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Make travel a part of a healthy lifestyle with a brisk getaway to Montenegro, where getting in your daily steps leads to discovery and every bite is one of nutritious indulgence. Pair Montenegrin delicacies with enchanting history and breathtaking views in Kotor. Nourish yourself with organic farm-to-table offerings in Klinci Village, where Adriatic seafood and local wines become a part of your five-a-day. All while staying fit with kayaking adventures along the coast and epic cycling journeys through the unspoiled landscapes of Lustica Peninsula. The definition of making your calories count, this is adventure at its most exciting and delicious.

• 6 Nights in Kotor
• Private Transfers
• Private Tours

Day 1 – Arrival

Touchdown in Dubrovnik and set off on a scenic coastal drive to Montenegro, where mountains dip into the Bay of Kotor like mighty sugar cubes into sparkling water. Feel your hunger for discovery increase as you make your way through winding roads and timeless villages, savoring views that seem designed to set your heartbeat to vacation pace. Upon arriving in Kotor, take a deep breath of air that hums with sea salt and history, and let the promise of adventure begin to unfold.

Day 2 – A Taste of Time | Kotor through Food and History

Awaken to the sound of church bells and seagulls (Kotor’s way of saying good morning) and lace up for a delicious walking tour of its storied Old Town. Start with an amuse-bouche of historic sites, making an entrance through the Sea Gate, crossing the Arms Square, and feasting your eyes upon the Prince’s Palace. With your appetite going, nibble on Njeguški prosciutto, local cheeses, and olives, before toasting to the sun with a glass of Montenegrin wine. Speaking of the sun, watch it get closer as cable car whisks you up 5,000 feet to views so breathtaking, even the clouds seem to pause for a moment of awe.

Day 3 – Azure Dreams and Adriatic Gleam

Today, things will get a little blue, but in the best way possible! Grab a paddle and set off on a kayaking adventure along the glassy waters of the Luštica Peninsula, tracing a coastline of hidden coves, sea-carved cliffs, and secret beaches. Just when you think things can’t get any more scenic, the journey crescendos at the fabled Blue Cave, where sunlight transforms the water into a mesmerizing pool of liquid sapphire. Take a dip in its neon embrace before continuing to Ribarsko Selo, where a leisurely seafood lunch awaits, served with a side of sea breeze and breathtaking horizon.

Day 4 – Skadar and A Toast to Nature’s Finest Creation

Savor the spoils of nature on a day steeped in natural and viticultural bliss. Set off through a patchwork of coastal beauty and mountain air, pausing at the famed Sveti Stefan lookout to capture the ultimate holiday snapshot. Continue toward Skadar Lake National Park, where the largest lake in the Balkans lies fringed by vineyards, lilies, and whispering reeds. Step into a family-run winery to sample velvety Vranac wines and sun-ripened delicacies before gliding across the lake by private boat, past rare birds in flight, mossy stone bridges, and the timeless Kom Monastery. Return to shore for a long, leisurely lunch paired with more fine wines, and raise a glass to Montenegro’s quiet, breathtaking abundance.

Day 5 – Gourmet E-Cycling at Luštica | Pedal, Pour, and Savor

Gear up for a day of turning pedals through meadows as you embark on an e-bike adventure across the unspoiled wonderland of the Luštica Peninsula. Tune into the rhythm of the countryside as you glide toward the sleepy fishing village of Rose, where cobbled quays kiss the Adriatic Sea. Let your tires hum through fragrant orchards before arriving at a family-run olive mill, to sample liquid gold paired with local tapas. Refueled, continue to Klinci Village, where the scent of rosemary and grilled seafood fills the air, and a farm-to-table feast of Adriatic delicacies, house-cured meats, and fine local wines awaits to replenish you after a day of well-earned discovery.

Day 6 – A Taste of Tranquility | Monastic Cooking & Sunset Dining

Let your belief in good food reach new heights as you take to Montenegro’s sacred hills and find yourself amid the serenity of a local monastery. There, embrace the warm welcome of a traditional chef, who shall wait with a smile, a local aperitif, and homemade cookies that taste like childhood nostalgia. Then, roll up your sleeves and offer a hand in crafting pillowy gnocchi from farm-fresh ingredients, guided by centuries-old wisdom and the quiet passion of devotion. As your dish simmers, explore the monastery’s ancient halls and secret chambers before watching the sun dip over Boka Bay at a candlelit table beneath the open sky, where your handmade meal becomes a love letter to Montenegrin tradition.

Day 7 – Departure from Dubrovnik

Having set a good pace for life through taste and leisure, it’s time to bid the golden glow of the Adriatic farewell. After breakfast, depart for Dubrovnik Airport, carrying with you the taste of Montenegrin flavors, the rhythm of paddles and pedals, and the quiet joy of discovering a place through motion, balance, and some well-earned indulgence.

The post Good Pace, Great Taste: An Active & Delicious Look at Montenegro appeared first on Blog | Travelive.

Even the loudest of personalities have a quiet, intriguing side. A side that only reveals itself to the discerning few who look for it. We all know that Italy adds a pinch of flair to everything it does. But sometimes, it also likes to take a backseat to flamboyance and just enjoy a ride through rolling hills of understated charm. And it does so in regions like Marche, where its beauty and authentic culture resonate through storied medieval villages and along scenic mountain hikes. However, make no mistake, for as this journey will show, a destination doesn’t need to be loud to make you fall in love with it.

• 4 Nights in Ascoli Piceno
• 4 Nights in Santo Stefano di Sessanio
• Private Transfers
• Private Touring Experiences

Day 1 – All Roads Lead to Marche

Benvenuti in Italia. Following the Eternal City’s brief yet warm welcome at Rome Fiumicino Airport, answer the call of Marche as you head out east across rolling hills and quiet medieval villages. Watch Italy begin to reveal its quieter side as you near Ascoli Piceno, where the rhythm of Italian life may be a bit slower, but every beat carries a touch more meaning. After check-in, let its gentle cadence guide you to Piazza del Popolo, where Renaissance façades glow at dusk, or a plate of Olive all’Ascolana, a regional specialty that promises a delicious introduction to Marche’s unassuming yet unforgettable character.

Day 2 – A Mountain Call to Truffles

Trade travertine piazzas for the lush, forested plains of the Sibillini Mountains as you follow a seasoned truffle hunter and his loyal canine companions in search of Marche’s prized black and white truffles. Upon gathering your flavorful treasures and some fresh eggs, learn how to turn your bounty into a staple of Italian cuisine with a hands-on lesson in crafting hearty, authentic tagliatelle. Finally, gather around a farmhouse table for a rustic feast of truffled pasta, local appetizers, dessert, coffee, and organic sparkling wine, celebrating Marche’s essence with sensory delight.

Day 3 – Legends Woven in Wool

Sometimes the mountains call, other times they whisper. Today, lend an ear to the tales of Monte Sibilla as panoramic ridgelines and forested trails recount its most captivating legends.  Guided by an experienced local hiker, step into the wild beauty of Monti Sibillini National Park. There, every breath of crisp, mountainous air reveals a piece of ancient lore, and every forested path seems woven with myth. Speaking of weaving, let your journey culminate at a traditional sheep farm, where you’ll witness the art of transforming raw wool into thread, opening a window into the pastoral heart of Marche’s natural and cultural heritage.

Day 4 – Ascoli Like a Local & Hilltop Wines

Awaken to the heartbeat of Ascoli Piceno and savor the morning at leisure, discovering its charms to the rhythm of the locals. Grab some breakfast and sip an espresso at Piazza del Popolo, watching its streets pulse with a life that still reflects centuries of tradition. Come afternoon, the hilltop village of Offida (heralded as one of the most beautiful in Italy) awaits your audience. Celebrated as much for its lacemaking as for its vineyards, have it treat you to a guided tasting of regional wines at a local winery, before returning to Ascoli for dinner at a charming trattoria, letting Marche’s understated elegance linger on your palate.

Day 5 – Kiss the Coast, Embrace the Mountains

As difficult as it may be, today you shall bid farewell to the fine-tuned charms of Marche. But not to worry, for heading south you will come upon Abruzzo, the greenest region in Europe, whose emerald allure can only be matched by its adventurous nature and captivating authenticity. Along the way, pause along the Costa dei Trabocchi, where traditional wooden fishing platforms turned seaside restaurants serve up fresh seafood kissed by Adriatic air and paired with sweeping coastal views. Then, find your lodging of choice in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, amid stone houses and cobbled lanes that offer a quiet embrace of life untouched by time.

Day 6 – The Life of a Shepherd

Step into the shoes of a local shepherd as you journey to Valle Scannese, a family-run cheese farm, and learn how sheep, goat, and cow milk are transformed into extraordinary cheeses through ancient methods. Let the cheesemakers guide you through an immersive tasting of products fresh from the source, uncovering flavors born from centuries-old pastoral traditions. With your appetite engaged, gather for lunch around a traditional grill to enjoy a hearty serving of arrosticini: tender skewers of local lamb. Whether this inspires you to take up a life as a shepherd or not, you will reveal a side of Italy few get to experience.

Day 7 – Vineyards, Valleys, and the Taste of Abruzzo

Swap the lifestyle of a shepherd for that of a winemaker as you journey into Abruzzo’s National Park, where Valle Reale’s biodynamic estate overlooks peak-studded landscapes. Walk through historic vineyards where Montepulciano and Trebbiano grapes draw character from limestone-clay soils and mountain breezes. Then, settle in for a private tasting of four estate wines, paired with freshly baked bread, golden olive oil, and cheeses from the surrounding valleys. Finally, linger over a leisurely lunch framed by vineyard vistas, where each course finds its perfect match in the estate’s bottles, discovering a true expression of Abruzzo’s natural elegance.

Day 8 – An Ode to Cheese and Italian Flavors

Let the cheese connoisseur within you rejoice with a delicious lesson in traditional cheese-making! Watch fresh milk transform into rich, rustic flavors and uncover new varieties as you taste the results of this centuries-old craft. From there, roll up your sleeves and join a local chef in learning how to shape spaghetti alla chitarra and ravioli, as well as preparing rustic bites like pallotte cacio e uova and delicate ferratelle. At day’s end, gather around the table to savor your creations with a meal that speaks of heritage, simplicity, and the warmth of Italian hospitality.

Day 9 – A Quiet Farewell

Having made your mark on Marche and Abruzzo, it’s time to let Italy tuck them away once more. After breakfast, bid farewell to Abruzzo’s timeless hills as your private driver escorts you to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your international departure. As the road winds back toward the Eternal City, carry with you the memories of Italy’s quieter side; and proof that even with a whisper, it can find its way into your heart.

The post Make Your Marche: In the Heart of Italy’s Beauty & Culture appeared first on Blog | Travelive.

What if your next family vacation wasn’t just fun for the kids, but rekindled your own sense of awe and imagination? This family-friendly journey through Florence and the Tuscan countryside invites travelers of all ages to rediscover the joy of seeing the world anew. From hands-on workshops to forest treasure hunts led by truffle-sniffing dogs, this itinerary is designed to awaken curiosity, laughter, and lasting connection. A storybook adventure made to be brought to life, every chapter of this voyage brings something to delight the young — and the young at heart.

• 4 nights in Florence
• 5 nights in Tuscany
• Private Airport Transfers on Arrival and Departure
• Private Door-to-Door Transfers

Day 1 – Arrival in Florence

Welcome to Florence, the Cradle of Renaissance, where every step is one of pure imagination. Upon arrival, meet your private driver for a seamless transfer to your hotel of choice in this magical city. Once checked in, take the rest of the day to enjoy some family time at leisure. Stroll along the Arno, hear your little ones’ footsteps echo on cobblestone streets as they run through cozy alleys, or grab or your first taste of sweet gelato in a quiet Florentine square — all a perfect start to your wondrous adventure.

Day 2 – Florence Walking Tour with Accademia Visit and Evening Pizza & Gelato-making Class

Embrace the wonders of Florence on a private walking tour crafted for curious minds and wide-eyed explorers. Step into Piazza della Signoria, marvel at the Duomo’s iconic dome, and uncover legends behind Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistry’s gilded doors. Conclude at the renowned Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David and unfinished Prigioni stand in all their marbled glory — an awe-inspiring sight for travelers of any age.

Come evening, discover the art that is Italian cuisine, as you trade statues for spatulas in a hands-on pizza and gelato-making class. Mix, knead, and laugh as you learn to craft some of Italy’s iconic culinary delights, before reveling in the joy of sharing a meal made by your own hands — a delicious memory in the making.

Day 3 – Pinocchio Wood-Carving Workshop with Local Artisan

Step into the pages of a fairytale as you enter a traditional artisan’s workshop inspired by Florence’s most famous puppet — Pinocchio. Under the gentle guidance of skilled craftsmen, channel your inner Geppetto by uncovering the time-honored techniques of carving, painting, and bringing a wooden puppet to life. Surrounded by the scent of pine and the hum of creativity, kids and adults alike will connect with Italy’s rich legacy of handmade artistry. By the end, you won’t just take home a handcrafted memento — but a deeper appreciation for a cultural treasure.

Day 4 – Treasure Hunt Through Florence

Today, Florence becomes your playground. Armed with clues, maps, and a sense of adventure, set off on a tailor-made treasure hunt through the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. Little explorers will delight in solving puzzles and uncovering hidden symbols as they move from secret courtyards to ancient fountains, piecing together a story that stretches back centuries. Along the way, parents can enjoy architectural marvels and artistic treasures while watching the city come alive through the wonder in their children’s eyes. Educational, interactive, and endlessly fun — it’s history as you’ve never experienced it before.

Day 5 – From Florence to the Heart of Tuscany

Bid farewell to Florence’s Renaissance wonders and let cityscapes transform to rolling hills as your driver whisks you away across olive groves, vineyards, and hilltop towns into the postcard-perfect heart of Tuscan countryside. Upon checking into your hotel of choice take the rest of the day to settle in, explore the grounds, and embrace the scenic allure of Tuscany. Whether it’s a dip in the pool, a lovely walk, or simply a quiet family meal, this is your time to breathe deep and succumb to the charms of Italy’s natural beauty.

Day 6 – Grape Stomping for Kids & Wine Tasting for Adults

Today, step — quite literally! — into the world of Tuscan tradition, as you and your family uncover the playful side of its viticultural heritage. Prepare to hear an eruption of laughter across a picturesque vineyard as kids jump into traditional wooden barrels for a delightfully messy (yet productive!) grape stomping session. Meanwhile, adults can savor the more refined side of the grape with a guided wine tasting featuring robust reds and crisp whites unique to the region. Cap it all off with a relaxed family-style lunch on the estate, where every bite and sip is a celebration of Tuscany’s rich culinary soul.

Day 7 – Leisure at Your Tuscan Retreat

After days of exploring and adventuring, today invites you to take a pause and simply enjoy some family time at your own pace. Bask in the slow rhythms of the countryside, relax with a good book as the kids have fun by the pool, or simply take in the fragrant, sun-drenched essence of Tuscany’s magnificent countryside.  Whatever you choose to do, take it slow and savor every beautiful moment shared with your family. Alternatively, ask your travel advisor for suggestions of more family-friendly activities that will infuse this day with even more magic.

Day 8 – Lucca by Bike: A Family Ride Through History

From rolling hills to…well, you see where this is going. Saddle up for an enchanting two-wheeled exploration of Lucca, one of Tuscany’s most charming towns! Pedal through time along the city’s iconic Renaissance walls, taking in sweeping views of medieval towers and hidden gardens. Marvel at the Baroque beauty of Palazzo Pfanner and feel the energy of the bustling Piazza San Michele. Visit Lucca’s most treasured churches, from the majestic San Martino Cathedral to the richly decorated San Frediano Basilica, before rounding off your ride with a taste of Lucca’s sweet tradition: a slice of Buccellato cake paired with a glass of Vin Santo — a delicious treat for all ages.

Day 9 – Truffle Hunt in Tuscany with Lunch

Today, your family joins a friendly tartufaio (truffle hunter) and his clever canine companions on a real-life quest to uncover one of Italy’s most prized delicacies — the elusive truffle. With your four-legged friends leading the way through the woods, watch in awe as the sniff, paw, and uncover the region’s precious gourmet treasures. Along the way, learn how these incredible animals are trained, and uncover the immersive ancient history behind these prized fungi, making them even more delicious and magical. After the hunt, gather at a cozy farmhouse kitchen to discover how truffles are cleaned and prepared, before savoring a hearty meal filled with the rich aroma of the day’s discoveries.

Day 10 — Departure

Having reached the last page of this fairytale adventure, it’s time to say arrivederci to Tuscany. After a leisurely breakfast, a private driver will carry you off to Florence Airport, where you will catch your departure flight home. Though the trip may be ending, the stories, flavors, and wide-eyed moments will linger long after — like the final line of a favorite storybook.

The post Tuscan Fairytales: A Family Journey Through Italy’s Wonderland appeared first on Blog | Travelive.

Kourabiedes — Traditional Greek Almond Cookies

Commonly enjoyed during the festive season, Kourabiedes are delicate, buttery almond cookies that are dusted generously with powdered sugar. A beloved staple in Greek households, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for creating the sweetest of memories.

Ingredients

• 2 cups seed oil
• 1 1/3 cups almonds blanched and roasted
• 3 tablespoons icing sugar
• 6 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• rose water
• powdered sugar

Preparation Method

To make Kourabiedes, begin by beating the oil and sugar together until well combined. Next, add the vanilla extract, followed by gradually incorporating the flour. Finally, fold in the crushed almonds. Shape the dough into small balls and bake in a medium-heat oven until they become beige in color. Once baked, remove them from the oven, sprinkle with rose water, and generously dust with icing sugar for a festive, sweet finish.

Melomakarona — Traditional Greek Honey Cookies

Soaked in honey, infused with cinnamon, orange zest, and topped with crushed walnuts, Melomakarona are a delicious embodiment of Greek holiday traditions. Share these tasty treats with your loved ones and watch their eyes light up with joy at their delightful sweetness and merry essence.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sunflower oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cognac
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 8 cups (approximately) all-purpose flour

For the Syrup

• 2 cups honey
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 lemon wedge
• Honey and chopped walnuts, for garnishing

Preparation Method

Combine all liquid ingredients and baking soda (pre-mixed with orange juice) in a large basin and whisk well. Add cinnamon, sugar, and gradually incorporate the flour, mixing by hand just enough so the dough doesn’t become stiff. Shape the dough into oval balls, gently pressing each on top with a fork. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes.

For the syrup, add the water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and lemon wedge to a cooking pot and boil for 4-5 minutes. Once the Melomakarona cool, dip them in warm syrup for 2 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a serving dish. Garnish with a little honey and crushed walnuts.

Smoked Salmon Tart

Add a modern twist to your holiday menu with this scrumptious savory offering. The Smoked Salmon Tart will bring an exquisite touch to your table and infuse any festive gathering with a new level of sophistication and flavor.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces savory tart dough
• 4.4 ounces (about 1 cup) tender spinach leaves
• 7 ounces smoked salmon
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• A pinch of ground nutmeg

Preparation Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the dough into a 9-inch tart tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Cover the dough with baking paper, add dry beans to weigh it down, and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Remove the paper and beans, then let it cool. Blanch 3.5 ounces of spinach in boiling water until soft, drain, and squeeze out excess water. Layer the smoked salmon pieces and blanched spinach onto the tart base, then cover with the remaining fresh spinach. Beat eggs, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then pour over the tart filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes, remove, cool, slice, and serve with green salad.

Pork with Chestnuts

Stay warm during the festive season with this cherished Greek holiday dish. A hearty stew that blends tender pork with sweet, earthy chestnuts, this soulful platter is guaranteed to bring your guests together in celebration of tradition and taste.

Ingredients

(Serves 4 People)

• 2.2 pounds pork
• 1 leek, sliced into rings
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound chestnuts
• 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 bay leaf
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Method

Start by washing the meat and chestnuts. Boil the chestnuts in a cooking pot with plenty of water, then peel and set them aside. Cut the meat into pieces and sauté in olive oil on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion and leek for 5 minutes, then add flour and salt. Return the meat to the pot and pour lemon juice over it. Wait for 1 minute before adding the bay leaf, pepper, and a little water, then simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add the peeled chestnuts and cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

Enjoy!

Rooted in Greek tradition and full of heart-warming flavor, each of these appetizing recipes is guaranteed to delight your loved ones and fill you home with festive cheer and holiday spirit. Enjoy making them, tasting them, and above all: sharing them!

The post Savor the Season: Michelin-Star Greek Recipes for the Holidays appeared first on Blog | Travelive.