Culinary tours:

The affordable way to see and taste Europe this summer

With the weak US dollar plunging in value vs. the Euro, the best way to see and taste Europe this summer is booking a culinary tour.

Classic Journeys will make culinary tours to Italy's Amalfi and Tuscany regions and Provence in France in 2008, according to Edward Piegza, President and Founder of Classic Journeys, an upscale tour operator.

"When you book a culinary tour you know the exact price, including food, before you leave the country. There are no hidden prices, no unexpected expenses, and no surprises," says Piegza. "Savvy travelers are looking for ways to hedge their travel costs. Anyone considering a European vacation, even to the priciest locations like England, knows well in advance the costs of that trip if they book with us."

Piegza says the Amalfi, Al Buon Gusto tours date will be April 27- May 3 and Oct. 19-25.  The Taste of Tuscany tours dates are June 29 - July 5 and Oct. 12-18.

The Cooking in Provence tours dates are May 18-24 and Sept 21-27.

All Classic Journeys tours visit local restaurants, kitchens and food markets and give groups from 10 -20 a true taste of Italy and France.

For those who want to stay closer to home, Classic Journeys will offer food and wine tours of Napa and Sonoma on May 11-16, July 13-18 and Sept. 7-12.

Detailed information about the tours and pricing, which averages under $4,000, is available at  http://www.classicjourneys.com/culinary/ or at: 1-800-200-3887.