Istanbul, the historic capital of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, boasts a fascinating culture, rich traditions and magnificent architecture.  Istanbul has an ancient Old City, awe-inspiring mosques, opulent palaces and traditional bazaars.  Across Istanbul, we discover remarkable architecture, decorative mosaics and exotic gastronomy.  The Bosphorus Strait is a waterway that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.  A scenic cruise along the strait offers panoramic views of the Istanbul’s landscape and its famous landmarks.

The Chinese cuisine mirrors the regional diversity of China.  Every region showcases its culinary techniques, specialty ingredients and unique spices.  The Lily Bulb, also called Lanzhou Lily, is an edible root vegetable that is highly nutritious and has a slightly sweet flavor.  Fresh Lily Bulbs have a white color and a crunchy texture.  In southern China, we degust the refined Cantonese cuisine, featuring an array of seafood specialties and vegetable dishes.  The Celery & Lily Bulbs is a refreshing medley of sautéed vegetables complemented by roasted Macadamia nuts.

Cookies are a popular dessert enjoyed across the world.  A multitude of European cookie recipes are passed through generations.  Gingerbread Cookies, Kifle Walnut Cookies and jam-filled cookies are beloved desserts in Eastern Europe.  In my childhood, we made crumbly cookies filled with fruit paste that we bought by weight at the delicatessen.  In this recipe, we use the Handmade Quince Paste (Membrillo Casero), a Mitica brand product of Valencia, Spain.  The Quince Paste, a popular confection used in pastries, is a thick paste made of the pulp of the quince fruit.  Our Quince Cookies have a crumbly texture and a complementary tart-sweet fruit flavor.

Switzerland, a country in the heart of Europe, boasts breathtaking landscapes of Alpine pastures, winding rivers, beautiful valleys and the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps.  Switzerland’s multi-national character is deeply embedded in its culture, architecture and cuisine.  The cultural landscape comprises historic Old Towns, medieval castles, Alpine villages, Lavaux Vineyard Terraces and legendary high-altitude hiking trails.  The Swiss cultural diversity is expressed through its unique Alpine folklore, its traditional wooden chalets and diverse gastronomy.  Our Alps & Regions, Switzerland Travel Itinerary explores famed cultural gems, breathtaking natural wonders and celebrated culinary destinations.