{"id":3123,"date":"2023-09-07T02:17:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T16:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/guide-to-italy-austria-with-miguel-maestre\/"},"modified":"2023-10-18T10:59:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T23:59:05","slug":"guide-to-italy-austria-with-miguel-maestre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/guide-to-italy-austria-with-miguel-maestre\/","title":{"rendered":"Miguel Maestre’s Guide to Italy & Austria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We go behind-the-scenes with legendary chef and presenter Miguel Maestre for his top tips on the very best street food and experiences.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s one thing Spanish-born chef Miguel Maestre knows, it\u2019s good food. And on his travels through Italy and Austria for episode 1 of the all-new season of Luxury Escapes: The World\u2019s Best Holidays<\/em>, there was plenty of it. From kransky sausages with a dab of mustard on the streets of Vienna, to olive oil fresh from the groves in Tuscany and 24-hour buffet indulgence on the Danube River \u2013 these are his tastiest tips, along with hints on what to do and where to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover more about Italy and Austria on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Tuesdays 8.30pm AEST* on Foxtel Lifestyle and on demand on Binge and Network 10. *Check your local TV listings for details.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Miguel and Episode 1 co-presenter Cameron Daddo enjoy a taste of the good life on a Danube River cruise.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LE: What surprised you most about your river cruise?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MM:<\/strong> I\u2019d highly recommend a river cruise to anyone. It looks like a movie, the scenery is quite breathtaking with all the fields, hills and amazing buildings. It was so relaxing, just so good for your soul. You sit outside with your glass of champagne and look out at the beautiful scenery. It was surreal. And the food! We ate so much, there was a 24-hour buffet and it was dangerous. There were small goods, beautiful cheese boards and things like that, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As a chef, I love good service. But onboard, the service was insane \u2013 there was one waiter every three guests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LE: What advice would you give to someone who’s never travelled on a river cruise before?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MM: <\/strong>Submerge yourself in the experiences. I\u2019ve done ocean cruises but I\u2019ve never been on a river cruise before. Unlike on an ocean cruise, you don\u2019t feel the movement of the big waves, it\u2019s just really relaxing. My advice would be to just relax and enjoy the trip. Don\u2019t peak too early! There\u2019s a spa, a gym and a pool to enjoy \u2013 just pace yourself during the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Simple things, done well is Miguel’s preferred approach to fast food.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LE: What’s something that will always stay with you from this trip?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MM:<\/strong> The fast food in Vienna is amazing. I love sausages and you\u2019ve got these crazy places with all these different types: kransky sausages with cheese inside, really nice soft rolls and that, for me, is some of the best fast food. You\u2019re sitting there eating in front of the beautiful cathedrals and it\u2019s just so good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LE: Are you Team Pizza or Team Pasta?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MM:<\/strong> I wouldn\u2019t say I\u2019m Team Pizza or Team Pasta, even when I\u2019m in Italy: I\u2019m Team Paella! I am a Spanish chef, after all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There’s no dreamier Tuscan abode than a 12th-century castle with a Michelin-starred restaurant.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LE: What makes COMO Castello del Nero, Tuscany so special?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MM<\/strong>: COMO Castello del Nero, Tuscany<\/a> has a real authentic Tuscan feel \u2013 it used to be a castle owned by an influential family and they\u2019ve kept it really original. You can walk down to the fields that are just two minutes from the hotel to see olive groves and big pine trees. You really feel like you\u2019re in a classic Italian movie. You\u2019ll want to speak Italian while you\u2019re there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discover more about Italy and Austria on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Tuesdays 8.30pm AEST on Foxtel Lifestyle and on demand on Binge and Network 10. *Check your local TV listings for details.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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