travel

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Why you should travel with a purpose

Think of the last time you had an amazing travel experience? Most people remember the people, the place and the food. If you travel with a purpose you will create life long memories for your travel diary. Travelling with a purpose makes us appreciate the little things while also contributing to worldwide causes and industries.

Orchardsnearme partners with responsible travel experiences that will take you back to nature. The activities connect you with the stunning landscapes of Europe and allow you to get a taste of the local culture and foods.

Learn as you go

Are you curious about the land around you? Learning whilst you travel is the most uplifting experience. From the history of coffee plantations to the sun soaked vineyards in Italy, we can all benefit from meeting the local producers and getting some inside knowledge of the natural landscapes around us.

Go to grow

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed at work and underwhelmed with mass media then this form of travel is a great way to clear your mind. Start each day with a mission to grow. In every activity you enjoy your mind will be absorbed in hands-on experiences.

Lifelong learning

In college and University we associate lifelong learning with older adults. Perhaps lifelong learning isn’t just for people who have the time in later life, it is about drinking in the facts, listening to the tales and basking in the knowledge of others.

Meet the Experts

Discover the art of wine making and producing delicious fruits of Europe with the experts. When you travel with a purpose you have the opportunity to get to know the people at the heart of a region. Farmers who take care of the land, vineyard owners who proudly showcase their wines and food lovers from around the world.

How you travel and where you travel too is a reflection of your values, your feelings and your personality. Travelling with a purpose can connect you to your inner voice and child like self that has always wanted to learn something new.

6 Ways to Travel with a Purpose

Grape Picking at Harvest time

Olive picking in Greece

Truffle Hunting in Italy

Star gazing in Portugal

Foraging in Ireland

Investigate Medieval history in Spain

Perhaps the next time you travel with a purpose you will find out something new about yourself, learn a new skill or discover a unique aspect of a different culture that you want to take home with you. Whatever your reason go to grow and you will meet like minded curious travelers along the way.

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What is your Celtic Tree Sign?

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.

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4 UNIQUE EUROPEAN TOURS FOR WINE LOVERS

You have seen the decorative labels in your local wine store, you have tasted the goodness of wines straight from the shelves but would you like to know more about where these delicious grapes come from? Our tasting tours are designed for wine lovers who love to get to know the grapes and meet the famous wine producers of Europe. Here are a selection of our top picks for wine enthusiasts:

Douro Valley Adventure

The grapes of Northern Portugal avail of a special climate where the valleys of the Douro bask in the sunlight and the winds from the Atlantic ocean sweep through the vineyards. The soil is rich in nutrients providing flavoursome wines for you to try out year round. From the sweetest ports to dry whites that pair well with the fresh fish from the nearby coast, this is an epic wine tasting experience for all to enjoy.

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Burgundy Food and Wine Experience

A world class wine destination Burgundy wines can be found in most reputatable wine stores throughout the world. However, visiting the region is an extra educational journey through the heart of France.

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Alba Wine and Truffle Tour

Luxurious, sensual and memorable are three words to describe a tour through this stunning region of Italy. Our wine and truffle experience in Alba is simply unforgettable. Along the way you will have the chance to meet the wine producers, taste the land and sip of bold vintage wines.  

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Travel through the Vineyards of Tuscany on Two Wheels

Cycling through the Italian countryside is an unforgettable experience. Join the locals to learn about the best wine on offer in the region of Tuscany. On this wine filled adventure you will discover the beautiful landscapes of Italy, taste famous Italian produce and sip the most delicious Italian wines.

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For more information about any of these handpicked tours for wine lovers please contact one of our travel specialists.

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New Years Resolutions: Let’s Get Back to Nature in 2019

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:

1. Visit the organic vineyards of Italy
2. Get to know the grape filled fields of France
3. Learn about the delicious local produce in Portugal
4. Go on an Olive Adventure in Greece
5. Discover the orchards of Northern Spain
6. Join others on the fruit trail of Normandy

For more details about any of our fruit and foraging tours please contact one of our travel team.

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Go Green for 2019! 10 Ways I can be more Eco-friendly

It is our mission to go green for 2019. We want the world to be more eco-friendly so we can start with a few ideas to help you be more sustainable this year:

Cut down on meat

Did you know that we can reduce the emission of harmful greenhouse gases by cutting back on our meat consumption. If everyone actively tried to eat less meat we would be giving back to the environment.

Plant a tree

Our friends at Mossy Earth are changing the world one tree at a time. Now you can support their cause. They are some of the most proactive, eco-friendly people we know. They know the trees, get to know the land and invest their time and energy in every forest that they create. In 2018 they planted over 4,000 trees across different regions of Europe. In 2019 we can help them to achieve higher goals and reforest areas devastated by wildfires and badly in need to native tree reforestation.

Reduce Fruit Waste

We talk about this all of time and in 2019 it will be our mission to bring tips for reducing fruit waste to the masses. Follow the simple tips here to reduce your fruit waste at home.

Invest in a Keep Cup

An easy way that you can have a small positive impact on the environment is by investing in a keep cup. By using the same coffee mug each day you are reducing your carbon footprint and reducing our reliance on single use plastics.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Walk instead of taking the car. This little tip applies whether you are at home or abroad. Many of us will opt to take taxis but check out google maps to see how far you are from your destination. If you are planning an outing to a local restaurant maybe it is in walking distance?

Be a responsible traveler

Take action into your own hands and become a responsible tourist. What can you do? Lots really! Responsible travel is all about being aware of the landscape and people around you. Respect local culture, make an effort to speak the local language, don’t damage the landscape, reuse your bathroom towels and be conscious of pollution (both litter and noise) as you go.

Buy fairtrade goods

Always check the label. In Europe we have a fairtrade label that is placed on goods when a farm or production process has been inspected for good standards of environmentally friendly goods and fair employment. Make sure you buy at least some fairtrade items when you are doing your weekly shop.
This will give you a better idea of where your food is coming from and how the people preparing your food are treated.

Check out your local organic fruit store

Organic food stores can be a great source of inspiration. The shelves are packed full of colourful goods and fresh produce for you to enjoy. We also like to promote using the leftovers. We build up so much fruit waste each year that can be put to better use by simply giving it away to others, getting creative with your shopping habits and staying informed about the harvest season.

Ask more questions

Don’t take our word for it. Be inquisitive and ask about the products and services that you plan to use. Getting a bit of background information can give you more insights into the quality of the products and the environment in which they are produced.

Spread the word

Last but not least spread the word about these positive contributions that you can be making to the environment around you. It is easy to adopt one eco-friendly habit but if you tell five friends about this habit than you are making a longer positive impact on the overall environment.

If you have some eco-friendly tips or advice we would love to hear from you. For more information about any of our fruit & foraging tours please get in touch with one of our travel team anytime.

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3 Amazing adventures for Food Lovers

The days are long, the nights are lively and the locals are waiting to give you a taste of everything on offer with our taste trails in Europe. We have selected some of our top taste trails for food lovers to inspire your imagination. Each trail offers the chance to taste the freshest local produce, explore vineyards, meet the producers and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. Get back to the land this year with these three amazing taste tours:

Stunning vineyard views on the Tuscany Taste Trail

Tuscany is world renowned for it’s natural beauty and a top destination in Europe for good reasons. This trail will take you along the most spectacular landscapes in Italy and alongside world class vineyards. Staying in charming medieval villages like San Miniato you can bask in the laid back restaurants, sampling oven baked pizzas and sipping on delcious local wines. As food lovers this is the perfect combination of adventure, food and fun. An extra treat involves a truffle hunting excursion in the hills of Tuscany. This is a truly unforgettable experience.

For more details and to book a tour go to: Tuscany Taste Trail

Go with the flow in chilled out Portugal

From the valleys in the Douro region to the harbour side UNESCO listed town of Porto, a taste trail in Northern Portugal will force you to chill out and enjoy the slower pace of life.

This tour is perfect for food lovers who enjoy a little bit of sunshine mixed in with a whole lot of culture. The town of Porto in Northern Portugal is full of foodie delights. From fresh fish to the famous Pastel de Nata dessert, you will leave this historic town with lifelong foodie memories. Enjoy strolling through the cobbled streets, tasting the local dishes and learning about the grapes in the nearby Douro Valley. 

In addition to the food, everywhere you turn on this taste trail has something unique to see or learn about. Be inspired, like J.K. Rowling was, by this enchanting town that provides a glimpse into the spirit of Portuguese people. 

For more details and to book a tour go to: Douro Valley Taste Trail

Enjoy the best of french cuisine on the Normandy Fruit Trail

France is stunning any time of the year but Spring and Summer are extra special giving visitors an opportunity to experience its full beauty and charm at a slower pace. It’s time to take to the trails!

There are many food trails in France but we’ll pick our two favourites: the never ending beauty of the landscape and the luxury of having a vineyard tour in the heart of stunning French villages. 

There are endless fruit blossom in springtime and in the summer these transform into delicious cherries in the summer months. From May onwards you will find plums, Strawberries and raspberries all along the trail. These homegrown fruits are just what you need after a day on the trails, bringing colour and a welcome boost of energy. Enjoy chatting with the producers, tasting the fruits and getting a true taste of the french countryside.

For more details and to book a tour go to: Following the Normandy Fruit Trail

For more information about more beautiful taste trails in Europe or to book your next tour please contact one of our travel specialists.

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Coffee beans aren’t actually beans

Did you know that coffee beans are actually seeds? They come from a small cherry red fruit! Our favourite morning beverage comes from a fruit plant.

Dating back to the 15th century, drinking coffee has a long history. It was founded first in Kaffa, a medieval kingdom in Ethopia and known as an effective way to suppress appetite back in the day. coffee-fruit-coffee-beans-did-you-know-orchards-near-me-min

Today small coffee farmers from around the world rely on these coffee plants to make a living. As the world leader in coffee production Brazil harvest over 3 billion coffee plants.

To promote an eco-friendly approach to your coffee consumption look out for Fair trade coffee suppliers and shade grown brands of coffee. The alternative approach to production is known as sun cultivation which involved deforestation, pollution and a lot of chemical festilizers.

A newly planted coffee tree can take up to seven years to produce the fruitful berries. On average it will take 3 – 4 years. The fruit is called a coffee cherry and it often picked by hand. The seeds are removed and dried. This can take up to several weeks. Roasting the green coffee turns it into the brown aromatic beans.

These coffee beans give us a kick in the morning, help us through the day and cover our mouths in delicious goodness. I know that many of us would like to meet the great producers that bring these amazing beans/seeds to life.

If you have anymore fruitful facts please let us know.

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TOP 8 ORCHARD EXPERIENCES

At OrchardsNearme.com we go to grow. Every experience allows us to immerse ourselves in the culture, history and food of the places we visit. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun kissed vines of the Duoro Valley, there is so much to be explored. Every moment of your orchard adventure is unique and will leave you with long lasting memories. Here are some of the top orchard experiences we would suggest:

  1. Discover the grapes of the Douro Valley
  2. Experience the wine harvest of Rioja Region in Spain
  3. A Citrus Cycling Adventure in the Algarve, Portugal
  4. Walk through the heart of Tuscany at Harvest Time
  5. Cycling in the stunning Loire Valley – France
  6. Stargazing and traditional suppers in Central Portugal
  7. Walk a taste trail for the senses along the Italian Coastline
  8. Cycling romantic Italy at harvest time

Now that you have a few great ideas it is time to make a plan. Whatever orchard experience you choose we are here to help you go to grow. Getting ready? Get your free packing checklist here.

For more information on any of the suggested tours please contact one of our travel specialists.

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