CULINARY STORIES AND EPICUREAN ADVENTURES TO INSPIRE

YOUR NEXT VACATION

2017 Culinary Travel

Guide

2

welcomeFood is an integral part of the travel experience. It brings people together, allowing them to connect, not just with each other, but with the local culture. Through the flavors of a destination’s food, you can discover its traditions, history, and way of life. Food—even in its simplest form—is at the heart of a community.

As you read through the culinary stories and experiences of this guide, we hope it inspires you to take your own epicurean journey. And when you do, AAA Travel will be here to help make the adventure a reality. Our knowledgeable travel experts offer unparalleled service and expertise, handling every detail of your vacation.

No matter where you venture, from the kitchens of Italy to the tea houses of Japan to the tropical Lovo Feasts of Fiji, we hope you savor every delicious bite.

Cheers to your next adventure!

Joe MaloneyVice President, Travel and Retail OperationsAAA Colorado

GREAT CULINARY DESTINATIONS

03 Cooking in an Italian kitchen04 Crafting legendary wine05 The teahouses of Kyoto06 The flavors of the South Pacific

FOODIE EXPERIENCES BY LAND, SEA AND RAIL

08 Feast on the view08 America’s Test Kitchen at sea 10 Wine-themed cruises 12 Crafted by Chef Stone

Read more about these culinary stories and epicurean experiences at AAA.com/travel.

EXTENDED CONTENT ONLINE

CONTENTS

On the cover: Guests participate in a cooking class in Oceania Cruises’ Culinary Center.

LOVE AUTHENTIC FLAVORS OF TRAVEL

BOOK WITH 2016 AAA PARTNER OF THE YEAR, TRAFALGARContact your AAA Travel Agent todayCST#2077132-20

Let Italy feed your senses. Join our friend, Chef Libero as you learn how to buy fresh local produce in Florence and prepare your own pasta for lunch on our Flavors of Italy trip.

Wherever you choose to travel with us, you will experience authentic moments like this, bringing you closer to the heart of your destination.

13953 2017 Ad, AAA Colorado, MayJune Club Pub, FP.indd 1 3/3/17 8:50 AM

FOODIE EXPERIENCES BY LAND, SEA AND RAIL

Great Culinary Destinations

02 Culinary Travel Guide

Friends enjoy a wine tasting at an Italian farmhouse vineyard.

Great Culinary Destinations

Approaching the door of Maria’s apartment, all nine of us could smell the yeasty scent of fresh-baked bread. She answered our gentle knock, smiling, her red apron dusted with flour. “Buon giorno! Benvenuto!” she said, ushering us in with the wave of her hand into a room with ornate drapery hanging from the windows, and a beauti-

fully set table. Just beyond it was a small kitchen, perfectly sized for one. I wasn’t sure how nine visitors would fit, but she made it work, seating us in a circle in the middle, around the wooden island covered with ripe vegetables, rich-smelling herbs and spices, hunks of cheese, and delicious loaves of bread.

This is why my family and I had traveled to Siena, Italy.

My mom always wanted to take a cooking class in Italy, from an Italian chef. Her travel agent found Maria, who offered personal, private cooking classes for small groups—which she taught in her own home. After quick introduc-tions (in English), she handed each of us an apron and we set to work.

One very important lesson we learned right away: there is a rea-son for every ingredient, whether for flavor or texture. No dashes of this or that, no impulsive flourishes. Italian cooking is intentional, with the simplest ingredients creating the most memorable meals.

First up: bruschetta—not a complicated dish, except that many people make it so, adding all sorts of fancy toppings that take away from its simplicity and delicious-ness. My mom cut the bread, my dad chopped the tomatoes, I ripped up fresh basil, and my friend peeled a clove of garlic. Maria placed the bread on a baking sheet, slid it into the oven, and let it heat up until the inside of the bread was a little crusty. We gently rubbed cloves of garlic on the bread, giving it a slight golden color. Then we topped each piece with tomatoes, basil, salt, and a drop of extra virgin

ITALYCOOKING IN AN ITALIAN KITCHEN

olive oil. Presto … bruschetta! We nibbled happily as we moved on to the next recipe.

She showed us how to cook two different pastas as primi dishes, and a flavorful veal dish as the secondi. We were each given tasks, and once completed, we ate. The minute we finished, we began working on the next delicious creation. The whole class was topped off with a glass of Italian wine and a sweet treat.

– Vanessa Day, travel marketing manager at AAA Colorado

You can have a similar cooking experience in Italy. AAA Travel offers several different opportunities for you to choose from. Call an agent today at 866-499-0857, visit your local AAA Colorado retail store or AAA.com/travel.

DID YOU KNOW?

Italian family style dinner.

The Flavors of FranceCome to Life

Highlights: Paris • Eiffel Tower Dinner • TGV Train • Aix-en-Provence • Cézanne’s Workshop • Nimes • Roman Arena • Saint-Rémy • Wine

Tasting • Avignon • Antibes • Perfume Workshop • Nice • Flower Market • Monaco

Treasures of France11 Days, 13 Meals • From $3,049*pp

*Rate is per person, land only, based on double occupancy. Member Benefit savings is reflected in the rate. †Not valid on group travel. Purchase of roundtrip international or domestic U.S. airfare from MCV through AAA Travel required to obtain sedan service. Purchase of required internal airfare does not qualify for sedan service. Included in many U.S. cities within a 50 mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways. Service is available between 51 and 75 miles for a small fee. One transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route. Other restrictions may apply; call for details. CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279

AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusion: Receive a $50 credit to

use toward a pre-booked optional tour of your choice.

On all air-inclusive tours, receive roundtrip home to airport sedan service†

AAA Member Benefit: $50 savings

per person.

Contact your local AAA Travel Agent or visit AAA.com/mcv

04 Culinary Travel Guide

The French are passionate about their rich, flavorful, delicious, and surprisingly simple culinary creations. When visiting, you’ll be delighted by the legendary world of French food, and maybe

FRANCECRAFTING LEGENDARY WINE

even more so, by the cornucopia of wine. With more than a dozen major wine regions, France pro-duces the second most wine in the world, trailing only Italy.

In Chateauneuf-du-Pape, on AAA

Member Choice Vacations’ Trea-sures of France tour, guests will dis-cover this charming, historic village world-famous for its powerful reds, and a rich wine heritage that dates to the ancient Romans. You will set out on a tour of the winery to learn about the wine making process, and discover the maker’s passion for their carefully developed creations and many varieties. Then, join an expert for a sampling of wine, where you’ll learn to pair the different wines with locally made artisan chocolates for an experience that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ready to sample some French varietals? Call a AAA Travel Agent at 866-499-0857, visit your local AAA Colorado retail store or AAA.com/travel.

Vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France.

Come onboard the most unique boutique ships on the river and

experience France’s elegant culture, timeless style, and of course, plenty

of wine. The world is your canvas. Let’s craft your masterpiece.

Along the way, you’ll feel like royalty with personalized excursions, premium

all-inclusive amenities, and detailed service from the most professionally

trained staff on the river.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.Take full advantage.

All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted. Fares are for cruise or cruise/tour only for travel in the lowest category stateroom on select itineraries and departure dates. Featured fare of $3,449 applies to voyage on S.S. Catherine departing on 11/5/17. Fares do not include airfare. All fares, itineraries, shore excursions and policies are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Availability of all suite categories cannot be guaranteed. Fares for single guests are available upon request. Additional restrictions may apply. For complete details, general information and terms and conditions applicable to all Uniworld voyages, please visit Uniworld.com. CST #2075415-20

AAA MEMBER BENEFIT $125 SAVINGS PER PERSON

AVIGNON TO LYON | 8 DAYSBURGUNDY & PROVENCE

From $3,449 per person, cruise only*

Culinary Travel Guide 05

The Japanese began drinking tea more than a thousand years ago, but lavish tea ceremonies—also known as the Way of Tea—emerged in Kyoto around the 16th century. Today, tea ceremonies are held across Kyoto, allowing visitors

to sip on bitter matcha tea with sweets that balance the flavor.

Within Gion, it’s worth seeking out En, which introduces guests to the tea ceremony while also examining how to prepare the tea, as well as the significance behind

it. In the same neighborhood, visitors can find Gion Corner. Here, guests have the rare oppor-tunity to gain insight into seven of Kyoto’s traditional performing arts, which of course includes the Japanese tea ceremony.

Many temples have their own tea houses, where visitors enjoy a bowl of powdered green tea while overlooking a Japanese garden, without the formality of a cere-mony, giving visitors time to sit back and reflect on the serenity of their surroundings.

You can discover these Japanese tea houses on one of many Trafalgar tours. Call a AAA Travel Agent at 866-499-0857, visit your local AAA Colorado retail store or AAA.com/travel.

JAPANTHE TEAHOUSES OF KYOTO

Japanese green tea.

Tours operated by Travel Impressions, Ltd. Rate as listed above is land only, per person and based on double occupancy. Advertised rate is valid for travel 8/20/17-12/20/17 and varies by departure date. $30 plus tax resort fee is not included. Blackout, weekend, holiday and peak season surcharges apply. Rate and promotion are accurate at time of printing and are subject to changes, exceptions, cancellation charges and restrictions. All advertised savings are reflected in rate. Rate is subject to change based on currency fluctuations. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the printing of this flyer. Additional higher priced packages available. Valid for new bookings only. Travel Impressions materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Travel Impressions. CST #2029006-20, IOWA #758, Washington UBI #602 425 801. JS3785-17_VK_2.17.17

Azure water, sun-drenched beaches, grass-skirted hula dancers and, of course, drinks served in coconuts – these come to mind when most of us speak of Paradise.

Find this and more at Marriott Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii.

3 Nights Start at $768 per Person

Enjoy a stay at a Marriott Resort in the following Hawaii locations:Kona | Maui | Kauai | Oahu

Package price is per person and includes:• Roundtrip hotel transfers• 3-night hotel accommodations

in a Garden View Leisure Room at Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui

• Hotel tax

Reduced Rates Promotion:Booking and Travel Window: Now – 3/31/18

A TASTE OF PARADISE

SAVE UP TO 24% IN HAWAII!

Travel With Someone You Trust®. For Reservations & Information, please contact your local AAA Travel Agent.

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A Fiji feast is possible with inclusive packages from Pleasant Holidays. Call a AAA Travel Agent at 866-499-0857, visit your local AAA Colorado retail store or AAA.com/travel.

Fiji cuisine leans heavily on seafood, and the vegetables and herbs from local gardens. Vomo Island Resort, for example, uses its garden produce and herbs in its Reef Restaurant’s menu. At Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa, the organic garden is tended by guests and staff alike.

Fijian dining is also entertaining. The chefs at Tokoriki Island Resort’s Oishii Teppanyaki restaurant work wonders with their knives and uten-sils, preparing delicious meals table-side accompanied by entertaining banter in a classic Fijian bure. At the traditional Lovo Feast, guests enjoy a family-style meal of tender pit-roasted meats, seafood cooked in banana leaves, and breadfruit.

FIJITHE FLAVORS OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

06 Culinary Travel Guide

Enjoy a private beach picnic at Tokoriki Island Resort.

Savor the flavors of Fiji

Tokoriki Island Reso� Meal Plan Available, Ages 16+ ............. FROM $3680CULINARY DISTINCTIONS:❖ Romantic oceanfront dining❖ Teppanyaki experience

Vomo Island Reso� Meal-Inclusive ......................................... FROM $4464Includes one FREE night.CULINARY DISTINCTIONS:❖ Dishes complemented with ingredients straight from VOMO’s own herb and vegetable gardens❖ Produce sourced from the best domestic and international suppliers

VACATIONS INCLUDE: • Roundtrip air from Denver • All transfers and inter-island catamaran transpo� ation • 5 nights’ accommodation • Shell lei greeting on arrival in Nadi and more!

Rates are based on roundtrip air travel to/from Denver, CO (DEN), and are per person, based on double occupancy. Advertised vacation rate(s) valid for select travel 10/14 – 12/7/17. Rates for other travel dates may vary. Rates based on current currency exchange rates as of 2/17/17; currency exchange rates subject to change without notice. Rates, terms, conditions and itinerary are subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. Rates shown include government-imposed fees and taxes. Rates are current as of 2/17/17; at the time you purchase your package, rates may be higher. For current prices, please see your travel professional. Airline fees for optional services, including, but not limited to, fees of up to $0 per bag for the � rst checked bag and up to $150 per bag for a second checked bag, may apply. Baggage fees are current as of 2/17/17. Airline tickets are non-refundable and subject to airline change/cancellation penalties and rules, including pre-� ight noti� cation deadlines. Fees and policies vary among airlines and are subject to change without notice. Please contact the airline directly for details and answers to speci� c questions you may have. Additional restrictions apply. Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel operator at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. AAA Member Bene� t: $80 discount is per booking and taken at time of booking. Discount does not apply to air/car only bookings and is not re� ected in the rate(s) shown. AAA members must make advance reservations through AAA Travel to obtain Member Bene� ts. Not responsible for errors or omissions. [Pleasant Holidays acts only as an agent for the various travel providers shown above.] CST# 1007939-10. UBI# 601 915 263. TAR# 5308. Copyright © 2017 Pleasant Holidays, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

AAA Member Bene� t: Members receive $80 per booking discount at time of booking.

To book your trip, please call aAAA Travel Expert at 866-235-7070

FEAST ON THE VIEWWhen you travel by train in the Canadian Rockies, you won’t be disappointed by the view—or the food. With Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service you’ll enjoy a feast for the senses—gourmet cuisine accompanied by stunning scenery and award-winning service. Before each season, Rocky Mountaineer’s Executive Chefs, who have been trained in Michelin-starred restau-rants, reimagine a menu inspired by the bounty of the passing regions, highlighting ingredients such as Pa-cific salmon and prime Alberta beef. From hearty soups made from local

vegetables, to Okanagan apple crumble, you will have a decadent culinary experience of Western Canadian ingredients. The culinary trip onboard is highlighted by prize-winning wines from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, local Canadian beers, and high-end spirits.

AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN AT SEAAmerica’s Test Kitchen, the popular how-to-cook television show, comes to life on board Holland America Line ships. Live onboard

Private tours of wineries … Meals with a view … Cooking classes with world-class chefs … Hungry yet? Read on!

Foodie Experiences by land, sea and rail

08 Culinary Travel Guide

America’s Test Kitchen comes to life on board Holland America Line.

Passengers enjoy gourmet cuisine with Rocky Mountaineer’s GoldLeaf Service.

*Rolling out fleetwide by June 2017 . Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.

EXPAND YOUR VIEW OF THE GREAT LAND

Complimentary Inclusions§�$50 beverage card per person

(maximum two per stateroom)§ Dine Around Package including

§24/7 Member Care & Best Price Guarantee

EXPLORE AND ENJOY WITHHOLLAND AMERICA LINE

Taste the pleasures of cruising the world on a comfortable, mid-size ship. Stimulate your appetite for fine dining and hone your culinary skills with

live cooking shows and hands-on workshops from America’s Test Kitchen* on a memorable

Holland America Line cruise.

Contact AAA Travel for details and Member Benefits

cooking shows and hands-on work-shops equip guests with foolproof techniques and user-friendly rec-ipes for making delectable dishes with confidence.

For those who would rather not cook for themselves, Holland America Line features exquisite dining supervised by the cruise line’s Culinary Council of six world-class celebrity chefs, who bring global influence and expertise to restaurants across the fleet.

WINE-THEMED CRUISESWines elevate a meal from ordinary to elegant, which is why AmaWaterways offers expertly curated, wine-themed cruises along the Rhône River in France, the Douro River Valley in Portugal,

Austria’s Wachau Valley, and many other offerings.

On board, your host will lead discussions, host tastings, and rec-ommend food and wine pairings. Rosemary-crusted lamb? A clear match for Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Oysters on the half shell? Try a Loire white. Rich chocolate cake?

Port is in order. Take home a few insiders’ tips to share at your next gathering, and maybe even impress a friend or two.

AmaWaterways is a member of La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, a prestigious international gastronomic society dedicated to fine cuisine, assuring

10 Culinary Travel Guide

Guests visit the Avessada Winery in Portugal’s Douro River Valley as part of a wine-themed cruise.

THE HIGHEST RATED RIVER CRUISE SHIPS

Come Dine Aboard Europe's Highest Rated River Cruise Ships

For more information, contactyour AAA Travel Agent today

AAA Colorado_May2017.indd 1 3/1/17 2:51 PM

ASK YOUR AAA TRAVEL CONSULTANT ABOUT THESE

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITSTerms & Conditions: *Offer valid on new 2017 bookings made between April 2, 2017 and July 7, 2017. Offer is applicable to qualifying Rocky Mountaineer packages of 5 or more days on select dates in GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service. Travel between April and October 2017 on select dates. Deposits are required at the time of booking. Free additional Vancouver, Victoria or Calgary accommodation can only be added to a Rocky Mountaineer package starting or ending in Vancouver or Calgary. Free additional Seattle accommodation can only be added to a Rocky Mountaineer package including Coastal Passage starting or ending in Seattle. The free additional hotel night cannot be booked as a stand-alone one night booking. Subject to availability. Offer has no cash value and is non-transferable. Additional conditions apply.

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

Onboard Rocky Mountaineer, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Pacifi c Northwest and the Canadian Rockies complemented by gourmet cuisine. Award winning Executive Chefs create sumptuous three-course meals that are inspired by Western Canada’s diverse culinary landscape, our rich tapestry of cultures, and the bountiful regions Rocky Mountaineer travels through. Bon appetite!

AAA members receive exclusive complimentary inclusions on qualifying Coastal Passage and Circle Journey packages. For added value, combine the Exclusive AAA Vacations® Complimentary Inclusions with Rocky Mountaineer’s current o� er in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.

For a limited time receive a free additional hotel night* in either Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, or Calgary

To book these experiences, call a AAA Travel Agent at 866-499-0857, visit your local AAA Colorado retail store or AAA.com/travel.

guests that they can expect to enjoy an extraordinary gourmet journey. Menu selections change daily, and feature both locally inspired cuisine and traditional favorites; and with every lunch and dinner, you’ll be treated to free-flowing, always changing, hand-selected wines, along with beer and soft drinks.

CRAFTED BY CHEF STONEEater Los Angeles 2016 Chef of the Year and best-selling author Curtis Stone is the star of Princess Cruises’ dining experience. “Crafted by Curtis” dishes are served each night on every Princess ship. Personal reflections by Chef Stone will also accent each “Crafted”

selection. On select ships, guests can choose a six-course meal at Stone’s very first restaurant at sea, SHARE.

For guests craving something sweet, Princess offers its exclusive Chocolate Journeys Program—

dazzling confections from master chocolatier Norman Love. These handcrafted treats are served each evening in the dining rooms, while exquisite breakfast pastries and evening cakes are available at Horizon Court buffet. ¥

12 Culinary Travel Guide

Watch chefs prepare special, multi-course meals at AmaWaterways’ Chef’s Table.

Chef Curtis Stone and Princess Cruises® share a passion for bringing people together through food that creates happiness around

the table. It’s a dedication to fresh cuisine that helps build connections to our world

and those with whom we explore it. Together, we’re o� ering Princess guests

delicious discoveries that will inspire them to Come Back New®.

CHEF CURTIS STONE &

PRINCESS CRUISES A Fresh Connection

MAIN DINING ROOM DISHESGuests sailing on board any of Princess Cruises’ 18 ships will have the opportunity to savor fresh new cuisine designed by Chef Stone every day in the Main Dining Room. Personal reflections by Chef Stone will also accent each “Crafted” selection.

AN ALL NEW SPECIALTY RESTAURANTSelect Princess ships will host this elegant restaurant dedicated to a dining experience that encourages connecting with others. Chef Stone’s exquisite menu offers various courses including enticing charcuterie, composed salads, handmade pastas and premium quality meats, an array of decadent desserts and more! With dishes designed for sharing, guests have an opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect after a full day of cruising.

THE ULTIMATE CURTIS STONE ON BOARD EXPERIENCEThis unique and intimate experience designed by Chef Stone will include an enriching galley tour featuring Champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Guests will then be lead through the dining room to a special multi-course meal prepared by the Executive Chef on board.

For a taste of Curtis Stone’s newest creations on board Princess

Cruises, contact your AAA Travel Professional today!

To book your next epicurean journey inspired by this Culinary Travel Guide, or to inquire about other available vacation or cruise packages, call your AAA Travel Agent today toll free at 866-499-0857,

visit AAA.com/travel or any of the AAA Colorado retail stores listed below. Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

(Durango and Grand Junction are closed Saturdays).

Boulder1933 28th St., Suite 200Boulder, CO 80301

Colorado Springs7330 N. Academy Blvd.Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Denver4100 E. Arkansas Ave.Denver, CO 80222

East Metro19761 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Unit ACentennial, CO 80015

West Metro3850 Wadsworth Blvd.Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

North Metro5140 W. 120th Ave., Unit 300Westminster, CO 80020

South Metro7400 S. University Blvd. Centennial, CO 80122

Southwest Metro8601 W. Cross Dr. Littleton, CO 80123

Durango16 Town Plaza Durango, CO 81301

Ft. Collins3636 S. College Ave., Suite 2 Ft. Collins, CO 80525

Grand Junction2454 Hwys 6 & 50, Suite 109Grand Junction, CO 81505

Paris, France