The Tuscan Islands
Mention Tuscany and most travelers will sigh fondly remembering rolling hills of vineyards, endless fields of sunflowers and wild flowers, afternoons strolling through Sienna exploring art galleries and cathedrals and olive oil tastings under a pergola of grape vines. However, a privileged few can recall their visit to the Seven Sisters of Tuscany as it is the region’s best kept secret.
Off of the Tuscan coast lie a group of seven islands known as "The Seven Sisters." This cluster of beautiful landscapes and heavenly coastlines offers those in the know the solitude and the Old-world Italy they crave.
The Seven Sisters are comprised of Elba, the most visited; Giglio, known to Europeans as a diving paradise; nearby Giannutri, with its captivating coves perfect for sailors; Capraia, an island of volcanic origin which is the closest island to Corsica; Gorgona and Pianosa which can only be visited if you are an Italian prisoner, and Montecristo which requires a special permit.
An island tour – just a taste:
Isola d'Elba
Elba is the largest and most visited island. It sits just 6 miles off Piombino and can easily be reached by ferry for a day trip from mainland Tuscany.
For the historians: Elba is the famous site of Napoleon’s exile in 1814. On his return to France, Napoleon left two houses which are now National Museums (what can we say about what visitors will see in the museum?). Additionally, since every Mediterranean civilization has left its imprint on Elba, it is home to a diverse collection of plentiful ruins and historical sites.
Great Expectations: Elba is also home to breathtaking beaches with cliffs rising from the sea, crystal clear blue waters, mountain paths, flora and fauna, medieval villages, luxury hotels, tourist facilities and sailing schools. Elba is unique in that it has developed modern conveniences to meet the tourism demands, while maintaining its Old-world charm and uncontaminated natural beauty.
Isola del Giglio
Its name ('Giglio' means lily in Italian) has nothing to do with the flowers, but derived from the Greek word "Aegilion" which means "the place of the goats" because of the high number of these animals living here. But don’t worry, the occasional goat encounter you may have only adds to the allure of this island.
Breath of Fresh Air: Giglio’s mild climate year round makes it an ideal vacation spot all year. The topography is spectacular and quite varied. You will see granite cliffs, sandy beaches, and plant life that seems to emerge from an underground spring. The port is picture perfect with clear azul water giving way to cliffs of rising vineyards and ruins from the 18th century. A popular spot for surfing and sailing, Giglio also offers spectacular sunsets, aviary pursuits, nature hikes and fresh seafood.
Giannutri
Giannutri is a half-moon shaped island located at the southernmost point of the Arcipelago della Toscano, and boasts that it has only a handful of inhabitants.
A Little R & R: The coastline is rugged and gives way to numerous coves where one can find solitude and rejuvenation. There are two landing places: Cala Maestra on the western side and Cala dello Spalmatoio, which is a bit more developed.
Back to Nature: Although tourists are not allowed to stay overnight on the island unless they have rented accommodation, the island still deserves to be visited for the incredible beauty of its sea and the unspoiled nature; the island is both a natural reserve and a marine park.
Dive, Dive: Due to the number of shipwrecks dating back to the Roman Empire, Giannutri provides awe-inspiring diving opportunities for both the beginner and expert diver. The tourism department also notes that “the depths contain falaises, caves, meadows of Poseidonia, sea fans, sea roses, sea horses, sea stars, corals, sea urchins, dentexes, sargas, sponges but also wrecks. It is possible to meet dolphins, a whale or a turtle too.” It is the ideal place for day excursions and add on diving trips.
Capraia
Capraia lies the farthest from the Tuscan coast and is just 16 miles from Corsica. Volcanic in origin, Capraia is the only island of the Arcipelago della Toscano with a lake and is part of the Tuscan Islands National Park. Divers are the number one tourists here, as the crystal blue waters hold diverse aquatic life unique to the region as well as archeological ruins.
Smelling the Roses: This Mediterranean gem is third in size after Elba and Giglio, and is lush with herbal and floral aromas and seascapes you won’t easily forget. (Can people stay overnight here? Types of accommodations?) A visit to beautiful Capraia will leave you feeling as if you had a very special glimpse at a world long past.
Gorgona, Monetcristo and Pianosa
The three remaining sisters are not open to the public. Gorgona and Pianosa both host prisons, and unless you are visiting a prisoner, the public is not allowed access.
Montecristo is the island made famous in Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Count of Montecristo. Interestingly, Dumas chose to make Montecristo the site of a fictional prison. The real island serves as a nature preserve and as such the public is limited to 500 meters from the coast without a special license.
Island Fare
One of the best things about visiting Italy is the food and wine. The food of the Arcipelago della Toscano will not disappoint.
Not surprising, the local cuisine consists predominantly of fresh fish and seafood. Two local soups are not to be missed. Sburita, is Tuscan fish soup and gurguglione a mild onion soup. Both are unique and out of this world on flavors.
The mild climate of the Seven Sisters is ideally suited for cultivating vineyards and fine wines. Elba is the most well known for its wines, including: Rosso, Procanico, Aleatico, Moscato and Ansonico, which is an amber-colored wine that dates back to the Roman Empire. Today, Ansonico is produced in a very limited quantity and generally bought up by wine aficionados.
Weather in the Tuscan Islands
The climate of the Tuscan Islands is mild and pleasant most of the year. During the high season from May through October, daily temperatures average 70 degrees and offer the perfect weather for enjoying the islands by foot, bicycle, horse or boat. (What about rainfall?)
Getting There
Reaching the Seven Sisters requires a bit of an effort, but once you arrive and settle in, there is no doubt that you will join the ranks of the lucky fans of the Tuscan islands.
Flights are available through British Airways, EasyJet or Ryanair from Pisa International Airport (PSA). From the airport, trains run from Pisa Centrale station to Piombino.
One can reach the islands via ferries run by Moby and Toremar, however, due to the limited times that the ferries offer and the minimal number of luxury accommodations many well honed travelers prefer to visit the sisters via a private yacht charter or sailing excursion.
The Arcipelado della Toscano will leave you feeling relaxed, peaceful and oh-so-far from home. The beaches, dramatic countryside and the abounding culture make a trip to the Seven Sisters an experience you won’t forget. It will give you bragging rights to all those friends of yours who simply went to Sienna last summer.
==================================
Niche Travel Design and Consulting is dedicated to designing custom itineraries for individuals, families, business organizations and small groups. We understand that designing your perfect trip is as much an art as designing a home's interior or a garden's landscape.
Find Your Niche In The World!
Shelley Jarvis
Niche Travel Design
Shelley@nichetravel.com
www.nichetravel.com
925.519.2619
All rights reserved. No part of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Niche Travel Design and Consulting.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Perfect Honeymoon Does Exist. It Just Takes Some Planning!
The Perfect Honeymoon. The stuff that dreams are made of. . . . and second only to your wedding day in terms of expectations and disappointments.
The key to planning the perfect honeymoon? TALK! TALK! TALK! TALK! And then talk some more. And then plan.
There is no sense planning the perfect beach resort vacation if your spouse hates the beach. What if your spouse’s idea of the perfect beach vacation is camping and you had an all inclusive resort in mind? Nothing is insurmountable though and you can both your have your ideal honeymoon if you sit down and have a conversation.
Additionally, while the internet has made trip planning easier, there still is no substitute for professional travel agent when planning a trip as important and filled with expectation as your honeymoon. For any other trip besides your honeymoon the DIY approach may be just fine, but because there is so much expectation on a honeymoon, using a professional travel agent can save you from that dreaded moment years down the road when one of you, in the heat of an argument says “This is JUST LIKE OUR HONEYMOON. You screwed that up too!”
Before meeting with a travel agent, schedule some time with your intended to ask the following:
What is our budget?
Do you want to start your life together on the vacation of a lifetime or are you more comfortable saving for a house? Financial discussions are the cornerstone of all good marriages so you may as well begin your life together on the right foot by discussing realistic budgetary concerns for your honeymoon. Additionally, consider registering for your honeymoon to help offset the cost. That way you may just get the dream honeymoon and be able to save for your first house.
What does your ideal vacation look like?
Does one of you like exploring cities, art galleries, theater and the best restaurants while the other just wants to sleep late, lounge by the pool and drink umbrella drinks? Discuss your ideas and see if there is a destination that offers activities that both of you enjoy.
What type of room do you like?
Some clients could care less about the room they are in as they anticipate being outdoors, on the go, etc. Other people need a certain thread count before they are happy. Others still need a certain hotel floor, to be away from the elevators, air conditioning, etc. before they can get a restful night’s sleep. No one wants to be sleep deprived and cranky on their honeymoon.
Are you comfortable visiting countries where the official language is not English? If one of you is a seasoned traveler with an explorer’s soul and the other is terrified to be somewhere they cannot communicate effectively, you need to compromise. Perhaps an all inclusive resort or a cruise would be the way to introduce your spouse to international travel.
What climate are you interested in?
Definitely discuss sun versus snow, but also tackle questions you may not have thought of. For example, are you comfortable when it is humid and there is no air conditioning? Many condos in Hawaii. Costa Rica, and the Caribbean do not have air conditioning and this can pose a threat to a honeymoon if one of you cannot sleep in humidity.
Do you want to combine your wedding and honeymoon with a destination wedding?
Destination weddings are popular and look amazing in photos. They also can save you a considerable amount of money as many hotels and resorts offer package deals. And when you honeymoon in the same hotel, you can start the honeymoon immediately. The other consideration, however, is that you are sharing your honeymoon with your guests who have also flown to the site to attend your nuptials so you may not have the privacy that you were hoping for on your honeymoon.
What are your honeymoon fantasies?
The only way to guarantee they will come true is if you talk about them. Like most things in life, perfect honeymoons don't just happen. They take planning. The more you do your honeymoon homework, the more romantic - and the more fun - your honeymoon will be.
===========================================================
Niche Travel Design and Consulting is dedicated to designing custom itineraries for individuals, families, business organizations and small groups. We understand that designing your perfect trip is as much an art as designing a home's interior or a garden's landscape.
Find Your Niche In The World!
Shelley Jarvis
Niche Travel Design
Shelley@nichetravel.com
http://www.nichtravel.com
925.519.2619
The key to planning the perfect honeymoon? TALK! TALK! TALK! TALK! And then talk some more. And then plan.
There is no sense planning the perfect beach resort vacation if your spouse hates the beach. What if your spouse’s idea of the perfect beach vacation is camping and you had an all inclusive resort in mind? Nothing is insurmountable though and you can both your have your ideal honeymoon if you sit down and have a conversation.
Additionally, while the internet has made trip planning easier, there still is no substitute for professional travel agent when planning a trip as important and filled with expectation as your honeymoon. For any other trip besides your honeymoon the DIY approach may be just fine, but because there is so much expectation on a honeymoon, using a professional travel agent can save you from that dreaded moment years down the road when one of you, in the heat of an argument says “This is JUST LIKE OUR HONEYMOON. You screwed that up too!”
Before meeting with a travel agent, schedule some time with your intended to ask the following:
What is our budget?
Do you want to start your life together on the vacation of a lifetime or are you more comfortable saving for a house? Financial discussions are the cornerstone of all good marriages so you may as well begin your life together on the right foot by discussing realistic budgetary concerns for your honeymoon. Additionally, consider registering for your honeymoon to help offset the cost. That way you may just get the dream honeymoon and be able to save for your first house.
What does your ideal vacation look like?
Does one of you like exploring cities, art galleries, theater and the best restaurants while the other just wants to sleep late, lounge by the pool and drink umbrella drinks? Discuss your ideas and see if there is a destination that offers activities that both of you enjoy.
What type of room do you like?
Some clients could care less about the room they are in as they anticipate being outdoors, on the go, etc. Other people need a certain thread count before they are happy. Others still need a certain hotel floor, to be away from the elevators, air conditioning, etc. before they can get a restful night’s sleep. No one wants to be sleep deprived and cranky on their honeymoon.
Are you comfortable visiting countries where the official language is not English? If one of you is a seasoned traveler with an explorer’s soul and the other is terrified to be somewhere they cannot communicate effectively, you need to compromise. Perhaps an all inclusive resort or a cruise would be the way to introduce your spouse to international travel.
What climate are you interested in?
Definitely discuss sun versus snow, but also tackle questions you may not have thought of. For example, are you comfortable when it is humid and there is no air conditioning? Many condos in Hawaii. Costa Rica, and the Caribbean do not have air conditioning and this can pose a threat to a honeymoon if one of you cannot sleep in humidity.
Do you want to combine your wedding and honeymoon with a destination wedding?
Destination weddings are popular and look amazing in photos. They also can save you a considerable amount of money as many hotels and resorts offer package deals. And when you honeymoon in the same hotel, you can start the honeymoon immediately. The other consideration, however, is that you are sharing your honeymoon with your guests who have also flown to the site to attend your nuptials so you may not have the privacy that you were hoping for on your honeymoon.
What are your honeymoon fantasies?
The only way to guarantee they will come true is if you talk about them. Like most things in life, perfect honeymoons don't just happen. They take planning. The more you do your honeymoon homework, the more romantic - and the more fun - your honeymoon will be.
===========================================================
Niche Travel Design and Consulting is dedicated to designing custom itineraries for individuals, families, business organizations and small groups. We understand that designing your perfect trip is as much an art as designing a home's interior or a garden's landscape.
Find Your Niche In The World!
Shelley Jarvis
Niche Travel Design
Shelley@nichetravel.com
http://www.nichtravel.com
925.519.2619
Honeymoon Travel - Quick Tips
Everybody’s Talkin’ At Me.
Tell everyone that you come into contact with that you are on your honeymoon. I mean everyone! Your cab driver, the airline representative at the check in counter and the flight attendant, the hotel staff, the guy taking you on your sunset cruise, the restaurant hostess. People love to celebrate love with you. In addition to possible upgrades and freebies, you will be surrounded by good will which can only bode well as you start your life together.
Locals Only.
Contact your local Visitors and Convention Bureau (or request that your travel agent do so) and let them know you will be on your honeymoon in their area. They can recommend romantic restaurants, dates, activities. In addition to getting the inside scoop, you may end up with some nice perks as well. Also, in addition to buying a guide book on the area you are visiting, have your wedding planner send out an email or card to your guests telling them of your honeymoon destination and asking them to pass on any tips regarding the area if they have been to your destination. You can save the responses in a book as your own personal insider’s guide to the area.
E.T. Phone Home.
Put your contact information for your home and your destination inside your bags as well as outside. This helps any lost luggage find it ways to you as quickly as possible. Pack a carry on bag of necessities like a bathing suit if you’re headed to a resort and one change of clothing for each of in case of lost luggage. Take medicines and toiletries you will need for the trip. Do not rely on finding them easily in a foreign country.
It’s All In The Details. Electronics will not be covered by travel insurance if lost by an airline unless you have a receipt and the purchase was with a certain time frame. It’s in the fine print.
You Better Shop Around.
Pack an extra expandable duffle bag to pack purchases for the return trip
Ask and You Shall Receive.
Unless you AND your spouse are comfortable winging it when you travel, don't leave anything to chance. This is your honeymoon. A trip you will remember and refer to many times over the years so take the time to be specific about your room preference, your bed preference, your optimal thread count. Don't be afraid to speak up and request a room change of the room is not what you asked for and paid for. Before you unpack check to see that your requirements and desires were met.
===============================================
Niche Travel Design and Consulting is dedicated to designing custom itineraries for individuals, families, business organizations and small groups. We understand that designing your perfect trip is as much an art as designing a home's interior or a garden's landscape.
Find Your Niche In The World!
Shelley Jarvis
Niche Travel Design
Shelley@nichetravel.com
925.519.2619
All rights reserved. No part of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Niche Travel Design and Consulting.
Tell everyone that you come into contact with that you are on your honeymoon. I mean everyone! Your cab driver, the airline representative at the check in counter and the flight attendant, the hotel staff, the guy taking you on your sunset cruise, the restaurant hostess. People love to celebrate love with you. In addition to possible upgrades and freebies, you will be surrounded by good will which can only bode well as you start your life together.
Locals Only.
Contact your local Visitors and Convention Bureau (or request that your travel agent do so) and let them know you will be on your honeymoon in their area. They can recommend romantic restaurants, dates, activities. In addition to getting the inside scoop, you may end up with some nice perks as well. Also, in addition to buying a guide book on the area you are visiting, have your wedding planner send out an email or card to your guests telling them of your honeymoon destination and asking them to pass on any tips regarding the area if they have been to your destination. You can save the responses in a book as your own personal insider’s guide to the area.
E.T. Phone Home.
Put your contact information for your home and your destination inside your bags as well as outside. This helps any lost luggage find it ways to you as quickly as possible. Pack a carry on bag of necessities like a bathing suit if you’re headed to a resort and one change of clothing for each of in case of lost luggage. Take medicines and toiletries you will need for the trip. Do not rely on finding them easily in a foreign country.
It’s All In The Details. Electronics will not be covered by travel insurance if lost by an airline unless you have a receipt and the purchase was with a certain time frame. It’s in the fine print.
You Better Shop Around.
Pack an extra expandable duffle bag to pack purchases for the return trip
Ask and You Shall Receive.
Unless you AND your spouse are comfortable winging it when you travel, don't leave anything to chance. This is your honeymoon. A trip you will remember and refer to many times over the years so take the time to be specific about your room preference, your bed preference, your optimal thread count. Don't be afraid to speak up and request a room change of the room is not what you asked for and paid for. Before you unpack check to see that your requirements and desires were met.
===============================================
Niche Travel Design and Consulting is dedicated to designing custom itineraries for individuals, families, business organizations and small groups. We understand that designing your perfect trip is as much an art as designing a home's interior or a garden's landscape.
Find Your Niche In The World!
Shelley Jarvis
Niche Travel Design
Shelley@nichetravel.com
925.519.2619
All rights reserved. No part of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Niche Travel Design and Consulting.
How To Travel Like Oprah and Matt!
In a recent interview between Oprah Winfrey and Matt Damon the two could not stop talking about all the ways they avoid lines at airports. They spoke of a mythical service where all they had to do was walk onto the airplane. No stopping in lines, no carrying their bags, and no hanging out in airport lounge chairs designed by Attila the Hun.
I went to Oprah.com and poked around. I emailed her and I researched airport concierges. While I never did identify the exact service preferred by Oprah and Matt, I did encounter a number of services certain to ease your summer travel woes and allow you to embrace your inner celebrity when you travel.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Before you leave on your trip program your airline’s toll free reservation number into your cell phone. If your flight is delayed or cancelled call your airline call center directly to rebook your flight instead of standing in line. The reservation agent at the airline call center is the one with the most current information. The gate agents get their information from the call centers too so cut out the middle man and possibly catch that next flight leaving in ten minutes.
Less Is More
Try, try, try to fit all your belongings in your carry on luggage. Even as I write this I realize how impossible this is for 99% of the people out there (myself included). If you must bring along baggage – check it at the curb or send your luggage ahead of you through a luggage delivery service or UPS. Many of these services will ship golf clubs, skiis, snowboards, surfboards, bicycles and strollers all for your convenience allowing you to stroll on and off the plane in no time at all. http://www.luggageforward.com/ , http://www.luggageconcierge.com/, http://www.luggagefree.com/, http://www.theluggageclub.com/.
Rock Star Parking
To insure that you have a parking spot in the airport lot many private lots will allow you to reserve a specific spot in advance. This not only saves you time as you depart, but you can insure a spot close to the exit if you’re itching to get out of the lot in a hurry upon your return. Many private lots are also less expensive than the airport run lots. Also some airports now offer valet service. Check your individual airport for its specific parking services. And the bonus . . . no more getting yelled at by the angry traffic cop in the loading zone.I Wouldn’t Join Any Club That Would Have Me – Many airports now offer registered traveler programs. Registration with these clubs allows travelers to breeze through security check points because they and their luggage have been pre-screened and met all security standards. To date San Jose, Orlando, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and New York’s JFK airports offer the service. http://www.flyclear.com/.
Shirley Temple At Your Service
Many airports offer Ambassador programs. These volunteers are at the airport simply to help you out with any problems much like a concierge. Not all airports have them but if you are flying out of Los Angeles, Orange County, Ontario, San Diego, Boston’s Logan, Dallas, or Chicago O’Hare to be sure to ask for an Ambassador if you are encountering a problem at the airport. They are sure to help get you back on track. These are just a few of the airports that offer this service so be sure to check both your airports before leaving on your trip.
So, enjoy your summer travel and please say hello to Matt and Oprah for me when you see them.
***Note*** Niche Travel Design and Consulting does not endorse any of the links provided herein and is merely providing the links for informational purposes.
Shelley Jarvis
Niche Travel Design
shelley@nichetravel.com
925-519-2619
All rights reserved. No part of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Niche Travel Design and Consulting.
I went to Oprah.com and poked around. I emailed her and I researched airport concierges. While I never did identify the exact service preferred by Oprah and Matt, I did encounter a number of services certain to ease your summer travel woes and allow you to embrace your inner celebrity when you travel.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Before you leave on your trip program your airline’s toll free reservation number into your cell phone. If your flight is delayed or cancelled call your airline call center directly to rebook your flight instead of standing in line. The reservation agent at the airline call center is the one with the most current information. The gate agents get their information from the call centers too so cut out the middle man and possibly catch that next flight leaving in ten minutes.
Less Is More
Try, try, try to fit all your belongings in your carry on luggage. Even as I write this I realize how impossible this is for 99% of the people out there (myself included). If you must bring along baggage – check it at the curb or send your luggage ahead of you through a luggage delivery service or UPS. Many of these services will ship golf clubs, skiis, snowboards, surfboards, bicycles and strollers all for your convenience allowing you to stroll on and off the plane in no time at all. http://www.luggageforward.com/ , http://www.luggageconcierge.com/, http://www.luggagefree.com/, http://www.theluggageclub.com/.
Rock Star Parking
To insure that you have a parking spot in the airport lot many private lots will allow you to reserve a specific spot in advance. This not only saves you time as you depart, but you can insure a spot close to the exit if you’re itching to get out of the lot in a hurry upon your return. Many private lots are also less expensive than the airport run lots. Also some airports now offer valet service. Check your individual airport for its specific parking services. And the bonus . . . no more getting yelled at by the angry traffic cop in the loading zone.I Wouldn’t Join Any Club That Would Have Me – Many airports now offer registered traveler programs. Registration with these clubs allows travelers to breeze through security check points because they and their luggage have been pre-screened and met all security standards. To date San Jose, Orlando, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and New York’s JFK airports offer the service. http://www.flyclear.com/.
Shirley Temple At Your Service
Many airports offer Ambassador programs. These volunteers are at the airport simply to help you out with any problems much like a concierge. Not all airports have them but if you are flying out of Los Angeles, Orange County, Ontario, San Diego, Boston’s Logan, Dallas, or Chicago O’Hare to be sure to ask for an Ambassador if you are encountering a problem at the airport. They are sure to help get you back on track. These are just a few of the airports that offer this service so be sure to check both your airports before leaving on your trip.
So, enjoy your summer travel and please say hello to Matt and Oprah for me when you see them.
***Note*** Niche Travel Design and Consulting does not endorse any of the links provided herein and is merely providing the links for informational purposes.
Shelley Jarvis
Niche Travel Design
shelley@nichetravel.com
925-519-2619
All rights reserved. No part of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Niche Travel Design and Consulting.
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