April 06, 2010
Welcome to our April/May issue of
" Slow Travel for Women " Newsletter
This newsletter is filled to the brim with lots of juicy news and new Slow Travel Tours. It is probably one of our largest to date.
Do take a look at our website for further details on our upcoming trips. Do not rush; take time to “click” along the way and you will not be disappointed. It’s a promise. Also, do send a copy of this newsletter to a friend who might enjoy receiving it. It’s only an easy “click” away.
Many thanks to all our readers who take time to send us their opinions: good, bad or just indifferent. Remember that in order for us to give you the best, we thrive on your comments and opinions. We really appreciate it.
So stay with us and sign up for your next Slow Travel Tour. You will not regret it.
The unique feature which distinguishes the Slow Travel Groups is their desire to understand and appreciate the places they visit. Understandably so, the interests of the groups vary greatly; however, according to our surveys and tours, we seem to cater to the 50+ group. Of course, we have exceptions, many younger clients join our group as well. We would also like to mention that participants with special needs are more than welcome as we make all the necessary arrangements to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Our Slow Travel Tours will enable you to experience a deeper type of travel; an easier, simpler and slower way of absorbing the beauties and culture of the various countries. You will see and appreciate what is closer to you without having to dash around to see the "musts".
Upcoming April trips:
We have two fantastic weekend tours which will be repeated again in June 2010.
Chocolate & Wine Cuddle, a Spring weekend getaway in Umbria. Stay in a country estate, dine on local regional foods, relax with a total chocolate body massage, participate in a hands-on cooking class and enjoy a full-day tour of local wineries.
Weekend Beauty & Spa: Join us for our weekend escape in the Trentino area of Italy in the charming town of Levico Terme. Relax in a fragrant hydro-massage with herbs, pamper yourself with a special facial treatment and experience a soothing body massage.
New Gourmet Ireland Tour: this new 5 night special value Gourmet Tour of Ireland is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
This Gourmet Ireland Tour starts in Shannon and ends in Dublin. We will be traveling through the towns of Bunratty, Killarney, Cork, Kinsale, Ballymaloe, Kilkenney and Dublin. Our selction of charming 4 and 5 star accommodations and the new itinerary has enabled us to give you an extremely good price for the tour.
Our Newest Tours:
Greek Islands: Mykonos & Santorini, September 20th - 27th, 2010
We are pleased to offer you a taste of two of the most beautiful Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. On Mykonos enjoy the picturesque and magical atmosphere of the whitewashed cubic houses with flat roofs, blue doors and windows, narrow paved streets and flowered balconies. On the volcanic Santorini island, most of the villages are perched on the top of impressive cliffs. They offer incredible views over the volcano, the sunset and Thirassia.
The Islands of Sicily & Malta, October 1st - 8th, 2010.
Discover these “two jewels in the Mediterranean Sea” full of rich history and natural beauty. Our tour begins in Malta and ends in Catania in Sicily.
Malta, one of the latest additions to the European Union, is renowned for its hospitality boasting of a unique Mediterranean culture.
Taormina in Sicily will be your home as you explore the surrounding areas dominated by one of Italy's active volcanos: Mount Etna.
Don’t forget our “Weekly departures” with the very flexible Italy Within Reach Tour. It is a kind of do-it-yourself tour of Italy for the independent traveler. It provides 7 nights in 4* centrally located hotels in Venice, Florence and Rome including train transportation between these cities.
Remember to take at look at our Custom Tours page. We can help you find the best solution for your next trip and do all the planning for you from hotels to sightseeing to transportation.
We planned a wonderful custom tour for Jenny and her friends to celebrate her 50th birthday in Europe. We are also planning a custom tour of Italy for Bonnie and Judy.
Take a look at our aStore run in collaboration with Amazon.com. Check out the newest travel guides and books on Greece, Malta and Sicily.
This month we have included a wonderful Greek Spring salad recipe to our Cookbook list. It is called “Aginara Salata”.
Muriel & Ann invite you to check their website for tour updates and new destinations for 2010.
If you have not already taken our "2010 Survey" please do so. This way we can plan tours for the destinations of your choice.
Our subscribers continue to grow and we would like to thank all of our faithful readers for spreading the word. Feel free to forward the newsletter to your friends and encourage them to sign up for our free monthly
Slow Travel for Women Newsletter.
Ann & Muriel
Slow-Travel-for-Women
Slow Cooking Recipe No. 15
AGINARA SALATA - Fresh Artichoke Salad
Fresh (uncooked) artichokes, trimmed down to the tenderest part of leaves, heart, and stem, are thinly sliced into a salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and spring onions. A handful of Greek olives, olive oil, and lemon juice add the finishing touch to this elegant salad.
Ingredients:
2 fresh artichokes
juice of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 tomato, cut in chunks
1 small cucumber, peeled and sliced
4 leaves of Romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and shredded
1 large spring onion, trimmed, washed, sliced
extra virgin olive oil
Preparation:
Trim off all but 1 inch of the artichoke stem. Trim off outer green leaves, leaving internal yellow leaves. Trim off top 1/2 to 1 inch of the leaves with needles. Cut artichokes in half to reveal the choke. Cut in half again. Rub each piece with lemon. With a sharp knife, cut out choke and discard. Cut artichoke into long very thin slices, place in a bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice. Toss to coat well.