Friday, November 25, 2011

Agriturismo Masseria Salamina-Masseria Salamina , 72010 Pezze di greco - Fasano - (Brindisi) APULIA - ITALY


masserie pugliesi


Masseria Apulia - Hotel Boutique- Masseria Salamina, discover Puglia in a place rich with charme
Agriturismo Masseria Puglia nel SalentoThe Masseria is immersed in a wonderful expanse of olive tress, a few kilometres away from the golden beaches and crystal water of the Adriatic. It is the ideal place to spend a holiday surrounded by nature, authentic Puglian food and historic charm. Near to Ostuni, Cisternino and the Valle d’Itria, Masseria Salamina gives you a friendly and elegant base from which to explore Puglia.

Salamina is the name which the Masseria has had since 1600, when the existing settlement was expanded and the olive trees were planted, which are now more than 400 years old. .

The Masseria has undergone various renovations and alterations over the course of the centuries

The chapel was reconstructed in 1792, being enlarged into the existing church.
Camere con servizio B&B puglia o pensione completa
Camere con servizio B&B puglia o pensione completa


At the entrance of the 
Masseria is an extensive reception room where you will be welcomed directly by the family of Miccolis Angelini.

The hosts offer the use of communal areas, both internal and external, a bar service, studio with a computer with internet access, television, tourist information, books and wi-fi zone





Bedrooms

Comfortably furnished to meet the needs of the modern traveller, the rooms have beendesigned in keeping with the style of the different eras and with the characteristics of the original rooms. There are three types of room so you can choose the one most suited to your holiday




Typical Puglian Restaurant 
Carefully selecting the highest quality ingredients, the Masseria’s restaurant offers traditional Puglian cuisine with dishes that celebrate authentic flavours. We can cater for dinners, Sunday lunches, special occasion lunches, small parties and gatherings, lunches for groups, working lunches and private partiese 



Inside the Masseria, where there was once a mill is now a large and welcoming dining room which for more than 20 years has housed the Masseria Salamina restaurant, where you can savour our specialities in the relaxing tranquillity of the countryside. 

 In the summer, dinner is served in the inner courtyard of the Masseria, an evocative atmosphere surrounded by the ancient walls.

 The dinner service available to guests is offered at the time of booking; lunches on Sundays and Bank Holidays are also available at the time of booking. 

 It is also possible to arrange a menu for organized lunches and small partiesi. 

We have menu suggestions and are at your disposal to help you make your special occasion as perfect as possible.



Hotel con piscina




The swimming pool is situated with the most extraordinarily beautiful views: the sea view and green olive grove on one side and the imposing manor house on the other. 

The ool is framed by olive trees so you can relax in the shade. There are also sunbeds, changing rooms, toilets, hot showers, and a large area that is laid to lawn 

Mosaic glass tiles were chosen for the swimming pool.

Open from April to October, the pool is a peaceful and pleasant place, perfect to complete your stay in Puglia

 masserie pugliesi





Monday, November 14, 2011

Il Bottaccio di Montignoso Via Bottaccio, 1 – 54038 Montignoso - MS - (Toscana)



   .......A small casket of Versilia and the Alps Apuan

Il Bottaccio is an elegant hotel and a superb restaurant created around a seventeenth century water-powered olive mill transformed into an oasis of refinement and serenity. This aristocratic rural retreat stands isolated in the hills of Montignoso, enjoying both the reflection of the Mediterranean Sea and the peace of Apuanian Alps. The village is overlooked by the impressive ruins of the Aghinolfi Castle, masters of this county in 1202.
The Hospitality provided by the Bottaccio to its gourmand travellers matches the quality of its cuisine. The freedom of the guests and the respect for their habits and privacy is paramount. Large spaces with open views on the greenery complement the very large private suites, whose name is different for each one of them, as well as different is the character of the atmosphere.
These are spacious, individually furnished and cared for in every minute detail. The 18th century pieces dotted in the suites sensually blend with prestigious contemporary furnishing. Il Bottaccio successfully blends the charm of a country mansion with the pleasure of refined catering and the luxury of absolute peace.



ROYAL SUITE


This elegant suite is the favorite of many guests. They are still carefully preserved the ancient mills for the production of oil and the original wooden gears. From one of the original mill was converted into a bathtub floor of 2 meters in diameter. 


A fireplace in the '700 Florentine tiled floors and beamed ceilings are elements that create an inviting atmosphere. Chesterfield sofa and 
armchairs, the antique desk, a mirror of the Empire 
style and a superb 18 th century painting depicting Venus and Mars, and again, Versace lamps and sculptures and paintings by contemporary artists, realize a happy marriage between the unique modern pieces works and antiques.


The bathroom is lined  with ceramics from Vietri, has a full wall mirror and comes with a small loft with a private gym.


Dining  DIANA HALL


In this place of the old mill blend charm and discretion. Here the love for the elegance, the purpose of providing a perfect experience for every guest, is expressed with the characteristics of absolute originality.

The wonderful blend of furnishings and furniture from the 600 and 700 pieces of the best contemporary design gives a unique character to "Diana Hall" whose name is inspired by the imposing painting, a masterpiece of Nicholas Children, which helps to give 'environment, its magical and seductive atmosphere.



Dining - POOL ROOM

The evocative "lounge by the pool" - heart of the Bottaccio complex, houses the main body of the restaurant in a perfect symphony of elements Played Between the pool lying at the room's center, the giant wooden trusses flying high above, and the oversized glass and Marching down wooden portals Both Sides. The lush green garden offers a welcome frame and canvas for the many sculptures gracing Both the inside and out of this exotic and unforgettable place.

COOKING SCHOOL
Il Bottaccio offers 3-day and 5-day courses to cooking enthusiasts of all levels throughout the year. Small classes, with a maximum of eight participants, ensure that you experience hands-on learning and high-quality instruction. 
And uniquely at Il Bottacio, you also have the opportunity to participate in a live, working kitchen, giving you behind-the-scenes insights into a top Italian restaurant. Each day at the cooking school focuses on a few different aspects of Italian cuisine, giving you the opportunity to learn everything from cooking essentials, such as tips on working with seafood, to the secrets for cooking Italian basics and the delicate cuisine of Il Bottaccio. 
Menus and lessons are tailored to seasonal specialties, ensuring only the freshest and highest quality ingredients are used, but the general class overview is outlined below. Daily classes last for approximately four hours, leaving the remainder of the day to explore the surrounding area through planned activities or on your own. Learn about and taste essential Italian ingredients, including olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and cheese, with a special emphasis on seasonal specialities. 

DAY 1 - Italian Classics
We start the course by learning about and tasting a collection of essential Italian ingredients, including olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and cheeses, with a special emphasis on seasonal items. After reviewing basic knife skills, we will discuss regional differences and specialties of Italy and prepare a selection of courses for lunch.
DAY 2- The Cuisine of Il Bottaccio
Today we’ll share the secrets of the light and modern cuisine of Il Bottaccio. Given its emphasis on seafood, we will talk about cleaning and preparing seafood. You will also discover hand- made pasta, just one of the ingredients that will be used as we prepare our sumptuous lunch.
DAY 3 - Desserts and Introduction to Wines
In the morning, you’ll discover classic and modern Italian desserts. Then, over a leisurely lunch prepared by our staff, we will talk about and taste a selection of Italian wines.
DAY 4 - Culinary Outing
We’ll head for the countryside today to visit a local winery, dining on a delectable lunch as we continue our discussion and tasting of Italian wines. The day will be rounded out with a trip to the market, an olive oil mill, or another culinary destination, depending on the season
DAY 5 - More Il Bottaccio Cuisine and “Being the Chef”
Today you’ll experience more wonderful specialties of Il Bottaccio. You’ll also have the opportunity to ‘be the chef’, as you use what you have learned during the week to create your own masterpiece 

SPA OTZIUM

The Art of living and making of oneself a masterpiece.  The Bottaccio has created an oasis of being around this philosophy – a Health and Beauty Spa for believers that the body and spirit are reflections of one another, that a healthy body creates a healthy world, and that the two should be nurtured and cared for together. Its very name, ‘Otzium,’ springs from the Latin word for ‘not doing’ – ‘ozio’.  Here, stripped of every role, and abandoning every identification with the clamour of daily life, time is suspended, and the body begins to dream again, in contact with the truest and most sincere part of itself.  This is the real wealth, the only luxury.  The mastery of the masseuse, the aromatherapy and chromo-therapy, are elements of a personally prescribed wellness path that culminates in the rare and unique Hammam - the original Turkish Bath - jewel of hundreds of years of careful study and knowledge of the secrets of the body.  Crossing the threshold of the world of Otzium, you are enriched with its subtle food of perceptions, sensations and emotions, and are enabled to close every internal distance, to take life back into your hands, and to become again responsible for being healthy,  happy and free – your natural birth rights.







Weedings & Events









The Surroundings















Saturday, November 12, 2011

Hotel "La Sorgente" - Via della Scogliera, 1 - 72010 Savelletri di Fasano (Br)


Hotel La Sorgente**** Savelletri di Fasano (Br)

  


Hotel "La Sorgente" is located by the sea in a quiet residential area in the heart of Savelletri (Fasano). A characteristic fishing village, Savelletri is also known for its little port and for its incredibly long and spectacularly beautiful rocks that donates a peaceful atmosphere and at the same time remains very close to the principal attractions of the Region. The seaside areawhich stretches in front of the hotel is for clients only. You can relax and sunbathe either on the solarium right by the sea furnished with sunbeds and beach umbrellas, or on the open-terrace directly by the sea. There is also a nice garden and a large car park.

The restaurant.
The restaurant is open daily for a self-service breakfast. For the food-lover's, a wide range selection of delicious regional and national cuisine is also available. Additionally, the room-restaurant is open for small ceremonies and culinary events.          






   Facilities
All 42 rooms are equipped with air    conditioning, satellite television, shower, hair dryer, minibar, safety box and direct dial telephone. Recently refurbished in a contemporary style the hotel has a 24 hour reception and a breakfast room serving a continental buffet breakfast. The hotel prides itself on being the only 4 stars hotel directly by the sea in Savelletri with a new swimming pool filled with sea water, now available to complement the outdoor facilities. A golf course with 18 holes (not belonging to the hotel) is a short distance away.
Internet Point and Wireless Internet access In the hotel there is an Internet Point and every room, the indoor and outdoor areas are equipped with Wi-Fi system providing 24 hours internet connection (pay for).


Within easy reach, our recommended itineraries are:






             Trulli







    Historical Sites











    
   Castellana's Caves








     Castel Del Monte








 Golf fields with 18 golf-holes in Puglia

Few thousands metres from the hotel,open all the year round, you will find a splendid Golf field more than 6200 metres long with 18 golf-holes and a par of 72 blowes. . The structure is run by 'San Domenico Golf Club' and is the nearest from the hotel. At short distance (an hour by car) other golf fields between Puglia and Basilicata are also availables.
Acaya Golf Club - mt 6.331 Par 72.
Riva dei Tessali Golf Club - mt 5.960 Par 71.
Barialto Golf Club - mt 5.807 Par 72.
Metaponto Golf Club - mt 6.284 Par 72.



Friday, November 11, 2011

Hotel Relais Montemarino - Borgomale (CN) - Italy | Via Alba, 66 - Loc. Manera





HISTORY
Hotel Relais Montemarino was crafted out of the painstaking renovation of an old stone farmhouse.
Particular attention was paid during the refurbishment to maintain the characteristics of the farm’s four different building periods. In the characteristic “C”-shaped building it is still easy to identify the original farmhouse, built entirely of stone and wooden architraves more than 200 years ago.
Detached from the main building, at the bottom of the courtyard, there is a large portico that was once a drying room. Here today you find the Breakfast Room.
The name “Montemarino” was taken from the nearby hamlet, and bears witness to the unbreakable bond linking it to the surrounding area, while the tree that features in the logo is none other than the imposing horse-chestnut which dominates the patio.


HOTEL
Situated near Alba in the heart of the Langhe, between the Barolo and Barbaresco hills, the hotel was created from the renovation of an historic nineteenth century farmhouse standing in the shade of an age-old horse chestnut tree on the road from Alba to Alta Langa.
The Hotel, which has a swimming pool, is surrounded by the unspoilt beauty of the Langhe Hills where guests can relax and play sports, take walks or go for rides on mountain bikes or horseback
The Hotel Relais Montemarino has 27 rooms, all different, which are tastefully and imaginatively furnished and equipped with all modern facilities expected of a first class hotel.
Its wonderful position enjoys a breathtaking view of Alba and Monviso, making it the most prestigious hotel in the Langhe Hills.

ROOMS
Every room is different, with its own charm and unique features. The Superior rooms are spacious. Some of them have a double entrance and a small private garden others a balcony. They may have hydro massage showers and room for an additional bed.
The Suites are very spacious and have a small living corner with a sofa and two armchairs. There is a spectacular view on the surrounding hills.

SWIMMING POOL
A special feature of our hotel is the indoor pool which is constantly heated and can be used throughout the year.
With its wall to wall windows on both sides that open up in summer, you get the impression of swimming in the middle of nature.
Outside, with direct access to the pool you can find a small solarium with sun beds and deckchairs where you can relax and enjoy the warm Langa sun.

AREA
Borgomale is one of the 21 villages that make up the Upper Langa, an area of high, rugged hills where the vineyards - mostly planted with Dolcetto - alternate with chestnut woods, hazelnut groves and pastureland. This is the ideal setting for submerging yourself in unspoiled nature and enjoying the typical gastronomic passion of the chefs of local restaurants.
Not far off lies Alba, the small town which has become world-famous as the centre of an area celebrated for its food and wine, above-all the White Truffle of Alba and Barolo wine. Numerous events and festivals are organized for tourists in the streets of the old town centre, which is overlooked by mediaeval towers.
This is also a perfect location for setting out on different trips : the Langa of prestigious wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, visiting wine cellars and enotecas; with themes such as the hills of the Roero, which extend as far as the provinces of Asti and Turin; or the mediaeval castles that tower over villages, including Barolo, Roddi, Grinzane, Serralunga and Guarene, and tell the history of this land.


ACTIVITIES
 Situated in the heart of the Langa, Hotel Relais Montemarino offers its guests the opportunity to relax and practise sport by taking signposted or guided routes into the surrounding hills for outings on foot, mountain bike and horseback..
Bicycles fanatics can enjoy various routes with difficulty grades that go from simple up to the very challenging “Salita dei Campioni“ or “Champions climbs“.
Besides the magic of its beautiful landscape and views ,the area is famous for its excellent wines and food.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Archaeology Tours - Venice



ArArcheologic Tours


The origin of Venice: from the Paleoveneti to the Byzantines.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   BOAT TOUR “From Venice to Torcello” (cod 11-ABCO-ARCH01)

600_navigador_lazzaretto_anforeSailing along the Venice lagoon gives unique emotions. You will be surrounded by spectacular sceneries and a fascinating natural environment that leads far beyond the classic image of Venice.
Thanks to the most recent archaeological discoveries we have a more precise idea of the origins of Venice and of the conformation of the lagoon at the times of the first urban settlements.

The tour includes the following destinations:

600_Venezia_lazzaretto_nuovo_isola
Lazzaretto Nuovo: is located in front of St. Erasmo littoral. In 1468 on the island was built a hospital for the isolation and quarantine of ships, goods and people coming from the East, that entered Venice; in the "Teson Grando" there are numerous writings dating from the end of XVIth century, indicating the ownership and origins of commodities.
The island of "Lazzaretto nuovo" is an area of great historical and natural interest in the Lagoon of Venice, now fully recovered after several years of neglect, as a result of recent restoration.



600_Torcello_nasse
Torcello: is a quiet and sparsely populated island, situated in the Northern part of the Venetian lagoon. It is considered the oldest continuously inhabited area of the lagoon, and was once the most populous island, before the establishment in Rialto of the Venice's ducal government seat. After the downfall of the Roman Empire, Torcello was one of the first lagoon islands to be populated by people fleeing the Venetian mainland in order to escape from recurring barbarian invasions, especially after Attila the Hun had destroyed the city of Altinum and all the surrounding settlements in the year 452. The ancient "Dorceum" or "Turricellum", with about thirty thousand inhabitants, was a bishopric from 639 to XVIth century, and enjoyed its most prosperous period in the Middle Ages. It was also a thriving centre of arts and crafts, especially for metal work, glass and wool.


mazzorbo monti
Mazzorbo: was once an important trading centre, but it is now known for its vineyards and orchards.
Its main attraction is the XIVth century Church of Santa Caterina, but there were five churches in the past.
The Gothic bell-tower, built in 1318, houses a bell which is one of the oldest in Europe.
Today Mazzorbo, linked to Burano by the wooden "Long Bridge", is known for the fruits of its gardens, like the "castraure" and "sparesee", typical local specialties.
Nowadays only three hundred people live here.
  

900_Laguna_venezia

ITINERARY AND PROGRAMME



900_burano_coop_pesca

BOAT TOUR “From Venice to Torcello” (cod 11-ABCO-ARCH01)


H.09:00    - Meet in Venice, embark on traditional boat and navigate to Torcello.  
                    - Arrive in Torcello. Visit the Torcello Museum and the excavations of the Monastery of San Giovanni
                       Evangelista (Villa Baslini). Time at disposal to visit the island main sites: the VIIth century Cathedral of Santa
                      Maria Assunta, the XIIth century Church of Santa Fosca, the ancient stone chair known as "Attila's Throne"
                      and the Devil's Bridge.
- Departure to Mazzorbo.
- Arrival in Mazzorbo. Free Lunch. In the afternoon, time at disposal to visit the XIVth century Church of Santa Caterina.
- Board in Mazzorbo and sail to Lazzaretto Nuovo.
- Arrival in Lazzaretto Nuovo. Visit the archaeological site with specialized guide.
- Departure to Venice. During the navigation, a farewell drink will be served to all passengers.

H.18:00 - Arrival in Venice. End of the tour.


                                                                                                                                           The programme includes
Venezia Archeology
ABCO assistant during the entire excursion (official languages: Italian and English. Other languages on request).
Transportation by typical lagoon sailing boat (boat size according to the number of passengers).
Specialized guides as per programme.
Entrance at islands and / or museums as per programme.
Archaeological guide in Torcello.
Aperitif on board.
The programme does not include
Anything not mentioned in "The programme includes".

QUOTATIONS:

ABCOcard > (membership card required) EUR 15,00 per person

Min 14 - Max 28 passengers     EUR   80,00 per person
Min 29 - Max 50 passengers     EUR   65,00 per person
TOUR MAP:

600_2-tour-archaelogicalWEB

BOATS

BRAGOZZO
6 / 10 / 20 / 50 passengers
       1 skipper
TRABACCOLO
30 passengers
1 skipper + 1 sailor
Equipped with: W.C.; Kitchen.

CANCELLATION
Cancellation policy >
In case of bad weather, the tour cannot be held.







Secret Venice





900_Venezia_segrata


Music in Venice Tour

concerto_flauto_clavicembalo_Rivalta_BormidaThe places of music - The tour lasts about 4 hours.

Route from "San Samuele" to "St. Mark's School" (cod 11-ABCO-WOLKS-MUSICA)

Telling the story of music in Venice from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, following the traces of the baroque theaters, musical hospitals and places lived by great musicians fascinated by this amphibious city. The Music then as complementary of Venetian Painting.

The European visitors who come to Venice in the eighteenth century wrote reports from which emerges a city permeated and enveloped in the music, almost without being able to distinguish the natural sounds of water flowing in the channels and the cries of the seagulls, from the ones played by those instruments in churches, palaces and in the corners of the streets. Thus, from crossing of goods, Venice become a must for anyone with passion and interest in music, be it sacred or popular.

The walking route is along a path that goes from San Samuele to the Scuola di San Marco, passing through the Fenice Theatre and the Church of the Pietà.


Offerta-Musicale_Ca-RezonicoThe programme includes:
ABCO assistant during the entire excursion (official languages: Italian and English. Other languages on request).
The programme does not include:
Entries not provided in the description of the routes.
All transfers to/from the departure/arrival points (transfers can be quoted separately).
Any extras not mentioned in the program's description.