Itinerary

Leave a comment Posted on africa, Food, Itinerary, Review, Surfing, Travel, Wine

Our Honeymoon: South Africa & Maldives – April 22-May 9, 2017

South Africa

mapSA
Fri, April 21, 2017
Drive up to LA 1p at the latest
Emirates EK 218
LAX 10:40p —> 1:30a DXB
Duration 15:50
Sat, Apr 22
In the air
Sun, Apr 23
DXB 3:50a —> 11:35a CPT
Duration 9:45
Thrifty Car Rental
Cape Town CPT
Datsun GO or similar
***be careful of speeding tickets on Garden Route***
  • Address: Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
  • GPS Coordinates: 33º58’59.37” S ,  18º21’31.43” E
19:00 Reservation
Dress code: smart casual
Shop 153 / Victoria Wharf / V&A Waterfront / Cape Town
This was an epically long flight.  First there was the drive from SAN to LAX at 3pm, which means we didn’t get to Ross’ family’s place til about 6p.  After a quick meet and greet and dinner with his fam, they dropped us off at the international terminal.  We boarded the plane for our 11p departure on Emirates to Dubai.  That was 15 hours! Then, once in Dubai, we had a two hour layover where we grabbed a beer and stretched our legs a bit.  It was impressive to see so many people in the Dubai airport at 2am!  We then boarded our flight to Cape Town on Emirates to complete that 9 hour segment.  So in total, it was 34 hours of travel from when we left our home to get to Cape Town.  Emirates is an incredible airline and is worth every penny.  Their service is incredible!  Once we landed in Cape Town, we picked up our lil Datson from Thrifty car rental and got acquainted with our wheels.  First, it’s opposite to the way we normally drive in the US.  The driver is on the right and the passenger sits on the left.  Additionally, the manual stick shift is in the center console… so instead of doing US shifting with the right hand,….. it’s done with the left hand.  My 🐻 did such a fantastic job getting us from the airport to our hotel safely!  Once we checked in at 12 Apostles, they greeted us with some sparkling wine.  The view from the bar/patio area was fantastic.  You can see both Table Mountain and the ocean!  The weather here is perfect — more like a drier windier version of San Diego.  After a quick bite and bevie out on the terrace, we went for a quick dip in the pool that overlooked the ocean.  Dinner reservations at Belthazar were excellent.  South African game meats paired with terrific wines!  We tried ostrich, kudu, and eland!  Ostrich was surprisingly delicious and more beef-like than poultry.  Terrific evening out in the waterfront district.  We finished it off with an ice cream cone and a turn on the Cape Wheel.  And we highly recommend Uber in Cape Town as it’s more affordable than the taxis.
Mon, Apr 24
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
Breakfast Included
8am hike to Table Mountain
Lunch:
Mon 24 April 2017, at 13:00
Silo Top Floor, The Old Biscuit Mill
373-375 Albert Road Woodstock, Cape Town
Dinner:
La Colombe, Silvermist Wine Estate
Constantia Main Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, 7848
We woke up at 7:30 am to meet Sial our hotel guide for the hike up to Lion’s Head.  This was a gorgeous peak that sits across Table Mountain with 360 degree views of Cape Town.  We definitely recommend this hike — but it does involve quite a bit of scrambling.  It’s basically 1.5 miles of straight up climbing.  It took us about 2 hours to complete the hike and that’s with 20 minutes at the top to enjoy breakfast and the view.  After the hike, we had lunch at The Pot Luck Club — which is located in a loft on the top level with an open airy and floor-to-ceiling window viewing area of the ocean and mountains.  It’s a fantastic tapas-style Asian fusion restaurant that I’d easily recommend to any foodie!  After that, we searched high and low for a place to rent SUPs and couldn’t find one anywhere.  It’s no longer the season for people to rent SUPs so all the places are gone from the beach.  There were such perfect conditions at Clifton beach for SUPs!  Since we were slightly let down, we opted to wander around the next beach (Maiden’s Beach) that had an ocean pool.  We stayed for a bit to explore then headed back to the hotel to catch the sunset.  Dinner tonight at La Colombo is currently No. 76 on the 2017 World’s Best Restaurants.
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
Hike Table Mountain? India Venster Route – four hours, go if clear weather Hike Table Mtn Tripadvisor
  • Platteklip Gorge 1.5 hours – cable car back down
Cable car option: buy tickets in advance online, go weekday/early, long lines Cable Car Tripadvisor
12:00 Round House –> The Rumbullion lawn (cancelled ressie as we ran out of time and preferred to explore Table Mountain)
*** Or Lion’s Head (3-4 hours) Lion’s Head Hike Tripadvisor
Emailed Test Kitchen, No. 22 for resie (closed Sun and Mon)
20:00 95 Keerom – Real Italian Quality
We woke up at 7am and headed to our hotel’s breakfast which was a massive spread of eggs, meats, made-to-order omelets, oysters, champagne, fruit, cheeses, cereals, yogurts, coffee.  Anything you could imagine for breakfast was on the menu.  Luckily, we needed to burn off breakfast so we headed to Table Mountain (definitely get your passes online for the cable car ahead of time).  There’s a full 360 degree view of Cape Town and surrounding towns.  After 2.5 hours at Table Mountain, we headed down to Cape Point, the southern most tip of South Africa — also where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean.  The day was perfect for viewing the coastline.  We saw ostrich, eland, dassie, black lizards! Tons of animals out!  I’d recommend getting to the Cape Point around 2 or 3p when the tour buses are leaving.  We checked out Buffels Bay beach within the Cape Point park.  The park closes at 5p in April, so we headed down to Boulder Bay to see the penguins.  It’s a gorgeous drive along the coast as it was such a wonderful sight to see these cute penguins at the beach!  We decided to head back home along a very scenic route back to our hotel and catch the sunset.
 
We didn’t make it to Keerom bc I was so tired.  But we got room service and enjoyed the eats in the comforts of our home.  Now that’s a honeymoon!!
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
Check-out 11:00 am
Raats Family Wines (Jason recommendation)
Emailed for 10:30 am appointment
Jordan Restaurant 12:30lunch
Franschhoek Pass
Franschhoek Wine Tram
Emailed Test Kitchen for resie – pending waitlist
Franschhoek/Le Quartier Francais/Tasting Room for 19:30 and one night stay in Auberge room
Check-in: 14:00
Auberge room
We headed out to Muizenberg where we heard the surf is good! Well it was.  There was a great beginner sandy beach break for me and some nice chest to shoulder high waves for my bear!  The conditions were just perfect: chilly, rain/thunder/lightning, and they were sailing the black shark flag.  It was the first time we had surfed in a shark warning area.
 
Shark flag warnings:
  • blue flag = clear visibility, no shark sighting.
  • Black flag = water was cloudy/murky/poor visibility but no shark sightings.
  • Red flag = shark sighting recently, but ok to get back into the water after 2 hours.
  • White flag = shark sighting now; sirens will go off; everyone out of the water
 
Off to Stellenbosch — wine country!
 
We were headed to Jordan winery for lunch but a big ol cargo truck was having issues and blocked the road into Jordan.  So, we opted for DeMorgenzon and had a lovely wine tasting there!  We ended up picking up the Reserve chenin blanc as well as their Reserve Syrah.  After that, we felt hungry and opted for a quick bite at Rust En Verde — home of some exquisite reds and food!  Definitely check them out if you love nice medium to full-bodied quality reds.  One thing we’ve noticed is that South Africa has quite tannic reds — but we love that — esp since loving the tannic Barolos in Piedmont, Italy!
 
Checking into our hotel Le Quartier Francais!  This place is gorgeous!  We were upgraded to the House Suite and it was enormous!  It was located right by the pool with beautiful views all around us with the mountains.  The service was incredible.  Everything in the mini bar was complementary – two bottles of wine, 3 craft beers, gin, sherry, whiskey, and brandy.  We even had our own mini pool off the master bedroom.  There was another upstairs loft that had two beds and a bathroom that was decorated for kids.  Everything about this hotel was incredible!
 
Dinner at The Tasting Room was so delicious!  It was incredible.  Basically, we took a journey through South African foods and culture.  Each dish was meticulously executed, beautifully plated, and wonderfully described.  On one of our dishes, we even heard some clicks in the description of our dish.  I’m not sure what language or dialect that it was from, but we very much appreciated it!  Our chef was a lady from the Netherlands and she was incredible!  We enjoyed this restaurant so much we felt it should’ve easily been in the Top 50 restaurants in the world.  After dinner, we went back to the kitchen to meet our chef.  She was gracious and had plans for her future after leaving The Tasting Room (I was actually very sad to here that she would no longer be the chef at Tasting Room and that La Colombe would be overtaking her restaurant).  In reality, Ross and I both felt that she rated higher than La Colombe.  So far in our rankings here in South Africa, we loved The Tasting Room, followed by La Colombe, and very close was Pot Luck Club (only bc it didn’t come with wine pairings and it was definitely a more casual atmosphere).
Le Quartier Francais
Check-out: 11:00
Potential options:
– Franschhoek Wine Tram
– Rust en Vrede (Jason recommendation)
     25 min from 43 on Sandstone
     Tasting room open 9:00 to 17:00
     Winemaker’s lunch, first come first service, 12:00 to 15:00
– Perdekop Hike, Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
– Hermanus
     Hamilton Russell winery – pinot noir (Jason recommendation)
     Tasting Room open Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm, Sat 9 am to 1 pm
     Creation wines?
– Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay penguins
– Helderberg Nature Reserve
43 on Sandstone Guest House
43 Sandstone Drive, Boskloof Estate, Somerset West, 7130, South Africa – Show directions
Phone: +27827831048
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Breakfast included
Waterkloof at 19:00
After an incredible breakfast at Le Quartier Francais, we hit the road taking the Franchoek Pass through the mountains towards Gordon’s Bay.  It’s a beautiful drive with plenty of hairpin turns and breathtaking scenery.  Once we got to Gordon’s Bay — we headed to a place just west of GB called Strand and hit up Natural Energy surf shop just in time to catch some waves out here. It was such a fun beach break.  After the surf, we headed to our lodging which was a room at Boskloof Eco Reserve — 43 on Sandstone.  Gorgeous room with a view!  Dinner was at Waterkloof.  The food was beautifully presented and very rich.  The food was paired with only the wines from their winery.  It was a nice dining experience, but we still loved The Tasting Room and La Colombe and Pot Luck Club better.
43 on Sandstone Guest House
Check-out: 11:00 a.m.
Creation Wines – 11:00 a.m., confirmed via email
Tapas and tasting
Hermanus/Hamilton Russell?
Stay in Arniston, Arniston Hotel?
Surf rec for Arniston
Arniston to Mossel Bay (2:40 min drive)
We headed out from our Guest House and skipped breakfast as we were still full from last night’s dining experience.  On the way now to Creation Wines!
Mossel Bay?
Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay (1:50 min drive)
Plettenberg Bay?
The Plettenberg Hotel?
Tsitsikamma National Park?
Plettenberg to Jeffrey’s Bay (1:37 min drive)
JBay?
Addon elephant park?
Jbay?
Car Rental Drop Off – Thrifty
9:30 am, Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
Qatar Airways QR6325
10:30aPLZ —> 12:10P JNB
Duration 1:35
Qatar Airways QR1364
2:00P JNB —> 11:30P DOH
Duration 8:20
Qatar Airways QR672
2:15A DOH —> 9:00AMMLE
Duration 4:45
Maldivian sea plane
11am –> 12pm
maldives
18:30p EDGE ressie
20:00 Dining destination – at the villa
Qatar Airways QR675
8:20P MLE —> 11:00P DOH
Duration 4:35
8 hour layover in Doha, Qatar
Qatar Airways QR739
7:30A DOH —> 1:30P LAX
Seats 23A and 23B
Duration 16:00
BRAINSTORMING:
Fly Emirates or British Airways to Capetown
To Maldives from Port Elizabeth or Durban
Garden Route
The otter trail
Tsitsikama trail
Whale trail
Mother City Hikers: Mother City Hikers Tripadvisor
Sample Itinerary drive from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth:
Recommendations for private driver hire:
Wine tastings around Cape Town:
Wine Country:
Stellenbosch (approx 40 min from Cape Town)
Jordan restaurant there, mentioned by Luke Dale-Roberts
Top ZA wines – Jordan, Creation, Fairview
Top 100 – Mullineux, Demorgenzon
Cape Town Breweries:
Devil’s Peak, The Taproom
Cape Town Restaurants:
Cape Town’s Best by Luke Dale-Roberts: Article by Luke Dale-Roberts Chef at Test Kitchen
Top 100:
No. 22 Test Kitchen, Cape Town
Dale-Roberts has two other ventures within the same Old Biscuit Mill complex in Cape Town: Pot Luck club is the Test Kitchen’s more relaxed sibling, serving global-inflected sharing plates, while the newly opened Naturalis, is focused, Ottolenghi-esque deli-style dining.
Local/African Food:
Mzoli’s grill/bbq/meats – good Tripadvisor reviews
The Diplomatic Bar & Restaurant – good Tripadvisor reviews
Mama Africa – been there long time
Amazink – food and performance/dance show, good reviews
Hermanus – town broken head hotel
Great if whale watching
Cape of good hope
Muizenberg warmer surf spot
Not Betty’s Bay — too windy
Wine country: close to hermanus
Valleys: hemelmenaarde (pinots)
Surf spot Victoria bay
Table mountain (in Cape Town) – restie on top then cable car down. Buy tix online first is easier
Tsitsikama Forrest – can stay in Tree Houses
Hotels: the 12 apostles – base of the mountains (this looks awesome babe!)
Cape View Clifton, some great reviews on Tripadvisor
-Constantia (green and amongst vineyards)
 The cellars (on other side of mt), winery
–  buitenverwachting winery and great restaurant (other side of mtn)
– steenberg hotel and super duper restie
– August cycle tour
Horseriding in J Bay:
J Bay surf school:
Kruger Park
Addo Elephant Park
Humans
Knysna
Maldives:
** TripAdvisor how-to-Maldives**
Which island to stay in Maldives?
Kris’ epic stays in no particular order:
Per Aquum Niyama: Central Atoll @ Dhaalu
Leave a comment Posted on Cooking, Food, Itinerary, South America, Surfing, Travel, Wine

Patagonia – December 2016

Best options:
Company
Cost pp
W Trek
Added activities
All inclusive?
tent?
$3345-3500
yes
kayak iceberg
walk glaciers
$3500 for porter, $300 for regional flights; can add rafting or horseback riding in Chilean Lakes District; wine country
Tent vs. backcountry refugees
Buses in Chile
Easter Island
THE REAL ITINERARY
Air Canada: KMS54I
AC1886 SAN 11:30a —> Toronto 7:14P
AC92 Toronto 11:45p —> Santiago 12:45p on Dec 24
 
Arrive 12:45p to SCL
Gorgeous flight over the mountains and coast! Looks kinda like the flyover Santa Barbara where the mountains abut the ocean.
Annoying guy in immigration keeps turning and his backpack keeps hitting mine. I want to punch him!  He’s invading my personal space.
Night in Santiago
José Victorino Lastarria 276, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Fantastic lunch spot! In a great area to walk around. Delicious wine and food pairings.
 
Confirmation Number: 310507392 
Lovely modern hotel in the middle of Bellas Artes district. Easily walkable to/from. Metro stop close by.
6am flight to Puerto Natales –> 9:30a
Stay Puerto Natales for the day:

Hotel IF Patagonia

Calle Magallanes 73, XII Región Puerto Natales, CHILE
Email: reservas@hotelifpatagonia.com
Phone: +5661 2410312, Fax: —

They have a sauna – super hip and modern!!

Swoop partnered with Chile Nativo in Puerto Natales to organize W trek.

11am – meet at Eberhard #230 office for group orientation. 

Day 1:

Starting from Puerto Natales at 12 PM or from Cerro Castillo at 1PM, we drive all the way to Torres del Paine National Park. We will drive through open pampas and huge ranches (estancias), and chances are we will be able to observe one of the most typical animals in this area, the nandu, (rare South American ostrich). We will follow an unpaved road heading to Refugio Las Torres to spend our first night. Upon entering the park we will have excellent photographic and bird-watching opportunities as we drive alongside lagoons frequented by Chilean flamencos and black-necked swans. Today’s hike is on a gentle trail following the border of the park and offers opportunities to see guanacos (Llama family) andthe Andean Condor.

2 hours private transfer to Torres del Paine

Hike duration: 3 hours 

Accommodation: Refugio Las Torres

Meals: Dinner 
It was freakin windy!!! Omg. Hard to stay upright!

Day 2:

We will start our first day trekking to the base of the Towers, following the Ascencio River to enter the Ascencio Valley. Our walk will be uphill for one hour before stopping to observe the first glimpses of the valley surrounded by unbelievable beech forests (Nothofagus family), glaciers and waterfalls. We’ll continue through the valley for another hour and a half before ascending a huge terminal moraine to a lookout (900m), excellent for picture taking. At this point, we will be surrounded by three giant granite towers (2850m) and a lagoon with slurry waters due to erosion produced by glaciers. This amazing view will be accompanied by lunch to add to the enjoyment. After being awed by the towers we’ll start our descent, following the same path back to the hut.

Hike duration: 7-8 hours 18 km

Accommodation: Refugio las Torres

Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner 

Day 3:

We will start early morning to enjoy, weather permitting, a magnificent dawn filled with orange-pink colors. As we leave the campground we will arrive at Inge lagoon. Chances are, on this path, we may see the flight of an Andean condor or eagles hunting hares or small rodents. We follow a well-marked trail ascending (around 200m) from the base of Almirante Nieto Mountain (2750m), crossing the Bader River to arrive at Refugio Los Cuernos where we will stay overnight.

Hike duration: 5 hours 11km (500m difference of level)

Accommodation: Refugio los Cuernos

Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner

(You can upgrade to private cabins with two beds and sharing bathrooms in between the cabins only and a free Hot tub access for USD $80 per single occupancy or USD $40 per double occupancy)

Day 4:

We will start our day with a 2-hour walk going to an undulating path until reaching the French River for our first glimpses of the hanging glacier. Then we will ascend (300m,) for one hour through a surreal Japanese garden landscape, crossing beech forests, to reach the French Valley viewpoint gifting us with a magnificent view of both mountains and lakes. We will lunch here with good possibilities of seeing avalanches from the hanging glacier or simply observe the west side of the Cuernos (2600m), Espada (2400m) and Fortaleza (2800m). Our way back will be the same until we reach the entrance of the valley where we will continue on a different path around the South-West side of Paine Grande, the highest peak in the Park, through native forests of Chilean fire bush and evergreen beech (Nothofagus Bethuloides), up to the shore of the Pehoe Lake.

Hike duration: 7 hours 18 km

Accommodation: Refugio Paine Grande

Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch, dinner 

Day 5:

We will begin early in the morning with our hike to the Grey Glacier. Initially ascending 200mts up a winding narrow path leading us to Laguna Negra, a place where we will observe the first glimpses of the South Patagonia Ice Field with its many unclimbed mountains. We will advance through forests and rivers, with possible sightings of spectacle and flying steamer ducks, up to the glacier viewpoint. We will have lunch at this place to and hopefully catch sight of ice calving from the huge glacier wall. Right after lunch we start an exciting adventure by boat. We will navigate for a while in front of the glacier in the hope of seeing icebergs calve. Our return journey offers views of Paine Grande with its impressive ice mushrooms and we sail through icebergs of different tones of blue. Then we will take a transfer back to Puerto Natales.

Hike duration: 4 hours 12 km

Boat trip duration: 2 hours

Transfer duration: 2 hours

Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch 

Please note: Trip can start/end in El Calafate, Argentina. Arrival El Calafate around 2pm on Day 6. Please enquire for further details.
 
Done with trip around 6pm.
 
Massage/spa at Mandala Andino
301, 6160000, Manuel Bulnes, Puerto Natales, Natales, Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena, Chile
7p – Deep body or detox massage (Christy), Thai massage (Kris)
Find bus from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas: BusSur
SALIDA LLEGADA SERVICIOS PRECIO
Puerto Natales
30.12.2016, 21:00
Terminal Rodoviario Puerto Natales		 Punta Arenas
31.12.2016, 00:15
Terminal Bus-Sur Punta Arenas
HOTEL ILAIA
Telefono / Telephone: +56 61 2723100, Dirección / Address: Ignacio Carrera Pinto #351, Punta Arenas – Patagonia – Chile.
E-mail: reservas@ilaiapatagoni

a.com

|   www.ilaiapatagonia.com

Fly out of Punta Arenas to Santiago: Sky NK5V6
Punta Arenas – Santiago de Chile
FLIGHT DATE CLASS CONNECTIONS DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME
SKY 004 31/12/2016 L – 10:10 13:30
Must get rental car to drive from Santiago to Valparaiso: https://goo.gl/maps/ivFNiMfuBBp (1 hr and tolls)
 
Airport transfer from Santiago to bus terminal. Then another bus to Valparaiso. We found our our air bnb hostess can arrange for a driver for us to do Casablanca valley wineries!  
 
Uber to plaza de sotomayor
Ascensor el peral 
 
 
AirBNB
 
Check In

Sat, Dec 31

3PM – 9PM

Check Out

Mon, Jan 02

Flexible check out time

Address

Javiera Carrera 340 1604

Valparaíso, Región de Valparaíso

Chile

Get directionsView listing

 
 
Sun, Jan 1, 2016
Valparaiso
Mon, Jan 2, 2016
Morning in Concepcion and alegre
3:30p cooking class at Cafe Melbourne

Tues, Jan 3, 2016

Casablanca Valley (bt Santiago and valpo)
  • Fruity chards
  • Sauv blancs
  • Pinots
Rte 68
Emiliana (biodynamic), vina indomita (carmenere), vina veramonte (cab, chards);
Casas del bosque, Bodegas Re, Loma Larga, Matetic. 
 

?Mendoza (8 hrs away) — too far w border check
 
Maipo Valley (south of Santiago, 1.5 hrs)
Cab, merlot, carmenere, Syrah
  • Town of Pirque as central locale
Vina aquitania (santiago’s most interesting; high quality, small production), vina almaviva (partnership w baron philippe de Rothschild and concha y torro; sophisticated sis of concha y toro), vina Santa Rita (premium casa real cab );
Haras de Pirque, Perez Cruz, De Martino. Vina cousiño Macul, 
Stay @ Hotel Casa Pando
Cabello 421 (6 blocks north of Plaza de Armas)
Wed, Jan 4, 2016
Colchagua Valley
Use Santa Cruz as departure point
10:30a Lapostolle (sig red Clos de Apalta); 12pm Montes
2p Viu manent
Stay @ Hotel Casa Pando
Cabello 421 (6 blocks north of Plaza de Armas)
Thurs, Jan 5, 2016
Pichilemu
Bus: Terminal Santa Cruz
Hotel: Ruka Lobos
Rsv: 1373.041.090
Punta de Lobos
3220000 Pichilemu

Maule Valley (export wine)
Feb 2010 earthquake
Town of Talca as base camp
Via wines (sustainable, sauv Blanc, Syrah), vina gillmore (cab franc)
Fri, Jan 6, 2016
Back to Santiago
21:00 Borago Santiago, Chile: http://www.borago.cl
Nueva Costanera 3467, Vitacura, Región Metropolitana, Chile
 
Renaissance Santiago Hotel
Avenida Presidente Kennedy 4700, Vitacura . Santiago 7630454 Chile 
Reservation Confirmation: 84481467
For MS Christy Cosper
MARRIOTT REWARDS MEMBER
CHECK-IN DATE
Friday, January 6, 2017
CHECK-IN TIME
03:00 PM
CHECK-OUT DATE
Sunday, January 8, 2017
CHECK-OUT TIME
12:00 PM
Sat, Jan 7, 2016
Santiago during day
Air Canada: KMS54I
AC93 SCL 9:10P —> Toronto 5:40am (Jan 8)
 
Renaissance Santiago Hotel
Reservation Confirmation: 84481467
Sun, Jan 8, 2016
AC1887 Toronto 8:20am —> San Diego 10:34am
Leave a comment Posted on Camping, Itinerary, Surfing, Travel, US, Wine

Oregon – October 2016

Wineries from Jason
Willamette
  • St. Innocent — 11-5p daily
  • Brooks — 11-5p daily
  • JK Carriers — Fri & Sat 11-4p
  • Shea — the shit — Ressies Thurs, Fri, Sat
Columbia Valley
  • The Rocks – Syrah
  • Gramercy Cellars — syrah
Seattle
  • Resties: Wild Ginger, Canlis, EMP museum
Portland
  • Pok Pok
  • Distillery Row — ginger liqueur
Breweries
Hikes
  • Multnomah Falls
  • Get this guide: Scott Cook’s guidebooks Bend Overall and Curious Gorge offer detailed (and irreverent) info, direx, and fun facts about all kinds of adventures you can have in two of the areas we’ll focus on in this loop: Central Oregon and the Columbia Gorge respectively. They’re available at Powell’s in Portland and almost every coffee shop in the town of Hood River.
Surf Articles
North Coast Oregon tour (references breweries in Astoria)
101 Brewery Tour Oregon (coastal breweries)
RV options: Sprinter
Sample from Cruise America (need to call for one-way)
Anticantrea winery
Patricia Green winery
Amatello winery
Portland
Forest Park
Seattle
Westward

THE ITINERARY

 
Alaska Airlines AS571
San Diego 2:50 pm, Portland 5:14 pm
Alamo
Portland (PDX)
Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown/Pearl District
1150 Northwest 9th Ave, Portland 97209
Check in after 4:00 pm
Pok Pok (2.4 miles to Hair of the Dog Brewery)
Distillery Row
Hair of the Dog Brewery
Stay in Portland
 
Shea Wines – 10:00 a.m. booked with Peter Shea
The tasting will be in the winery, which is the first building on the left as you come up the driveway.
Travelodge Suites Newberg
Check in 2 pm, checkout 11 am
2816 Portland Road, Newberg (Oregon), OR 97132
J.K. Carriere – Parrett Mtn. Paulee Party, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
Deschutes and 10 Barrel Brewing (both also in Bend)
Potentially Ten Falls Hike
 
St. Innocent Winery – Tourt, Tasting, and Pairing – 11:00 a.m.
Brooks Winery – 2:00 pm, scheduled with Jessica Pierce via email, live music 1-4 pm
Cascade Trail Head – approx 1:05 min drive from St. Innocent
South Trailhead
Take 22 to the 18 to the Coast
3.4 miles, 6.8 out and back, can do car pickup after first half
Staying at turtlejanes bed n breakfast
Pacific City
Hike Cape Kiwanda
Pelican Pub and Brewery
Moment Surf Company – for rentals
Surf by haystack monolith
Hike Cape Lookout
Additional option: Otter Rock, south
Oswald West State Park – waterfalls, surf, creeks, tide pools, old growth forest
Short Sand Beach – Surf, protected and picturesque cove
Hug Point – go on low tide, beaches, caves, tide pools
Manzanita
Cannon Beach – Surf, Pelican Brewing
Ecola State Park – Cannon Beach to Seaside, 9 miles
Indian’s Beach – Surf, secluded, in Escola State Park
2740 South Pacific * Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Ph: 1-800-633-3466 | Fx: 503-436-9711
info@stephanieinn.com | www.stephanieinn.com

Please review the following information for accuracy.

Arrival Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Departure Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2016
No. of Nights: 1
Number of Guests: 2 Adult(s)
RATE DETAIL: 
From:   10/25/2016    To:   10/26/2016    For:    1 room

         1 night(s)  in a 1st Floor Oceanfront King
PLEASE NOTE:
• The Inn provides a completely smoke and pet-free environment.
• We welcome children over the age of 12.
• Check-in time is after 4:00pm. Check-out time is 12:00 noon.
• All reservations with a credit card on file will be guaranteed for late arrival.
• Reservations will not be honored if credit card declines or a deposit check is returned for any reason.
• Cancellations: We adhere to a 7 day cancellation policy. Should you have a change of plans, please advise us no later than 7 days prior to your date of arrival. This will enable us to refund your entire deposit.

Once again, thank you for selecting the Stephanie Inn.
Seaside – Surf, Seaside Brewing Co.
Seaside to Astoria – approx 30 min drive
Astoria
Astoria Brewing Company, Buoy Beer Co. (see link above)
Astoria to Portland – Approx 1:45 min drive
Astoria to Hood River – Approx 2:30 min drive
Portland to Hood River, 1:10 min drive
Multnomah Falls – en route to Hood River
Three Waterfalls Hike (see link above)
Oneonta Gorge – en route to Hood River
Eagle Creek, alternative side trip – waterfalls, pools, wild flowers, forest. Could also do this Sat 10/22
Hood River, Columbia Gorge – SUP, biking
Double Mountain Brewing
 
Hood River to Bend, approx 2:40 min drive
Stop for hike at Tamanawas Falls, near Mt. Hood
     Use south/Tamanawas Falls hike entry, 150 ft waterfall
     Dry cavern behind the falls
Stop at Metolius River – hiking, wildlife viewing, world class
Stop at Smith Rocks State Park
Bend, hiking, mountain biking
Deschutes River Trail – potential SUP
Bend to Portland, approx 3:10 min drive
Leave Bend by 1:00 pm
Alaska Airlines AS 552
Portland 6:55 pm to San Diego 9:14 pm
1 Comment Posted on Camping, Itinerary, Travel, US

Alaska: the last frontier

I needed a nature getaway. With work and wedding planning, I felt nature was a great way to connect to the very thing that “resets” me. So here’s an itinerary I took with a childhood buddy of mine in an RV for two weeks.

Italicized verbiage was my journal while there.

THE REAL ITINERARY


Mon, Aug 29
Fly out to Anchorage and pickup RV from Great Alaskan Holidays.


Anchorage

Flew in and picked up RV. Grabbed groceries from the local Walmart and Costco in Anchorage. Dinner at 9p at 49th State Brewery: beer flight — the Smoked Marzen was smokey and delicious. Beer battered halibut and fries. Drove until midnight; looking for side rest areas. Hard to see at night.

————————————-

Tues, Aug 30
9am – 14:30p — White water rafting @ 6 mile creek
http://www.chugachoutdoorcenter.com/six_mile_rafting.htm

We had some changes to our itinerary where instead of the 9am start, we started around 12:30 and it was perfect. So before the rafting, we opted for a really close hike with a view of Turnagain Arm.


Description: Three Canyon Six Mile Creek Rafting6 mile creek most challenging. On way from Anchorage to Seward.


OUR OFFICE FOR SIXMILE CREEK RIVER TRIPS IS LOCATED AT MILEPOST 7.5 ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE HOPE HIGHWAY.

TO GET THERE FROM ANCHORAGE GO SOUTH ON THE SEWARD HWY. TO THE HOPE JUNCTION, TURN RIGHT (NORTH) AND PROCEED 7.5 MILES DOWN THE HOPE HIGHWAY.

THE HOPE JUNCTION IS 70 MILES FROM DOWNTOWN ANCHORAGE.

SHUTTLE VAN TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS OF 2 OR MORE FROM GIRDWOOD, COOPER LANDING, WHITTIER AND SEWARD.

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR PRICING.

CALL TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-277-RAFT (7238).

ANCHORAGE AREA RESIDENTS CAN DIAL LOCALLY AT 277-RAFT”

Exit Glacier:
Google Map: 1h 18m
https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/exit-glacier-area.htm
Ice Climbing Exit Glacier: ?8hrs — we opted for an easy 2 mile hike up to see Exit Glacier since we would be having our own ice hiking/climbing adventure at another glacier.

Post up in Seward for the evening:
http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/alaska/seward
http://www.cityofseward.us/index.aspx?nid=864
http://www.cityofseward.us/DocumentCenter/View/2969


http://www.themilepost.com/features/ipad-and-android-apps

Tuesday, Aug 30

Hope

Drove into Chugach National Forest — so beautiful! Tall mountains, tall trees and pines, gorgeous lakes and creeks. This morning, we were supposed to have a 9am white water rafting trip down 6 mile creek (class 5 Rapids)…. But there was a miscommunication. But, it got worked out — we ended up going to do Hope Point hike and saw some amazing views of the Turnagain Arm. After we did our hike, we went down to grab a coffee and snack at Kayak and Coffeehouse. The owner, Levi, was super helpful in explaining to us the bore tide as well as answering questions on what to do in town and what Alaskans think about the pipeline. After a bite and convo, we headed to our whitewater raft company to get suited up and do the 6 mile creek class 5 Rapids at 2p. It was an incredible experience. You do a practice swim…in a dry suit with a life vest…and then get in your raft with your guide. Canyon 1 and 2 are fun. The class 5 occurs in the 3rd canyon — Staircase is a 5 foot waterfall drop. And then there’s the other two right after (Sucker hole? And ZigZag). So rad. Just do it! Dinner in Seward at Chinook — yummy halibut. Fresh caught.

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Wed, Aug 31
Seward
TripAdvisor: Things to do in seward

Fox island kayak and cruise:
7am: Check in at Adventure Center (1302 4th Ave, Seward)
8am:Depart Seward on a Kenai Fjords Tours boat
9am:Arrive Fox Island


http://www.sunnycove.com/

Drive to Soldotna (possibly stop thru Cooper Landing on way?)

Wed, Aug 31

Seward

Woke up early for the kayak and fjord tour and found out that it was really windy and choppy on the water, so the kayak portion of our trip was cancelled. But we still got on the boat and checked out the fjords with glaciers! There were tons of wildlife out: sea otters, seals, puffins, bald eagle, northwest humpback whale, and Dall’s porpoise. So many incredible views and sceneries. After that, we did a little hike out at Exit Glacier. Then we rolled into Fred Mayer grocery store — which is like a combo of Super Walmart/Costco. We picked up our fishing license and then RV’d in the driveway of our fishing place for tomorrow in Soldotna. Seward was decimated by an earthquake back in the early 1900s and had to rebuild. But before that, it was on it’s way to becoming a big town!

————————————-

Thurs, Sep 1
-drive to Soldotna

Check out Cooper Landing:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g30971-Activities-Cooper_Landing_Alaska.html

Trip Advisor: Things to do in Soldotna

High Adventure Air: salmon
High Adventure Air Charter
38675 Longmere Lk Ct, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-5237 https://goo.gl/maps/AA39paQDgcw


730am flight:

buy fishing license there

Fishing in Alaska


Soldotna to Glacier view: about 5hrs (Google Maps)
Drive as far as possible…

Thurs, Sept 1

Soldotna

Took a fishing trip with High Adventure Air. Our guides were so wonderful!! Gorgeous seaplane flight from Soldotna to Crescent Lake. We flew over big lush trees and crater-like mountains. It was a beautiful takeoff and landing from the seaplane! We started casting out immediately and my first fish was a dead one. ;P. The next fish I caught was a silver salmon. Vinoop caught several Dollys and a lake trout. Overall, it was a terrific day with gorgeous sunshine and a beautiful backdrop of landscape. We also saw several bears including a mama bear and her two cubs. In fact, the fish we caught were kept in the lake water bc it was so frigid, but we had to gut and fillet them so the guts were thrown back in the lake which seemed kinda like a nice flowing river. The mama bear started swimming toward us and made it halfway across the lake to snatch up the guts of the fish we cleaned. It was pretty scary. Otherwise, the Bears did a good job of just keeping on their own. We checked out Kenai River brewing and then made the 4.5h drive to Glacier View for tomorrow’s ice climb!

————————————-

Fri, Sep 2

Glacier View

10:30a – 18:00 Ice climbing
https://micaguides.com/#_=_
https://micaguides.com/activities/ice-climbing/


(907) 351-7587
info@micaguides.com

Milepost 102.5, Glenn Highway
Glacier View, Alaska
Google map

Glacier View to Valdez


Fri, Sept 2

Glacier View

We arrived to the Matanuska glacier and Mica Guides for some ice trekking/ice climbing. They gave us our gear and strapped us into some gators, ice climbing boots, crampons, waterproof gloves that looked like dishwashing gloves, and a helmet. Once we hiked out to the glacier, they gave us lil activities to check our skills. First was learning how to walk in crampons. You want to dig your feet into the ice — stomping, kicking, anything to get a good grip. Duck walk to go up the ice…and the cowboy to go down the ice. Next check off was how to use a ice climbing pick. Reach behind like you’re doing triceps (keep your elbows in) and extend the pick up overhead and use the wrist to snap it down for more power. The key is the wrist snap. We practiced our safety grips as well. Always have the leash on — just like a beginner surfer! After getting familiar with the ice climbing pick, we practiced traversing a glacier free style (just a couple feet off the ground). It’s important to be able to kick into the glacier to get the 4 teeth on the front of the crampon to grip the ice. Test the bite and make sure it’s stable and then kick your other foot in. Our first test, we went down a glacial crevasse. It was spectacularly beautiful. We used our foundation that our guides Emily and Brett taught us. It’s difficult not to marvel at nature’s beauty. I felt like my rock climbing skills really helped. After that pass, we went to a more difficult pass known as a moulin ( like Moulin Rouge). It was a glassier, more iced over face that was shaded and had a different texture and feel. It was more difficult to get the ice pick and crampons into the ice. BUt, you just gotta make your tools stick. I felt like a real ice climber. It was such a wonderful experience!! After the ice climb, we got back into the RV and made our way to Valdez — stopping by Tok Thai — an awesome Thai place we found on Yelp. We settled in overnight at Copper Center along the road at a picturesque spot where you could see Mt. Sanford and mt. Wrangell.  

————————————-

Sat, Sep 3
 Valdez


Sat, Sept 3

Valdez

Walked around the pier here — home to the great Valdez derby. This derby is a contest to see who can catch the biggest halibut as well as the biggest salmon. We caught it on its last day — and so far the biggest salmon was 17.8 lb and the biggest halibut was 253 lb! Small quiet fishing town where the Alaskan pipeline ends. Seems to be a bit smaller than Seward.

————————————-

Sun, Sep 4

Evening close to Denali

View from bodenburg butte


Sun, Sept 4

Drove from Valdez to Copper Center thru Wasilla (home of Sarah Palin) to Bodenburg Butte. We did a lil hike there and then ended up heading to Denali Brewing Company in Talkeetna. Excellent Belgian strong there.  

————————————-

Mon, Sep 5

call for wonder lake shuttle tickets 8am (alaska time) shuttle
http://www.alaska.org/detail/denali-park-shuttle-bus

Drive to Denali


Camp in Denali Riley creek site.

Mon, Sept 5

From Talkeetna, we drove into Denali national park. We stopped for lunch at Prospector’s (it was rainy and cold). Excellent craft beer on top — like 40+ beers! Excellent pizzas as well! After lunch, we walked around the park and then decided to make the sled dog demo. These dogs are so excited to pull!! They’re Alaskan huskies who love to pull a sled. We saw the 6 week old pups! This is the only working sled dog kennel in any of the national parks. These dogs work hard in the winter freeing up debris from roads, hauling supplies to hard to reach places, helping keep the roads maintained — but they love what they do! Gotta say, they’re the hardest working federal employees! We stayed the night in Riley Creek campground (yes you still get a cell signal on AT&T).
————————————-

Tues, Sep 6


Tues, Sept 6

Early early morning shuttle bus ride to Wonder Lake — we saw beautiful views of bears, caribou, and moose. It was super rainy and drab…cloudy. We got to Eielson center and decided to take the 12p ranger led hike up Alpine trail. Although we got soaked from the rain, it was worth the 1000+ ft elevation gain to see the different terrain. We learned from Ranger Nick (which this was the last ranger led hike of the season) that there are a ton of earthquakes or at least seismic activity happening in the Eielson area. But we didn’t feel anything that day. Do take a moment to stop and check out Eielson center. It’s full of info and a great stopping point to watch a movie on climbers to summit Denali — 3 weeks, no Sherpas, and you carry your own waste in the freakin’ cold! I don’t think Denali is in the cards for me. We took the return bus (we didn’t make it to wonder lake)…cold and wet. Once we got to the RV, a change of clothes and a beer did the trick to turn our frowns upside down! We hit up Prospector’s again for dinner and it was fabulous!! Night again in Riley Creek Campground. 

————————————-

Wed, Sep 7


Wed, Sept 7

We decided to fill up our RV with fresh water and then check out of Riley Campground and park in the Visitors center lot (just for the day). We opted for the Mt. Healy Overlook trail — which is a strenuous 2 hour trail, one way, 2.7 miles, 1700ft elevation, 25% grade, 2 feet width, with native soils with roots and rocks. It was totally rad!! Great way to see the various terrain at the different altitudes. Pack a lunch and have it at the top of the trail as the views are beautiful — even on a partly cloudy day. The descent is much faster than the ascent. There are edible blueberries along the way for a great snack! Dinner tonight at Karsten’s — a new restaurant that has a yummy caribou burger as well as awesome sweet jalapeño cornbread! After dinner, we drove to Savage River campgrounds to RV for the night. No AT&T cell phone reception here.

————————————-

Thurs, Sep 8

From Savage River campground on Savage Alpine Trail

View from top of Savage alpine trail


Thurs, Sept 8

From the Savage river campground, we walked to the trailhead to Savage Alpine trail. This trail can be started either at the campground or at the end by savage river. If you have trouble with steep descents, I recommend starting at Savage river (from the campground, you can catch a shuttle to take you there) — it’s a steeper ascent by more relaxed descent closer to the campgrounds. The Savage alpine trail is strenuous, 3 hours one way, 4miles, 1500ft in elevation, 25% grade, 2 feet width, and has native soils with roots and rocks and gravel. So, from the campground going up you start a gradual ascent with tall grasses initially that breaks open to subalpine/alpine tundra that’s short. We didn’t’ see any large wildlife along this trail — but there are plenty of warning signs for bears. Once we got to the top (no more elevation gain on the maintained trail), we saw a rocky peak that we wanted to get to for a better look at Denali. So, we forged our own trail. It was rocky and barren and was an extra 400ft or so almost straight up (>25% grade). The wind was fierce and strong — but we made it. At the top, we had an Alaskan Summer Ale beer to celebrate the climb and enjoy the peace of the area around us. Our descent was tricky — super rocky terrain with steep areas. We went carefully and slowly down the mountain back to the maintained trail. I spotted an alpine squirrel who didn’t seem to be scared or even interested in me — he was going after some grub in the ground! The descent was super steep even once we got onto the main trail. After we got down from the savage alpine trail, we opted for an extra 2 miles along the savage river loop trail. Nice and relaxing 45min trail around the river with minimal elevation change. I’m still amazed at the sheer beauty of Denali and could easily come back here. We drove into town to see if we could arrange a flight for tomorrow to circle Denali. Looks like we’re a go with Talkeetna Air!

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Fri, Sep 9
Denali to Talkeetna

Denali


Fri, Sept 9

Today we drove from Denali to Talkeetna to catch a plane that will go over some glacial ice fields and then circle Denali from Talkeetna Air.  Impressively spectacular views from the plane!  I highly recommend it!  Dropped off the RV back at Great Alaskan Holiday and arranged for a taxi to Moose’s Tooth — a must stop for awesome pizza and craft brew in Anchorage!  After that, we took a taxi back to our RV and then picked up our luggage and then headed to the airport for a midnight flight.

Talkeetna to Anchorage: about 2 hours

————————————-

Sat, Sep 10


Sat, Sept 10

Flight home from Anchorage waaaaaaaay early!


Leave a comment Posted on Europe, Food, Itinerary, Wine

Northern Italy, Southern France, and Northern Spain by car

We were looking for a wonderful two week vacation that was Zika virus-free.  In fact, we had to cancel our last vacation to Panama because it has become such a pandemic!  So, we researched and landed on a lovely European vacation via car!  A lot of it was based on the reservations we could land using the Top 50 Restaurants in the World.  It was an incredible way to see the countryside and try some wines as well as have some spontaneous adventures along the way!  This would be a fantastic honeymoon (in fact, it was our “pre” honeymoon!).

Our Itinerary:

Friday, May 13

FLIGHT INFORMATION:

Day, Date Flight Class Departure City and Time Arrival City and Time Aircraft Meal
Fri, 13MAY16 UA370 X SAN DIEGO, CA 
(SAN) 3:20 PM		 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 
(SFO) 4:57 PM		 737-800
Fri, 13MAY16 UA926 X SAN FRANCISCO, CA 
(SFO) 7:00 PM		 FRANKFURT, GERMANY 
(FRA) 2:55 PM (14MAY)		 747-400 Dinner
Sat, 14MAY16 LH302 X FRANKFURT, GERMANY 
(FRA) 4:25 PM		 TURIN, ITALY 
(TRN) 5:40 PM		 ERJ 190
Flight operated by LUFTHANSA CITYLINE.
Saturday, May 14
5:40p arrive Turin, Italy
Pick-Up
HERTZ
May 14, 2016 – 18:30
TORINO CASELLE AIRPORT
DESK IN TERMINAL
MUST HAVE FLIGHT INFO – TORINO , IT
Tel: 39 011 5678166
No. 65, combal zero, rivoli Italy — http://www.combal.org/en/
Sat, May 14 8:30p

PIAZZA MAFALDA DI SAVOIA 10098 RIVOLI (TO)

TEL +39 011 9565225 – FAX +39 011 956524

Expedia:
Via Monsagnasco 10, Rivoli, TO 10098
39 (011) 2631523
Check in ends 8p – guaranteed late arrival
1 double bed, wifi, breakfast, parking
Tour at University of Gastronomical Science (Piedmont)
—————————-
Sun, May 15
48h confirmation for Piazza Duomo
Cinque Terra
3 hour drive from Rivoli
Hotel Carla, Levanto – May 15
Via Martiri della Libertà 28, Levanto, SP, 19015 Italy
Booked through Expedia
May 15, 2016 – May 16, 2016
Check-in time
12:30 PM
Check-out time
10:30 AM
Check-in policies
Check-in time starts at 12:30 PM
Check-in time ends at 9:30 PM
If a late check-in is planned, contact this hotel directly for their late check-in policy

Evernote Camera Roll 20160421 133833

Before you go watch Barolo Boys on iTunes to get context. Only 1 hr long! 
Barbaresco:
Gaja…..one of the absolute biggest names in wine period. Modern Classic. Go. Will email John Rielly.
All you need is the equivalent of 600€ charitable donation from charity you have already donated to (for Gaja):
From John: 
They don’t need to pay anybody and Gaja doesn’t touch the dough.  It’s all about philanthropy so if they’ve already donated to anther charity this year that would work or they could pick one of the Italian charities suggested by the winery.  Just need a receipt or invoice.

In Serralunga for hotels the Il Boscareto is decadent right in the amphitheater of vineyards.
In the same town Centro Storico is where I would go for a really authentic experience.
Wines from the owner’s friends that we’ve never heard of, tableside prosciutto carving,   and so reasonable $$.

In Barbaresco town, send them to Antica Torre at the top of the hill past the Gaja Winery.  Lunch or Dinner.
Order Tajarin, the famous egg yolk pasta or anything else and they’ll be stoked.  Once again, reasonable $$.

Over towards Bolgheri, Il Doretto is a killer low key restaurant in a person’s yard basically.  Lunch or Dinner.

In Montalcino, Il Giglio is great.  Dinner.

In Sant’Angelo en Colle near Il Poggione Il Pozzo is a great lunch spot.
Ruche wine: After tasting all Ferrari has to offer, consider a stop in the center of the small town Ferrari’s winery calls home, Castagnole Monferatto. There’s a quaint church, picturesque views and Restaurant Da Geppe, a humble place to have a delicious lunch and a few more glasses of wine.
☐ BOOK this hotel: http://www.barolomeriame.com/eng/agriturismo.html
☐ Book this dinner: http://www.trattoriadellaposta.it/indexeng.html
☐Book this winery: http://www.sobrerofrancesco.it/index.php?idLinguaSel=2
☐ Book dinner (request hillside): http://www.villatiboldi.com/en/ Can also choose to hotel here.
☐Winery, hotel: http://castellodiverduno.com/
Barolo:
☐Winery visit: (no ressie needed): http://www.cantinedamilano.it/en-eng/
—————————–
Mon, May 16
1 week email confirmation for Arzak
Antico Podere Tota Virginia
Località Baudana 69, Serralunga D’Alba, 12050, Italy – Show directions
Phone: +390173613026Serralunga D’Alba

Check-in Monday, May 16, 2016 (2:00 PM – 12:00 AM)

Check-out Wednesday, May 18, 2016 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Free cancellation: Until May 11, 2016 11:59 PM
Cavallotto Tenuta Bricco Boschis – May 16 at 10:00 a.m.
Traditional:
Cavalotto: traditional, ageable (I think mandatory) wines to put away and drink on a far future anniversary if you cellar it PROPERLY. Tend to be a bit tannic and tight young but with age holy shit.
Cavallotto Tenuta Bricco Boschis
12060 Castiglione Falletto, Piemonte, Italia
tel. +39.0173.62814
fax.+39.0173.62914
info@cavallotto.com
http://www.cavallotto.com
Centro Storico
Also in Serralungo: Centro Storico is where I would go for a really authentic experience.
Wines from the owner’s friends that we’ve never heard of, tableside prosciutto carving, and so reasonable $$.
(Note – this is a 4 min drive from our hotel! But closed Mondays??)
We Must Go Here for lunch or dinner!!!
La Spinetta – May 16 at 3:00 pm
Giorgio Rivetti. Modern style Nebbiolo. Even affordable Barberas (Ca d Pian!) are very good in addition to the revered Barolos and Barbarescos. The moscato di Astis are prob some of the best made even though somms make fun of people who drink moscato.
http://www.la-spinetta.com (Note, Castagnole Lanze is located just northwest of Barbaresco)
We will be very happy to have you visit us and would like to suggest the  16th of May at 3 p.m. at our main Castagnole Lanze winery, outside the little town of Castagnole Lanze.

Please note that we only consider this appointment booked, if we receive an e-mail from you affirming the date and time.
You will then receive a PDF document with the directions to our winery. 
Please print this document and bring it along to your visit.

The tasting and tour, of course also depending on your interest, take about 90 minutes and can be held in English or Italian.

Since we take our time with you and since we always make sure one can taste the best (e.g. we will open a bottle also just for your visit), please understand that we have to charge 15,00 Euro a person to taste 4 different wines and 20,00 Euro a person to taste 6 different wines. However, if you purchase wine for more than 50,00 Euro a person, the tasting fee will be covered by us.

Trattoria della Posta – May 16 at 20:00, 8:00 p.m.
OK PRENOTAZIONE PER 2 PERSONE PER LUNEDI’ 16 MAGGIO ORE 20:00.
SALUTI.
RISTORANTE TRATTORIA DELLA POSTA

http://trattoriadellaposta.it/indexeng.html

E-mail: info@trattoriadellaposta.it
Tel.: +39/0173/78120 
Fax.: +39/0173/78120 
Indirizzo: Località Sant’Anna, 12065 Monforte d’Alba, Italy
Barbaresco:
Pickup food in Alba before exploring Barbaresco wineries.
☐Book
☐Winery visit: http://cigliuti.it/en/
☐Winery visit: Socre
☐WINERY visit: Gaja — most famous Barbaresco producer
In Barbaresco town, send them to Antica Torre at the top of the hill past the Gaja Winery.  Lunch or Dinner.
Order Tajarin, the famous egg yolk pasta or anything else and they’ll be stoked.  Once again, reasonable $$.
(Note, right next to Produtorri Barbaresco winery)
Over towards Bolgheri, Il Doretto is a killer low key restaurant in a person’s yard basically.  Lunch or Dinner.
    (Above looks south of Livorno, too far southeast)
In Montalcino, Il Giglio is great.  Dinner.
     (Above also far, south of Florence)
In Sant’Angelo en Colle near Il Poggione Il Pozzo is a great lunch spot.
    (Same)
OK to bring up to 12 bottles of wine in suitcase.
—————————-
Tues, May 17
Paolo Scavino: May 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Modern style Nebbiolo that drinks younger but great examples of the style. Silky. You might be parents sooner than you expect though 😳 (located just northwest of Barolo)
Az. Vit. Paolo Scavino • Castiglione Falletto (CN) • Tel. +39 0173 62850 • CF/PI 01799950041 •

It will be a pleasure to welcome you at Paolo Scavino. Our only availability is for Tuesday 17th at 10:00am together with some other guests. If it works for you, I kindly ask a phone number in case of any communications.

(Confirmed via email with Roberto)

Roberto Boggione  
Azienda Vitivinicola Paolo Scavino
Via Alba-Barolo, 157 – 12060 Castiglione Falletto (CN)
Phone  +39 017362850 | Fax  +39 0173 462042
roberto@paoloscavino.com  www.paoloscavino.com

Piazza Duomo: May 17 at 12:30 pm
No. 27,

piazza duomo, Alba, Italy —
Tues, May 17 12:30p

Ristorante Piazza Duomo 
P.za Risorgimento 4, 12051 Alba (CN)
Tel. 0173- 366167 
Les Grandes Tables du Monde - Le Soste


Dress code:smart casual




Socre – May 17 at 15:30


Perfetto!!!
At 15,30 May 17th.
Ciao,
Marco


Marco Piacentino


Socré
> Strada Terzolo, 7
> Barbaresco
> mobile +39 348 7121685







Cigliuti – May 17 at 6 p.m.


Confirmed with Claudia via email


AZ. AGR. F.LLI CIGLIUTI
Via Serraboella, 17    I-12052 NEIVE (CN)
Tel +39/0173/677185   Fax +39/0173/67142
E-mail   info@cigliuti.it    www.cigliuti.it






Produttori di Barbareso – No Res Needed, see Hours Below


Uber traditional style barbaresco.  Ageable. Good value for wines that can go the distance. A favorite for classic style that is well made and you can even buy it at Costco.



Hello,


you are more than welcome to come and taste our wines.


We have a tasting room open every days from 10 to 13 and from 14 to 18, also Saturdays and Sundays


You can come when do you prefer, no reservation needed, and the tasting will be free of charge.


Sorry but we don’t give tour of the winery but just tastings.


Thank you so much


See you here in Barbaresco


Best regards


Luca Cravanzola


Produttori del Barbaresco


Via Torino 54


12050 Barbaresco (cn)


tel:   +39 0173 635139


fax:  +39 0173 635130


luca@produttoridelbarbaresco.com


www.produttoridelbarbaresco.com


———–




Villa Tiboldi – May 17, 7:30 pm






We are very glad to inform you that we have reserved for you a table for 2 people at our restaurant for dinner on 17 May 2016.


The service starts at 7.30 pm.


ATTENTION!


The correct address for you GPS device is:


Via Santo Stefano Roero, 75 – 12043 Canale (CN) – Italy (this is not  our address: drive about 40 meters  on and you will see our sign) (please note that in the area there are 2 villages with the name Canale. The correct one is located 15 km far from Alba, while the other one – the wrong one – is located a 80 km far from us!!)


GPS/Navigator coordinates


E   7° 58’ 32. 79”


N 44° 47’ 44. 62”








VILLA TIBOLDI


Case Sparse Tiboldi, 127


12043 CANALE – Piemonte – Italia


tel: +39 0173 970388  – fax: +39 0173 959233


www.villatiboldi.it


GPS:  N 44° 47’ 44. 62”  –   E 07° 58’ 32. 79”




Centro Storico – May 17, dinner (7:30 or 8:00)


Alessio confirmed available for dinner


















—————————-




 


Wed, May 18




 


Verduno Pelaverga DOC…I do recommend these wines for delicious factor…might be nice to taste something lighter after all of these tannic nebbiolos below


Producer: Burlotto. Importer Estelle imports http://www.burlotto.com/it/


Producer: Castello di verduno http://www.cantinecastellodiverduno.it




Castello di Verduno – May 18, 9:00 a.m. (awaiting final confirmation)




The winery is open for visit and tasting from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1 pm and from 2pm from 5pm. Sunday only in the morning from 9am to 1pm. Visit at the cellar and tasting of 3/4 wines is free of charge.


Please to tell me when you would prefer to come.


Cordialmente


Marcella Bianco


Via Umberto I, 9






12060 Verduno – CN


Tel + Fax    +39 0172 470284


E-mail:info@cantinecastellodiverduno.it


www.cantinecastellodiverduno.it




Italian Riveria


San Remo?? Best spots between Piedmont and Menton??














 








 




No. 11 Mirazur, Menton, France —


May 18 8:15p


 








Best Western Prince de Galles




4, avenue du Général de Gaulle, Menton, 06500, France – Show directions




Phone: +33493282121












Your reservation
1 night, 1 room Change




Check-in


Wednesday, May 18, 2016


(from 4:00 PM)





Check-out


Thursday, May 19, 2016


(until 12:00 PM)













$139 euro








Cancellation policy


If canceled or modified up to 7 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged. If canceled or modified later or in case of no-show, 100 percent of the first night will be charged.


Any cancellation or modification fees are determined by the property. Additional costs will be paid to the property.






Cancellation cost


    

  • Until May 10, 2016 11:59 PM [Menton]: € 0
    • 

  • From May 11, 2016 12:00 AM [Menton]: € 139
    • 















—————————-




Thurs, May 19






French Riviera – leave Menton – Nice, Cannes, Others??




Email Mugaritz to confirm ressie




































Hôtel Provençal




25 rue des Écoles, Bandol, 83150, France – Show directions




Phone: +33494295211





























Make changes to your booking























































Your reservation
2 night, 1 room Change




Check-in
Thursday, May 19, 2016 (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM)




Check-out
Saturday, May 21, 2016 (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM)


















Parking included: 9 eur/night — we have 1 space reserved for 2 nights.






—————————-




Fri, May 20




 


french-wine_50a4057b5bca7_w1266.png




Bandol: just go hang out on the wont and drink rose and eat flan and octopus for lunch. 


 


Domaine Tempier: May 20 at 10:00 a.m. (awaiting final confirmation)




Bandol: domaine Tempier. Best dry rosè in the world.


Enough said. Also Funky meaty reds to drink with funky cheese.  Do it.


Importer: Kermit Lynch







 










Domaine de Terrebrune: May 20 at 17:00


Bandol: Domaine de terrebrune. Second best dry rose in the world. Guzzle it.


Importer Kermit Lynch





Our domaine is open from 9h30 to 12h30 for the visit and from 14h30 to 18h.


Thank you to come one hour before we close.














See you on the 20 th May.


Thank you for the interest in  our wine.


Best regards














Camille












Domaine de Terrebrune










DOMAINE DE TERREBRUNE










724 Chemin de la Tourelle
83190 Ollioules
France
Tél. : +33 (0)4 94 74 01 30
http://www.terrebrune.fr










Coordonnées GPS 43°14N 5°83E










 


















Hôtel Provençal




25 rue des Écoles, Bandol, 83150, France – Show directions




Phone: +33494295211







































































Your reservation
2 night, 1 room Change




Check-in
Thursday, May 19, 2016 (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM)




Check-out
Friday, May 21, 2016 (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM)






















Property Details








Property name
Hôtel Provençal




Address
25 rue des Écoles
Bandol, 83150
France		




Phone
+33494295211




Fax
+33494296757




Email
541239187-znau.tqcb.sgk4.qvku@


property.booking.com






Travel information
Show directions 






Your reservation details








Check-in
Thursday, May 19, 2016 , check-in 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM




Check-out
Saturday, May 21, 2016 , check-out 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM




Your reservation
2 nights, 1 room





€ 224 Please note: additional supplements (e.g. extra bed) are not added to this total. 
VAT (10%) included 
City tax (€ 0.99 per person per night) not included		








———————————————————




Sat, May 21






Dave Phinney winemaker, in Maury??






Provence Chateau Pibarnon – May 20 OR May 21 (can fit at 2:00 pm on May 20)


Wine nerds love this shit as well. Google pics of this joint



Per website, open Sat and res not needed






Hi,


Thank you for your mail.


We will receive you during your trip in Bandol on May 20 or 21.


It’s not necessary to have a reservation if you are only 2 persons.


We are open Morning : 9 – 12h / afternoon : 14 – 18h


Best regards




Benoît RICHET


Responsable Commercial


Tél : +33 (0)4 94 90 12 73 / Fax : +33 (0) 4 94 90 12 98


www.pibarnon.com


logo pibarnon pour signature






Chateaux Pradeaux




Provence: saint cyr


Chateaux Pradeaux


Just google for hours and contact info. Wine nerds love this shit.



(Per email, no availability May 20 or 21 (possibly an event, Le Salon Du Vin but ref Paris??)




Marseille





https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187253-d2630035-Reviews-Stade_Velodrome-Marseille_Bouches_du_Rhone_Provence.html?m=19904


Hotel du Parc


Check in: May 21

Check out: May 22


Address: Hotel du Parc

8, rue Achille Bege

34090

France


Classic Double Room – Non-refundable

2 adults








—————————-




Sun, May 22




Lac de Bouillouses


Foix












Inter-Hôtel du Lac




Le Couloumié, lieu-dit Labarre, Foix, 09000, France – Show directions




Phone: +33561651717
















Can't see this map? Click here to view location and directions.
Hotel info






















Your reservation
1 night, 1 room




Check-in
Sunday, May 22, 2016 (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM)




Check-out
Monday, May 23, 2016 (until 11:30 AM)


























—————————–


Mon, May 23


Cirque du gavarnie


Sanctuary and grotto of Lourdes






Lourdes






Your reservation is confirmed.




Your hotel reservation at Hotel Atlantic is confirmed.










partner_logo

































Hotel Atlantic











224 Reviews 










2 Boulevard de la Grotte





+33 5 62 94 02 33






















—————————-




Tues, May 24




 




13:30p – Lunch at No. 17 Arzak!


Rerservation Number: 242907


Restaurante Arzak


Avda. Alcalde José Elosegui, 273


Tel: 943 278465


Fax: 943 272753




20015 – San Sebastian


Call or email 1 week before ressie.






Walk around San Sebastián.














NH Collection San Sebastián Aranzazu




Vitoria-Gasteiz, 1, Antiguo, San Sebastián, 20018, Spain – Show directions




Phone: +34943219077





















































Make changes to your booking























































Your reservation
1 night, 1 room Change




Check-in
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 (from 3:00 PM)




Check-out
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 (until 12:00 PM)
























—————————-




Wed, May 25






Day in San Sebastián. Tapas on the famous street!


Bike ride. Minimal surf. Shops closed from 2-4p




 


8p No. 6 Mugaritz dinner




     Date:        25th May 2016   Hour   : 20:00
     People  :    2




We finally ask you to confirm your visit 5 days in advance by calling +34 943 522 455 or by email at reservas@mugaritz.com.


Please remember our cancellation policy; rest assured that no charges will be made to your card even if you cancel your reservation up to 3 days in advance.  If the reservation is cancelled in the last 48 hours, a fee of 117€ per person will be charged to the card.  If the reservation is cancelled on the booked date, or if the guest does not arrive, a fee of 185€ per person will be charged to the card.


How to get here http://bit.ly/1x1BhOL


 








Añarre Zarra




Carretera Gi 2132 KM 12- 13, Rentería, 20100, Spain – Show directions




Phone: +34943523751












our reservation
1 night, 1 room Change




Check-in


Wednesday, May 25, 2016


(from 1:00 PM)





Check-out


Thursday, May 26, 2016


(until 12:00 PM)













$48 euro








Cancellation policy


If canceled or modified up to 30 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged. If canceled or modified up to 15 days before date of arrival, 40 percent of the total price of the reservation will be charged. If canceled or modified up to 7 days before date of arrival, 60 percent of the total price of the reservation will be charged. If canceled or modified later or in case of no-show, the total price of the reservation will be charged.


Any cancellation or modification fees are determined by the property. Additional costs will be paid to the property.






Cancellation cost


    

  • Until April 24, 2016 11:59 PM [Rentería]: € 0
    • 

  • From April 25, 2016 12:00 AM [Rentería]: € 19.20
    • 

  • From May 10, 2016 12:00 AM [Rentería]: € 28.80
    • 

  • From May 18, 2016 12:00 AM [Rentería]: € 48
    • 















—————————-




Thurs, May 26






Email Extebarri for 48h confirmation








Basque Country


Ameztoi


Lugar Barrio Eitzaga, 10, 20808 Eitzaga, Gipuzkoa, Spain


High acid seafood friendly whites reds and rose.





(Emailed, no availability)




Day in St Jean de luz: day hike


Surf in Biarritz








—————————-




Fri, May 27






San Sebastián walked around. Had more pintxos. Tried keler beer.


 




No. 18, azurmendi, larrabetzu, Spain —


May 27 8:30p


The restaurant is at the EXIT Nº 25 of the Txorierri motorway. E70/N8. Once you get to the first roundabout you should turn to your right, then after 300 meters you would find a bridge on your right were you should pass through and just at the end of the bridge take the first one to the right.


CANCELLATION POLICY With the purpose of improving our services, and in case you cannot attend the day of reservation, we beg you to contact us by e-mail to reservas@azurmendi.biz, otherwise by telephone to +34 94 455 88 66, as soon as possible. In case that the cancellation takes place 24 hours prior to the reservation time, or you do not attend to the restaurant, we will charge you 100€, plus the 10% by way of VAT per person, to the credit card or debit card provided for its case.


 





















Get the print version













Paperless confirmation






















Casa Rural Miamendi




Barrio Legina, 1, Larrabetzu, 48195, Spain – Show directions




Phone: +34944557084












Your reservation
1 night, 1 room Change




Check-in



(4:00 PM – 9:00 PM)





Check-out


Saturday, May 28, 2016


(until 12:00 PM)
























Cancellation policy


If canceled or modified up to 3 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged. If canceled or modified later or in case of no-show, 100 percent of the first night will be charged.


Any cancellation or modification fees are determined by the property. Additional costs will be paid to the property.






Cancellation cost


    

  • Until May 23, 2016 11:59 PM [Larrabetzu]: € 0
    • 

  • From May 24, 2016 12:00 AM [Larrabetzu]: € 68.75
    • 


































—————————-




Sat, May 28








Walked around Bilbao. Saw Guggenheim. More pintxos.






No. 13


Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Bizkaia, Spain — May 28, 8:30p (email confirmation 48 h prior to ressie)














Gran Hotel Durango











74 Reviews










Bolshaya Yushunskaya str., 1 A, bldg. 2


































Check in: 5/28/2016




Check out: 5/29/2016





1 night





1 room





2 guests










Total Price: 107.33 USD




Cancellation Policy: We understand that sometimes your travel plans change. We do not charge a change or cancel fee. However, this property (Gran Hotel Durango) imposes the following penalty to its customers that we are required to pass on: Cancellations or changes made after 6:00 PM ((GMT+01:00) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris) on May 27, 2016, or no-shows, are subject to a 1 Night Room & Tax penalty.






















—————————






Sun, May 29








Durango to Bilbao airport: https://goo.gl/maps/8WHPp19nrp62


30 minutes with tolls










Car Rental Drop-Off










HERTZ




May 29, 2016 – 06:00




BILBAO AIRPORT
AEROPUERTO DE LOIU
*** MUST HAVE FLIGHT INFO *** – BILBAO , ES		




Tel: 34 944 530 931




OPEN Mondays-Fridays 07:00 AM-midnight
OPEN Saturdays-Sundays 07:30 AM-11:30 PM		




















FLIGHT INFORMATION:








Day, Date
Flight
Class
Departure City and Time
Arrival City and Time
Aircraft
Meal




Sun, 29MAY16
LH1147
X
BILBAO INTERNATIONAL, SPAIN 
(BIO) 6:50 AM		
FRANKFURT, GERMANY 
(FRA) 9:00 AM		
A-321





Flight operated by LUFTHANSA.









Sun, 29MAY16
UA961
X
FRANKFURT, GERMANY 
(FRA) 11:20 AM		
NEWARK, NJ 
(EWR – LIBERTY) 1:55 PM		
777-200
Lunch














Sun, 29MAY16
UA513
X
NEWARK, NJ 
(EWR – LIBERTY) 6:01 PM		
SAN DIEGO, CA 
(SAN) 9:09 PM		
737-900
Purchase
















—————————–


Mon, May 30