Lyndey Milan OAM – Celebrity Chef shares her love of Nafplio

Well-known Australian cook, TV presenter & author Lyndey Milan OAM, is thrilled to announce she will host a 2016 Gourmet Cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean, which promises a profusion of gastronomic delights on its spectacular September sojourn through Italy and Croatia. From limoncello tasting in Sorrento to the bustling food markets of Venice and Italy’s best vineyards, this unique Eastern Mediterranean tour is a feast for all the senses.

Find out what and where foodies eat, dine at authentic local restaurants, sample the local wines, shop the bustling food markets and consolidate your newly-awakened palate with cooking demonstrations at sea during your luxury Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard Celebrity Constellation.

Highlights include the small town of Taormina in Sicily, spectacularly located on a 200-metre high rocky outcrop overlooking Mt Etna; the picturesque walled city of Dubrovnik, perched on the shimmering Adriatic Sea and the enduring beauty of the Italian Lakes region.

Priced from AUS $8,995 per person twin share, this fully-escorted 20-day round trip departs on September 16, 2016 and includes return international economy air travel to Italy, a 10-night cruise aboard Celebrity Constellation, 2 nights in Venice, 4 nights in the Italian Lakes and sightseeing tours of Venice, Taormina, the Amalfi Coast, Orvieto, Tuscany, Dubrovnik and the Italian Lakes.

With numerous television appearances, best-selling books and countless culinary appearances to her name, Lyndey’s position at the forefront of Australian cuisine is well-deserved. With an extensive knowledge of Mediterranean food and wine, Lyndey is the perfect host for Travelrite’s 2016 Gourmet Cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean. For full details please click here

Guest Goddess:

When not working or guiding cruises for Travelrite Lyndey says "Nafplio has a place in my heart."

"Picture this, a charming Venetian old town, a maze of narrow, cobbled streets, filled with neoclassic houses, balconies with pink and red cascading bouganvillea, central square with outdoor cafes, bars and music set on an azure blue sea."

Nafplio, is the first capital of independent Greece, nestled on the northern slopes of the ancient Akronafplia fortress, beneath the towering Palamidi fortress, 63k southeast of the dramatic Cornith Canal on the Argolic Gulf.

"It is a romantic port town with another diminutive Bourtzi fort on an islet out from the old town, which reminded me of Sydney’s Fort Denison."

"This is a town that still holds a special place in the hearts of many Greeks – and in mine too. But not because it was here that after years of struggle that Greece found peace, nor because it is ideally situated to visit the spectacular ancient sites of Mycenae, Tiryns and Epidavros. Rather because this was the first place in Greece I was able to shop like a local in the markets, then cook with the produce on a beach in the setting sun and next day find of my favourite family restaurant of all time."

"I filmed a TV series 'Lyndey and Blair’s Taste of Greece,' with my son Blair in the Peloponnese.  We worked hard over long, hot days, but took joy in being together and a shared love of discovering new flavours and places."

"We were entranced by Nafplio as there is so much to see there – the Bourtzi Fortress surrounded by sea, the Palamidi Fortress 999 steps above the town, Ouzo distillery, Komboloi (worry beads) museum, mosques, Syntagma (Constitution) Square and our favourite Greek restaurant, O Pseiras.  This is warm-hearted home cooking at its best: traditional with tzatziki, saganaki and zucchini balls.  Everything is cooked freshly and not pre-prepared, as is so often the case. The lamb and spicy pork on the spit are second to none. I’ve been back and this time there was Greek dancing. I’ll be back again. This is like dining in someone’s home. Though you arrive a stranger, you leave a friend. Nafplio – wonderful people and wonderful food!"

Lyndey's Travel Advice

  • Never eat where the tourists eat, nor where there are coloured photos on the menu. Follow the locals and eat where they do and eat something you’ve never eaten before!
  • Try the local wine or spirits. Make sure you drink plenty of water too!
  • Try to learn and speak some of the local language, even if it is only hello, goodbye, please and thank you. It will reap rewards.
  • Take the time to pack light but cleverly. This takes longer than throwing everything in your bag. Think about combinations and scarves to change a look.
  • Always take a spare set of underwear and top on a plane – just in case your luggage goes astray. And travel in something comfortable which can be dressed up with a trench and a scarf when you arrive.
  • I always take a pashmina with me. Great on the plane and for unexpected changes in the weather.
  • Take a hat, preferably one which folds up in your bag.
  • Avoid packing anything which needs ironing or dry cleaning.
  • Make sure you have broken-in, comfortable shoes!

Lyndey & Blair’s Taste of Greece is available on DVD as is the accompanying cookbook – http://flamedistributionstore.com

Restaurant O Pseiras can be found at Porou 5, Pronoia, Nafplio PH (+30) 27520-24117

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