Dear Friends,

An exciting month! Richard and I were guests of Brescia Tourism for a week-long educational. This is the region from the west side of Verona to Lake Como and includes the lesser known, but smaller and absolutely charming areas of Lake Garda and Lake Iseo. We had a cold rain the entire time we were there, and we still loved it! It is a fantastic area of northern Italy and we were introduced to some outstanding properties around all of the lakes. I know many of you are interested in this region and we are very pleased to soon offer you some outstanding options.

We are also very happy to finally offer something many of you have requested; A “Second Helping” with Chef Claudio. Intended for those who have already done A Classic Tuscan Table with Chef Claudio, we invite anyone to join us on one of two departures of somewhat more advanced cooking classes, different excursions at a very attractive price! We will soon also offer “A Second Helping” at Oasi Olimpia, again, which many of you have requested. We have recently added a Provence Shopping Tour and a program on the Cote d’Azur, Allure of the Riviera. In Spain, look for Spanish Cuisine on the Costa del Sol, the Riviera of Spain. And finally, for any of you Opera fans, we are now taking reservations for the Ring Series 2009, May 4-10, 2009. This is the final performance at the Met of this landmark production. Happy Summer!

Best,
Karen