MEXICO’S Wine Revolution

TEXAS Wine Month Trail

20

14ROUND TRIP

On The Napa Valley Wine Train

10October 2012

©2012, Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery, Modesto, CA. All rights reserved. 12-19572EJG-129-316004

Since 1933, the Gallo Family has earned a reputation of quality both in the vineyard and the cellar. Join us as we celebrate over 75 years of family winemaking and discover for yourself the power of our world-class portfolio.

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FAST TRACK

OCTOBER IN THIS ISSUE

4

6 Editor’s Letter

9 Publisher’s Letter

12 So Fit...The Wine Train Staff

14 Texas Wine Month Trail

18 Sips, Sites & Bites European River Cruises

20 Mexico’s Wine Revolution

24 Knockranny House Hotel & Spa

26 Nashville Talents Abound

28 Hidden Treasures of Sao Tome & Principe

CONTENTS

10 ON THE COVERNapa Valley Wine Train

Round TripOn The Napa ValleyWine Train

OCTOBER IN THIS ISSUE

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EDITOR’S LETTER

6 EDITOR

Somewhere at this time friends are raising their wine glasses in a toast. We have all shared the pleasure of a glass of wine and a tasty repast to honor the day, celebrate a holiday or wish for good health, happiness, friendship and long life. We are dedicating the October issue to wineries and food venues offering tasty reminders of the importance of family, friends and sharing the beauty of the moment. Our selections surely will not cover the breadth of the wine or food industry, however, we hope to intrigue you with information on

areas that might be unfamiliar to you and chefs new to your palate.

Whether you are traveling by air, train or cruise there are opportunities to share both new and great wines. When you have experienced a taste of the grape particularly interesting to you, please share your story with us so we may pass it on to our readers. If your taste buds enjoy a new found chef, we would also like to share their tasty dishes, so join us in reading about areas of food and wine we believe are exciting and tempt the imagination.

This is a time of strife in many areas of our world, so let’s take time to appreciate the special events and the myriad of joyful days given to us throughout the year. Our voices raised in the harmony of friendship will help create and better understand each other. Let us communicate feelings of care throughout the universe, as we break bread each day. A toast of peace to all our readers, SKAL!

Micki Sander

8

Robert MartinMicki SanderAmelia Ahtty

Ibironke Olusanya

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PUBLISHERRobert Martin

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMicki Sander

CREATIVE DIRECTORMariah Scott Rushing

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CONTRIBUTINGPHOTOGRAPHERS

High Heels City StreetsAnthony Matula

InsidersTravelMagazine.cominfo@insiderstravelmag.com

Among the pleasures, we have experienced in our travels are the aromas and taste of fine wines and culinary delights from unique areas of the world. One of the best ways to appreciate different destinations is to learn about the area through their food and wine. In order to expand our understanding of lifestyles of other nations, you can travel, explore countries you have never experienced and use your eyes and taste buds to create new memories. We can also use our sense of smell and taste to increase these memories and remember them for the future to relay stories to friends and family. Eating local food and sipping local wines tell us as much about a destination as its history and historical places. It may require you to expand your personal ideas of what you can learn as you travel, but hopefully you will feel more comfortable after reading this month’s articles,

Bon Appetite and Cheers.

Bob Martin

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

9PUBLISHER’S LETTER

10 WINE TRAIN

The train runs on tracks originally built in the 1860’s to bring guests to the hot springs resort of Calistoga, this track no longer exists. However, the rest of the route of the Napa Valley Wine Train remains the same. The large picture windows on board allow for visually visiting the towns of Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford and St. Helena along with many of the wonderful wineries you will want to return and partake of the local wines.

Guests have the option of purchasing a Winery Tour and can disembark from the train for the tour and return on another train. The cars numbered 1011 are Cabernet Sauvignon, 1013 Silverado, 1014 Zinfandel, 1015 Le Petite Gourmet, 1017

11WINE TRAIN

Merlot and the 1018 Chardonnay were all built for the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1915 and used between Seattle and Portland. The Wine Train acquired the older coaches to begin their short line railroad of winery tours. They acquired the 1085 Champagne Vista Dome car from Barnum Bailey Circus and completely remodeled the car by adding a kitchen.

As you travel through the countryside on the Wine Train your Napa Valley experience will include the education of different wines, sampling the wines of your choice while enjoying a wonderfully prepared repast by their chef, including the fun of meeting travelers sharing this wine adventure while viewing the beauty surrounding your trip.

Relax for three hours on a fully restored 1915-1917 Pullman Dining Car as you pass through one of the world’s most well known wine valleys. The journey begins in the historic town of Napa and goes through the quaint village of St. Helena on its return. During your ride enjoy a freshly prepared lunch or dinner. Your other option is to ride the 1952 Dome Car through the valley

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With so many busy schedules, finding time to workout is not an easy task or even appealing to some of us. Most of us are tired and lack the energy to squeeze in a workout, especially since all of our energy has been exhausted mentally by our daily tasks and challenges. At the Napa Valley Wine Train we have taken teamwork and motivation to another level. At the beginning of the year, we began, as a team, a New Years resolution to work out together three times a week for the month of January. Our exercise of choice: boot camp class with a local fitness instructor, Jackie Reynolds. This class is unlike your normal gym class and Jackie reminds you some what of a drill sergeant. By the end of January, the Wine Train team finished up boot camp stronger than ever and since then, we have continued with our great exercise habits and have even accomplished some huge fitness milestones and goals with the help of our coworkers and teammates support.

Chef: Wine Train Executive Chef Kelly Mcdonald, recently completed his first Wine Country Century ride -- 100 mile bike ride in Santa Rosa, Ca. Kelly tries to ride at least 50-60 miles a week during the busy season and is looking forward to his next century ride. When Kelly is not riding his bike, he loves to go backpacking, and fly fishing.

12 WINE TRAIN STAFF

Melodie: Last year when she turned 50, Melodie Hilton our Director of Marketing decided that she was going to do an intense mountain obstacle course called Tough Mudder. Before Tough Mudder began she began training by going on runs, attending fitness

classes and hiking everyday. The day of Tough Mudder, Melodie endured 12 miles of ice baths, mud, and 10,000 volts of electricity. When she was finished, she sent everyone in our department a text saying “finished in five hours and 13 minutes, one hour for every decade.”

Andrea: Avid runner, Andrea Guzman is our P a r t n e r s h i p and Promotions Manager. Always wanting to help out, Andrea is one of the coordinators for the Kaiser P e r m a n e n t e Napa Valley Marathon. She finds volunteers to help with Napa’s biggest marathon every year. Her passion runs deep; Andrea makes time for a run four to five days a week and participates in one race nearly every month, most recently running in a 5k race and a cross country.

13PHOTO OPS

Ryan: Ryan Neergaard, our new PR and Marketing Coordinator and adrenaline junkie, has always been very athletic. He attends boot

camp, is a member of the company’s softball league, and is a basketball player, a runner, and a cyclist. Ryan had decided to compete in his first triathlon and dedicated it to the recent passing of his father. He placed 36 in his age group. We are so proud of him!

Kira: Kira Devitt, our Social Media Strategist, is a lover of the extreme sports. On her days off, she enjoys jumping out of airplanes or flying them, and during the winter takes to the slopes as an amazing skier. A fellow boot camper as well, Kira is the biggest thrill seeker in our department. Kira always comes back from her weekend proudly showing off her newest adventure wounds.

The Napa Valley Wine Train takes pride in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It took a lot of hard work to get to this point but it all started with the first inch which continues to inspire.

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14 TEXAS WINE

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15TEXAS WINE

Visiting the trail during October is truly the best value, for 31 days including 32 wineries the cost is $20.00. The tasting includes a minimum of 1 and up to 3 complimentary tastes at the entire award winning wineries, touring beautiful facilities and celebrating Texas Wine. You may also purchase 3 or more bottles at a 15% discount. Wow.

Since October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month many of the Texas Hill Country Wineries felt it appropriate to give back and they donate $5. Of each ticket sold directly to breast cancer screening, treatment and education locally. Wineries in support of this project feature their PINK wines if they are available for trail tastings throughout the month. Join them in thinking pink, drink pink and wear pink.

The hill country is spectacular in October so spend a few days at a variety of very special lodging options. Our favorites are Cotton Gin Village a unique Bed & Breakfast in an 1870’s log cabin village located in Fredericksburg, TX. Surrounded by limestone walls, waterfalls and herb gardens. They have unparalleled Hill Country dining, with an extensive Texas wine list. Blair House Inn just minutes from Wimberley Square situated on 22 acres with private cottages with spa services available. Full breakfast is delivered to your room. Blair House is also a cooking school and art gallery. While on the Texas Hill Country Trail stay and play at Rose Hill Manor, in Stonewall, Texas, a fine country inn and restaurant with spectacular views of the Texas Hill Country, spacious, luxurious suites and cottages, and fabulous food and wine. If you are visiting another B & B stop by their restaurant open to both overnight guests and the public.

Last but certainly not least of our favorites is The Back Forty of Fredericksburg B&B Ranch and Retreat. This exclusive gated estate with private lake for fishing and canoeing has its own European Spa Center and pool. They have either private cottages or bed and breakfast suites located at the edge of Fredericksburg for your shopping and dining pleasure.

Some of the Wineries participating in the October Wine Trail are:

Singing Water Vineyards has several options for special events each weekend. Oct. 6 is their Annual Harvest Dinner; Oct. 13 starts their concert series with Jay Boy Adams. Oct. 20 is their Heroes Hoopla, A Celebration of Life, and Oct. 27 & 28 Artists at Work. In addition to featured events, as a Wine Trail ticket holder, you receive three wine tastings.

William Chris Vineyards provides an opportunity to taste their 2011 Emotion and 2011 Mary Ruth. They look forward to seeing you and you receive a 15% discount with every 3-bottle purchase. !

Stone House Vineyard Ahh, October! Their bountiful harvest is safely in, and the new wine is doing its “thing” in the barrel, the weather is getting cooler. What better time visit Stone House and wind down on their patio overlooking Lake Travis, just as the vines are winding down for the season. Make sure Stone House is on your personal trail itinerary. They will be offering complimentary tasting of 3 award-winning wines and 15% discount when you buy any 3 bottles. Tasting room hours are 12 noon to 5pm, Thursday through Sunday.

October is Texas Wine Month; it is a celebration of the great wines from the vineyards and wineries of Texas. Join us and discover what five million visitors annually know. Texas Hill Country wineries are fun and spectacular. There is a winery to explore around every bend in the Hill Country. While all wineries share a commitment to quality and a passion for their craft each location has its own personality and style of wine making. So take some time during October bring your friends to visit the great award winning wineries of the Texas Hill country.

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16 TEXAS WINE

Flat Creek Estate Nothing is better than Fall in the Texas Hill Country especially at Flat Creek Estate. Fall comfort foods are sizzling in the Bistro, new wines are being bottled and released, and the weather is finally cooling off after a hot Texas Summer. Visit the Estate on your journey through the Hill Country. Reserve an event to keep you entertained through the evening…the tasting room will remain open until 7pm for Wine Trail Guests attending evening events; you may receive your complimentary tastes prior to dinner.

Saturday, October 6 (7pm) – First Saturday 3-Course Wine Dinner

Sunday, October 7 (4pm – 7pm) – Grape Jam Wine & Music Fest

Saturday, October 20 (7pm) – 5-Course Asian Theme Wine Dinner

Fall Creek Vineyards Happy Texas Wine Month! Join FCV, one of Texas’ oldest wineries in the celebration of their 30th anniversary. They will be pouring a newly released ‘Just Right White’ and limited production Lenoir Rose’ in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month - estate, grown and bottled. Sip and enjoy delicious

gourmet foods & cheeses from the tasting room on the patio with gorgeous vineyards as a backdrop. Special ‘library tasting’ on 2 Sundays Oct. 14 & 2. They are presenting the very exciting and unique opportunity to taste OLD and RARE library wines with winemaker Ed Auer and offering these wines for purchase on a limited basis. This is a winery on your must see list.

Becker Vineyards Celebrate Texas Wine Month with Becker’s newly released wines for sampling like a Chenin Blanc, Moscato, Clementine and their anticipated Cabernet - Syrah Reserve 2011. It is one of the first of the “drouth” year red wine to be released. Hungry? Have a taste of a variety of cheeses from around the world as well as Italian Proscuitto, Italian Salami, and Summer Sausage from Fredericksburg’s Opa’s Smoked Meats. Saturdays they have food concessions. If you need a chilled white you will find it in the wine fridge! Live music on the weekend from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Have a designated driver for your trail adventure and be safe while enjoying the memories of the Texas Hill Country Wineries.

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17SPAIN’S SPECIAL ISLANDS

Send a little bitof home to oneof our Troops.It’s the best $2you’ll ever spend...

LEARN HOW

18 RIVER CRUISE EUROPE

Sips, Sights & Bites

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19RIVER CRUISE EUROPE

River cruising in Europe offers regional tours to tempt your palate. You can take cooking classes and tastings on certain itineraries where you have an opportunity to learn from master chefs. The passengers on AMA Waterways ships are offered options to polish their cooking skills on regional specialties such as banista and smoked salmon rolls with cervele de canuts, this is a Bulgarian specialty. Wine enthusiasts will fall in love with the culinary additions to the wine tours and tastings. Your taste of Europe will inspire fond memories. AMA Waterways is the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaine des Rotisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations. Take the Culinary Delights tour with an intimate group of 20 people on each tour, passengers are able to explore local markets, visit cooking schools, distilleries and specialty shops.

Visit the Studio of Cabestan in Avignon, France where chefs take passengers to the Les Halles Market to select the freshest of ingredients before donning their chef hats and aprons for hands on Provencal cooking demonstration of their cuisine.

Additional options on the cruises include a panoramic city tour of Amsterdam topped off with a tasting of the Dutch liquor Jenever. Then off to Antwerp, Belgium for tasting the chocolates, yum. You will also have an opportunity to see a demonstration of Lyonnaise Cuisine paring wine and chocolates and learn how to make pancakes and pickled herring while visiting the historical city of Budapest.

AMA Waterways is the premier river cruise line on the European rivers of the Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhone Rivers. The level of service and custom designed ships add great ambiance while traveling through Europe on ships built in 2009 to 2012, with the addition of AmaCerto introduced in the spring of 2012. The ship is a deluxe 164-passenger vessel with the most advanced river cruise ship design including spacious staterooms, suites, and balconies. Local wines are served with multiple fine dining venues onboard. Stay in contact on board with complimentary Internet and information systems in all staterooms.

The ship is resort friendly with a swim up bar, fitness center and a spa to relax as you begin you travels homeward.

Sips, Sights & Bites

20 MEXICO’S WINE REVOLUTION

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The major force in this movement has been Hugo D’Acosta, an internationally trained winemaker who came to Baja from mainland Mexico in the late 1980s to work at the Santo Tomás winery. D’Acosta soon began to explore side projects in the Guadalupe Valley, including his family’s winery, Casa de Piedra.

Convinced this rural valley was similar enough to California to produce excellent wines, D’Acosta started a wine school and custom crush facility in 2004 called La Escuelita, the “little school.” Since then, individuals who either trained at La Escuelita or worked with D’Acosta at Santo Tomás have started more than a dozen small wineries.

The Baja wine country is impressive with the Guadalupe Valley’s look, vibe and spirit. The valley, which starts about 12 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean runs in a northeast direction toward Tecate. It features granite boulders covering much of the valley floor, a reminder this land was once covered by the sea.

The Hills are green in the winter and spring, but dry and brown during Baja’s scorching summers, they form the valley’s boundaries. In almost every way, it’s a textbook West Coast wine valley, with coastal influences to ensure cool nights even during the growing season’s hottest months.

The grapes being grown by top Baja producers, including Casa de Piedra, Viñas de Garza, Vinisterra, Rincón de Guadalupe, Hacienda La Lomita, Monte Xanic and Viñas Pijoan, are a mixed bag of varieties each one capable of handling warm conditions. The region produces mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah, Zinfandel, Grenache, Cabernet Franc and Nebbiolo among reds; Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier among whites.

Baja is on the right track and ranks as a North American wine region worthy of being discovered.

The Guadalupe Valley is the jewel of Baja wine country and is easily accessed from Southern California. In less than two hours by car from San Diego, you can stand in vineyards that supply grapes to more than 50 mostly small wineries. Producers are intent on making authentic Mexican wines of quality, in archi-tecturally impressive wineries blending seamlessly into Baja’s high-desert terrain.

Baja wine route, extends to the more southerly Santo Tomás and San Vincente valleys while revolving around the Gua¬dalupe Valley and Ensenada, it offers an eclectic mix of boutique wineries, respectable restaurants and upscale lodging. A recently opened modern wine

21MEXICO’S WINE REVOLUTION

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Mexico is going through a wine revolution in which small producers largely concentrated in Baja California’s Guadalupe Valley are charging ahead with the declaration, “Viva El Vino!”

22 MEXICO’S WINE REVOLUTION

museum, El Museo de la Vid y el Vino, educates visitors about Baja’s wine history. Winery visits are generally by appointment

Visitors can also enjoy numerous hiking trails through boulder fields, deep-sea fishing out of Ensenada and even the valley’s own miniscule cheese factory, Rancho Cortés, which makes delicious queso fresco from cow’s milk.

InsidersTravelMagazine.com has three recommendations for where to stay - La Villa del Valle, Eileen and Phil Gregory’s pristine six-room hilltop bed-and-break-fast in the dead center of the Guadalupe Valley. Beautifully appointed, it has excellent breakfasts and boasts gorgeous grounds with a pool.

Hacienda Guadalupe features panoramic views of the valley, 12 modern rooms each with its own balcony or terrace and a pool for taking in the sun.

Adobe Guadalupe is a working vineyard with 60 acres of vines. It’s the pioneer among upscale accommodations in the valley.

Laja is the local name for the granite bedrock found throughout the Guadalupe Valley; it’s also one of the best restaurants in the valley,

Several other excellent options are: Ana and Amado Garza, Viñas de Garza; Hussong’s Cantina; Hugo D’Acosta; La Villa del Valle and Vinisterra. This is an area of Mexico you will definitely want to return and enjoy the flavor of the people and the wines.

USA River Cruises 800-578-1479 360-546-5151 www.usarivercruises.com

In a business dominated by money, USA River Cruises is committed to providing personal, knowledgeable customer service. You will never pay more when book-ing with us – you’ll almost always pay less! Travel is about the details, and we want to take care of those for you – to make sure your vacation meets your needs, desires, and expectations.

Why Book with USA River Cruises?

23ROYAL ST. KITTS

USA River Cruises 800-578-1479 360-546-5151 www.usarivercruises.com

In a business dominated by money, USA River Cruises is committed to providing personal, knowledgeable customer service. You will never pay more when book-ing with us – you’ll almost always pay less! Travel is about the details, and we want to take care of those for you – to make sure your vacation meets your needs, desires, and expectations.

Why Book with USA River Cruises?

24 ALABAMA FESTIVALS

Knockranny House Hotel & Spa in Westport, Ireland celebrates after Head Chef Seamus Commons was recognised as

the Best Chef in Connacht at the Food & Wine Magazine/Louis Latour Restaurant of the Year Awards 2012, for the second year running and the third time during his tenure at the family owned Westport Hotel. La Fougère Restaurant was highly commended as a beacon of fine dining with accomplished cooking, local ingredients and consistently warm and efficient service.

Mayo native, Seamus received nominations by the food-loving general public, with the final decision of the Food & Wine Award being made by a panel of Ireland’s most respected food and wine writers and experts.

“One of the key things for any chef to learn is the importance of consistency, so being voted Best Chef in Connacht for the second year running is incredibly rewarding,” says Seamus Commons. “I like to think we serve the very best of locally sourced produce and being

from Mayo myself, and being honestly proud of and passionate about the abundance of amazing local produce, a lot of it home-grown in our own garden, being voted Best Chef in Connacht really means the world to me and our team.”

Talented, engaging and in very demonstrable ways a true mentor to his own brigade, Seamus is no stranger to accolades and awards, with his own trophy cabinet being added to by the young talent he so carefully nurtures, with not just one but the last two Eurotoques Best Young Chefs of the Year coming from the kitchens of Knockranny House Hotel, under his guidance.

Now in its twelfth year and considered the most prestigious and authoritative culinary event in the Irish calendar, the Food & Wine Magazine Restaurant of the Year Awards recognise and reward Ireland’s best restaurants and chefs.

25IRELAND

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27NASHVILLE

Music City, as Nashville, Tennessee is known, is the home of country and western music. The area in and around Nashville combines the heart and soul and dreams of people everywhere. Whether your soul is touched by music, food or wine, Nashville is the place to experience it all. Within a short drive of the city are the Arrington Vineyards, founded by country artist Kix Brooks and his partners Fred Mindermann and winemaker Kip Summers. They endeavored to create a first class winery just outside of Nashville. The Vineyard began with a small farm near Arrington and within a year they purchased a farm adjacent to the original Firefly Vineyard ( the name reflected the millions of fireflies arriving at the farm each spring) and expanded to include the house now know as the Arrington Vineyards tasting lodge renaming the vineyard to Arrington Vineyards to reflect the nearby community.

The Grand Opening was in August of 2007 with a concert by Pat McLaughlin. It soon became apparent Arrington Vineyards was a first class operation, winning “Best of Show” at the Wines of the South competition for its Syrah and quickly selling out its vintage wines in a short period of time. The Vineyards continued to grow and their wines have now been featured in New York City, New Orleans, Oregon and fine wine shops in Tennessee.

Along with music and fine wines Nashville hosts dozens of incredible restaurants. The burgeoning culinary scene has recently added The CatBird Seat . Located above a speakeasy cocktail bar the 34-seat restaurant has a seven-course menu of dished prepared by acclaimed chefs Josh Habiger and Erik Anderson. Patrons have the opportunity to observe and interact with the chefs, as the food is prepared in a U-shaped kitchen surrounded by seating. Most of the dishes served are seasonally inspired.

In a quirky former beauty salon turned photo gallery now sits the Lockeland Table Community Kitchen and Bar. The restaurant is home to creative, cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients in a comfortable neighborhood setting. If burgers and beer are your style then have fun at the Pour House Bourbon located in the former Arts & Petals. The restaurant has an indoor and outdoor bar, patio seating and a stage for occasional artists. No matter where you turn in Nashville from pizza to sushi, there is a fun and fabulous restaurant to serve your palate.

Yes, Nashville is music yet it’s popularity includes the wine scene, food and local breweries including Fat Bottom Brewing, Black Abbey Brewing Company and the Turtle Anarchy Brewing Co. Spend a week in Nashville and you will need to return to enjoy the total experience.

28 ALABAMA FESTIVALS

29AFRICA

Despite media reports portraying Africa as a ‘Dark continent’, there are many bright travel destinations to appease the taste and expectations of the most ardent and selective traveler. Little known to travel lovers are the beautiful Islands of Sao Tome & Principe near Gabon off the coast of western equatorial Central Africa.

Sao Tome & Principe have a population of almost 200,000 people; the second-smallest African country. The Islands have Portuguese-Creole influences due to colonial history. For a traveler, the island of Sao Tome provides crystal clear water, beaches and lush jungles, with the allure of tropical paradise. Visitors enjoy the tropical weather, coffee and gourmet chocolate; it is a little known lifetime experience. At night there are sensual dances by locals, whose styles and gyration leave many tourists appreciative of the culture and its very essence.

Santo means are pleasant people given to speaking Portuguese or French and some are fluent in English. Most currencies are accepted. Best time to visit the islands is June-September during the dry season. The islands are of volcanic origin with dense high altitude rainforest. There are over 700 species of flora, with an amazing array of bird species. You can take a mangrove tour, explore the forest, watch birdlife, and explore the various beaches, some which are grounds for nesting sea turtles. One can also engage in diving trips and snorkeling.

Traditional crafts such as masks, shell jewelry are a tourists delight. Once a year, the people of Principe perform the Auto de Floripes. It’s a daylong theatre re-enactment of their history during colonial times. For a break from sightseeing, one can sit across from an old airplane turned jungle gym at Pasteleria Kilumba and enjoy pastries and snacks. After a day of exploration, you do not want to miss out on the con-con, a grilled fish dish served with baked breadfruit. If you happen to be South of Sao Tome, Roca San Joao is known for the traditional feasts by master chef and artist Joao Carlos Silva. In SanTome you have a variety of traditional stews made from 20 different plants.

Other traditional dishes consist of rice, beans, and plantains with a choice of meat or fish. The local alcoholic beverage is called palm wine. It is created from the sap of various species of palm trees. Palm wine is extremely tasty and sweet just after it is harvested from the palm tree.

While in the area enjoy the natural landscape by bike, foot or canoe. A car rental is advantageous because it is a little difficult to travel by taxi and bus the whole time. Drive to Monte Caffe and explore an old coffee plantation with an opportunity to taste the delicious coffee. Another interesting activity is a visit to cacao or palm oil plantation.

From Sao Tome to Principe you either travels by plane or cargo ship. Cargo ship is not necessarily recommended because it won’t save time or money. West of Sao Tome is an ecotourism camp. You can take a 4-hour trek to overlook the swampy mangroves full of plant and bird life. For the adventurous tourist, a travel to the highest point of the island Pico de Sao Tome, is a memorial experience.

In Principe you will be dazzled by the luscious landscape of volcanic mountains. Explore the most picturesque beaches and indulge in deep-sea fishing, rent a boat or bike. Principe is considered an undiscovered tropical paradise. There are no direct flights to the islands of Sao Tome & Principe, so you have to travel to Lisbon, Portugal or Libreville, Gabon and catch a connecting flight to either of the islands. Visa’s are required and cannot be purchased on arrival at the airport unless you have pre-arranged permission from Migrations Services. You can also apply for a visa from the Santomean Consulate in New York City.