Food, Wine, Chocolate, Travel

PhotoFly Travel Club (http://www.photoflytravel.com/) is preparing another amazing adventure in the land of culture and exquisite cuisine. Traveling to Venice and Northern Italy offers an unforgettable experience, blending rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes. Venice, known for its canals, iconic gondolas, and historic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, is a must-see destination.
Beyond Venice, Northern Italy boasts diverse attractions. Milan, a global fashion hub, is home to incredible art and architecture. The lakes of Northern Italy, such as Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda, offer scenic beauty with opportunities for hiking, scenic cruise, and relaxation.
The region is also renowned for its fine cuisine, including risottos, pasta dishes, and exquisite wines. Instead of taking the well-traveled tourist tracks of the central and south, this trip stands apart taking our club members to places off-the-beaten-path.

• 11 Nights/12 Days Northern Italy off-the-path
• Charming Boutique Hotels
• Breakfast daily
• Welcome/Farewell dinners + 1 lunch included
• Privately guided adventures throughout
• All taxes, transfers, fees included

Join Here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/northern-italy-venice-and-the-dolomites/

Venice (3 Nights)
Venice is a unique and enchanting city built on a network of over 100 islands, connected by canals and bridges. Known for its romantic ambiance, The landmarks here are known by name worldwide, like St. Mark's Square, and now it is your turn to experience them. The city's canals, especially the Grand Canal, serve as main waterways, where gondolas and water taxis glide past historic buildings

• Walk St. Mark's Square: The main piazza of the city, the public square it the cultural hub here with the dazzling promenade anchoring one side.
• Tour Doge's Palace: A Venetian Gothic style palace containing grand ballrooms, intricate mosaic work, a giant gilded staircase (scala d'oro), and Renaissance master artworks adorn the former residence of early leaders.
• Tour St. Mark's Basilica: One of the world's most grand and luxurious cathedrals featuring an illustrious design, endless mosaics, and stunning blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture.
• Ferry Trip to Three Islands: Venice sits in a lagoon built upon many islands with several of them home to arts, culture, and practices not found anywhere else in the country.
• Murano is home to some of the finest glass blowers and artisans in the world. Visit one of the factories to see how it all comes together by hand in an exquisite balance of patience, technical ability, and creativity.
• Burano is known for the candy-colored houses along the canal, great for taking pictures and an ideal stop for lunch with a view. Also here are the famed lace makers who have created delicate yet lasting textile pieces for centuries. We'll stop into a workshop to see the stunning pieces created through complex braiding and twisting.
• Torcello is one of the quietest, most traditional islands away from the crowds. Today, there are few inhabitants and here is perfect for a relaxing walk along the canals, a view of the city's first cathedral dating back to the 7th century, and archeological remains.

South Tyrol: Bolzano (2 Nights)
Bolzano, located in the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy, is a picturesque city that blends Italian and Austrian influences, reflecting its unique cultural heritage. Surrounded by the stunning Dolomite Mountains, Bolzano offers a mix of natural beauty and urban charm, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

• See Ötzi the Iceman: Preserved inside a museum, learn about the world's oldest and most important 'wet' mummy that has provided incredible insight into life during the Copper Age. You will see these remains!
• Feely Enjoy Bolzano: Explore areas around the main Piazza Walther, take a trip to a nearby winery, explore local markets, sip espresso at a cafe, or wander aimlessly around this youthful city.
• Day of Hiking and Exploring: These mountain regions, Val d'Ega and Val di Fassa, are stunning alpine areas to be explored, photographed, and hiked. This trip gets into the heart of the granitic Dolomites, the southern reaches of the European Alps.
• Cabe Car Experience up Monte Baldo: With sweeping views of Lake Garda while gently climbing inside the modern gondola, exit on top of Monte Baldo rising to over 7,000 feet. From here, enjoy lunch with an unrestricted view of water on one side and endless mountains on the other.

Lake Como (1 Night)
Lake Como, located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, is one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in the country. Surrounded by the majestic Alps, the lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning mountain scenery, creating a breathtaking landscape. The lake is shaped like an upside-down "Y" and is dotted with charming towns and villages, such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, each offering a unique atmosphere of elegance and tranquility.

• Guided Tour of Villa Balbianello: Known for its breathtaking setting, the villa is surrounded by lush gardens and offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The villa dates back to the late 18th century and has been meticulously preserved, with its classic architecture and elegant interiors reflecting its rich history. You may have already seen this place in several major Hollywood movies.
• Explore Bellagio: This is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Como in Northern Italy, often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como" due to its picturesque beauty.
• Scenic Lake Como Cruise: Departing from Bellagio, the boat gently cruises past lakeside towns and villages while a local guide shares knowledge of what we're seeing. See sprawling villas and exotic gardens from the 17th and 18th century, admire the stunning scenery, and listen to the history of these storied areas in the open air.

Lake Maggiore (2 Nights)
Lake Maggiore is one of the largest and most scenic lakes in Italy, located in the northern part of the country, stretching across the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, with a portion extending into Switzerland. The lake is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by lush mountains, rolling hills, and charming lakeside villages.

• Explore and Tour Three Borromean Islands: The Borromean Islands are a group of beautiful islands located in Lake Maggiore, off the coast of Stresa in Northern Italy. Comprising three main islands—Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori—and two smaller islets, the Borromean Islands are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and historical significance.
• Isola Bella is the most famous of the islands, known for its opulent Baroque palace (tour of the inside) and meticulously landscaped terraced gardens, which overlook the lake. The palace, once a private residence of the Borromeo family, is now open to the public and showcases elegant rooms filled with art and antiques. The gardens are a highlight, with exotic plants, fountains, and breathtaking views.
• Isola Madre is the largest island and is celebrated for its lush botanical gardens, home to rare plants, exotic flowers, and vibrant bird species. The formal Italian-style Baroque garden is raised on artificial stone giving it the appearance of a stone ship filled with an estimated 2,000 species of flora.
• Isola dei Pescatori (Island of the Fishermen) is the most picturesque and charming, with a quaint village of narrow streets, cobbled paths, and traditional lakeside homes. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy an espresso or snack between a casual exploration.

Entreves (2 Nights)
Entreves is a picturesque Medieval alpine village located in the Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps, near the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. Known for its cobblestone streets and stone houses, it is a popular destination year-round for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities in both winter and summer.

• Tour Fenis Caslte: Built mainly in the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle served as a prestigious residence for the noble Challant family rather than a purely defensive stronghold. Its double ring of battlements and numerous towers create a dramatic, almost fairytale-like appearance.
• Skyway Monte Bianco Experience: This is an extraordinary cable car that offers breathtaking views of the Italian Alps and the towering Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. This modern engineering marvel connects the town of Courmayeur to the Punta Helbronner station at over 11,000 feet above sea level. It is one of the most spectacular ways to experience the stunning landscapes of the Mont Blanc massif.

Milan (1 Night)
Milan, Italy’s second-largest city, is a global capital of fashion, design, and culture, offering a perfect blend of historic grandeur and modern sophistication. Located in the northern part of the country, Milan is known for its stylish atmosphere, world-class shopping, and vibrant arts scene. Like other cities, there are several 'must see' sites here and our brief time includes visits to these stunning attractions.

• Tour Duomo di Milano: Simply known as the Duomo, it is Milan's most iconic and breathtaking landmark, a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of the city.
• View Da Vinci's The Last Supper: Captivating visitors from around the world for decades, this masterpiece is immediately recognizable. Painted in the late 1400s, marvel at the scale, emotional depth, and masterful depiction of Jesus announcing at dinner his betrayal.
• Explore Piazza della Scala: This is one of Milan's most elegant and historic squares, located just a short walk from Piazza del Duomo. The square is best known for being home to the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, which dominates the northern side of the square.
• Walk Galleria Vittorio Emaneule II: One of Milan's most famous and luxurious landmarks, an elegant 19th-century shopping arcade located next to the Duomo di Milano. Opened in 1877, the Galleria is a stunning example of 19th-century glass-and-iron architecture, featuring a soaring glass roof and intricate mosaics on the floor, depicting various Italian regions.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $4,995
Single Supplement: $895

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/northern-italy-venice-and-the-dolomites/

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club are relaunching their fabulous Portugal tour. It is an excellent program in a small group that highlights the diverse and stunning culture of Old-World Portugal, including gorgeous landscapes, beaches, cities and villages.

• 9 Nights/10 Days
• Private local guides throughout
• Visit 3 cities and numerous Medieval villages
• Breakfast daily
• 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners (including Welcome & Farewell dinner celebrations)
• Wine tasting experience paired with river boat cruise
• Roommate pairing to save money
• All taxes, transfers, & fees included

Porto & the North (3 Nights)

• Privately guided walking tour of city landmarks including city hall, D. Luis bridge, and Stock Exchange Palace
• The most colorful & lively district: Discover Ribeira
• Wine tasting while exploring the valley: Road trip along the route that offers viewpoints, wine, and walks.
• Cruise on the Douro: We'll relax on a sail through the lush landscapes of the Douro Valley along the river of the same name.

Central Portugal & Mountain Villages (2 Night)

• Free time in Piódão village: This is the perfect place to wander the narrow streets and peculiar alleys made of shale rock.
• Exploring Foz d'Égua: This moderate hike begins in Piódão and takes us to an idyllic and unforgettable little village.
• Convent of the Soothing of the Blessed Sacrament: This historical landmark and former 18th-century convent is our hotel for the night!
• The Schist Villages: Talesnal & Casal de São Simão
• Fragas de São Simão Walkway: The wooden paths embrace dramatic granite landscapes, steep hills, an enchanting valley, and also vestiges of laurel forest.

Coimbra & the Coast (2 Nights)

• Privately guided tour of the University City
• Visit University of Coimbra: Highlights include their massive Baroque Library and Cabinet of Curiosities filled with unusual treasures through the ages.
• The Old Cathedral, built in 1117
• The Walled Labyrinth privately guided walking tour of Óbidos'

Lisbon, City of Hills (2 Nights)

• Guided tuk-tuk adventure in the capital
• St. George's Castle: Towering dramatically above Lisbon, the 11th-century fortifications
• Belém Tower & the Monument of Discoveries: See and photograph these World-Heritage Sites that represent the epi-center of the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Price: $3,995
Single Supplement: $895

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/picturesque-portugal/

Aloha live members ! We meet for carpooling around 10:15 am in front of the Petaluma Regional Library entrance , just inside of the Fairgrounds lot, by Big Tree.
*********
Wear good walking shoes for the hidden Ancient Forest walk. High up top,
Its very hidden & has many huge Redwood trees , A unique Bat Tree colony.
and the large carved Buddha in a redwood clearing . A real Hidden Gem !
********** Then on a short way To find the hidden "Sturgeon Saw Mill !
We will have our lunch here under the tall redwoods & be entertained by
A unique Hawaiian Country Band. Bring your own lunch, or enjoy all the
home cooked food by the volunteers !
WHAT'S TO SEE ??? ****** FIRST its the Amazing huge Shire horses
that will treat you to an amazing demo of what they were bred to do !
********* Then on to experience all the unique Mill equipment from
1908 ! You will be amazed at many other events & demonstrations !
The super loud equipment whistles will blow at the quitting time of 3 pm.
Our last stop will be at the Famous "Wild Flour" Bread company for a
special treat ! We try to never miss a stop there & into their amazing,
flower & food gardens !
******** So what;s not to like on this unique day trip social & historical
Experience !
********* Sorry no dogs on this one ! Meetup fee is only 20.00 !!!!
Kids are free ! I think ? Always call or text me @ 925 787 3041 with any
questions & carpooling is also included. em: boldbackroads@gmail.com
************* One major request is : do not ever be a No Show ! It also causes me great Pain !!!! & $$$$$ loss ! So , don"t miss this super
unique Experience !! Mahalo < Indie To