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Monday 8am - 11pm Tuesday 8am - 11pm Wednesday 8am - 11pm Thursday 8am - 11pm Friday 8am - 11pm Saturday 9am - 10pm Sunday 9am - 10pm

http://www.spectacularjourneys.com/

Spectacular Journeys, Hoboken, NJ (2025)

04/23/2025

One of our favorites on the Amalfi Coast, Villa Rufolo in Ravello

Perched high above the Amalfi Coast in the enchanting town of Ravello, Villa Rufolo is a dreamlike blend of history, romance, and breathtaking beauty. Step through its ancient stone archway and you’re instantly transported into a world where Moorish architecture meets lush, terraced gardens that seem to float above the sea. Once the home of a wealthy merchant family in the 13th century, the villa has hosted kings, artists, and even inspired composer Richard Wagner. The sweeping views from the villa’s iconic balconies—where vibrant flowers cascade toward the shimmering blue Mediterranean—are nothing short of magical. Whether you’re wandering through the peaceful cloisters or standing at the edge of the garden overlooking the coast, Villa Rufolo feels like stepping into a living painting. It’s a must-see jewel of the Amalfi Coast that captures the imagination and steals your breath.

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04/22/2025

It’s Turquoise Tuesday at Spectacular Journeys. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean are among the most breathtaking sights in the world, drawing travelers to its sun-drenched coasts year after year. From the sparkling coves to serene bays the sea’s vibrant hue shifts from deep blue to vivid turquoise depending on the light, depth, and sandy seabeds below. These crystal-clear waters not only offer stunning views but also provide ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing—creating a timeless allure that defines the Mediterranean’s coastal charm.

04/21/2025

It’s Memorable Meals Monday at Spectacular Journeys. Today we recall a great dining experience in Split, Croatia at Bajamonti.

Bajamonti Pizza, Steak & Fish House is a vibrant culinary destination situated in Split’s historic Prokurative square. Named after 19th-century mayor Antonio Bajamonti, who once built a grand theater on this very site, the restaurant pays homage to its cultural roots while offering a contemporary dining experience. The menu features a diverse array of dishes, including 13 varieties of wood-fired Romana-style pizzas, 40-day dry-aged Croatian steaks, and traditional Dalmatian seafood specialties like the fish stew “Gregada” and black noodles with lobster and shrimp tails. Beyond its culinary offerings, the restaurant hosts live music, DJ sets, and cabaret shows, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a lively atmosphere.

04/18/2025

It’s Foodie Friday at Spectacular Journeys. It’s Foodie Friday at Spectacular Journeys and today we highlight Croatia’s national dish, Peka!

In little over a month we will be heading to Croatia on our Charming Croatia Spectacular Journey small group tour. We are looking forward to enjoying Peka!

Tucked away in the heart of Croatia’s rustic kitchens and coastal taverns lies one of the country’s most soul-satisfying culinary secrets: peka. More than just the national dish, peka is a centuries-old tradition—an experience that starts with fire, smoke, and anticipation.

Imagine a sun-drenched stone courtyard. A wood-fired oven glows with embers as a cast-iron bell-shaped lid is placed over a clay dish brimming with tender meat—usually veal, lamb, or octopus—layered with potatoes, vegetables, fragrant herbs, garlic, and olive oil. The lid is then buried under hot coals, turning the whole thing into a makeshift oven.

For hours, the ingredients roast in their own juices, absorbing the earthy scent of wood smoke and the warmth of the fire. When the bell is finally lifted, a wave of aromas—rich, herbaceous, and savory—spills into the air. The meat falls apart at the touch of a fork, the potatoes are crispy-edged and golden, and every bite carries the essence of Croatia’s rugged countryside and sun-kissed coastline.

04/17/2025

Cortona one of our favorites in Tuscany. Town of “Under the Tuscan Sun”
Perched high on a sun-drenched Tuscan hillside, Cortona is a town that feels like it was plucked straight from a Renaissance painting and brought to life. Ancient stone walls wrap around the town like a timeworn embrace, guarding centuries of history, charm, and secrets whispered through narrow alleyways.

As you wander up steep cobblestone streets, every turn reveals something cinematic—terracotta rooftops spilling down the hillside, olive groves stretching into the horizon, and a golden light that makes the whole valley below shimmer like a dream. Cortona isn’t just beautiful—it’s magnetic. It pulls you in with its rustic trattorias, where the scent of truffle pasta and aged pecorino floats through the air, and with its tiny wine bars pouring bold reds from nearby Montepulciano and Chianti.

The town pulses with a quiet energy, from the bustle of Piazza della Repubblica, where locals gather over espresso and laughter, to the peaceful solitude of Santa Margherita’s sanctuary, overlooking rolling hills that seem to go on forever. Cortona is a place where the past lives side by side with the present, where every sunset feels like a private gift, and where time slows down just enough to let you fall in love—with the view, the food, and maybe even yourself.

04/16/2025

Where in Europe are Spectacular Journeys clients?

This week, we have a couple traveling to Italy to meet their son, who is studying abroad in Barcelona. They’ll be exploring Rome, Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast.

04/15/2025

One of our favorite towns in Sicily, Castelbuono.

Castelbuono, a picturesque medieval town nestled in the Madonie Mountains of northern Sicily, is renowned for its rich history, charming streets, and vibrant local culture. Dominated by the imposing 14th-century Ventimiglia Castle, the town seamlessly blends historical architecture with a lively modern atmosphere. Among its many attractions, Castelbuono is home to Fiasconaro, a family-run pastry company that has gained international acclaim for its artisanal panettone. Founded in 1953 by Mario Fiasconaro and now led by his sons, the bakery has transformed the traditional Milanese sweet bread into a Sicilian delicacy by incorporating local ingredients like Bronte pistachios, Modica chocolate, and manna—a natural sweetener harvested from ash trees in the surrounding Madonie Mountains. The panettone undergoes a meticulous natural leavening process lasting up to 36 hours, resulting in a product celebrated for its quality and flavor. Fiasconaro’s commitment to tradition and innovation has made its panettone a symbol of Castelbuono’s culinary excellence.

04/14/2025

It’s Memorable Meals Monday at Spectacular Journeys. Today we recall the many wonderful wineries lunches we have enjoyed at Abbazia Santa Anastasia winery in Castelbono, Sicily

Nestled within the historic Abbazia Santa Anastasia in Castelbuono, Sicily, Ristorante La Corte dell’Abate offers an elegant dining experience that harmoniously blends tradition and innovation. Housed in the abbey’s ancient wine cellars, the restaurant exudes a warm and refined ambiance, featuring exposed brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and a two-level layout that showcases its storied past.

Under the guidance of Chef Alessandro Battaglia, the menu celebrates authentic Sicilian flavors with a creative twist. Dishes are crafted using locally sourced ingredients, including Slow Food-certified products and regional specialties like Madonie truffles. Signature offerings include ravioli filled with mortadella, truffle, pistachio sauce, and Ragusano cheese foam; braised veal in red wine accompanied by potato fondant and seasonal vegetables; and suckling pig with pistachio, carrot manna, and pea cream. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine selection, featuring labels from its own Abbazia Santa Anastasia winery.

04/13/2025

Where in Europe are Spectacular Journeys clients? This week we have a couple who just arrived in Santorini to celebrate a very special birthday! They will end their trip visiting their son who is studying abroad in Florence.

Let us plan your perfect trip to Europe. Reach out today https://www.spectacularjourneys.com/

04/12/2025

Where in Europe are Spectacular Journeys clients. At Spectacular Journeys we plan travel all year long, but today through October is our busiest travel season. Today we have a lovely couple celebrating their 10th anniversary in Portugal. Heading to Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, Obidos, Aviero, Duoro Valley and Porto! They are foodies and we have wonderful restaurants, a food tour and a cooking class arranged for them. 🇵🇹

04/11/2025

It’s Foodie Friday at Spectacular Journeys. Today we recall visiting the Lombardy region of Italy, where we discovered Italian Champagne! It’s called Franciacorta and we enjoyed this delightful sparkling wine at Mirabella Franciacorta family owned for several generations they have perfected Franciacorta!

Franciacorta is a prestigious sparkling wine region in Lombardy, northern Italy, known for producing Italy’s finest traditional method (méthode champenoise) sparkling wines. Often referred to as “Italy’s Champagne”, Franciacorta wines are made using the same method as Champagne, where the second fermentation happens in the bottle, but they have their own unique identity.

Franciacorta wines are celebrated for their finesse, complexity, and food-friendly character—making them a popular choice for everything from aperitivo to fine dining. It’s also a beautiful wine region to visit, dotted with vineyards, medieval villages, and scenic views.

Mirabella Franciacorta is a renowned Italian winery specializing in
Franciacorta sparkling wines. Located in the heart of Lombardia, Italy, Mirabella has established itself as a prominent producer of high-quality, sustainable Franciacorta wines!

04/09/2025

Beautiful Barcelona!

Barcelona is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city on Spain’s northeastern Mediterranean coast, known for its unique blend of modernist architecture, rich history, and beachside charm. Famed architect Antoni Gaudí left a lasting legacy here, with landmarks like La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. The city is a hub of culture, art, and cuisine—home to world-class museums, lively markets like La Boqueria, and a buzzing tapas scene. With its sunny climate, walkable neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter, and the seaside promenade at Barceloneta, Barcelona is both deeply historic and effortlessly modern.

04/07/2025

It’s Memorable Meals Monday at Spectacular Journeys. The Emilia Romagna region of Italy is truly a foodies paradise! Today we highlight one of our favorites in Bologna.

Trattoria Gianni, located in the heart of Bologna, is a historic restaurant renowned for its authentic Bolognese cuisine. Established in the late 1950s as “A La Vecia Bulagna,” the trattoria has upheld the city’s rich culinary traditions for decades. The menu features classic dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, and bollito misto, all crafted with fresh, local ingredients. The cozy interior, characterized by vaulted ceilings and archways, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Patrons often praise the friendly and efficient service, as well as the selection of decadent desserts. Given its popularity and limited seating, reservations are recommended to ensure a memorable dining experience.

04/06/2025

Beautiful Bougainvillea adding color and beauty to landscapes throughout the Mediterranean!

Bougainvillea—
A cascade of color spilling like laughter from sun-drenched walls, its papery petals not petals at all, but bracts—like love notes folded by nature’s hand. Hot pinks, fiery oranges, purples deep as twilight, they dance in the breeze, unruly and radiant,
climbing skyward with wild grace.

Beneath the blaze, the true flowers hide—tiny, white, and shy—a reminder that beauty often begins quietly. It thrives where the sun is strongest,
unfazed by drought, unburdened by need,
a living firework of joy and resilience, blessing gardens with its uncontainable spirit.

04/04/2025

It’s Foodie Friday at Spectacular Journeys. Today we are highlighting a wonderful winery in Portugal’s Douro Valley.

Quinta Seara d’Ordens is a historic family-owned winery in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Established in 1792, it has produced high-quality Douro and Port wines for over two centuries. The estate’s name originates from a time when soldiers gathered there to receive orders from their commander. Today, it is renowned for its diverse portfolio, including Douro DOC wines like the Reserva Vinhas Velhas and esteemed Ports such as Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) and Vintage Ports. Visitors can explore the vineyards and aging cellars through guided tours, enjoy wine tastings paired with local bread and olive oil, or embark on scenic jeep rides across the estate. With its blend of historical significance and winemaking excellence, Quinta Seara d’Ordens offers an authentic experience of Portugal’s Douro region.

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04/03/2025

Portovenere, Italy, is a picturesque coastal town located on the Ligurian coast, near the famous Cinque Terre. It is known for its colorful houses, dramatic cliffs, and rich maritime history. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Cinque Terre, due to its cultural and natural significance.
The town features medieval architecture, narrow winding streets, and charming piazzas.

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04/02/2025

Pretty Pienza, a charming hilltop town in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, is known as the “Ideal Renaissance Town” thanks to its 15th-century redesign by Pope Pius II. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features stunning architecture, including Piazza Pio II, the Duomo di Pienza, and Palazzo Piccolomini. The town is famous for its breathtaking views of rolling countryside and its Pecorino di Pienza cheese, a local delicacy. With its romantic streets, artisanal shops, and traditional trattorias, Pienza offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and Tuscan charm.

04/01/2025

Amazing Algarve!

The Algarve, located in southern Portugal, is renowned for its stunning and diverse coastal features. Its coastline stretches for about 96 miles along the Atlantic.

One of the most iconic coastal features of the Algarve is its limestone cliffs and sea caves, and golden sandy beaches, particularly around Lagos and Albufeira.

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Monday	8am - 11pm
Tuesday	8am - 11pm
Wednesday	8am - 11pm
Thursday	8am - 11pm
Friday	8am - 11pm
Saturday	9am - 10pm
Sunday	9am - 10pm