Food & Wine

REPORT FROM Italy…

by Randy Keck (Part 1 of 2 on the UK)

There are over 100 cruise lines, with more than 450 ships, listed in the bible of cruising, Kay Showker’s “The Unofficial Guide to Cruises,” 11th edition (2010. John Wiley & Sons. 690 pp., $23.99). And even Showker doesn’t list all the ships or lines, nor does she critically review some of the smaller ones of note.

From the editor — ITN subscribers Darrell Booth and his wife, Debra, of Houston, Texas, got a little more adventure than they bargained for.

by Inga Aksamit, San Rafel, CA

As the lengthening shadows crept up the ocher hill, a slight breeze drifted through the open windows of the stone farmhouse carrying the scent of lavender and rosemary. An iron door creaked open followed by the sound of wood snapping and crackling.

REPORT FROM BULGARIA…

by Sandra Scott

by George & Elena Vander Voort, Wadsworth, IL

My wife and I spent three weeks in the Oslo area with our daughter’s family in May ’10. We stayed at their home in Skui, but our experiences and observations may be of interest to others traveling to Norway.

Having previously visited Oslo and Bergen and taken one of the coastal ships to the North Cape, we knew that Norway is expensive, that most Norwegians speak English and are friendly and that the scenery is fantastic.

Oslo’s airport is excellent. It has good shops, and there are bars and eating places on both sides of security (no liquor served before 1 p.m.).

NEWS FROM Florence…