GERMANY ALSACE AND AUSTRIA CULINARY AND WINE TOUR OCTOBER 2012

Germany in autumnal colours.
(Photography by K&S Media).

The Traveling Gourmet Peter Blattmann invites you to discover the gourmet experience on a culinary and wine tour of Germany-Alsace (France) and Austria in October 2012.

Germany
Did you know that the aromatic richness and minerality of German Rieslings are due to the combination of one of the world's coolest wine regions and a grape that is ripening very late?

Day 1-3: Rheingau. Visit famous wineries overlooking the Rhine Valley, dine at some of the region's best restaurants and visit historic villages. Learn from the famous chef at hotel Kronenschlosschen (where accommodation is provided) how to prepare dinner and pair it with typical wines from the region. Visit to Schloss Johannisberg, a historic landmark of the German wine industry. Cruise the Rhine River and enjoy Rudesheim famed Drosselgasse.

Wineries: Choose among Robert Weil, Balthasar Ress, Schloss Volrads, Schloss Johannisberg, Kloster Eberbach, Schloss Reinhartshausen and others.

Alsace
What makes Alsace's classic varieties - riesling, gewuertztraminer, tokay pinot gris and muscat so distinctively spicy? Geography.

Day 4-6: Alsace. The region's culinary geniuses will delight even the most demanding food connoisseurs with their specialty dishes at their age-old unique winstubs (winebars). Michelin chef Marc Haeberlin owner of L'auberge de L'ill will demonstrate the secrets of some of his signature dishes followed by wines selected by Serge Dubs crowned the meilleur sommelier du monde (the best sommelier in the world). The following day get tutored as to how to make Alsace's signature cake Kougelhopf.

Germany

Day 7-9: Trier-Bernkastel-Mosel. Visit Trier Germany's oldest city landmarks including Porta Nigra a Roman monument. Lunch aboard a river steam to cruise the Mosel lined with the world's steepest vineyards. Relax at Wine Romantik Hotel Richtershof near Bernkastel. Climb the Bernkasteler Doctor one of Germany's most famous vineyards. Dine at award-winning restaurants. Visit historic Bernkastel the home of some of the world's most renowned Riesling producers.

Wineries: Choose among Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler, JJ Pruem, Dr. Loosen, Wwe Dr. Thanisch Erben Estate, Markus Molitor, and Joh. Selbach and others.

Austria
Take heed - gruner veltliner Austria's most widely planted grape variety has skyrocketed to prominence since 2002 when it bested grand cru chardonnays from Burgundy in a blind tasting in London.

Day 10-12: Wachau-Kremstal-Kamptal. Visit Austria's most renowned wineries. Along the way taste regional delicacies and parktake in hands-on cooking lessons. Cruise the Danube past centuries old castles, abbeys and terraced vineyards. Accomodation at Steigenberger hotel high above the 1000 year-old town of Krems.

Wineries: Choose among Schloss Gobelsburg, Bruendlmayer, Hirtsberger, FX Pichler, Prager, Loisium, Salomon-Undhof and others.

Day 13: Vienna. Enjoy a walking tour through the food market, visit the supremely civilized city that for 600 years was the capital of the Habsburg Empire. Experience the making of Austria's signature pastry Viennese Apfelstrudel (apple strudel). After lunch at one of the city's unique restaurants savouring typical Viennoise cuisine, visit some of Vienna's most historic Coffee Houses.

Day 14: Departure

For more information including cost, telephone: 1-888-682-9297 or email info@gourmet-experience.com. www.gourmet-experience.com

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SOUTH AFRICA IN STYLE LUXURY PACKAGE HOTELS AND AIR

Take in South Africa's rugged beauty while staying at luxury hotels and game parks from Lion World Tours. Priced at CAD 2,499* per person, the special includes roundtrip airfare from Toronto and saves more than $1,000 off regular rates.

The offer is available for travel Aug. 15 – Dec 15.

The six-night package includes:
· International flights from Toronto via New York or Washington DC., on top-rated South African Airways
· Departures from Edmonton, Calgary or Vancouver for an additional CAD 99.
· Domestic flights in South Africa between Cape Town and private game reserve near Kruger National Park
· Four nights in Cape Town. Choose between: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Table Bay, The Commodore or Cape Royale,
· Two nights at a private game reserve near Kruger National Park. Choose between two luxury properties: Jackalberry Lodge or Royal Legend Safari Lodge and Spa.
· Two game drives per day
· One dinner at your hotel in Cape Town
· Half-day Winelands wine tasting tour near Cape Town
· Six breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners
· All ground transfers
Plus CAD 440 Fuel Surcharges and CAD 199 Taxes

Reservations must be made by phone. Call Lion World Tours at 1-800-668-9968 or 416-920-5466 and mention Travelzoo. www.lionworldtours.com

Note: Due to the time difference, reservation agents may need to take caller information and confirm availability during South Africa's normal business hours. This could take up to 24 hours.