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Posts Tagged ‘Summer’

A night in Italy at the Friendly Planet Travel Book Club

JOYFUL DISCUSSION: We chatted about “Every Day in Tuscany”
over wine and snacks 

Another inspiring Book Club meeting has come to a close, and we’d like to thank everyone who attended. It was a joy recounting Frances Mayes’ stories of fragrant gardens, warm and interesting friends, and gorgeous scenery from “Every Day in Tuscany,” her third installment of the “Tuscan Sun” series.

We recalled how entertaining it was to live vicariously through Frances’ writing as she recounts her adventures in Italy. Several attendees spoke about their own trips to Italy and how this wonderful country has touched their lives. Also discussed was our yearning desire to “pick up everything” and buy a house in another country as Mayes did, as well as the challenges that come with such a life-changing decision.

We enjoyed a lovely array of Tuscan inspired snacks, such as tomato and basil crostini, prosciutto and melon, and delicious Toscana olives, and toasted with a glass of prosecco.

After discussing Italy, we chatted about our other favorite destinations, which led to a friendly debate about the next book selection. Africa and South America were top contenders, but we’d love your input too. Let us know what you think we should read next (any destination/region will be considered). And, of course, we hope to see you at our next meeting!

Get lost in Italy at the next Friendly Planet Travel Book Club

Summer is in full swing and that can only mean one thing … summer reading! I’m happy to announce the third meeting of our Friendly Planet Travel Book Club. This time, we decided to pick a region that exudes summer warmth and beauty, and the obvious choice was Italy!

There are countless books about Italy, but no one writes about this destination better than Frances Mayes, author of worldwide bestseller “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Bella Tuscany.” Frances is the queen of Tuscan writing, and we decided to make her third Italian memoir, “Every Day in Tuscany“, the feature of our third book club.

Mayes entered a wondrous new world when she began restoring an abandoned villa in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. Her newest book offers a deeply personal account of her present-day life in her adopted hill town, sharing the delights and challenges of daily life, the pastoral pleasures of feasting from her garden, and her favorite recipes. “Every Day in Tuscany” is an inviting and authentic account of the timeless beauty and vivid pleasures of Italian life. It’ll be sure to leave you longing for the Tuscan countryside before you reach the last page!

If you’re interested in learning what it feels like to live under the Tuscan sun, pick up a copy of the book and join our discussion. We’ll explore the wonders of Tuscany on July 31 at the Jenkintown Library from 7-9 pm. Let us know if you can join us by contacting Liz Hutchins at [email protected] or by calling 800-555-5765 Ext. 214. Please RSVP no later than Friday, July 27 so we know how many to expect.

Hope to see you there. Ciao!

4 destinations to visit in summer 2012

It’s hard to believe that summer is right around the corner. With Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, I started thinking about the best summer destinations to visit in 2012. Here are my thoughts:

Kenya: See the abundance of spectacular wildlife and lavishly gorgeous, incredibly photogenic landscapesKenya. Although June through September is the rainy season, the great migration of animals that cross the Serengeti occurs during this time, making it well worth the trip. Travelers will be amazed to see the plethora of wildlife as the animals take part in their annual search for water and a mate. Think of it as the best safari ever, unfolding right before your eyes.


Ireland: Enjoy the emerald green countrysideIreland. Pleasant weather during the summer allows travelers to enjoy the lush, green scenery that this country is known for. The friendly, outgoing Irish people will make you feel right at home, and travelers will have more chances to take in all of the attractions, as they have the longest operating hours during the summer.


Greece: Explore the ancient secrets of the Greek islands and bask on the sun-splashed Mediterranean beachesGreek Islands. This summer is a great time to visit, as travelers can take advantage of the many bargains being offered to attract tourists. Although Greece is experiencing unrest and a problematic economy, the exquisiteness and charm of the most beautiful islands that exist anywhere in the world remains unchanged.


Italy: Experience the art, fashion, and music that flourish in the citiesItaly. Though a great year-round destination, some places are better visited in the summer. Tuscany is lavishly fertile, with vineyards and olive groves as far as the eye can see, delectably fresh food, and magnificently endless panoramas and rolling hills. Venice and Florence are also great to visit in the summer, thanks to many outdoor performances and festivals. The Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, aka the Sunbelt of Italy, is home to some of the most beautiful towns, dramatic coastlines, and stunning panoramas in Europe, and should not be missed. There’s also nothing like enjoying a summer evening outside at one of the countless restaurants with a delicious Italian meal, glass of wine, and good friends.


If you’re interested in booking a trip to one of these destinations, or would like to speak with a member of our reservations team about other fantastic summer getaways, you can reach us at 800-555-5765.

Where are you traveling this summer? Let me know your top choices in a comment!

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