How easy it is to take the natural environments around us for granted. It is even easier to take the fruit that we eat each day for granted. Bunches of bananas, bags of all kinds of apples, bunches of grapes and endless plums greet us as we shop in our local stores.
Where have these fruits come from, you don’t ask. How about we get to know the fruit we eat a little more and better yet hear from the fruit pickers who spend endless days picking these ripe treats.
Learn about the land
There is no better way to learn about the landscape of a region then getting out and feeling it (literally). Any of our fruit and foraging experiences offer the chance to get to grips with the harvest around you. Lifelong learning is no longer undervalued, it is an essential part of our growth. As long as we stay inquisitive, our mind will stay active. Let’s go and see what the land has to teach us.
Get back to nature
Nature therapy is becoming very trendy these days with forest baths, eco hide-aways and orchard experiences playing a part in re-kindling our relationship with the outdoors.
Turn off to Turn on
Another reason why fruit picking is food for the soul is it forces us to turn off from our screens and tune in to the life that surrounds us. When we stop looking down and start looking around we can observe the wildlife, the harvests and participate in the farming activities that are crucial for our survival.
Live in the moment
Fruit picking and foraging for wild foods forces us to live in the moment. Allow all of the troubles of yesterday or the worries of tomorrow subside and enjoy spending time with the fruitful landscapes around you.
Give back to the community
When you visit a place do you think about how the land around you is used by the local community? Oftentimes the agricultural activities of an area are outside of the main resort towns that we visit. By linking up with the fruit suppliers and wild food foragers of the land we can introduct you to these hidden activities.
Discover the Taste
Do you ever wonder why homegrown fruit tastes so much better? There are a number of factors at play here but mainly it is fact that the fruits are freshly picked from the trees and go straight into your mouth. In our minds there is nothing better than the bursts of flavour from freshly picked fruits.
If you are a fruit and food lover looking for inspiration for your next adventure then we are here to help.
Foodie lovers from around the world will be familiar with the famous truffles that we find featured on luxury menus of high end restaurants. Both black and white truffles are highly sought after in the culinary world and considered a rare treat when brought from the land to the table.
Truffles are a type of fungus that grow on or alongside the roots of trees like beech and oak trees. If we didn’t need anymore reasons to start planting more trees, now we have another one. Expert Foragers in Europe hold onto the tradition of hunting for truffles with pigs and dogs who are trained as expert truffle hunters. In Italy, they have banned pigs from hunting for these delicies as they have a tendancy to eat them.
Truffle Hunting Experiences
We offer two amazing truffle hunting experiences, hunting for burgundy truffles in the french countryside and hunting for the famous white truffles in Northern Italy. These unique experiences will give you a chance to learn from the experts, explore the regions and taste this wild produce from the ground around us.
What does a truffle taste like?
Having tasted a few different versions I can report that truffles have a pungent smell and flavour. Enjoy the earthy aroma, perfectly paired with the burgundy full bodied reds and adding an extra punch to the fresh pasta of Italy. If you have tried and liked the taste of black olives than you may appreciate the humble truffle.
Easy Truffle Pasta Recipe
Fresh Linguine Pasta
Lemon
Parmasen Cheese
White wine
Salt
Pepper
Butter
To get a taste for Truffle Hunting in Europe please feel free to contact one of our travel specialists.
The hills come alive in the Summer and Autumn all across Europe where grapes come out to greet the sunshine and we get a taste of the land around us. From full bodied reds to crisp whites, each wine represents a place, a culture and a climate. At Orchardsnearme.com we aim to please the palette with our unique selection of European Wine Tours. Here are four of our favourites to choose from:
1. Diverse landscapes and rich cuisine. Unwind by the terraced vineyards of the Douro. This is the heart of Northern Portugal where time stands still. Learn the traditional methods of grape harvesting. Pick some juicy fruits. Famous for its food and wine heritage. Nestled between the rugged mountains and the coast of Porto, this guided vineyard experience is a special adventure for food and wine lovers from around the world.
2. Walking amongst the Italian vines you will feel truly lost in nature. This luxury tour takes you to the heart of the Italian countryside. Discover cellar tours and long walks in an ancient setting. Enjoy a meal al fresco with pasta, pizza and plenty of seasonal wines to choose from.
3. Soak up the medieval atmosphere. Sip cocktails in the evening. From its sweeping views to its sunshine packed beaches, the Algarve has everything to offer. Admire the impressive architecture. Old fashioned, romantic Spanish streets.
4. If you are looking for a holiday with a difference than this one is truly unique. Enjoy staying in your very own wine barrel. This tour with a difference is a delight for the senses. Discover the beauty of the Portuguese landscapes while sipping on fresh Vinho Verde.
Studies suggest that spending time in nature can have a positive effect on our levels of productivity, creativity and ability to concentrate. So what better way treat your employees to an engaged, fun learning experience than by spending time immersed in nature on the farms of Europe.
Every business relies on effective teams to reach their goals. At Orchardsnearme, we know what it takes to build a successful team and have experience guiding groups in fruit picking and food related experiences across Europe.
With each of our tailormade team building tours you will build relationships, learn a new skill and give back to the community that you are in.
10 Reasons Why Team Bonding Outdoors Works
Relationship building for your team
Requires a leadership roles and other roles
Be Immersed in natural surroundings
Improve your creative thought process
Increase productivity within a team
Learn new skills to bring back to the office
Put a fresh perspective on things
Learn about a new culture
Taste foods from the land
Give back to a community
Here are some of our top outdoor team building experiences for groups.
Reward your best performing staff with a unique trip to the heart of Tuscany. We have tailormade this tour as the ideal team building travel experience. For 3 nights/4 days your team will enjoy tasting the wines, cycling through the villages and eating the most delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Italy is a food lovers heaven and what better way to enjoy it then with some of your team mates from work.
Get to know the local history, natural landscapes and people of the wild atlantic way. We take you to a secret beach to collect cockles and mussels, sip on expertly made Irish coffees and enjoy learning the history of the region from local guides. This 3 night tour is ideal for groups of up to 12 persons. We will provide coaches from Dublin city centre and a group liaison person for the full trip.
Join an expert guide as we wander through the stunning landscapes of Italy on this unique adventure for nature lovers. We will spend two days hunting for the famous truffles of the region and learning all about the grapes of the land. Your team will have the opportunity to see the wine growing process from start to finish and explore some of the most beautiful areas of Northern Italy. This tour will give your team insights into farming culture, Italian culture, real life situations, fruit picking, foraging and bring your team closer at every stage.
Discover the distinct fruits of Portugal. A little journey outside the buzzing city of Porto will bring you to the natural surroundings of the Douro. From grape picking to olive oil tasting this is a truly amazing adventure. Any pick your own adventure is a fun filled activity to do with a group but the weather, the people and the terraced vineyards of the valley. Taking the road less travelled on the laid back paths of Portugal will allow your group time to celebrate being outdoors and enjoy eachothers company. Getting to know the land and colleagues at the same time. Our local guides will give you a taste of portuguese food with authentic experiences in the farms and vineyards around Porto.
Sunshine, seafood and coastal tracks await for you in the amazing Algarve. Get off the beaten track with this unique wine filled tour in one of the regions premier vineyards. With it’s vast beaches and white washed towns there is plenty to enjoy as you and your team escape into nature. Enjoy dining by the sea on fresh local produce, meeting the producers and getting to know perfect wine pairings on this food filled journey. Flying into Faro airport makes this tour easily accessible and ideal for a late summer company retreat.
Harvest time is a special time of the year throughout Europe but in France you really see the fields come alive with activity. Enjoy picking fresh fruit from the vines in the morning and hunting for truffles in the afternoon. History oozes from this region of France and you will have time to discover the ancient castles and learn about traditional farming techniques. Grape stomping is a must if you are up for the challenge! For dinner you group can dine on locally prepared french cuisine and wash it down with a glass or two of delicious Burgundy reds.
HOW WE CAN HELP TO BRING YOUR TEAM TOGETHER
Experienced staff and local guides who will ensure you make the most of your time on the land.
Operating with partners throughout Europe.
Tailored programmes to meet your specific needs
Excellent accommodation, food experiences and opportunities to learn
Cater for groups of Accommodation for up to 40 people
The Church of St Francis If you are a fan of gothic architecture then you will find plenty of treasures in Porto. The Church of Sao Francisco do Porto was completed in 1410. The gold plated interior is dazzling. Discover the eerie catacombs.
Palácio da Bolsa You won’t need to walk far if you are visiting the church as the Palace is right beside it. You can opt to do a short guided tour to learn about the art, history and construction of the Palace. Be sure to explore the central courtyard, the golden room and the Octagon.
Dom Luis Bridge This iconic bridge is part of the Porto landscape, linking the Port wine houses with the lively Ribeira district.
Café Majestic Café Majestic is situated on Rua de Santa Catarina. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau in the city. With leather seats and chandeliers this cafe and book shop will leave you with life long memories. The perfect place to have coffee with a pastel de Nata. J.K. Rowling is thought to have spent time here when writing Harry Potter.
Livraria Lello & Irmão We feel that all bookshops are inspiring in a way and this wonderful attraction is no exception. Rich in history this ornate book shop has been around since 1906. Stained glass, a magical staircase and books as far as the eye can see are just some of the features of this famous bookshop.
Sip Port by the Harbour at Wine Quay Bar It would be rude not to sample a sip or two of Port when you are visiting the city of Porto.
Cycle to the beach Porto is well known for it’s stunning city centre but did you know that you will be surrounded by some stunning beaches. So if you feel like a dip in the Atlantic ocean you are never far from the sea. Grab a bike at the hungry biker cafe and head to the beach for a day in the sun.
We fall in love with this city over and over again. The hilly streets, the antique shop windows, the harbour, the galleries, the gardens and the restaurants will keep you entertained for days. A city that’s full of life while also maintaining a relaxed vibe gives us the perfect balance to start and finish our journey.
HOW TO GET TO PORTO
Getting to Porto is relatively easy. There is good access from some major hubs in Portugal and Spain. Here are the three easiest ways to get to Porto if you are flying from mainland Europe: Fly into Porto Airport Travel up from Lisbon 2 1/2 hours Travel down from Santiago de Compostela 2 1/2 hours
If you are travelling from the US than you may want to fly directly from New York to Lisbon. If you plan to fly into Madrid than be mindful that you will need to get an overnight train from Madrid to Coimbra (12 hours approx), followed by a bus or train to Porto which will take approximately 1 hour.
WHERE TO EAT
Homemade chocolat at Chocolataria Equador with a wide selection of bonbons, truffles and chocolate bars. If you have a sweet tooth than this is a firm favourite for locals and visitors. You will find stores on Rua das Flores and Rua Sousa Viterbo.
Try the famous Bacalou dishes and the fish cakes at Adego Sao Nicolau, a restaurant that has become an institution nearby the river. The low curved roofing makes it feel intimate and homely. Pair your dishes with some of the regions finest ports.
If its a lunchtime snack you are looking for than Bar Gazela is where you want to be. Situated on Santa Catarina you will enjoy the traditional atmosphere here. We highly recommend a spicy hot dog with a cold beer.
These are just a few of our top tips when travelling to the charming town of Porto. If you would like to add a fruit picking or wine tasting experience to your Portuguese adventures please contact one of our travel team.
Our fascination with star signs dates back thousands of years to a time when the sky was still mysterious and NASA hadn’t yet made its mark on the world. In Ancient Greece astrologers were known as scientists.
Is it a way of us understanding our place in the natural world?
Maybe reading your horoscope provides you with a welcome boost in positivity or knowing a few of your key personality traits gives you that extra stream of confidence. Whatever your reason, it is a nice to know that you might share similar positive and negative fates with others in the world. With Astrology we are allowed to remain inquisitive, to wander, to imagine a different future and this longing to predict the future self has stood the test of time.
Farmers used the skies as a calendar using the farmers Almanec calendar to read the pattern of the seasons from the sky.
Travelers used the skies as a compass. First compass was developed by the chinese in 2nd century BC but used for geomancy and fortune telling, not navigation (wikipedia).
The astronomer Ptolemy recorded the 12 signs that we know today and promoted them in his book. For centuries, astronomy and astrology were considered the same thing as both involved the study of the planets. After the 17th century the study of Astronomy became more and more scientific as Newton popularised his theory of gravity.
There was a renewed appreciation for the zodiac in the Age of Aquarius in the 60’s and 70’s. Psychologist Graham Tyson found that people used astrology “under conditions of high stress”. This doesn’t mean that a person believes what is written about their sign but it could be related to the fact that our lives are so stressed and busy we find horoscopes to be a manageable way of making sense of the immediate future. With positive predictions we can imagine a better future.
In a sense it may give some structure to an otherwords disorganised society where we are overloaded with information, facts and figures.
Each star allows us to be a little different from the other but also part of a community. Knowing that their are many more like minded aquarius people out there gives me some hope. In addition, it holds enough mystery that we can elaborate on the general characteristics and create our own narratives.
Everyone knows there sun sign, even if you aren’t a horoscope fan. This is based on where the sun was on your birthday. But have you heard of your Celtic tree sign? Let’s breakdown the Celtic tree signs a little bit.
Are you thinking of taking your loved one of a trip of a lifetime? Whether you’re a couple looking for a great adventure, a foodie vacation or complete immersion in another culture we have chosen some of our top romantic European getaways for active couples.
For many, a romantic weekend means a city break exploring museums. For others, a cycle through the countryside and outdoor adventure awaits. If we had to choose we would always pick the nature trails that get us away from our phones and allow us to feel immersed in a new activity while spending some time out with our favourite person. If you are researching what to do for Valentines why not treat your loved one to a unique getaway that you both can look forward to. We have picked our favourite Orchards Near Me couples experiences:
1. DISCOVER THE VINEYARDS OF FRANCE
The region of Burgundy in France is the ideal location for a couple interested in food and wine. Everywhere you go you will find a taste of France on offer. From smelly cheeses, smooth bodied wines and endless croissants, what’s not to love about France. Touch down in Paris to start your trip off with a night in Europe’s romantic capital. We recommend a walk around the district of Montmartre where you are treated to your very own live art exhibition. Your tour in Burgundy will introduce you to the grapes of the region where you will have the opportunities to sample the delicious french cuisine. Stroll through the market stalls and sample the region’s prized wines.
2. LUXURIOUS TOWNS OF NORTHERN ITALY
Not far from the coastal city of Genoa is the romantic town of Alba. Renowned for it’s wine, truffles and peaches our tour in Northern Italy will delight your senses. Enjoy sampling the very best of fresh Italian produce while exploring the heart of the Langhe region.
Would you like to discover the town that inspired J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter? Visit the city of Porto. This is a top foodie adventure where you will be treated to local dishes of Bacalau. On the second day you will travel to the heart of the Douro Valley for an unforgettable wine tasting experience with our local expert guides.
Picking blackberries and other wild fruits and shellfish along the coastal landscapes of Ireland has to be a bucketlist experience. For this tour you will spend the day in the heart of old Ireland. Enjoy this laid back adventure, strolling along the coast, sampling fresh herbs and cooking your pickings with local guides.
Explore the magical landscapes of Normandy of this delicious Cider tour. On this full day food and drink experience you will discover the pears producing some of Frances iconic ciders. If you are a fruit and cider lover then this is the perfect french adventure.
Get off the beaten track with a remote excursion to the spectacular Alentejo region of Portugal. Renowned for its peaceful landscapes and aromatic herbs, this is one of only a few designated Dark sky, stargarzing destinations in Europe. A picnic under the stars is the perfect recipe for romance.
If you are a bit of a treasure hunter at heart than truffle hunting will be right up your street or perhaps the love of your life is a real foodie. Chefs and food lovers from around the world are mesmerised by the humble truffle that is difficult find and delicate to eat. On this tour you will enjoy meeting up with our local truffle hunter and sampling the famous truffles of the region.
This food tour will give you and your loved one a true taste of food in Northern Portugal. Explore the cobbled streets of Porto, visit some of the best restaurants with our local guide. Finish with a sip or two of port at the lit up harbour. The colourful architecture, friendly people and mouth watering local dishes make this a firm favourite.
We are always encouraging people to get back to nature and there is no better time than today. Start planning your green adventure for 2019. We can help you along the way. There is no better way to experience a new place than by giving back to the community and learning ancient traditions of a region. On our fruit filled experiences you will have the chance to speak with the experts, taste local product and get to know the food production methods before they reach the supermarket shelves. Here are some nature tours that will inspire you to go green for 2019:
Have you recently gotten engaged? Well this is a time for celebration and what better way to celebrate your upcoming happily ever after than a trip to some European vineyards to sample the top wedding wines on offer. You don’t have to wait for your honeymoon for your next getaway and planning your wedding should be fun, exciting and a learning curve.
From one bride to another, believe me the last few weeks do get a little stressful so the more you enjoy the initial engagement highs the better. A pre-wedding getaway can be just what you and your partner need before you go through with the biggest commitment. It was a friend that suggested these itineraries as she wanted to embark on a wine filled adventure herself. Now we can’t get enough of them.
We have come up with our top tours for picking out your wedding wine. Each itinerary will give you the chance to sip on the local wines, meet the producers and even learn about the production process. What a lovely way to incorporate a personal experience into your wedding drinks.
Here are the top ‘Pick your own’ wedding wine tours:
BURGUNDY WEDDING WINE ADVENTURE
Bring a touch of class to your wedding menu with luxurious wines from the famous region of Burgundy. If you are considering a burgundy wine than why not plan a tasting experience to learn about the region, meet the producers and see the wines on offer. Home to some of the worlds renowned wines like Domaine Denis Mortet, Domaine Armand Rousseau and Chateaux des Quarts.
Our two day Burgundy wine experience will give you a true taste of the land.
This UNESCO listed region of Northern Portugal is one of Europe’s most stunning and fruitful areas. The mild atlantic climate and terraced vineyards make this wine destination extra special. Start your romantic adventure in the lively town of Porto. The next morning you will be picked up by expert guides who will bring you to the heart of the valley to taste the local wines. In the busy wedding planning phase there is always time to stop for a picnic and a glass of vinho.
This two day tour is the perfect combination of food and wine.
Are you an adventure lover? If you and your fiancé are outdoor enthusiasts than how about a cycle through the heart of romantic Tuscany. You will cycle through some of the most stunning landscapes, passing vineyards and orchards as you pedal. Enjoy staying in the medieval mountain-top villages, tasting the delicious local Italian cuisine and getting the opportunity to sample the best local wines that you can choose for your wedding package.
This is a trip to Italy’s premier food and wine region of Alba. Famous for it’s rare white truffles and delicious red wines this tour will bring a bit of luxury to your wedding menu. As home of the Ferrero Rocher and nutella you can incorporate delicious local Italian chocolates and wine into your big day. With our experts guides you will discover all that is on offer over the course of a 4 day trip, staying in the most unique accommodation and farmstays.
How to choose my wedding wine? Here are a few tips to look out for…
Wine professional and good vineyards will provide bulk wine packages for weddings that are good quality and not overly expensive (depending on what you are looking for)
Think food rather than season – whites with fish, bold reds with beef
Food pairings matter
How much will you need?
Don’t forget reception drinks
Where will you get your wedding wine? This is the fun part. Let’s go explore and enjoy every moment of this magical time together.
For more information on any of our wedding wine ideas and tours please contact one of our travel specialists.
