The Checklist

 So we're down to under 3 months out,  and as we get closer to your departure date, many guests start to worry about forgetting things that they may want to do, or bring with them to France...  

It's usually at this point that expectations start bubblin' with anticipation!   And as you get closer to your departure, we strongly suggest you dedicate a basket and start putting things in it that you don't want to forget...   We've tried to put together this comprehensive checklist, but theres no doubt, we missed things... and by all means, don't feel like you have to bring all of these things... just bring what you want to...  there will be stores to buy things, and in fact, that's fun... but remember, it does eat up your valuable time... the most important things you need are your passports, credit cards, Euros and access to cash (we suggest atm/debit card)... and ultimately with just those things, you'll get by... most everything else we mention here is just for your safety, comfort and convenience...

So here's our attempt at a checklist:

• Passports (take a photo of this and email it to yourself)
• stop your mail and newspaper delivery / turn off water / adjust thermostat/water heater
• leave/email a copy of itinerary with hotel addresses, phone #'s, etc with family or friends
• pack a personal copy for yourself
• tape a 3rd copy prominently visible inside your suitcases in case it gets lost (put your cell phone # and hotel phone #'s on it)
• check expiration dates on credit cards, atm cards, passports, driver lic, etc (France now requires your passport to be valid for 3 months beyond your intended return date)
• inform your bank of your travel dates and adjust your atm daily withdrawal rate
• inform your credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations
• double check your credit limit on credit cards you intend to use...
• bring "international" contact phone numbers for credit and debit cards along with you
• have phone pics available of any credit or debit card u r bringing along
• make a photocopy or take phone pic of your passport ...
• email yourself pics of passports 
• drivers license  (rental car company will not give you a car without a dvr lic)
• medical insurance cards
• bring along your travel docs, flight receipts, frequent flyer #'s, etc
• bring copy of your travel insurance policy and contact #'s
• plan on bringing a little US emergency cash
• consider using a money belt or neck wallet
• consider purchasing international cell phone plans
• bring road maps (we suggest Michelins)
• bring any guidebooks you want (freq traveller hack: just rip out pages needed and staple)
• don't forget to bring any prescription medications you may need/in original bottle
• other pharma: sleep aid, ibuprofen, band-aids, vitamins, anti-diarrehal, kleenex, Qtips, sunscreen, extra contact lens, extra glasses, sunglasses, hat, etc
• ear plugs / sleeping mask / travel blanket / tiny flashlight
• hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes for the airplane 
• phrase book or translator app
• travel umbrella or rain jacket/hat
• luggage locks (needs to be TSA approved)
• tide pen/wine stain remover
• wall and & car chargers for cell phone
• camera/charger/travel binocs
• extra storage media for camera
• European electric plug adapters
• safety pins / ziplock bags / sew kit
• swimming suit
• corkscrew 
• shoes you can truly walk in
• notepad, journal, pen (great journaling apps in the app store)
• nailclipper / tweezer / hairbrush / razor
• lay out all your clothes you want to bring...
• only bring half of them... (seriously) traveler's rule of thumb is two tops to every one bottom
• your rental car voucher (they won't give you the car without voucher)
• set up "out of office auto-email response"
• have a list of spouses/friends cell #'s, email addresses, hotel, villa addresses, phone #'s, flight #'s, etc... (know where you are, where ur going, and how to get back)
• leave expensive jewelry / watches / purses at home
• consider bringing empty tote bag  (to meet carry on restrictions)
• ziplock bags for carryon liquids / wet swim suits
• GPS (if you're planning on bringing your own, check that it has euro-maps) many folks now use cell phone map apps
• road maps (if you need to buy 'em - go online & get Michelins) We suggest Michelin Provence Map #527 available here : Amazon

again guys, we've tried hard, but it's very likely we may have missed things... and of course, not everyone needs everything on this list...  Just bring what YOU need! it's getting fun now! It's gonna be a magical adventure!

PS: it's never too late to learn a few words of French!  Many of our guests ask us: "Do they speak English?"   The answer to that is: no, they speak French!   So,  there are French people who can speak English... And certainly in the more forward facing hospitality businesses you'll find more folks who speak some English... But for the most part, the people  in France, speak French...   Click on the Duolingo logo in the right sidebar... It's free, it's effective, and we guarantee you will have a better experience if you learn 100 words of French!  

As always, we're here to answer any questions that you may have, or to help you in any way that we can...Just reach out!

 

The Countdown Begins!

 Hi Guys,  hope you're getting excited about Provence!  We think you're going to love Château du Soleil... It's an outstanding  property!

 So you guys of course all have differing departure dates, and you probably already know that we have two consecutive expeditions back-to-back here in Provence in June,  so we're using the start date of the first Tour, June 21st to say: We're just around 100 days out from Provence! (I meant to post this yesterday, so as of today, we're actually at 99 days!)

Beatricce (BB) & Zizzie Gelato

Some of our friends who have never traveled with us sometimes ask;  when does your Tour Season Start?  So for us here at Adventures To Tuscany, we work on our Tour Programs year round...  It's not a side gig, it's a full time operation! Because we're just a teeny-tiny boutique specialty operator, when we're state-side, Terese & I  do most everything ourselves... We research, design and curate all our own Tours...  We do all the marketing & advertising... and Terese & I are the "customer service dept." as well as accounts receivable & accounts payable!  

We also contract the leases for the Villas, and hire all the Chefs, Musicians, Tour Guides, etc... We design all the menus, procure all the Wines, Champagnes, household provisions, room amenities, etc, and as you'll see in the video below, we even cook and put out the breakfast buffet.. The list could go on & on, but you get the idea... We're pretty "hands-on".  (or as I like to joke; she's pretty & I'm hands-on!) 

But the active part of our expedition program is just about to start... We're taking our first group to Switzerland in a few weeks to do some hiking in The Alps... and then we're down to Italy for our first Tuscany expedition of the season in mid-May... We'll come home for a couple weeks to check in our kittens and our puppy... And then we come back to Provence in early June to prepare for these two Provence Expeditions!  After Provence, Terese & I come home for a break in mid-July thru August, and then we're back in Italy throughout the month of September for a couple more Tuscany Expeditions!  

It's really getting exciting now! And we hope you're bubbling with anticipation!  After all, you're going to France!!!  The amazing foods... the world-class wines... the incredible views... the ancient history... the unique culture... the beautiful quaint & charming hilltop villages... the magnificent art & architecture... And the people; you're gonna love the people!  

Our little girl Baci Amore playing with her
friend Honey Boo-Boo in the back yard!

And you're not just going on some mass-market bus tour... You're going on what we call: a truly unique, authentic & immersive,  escorted & guided experiential Adventure Expedition to Provence.. In our humble opinion, there is no better way to experience The South of France!  You're staying in an authentic & original 400 year old Provençal Villa... 20,000 square feet of amazing French Country architecture with private chefs & an outrageous OPEN Wine & Champagne bar!  And this amazing Villa sets on a massive gated Estate surrounded by Vineyards, Olive Groves and Cherry Orchards!  We'll have walking Tours, VIP Wine Estate Tours & Luncheons, Roads Rallies... Alfresco Dinner Parties, Swim Parties, Outdoor BBQ Parties, Private Concerts, Nightly theme parties... the list goes on & on...  Get excited, cause we're gonna have a truly great time!  

picture yourself here in just a few short months! 

We've written & put up about 50 posts so far on all kinds of topics to hopefully help get you prepared for and excited about your upcoming trip to France!  And we're not done yet, we'll put up another 15 - 20 posts before we leave for Switzerland... and then you'll notice a bit of a break while we're on Tour... But when we get back from Italy, we'll probably post another 20 or more articles to get you ready for your departures! 

This Blog is just the very tip of the iceberg when it comes to the behind the scenes work that we're doing right now to prepare for your arrival and hosting you at our Villa for 8 Days... From working on our breakfast & dinner menus with our French Chefs Fabien & Coralie...  to creating the shopping lists for provisions.. accumulating & sending all of your passport info for tourism permits, licensing & daily tourist taxes...  curating both wine lists & playlists...  to working with our guides & contacts to re-confirm all of our various Tours, Wine Estate visits & Luncheon Menus, etc... Even working with our friend Mitch to get ready for  our live musical performance for our magical La Fete Blanc Party. (the white party)... We've had some special musical requests for that night, and the band is working on learning the music! And we've been busy dotting all the i's and crossing all the t's!  

With all of this in mind, we are reaching out to you today to ask How are we doing?  Do you have questions? Is there anything we can help you with?    If so, we'd love to hear from you!  We want you to feel good about, and be ready for this amazing adventure!

If we can improve your experience in any way, please let us know...    Just send us a quick email to AdventuresToTuscany@gmail.com. We're always available to help!  

a little sneak peek at the kitchen and our breakfast buffet... 

Please complete this simple form for us

 Well, good morning campers, and happy Wednesday!  So the countdown is on, and we're now down to just a little over 100 days from when we're departing & meeting up at the Château du Soleil in Provence...  It's getting exciting now! And we know some of you are planning on heading over several days early to Tour other areas of France before coming to the Villa, so we need to get a little info from you before your departure...

First:  As the Official Tour Operator you've contracted with for OIGT (Organized International Group Travel), the legal and regulatory agencies both here in the USA & France require that we have your passport on file, and that for safety and emergency purposes, we must have what they call a summary awareness of your whereabouts while you're traveling outside of the US on this trip...  And the Villa Management & local police (in the region where the Villa resides) require we give them a copy of your Passport. (the same as any tour agency, cruise line or hotel does).

With this in mind, we need you to please fill out the OIGT Form and email it back to us:

What you'll see below is a photo of the OIGT Form.  We'll email you the full size document. please print it out, complete the form, (you can simply handwrite the info or type it in, whichever you prefer).  set your passport photo page on top of the form in the indicated spot, and simply snap a photo with your phone, and email it back to us at:  AdventuresToTuscany@gmail.com  with the subject line: "last name-OIGT" . (for example: Harpster - OIGT) If you're traveling & sharing a room with your spouse or travel partner, we only need one form for the two of you, or if it's more convenient, each guest can forward their own form.

When you receive our email, (later today) could you please email the completed form back to us at your earliest convenience, but please, we need it no later than March 20th. 

don't bother to try to print out this photo... We'll email you the full size document

We know you'll be excited to get to The Villa... And you should plan on arriving between 4pm - 6pm on Saturday.  Just a reminder: You won't be able to actually come to the Villa before 4pm on Saturday, as we'll have a full cleaning staff on site all day, and it's very difficult for them to work around guests, so they won't allow us to open the security gates before 4pm... So as you plan your arrival day, please keep that in mind... 

No matter how many times we tell everyone this, someone says to themselves; oh, let's just go a little bit early and walk around... Please don't be this person. It has never, in 25 years, worked out well... They will not allow you through the security gates before 4pm... and this will lead to you getting upset at us, and we unfortunately can not control this...   

If you're flying into Marseille, or perhaps taking a train into Avignon, we suggest you use your extra time on Saturday exploring one of those areas...  In both of those scenarios, you're only about an hour's drive from the Villa in Venasque...  Maybe find a nice little bistro to have a some lunch or a little charcuterie & a nice relaxing glass of wine... and do what the French do - some people watching!  If there's an urgent situation or some type of emergency & you think we can help - by all means, please call us: 610-657-7894

Know that we'll be there a week early getting ready for your arrival... We'll be welcoming you with open arms, and we'll have ice cold Champagne and snacks waiting for you at the Villa!   As well as chilled refreshments including ice cold Prosecco's, beers, sodas, and waters...  And of course we'll have the Ultimate French Wine Bar open and waiting for you!

After we get each of you checked into your rooms, we'll give you a little time to relax, and freshen up, and then we'll get together at around 6:00 PM for a little casual Orientation to The Expedition & the Estate.  We'll have a little Happy Hour - and we'll take you on a short walk around The Villa and the property to familiarize you with the Estate before Dinner.  And our Chefs Fabian & Coralie will likely pass hors d'oeuvres around 7:30ish, with dinner served around 8ish (typically a little early by French standards)

So we want to give you our  phone numbers in case you need to reach us::

Tommy's cell # 610-657-7894

Terese's   cell # 484-410-1481

(you might want to put these phone #s into your phone's contact list now. To dial us while you're in France, is the same as dialing us in the US... there's no need to add any special dialing codes)

Once you return your completed  OIGT Form mentioned above, we will send you out a little packet with your Tour Vouchers, the address and a detailed map with the Villa marked on it, a GPS location pin for your cell phone and a handful of our Adventures to Provence luggage tags...  and lastly the password to be used at the security gate.  

Note: This map is not a map of France or even all of Provence, it is a very specialized large-scale map showing precise details of just the immediate  area around the Villa... and we will include very specific turn by turn directions for the last couple of miles to The Villa. It's not that it's difficult, but it is rural and the turn by turn directions, if followed exactly, will get you right to The Villa very easily.

So that's all for now... we're looking forward to meeting up with all of you in Provence! It's just a couple months away now! 

Please watch for our email (within the next 24 hours) with the OIGT Form in it, and email us the  completed form requested above at your earliest convenience... Please send to us at AdventuresToTuscany@gmail.com.   With the subject line:  lastname- OIGT

Thanks so much,

T & T

Pastis... it's neither a meat pie, nor those little fringe boob decorations!

Ricard makes the classic Pastis de Marseille

 Want to get your French Vibe on?  Sure, you could order another Aperol Spritz... But if you want an aperitif that the true locals are drinking, Try ordering some Pastis!

If you’ve been to The South of France during the summer months, you’ve undoubtedly seen locals sitting around cafes & pools sipping on a cloudy pale yellow cocktail...  Beloved by many, Pastis has basically become the unofficial drink of summer in France, and most particularly amongst regions in The South of France. So what exactly is it, what does it taste like, and how in the world does it change from caramel brown to pale yellow? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about this signature French spirit, here.  

What Is Pastis? 

Pastis is an upscale, booze-heavy, anise-flavored spirit and aperitif most commonly produced in The South of France. The spirit generally clocks in at around 40-45% ABV and boasts less than 100 grams per liter of sugar. The name pastis comes from the Occitan word for mash-up. 

Where Is Pastis Made?    Pastis was first commercially sold in 1932 by Paul Ricard, exactly 17 years after absinthe was banned. Although distilled across a handful of regions now, the spirit is most commonly enjoyed in Marseille, the Var, the Luberon, the Vaucluse and other areas in Provence / and The South of France.   

Pernod has always been our fav!

How Is Pastis Made?  Although artisanal versions exist, most commercial pastis is made by mixing a neutral base spirit with licorice flavoring. In smaller-production distilleries, anise essence/extract may be used instead. Pastis’ legal definition describes the booze as an anise-flavored spirit bottled at 40% or more ABV.  (40 ABV = 80 proof, the same as most vodkas, gins, whiskies, etc)

How Does Pastis Get Its Color?    On its own, pastis, like many spirits/liqueurs, shows a caramel-like hue. However, when a splash of water is added to it, the drink takes on a cloudy, pale yellow hue. This is because pastis contains terpenes, which become insoluble when diluted below a 30% ethanol percentage. This is how the drink gets its signature cloudiness in the glass once water is added! 

What Is the History of Pastis?    Pastis was originally created during the early 1930s as a result of the banning of absinthe. At the time, the French were crazy for anise-flavored spirits, and upon the banning of absinthe, Ricard created and commercially sold pastis as a similar alternative.  

What Does Pastis Taste Like?   Pastis is often compared to absinthe, though the two aren’t really that similar. Pastis is more licorice and anise-flavored. If you’ve had Arak, Ouzo, or Raki before, these are similar spirits.  

How Is Pastis Best Enjoyed?   Although best enjoyed on its own or with a splash of water, a handful of pastis-based cocktails exist. The most popular creations include the Rourou (made with strawberry syrup), Tomate (made with grenadine), and Perroquet (mixed with green mint syrup). When the latter two mixers are used (grenadine and mint syrup), the cocktail is called a Feuille Morte (‘dead leaf’ in English). Pastis is often substituted for other popular cocktails that call for absinthe, most notably the Sazerac.   

When Is Pastis Best Enjoyed?    Pastis is enjoyed year round by a variety of drinkers, though the drink is commonly consumed as an aperitif during French apéro hour. However, on the weekends, pastis is often enjoyed all day long while playing relaxing games of pétanque beneath the sun – though fair warning, this stuff packs a serious punch (and might sneak up on you if you don’t pay attention!) 

you're gonna love the pool at the Villa! And a little Pastis
in your Champagne makes one heck of a summer cooler!

Want to practice?

You'll find these world famous liquors at your local Wine & Spirits shop right here in the USA... Our personal favorite is Pernod!  Just pour a little in a glass and add ice cold water to dilute it to your preference...  We tend to sip on this once the weather warms a little... It makes a great Summer Cooler!  We'll make sure we have this on hand for you to sip at the pool bar at Château du Soleil this summer! 

For those of you who are champion drinkers you might like to try Ernest Hemingway's favorite cocktail when he lived here in The South of France;  Pastis & Champagne, aptly named Death in the Afternoon! We'll have this at the pool bar as well for those of you who dare!

check out this amazing remake of a classic by musicians from around the world...

Doctor, my eyes have seen the years,

And the slow parade of fears...

A little Bonjour goes a long way

Bon Jour - Welcome to France! 
The French buy their baguette everyday.

 If you've not been to France before this, you're going to find that there's a lot of interesting things that will seem very different from what you may be use to... Be patient, give it some time, and learn to embrace the differences... 

#1.  Their culture and traditions are thousands of years old, and nothing you say or do is gonna change them ... 
and
#2. you didn't spend thousands of dollars and travel half way around the world to experience something that's exactly the same as it is in your hometown!

You've come to France to truly experience the uniqueness, beauty & charm of the French way of life ~ The Old World... And they do things differently... and it's actually pretty cool once you get used to it... 

But there are things that take some getting use too...  If you want water with your meal in a restaurant,  often you will have to buy bottled water... For many first timers, this is surprising, as most of us don't often buy bottled water with our restaurant meals here in the US...  But this is the norm throughout much of Europe... Some places will make tap water available if you ask (une carafe d’eau s’il vous plait), but many places will not... Over the years, we've gotten use to it, and now we actually enjoy ordering the bottled waters...  both still & sparkling... If the idea bothers you, we tell our guests to think of it this way; If you order a large (1 liter) bottle of  mineral water for your table at maybe 2 euro, you'll be less likely to take it for granted like we do water at our table here in the US...You'll likely drink it, as you've paid for it, and easily save the cost over what you'd pay for a couple additional glasses of wine...

Another difference first timers to Europe often notice; Ice in drinks is usually sparse...  usually just one or two cubes.   This is because they're just not used to drinks as cold as we typically enjoy them...  and, electricity in France is typically several times what you pay here in the US...  and massive amounts of refrigeration is rare... they also feel ice cold drinks are not good for digestion... (if it's really hot, and you really need a drink poured over a whole glass of ice, find a McDonalds)

The French tend to order off the menu and accept the offering as it is presented on the menu... They don't typically ask for substitutions as we might here in the US...  Your waiter may not understand if you ask for French Fries instead of a baked potato, and you may end up with both (and be charged for both).  Most all French people have the classic French Vinaigrette on their salads; white wine vinegar, olive oil, classic Dijon Mustard, shallots, a light sprinkle of salt & pepper and a sometimes a pinch of sugar... it's wonderful! And hence many restaurants will not have a whole assortment of what we call salad dressings... They'll just have the Vinaigrette...  or perhaps separate bottles of olive oil & red wine or balsamic vinegar.

In their cafes (in cities) they often have different pricing structures for coffee... one for standing at the bar, and another for sitting at an inside table with waiter service and in cities and large tourist areas, even a third for an outside table...  and of course the prices rise as you go toward the outside table... We suggest you do one or the other... Often,  a frequent  American faux pas is that we order at the counter and then carry our drinks to the table...  If the establishment has waiter service, this is considered a no-no... and in France the waiter will tell you in no uncertain terms! (this issue is much more casual & relaxed in smaller villages, but still often if they have waiter service, they'll expect you to do one or the other).

At their outdoor markets, you shouldn't touch the fruit...  Tell the vendor what you want, and they'll often ask you: quand voulez-vous le manger? (when do you want to eat it) and then they'll pick the appropriate fruit for you based on it's ripeness...

In a larger grocery store, you can handle the fruit and produce yourself, but usually only with the disposable plastic gloves that will be on a roll near the end of isles...  if you don't use the gloves, you'll get nasty looks from everyone around...   and you'll need to note the id# to weigh it and price it yourself on the little scales at the end of the isles. Both the gloves and the scales have gradually worked their way into the US market, but it's been this way forever in France...

be careful - it's easy to fall in love in France! 

If you've been following along on the BLOG, you might remember that tipping in restaurants is a lot less in France... Service charge is always included. Many French don't tip at all... Leave a small tip if you've received some outstanding or special service. (refer to the full post on tipping).

Life is just slower and more relaxed in France...  In the US, when we sit down at a table in a restaurant, we expect immediate service...  Not so much in most of Europe...  Dining out is considered a magnificent event, not to be rushed... You may be shown to a table and given a menu, but it may be ten minutes till someone comes to ask for your drink order... They don't want to rush you and they're just much more casual...   

 And the table?  It's your's until you decide to leave...  Here in the US, they're trained to turn the table as often as possible, and they typically ask us, is there anything else, and then give us the check...  This is often the signal that they want you to leave so they can give the table to the next party... This will almost never happen in France.. You always have to ask for your check; L'addition, s'il vous plaît = the check please... It's not at all unusual for a French family to occupy a table for over 3 hours...  Also, if you're with a group, they likely will not give you separate checks... this is very rare in France; one table one check,  - splitting it up is up to you.

We could go on & on... but you get the idea... these are just a few examples, you'll experience many more... The cultures are different!  And unlike a lot of mass market Tours, your Adventures to Provence Tour is designed to deeply immerse into the authentic culture, not shield you from it...  Again, be patient, slow down, and embrace the differences... It will make for a much better vacation experience, and you want the memories to be positive! If you follow along with the blog, by the time you get there, you'll have a much deeper understanding of France than most people do when they leave! 

"La Mer" is a Classic & Traditional French Folk Song about "The Sea"