Readers Recommend

* France: Paul and Barbara Murphy, San Luis Obispo: Gite (self-catering cottage) owned by Michel and Josiane Grouzelle, Mas de Doucet, 46160 Montbrun; tel./fax 011-33-5-6534-5849. “One-bedroom stone cottage with every modern convenience, beautiful gardens and swimming pool. Wonderful hosts.” Rates: about $248-$550 per week, depending on the season.

* Italy: Judi Hills, Valencia: Buca dell’Orafo restaurant, Volta de Girolami 28r, Firenze; 011-39-55-213-619. “You really have to look for this tiny restaurant near the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. I grew up in an Italian family, and this is the best food I have ever eaten. Fabulous homemade pasta; large portions.” Cost: about $23-$33 for three-course dinner, without wine. Closed Sunday, Monday.

* Spain: Bob Lennan, Cambria: Spanish Steps Adventure Walking Tours, Box 8653, Aspen, CO 81612; (877)787-9255, https://www.spanishsteps.com. “Wonderful two-week hiking-and-van tour of the Camino de Santiago, from the village of Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela. We hiked more than 100 miles of the more than 450-mile route. Guide Judy Colaneri was very organized and had a great personality. First-class lodging, excellent food.” Cost: $2,899 per person, plus air fare.

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