Travel Tips

When you go on a tour, you usually plan ahead…what am I going to see, what am I going to do, where are the best restaurants, what kind of local culture can I immerse myself in?  These are all valid questions.  What about the things you may have overlooked in all the excitement of planning ahead???

We at roadtotravel.com have thought of this for you so you can enjoy yourself on your vacation.  This will eliminate the possibilities of waking up in the middle of the night in your 5 star hotel in the middle of Italy screaming, “did I leave the stove on?” or “who is feeding the puppy?”.  These might be mild exaggerations, but have come true from time to time.  The following are some preparation points along with an attached packing checklist we have thought of for your use.  While each one may not pertain to you, they are generally applicable solutions to overlooked items of importance.  Please accept them as suggestions and not “law” as we have not thought of everything.  If you think you have something to add to these items, do not hesitate to add your suggestions to the comments on this article.

-          Newspaper…cancel your newspaper delivery for the duration of your trip or arrange with a neighbor to pick up your subscription from your property daily

-          Mail…arrange for a neighbor or a family member to pick up and hold your mail on a daily basis

-          Pets…ensure that your pets are going to be taken care of on your premises or that you have boarding arrangements for them for the duration of your trip or even a day longer in case of unforeseen delays

-          Lights…if you have a timer on your lights, ensure that you set it appropriately for both your outdoor and indoor lights.  We have found that sundown to 5:00am for outdoor lights and sundown to 10:30pm for indoor lights are generally used settings.  If you don’t have a timer and someone has access to your property, you may want them to manage the lights while you are away.

-          Thermostats…use your discretion and set your thermostat to a slightly less than comfortable temperature.  This will not harm your pets and will not be uncomfortable when you arrive home.  This will save you energy and money and will not take you long to re adjust your household temperature to a comfortable level.

-          Appliances…ensure that every appliance in the house is turned off.  Unplug any small appliances you can i.e. hair dryers, toaster ovens etc.

-          Food and perishables…dispose of any perishable food items in your fridge that will not last the duration of your trip.  Also, check for any expiration dates on food items i.e. milk, creams etc

-          If possible, have your neighbors either park your vehicle in a different spot on your driveway each evening.  If your car is stored in your garage, have your neighbors park their vehicle on your driveway each evening.  This will avoid any extra attention being paid to your property while no one is at home.

-          Other Administrative and Financial…have all of your bills been paid to date?  You don’t want any surprises when you get home.  Are all of your affairs at work in order…voicemail changed, email on out of office response(if applicable)

The Scavi Tour – Secrets Beneath the Vatican

We couldn’t even sell you this tour if we wanted to.  However, it would be a shame and almost irresponsible of us not to inform you that such a history and culture rich tour exists.  Most people visit the Vatican and stand in awe while inside the Sistine Chapel, not many travelers are aware of the Scavi Tour.  According to the Vatican website and their excavations office, it is a privilege to visit the Vatican Necropolis. 

The tour is full of centuries old artifacts and religious treasures showcased approximately 30 feet below the Vatican.  You will walk the “Street of the Dead” and view frescoes, mosaics and ancient graffiti as you step back in time through the labyrinth to the ultimate historical and religious treasure, the alter that Constantine built over what he believed to be the burial sight of St. Peter.  Based on the evidence given, you will have to make your own conclusions as to whether this is fact or circumstantial.

We can’t sell the tour through www.roadtoitaly.com, we can certainly inform you of the next steps in acquiring a ticket.  The Vatican does not deal with third party agents and not everyone is guaranteed to be accepted.  As I stated earlier, they see it as a privilege and only 250 visitors per day are permitted on the Scavi Tour so if you are interested, contact them as early as possible.

For more information on how to add this fascinating tour to your itinerary, you should search “Vatican Scavi Tour” and follow their very specific instructions on how to request a ticket.

ROAD TO SPAIN LAUNCHES NEW TOUR EXPLORING THE LAND OF DON QUIXOTE

TORONTO, Ontario --- Road To Spain, the experts in personalized travel, is launching a new private tour highlighting the region La Mancha and the Land of Don Quixote.

“This tour explores the cultural and historical beauty of this region, but also explores the setting to a great masterpiece in literary fiction Don Quijote de la Mancha and the beauty that inspired this classic story.” explained Kristina Jaber, Director of Marketing and Sales for Road to Spain. “Many towns boast statues dedicated to the characters of the story including Don Quixote himself, for those not familiar with the novel are sure to enjoy the mythology of the region nonetheless”

Don Quixote is known by many to be one of the world’s greatest works of fiction, and as such has been drawn upon for inspiration by painters, composers and film makers. The novels status has also had great influence over later writers. The Land of Don Quixote takes us through the region of La Mancha, the small towns and country side which inspired its author Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

Places visited are Madrid, Toledo Belmonte, Almagro, Calatrava, Cuidad Real, Montes de Toledo; Las Ventas con Pena Aguilera, Los Navalmorales, Puente, Lagartera. This program gives you a real sense of the culture of the La Mancha region and a historical glimps into one of the world’s greatest literary masterpieces.

Beginning with a full day tour of Madrid exploring the Prado Museum, Cibeles Square and the Royal Palace, among others sites, the tour continues with the city of Toledo, here, a full three days are used to explore its vast cultural and historic heritage. Toledo, Dubbed a UNESCO world heritage site for it’s importance as one of the former capitals during the Spanish empire, offers many sites to visit, Some of which are The Cathedral, The San Juan de Los Reyes Monastery, The Tome Church (where El Greco’s masterpiece The Burial of the Lord of Orgaz” is displayed) of Emperor Charles V. After Toledo continue on through the Land of Don Quixote with a half day tour of Belmonte, stopping at a local winery for a wine and cheese tasting. After the culinary pit stop we work of the calories with a walking tour Almagro, and a panoramic tour of Calatrava before we stop at a Winery in Cuidad Real for an Oenological lesson. Road to Spain specialized in custom personalized and Escorted coach tours of Spain.

Germany's Classic Driving Machines

STUTTGART, Germany, --- The growing popularity among tourists to Germany cater to the age-old North American obsession with the automobile. And in the case of Germany, world-famous, legendary brands that forced the creation of the Autobahn, Germany's also legendary no-holds-barred, speed limitless highway.

The 'Peoples' car, the original Beetle and beyond; the BMW "ultimate driving machine"; the solid speed of the Audi; the legend of the original Mercedes-Benz (which based their power on Lufthansa aircraft engines) and the classic Porsche - a car unlike any other.

"Our clients have unanimously asked for all roads leading to these now-legendary and stunning car museums," explained Flavia Jaber, VP Production Development and Operations. "These famous cars of Germany have made an indelible impact throughout the world and people are anxious to explore the past century of product and design."

Road to Germany 'tour designers' were able to speak with representatives of two of these museums in our pursuit of new itineraries for our clients.

According to Elke Bochhoff, director of Marketing and Sales for Road to Germany, car lovers have always delighted in tours that highlight the Volkswagen Autostadt theme park in Wolfsburg ("from the beloved Beetle to the sleekness of the 21^st Century," says Elke); the mushroom-shaped BMW Zentrum near Munich's 1972 Olympic Village; and the new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. ("Ah, Porsche - for many, there is no other."

Mercedes-Benz however was the first classic German car to create a museum for its early 20^th century achievements; in fact in 1923 this was the very first car museum anywhere in the world. According to spokesman Enrico Muller, "we not only pioneered the car, but the concept of the car museum." The museum continued to evolve but with new brands and styles, Mercedes soon outgrew its original home within the plant at Stuttgart.

"We were not able to show the history of the development of our cars in the 80s and 90s", he explained. As a result, Mercedes-Benz created the spectacular Mercedes-Benz World, a building alone that has been hailed by experts as one of the "true gems" of 20^th century modernistic architectural design.

"Now we are able to show everything - our passenger cars, commercial vehicles and racing cars." he explained. "In addition, it possible to see the complete history of automobiles that has made us very popular."

Müller informed us that "40% of our visitors are female. That is because Mercedes-Benz is not just about the history of cars (but) provides very important information on both car and interior design."

The Audi Forum provides an entirely different experience though it too, boasts attractions that appeal to both sexes and all age groups. Thomas Frank, speaking for Audi Forum, explained to us that "We have an Experience Centre, our Museum Mobile, a delivery area for people picking up their new cars, concerts and special theatrical events, cinema, jazz concerts, and services that include a bank, travel agency, and cafeteria."

He added for those who cannot resist making a purchase, "we also have created a (rather large) delivery area for people picking up their new cars."

Audi Forum, opened in December 2000, and yes, many people do indeed drop in to pick up their cars (one can just imagine the Gift Shop in this museum!), while others visit specifically to see the highly unique, round, glass Museum Mobile - new Audi prototypes are displayed on a vertical lift, which cycles through each of the featured models. For an ever-changing perspective, the background walls cycle horizontally through various scenes so that the car is always viewed in a different setting - sailing along the highway or parked watching the setting sun at the beach.

"What really sets Audi Forum apart " insists Frank, "is that our museum is directly connected to our production building, where we offer over 22 different kinds of factory tours, some specifically designed for children."

RoadtoGermany.ca director Elke concludes that, "Due to the growing number of requests for these types of unique interest programs, Road to Germany has recently designed visits that incorporate these amazing car museums and also provide Formula 1 race experiences for the true adventurous,"

For more information on how you can plan visits to one of these exciting automotive attractions into your next trip, visit: www.roadtogermany.ca

Exploring the hidden gems of Sardinia

CAGLIARI, Sardinia --- No vacation to Italy would be complete without seeing the amazing sights of ancient Rome, artistic Florence, romantic Tuscany or the watery Venice.

But what about the picturesque harbour of Cagliari? The sandy dunes of Piscinas beach? The 12^th Century city of Alghero?

These are not yet 'household' names for an Italian vacation but that should soon change when Road to Italy introduces Sardinia to those with a quest for fun, fascination and, of course, the flavours of truly unique Italian cuisine.

"Sardinia remains the great undiscovered gem of an Italian vacation, " according to Flavia Jaber, VP of Production Development and Operations. "So many of our clients have asked us for 'more, more, more' of Italy and we have responded by introducing the wonders of Sardinia to our friends who love to travel."

Sardinia is a mere 200 KM from the coastal city of Roma, 300 KM from Napoli - so close, yet seemingly so far away from the tourist sites of the mainland. (Note: You can take a one-hour flight but many opt for the leisurely, overnight 16-hour car ferry across the Tyrrhenian Sea from Naples).

This historic island is approximately 250 KM long and about 125 Km wide (at its maximum point from Porto Torres to Capo Comino). So of course you could drive around the island in one long day - but why would you want to?

This is a slow-paced island with scenic coastal roads, deserted coves of white sand beaches and crystal clear water, magnificent and ancient sun-bleaches rock formations created through years of wind and rain. In other words (in any words!) Sardinia is an island that entices the visitor to explore its roots in a relaxed and leisurely fashion.

It is mainly Europeans who have discovered this island - English, French and German tourists use the north coast (Costa Smeralda) as their personal playground of beaches, boats, swimming, scuba diving and the occasional au natural sunny coves for all-over sun tanning. This is an area of rugged rocky beauty, private sandy coves, azure blue waters as well as man-made amenities such as fishing harbours and yachts marinas, residential villas and luxury hotels, seaside tavernas and five-star dining.

It is the spectacular scenery - especially at Capo d'Orso and Capo Testa - that has enticed the tourists to the Costa Smeralda with its luxury resorts and tourist amenities. Most of the island, however, remains almost oblivious to the tourists of the north.

Mario Delitala, tour guide extraordinaire and Road to Italy's dedicated representative in Sardinia, is readily available to supply advice on where to eat and suggestions about what to see. (Road to Italy, though based in Toronto, has a dozen employees connected with its Rome office. In other words, when you leave Toronto, they are sending you to the care of their staff in Italy.)

Mario will also offer suggestions on where to buy your "must have" souvenirs from any visit to his island. "The islanders are known for fine handcrafted items, such as lace-making (especially in the tiny towns of Oliena or Bosa) and you can find special woven rugs and tapestries of colourful, floral patterns. (The Sardinian pibbiones rugs are created by embroidering raised patterns on classic beige fabric.)

As for food, well, this is Italy so eat anything. Eat everything. You will discovery both sweet and savoury dishes that are unique to this island paradise, not found on the mainland.

Of course, fish must be the most popular dish, right? Nope. The traditional feast for special dinners and celebrations is Porceddu - suckling pig roasted over an open fire -served on traditional cork plates with myrtle leaves with plenty of thin, crisp Carasau bread.

Of course everyday culinary fare includes mounds of pasta dishes such as Pane Frattau, a mixture of breads, percorino cheese, tomato sauce and eggs; Malloreddus - gnocchi with minced sausage, tomato sauce with a hint of saffron and the hearty Zuppa gallurese - a mixture of wheat bread, grated perconino cheese and slowly baked in wood-burning oven.

Seafood lovers need not worry - visitors can also order the zesty Catalan lobster, an antipasti combination of buccinis and arselle (mollusks and clam) and Burrida, the island specialty of cooked fish marinated for a day in garlic, parsley, bazelnuts and vinegar.

The history of Sardinia coexists with the present in the form of some 7,000 round stone dwellings (nuraghi) scattered throughout the island - a constant reminder of the Bronze Age (4000 to 2000 BC) warriors and shepherds who populated this land. These megalithic ruins, especially the ones in the Su Nuraxi settlement at Barumini, are often in a perfectly preserved state.

Sardinia is the perfect addition for those who have been to Italy once, twice, or many times - it is Italy, but different. The island Italians, separated from their cousins by the sea, have maintained their traditional styles of culture and cuisine, fishing and sheep-herding, hospitality and charm.

Introducing our newest destination - Road to Germany

Recently joining the Road to Travel team, Elke Bockhoff brings a wealth of experience on Germany to our family. We are proud to launch Road to Germany for an exciting first season! We have received a number of requests for custom tour packages in other great countries. Many times we have to explain that our uniqe quality service is based largly on our presence and expertise on the country we take you to. Anyone can book a hotel or buy a voucher for a museum however at Road to Germany we want to create a German experience you will remember for the rest of your life. We are happy with our new website Road to Germany and we hope you are as well. Not only have we been working tirelessly on our Germnay website, we have been scouring Germany to select the best hotels, restaurants and partners to help us bring to you the level of quality you are accustomed to with our other destinations.

Neushwanstein Castle We are offering you special self-drive tours with luxury automatic, air-conditioned rental cars including GPS giving you absolute independence and flexibility in choosing the time you wish to spend at different locations as your drive along.

You may choose from our royal luxury chauffeur-driven tours and private tours which provide outstanding comfort, and total security, These tours offer relaxed travel experience as your chauffeur will drive you to each place according to your itinerary.