Piccolo Tours

Piccolo Tours Spring Newsletter Our apple tree in bloom     Greetings from Gillian in Friuli!   Spring is finally here and  as the days start to lengthen my mind turns to travel and walking. Here in Friuli the change of seasons is heralded by an  explosion of flowers and the local woods are carpeted with snowdrops, crocus and primroses  We emerge from a  grey, damp northern Italian winter into soft verdant spring.    My house is surrounded by vines and May is one of the busiest times in the vineyard and the cellar, as wineries emerge from their winter slumbers. The vineyards are a hive of activity as the budding vines are tamed and trellised, while the cellars prepare to present the new vinatge at one of the numerous wine shows held throughout the region. One of my favouite wine events is the Cantine Aperte- when on the last weekend in May, 114 wineries on both sides of the border, open their doors to the  public. Events include guided vists, wine tastings and a bike ride that takes you across the hills, stopping at wineries along the way. For more information go to  www.cantineaperte.info   Why not consider a self-guided walking tour  through the vineyards of Friuli, taking you from Trieste to Cividale, available at any time of year. For more details of this brand new trip just  email me for more details. gillian.arthur@email.it   Slovenia Hike: 4-11 October, 2010 Slovenia  is a tiny country with magnificent and varied scenery and remains  one of my favourite walkng trips. As we live just over the border in Italy we often visit  some of the excellent wineries or come just to walk beside the stunning, aquamarine Soca River. The countryside is at its best spring and autumn;  with perfect weather for walking. Slovenia is still   relatively undiscovered, although with its recent entry in to the EU that is bound to change. So if you have had enough of the madding tourist hordes and want to visit a country that is still completely unspoiled Slovenia, could be the trip for you.    http://www.piccolotours.com/trips/2010/slovenia       Slovenia: Lake Bohinj Scotland Hike: 7-15 August, 2010 There really never has been a better time to visit Scotland with the pound at an all time low.It has always  been one of my favourite  walking  destinations   especially in July and August,  when it is James Renny just too hot for walking in Italy. That is the time when I love to escape to the highlands of Scotland.  I have been leading walks here for fifteen years and I still find the scenery quite magical; highlands, seascapes and gentle glens. We are accompanied on our adventure by  landscape painter James Renny, who is resident in Perthshire. He is an extremely knowledgeable naturalist as well as being an entertaining walking companion. This irresistible combination makes for a perfect walking holiday. http://www.piccolotours.com/trips/2010/scotland/ Food and Wine  One of the great delights at this time of year is the arrival of seasonal fresh produce. After filling winter dishes what a pleasure it is to feast on  fresh asparagus and strawberries. Like most food here, these seasonal delicacies are only available for a relatively short time and are eaten in every possible way ; featuring in risotto, pasta and crespelle (pancakes).    During  a recent wine education trip to Alsace, I discovered what the locals consider  the perfect match for asparagus, dry white Muscat. It is delicious both as a simple varietal and as a  more complex Grand Cru style. The fresh grape flavours perfectly complement the delicacy of asparagus- try it and see!   Strawberries abound and are usually prepared in the simplest fashion, with just a squeeze of lemon juice and a scattering of sugar, allowing the flavour of the berries to shine. One of the best places to try  these dishes  is the romantically named named Agrturismo Il Melo Innamorato ( the apple tree in love). It is very popular with locals and bookings are essential.  http://www.friulitipico.it/   If you love good food and wine  you might be interested in two new walking  trips in 2011 ;  Burgundy in the  spring and Piemonte in the autumn. Both of these trips will have a strong focus on food and wine, with walks through the vineyards and  tastings with the winemakers. I will be publishing more details  in my next newsletter. Email me if you would like more information before then.  gillian.arthur@email.it   Until the next time or as they say in Friuli - Mandi!   Gillian Arthur Piccolo Tours