa Home Rental whenever the bus I was on approached the bus station, owners I always recommend casas over hotels. They are more personable; of casas particulares would be they are often located in gorgeous standing there, offering a room to travelers. A few times I showed up colonial homes; the rooms, which are usually double, all have private at a casa I had booked to find out that the room was actually bathrooms; and they are considerably cheaper than hotels. unavailable, but the owners would Besides, owners can really arrange immediately find me another place to stay, taking me to their anything for their guests: from neighbors, cousins or friends who laundry to transportation; from also had rooms available. delicious meals to day trips. The prices are not negotiable, but they are generally fixed for a city. So, a double room in Havana costs $30 USD, in Cienfuegos between $15 and $20 USD, etc.

Most people traveling to Cuba try to find a place to stay for the first few nights – usually in Havana – through a recommendation (a friend who’s been there before, a tip from a blogger) and make a booking via email (if the owners do have an e-

enjoyed eating octopus, lobster and shrimps in coconut sauce. Cocktails are always good too. I became Cuban food is good and it can be really cheap. Paladares are cheaper addicted to mojitos! than state owned restaurants, not to mention they are much tastier.

Street food is good – I am Italian, I have an obsession for good pizza, yet I liked the pizza I bought from the “hole in the wall” for less than a CUC. Paladares tend to give huge portions, so, unless you have a very good appetite, you may save a few cents by sharing a meal. Among Cuban staples there are: tostones (fried plantain croquettes) and congris (rice and beans cooked with oil, garlic and spices), which always accompany chicken, fish, seafood or pork. The gourmet capital of the country is Baracoa. I particularly Eating and drinking in Cuba

Safety issues Cuba is a safe country for backpackers and even for female solo travelers. The criminality rates are very low. Men and women alike may comment on a traveler’s looks and offer “sexual favours”, but I found that ignoring them discouraged them. Casas particulares are generally safe (but I advice to count your money every time you leave the room, lock your belongings and lock your room, just as an extra safety measure) and clean. In any case, merely stating the word “police” when harassed or robbed will produce an instant

effect: harassers will disappear, and whatever was stolen will magically reappear.

Getting online There is no wi-fi in Cuba. It is possible to access internet at ETECSA centres but the line is so slow that it is discouraging. When I was visiting, I just decided that I may as well take the chance to detox from all social media and whatsapp. If I wanted to talk to my family I’d send them a text message or call them from the public phone!

About The Author Claudia Tavani is from Cagliari (Sardinia) and is obsessed with travelling. A former human rights lawyer and academic, after devoting her life to the protection of cultural identity, in November 2013 Claudia decided to give in to her biggest passion and started travelling around Latin America, and she has hardly stopped since.

Boston City Wine Tours

What better way to spend an afternoon in the Back Bay of Boston than to visit trendy restaurants, sample tasty appetizers and sip a variety of fine wines with a Certified Wine Specialist? What fun!

This experience is offered by City Wine Tours in four Boston neighborhoods – Back Bay, South End, North End and Harvard Square. Their motto is: “Learning About Wine Should Be As Fun As Drinking It”, and we definitely agree.

Our 2 hour wine tour began at 3:00 pm at Legal Seafood at Park Plaza in the private wine cellar diningroom. We were greeted by our “Wine Ambassador”; Judy Lebel, Certified Specialist of Wines.

We sampled a delicious warm crab cake while tasting a chilled Sauvignon Blanc and an Unoaked Pinot Noir (which was a new variety for me). Judy explained how to balance selections of wine with the ‘weight’ of your food course. For instance, Fettuccine Alfredo should be accompanied by an acidic wine (tart) to help cut through the heaviness of the cheese and cream. Judy’s friendly banter helped to give us simple ways to express and interpret what we were tasting. Very entertaining.

Next we were off on a short walk to Tico for some Latin flare.

At each restaurant two wines are presented, and here we sampled a fruity white and medium red, both from Argentina. By now the group was comfortable with each other and the questions flowed. Judy gave us her expert opinion and advice on all our queries. One great nugget was that it’s not sulfides in

wine that cause headaches (urban myth), but actually the histamines that are in all wines at varying levels. So, if you are particularly sensitive to histamines, you may need an anti-histamine before drinking a lot of wine. Obviously a discussion with your Doctor is always a good idea!

Next stop the incomparable L’Espalier on Boylston Street!

We were greeted like anticipated guests and given a tour of the restaurant, including a behind-thescenes tour of the kitchen – fascinating. We settled down with a privileged view of Boylston Street to sip a White Pinot Noir (another new variety for me) from Oregon, and a smooth Ruby Port as our desert wine.

City Wine Tours operate in Boston and New York City, exploring an array of neighborhoods and wine varieties, including a new Boston tour featuring Sparkling Wines in Harvard Square.

Swimming With Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef Australia

Astonishing Swim With Gentle Giants at Ningaloo Reef Ningaloo Reef on the west coast of Australia is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with the largest fish in the world, the majestic whale shark. Some enthusiasts even say that the waters off the coast of Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef are the absolute best place to meet the gentle giants of the sea.

One of the reasons that Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Bay region in northwest Australia are very popular among divers is because you can access the reef from the beach. It is Australia’s largest fringing reef and beach entry makes it very easily accessible. Whale sharks’ migration through this area is pretty reliable and coincides with the seasonal mass spawning of the coral.

Although impressive in size, they move slowly and are inquisitive.

Humans are not on their menu, so there is no danger of being eaten, as with other sharks you might encounter in Australia’s waters. It is one of only 3 known filter-feeding shark species; they feed on macroalgae, plankton, krill, crab larvae, small squid, etc. The whale sharks even seem inquisitive and swim incredibly close to divers. Maybe they are just as

By Jason Hall

Visiting Ningaloo Reef Ningaloo Reef and Western Australia’s coastline is adjacent to the beautiful blue waters of the northern Indian Ocean. If you are planning to visit Ningaloo Reef to swim with the whale sharks, the time frame you need to aim for is between March and June. There are several different accommodations available for you at Ningaloo including Ningaloo Reef Resort and Sal Salis beachside safari camp. You can also hire boating charters, fishing charters, or just dive in right from the white sand beaches. Not ready to jump right in the water with a fish that weighs over 30 metric tons? That’s perfectly alright; you can take a ride in a glass bottom boat and see it all without getting wet!

Ningaloo Reef features warm weather year round, so if you can’t

make it during the whale shark migration, there are plenty of other things to see and do here the rest of the year. Here is a list of seasonal adventures to be had at Ningaloo Reef: In January you can see the turtles hatching on the beach at Coral Bay. In March and April, the beginning of whale shark season is heralded by the spawning of the more than 300 different species of coral on Ningaloo Reef. Try to plan your trip to coincide with the full moon; the spawning is most active right after the full moon.

August and September is wildflower season. The dunes of the outback become rich with color during this time.

From June through November, humpback whales migrate through the offshore waters here in the Indian Ocean. The female humpback whales come here to give birth and nurse their young in the deeper waters of the reef.As you can imagine, these clear blue waters are a joy to snorkel and SCUBA dive in any time of the year. Swim with manta rays, turtles, dugongs, and plenty of other amazing sea creatures.

A holiday in this region of Western Australia doesn’t always have to involve the ocean. Here are some holiday adventures to be had on land any time of the year:

Just 35 km from Exmouth is Cape Range National Park. Go camping in the Western Australia outback in this park or maybe plan a day trip.

Cape Range National Park offers hiking, bush waking, wild life encounters, and panoramic ocean views from Mandu Mandu Gorge.

For many people, swimming with whale sharks, or diving off the coast of Australia is truly a bucket list event. There is so much to experience here in this rather remote corner of Australia that you'll be amazed at the diversity of nature here and the variety of things to do.

There are very few places in 4 Wheeling and off road adventures Australia where you can be so close are popular in the canyons and parks to the beach, the reef, and the outback in one location. tha near Coral Bay.

Experience French Chateau Lifestyle in Massachusetts!

Some new hotels take years to work out the kinks and make their mark, but the incomparable Mir beau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills in Plymouth, Massachusetts is already a stand-out destination.

As they are celebrating their first anniversary, accommodations, spa services and restaurant offerings are truly exceptional. Treat yourself to a romantic getaway to the Mirbeau Inn (less than a one hour drive from Boston), and you’ll think you’ve skipped away to the Loire Valley of France!

Come Along On A Private Tour of The Mirbeau Inn and Spa

Watch Video Tour of Mirbeau Inn

10 Things About the Mirbeau Inn & Spa that will surprise and delight you: Expansive gardens are gorgeous.

Lavender blooms in June are nothing short of heart-stopping (in a good way)!

Birds, honey bees and hummingbirds happily flit from bloom to bloom.

Ponds, streams and waterfalls crisscross the landscape adding a backdrop of musical water sounds.

Lavish rooms, with luxury linens, fireplaces and over-sized claw-footed soaking tubs.

Full service resort spa with extensive menu of treatment options. Book a treatment and enjoy the spa for the whole day!

Imaginative menu selections using fresh ingredients from their nearby farm in summer. Honey from their own hives and creative resort-made condiments like pickled radish and hibiscus jelly.

An on-staff Chocolatier who makes more than 3,000 pieces of chocolate each month. Tastes of chocolate are delivered to your room three times a day!

Fun and imaginative specialty dinners including vintage wine dinners, events like Feastable Films (watch a film and relive the eating scene), traditional lobster bakes, and foraging dinners at their farm and seafood from nearby shores.

Creative events to stretch your artistic talents. Past events include Art Bar painting, flower arranging and cooking classes.

Some of the best golf in New England at Pinehills golf courses, exercise classes with yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes to name a few.

AND, if that all isn’t quite enough for you‌.. Mirbeau has an equally elegant sister property in upstate New York in Scaneateles.Which ever property suites your fancy, don’t miss the chance to indulge in a bit of French joie de vivre in New England.

Traveling Inn-To-Inn Along the Coast of Maine.....

Searching For Lobsters, Lighthouses and Blueberry Pie!

Summer brings out the best of Maine and the new Inns-AlongThe-Coast association of coastal inns makes it easy to go in search of Lobsters, Lighthouses and Blueberry Pie! With inns in Kennebunkport, Rockland and Bar Harbor, (a 2 hour drive from each other) it’s a simple task to plan a great one week getaway. Best of all, InnsAlongTheCoast has crafted itinerary suggestions for Food Lovers, Outdoor Adventurers and Art and Culture enthusiasts.

Everyone booking a 3 town excursion receives these complimentary trip helpers from your innkeeper.

And unlike a hotel, your innkeepers are always on hand to help you plan your day’s activities (sunny or not) to be sure you’re having a great time.

Clint and I spent last week exploring the coast of Maine and we had a spectacular time. Here are some of the highlights.

Kennebunkport Don’t Miss: Beaching it at one of 5 beaches featuring wide smooth sands or big dramatic rocks and crashing surf Take a 2 hour harbor sail on the Schooner Eleanor past light houses and the Bush mansion at Walker’s Point, Kayak through the harbor and into the river on the other side Visit the Brick Store Museum with 3 historic buildings preserving regional history, art and archives.

Where To Stay:

Kennebunkport Inn Tour - Inns Along The Coast

Rockland, Maine Don’t Miss:

In addition to unique Main Street shops where fine art is mixed with bric-abrack and nautical wares, Rockland has a number of world-class museums including the acclaimed Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center, the Owls Head Transportation Museum, and the Maine Lighthouse Museum.

Also worth discovering are the Project Puffin Visitors Center, the Island Institute and Rockland Breakwater Light (where you can walk the one mile granite breakwater out to the lighthouse at low tide).

We had a great time on Captain Jack’s Lobsterboat Adventure, learning just how hard lobstermen work for the delicacy we all love. Or sail on the Morning in Maine schooner.

One absolute highlight was the scenic drive out to South Thomaston and Owls Head to visit McLoons Lobster Shack.

Perched at the water’s edge, you can watch fishing boats unload their catch while eating delicious lobster, crab and grilled little necks – outstanding!

Work off lunch by climbing to the top of the Owls Head Lighthouse for dramatic coastal views (open weekends) and visit Breakwater Vineyards for a wine tasting on your way back to Rockland center.

Where To Stay: Rockland Inn Tour - Inns Along The Coastt

Bar Harbor Don't Miss:

Leave your car at your accommodation and bike, walk or use the park’s free-to-all Island Explorer buses to navigate the park. Acadia has 130 miles of hiking trails so there is a path perfect for every ability.

One of the most scenic and accessible trails is the one mile Shore Path which begins at the town pier and winds along the ocean at Frenchman Bay. Sailing enthusiasts should not miss the chance to sail an historic Friendship Sloop in Southwest or Northeast Harbor.

Take the kids aboard the Lulu Lobster Boat to learn all about lobsters and enjoy a scenic nature tour. We saw bald eagles, seals, shore birds, lighthouses, lobsters and of course beautiful coastal scenery.

Visit Jordan Pond to sample warm popovers with strawberry jam and perhaps do some kayaking.

Stop at Thunder Hole just before high tide to see pounding waves spray 40 feel into the air.

There are just too many activities to list, but be sure you pick up a copy of Acadia Weekly (a free publication) to find a listing of park ranger hosted tours – many of them a free to participate in.

Where To Stay:

So with the summer stretching out before us, head up Route 95 and coastal Route 1 for some pampering in Maine. You’ll return home with memories of fresh butter-dipped lobster, tender summer fruit pies and dozens of historic lighthouses offering unforgettable views of the rugged Maine coast. Our thanks to InnsAlongTheCoast for helping

us plan our Maine adventure – we had a unforgettable trip!

What We're Reading....

Make no mistake, this is no ordinary cookbook! You'll find no ho-hum recipes here - Kerry Alterioro will take you on grand adventures of the palate while sharing his passion for "kickass cooking".

We had dinner with Kerry at this busy Rockland Maine restaurant, Miranda's, and came away infused with his enthusiasm for "wild and delicious spins on favorite foods". Quite obviously others agree, because Miranda's was packed with cheerful and chatty diners.

So how do you make a salad that kids (and adults) will love? Toss together equal portions of salad and French fries, of course. Why have I never considered this before?

- brilliant! Or try making Sleeper Pizza, with pastrami and artichoke hears that will 'Blow your doors off". Kerry's mantra, "Because We Can" exemplifies his philosophy of finding new ways to Kerry's take on Lobster Mac and sensationalize every-day Cheese is truly trransforamtional. ingredients.

Rather than a sticky glob of starch, Kerry's dish combines fresh ribbon pasta with diced tomatoes and hearty greens to brighten the dish. Add some basil and a dash of marsala to the creamy cheese sauce and bake til bubbly. Tuck the lobster in just before serving - yum!

Is it any wonder that Kerry was awarded Lobster Chef of the Year in 2012 and Chef of the Year 2015 by DownEast Magazine?

This is one cookbook that won't just sit on the shelf. Kerry is sparking imaginations to combine traditional foods in new and unconventional ways.

I may just make every recipe in this book from beginning to end!

Do You Have What It Takes To Be An Innkeeper?

Have you toyed with the idea of owning a Bed and Breakfast someday? Here’s the basics of what you need to be a successful Innkeeper.

Move over Lorelai Gilmore and Bob Newhart, do you think you have what it takes to be an innkeeper? I can’t think of any other profession that combines the knowledge from as many different disciplines as innkeeping does. From cook to concierge, housekeeper to historian, gardener to greeter, mediator to marketer the list goes on and on, so to be successful you need to know your limitations and know when to get help.

Don’t underestimate your strong passion and desire to be an innkeeper, it will help you during the tough times and it is an important factor in determining your success.

Mary White, Founder of the popular webstie BnBFinder.com reveals what it takes to be an owner of a Bed and Breakfast Inn. From selecting a location, making a buisness plan, to decorating and marketing, Mary covers it all and by the end of the book you'll know if your cut out to be a Innkeeper or not!

Every parent with elementary schoolaged kids should pick this wonderfully entertaining book, The National Georgraphic Kids Almanac for those irritating “I’m bored” moments.

Even better, take this bright and entertaining almanac along on a road trip or to summer camp for hours of fun flipping through colorful pages – way better than watching Shrek for the 15th time!

Your kids may discover that scientists have recently found Glow In The Dark Sharks! Or that pets can do some really silly tricks, like the Macaw who has taken up skiing. Are your kids fascinated with dinosaurs? There are lots of vivid pictures of the creepy monsters along with intriguing info. The almanac even points them in the right direction to discover dinosaur bones or what they need to do to prepare themselves to be a Paleontologist.

But the book is not all interesting information, there’s plenty of fun and games as well. Prepare yourself for the kids to have a new repertoire of knock-knock jokes and funny riddles. And there are lots of hidden-object puzzles, mazes and maps.

So when your young ones go back to school this fall and have to tell what they learned this summer, they will be brimming with fascinating facts to entertain their friends and teachers alike!

Wellness Retreats Worth Traveling For...

Health & Wellness Summit at Utah's hottest resort, the Montage Deer Valley Beginning July 30th through August 2nd, the Montage Deer Valley Resort will be hosting the inaugural Robb Report Health & Wellness Summit, designed to enlighten participants in how to "live better and longer, while enjoying true luxury hospitality".

Fourteen preimminent physicians from eight of the country's most acclaimed healthcare institutions will gather to share advice about cutting edge theories on achieving optimal well-being. Summit partners include Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mayo Clinic, McLean Hospital, UCLA Health

Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire is the site of the first Go With-Inn Retreat Series hosted by The Darby Field Inn and Restaurant.

Local Innkeeper Marc Donaldson is inviting guests to return to balance by turning off their electronics for a short while and tuning INN to the quiet, calm natural setting and to each other. Collaborating with yoga teacher, Dixie Lea, and potentialist, Michael Kline, the wellness retreats offer three opportunities to connect With-Inn: August 25 - 28, 2015 - Women's Find Greatness With-Inn September 8 - 11, 2015 - Senior Empowerment from With-Inn October 27 - 30, 2015 - Couple's Rejuvenation from With-Inn As a team, Donaldson, Lea and Kline have started the Inn Revivalist Movement to encourage people to de-stress and disconnect from outside influences and reconnect inwardly in a beautiful setting.

The Darby Field Inn in located close to North Conway, New Hampshire and offers an intimate luxury Inn expereince.

Waldord Astoria's El Conquistador Resort in Puerto Rico, offers new Wellness Retreats for their guests.

Perched high above the Atlantic Ocean on a 300-foot cliff, the El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village by Waldorf Astoria invites guests to connect with nature's four elements, wind, water, fire and air.

Guests who opt for the "Fire" retreat are invited to enjoy a biobay tour through luminescent waters, boot camp on the beach on Palomino Island, extreme nature hike, a 75-minute Thai poultice massage and "Lunch & Leanr" including cooking with spices.

"Earth" retreat participants take a twilight yoga calss, hike in the rainforest, do a mountain trek on the private island, "Lunch & Learn' including raw foods and an 80-minuite hot stone message.

"Water" retreats discover a starlight labyrinth for meditation, snorkel trip, an aqua parkour fitness calss, a Bano de Oro spa treatment and juicing with their "Lunch and Learn" experience.

"Air" retreats include starlight laburinth meditation, zip lining at El Yunque Rainforest, beach boot camp at Palomino Island, troprical bliss scrub and message, and farm to talbe expereince for "Lunch and Learn"

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