Ortensia Blu Travel Adventures Blog
Welcome to
It started as a Mom’s outing 13 years ago while the kids were at school. We’d drop them off, then meet at Cathijo’s, piling into one car loaded with a cooler. Arthur Avenue in the Bronx was our destination – “The Real Little Italy” as the neighborhood calls itself. Generations of family owned Italian bakeries, […]
As much as I love to cook, there’s something about baking that makes my heart sing. Maybe it’s the warming scent of hot dough in the oven that I find so comforting. Perhaps it’s that with baking there’s always plenty for everyone and I enjoy sharing and feeding others. Possibly it’s because I’m a numbers person […]
You’ve asked for it and here it is again…and just in case you missed our new page about our amazing October 5-11 2014 tour in Lake Garda, here’s your chance for a first time looky-see. Join Deborah Scarpa and I for our Lake Garda Experience Tour which includes: Elegant wine tasting and vineyard dinner Lake Garda thermal water […]
Congratulations to the winner of our Cookbook Giveaway – Amy Hunsberger! Courtesy of Chronicle Books and Colman Andrews, Amy will receive an autographed copy of The Country Cooking of Italy. Thanks to everyone for your fabulous comments! I wonder if Colman Andrews, the internationally acclaimed food, wine and travel writer, ever gets tired of the […]
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it’s all about food. Wait, okay…I take that back – it’s about giving thanks FOR the food. And family. And health. And anything else that makes your heart swell on this truly American holiday. We eat and drink…that’s it! No gifts, no religion. I love cooking the meal […]
One of my favorite things about the Italian countryside is the abundance of small, family owned hotels and the food they serve. Each has its own personality, expertise and of course, recipes. Col delle Rane, an agriturismo 30 miles northwest of Venice is one of these special places. Owned by the Gallina family for three […]
Travel Services
Adventure Made Easy—and Made Just for You
At Ortensia Blu, we design true adventures. This is adventure that takes you to the heart of your destination—without sacrificing an ounce of comfort along the way. Our adventures come from knowing the right people (a.k.a. our expert in-country partners), asking the right questions, and being there for you every step of the journey.
Discover how we'll design your next travel adventure.
our travel services
