Posted by: catherine in Gastro&Wine on
Dec 19, 2011
The Grand Tourist team recently jetted off to Cork and headed to Kinsale to enjoy a meal at the “Fishy Fishy Café” and it certainly lived up to our (already high) expectations! Kinsale in County Cork is an acclaimed gastro-hub of Ireland.
The fisherman we met on the quayside was a wonderful character and we spotted the harbour’s resident seal and learned he’s known as the “gourmet seal” only taking the finest pickings from the returning fishermen – rejecting pollock for monkfish!
Martin – the owner and chef at "Fishy Fishy Café" was fascinating and talked about the rich variety of seafood chowders and his simple yet wonderful approach to cooking working with the finest, freshest fish. Everything is prepared to order and served fantastically quickly… and the proof was in the tasting, which was quite delicious.
Needless to say "Fishy Fishy Café" is firmly established on the map as one of the best fish restaurants in Europe. When it comes to cooking fish, Martin's mantra is “no skin, no bones, no fear” and he has built up a brilliant reputation as a restauranteur in the esteemed Kinsale's Good Food Circle. He's also reached a wider audience especially with published cookery books and recent TV series.
The restaurant and food was even better than I’d remembered from my previous visit (Summer '97) when I devoured an incredible seafood platter under the parasol looking out across the harbour – yet another seriously fantastic and memorable meal!
Please contact catherine@grand-tourist.com for further information – for foodie fun in Ireland and beyond.
Just an hour’s drive from the cultural city of Florence there’s a magical world of rolling green hills, hill top towns and historic castles. This is the Valley of the River Arno, green and verdant, charming and authentic.
Here in the Tuscan hills Grand Tourist is delighted to offer short walking holidays (with walks in the Casentino National Park) and our signature trip ‘Learn Italian in Style’ (a one week language course designed to improve your Italian).
Staying in a comfortable family-run country house hotel is the perfect way to experience the ‘real’ Italy. Delicious food, friendly staff and incredible views – this really is a magical destination.
Nearby you can find fascinating Arezzo – with its incredible piazzas and palaces. On the doorstep there are characterful villages, weekly fruit & vegetable markets and small vineyards.
Magical Tuscany awaits you!
Posted by: naomi in Gastro&Wine, Coming soon on
Jul 22, 2011
After enjoying a delicious plate of oysters for lunch (we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at our local gastro-pub today!) I started to think about the Galway Oyster Festival....
Oysters have been hailed as a precious gourmet delight by food lovers throughout the centuries, beginning with the Roman emperors who paid for them by their weight in gold. The Greeks served them with wine and the Romans were so enthusiastic about these marvellous molluscs that they sent thousands of slaves to the shores of the English Channel to gather them. Kick back on the west coast of Ireland at the Galway International Oyster Festival (23rd - 25th September 2011). The festival began in 1954 and was recently described by the Sunday Times as "one of the greatest shows on earth". Sip on champagne and enjoy fresh oysters as traditional Irish musicians, a colourful parade and "champion oyster openers" keep you entertained!
Enjoy award-winning cuisine and some of the warmest hospitality in Galway (the City of Tribes) with Grand Tourist. We will arrange private transfers and overnight accommodation in a luxurious and atmospheric hotel, and can arrange outstanding spa treatments, or even a round of golf - providing you with the perfect short break in this delightful part of the world.
Travel in style and fly into Galway from the airport of your choice on a luxury private jet. A relaxed and convenient airport experience, polite and courteous pilots and complimentary refreshments on board - the finest experience in luxury travel awaits you. Contact info@grand-tourist.com for your personalised trip.
Posted by: 0 in Gastro&Wine, Coming soon on
Jan 21, 2011
Are you struggling for inspiration - where to take a loved one for Valentine's weekend? Then fear not as Grand Tourist can suggest magical locations.....
Situated high up on the green slopes of Mont Pèlerin, among Switzerland finest vineyards is a newly renovated hotel which combines inspiring views of the Alpine skyline, contemporary design and world-class service. The Mirador Kempinski offers a truly romantic setting with a great restaurant serving award-winning food, and a Givenchy Spa - a massage for two maybe?
The enchantment of the mountain air, the twinkling of the stars - a night of peace, tranquility and romance for you and your loved one.
Contact one of the Grand Tourist team today for a personal quotation: +44 (0) 1829 751 038 or email info@grand-tourist.com
The view from the bar area over Lake Geneva
We hope that you have enjoyed the Christmas break and are ready for the exciting year ahead and what a year it will be with Grand Tourist!!
We have lots to look forward to including our fantastic 5-star package to the Monaco Grand Prix including welcome drinks, full VIP service and fantastic hair pin accommodation. With only 5 months to go don't be upset by leaving it too long......
We also have two jam -packed Learning Italian in Tuscany packages running this year in June and September 2011. Sample fantastic food and wines in this magical region staying in traditional Italian accommodation and of course learning the language.
We are also planning several new experiences including Istanbul and Gallipoli, excursions to the North Pole and desert safaris in Morocco. Just a small number of exciting trips you can experience with Grand Tourist in 2011.
Heres to an exciting year ahead...contact us for more details on 01829 751038 or email info@grand-tourist.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Posted by: 0 in Gastro&Wine, Coming soon on
Oct 5, 2010
Why not enjoy a luxury winter break with Grand Tourist. Travel through the Alps and stay at a wonderful chalet where you can enjoy hot tubs and skiing in the hills...
Or why not venture to Austria and the Tyrol Mountains. Innsbruck is a stunning city full of culture and history and the Swarovski Crystal World is only a short distance away....
Or how about Switzerland and Lake Geneva? Wonderful hot air ballooning in January and fine wine and gastronomy by the shores ofthe lake is wonderful during the winter months...
Any winter break, Grand Tourist can help. Contact one of the team today info@grand-tourist.com
Why not take a late break to the wonderful country of Italy. Full of life and culture, this amazing place will leave you wanting more. You could visit the capital Rome with the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain or why not travel further south to Naples and the picture postcard Amalfi Coast? Further north you could explore the lush green countryside of the Tuscan hills or the shopping capital Milan. With so much to see and do, why not let Grand Tourist look after you. Visit www.grand-tourist.com or email info@grand-tourist.com
All this rain in England, why not travel to warmer climates with Grand Tourist? Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Le Marche? Or even France, Switzerland or Greece?
Let Grand Tourist look after you in style. Visit www.grand-tourist.com for inspiring, fresh ideas or email us at info@grand-tourist.com
Posted by: 0 in Gastro&Wine, France, Coming soon on
Aug 6, 2010
A prime destination, Biarritz has always been a firm favourite in France. Open and cosmopolitan, Biarritz the pearl of the Basque Coast, enjoys style, culture and luxury. Enjoy a fabulous 4 day break in this vibrant and exciting town with Grand Tourist.
Please do look at our latest experience and contact one of the Grand Tourist team today to arrange your personal trip. Tel: 01829 731038 - www.grand-tourist.com
Posted by: 0 in Gastro&Wine, France, Coming soon on
Jun 23, 2010
Just 100 kilometres east of Paris is the Champagne region of France. Here in the heart of the French countryside the finest sparkling wine in the world is produced using methods that have been refined over generations. From the wine cellars of Moet & Chandon to the vineyards of Bollinger the area is a fascinating place for fine wines, excellent cuisine and rolling countryside.
Let Grand Tourist look organise your trip to this fantastic region of France including to some of the most famous Champagne Houses in the world.
Contact the team today on 01829 751038 or info@grand-tourist.com
