A Perfect Picnic in Puglia: Rosabel Richards

Rosabel Richards has returned from her holiday walking in Italy and sent in this mouth-watering blog! When she travelled to Puglia she was determined to try the famous delicacy Burrata (a specialty cheese) and it sounds like it lived up to all her expectations…

Several guide books to Southern Italy mention a Puglian speciality called Burrata – a mozzarella type cheese with a creamy centre – and, never having heard of it, far less tried it, I was on a mission to find it.

The cheese shop near our hotel in Alberobello did sell Burrata but whenever I went there, I was either too early for the mid morning delivery or too late in the afternoon to get any.

At last I found it in that beautiful city of Ostuni in a small salumeria situated in one of the charming side streets off the main square. Five others from our group were with me and the owner of the shop kindly cut two of the cheeses (they are egg-sized) into pieces and put them on a plate with a knife and fork. Encouraged by his interest we all ordered our lunchtime panini from him. This time the rolls were soft and had olives baked into the centre.

Although it was only 12.15 we sat outside on some steps in the warm spring sunshine and sampled the cheese, which was very mild in flavour with a centre which resembled cottage cheese. One of the group had some raw salad vegetables, another had some strawberries and another popped back into the shop and emerged with a bottle of rose wine and some plastic cups.
We shared this feast and all agreed it had been a delightful picnic, made more enjoyable because it had been so unexpected. Dessert was an ice cream from one of the gelateria in the square and

the owner moved his tables and chairs outside    so that we could continue to sit in the sun.

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31 Blue Flags for Liguria!

The beautiful coastal region of Liguria has been awarded 31 Blue Flags – the highest number of blue flags in Italy. The voluntary eco-label has been awarded to over 3,450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. 14 of Liguria's marinas have also been awarded the Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag Programme takes into consideration water quality, environmental education, management and safety, among others.  It works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas. The Blue Flag is a statement of quality so visitors can be assured of the most crystal clear waters, pristine shores and a welcoming, safe environment.

Pick of the best Blue Flag beaches in Liguria:

Lerici Beach offers a stunning backdrop of green cliffs, crystal clear waters and a charming Italian town bathed in shades of terracotta. The beach is a perfect combination of sandy stretches and rocky cliffs, with views over to the islands of Tino, Tinetto and the distinctive lighthouse on Palmeria. After a day on the glorious beach, head for the town for an aperitif and delicious seafood.  Lerici is perfect for exploring the Riviera east of Genoa, including the magnificent coast of the renowned Cinque Terre.

Check out the ABTOI tour operators for help in planning your fabulous holiday in Liguria http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/regions.php?id=9

The Gargano Peninsula, Walking the Spur of Italy

Hi, I'm Nigel Shervey. “If our lives are dominated by a search for happiness, then perhaps few activities reveal as much about the dynamics of this quest – in all its ardour and paradoxes – than our travels” wrote Alain de Botton in “The Art of Travel”. I'm going to spend the next few paragraphs promoting the pursuit of happiness in an area of Italy that the British have yet to discover…


The Gargano Promontory in Apulia is the spur on the Italian heel. One of the privileges of being a Ramblers Worldwide Holidays leader is the opportunity to explore places that one would not normally visit and then make a holiday that is physical, good walking; mentally stimulating, a new environment and culture; and spiritual, an emotional uplift. I'm sure that the Gargano is going to offer all these and that it would be difficult to experience them without the planning and research put in by Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (try and find a walking map of the area). And the first two tours let you escape a general election campaign!

These also are the flower holidays when the orchids and irises should be at their best. Most of the flower knowledge that I have has come from clients on other tours. One of the pluses of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is the varied interests and enthusiasms amongst the group that enrich the enjoyment and appreciation for all. I always carry the Marjorie Blamey and Christopher Grey-Wilson flower book with me to cope if there is no ‘expert'!

Expect the unexpected and you shouldn't be disappointed. English patriots can celebrate St George's day in style at a palio (horse race) on the glorious sandy beach at our centre Vieste. Other surprises… well, come and find them! Whatever the time of year the Latin temperament prevails here in the European south. I think that Latin people show their joy of living more openly than (the more emotionally inhibited?) from northern climes. Who doesn't need a lift right now? Having done nearly all of the Ramblers Worldwide Holidays' Italian holidays, I know this should be one to remember and treasure.

If you're still not convinced, look at the price – come and feel the quality of walking in Italy with me!
Nigel Shervey

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