A 10 Star Trip Europe and The Maldives Via SQ New Regional J, Suites, EK 380F and New 777F

[cjd600]

Terrible trip, absolutely terrible.
The prevalence of beer particularly pleases me.

 

[SponsorSFC]

Terrible trip, absolutely terrible.
The prevalence of beer particularly pleases me.

That was only the tip of the iceberg.

I tried not to have the same beer twice unless it was free in the lounge. It was pretty easy in Belgium, not so much in Italy but I managed.

 

[Jim Walsh]

I had asked the guide at the start of the tour if he knew anywhere that I could get a bottle of Westvletern 12.

He said he would make a couple of calls and that we may be able to get one at the last stop.

It is regularly named as the best beer in the world, the only issue is the monks that brew it only brew enough to fund their monastic operations or repair the Abbey.

Unlike a lot of other trappist beers none is available for commercial sale unless you pick up a case direct which requires you to order in advance and nominate the car that will pick it up.

As a result there is some limited availability on the black market.

After the tour was concluded he confirmed that the owner of the bar would sell me one to take away. It was a cash only sale under with the table bottle in a paper bag, standard contraband transaction but I had my white whale.

View attachment 183973

View attachment 183974

You can always get some here

Trappist Westvleteren 12

Thirsty for Westvleteren 12 (XII)? Buy now online with fast delivery Australia wide, or shop at our Sydney craft beer store.

www.beercartel.com.au

 

[SponsorSFC]

We left Vienna via the Nightjet train to Florence.

Unfortunately there was track work which meant we had to change trains at Bologna around 4.45am instead of being a direct service. Not ideal. I probably would just fly next time.

We booked the Hotel Glance using an Amex credit and is only about a 5 minutes walk from the main station.

The room was comfortable enough and breakfast was of a good quality. I would happily stay here again.





Not much of a view from the room.



But the rooftop pool has a better outlook.

 

[SponsorSFC]

We went on a Taste of Chianti wine tour, which we booked through Amex Travel using the recent $50 statement credit.

We boarded 'The Beast' aka a custom Mercedes Unimog. The guide gave a run down of the specs but also said it was unstoppable until it breaks down.

(Not my picture)



The first stop was at Principe Corsini about 30 minutes out of the centre of Florence.













We tasted a few of the wines along with the olive oil they also make on the premises and meats. All were very good.



Unfortunately the guides description of The Beast wpuld prove true. It was unstoppable until it broke down.

So we had another 45 minutes of waiting for a replacement.

Not the worst thing in the world when we were able crack a bottle of Spumante and sit out on the terrace.

 

[SponsorSFC]

Next stop was la Cantinetta di Rigana which was also our lunch location.

 

[SponsorSFC]

Next up was Lamole di Lamole.

 

[SponsorSFC]

Last stop was in the town called Greve.



Where we had free time to wander the town or visit the stores around the main square.

We had a look at the butcher who had a nice cheese cellar and an interesting gelato bar.







We went for the melon with prosciutto and the honey with pecorino.

 

[SponsorSFC]

We had a nice few days in Florence and some beautiful weather, though it is rather busy at this time of year.

 

[VPS]

Last stop was in the town called Grave.

View attachment 186121

Where we had free time to wander the town or visit the stores around the main square.

We had a look at the butcher who had a nice cheese cellar and an interesting gelato bar.

View attachment 186123

View attachment 186125

View attachment 186126

We went for the melon with prosciutto and the honey with pecorino.

View attachment 186127

You didn't attach a photo of the torso in Grave