Worlds Beyond the Everyday

It’s an inevitable question that nearly all travelers ask at one time or another: Where to go next? If you’re in need of a little travel inspiration—whether it’s the glitz and glamour of the big city, the endless sun and surf of an exotic island or the old-world elegance of a charming village-like setting—we know just where to find it and plenty of fun and relaxation. Go ahead, take a well-deserved break from the everyday and experience the ultimate in travel luxury with one of these unforgettable retreats where beauty is always in the details.

Caesars Palace – Las Vegas, Nevada

Truly fit for royalty and centrally positioned on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace showcases lavish guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a majestic pool and garden complex, world-class spa, renowned casino and illustrious entertainment venues. The incomparable and timeless resort touts spectacular new additions including the gleaming 668-room Octavius Tower and first-ever Nobu Hotel, Restaurant and Lounge opened in summer 2012. An epicurean epicenter, Caesars Palace is home to over 26 cafés and restaurants, including The Old Homestead Steakhouse, Restaurant Guy Savoy, and Rao’s, the celebrated New York Italian restaurant. Caesars Palace’s plush amenities and accommodations exceed the finest standards. In addition, Caesars Palace features over 130,000 square feet of dynamic casino space and the Forum Shops at Caesars, presenting an upscale selection of luxe designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Valentino.

Gran Meliá Rome Hotel – Rome, Italy

Housed on the site of the historic Villa Agrippina, the Gran Meliá Rome Hotel is a luxurious five star masterpiece that balances traditional opulence with contemporary sophistication along the banks of the Tiber River. Priceless relics grace the hotel’s grandiose public spaces, while the hotel’s similarly inspired quarters are adorned with custom bedding, large wardrobes, picture windows, HD flat-screen televisions and Nespresso machines. Discerning guests will enjoy RedLevel, the hotel’s exclusive enclave presenting signature services like private check-in, personalized butlers and much more. The hotel showcases and extraordinary collection of dining venues, Ortiz Domiziani garden and YHI Wellness (featuring European spa treatments, steam bath and sauna). Famed sites such as the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona and Piazza del Patheon are all within easy access from the Gran Meliá Rome.

Stonefield Estate Villa Resort & Spa – Soufrière, St. Lucia

Set amid the lush foliage of a former lime and cocoa plantation and nestled at the base of the awe-inspiring Pitons, Stonefield Estate Villa Resort & Spa is St. Lucia’s premiere luxury boutique resort. The estate, embraced by the boundaries of the Pitons UNESCO World Heritage Site, sprawls over 26 acres and commands views of beautiful Petit Piton. The resort’s villas are beautiful, airy and bright, accented with allusions to French colonial style. Villas are self-contained with secluded private pools and private garden showers. For tropical dining, the resort’s Mango Tree Restaurant presents sumptuous cuisine in a magnificent atmosphere. To experience true relaxation, the on-site Bamboo Door spa hosts a complete menu of treatments and comprehensive spa packages. Stonefield Estate Villa Resort is only minutes away from the colonial town of Soufriere, and Malgretoute and Jalousie beaches.

The American Club Resort – Kohler, Wisconsin

As one of the few five-star properties in the Midwest, The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, touts a rich history of elegance and casual village charm. Pure luxury emanates throughout the resort and guests can stay in designer accommodations, relax at the five-star Kohler Waters Spa, sample exquisite dining at The Immigrant Restaurant or enjoy rounds of championship golf at four Pete Dye-designed courses. All 185 rooms at The American Club feature an assortment of upscale amenities. The resort’s refined Carriage House presents 55 contemporary guest rooms with unprecedented access to a number of amenities, including a sumptuous glass-enclosed deck with whirlpool, fireplace and lounge. Guests have complimentary use of the Sports Core Helath & Racquet Club and can book advance tee times at Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits golf venues.

Bucket List Travel Ideas

Bucket lists seem to be all the rage these days. Everybody is asking, “What’s on your bucket list?”, or saying, “There is another item checked off my bucket list!”

If you don’t have a bucket list, maybe it’s time to create one! Here are some travel ideas to help get you started or add to your current wish list of travel fun.

United States

• Take a helicopter tour over the Big Island in Hawaii. (Get an overhead look into an active volcano!)
  
  
• Experience the magic and pixie dust of Walt Disney World. (It is the land of dreams, after all!)
  
  
•  Visit Denali National Park in Alaska. (Have your camera at the ready, the sights are spectacular!)
  
  
• Watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. (See a national landmark at its most beautiful.)
  
  
• See the Bellagio fountain light show in Las Vegas! (You’ll feel luckier just by watching!)
  

Europe

• Climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (See the City of Lights from above the lights.)
  
  
• Take a Gondola ride in Venice. (Enjoy the romance of the city the way it was meant to be seen.)
  
  
• Sail down the Danube River in Europe. (See the elegance of Europe from the inside.)
  
  
• Stroll the Champs Elysées in Paris. (You’ll feel fancy just being there.)
  
  
• Make a wish in the Trevi Fountain in Rome. (Close your eyes, toss your change, change your life!)
  
  
• Kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland. (Bend over backwards and gain the gift of eloquence.)
  
  

At Sea and Beyond

• Zip line above Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas. (What a thrill! And what a view!)
  
  
• Swim with the dolphins in the Caribbean Sea. (Can you really name a better swimming partner?)
  
  
• See the pyramids of Egypt. (Take a trip into the desert and see the wonders of the world.)
  
  
• Find the “big five” on a safari in Africa. (Elephants, rhinoceros, buffalos, lions, and leopards, Oh My!)
  
  Live the dream! For help checking items off of your bucket list and other great vacation ideas, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020. 

Cruise the Mediterranean with Albright College

As an Albright alum, it gives me great pleasure to announce their upcoming Mediterranean cruise.

The Alumni Association has gone through all of the trouble of planning so all that’s left is to join in! You can catch up with old friends and make some new ones as well all while cruising the beautiful Mediterranean. Not an Albright alum? That’s quite alright too. Come along and join the fun!

Set sail on October 26 for a 12-night Mediterranean and Greek Isles Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas. Stop in wondrous ports such as Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; Rome, Italy; Athens, Greece; Ephesus, Turkey and more!

This cruise also includes four days at sea, but never fear, there is plenty to do onboard. The Serenade of the Seas is a floating paradise!  She has panoramic vistas and wide-open spaces at every turn. Acres of glass enclose a nine-story central atrium, while glass elevators and floor-to ceiling windows ensure incredible views throughout your day. Bask in the warmth and sun at the tranquil Solarium pool, recharge at Vitality Spa, or reach new heights on Royal Caribbean’s signature rock-climbing wall. When the sun goes down, the night heats up with Broadway-style shows, Casino Royale, plus 16 bars and lounges that never feature a cover. Plus, the Serenade of the Seas has been recently renovated with the cruise line’s newest offerings.

Talk about an all-inclusive vacation! This package not only includes twelve nights accommodation aboard Serenade of the Seas, but also includes roundtrip air transportation between Newark and Barcelona, roundtrip airport to pier transfers in Barcelona, Spain, all included meals and entertainment while aboard the ship and $100 shipboard credit per cabin.

All of the hard work is done! Now all you have to plan is what to pack. (I suggest swimsuits, sunscreen and the readiness to relax!)

For more information or to book this cruise, call Boscov’s Group Travel at 800-782-5605 or email grouptravel@boscovs.com.

The Top 5 Family Vacation Spots in the World

Planning a vacation that everyone in the family will love and remember can have its challenges. To make sure your next family getaway is a smash hit, consider everyone’s needs and don’t be afraid to shake things up by going somewhere new. From family-friendly resorts and theme parks to exciting outdoor and cultural adventures, the best family getaways always offer something for everyone. Based on our travel specialists’ own experience and those of their clients, here are the Top 5 Family Vacation spots in the world.

1.       Costa Rica

A veritable playground for kids of all ages, Costa Rica packs in a more natural beauty, culture and adventure than most countries many times its size. What kid wouldn’t love seeing fascinating wild animals, lush rainforests, towering volcanoes and warm sundrenched beaches? Friendly, affordable and endlessly captivating, Costa Rica is an ideal destination to choose if you’re looking to mix in some educational experiences for the kids. The country’s rich biodiversity is practically everywhere, making for plenty of What’s this? What’s that? moments. Arenal Volcano National Park and Braulio Carrillo National Park are great places to get up close with the country’s flora and fauna. Best of all, a trip to Costa Rica can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you want it to be. The country’s small size allows you to spend time both on the beach and in the rainforests.

2.       Grand Canyon National Park

Want to really impress the family with a vacation filled with endless ooohs and aaahs? Then head straight for Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Carved out of rock by the Colorado River over thousands of years, Grand Canyon National Park has oodles of fun programs for a wide range of ages. These free activities explain some of the canyon’s mysteries in a way that even the youngest kids will understand. One of the most popular programs is the Junior Ranger program where kids get to participate directly with the park’s rangers by learning how to help preserve our National Parks. Once the kids have completed their assignments in their booklets, you can head to the Visitor’s Center to have their “research” reviewed by a Park Ranger. After a swearing in ceremony, each Jr. Ranger will then receive an official Grand Canyon Junior Ranger Certificate and badge.

Much More Than a Boat Ride

When I think of cruises the first thing that would come to mind is a very large boat with lots of people. Sure there is tons to do onboard, but if you want to see the world, you are going to have to get off the ship. Exploring on your own can be fun, but in an unfamiliar place, self-exploration may seem a little scary. Well never fear, cruise lines have come to the rescue and have started adding optional shore excursions. Norwegian Cruise Line has truly embraced the idea of offering shore excursions and offers various options at 95 different ports of call.

Here are some awesome adventures you can go on while Cruising Like a Norwegain.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Anne Frank House & Scenic Tour: Visit the hidden place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary and discover Amsterdam with a relaxing panoramic tour. More than 60 years ago, during the Second World War, a Dutch Jewish family remained hidden from the persecution of the Nazis; the youngest daughter, Anne Frank, wrote a diary telling the everyday life of her family forced to hide. This diary became one of the most important documents of the Jewish persecution and the hidden house a testimony of a dramatic part of world history. In 1960 the house became a museum and today, the Anne Frank House is one of the most visited museums in Amsterdam. Due to the small dimensions of the house, the tour will be self guided. During your visit of the Anne Frank house, you’ll have the chance to visit the “Achterhuis”, the back of the house, where Anne’s family hid. In addition, you’ll also to see the exhaustive collection of documents, pictures and drawings that resume the life and time of the young writer. After the visit to the house museum, enjoy a city tour to glimpse the highlights of Amsterdam passing by the main city monuments, among them the Royal Palace, the New Church, the Portuguese synagogue built in 1675, the modern City Hall, the Waterloo square, and Central Station. Of particular interest is the architecture of Amsterdam’s houses – due to lack of space. In the 17th Century, the houses were mostly built narrow, not more than 30 feet wide and characterized by big narrow windows, decorative gable tops, very narrow stairs inside and a pulley outside to transport larger objects to upper floors.

Florence, Italy

Pisa & Beach: Stand up straight next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa for a famous photo op, and then spend an hour exploring Pisa. Your next destination is Viareggio, a seaside spot for lunching and shopping. End with a resort swim. Admire Pisa’s famous Field of Miracles where you’ll have time to walk around on your own to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. In Pisa, you’ll have one hour at leisure to take in the sights or shop in the numerous small stores. You’ll then continue to the popular seaside resort area of Viareggio with free time for dining, shopping or going to the beach to simply laze on a sun bed under an umbrella. The seaside promenade is open to pedestrian traffic only and is lined with elegant shops offering the latest fashions, small boutiques and cafes. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the resorts, cafes, or restaurants known for fresh seafood. You’ll then be taken to a famous beach, where your stay includes use of the changing rooms, the beach and the swimming pool, and the use of a complimentary sun bed and beach umbrella.

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Private Island Snorkel: If you know how to swim then we recommend you dive into the snorkel program. You’ll have your equipment all day, so you can snorkel when you feel like it. Swim or wade around in the sandy shallows to check out the many schools of fish and our artificial reef. Or if conditions permit, swim outside the cove and discover deeper water and coral formations. One of our most popular programs, this snorkel experience is perfect for beginners and experts alike. Ask any of the instructors for a free lesson, and then explore the exciting underwater world of NCL’s very own private island.

Hippo Water Slide: The Hippo Water Slide is the world’s largest inflatable water slide in the shape of a hippopotamus. This 40-foot high and 175-foot long Hippo is available at your leisure all day. The Hippo Water Slide is the world’s largest inflatable water slide in the shape of a hippopotamus. Don’t be left out, plunge down this three story slide in an exciting adventure with the whole family. This is an opportunity for thrill seekers or a nice cushy ride for those less daring. This is a fun activity for kids as well as adults.

Phillipsburg, St. Maarten

Golden Eagle Sailaway: Let your cares float away as you cruise on the ‘Golden Eagle’. If you feel like counting the flying fish or watching for dolphins, both can be done from a reclining position on the ship’s nets. Swim in a quiet cove or snorkel or just bob around on a noodle. Party on the way home to island music and tasty treats. The ‘Golden Eagle’ will nuzzle her bow or anchor close to shore on one of the finest pink-sand beach you’ll encounter in The Caribbean. Homeward bound, the crew sets the sails as you listen to great music while enjoying champagne, rum punch, sodas and light snacks.

Victoria, BC, Canada

Victoria by Horse-Drawn Trolley: Let us take you back to another time and experience Victoria at the pace of yesteryear. Your horse-drawn trolley is drawn by two magnificent draught horses dressed in fine harnesses as this guided tour takes you around beautiful Victoria. Let us take you back to another time and experience Victoria at the pace of yesteryear. Your horse-drawn trolley waits, with blankets to keep you warm in the cool evening breeze. The trolleys are drawn by two magnificent draught horses dressed in fine harnesses, and the passenger areas are covered to provide protection in the unlikely event of a summer shower. This guided tour heads out from the pier along the Victoria waterfront and then travels through the historic James Bay residential neighborhood as we wind our way back along the harbor with stunning views of the thousands of lights trimming the Legislative buildings. Note: This is an open-air vehicle and we recommend you bring a jacket. Guests will need to navigate two steps to board the trolley and due to safety concerns, wheel chairs, walkers, strollers and scooters must be left at the departure location.

Could it possibly get any better than a cruise and pre-planned shore excursions? Of course! Book a 2012 cruise by May 13, 2012 and shore excursions for Little Norwegians, 12 years old and younger, are FREE and ages 13-17 years old are 50% off. Restrictions apply. Click here for details, contact or visit your local Boscov’s Travel or call 800-755-8020.

Good Eats Rome

Whatever your taste or budget, dining out in the Eternal City provides a culinary experience like no other.  And as the saying goes, when in Rome… eat like a Roman, not a tourist.  Next time you explore Italy’s breathtaking capital, take a tip from a local foodie and savour the true Italian flavors being served up just off the beaten path.  Buon appetito!

Dining Upscale

Antica Pesa
Via Garibaldi 18
Located in the Bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere and open since 1922, Antica Pesa is adorned in wonderful painted frescos and has beautiful gardens for al fresco dining.  With an incredible menu of antipasti, pastas, fish and meat dishes, and desserts, the restaurant’s ambience is prime for romantic dinners.  Take note, Antica Pesa is only open for dinner from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.

Sapore di Mare
Via Piè di Marmods 36
With superb seafood dishes—particularly fresh fish main courses—Sapore di Mare is Rome’s go to place for the sea’s best catch.  Situated near the Pantheon, this is not only one of the city’s best restaurants, it’s also one of its most elegant.  While Sapore di Mare excels at seafood, its meat options are equally superb.  Dinner is served from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Al Moro
Vicolo delle Bollette 13
Not far from Rome’s glorious Trevi Fountain, Al Moro has been serving authentic local specialties such as stewed milk-fed lamb and pasta carbonara since 1929.  Closed on Sundays, Al Moro is open for lunch 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and for dinner from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The Top 5 Romantic Destinations in the World

When you’re in love, there’s a desire to share it with the world—and it’s a big world out there!

Whether you want to shout your love from the peak of a mountain or while snorkeling, our top Travel Specialists know just the place where you can proclaim your adoration.  Based on their own experiences and those of our clients, here are the Top 5 Romantic Destinations in the World…

Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii’s island of Maui has always been synonymous with romance.  Combining the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, Maui has it all for the great romantic escape.  From the artsy boutiques of Lahaina to the 10,000-foot heights of Haleakala—the island’s volcano—Maui combines the best of the big island.  Here you can gasp at waterfalls, trek rainforests, hike in the presence of volcanoes and indulge in every kind of water sport imaginable.  Maui also has perfect weather year-round, so you can save money on your romantic getaway by booking off-season, which is usually September through November.

St. Lucia

Legend has it that Saint Lucia resonates with romance and adventure—which may be the reason why it was chosen by ABC’s The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love for the final episodes.  With miles of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, unspoiled rainforest and the majestic Piton Mountains, St. Lucia is the sort of island that travelers to the Caribbean dream about—a small, lush tropical gem that remains relatively unknown.  The steep coastlines and reefs here offer superb snorkeling and scuba diving, and the rainforest preserves are one of the Caribbean’s finest for hiking and bird watching.  Not to be missed is the island’s Soufriere volcano, the world’s only drive-in volcanic crater.

Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora is possibly the single most famous and breathtaking island destination in the world.  Two towering peaks of sheer black rock dominate the center of the island and make an impressive backdrop to the world-famous lagoon.  Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, white palm-covered motu circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace.  White-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where colorful fish and coral gardens greet the giant manta rays.  This could be easily described as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows and thatched-roof villas.

Lake District, Italy

Italian is the language of love in our opinion, so the perfect European getaway for romance has to be the Italian Lake District.  Here you’ll find yourself inextricably drawn to the beauty of lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and even intimate Lake Orta where you can indulge in a lakeside villa, secluded castle or panoramic chapel.  If it’s grandiose you’re after, choose Lake Garda.  This large lake features picturesque resorts including the Riva del Garda, situated on the water’s edge.  Take a trip to the tiny port town of Gargnano with its Villa Feltrinelli, or perhaps drop in on George Clooney at his Villa Oleandra in Lake Como.

Maldives

Perhaps the world’s most romantic long-haul destination, the Maldives are geographic marvel and for most people, the single greatest island experience.  Located 435 miles south-west of Sri Lanka, the Maldives are a series of ancient coral reefs that grew up around the sides of towering prehistoric volcanoes.  The volcanoes have long since sunk into the ocean, leaving behind 1,190 tiny islands of unrivaled beauty.  Of those islands open to visitors, most are only large enough to accommodate one resort.  No matter which resort island you choose, you’ll discover plenty of romance, excellent dive sites, and endless expanses of ocean and sky.

For more information on these and other great destinations, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

Savoring the Food & Wine of Italy: Southern Region

Southern Italy is all about olive oil. In fact, the best olive oil comes from this region, though very little of it is exported. While citrus fruits, fields of durum wheat for pasta, and vineyards also dot the landscape, the sea is harvested to its fullest for tuna, anchovies, clams and sea urchins.

Pasta with Seafood

Campania

The food of Campania is in many ways the food of Italy. So many of the dishes that are native to the region have been adopted by much of the world. The volcanic soils of Campania grow some of the best produce in Italy, including San Marzano tomatoes, peaches, grapes, apricots, and figs. Parmigiano Reggiano has found its way into the region’s recipes, with meat and vegetable dishes served alla Parmigiano. Seafood is a staple of Campania’s coastline with fish fried in olive oil. The standout wines of Campania include the reds Taurasi and Vesuvio, and whites Lacryma Christi and Greco di Tufo.

Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria

Few places are able to turn out perfectly roasted, baked and grilled meats like southern Italy. Lamb, beef and kid (young goat) are always on the menu in most kitchens here, and pork is popular for making local salami. The city of Caranzaro in Calabri is home to N’duja, a soft spicy salami that is somewhat similar to andouille sausage. Along the coast, mussels, oysters, octopus, red mullet appear in countless dishes. Look out for red wines like Castel del Monte, Primitvo and Salice Salentino as they’re an incredible value.

Sicily

The Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish have all left their mark on Sicily’s cuisine which often includes lemons, blood oranges, tangerines, olives, almonds, and prickly pears grown right on the island. Simple and straightforward, Sicilian cooking allows each ingredient to shine through. Seafood is at the height of perfection with popular dishes including grilled swordfish or snapper, finocchio con le sarde (fennel with sardines) and sepia (cuttlefish) served in its own black sauce with pasta. The island’s best known meat dish, vitello al marsala (veal marsala) is often enjoyed alongside Marsala wine.

Boscov’s Travel: Your first stop to the world.

For more information on Italy, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

For more great travel tips, subscribe to our blog (enter your email above, on the left side of the page) or like us on Facebook for updates.

Also check out:

Savoring the Food and Wine of Italy: Northern Region
Savoring the Food and Wine of Italy: Central Region

Savoring the Food & Wine of Italy: Central Region

Much of what the world considers “Italian food” comes from the central regions of Italy. Velvety smooth olive oils, world-famous cheeses, savory cured meats and rich tomato sauces grace the tables. Beef dishes are more common, as is wild boar. Both of the central regions’ coasts share a love of locally caught seafood.

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Tuscany

Home to excellent olive oils, sheep milk cheeses and delicious roasted meat dishes, Tuscany is a food lover’s dream. The city of Florence offers its famous alla florentina steak and specialties such as ribollita (a thick vegetable soup), fagioli all’uccelletto (beans sautéed in Garlic and Sage with tomatoes), and fagioli al fiasco with oil, onions and herbs cooked in a round bottle (fiasco) on a coal fire. Seafood dishes are magnificent, as are many of the decadent sweets that follow most meals. As for wine, Tuscan offerings sell worldwide, including Chianti, which comes in both red and white.

Umbria

Norcia in the Apennine foothills is the home of Italy’s best black truffles which are served over everything, including local Pecorino cheese. Many types of hand-made pasta like strozzapreti are offered in a decadent black truffle sauce not easily found outside Umbria. Norcia created excellent pork products such as their prosciutto and various salame. Besides delicious home made fresh pastas, Umbria is responsible for the production of much of the dried pasta consumed throughout Italy. Umbria produces many excellent white wines including the famous Orvieto, and highly praised reds such as Torgiano Rosso and Monteflaco Rosso.

Rome

When in Rome, eat like a Roman. Typical Roman food has its roots set firmly in the past, with dishes incorporating plenty of fresh vegetables, lamb and beef. It also consists of fried delicacies such as salted cod and stuffed zucchini blossoms, and Pecorino cheese. Bruschetta is clearly one of the region’s most celebrated specialties as is spaghetti alla carbonara with its creamy egg and cheese sauce dusted with black pepper. One can’t leave Rome without trying abbacchio al forno (roast lamb) and saltimbocca alla Romano, fillet of veal rolled in ham Marsala and butter. The white wines of Montefiascone and the Castelii (Frascati) will satisfy the discerning pallet.

Boscov’s Travel: Your first stop to the world.

For more information on Italy, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

Next up: Southern Italy. Subscribe to our blog (enter your email above, on the left side of the page) or like us on Facebook for updates.

Also check out:

Savoring the Food and Wine of Italy: Northern Region
Savoring the Food and Wine of Italy: Southern Region

Savoring the Food & Wine of Italy: Northern Region

In Italy, good food and wine often verge on the sublime. From Rome to Lombardy and the Valle d’Aosta to Sicily, Italians are among the world’s greatest cooks—just ask any one of them.

While food and wine has always been of national importance, regional traditions and seasonal ingredients continue to dominate most kitchens and often determine menu selections for the day. Along with having some of the world’s most spectacular vineyards, Italy is a treasure-trove of quaint osterias and trattorias that offer visitors plenty to munch on, sip, and savor.

Northern Italian cuisine often reflects the people’s pride in their unspoiled countryside—with the overall rule being if it grows well in the area, it will usually be on the plate. The use of butter, rice, corn (for polenta) and cheeses for cream sauces differentiates this part of the country. Of course there are exceptions to these rules such as the olive oils of the Liguria and Lakes regions. Pasta is by no means non-existent here, but it does have to share time with delicious risotto and polenta.

Yellow Risotto alla Milanese with Fried Mushrooms

Val d’Aoste

Bordered by France to the west and Switzerland to the north, the Val d’Aoste produces fine Fontina cheeses for use in local specialties like costoletta alla Valdostana—a delicate veal chop covered in Fontina. Another local favorite, Capriola alla Valdostana, is a hearty venison strew made with wine, vegetables and grappa (a fragrant, yet potent grape-based spirit). The rocky crags of the Alps provide the perfect climate for fantastic red wines like Chambave Rosso and Nus Rosso.

Lombardy

In Lombardy, rice dishes such as minestrone alla Milanese, made with vegetables, rice and bacon; and risotto alla Milanese, a creamy dish of braised short-grain rice blended with meat stock, saffron and cheese are overwhelmingly good. If you travel here, don’t miss out on the ravioli with a pumpkin filling from Montova, and osso bucco, a traditional main course of tender veal knuckle braised with rosemary and sage. The excellent cheeses of the region include the rich blue Gorgonzola and Mascarpone. Lombardy’s best wines include well-aged reds and sparkling whites created in the tradition of French Champagnes.

Liguria

Located on the coast, Liguria is most famous for its basil Pesto sauce. Seafood is prominent on most menus with fresh caught anchovies being a favorite as well as swordfish, tuna, sardines and sea bass. Popular meat dishes including tomaxelle (veal rolls) and coniglio in umbido (rabbit stew). Ligurian desserts include pandolce Genovese, a sweet bread made with candied fruit, raisins and nuts, and sweet pizzas made with walnuts, chestnuts and candied fruit. White wines like Sciacchetra and Colline di Levanto are ideal for pairing with seafood.

Boscov’s Travel: Your first stop to the world.

For more information on Italy, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

Also check out:

Savoring the Food and Wine of Italy: Central Region
Savoring the Food and Wine of Italy: Southern Region