The Way of Saint James is a renowned pilgrimage that leads to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the apostle James is located. There are many ways to get there, but the Camino del Norte (or "The Northern Way") is decidedly Spanish. This particular route begins at the French border and goes through Basque country, Cantabria, Asturias and finally Galicia. The scenic tour stops in places like San Sebastian and Oviedo for some culture and history. Plenty of B&Bs are also posted along the route. The Northern Way is a challenging trek. Less demanding routes can be found on the Spanish Tourism site. (See References 1.)
El Camino Santiago (The Santiago Way)
Calle Illiada 15
28022 Madrid
Spain
011-34-912-34-45-69
elcaminoasantiago.com
Black-rimmed ham, cuckoo clocks and Riesling all originate from Germany's Black Forest region. Though Germany has designated bike trails all over the country, the Black Forest route is particularly picturesque, with its old-fashioned timbered houses and densely wooded mountains. The Odenwald Forest tour takes you through the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Hesse, through rivers, valleys and historic towns like Miltenberg. The odd castle might interrupt your journey, and if you're a skilled mountain biker, the Rothenberg and Gotthardsberg peaks provide panoramic views.
Black Forest Tourism Board
Ludwigstr. 23
79104 Freiburg
Germany
011-49-761-896460
blackforest-tourism.com
The French have turned cooking into an art, and the reason has as much to do with the culture as the land itself. Epiculinary, an Illinois-based company, organizes culinary tours in various countries that teach you about different foods and how to prepare them. Their France tours include the regions of Bordeaux, Provence, Burgundy and Loire, complete with wine tastings exclusive to each area. Epiculinary also includes a four-day visit to Champagne, famous for its sparkling white. This tour features apprenticing under Chef Marlien as he cooks up oysters, filet mignon and all things "magnifique."
Epiculinary
321 E. Washington Ave.
Lake Bluff, IL
888-380-9010
epiculinary.com
Some of the world's most sought-after wines come from Italy, from the light Barolo to the deep Chianti and the bubbly Prosecco. Whichever is your favorite, the Italy and Wine company hosts tours to the various vineyards that produce it. The Tuscany tours offer visits to Tuscany, Florence, Montalcino, Montepulciano, San Gimignano or Bolgheri. The Veneto tours take you to Prosecco-producing regions and Venice. The Piedmont tours explore Barolo or Barbaresco vintners. Each visit lasts one day and includes meals.
Italy and Wine
Via Montebuoni, 8
Impruneta 50023
Florence, Italy
011-39-331-874-9912
italyandwine.net
What's more astonishing than the fact that there are over 6,000 Greek islands is the fact that only 3 percent of them are inhabited. There is no shortage of cruise companies to take you around these islands, but the small ships at Variety Cruises are ideal for intimate sailing with family or friends. The Classical Greece tour starts in Athens and spends the next 8 days taking you to ancient Delos, volcanic Santorini, party central Crete and beachy Kythira. The trip ends in Piraeus, just outside Athens. Variety also offers more casual cruises for a little less exploring and a little more seaside barbecuing.
Variety Cruises (USA Office)
494 Eighth Avenue, 22nd Floor
New York, NY
800-319-7776
varietycruises.com
