Beach Travel Wine Podcast

Did you know that Queenstown New Zealand isn’t just for extreme activities and snow sports.  -although these are incredible, this week’s episode is all about what to do in Queenstown if you don’t ski or just want to enjoy exploring this unique part of New Zealand. For such a small town, Queenstown punches way above its weight.  The views from all over the town are stunning.  It doesn’t matter where you choose to have a coffee, wine or meal on the waterfront – you will be experiencing one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Lake Wakatipu is the jewel in the middle of Queenstown, surrounded by snowcapped mountain ranges, including the Remarkables where Lord of the Rings was filmed. We tell you all about the water activities you can do or simply watch including submersible sharks, jet boats and an iconic steam boat that is as old as the Titanic. If you are into shopping the brand names here rival the stores in Paris, from Gucci to Rolex. We tell you about the unique wine tasting experience that we enjoyed and have never come across before and where we found the coolest toilets in town. Seriously. Come with us as we take you wandering around the Botanic gardens on the edge of town.  From duck ponds, to gigantic pine trees to an unusual sport that we discovered here. We tell you the cheap way to explore the lake – how to get to the sunniest spot in town and then stay listening as Lyle tells us how I made him kiss a large kiwi.  There are lots of laugh out loud moments to enjoy and great info all about being out and about in Queenstown. Click here to go to the webpage containing all the pictures, links and maps www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/76/queenstown Here is the link to all our New Zealand podcasts www.beachtravelwine.com/newzealand Or visit our website at www.beachtravelwine.com Please enjoy episode 76.

So many fun things happening in this episode all about travelling with three generations. Do you have kids or grandkids – thought about travelling on an adventure holiday with them? What about travelling internationally with eight kids 9 years and under to New Zealand for a ski holiday when none of the kids had ever tried it before or even seen snow? Well that’s exactly what this episode is about. And I’ve roped in a highly experienced guest host to help me share how this might just be the PERFECT holiday destination for your family adventure. But we don’t just talk skiing, we cover lots of other things great for every generation to do in this spectacular part of New Zealand that don’t cost a fortune including going to a snow farm – have you ever heard of such a thing – and no they’re not growing things in snow. We cover our favourite family adventure activities, the best walks around the lake for kids and old nanas and the best place to stay, and how to minimize the cost of kids ski gear. You will hear about one of the most magical experiences we all had together that one of the 4 year grandkids described in his amazement as being in a snow globe, and that was a pretty accurate description. We all loved this holiday so much – that we are already planning when we can do it again.  For me it was especially amazing – being with all the people I love the most in the world, having the best time together.  I will keep these memories in my heart forever. Now I’m getting teary.  Stay listening to the end when we tell you what some of the highlights were for the kids – and of course our favourite place for mulled wine – and there were so many to choose from. So please enjoy – episode 75 To see all the pictures, links to places mentioned and the map to see where everything is located then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/75/queenstownfamily To see all our New Zealand episodes then click here www.beachtravelwine.com/newzealand To find our more about my guest host and read her about easy family adventures then click here www.easyfamilyadventures.com

Have you ever wanted to travel to the spectacularly beautiful South Island of New Zealand, - if not, why not? This is the first episode in our New Zealand podcast series, and I can guarantee if this part of New Zealand wasn’t on your travel list – it will be after this and the next few episodes.    Today we are taking you to one the most stunning places in the world. This week join us as we travel to Queenstown and to the main ski resorts that surround this gorgeous city. Now, I know you might not be into skiing or snowboarding yourself, however, we share the best resorts for non-skiers, brand new skiers, intermediate and advanced. We had all the above with us on this trip from one year olds to grandparents and if you don’t want to ski you can to watch the action from the comfort of the heated café areas. There are four main ski areas that we tell you about, Coronet Peak –  The Remarkables, Tremble Cone and Cardrona.  Some of these areas are better for different levels and we share all those details with you. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Beach Travel Wine podcast episode without some funny stories – and in this one you will hear about how we nearly called it quits before we started.  And Lyle’s most embarrassing moment at the top of a blue run (that’s advanced level skiing) There is whole lot more to this part of New Zealand than skiing and we give some insights to those as well. Stay listening to the end to hear what is now the most popular reason people travel to Queenstown – and it has nothing to do with snow or mountains. Please enjoy episode 74 all about Queenstown, New Zealand. Find the show notes, pictures, links to places mentioned and map here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/74/skiqueenstown Visit our website at www.beachtravelwine.com

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Italy in our latest episode where we condense 20 of our podcast episodes into one epic highlight show. We'll be taking you on an 8-week adventure through the enchanting landscapes, food experiences, tours and history of 26 cities including Venice, Trieste, Milan, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and Amalfi. Discover the must-see sights, hidden gems, and exciting activities that made our trip truly unforgettable. We'll spill the beans on our top tour recommendations, share some offbeat and fun experiences, and let you in on the hottest bars we stumbled upon in Florence and Rome. But wait, there's more! We'll even reveal our favorite destinations and even one surprising disappointment that caught us off guard. Stick around until the end for our tips on money, packing smartly, navigating the Italian train system, and uncovering affordable local tours that won't break the bank. So sit back, relax or continue doing whatever you are doing and enjoy episode 73. If you know anyone planning their own Italian adventure then please send them here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy

We start today’s episode driving along the crazy well known Amalfi Coast road to our last location, the city of Amalfi.  In this week's episode we are finishing up our 8 day tour from Rome to Amalfi with Intrepid Travel. We were blown away with this city and you will be too when you hear all about it.  The town, the beaches, the history and one of our favourite things – the spectacular waterfall hike into the mountains above the city walking through lemon groves, exploring ancient ruins on the side of a crystal clear river and past many waterfalls and then stopped for a cold drink at the most authentic Italian restaurant up in the hills. Our accommodation was a locally owned hotel in the best position in Amalfi – which is one of the things Intrepid Travel pride themselves on and we tell you about the piazza where we were staying, the incredible duomo which dominates the city, the pretty streets full of funky shops and the little hidden places and restaurants we enjoyed – thanks to our local guide Luca. We couldn’t miss a ferry ride to glamorous city of Positano – and it is as spectacular as you could imagine. Then, omg, we tell you about the craziest day – Saint Andreas day – that started with a rude awakening from cannon fire and very loud bell ringing from the church outside our room that went on for over 10 minutes before 6am and then finishing at midnight with a very unique religious parade and procession that culminated with a fascinating tradition which involved a massive silver statue, men running up 62 stairs all because of pirates. Oh and also listen to how much trouble we got into trying to make our way through the jam-packed plaza while this was going on, only three of us made it through. Stay listening to the end to hear our final thoughts and fond memories of this Intrepid Travel tour – but not just ours, I spoke to the others on the tour and we tell you about what they thought, their recommendations and of course everyone’s favourite place for a glass of wine throughout our trip together.  Please enjoy our last instalment of our tour from Rome to Amalfi. Click here to see the show notes, photos and interactive map with links to all the places we mention and the tour we did www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/72/amalfi or click here to access our Italian podcast collection www.beachtravelwine.com/italy or www.beachtravelwine.com for our website.

As promised today we are taking you to one of – if not the most spectacular places in Italy. Sorrento and the Isle of Capri. We are on days 4 and 5 of our small group tour from Rome to Amalfi with Intrepid Travel.  We are loving the tour, especially the relaxing nature of this trip – no early starts, no rushing, and time to explore on your own, if you want to. In this episode we will take you walking through the gorgeous streets of Sorrento, through the piazzas and bustling shopping areas full of cafes, bars and restaurants. Next we go to the most atmospheric, beautiful restaurant, dining under the twinkling lights in the lemon trees of a citrus orchard. One of our favourite days in Italy was taking a private boat to the Isle of Capri. Luca our guide arranged this for us – as it was an optional excursion – and it was magical.  The sparkling blue water, jumping off the boat to swim in the Mediterranean, the views at the top of the Isle of Capri, and then singing and enjoying our trip all the way home. To finish our perfect day we did a gelato making class – which turned out to be so much fun.  We tell you all about the most popular and best gelato in all of Sorrento and the family who have been making it for generations. Stay listening to the end to hear one of my funniest jokes – Lyle made me tell it – oh and I even sing a few bars of the song that will always remind of the fond memories of this tour, especially Sorrento and the Capri boat trip, plus the wonderful friends we made. If you would like to see all the pictures of this stunning part of Italy, or find out more about the Intrepid Travel tour we are doing – then you definitely should take a look at the show notes by clicking here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/71/sorrento You can see all our Italian podcast episodes here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy or visit our website at www.beachtravelwine.com So please enjoy episode 71

Want to know what it is like to walk the ancient time capsule streets of Pompeii and hike the rim of the active volcano Mount Vesuvius? Then this episode is for you. Most people when they think about Pompeii think about an eruption that covered a city centuries ago that you can now visit and see bodies where they actually died. Well, that is all true – but omg visiting Pompeii – the modern and ancient cities and climbing the rim of the volcano involves so much more and we tell you all about it in this episode which is day three of our Rome to Amalfi tour with Intrepid travel. From the sleek, upmarket modern city where we watched the sunset behind Mount Vesuvius from a rooftop bar sipping cocktails, to exploring the time capsule that is ancient Pompeii. We share all the things we were blown away with – the ancient city is exactly as it was 2000 years ago. – can you imagine that? We take you inside their houses with all the decorations and artwork intact and it is as vibrant today as it was 2000 years ago. It’s incredible. We walk the cobblestone streets lined with restaurants with their kitchens and mosaic benches, and ovens in their original condition.  We wander through where the bustling market once was and past the forum area which was the heart of the city. You will discover with us the arena, the roman baths, the theatres, shops, factories, the whole city. Make sure you stay listening if you want to hear about thing that surprised us all the most – so all I’m going to say it is pretty graphic and definitely not for the easily shocked. Of course, a visit to Pompeii wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Fugitives – or the bodies.  We tell you exactly what happened to these people so many years ago. Day four we head off to ascend the summit of Mount Vesuvius and hike around the rim. You will definitely want to hear all about the eruption of 2000 years ago and some subsequent eruptions and what this active volcano looks like today and what they are doing to make sure there isn’t another catastrophe around the corner. Of course you can see all the pictures and links, including an accurate animation of the eruption, that accompany this episode by clicking here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/70/pompeii You can see all the podcasts in our Italian series here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy of visit our website at www.beachtravelwine.com Please enjoy episode 70 all about Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

As promised this week, we are doing something Intrepid. Actually, this week’s episode is the first part of a 7 day tour we did from Rome to Amalfi with Intrepid Travel. We start today in Rome – visiting the Roman Baths before we meet the other members of our tour and our Italian guide – Luca to get all the info on our tour and have our first dinner together. Next morning, we take the fast train from Rome to Naples. Naples was a real eye opener – and we tell you all about the edgy Spanish Quarter with all its decorations and street art which is everywhere.  Then we talk about the most famous Napoli football player of all time who is everywhere you turn in Naples and why the whole city was covered in blue and white decorations – literally! We walk through the streets, visit the stunning veiled Christ statue, and it was incredible.  Next we visit the massive 23,000 square metre plaza, walk along the Bay of Naples to the famous castle that is supposedly held up by an egg. Next, we have lunch and eat the famous Neapolitan pizza. We tell you about the unique toilet paper for sale around the old city area and we finish in a gorgeous little outdoor bar right in the heart of the Spanish quarter. Lastly, we take you to the metro station, so far underground I thought we would never reach the bottom before we board another train on our way to our next destination – that is for next week’s episode. If you would like to see all the photos from this episode, and the interactive map with all the places we mention on it then go to the episode description on the player you are now listening on and click on the link to Episode 69. So, for now please enjoy Episode 69 all about Rome to Naples. To see the show notes, photos and interactive map with this episode click here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/69/naples To see all our other Italian podcasts click here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy or visit our website at www.beachtravelwine.com

Come with us on a moonlight walk around Rome.  We start this episode on a walking tour we did starting in the beautiful Piazza Navona with its spectacular three fountains. We tell you what the plaza used to be used for – but not for long as the locals from centuries ago didn’t think it was “manly” enough. Next we wander the streets and pass by the incredible Pantheon with its dome that is the biggest unsupported dome in the world and has 16 imposing columns that are the entrance to the now catholic church. Of course we go to the Trevi Fountain – which by day is special, but at night – just wow.  I throw some coins in the fountain, and we tell you about the coin throwing myths and exactly how much money they collect from the fountain each day – and it’s certainly an eye watering amount of money! I also tell you and Lyle (cos he didn’t know) that there is a social media craze that people are doing as an alternative to coin tossing. Next on our night tour of Rome is Piazza Venezia which is a huge chaotic roundabout surrounded by historical buildings.  One of the major ones is an unpopular enormous building that the locals don’t like and have given it a couple of nicknames – Mussolini’s typewriter is one and the other is the wedding cake. You’ll have to click on the link in this episode description in the player you are listening on now to see the pictures in the show notes and see what you think.  Of course, it’s a short walk from the piazza to the Colosseum past Trajan’s column and the Roman forum which are all lit up and are just glowing in the night.  Wandering around the colosseum at night time is a memory that you will never forget. We take you to some other special night time spots including the Spanish Steps and Piazza Spagna and tell you all about the Italian fashion parade that you see walking the streets every night.  Boy those Italians have some nice outfits! Lastly, you will come with us to our favourite little hidden bar right in the heart of Rome – The Highlander.  It has so much atmosphere – something happening every night and you can watch any sport that is on live TV and they have some of the friendliest bar staff you will ever meet.  And it would be fabulous if you could give us a follow or subscribe on the player you are listening on right now.  It means you won’t miss an upcoming episode and really helps the podcast get discovered by more people.  So thank you for that. You can find the show notes, pictures, links and interactive map to this episode here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/68/rome You can find all our Italian episodes at https://www.beachtravelwine.com/italy Visit our website at www.beachtravelwine.com Please enjoy episode 68 all about Rome at night.

In today’s episode you will be coming along with us as we share one of our favourite things to do in a new city. We do this everywhere we go – and today’s the day you do it with us. So ,what is it – well we like to walk out our front door and say – “which way – right or left” and then just go and see what we find. We went left and walked along Via Corso – the main road that used to be a horse racing track. Listen as we come across the gigantic piazza Popolo with it’s the three basilicas, an Egyptian obelisk, three fountains and the impressive original city gates. From there we take you up a marble staircase that leads up to the highest point in Rome – the Pincian Hill which has amazing views of the city.  Apparently Rome has 1,000 churches and you can see a lot of the domes from this vantage point. Of course, that wasn’t all there was on this hill. Come with us as we wander around the stunning, enormous Borghese gardens – you know I love gardens – You will hear about the lakes with islands in the middle that you can row around to see the temples. Hear about all the galleries with more stunning centuries old art and then Lyle tells you about the original water clock – yep water clock. From there we will take you down the most stunning street in Rome – just like a movie set – Via Vittoria Veneto all the way down to the famous fountain – no not the Trevi Fountain yet, but a fountain designed by Bernini of Tritan spurting a jet of water into the air through a shell  and being held up by four dolphins in Piazza Barberini. Next on our journey was another amazing Piazza – Quirinale which is the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Of course, our day wouldn't be complete if we didn’t visit the Trevi Fountain – and it was as beautiful as you can imagine. 26 metres high and 49 metres wide. Stay listening to the end to hear about the last place we went on our walking loop around Rome – which in involves Spain, France and Tom Cruise. Make sure you subscribe or follow us on the podcast player you are listening on now so you are first to know when our next Italian episode is published. You can find the show notes with all the pictures, links and interactive map here www.beachtravelwine.com/podcast/67/rome The rest of our Italian podcasts are here www.beachtravelwine.com/italy or find everything else at www.beachtravelwine.com Please enjoy episode 67.