Ski Mom 2

We boarded Wind Surf today in Venice. This is the sign at the entrance to the restaurant.

We were just in Montepulciano for 4 nights. They have over 13 caves or cantinas that different wineries use to store their wine. Many of them are free to the public. You can tour the caves and then ask for a wine tasting. We paid for one tasting and several were free (especially if you plan to purchase). One thing we did learn about Montepulciano wines. When you see wines with the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo label, these are NOT from Montepulciano! They just use the Montepulciano wording and they are much cheaper. Montepulciano has basically two types of wine, Rosso and via Nobile. Be prepared for lots of hills and lots of walking!

Look in the area of the Piazza Navona. I like to stay in the curve of the River Tiber (so looking at the map to the left of the Piazza Navona.) We stayed once with our two sons and once 2 weeks ago. You can walk to the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and more. Put in some parameters and options should pop up. Good luck!

According to my TA, this is what she received from Windstar. “Starting October 5, our All-Inclusive Fares for 2023 and beyond departures will increase to $89 per guest, per day, so make your All-Inclusive bookings today before the fares increase!” I think it sounds like if you book it prior to October 5 you’re grandfathered in.

We are arriving into the Rio airport from the US in January 2023 and need a ride from the airport to our hotel. Has anyone arranged their own transportation from the airport to their hotel? Did you pre-arrange a pickup with a taxi service? Uber? Did you just use a taxi upon arrival? What was the cost? We are joining a private tour in Rio but they want to charge us $65 each for transportation and I feel like that is high. Thanks for your input!

After our cruise in SA and land tour we will end in Lima with 2 nights at a hotel in February 2023. I'm looking for recommendations. I'm thinking the Miraflores or Barranco area would be best. I really would like some charm and am NOT interested in big hotels. We enjoy talking to locals, eating, drinking, shopping and some sightseeing too. Thank you!

Has anyone been on the Cozumel Food Tours? Will be there next week and wondered how it was. Thanks!