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July / August 2006 Article

Cook , Cruise, Vroom
Three memorable new activities to experience abroad

Some dream of speeding round a track to the throaty roar of a powerful motorcycle. Others look forward to the praise and satisfaction they’ll receive for a classic meal well served. And then there are those who just want to escape everyday pressures in a world far away. Whatever the goals of your guests, here are three tempting activities to please a range of interests.

Cooking classes in Florence

Which is the greater pleasure? Preparing a wonderful Tuscan-style meal or dining on it? The real pleasure is enjoying both at the Cucina con Vista cooking classes in Florence. And, of course the setting is marvelous in a place called “Kitchen with a View.”

Housed in a glorious ancient villa, the cooking school is run by Elena who approaches her lessons more like an “expert sister” than teacher. It’s a relaxed and warm atmosphere in which to learn. Courses are for small groups and run from one to four days.

At the end of the course, students receive a personalized recipe book containing the recipes for the food cooked and a diploma for having participated. The lessons can be given in Italian and in English with the support of a native English speaker. NewTours of Italy can arrange this gourmet slice of Italian life for you.

Cruising the fabled Nile

By day visit the mythic thousand-year-old sites of Egypt’s Nile Valley, by night enjoy five star service and folkoric entertainment aboard the Tu-Ya, a new cruise ship to set sail on the Nile in October.

Cruising on the Tu-Ya or it sister ship Ti-Yi, both named for Egyptian queens, is an unforgettable experience combining pleasure, adventure and luxury, according to GEP partner Emeco Travel of Egypt. The ships depart from Luxor on Mondays or from Aswan on Fridays.

The Tu-Ya features 59 cabins, 5 suites, 3 restaurants and bars, a grand lounge and seating area, an entertainment area, a swimming pool and jogging/walking track, a gym and massage parlor, cyber café, hairdresser and shop. Cruises generally run from four to seven days.

Motorcycle Racing in Portugal

If you have a lively group, you can stage your own Grand Prix at the exciting Estoril Race Track, just 20 miles from Lisbon. But if spectator sports are more your speed, you can plan on attending the 2006 Portuguese MotoGP in October at Estoril.

Plano Global Events Portugal can arrange either group attendance at the MotoGP or special use of the track to learn, practice and stage your own race. The MotoGP is for motorcycles but you can also stage a race with cars.

Inaugurated in 1972, the Estoril circuit has hosted many Formula 1 Grand Prixs of Portugal and many motorcycle races. It is a demanding track for the driver as the curves are tricky and require a precise racing line if precious seconds are not to be lost. The uneven surface and the constant ups and downs make it an exciting drive and exciting for the spectators.

To learn more about the racing, cooking classes, or Nile cruises, contact your GEP representative, or e-mail newsletter@theeventinsider.com.