Unique Experiences

In northeast France lies the world-famous Champagne region—an area of vineyards, rolling hills, quaint villages, and hundreds of kilometers of underground cellars. 

The French monk Dom Perignon is thought to have invented champagne in 1697. The unique method of producing this sparkling wine known as Champagne has since become a global symbol for celebration, victory and reconciliation. The Champagne Houses are the cornerstone of the success of Champagne wines, and they offer visitors a variety of experiences, tours, and tastings.

Champagne may be the world’s most famous wine, but the underground cellars, where the wine is produced and stored, are less widely known, and visited. Many champagne makers in this region use a 200-kilometer network of cellars and tunnels dug into the chalky soil and bedrock that lies beneath the surface. Visiting the Champagne region offers visitors the unique opportunity to see the whole production process, from vine to glass. The ‘Avenue de Champagne’ in Epernay, offers the chance to taste Champagne while enjoying the beauty of the Champagne Houses, Renaissance style mansions and historic monuments.

Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented the famous Vermouth in or around 1786 in Turin, and he is widely credited to be the creator of the aperitivo. 

The definition of aperitivo (or aperitif) is that of an alcoholic beverage that is consumed prior to a meal with the intention of stimulating the appetite. Nowadays, and in Milan in particular, aperitivo has turned into something more; a social event that is a part of everyday life in this bustling, metropolitan city. In Milan, it is not only the drink you’ll enjoy but also a variety of food which can range from small finger food to huge buffets.  

Price can vary a bit depending on where you are going, but in most places, you can purchase one drink (try the local favorite Aperol Spritz) and eat what you like. Some of the more upscale places only allow one plate per drink, and you should buy another drink to keep eating. 

Afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. The Duchess would become peckish around four o’clock in the afternoon while waiting for the evening meal. In her household, dinner was served fashionably late at eight o’clock, leaving a long period of time between lunch and dinner. The Duchess asked that a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. This soon became a habit of hers and she began inviting friends to join her. Tea or “high tea” is now a British institution, ranging from the casual at home tea to elegant experiences in the finest hotels and tea rooms.

Delectable scones, tea sandwiches, and cakes are the hallmark of an afternoon tea, which is served in midafternoon. A high tea, however, includes much more substantive fare, such as meat, fish, and egg dishes, as well as breads and desserts, and is offered in the early evening.

The Palio di Siena is one of Tuscany’s most awaited summer events and is run to celebrate the miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary near the old houses that belonged to Provenzano Salvani. The holy apparition was therefore called “Madonna di Provenzano” in whose honor the very first Palio was run on August 16, 1656.

Boasting centuries-old origins, Italy’s most famous horse race takes place twice a year in piazza del Campo, Siena’s main medieval, shell-shaped square. The Palio has for centuries been a competition among the city’s districts, called contrade.

The Palio is the most important event in this beautiful city, taking place on July 2 and August 16 every year.

In the Palio, the various Sienese “contrade”, or areas in which the city is divided, challenge each other in a passionate horse race in the heart of the city in the Piazza de Campo.

Each Contrada has its own unique emblem and colors and represents an area of the city. To experience the Palio is simply a must for those who love pageantry and horses.