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Italy Lakes & Stresa Sights!
Isola Pescatori
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Hemingway and Churchill certainly appreciated the beauty of the " thin stretch" of lake front surrounded by the magnificent Italian Alps graced with Victorian Palaces and stunning gardens. Short ferry trips to the tiny islands lead to delightful discoveries of historical significance and fascinating lore. We are very fortunate to have our own Stresa expert Dana Kaplan, part time Stresa resident and author
create ideal itineraries just for us...
more
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Castle Santa Maria Novella
 | Deluxe Lessons of Tuscany at Castello Santa Maria Novella
7 nights All Inclusive Tuscany
Including private driver each day
April 18th - 25th, 2010 Departure Only
Private Round Trip Transfers from Florence
7 nights in a Castle Room fit for Kings and Queens
Breakfast Daily
6 PRIVATE Tours Including
Florence
Siena
Chianti Vineyards
Lucca/Pisa
San Gimignano/Certaldo
Volterra
Dinner out each evening at lovely local restaurants
All transfers are private
Full Concierge Service
Enroll in Optional Classes:
Cooking
Photography
Watercolor
Art History
Italian Language
Wine Appreciation
Call or write for more details
866-590-8181
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| Images of Spring in Tuscany
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Buona Primavera a Tutti!
What a wild winter this has been - and a wild spring has sprung, as well! This presents us with an even more well-deserved reason to take a trip! Here are a few great ideas you may wish to add to your calendar this year...
Our just-released writing workshop Postcards from Italy is already a sensation - look for our early booking discount below. Space is very limited! We now present expert advice for an unforgettable trip to Stresa in the Italian Lakes, look left. We are also very proud to promote a unique program in Greve in Chianti called Insider's View of Tuscany for lovers of music, the arts, fine food, wine and Italy.
Don't forget about our popular Lessons of Tuscany, from a beautiful Tuscan Residence or how about from an 11th century Castle? Our Deluxe Lessons of Tuscany comes complete with your own private driver!
And we have room for just two more on our Photography workshop with Joel Wolfson for May 15th, if you hurry!
Please visit our website for our ever- growing list of life-enriching, awe-inspiring, and most enjoyable travel programs.
Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter! 
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"Postcards from Italy" Writing Workshop - Sept 4 - 11, 2010
Erica Jong gave us a clear and sober perspective when she wrote "What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human which other places, other countries, lost long ago." Designed for both writers and non writers alike, this affordable program will take in the must-see sights of Florence as well as the off-the-beaten path spots upon the walls of Lucca and the quieter west side of Chianti. Explore this beautiful region with pen and heart... more
Bonus: $100 per person early booking discount for deposited reservations received prior to May 1st, 2010!
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 For Lovers of Music and Italy: Insider's View of Tuscany We are proud to announce this wonderful program now in its 16th season. Spend a week in Greve in Chianti during the Daniel Ferro Vocal program as young artists from around the globe come to this magical place to be inspired and enhance their talents. As a visitor during this program, you will receive an exceptional value and authentic experience as you stay in the heart of Greve in Chianti enjoying all of the festivities of the program including evening receptions, lunches with the singers and faculty, and very special concerts in historic sites. more
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 Photo Workshop - May 15 - 22, 2010 Only 2 spots left on this unique opportunity to explore Tuscany with famed Photographer Joel Wolfson. For this 8 day workshop, you will get one-on-one training while shooting one of the most beautiful places in the world - in the best season! You'll also get classroom time, critiques, exquisite meals paired with excellent wines all served with famous Italian hospitality... more
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| Instead of a recipe this issue, here are a few terms for enjoying the best of Italy - Eating!
Mangia, Mangia!
Pizza al taglio - pizza by the slice, typically a lunch item
Spuntino - a snack, usually eaten between meals
Aperitivo - an aperitif type of drink to stimulate the appetite before the meal.
Prima Colazione - breakfast
Pranzo - lunch
Merenda - an afternoon snack, usually for children
Cena - dinner, usually eaten late, between 8pm and 11pm
Scarpetta - whatever is left on your plate is scooped up with a morsel of fresh bread (scarpetta literally means small shoe)
Antipasto - a starter, hot or cold, meant to stimulate the appetite
Primo - first course, usually a soup, rice or pasta dish
Taste Tip: Never put cheese on any pasta containing seafood. Never chop pasta with a knife, twirl the strands on your fork (without using a spoon) like an Italian
Secondo - the main dish, meat or fish, served with a contorno (side dish)
Taste Tip - do not mix meat and seafood in the same meal. If your first course is sauced with fish, do not order a second course of meat.
Dolce - Dessert or fruit and cheese followed by coffee or a digestivo such as grappa or amaro.
 Speaking of Coffee:
Caffe' is an art in itself and ordering un caffe' in Italy usually means an espresso (meaning to press). Here are just a few of the many ways to order your caffe':
Lungo - more water (about double) is filtered thought the grinds giving a weaker taste, but still stronger than normal coffee.
Ristretto - less water, yielding a stronger taste
Corretto - with a dash of liquor (literally "corrected")
Americano - diluted with hot water
Macchiato - with a drop of steamed milk ("stained" with milk)
Con panna - with cream on top
Cappuccino - with steamed milk topped with foam
Taste Tip: Cappuccino is usually drunk only in the mornings through early afternoon, but never after dinner.
 Here are a few terms to help you get the scoop on Gelato:
Cono - cone
Coppa - cup
Con panna - with whipped cream on top
Gelateria - ice cream place
Granita - shaved ice with assorted fruit juices and sugar.
Tip: Pay first at the cassa (cash register) then present your receipt when you order.
The Pleasure of Food Shopping 
Although there are many supermarket chains, shopping for food in the specialty shops makes for a richer, more interesting experience.
Panetteria, Forno or Fornaio - bread shop
Macelleria - meat and salami
Pasticceria - cakes, pastries and cookies
Latteria - milk and yogurt
Alimentari - pasta, ham, cheese and general food items
Pescheria - fish market
Mercato - markets mainly for fresh fruits and vegetables
Enotecca - wine shop
Tip: Food is sold by the etto (100 grams = 4 oz.) the kilo (1 kilo = 2.2 lbs. or mezzo kilo = 1.1 lb.) and numbers such as 2 bananas.
Buon Appetito!
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Sunset in the Italian Riviera
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Next issue - stay tuned for the release of our Castles and Kitchens Program - Tour the food and wine trails of Italy's "Bread Basket" Emilia Romagna while staying (and cooking) in magnificent castles, winding it all down by the beautiful seaside of the Italian Riviera. |
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Villa Vita International is a full service travel provider creating customized itineraries to Italy and beyond for individuals and small groups emphasizing authentic, life enriching experiences.
Would you like to design your own life-enriching travel program? Contact us!
Call Toll Free 866-590- 8181 or
in Phoenix AZ 623-581-1062
Villa Vita International
Enriching Life Through Travel | |
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| Future Events, Tours, and Workshops
CLICK ON ANY OF THE ABOVE PROGRAMS FOR MORE DETAILS. STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE PROGRAMS INCLUDING YOGA AND PILATES RETREATS, COOKING AND CASTLES, SCENIC STRESA AND MUCH MORE!
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Contact Info
Gina Ruggiero, President Villa Vita International
866-590-8181
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