Tag Archives: Tuscany

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Most Beautiful Fall Destinations

Fall is a stunning time of the year, with the foliage transforming green landscapes into fiery, vibrant shades. Take a look at OROGOLD’s picks of the most beautiful fall destinations to give you some inspiration when it comes to planning your own fall vacation.

Tuscany, Italy.

Tuscany, Italy
While there is no arguing that Tuscany has some beautiful fall foliage, one of the best reasons to visit Tuscany this season is because this is harvest time, and the locals take their harvest extremely seriously. When it comes to traditional Italian gastronomy, Tuscany is at the heart of this, making it an ideal fall destination for any foodies out there. Festivals celebrating each harvest, from grapes to mushrooms to polenta to pumpkin, are held throughout the region, giving you the opportunity to taste some of the best, and freshest, food that the area has to offer. While there, OROGOLD recommends going truffle hunting in the Tuscan forests before eating your findings in a delicious pasta dish, or going on an olive tasting tour if you are in Tuscany later on in the season.

Ontario, Canada.

Ontario, Canada
One of OROGOLD’s favorite things to do in the fall in Ontario is to take a drive along the Niagara Parkway, the road that Winston Churchill said was “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world”. Canada’s Ontario province has some of the most spectacular fall foliage that we have seen, and a great place to take this all in is the Algonquin Provincial Park. With almost 8000 square km of lush forests, twisting rivers and peaceful lakes, the beauty all around you is absolutely breathtaking. OROGOLD recommends going for a paddle in a canoe to best enjoy the display from the maple and red oak trees.

Huangshan Mountain

Huangshan Mountain, China
Huangshan, also known as the Yellow Mountains, is a mountain range in the east of China, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peaks of the mountains are all lined with trees, and when these begin to transform into their fall colors, the sight is simply incredible, with the wispy clouds around them making the scene seems slightly magical. The spectacle attracts visitors from all over China, so be prepared for crowds. To see the foliage at its most beautiful, OROGOLD recommends going out at sunrise, as the colors from the sun complement the foliage in an ethereal way. For when you aren’t taking in the fall beauty, there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied, from visiting the many hot springs in the region, to tasting the area’s famous Chinese teas, to learning more about Huangshan’s rich history.

OROGOLD loves to travel in the fall, taking in the beautiful foliage from all over the world, as well as experiencing the fall traditions that different countries have. From a sunrise walk through the Yellow Mountains in China to helping to harvest olives in Tuscany, these amazing fall destinations will make you appreciate the season in a completely different way.

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Best Agritourism Destinations Around the World

When it comes to eco-tourism, agritourism is one of the fastest growing sectors, appealing to travellers who want to enjoy the simpler things in life. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, agritourism refers to spending your vacation at an agriculture-oriented property, such as a farm, and often participating in their day-to-day activities, giving you a unique experience and a deeper understanding of nature. OROGOLD take a look at some of the best agritourism destinations around the world.

Vineyard n Sonoma County, USA.

California, USA 
With such a large diversity of farms and crops, California is another US state that is great for a farm stay, with many family run farms relying on the agritourism industry to keep them going. Although there are many vineyards in Sonoma and on the Central Coast that people can stay at, learning more about the grapes and the wine making process, there are also a large number of smaller family farms, as well as medium-sized ranches, that offer a more hands-on experience. From learning about organic farming techniques to working with a variety of different animals to offering your own input on an outsider’s view of the farm, a Californian farm stay is always an enriching experience.

Coffee plantation in Hawaii

Hawaii, USA
Hawaii’s farm tourism industry is well-developed, and a great choice for those who want a more tropical agritourism vacation. Choices are extremely varied, catering to the different wants of visitors, from exploring Kona’s coffee plantations to staying on organic farms on Oahu. Since there are so many different options, this means that visitors don’t have to devote their whole vacation to agritourism, and can instead just include specific activities on their itinerary. However, those who want a more immersive experience will enjoy participating in daily farm activities, as well as sampling some of the best ingredients that Hawaii’s farms produce.

Vineyard in Tuscany, Italy.

Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany was one of the first regions to become a popular agritourism destination, mostly due to its many traditional farmhouses that have been converted into quaint inns. With acres of farmland sprawled out amongst the Italian countryside, Tuscany has become one of the greatest food and wine regions in the world, and is home to Chianti wine along with many other regional specialties. Fresh food is one of Tuscany’s big traditions, so many of the converted farmhouses have attached restaurants that serve up delicious, local fare. Although there are a few Tuscan estates with an educational focus, many people that visit simply want to soak up the local atmosphere and enjoy the regional produce.

Those of you who are nature and animal lovers are likely to instantly fall in love with the concept of agritourism. However, there will also be many of you who are intrigued, but not yet willing to sacrifice your rare vacation time to work on a farm. If this is the case, OROGOLD highly recommends incorporating some agritourism activities into your next vacation, wherever in the world it may be, giving you the opportunity to try it out without having to fully commit.