ITALY WITH FRIENDS FALL 2010 TUSCANY
FOOD AND WINE LOVER'S "GASTRONOMIC" ADVENTURE
OCTOBER 2010 LAND ONLY TOUR PRICES
Airfare NOT Included
( tour is limited in size to 8 members)
Tour begins and ends in FLORENCE,
Tour is for 11days/10nights.
The total cost per person is $2899.00 with double occupancy.
(includes taxes, fees, and Euro exchange rate adjustment)
Traveling solo? Sadly, most hotels only have a few single rooms, so many times they provide what they term "double for single use". They do however, charge a premium for the luxury of staying alone. I am faced with this all the time. If you cannot find a partner, I will be glad to match up single travelers if at all possible. Otherwise, the single supplement for this tour is $500.00 extra per person.
- Savor Tuscan Cuisine.
- Learn the Art of wine tasting.
- Visit hill-top towns & villages.
- See famous works of art.
- Experience history come alive all around you.
- Enjoy a Tuscan Cooking Class.
- Taste the freshest Olive Oil and homemade cheese.
- Breathe in the warmth of Tuscany!
**( Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice. Definite itinerary will be given prior to trip )
Day 0 - Depart USA - Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Remember you will arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA. You should plan your air travel to arrive in Florence no later than 2PM.
Day 1 - Arrival Day - Benvenuto! - Florence, Renaissance City - Thursday, October 14, 2010
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Florence and meet at hotel at 3PM for welcome drink and orientation. The hotel has a lovely terrace that is just perfect. We will then take a walking tour of this magnificent outdoor museum visiting important piazzas, streets and buildings throughout the city. We will see the magnificent Duomo, the baptistery with its famous bronze doors followed by a walk through the medieval streets of Florence. You will pass the Piazza Republica (Ancient Roman forum), leather markets, and the sculpture-studded Piazza Signoria. We will cross the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence with its many silver and gold shops. Finally we will pause on the Ponte Santa Trinita for pictures before our welcome dinner at Il Latini. This noisy restaurant is known for its huge portions of Florentine classics served family style on long tables. It will be a great way to begin your immersion into the Tuscan culture and the start of our gastronomic adventure. (D)
Day 2 - Florence - Wonderful mix of art, architecture and shopping - Friday, October 15, 2010
We continue our walk through Florence today with a visit to one of its most lively locations, the Mercato Centrale (Central Market). This is Florence's main food market and offers daily the city's widest selection of meats, fruits, and vegetables. Particularly impressive is the colorful display of pastas, olive oils, chocolates and other delicious items. This iron and glass wonderland is fun to explore and is a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts.
Not far from here is the San Lorenzo Market, Florence's vast open-air market selling mainly leather. This is definitely a place where you can bargain and haggle on your prices. There is also the smaller Mercato Nuovo near the Piazza Signoria. Here you will find the statue of Porcellino (a bronze statue of a wild boar), which people rub and give coins to in order to ensure their return to Florence. (Seems to work for me.)
Then we will visit inside the Duomo. You will be surprised how simple the inside of this church is compared to the ornate facade. We will also take more time to learn about the construction of the magnificent dome. We will enjoy lunch together at a simple restaurant that is one my favorites. They specialize in brick oven baked pizza and have a margarita Napoli pizza that is delicious. One of the greatest gastronomical pleasures in Italy is gelato, a sweet, smooth ice cream. You will find gelato in flavors that you never imagined could be make into ice cream. Never pass up the chance to enjoy this addictive Italian delicacy.
You will then have the opportunity to view one of Florence's greatest treasures. Michelangelo's David is truly the most famous sculpture in the world. We will visit this 17ft. marble giant in the Museo Accademia. This is the original David, there are 2 other copies in Florence.
You will have the rest of the afternoon for your own pursuits. There are many options for your enjoyment in Florence. (B) (L)
"EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY"
In few other regions of the world does the simple act of eating and drinking conceal such a wealth of treats as it does in Tuscany. A vacation here can be made by an al fresco meal, a perfect espresso, a robust glass of Chianti or a sublime gelato. An old Italian adage says..."A person never grows old while at the table". This tour will be filled with hours at Italian tables. Not only will you be able to enjoy the food and wine, you will also have the opportunity to learn how it is made and how important it is to the everyday lives of Italians. Do not worry however, even though there will be a strong focus on the culinary delights of Tuscany, you will still have plenty of time to see all the art and natural beauty this region is so well known for. You will however, spend time with new friends as we sit at a table filled with home-made dishes and local wine as time seems to stand still. Buon Appetito!
Day 3 - Let the Wine Tasting Begin! - Saturday, October 16, 2010
We will leave Florence for now and make our first stop in the Tuscan countryside at the American Military Cemetery located just outside of Florence. The compelling sight of endless rows of white marble crosses recalls the heroism of the young Americans who fought so valiantly to free Italy from the grips of fascism during World War II. The 1940's may seem very long ago, but during WWII this area was terribly ravaged by the fighting. I feel it is an honor and our duty to take time to pay our respects to these brave soldiers.
Day 4, Treasures of Tuscany - Sunday, October 17, 2010
After leaving the hustle and bustle of Siena, we will make a stop at tiny and peaceful Monteriggione. This walled village will take your breath away at first sight, nestled on the top of a small hill, with 14 towers still standing in a perfectly preserved circle. It is such a gem that it is hard to believe it is not a creation of Disney. We will take time for lunch in the main piazza.
This morning we are off to medieval Siena. This is one of Tuscany's most popular and loved towns. At one time Siena was one of the most populated and powerful cities in Tuscany with its merchants and bankers trading all over Europe. The city flourished with an impressive production of architecture and art. Sadly, in the 14th century Siena was struck hard by the black plague and famine. It then lost its independence to its lifelong rival Florence. The cities' medieval character has survived to an amazing extent. Siena's heart is the shell shaped Piazza del Campo. This is one of Italy's most famous and most beautiful squares. The Palio, a renowned horse race takes place twice a year right here. It is hard to imagine horses racing bareback frantically around for about 90 seconds in this area. This is a great place to just relax and enjoy the beauty of the Fountain of Joy and admire the City Tower standing proudly over all of Siena. (Il Campo was featured in the new James Bond movie 'Quantum of Solace'.)
You will enjoy a tour of Siena's most important sights. First stop will be the massive Duomo, one of the most ornate in Italy. The inside of the Duomo is as ornate as the outside with its famous marble floors (Only uncovered during August, September and October) and sculptures by Michelangelo, Pisano and Bernini. The Piccolomini Library has some of the most stunning frescos that depict the life of Pope Pius II. The frescos are just as vibrant as the day they were finished over 550 years ago. (We will visit Pienza, the hometown of Pope Pius II later during the tour.) We will then enter the Museo dell'Opera e Panorama (Duomo Museum) to enjoy some of Siena's most priceless works of art. The museum's high point however, is the expansive views of the church and city that you are afforded from its panoramic landing on the top floor. It does require some climbing up a steep, winding staircase, but you will be rewarded for your efforts. Afterwards, you can also visit the Baptistery and Crypt if you would like.
Day 10- Farewell to the Tuscan Countryside - Saturday, October 23, 2010
Take the morning to enjoy the peaceful countryside, for today we will return to Florence for our last day in Tuscany. We will stop at Piazzalle Michelangelo, a large square overlooking the city from across the river that provides marvelous views of Florence and the stunning dome of the Duomo. There is also another huge fake David located here. Then we will walk over to the San MIniato Church. This church remains part of a functioning monastery. You will find Florence's largest cemetery behind the church with its beautiful and moving crypts and headstones. The view of Florence from this church is also worth all of the steps you must climb.
You will then have most of the day for your own pursuits. You may wish to visit another of the many fine museums, such as the Uffizi or Bargello. There are several magnificent churches throughout the city such as Sante Croce with the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo. You may want to spend your last hours shopping for bargains at the leather market or finding those special souvenirs or gifts for loved ones.
We will meet in the evening for our farewell dinner. This last dinner will be at a simple Florentine restaurant where you will have the opportunity to choose from a menu filled with many of the delicious dishes you have enjoyed throughout our Tuscan journey. Why not also enjoy a final gelato for dessert. This will be a memorable meal spent with new friends reminiscing about our Tuscan gastronomical adventure. (B) (D)
Day 11 - Arrivederci Firenze! - Sunday, October 24, 2010
Make your way to the airport for your trip home or to other destinations in Italy. I know you will take along wonderful memories of Tuscany spent with new friends. (B)
(Included meals are designated each day by (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, and (D) Dinner)
Day 9 - The Villa Table - Friday, October 22, 2010
Today you have the exciting opportunity to participate in the renown cooking class, "The Villa Table", which takes place in the 12th century abbey and wine estate of Badia a' Coltibuono. The cooking school offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the flavors and lifestyle of Chianti. You work in the large family kitchen and learn to prepare a full menu from bread to desserts. Afterwards, you will enjoy the fruits of your labor in the villa's private dining room while sampling the estates wines and extra virgin olive oils during lunch.
The ancient monastery of Coltibuono is one of my favorite places in Tuscany. After lunch we will be given a private, guided tour of the cloisters, ancient ageing cellars and renaissance gardens. On our way out we will stop at a little shop where you can purchase products from Coltibuono, as well as ceramics hand-made by local artists. (If cooking class is unavailable, we will have lunch at the renown restaurant at Badia a' Coltibuono, followed by tour.) Also, if attending a cooking class, no matter how fun, is not your thing, you are welcome to just spend the day relaxing at the hotel.
Before returning to our hotel, we will make a short stop in the tiny, jewel of a hill-town, Vertine. This charming hamlet is documented as far back as the 10th century. The walled town is oval in shape and has a tall watchtower guarding the city gate. This is another one of the Disney-like villages found in Tuscany. It only has about 50 residents. (B) (L)
Reservations, Deposits and Payments:
A $500.00 deposit will hold your place on the tour. Remember the tours are limited in size. (4-8 people) Payment is accepted by check or credit card through PayPal, (4% fee if using PayPal) Your deposit is credited against the total tour cost. Final payment is due no later than 30 days prior to departure.
Contact me for information on paying with PayPal.
We will return to San Gimignano where you will have the rest of the afternoon free. San Gimignano seems is always a favorite stop on the tour for many reasons and most people always wish for more time here. Shopping is wonderful here. There are some of the best artisan shops located on the main streets. This has always been an important trading center. It was on the famous Via Francigena: the most traveled of the medieval roads that pilgrims traveled to Rome. From the 8th Century, it was the route through France that linked Canterbury Cathedral in England and Rome, the heart of Christianity. Today you will find locally owned shops selling ceramics, soaps, leather goods, etc. You will find a great selection of paintings and prints of the Tuscan area.
You may want to visit inside the Collegiata (former Duomo) with its many "learning frescos" throughout the church. There is also a lovely chapel dedicated to Santa Fina, the patron saint of San Gimignano. If you are really adventurous you may want to climb the Torre Grande for spectacular views in all directions. There is also a very unusual Torture Museum. There are many great restaurants for your dining pleasure. Also, do not miss the chance to taste the "award winning" gelato from the shop across from our hotel.
We will meet in the evening to toast our trip thus far with a sparkling Vernaccia at our "dinner with a view" from the excellent restaurant La Terrazze. (B) (D)
Day 5 - A Farm Holiday - Monday, October 18, 2010
Today will be an enjoyable day of learning and discovery. We will spend the day visiting a local farm specializing in the production of fully organic cheese, from fresh ricotta to ripened pecorino. You will learn about all phases of production and even meet the animals on the farm. Afterwards you will enjoy a light lunch by tasting different kinds of cheese together with local hams, different kinds of salami, home-made honey and wine.
After lunch you will then have the chance to visit a small olive mill. A very important part of the overall Tuscan agricultural production is olive oil. While visiting the mill, the guide will help you discover all the phases of the olive pressing process and the secrets of a good extra virgin olive oil. Of course, you will also have the opportunity to taste and compare different types of olive oil.
The farm and mill are located near the Etruscan town of Volterra, on the top of a hill, surrounded by a unique landscape. This ancient town is well known for its artistic production of alabaster, a translucent stone. There are also some great Roman ruins located here. We will have time to enjoy a walking tour of this lovely, unspoiled Tuscan town.
On our way back to San Gimignano we will make a stop at Fattoria San Donato, a local winery that produces the Vernaccia wine. This grape is only grown in a very small area around San Gimignano. You will love this little farm and will enjoy meeting Umberto and Frederica as they tell you all about their dream of organic farming.
You will have the evening free to enjoy San Gimignano. (B) (L)
Day 6 - Bella Tuscany - Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Today we will travel into another rich wine producing area of Tuscany. The Brunello di Montalcino is one of the most famous, and most expensive, wines to come out of Tuscany. In the late 19th century, the Biondi Santi family created this fine, dark red wine, calling it "the brunette". Home of the Brunello is Montalcino. You will see Montalcino standing proud in the distance long before we reach its ancient walls.
The nearby countryside is littered with wineries producing the Brunello di Montalcino and its younger cousin, the Rosso di Montalcino. We will have the opportunity to taste this "nectar of the Gods" in several spots today. First we will join a winery tour and tasting at Poggio Antico. You will learn about the complete wine making process from the picking of the grapes to the final bottling. Then we will stop into their enoteca for a taste of their delicious wines and olive oil.
Then we will visit one of the most popular wine estates, Castello Banfi, where we will enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal at the Taverna Banfi. Our multi-course lunch will be accompanied by Banfi estate wines. This will be a lunch of true Italian indulgence. Afterwards, you can enjoy the beautiful setting of Castello Banfi and visit the Glass Museum if you would like. The estate's enoteca and gift shop has some wonderful local products and other items associated with the wine culture of the area.
We will then make a visit to the monastery of Sant' Antimo. One of the finest Romanesque churches in Tuscany, it originally formed part of a 9th Century Benedictine monastery founded, according to legend, by Charlemagne himself. The present building begun in 1118 is exquisite, with its elegant tower and rounded apses. An important monastic community once flourished here, and there are still some monks about.
You will love our overnight destination of Pienza. Pienza is one of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany. It is the perfect Renaissance town due to a complete renovation, with Vatican clout and money, by the hometown boy who became Pope Pius II. (Remember the Piccolomini Library in Siena's Duomo?) He completely rebuilt his hometown of Corsignano and renamed it Pienza. You will enjoy its quaint streets and shops selling the local Pecorino cheese. (This cheese is made from sheep's milk. You will see the flocks of sheep throughout this area.) The films 'Romeo And Juliet' and 'The English Patient' were filmed here.
Pienza is in the middle of one of the most beautiful regions of Tuscany, the Val d' Orcia. Here you will see many of the most famous scenes found on postcards and calendars. Our hotel is tiny but has big views that are so beautiful they will almost make you cry. (B) (L)
Day 7- Vino and Views - Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Pienza is one of the prettiest towns in Tuscany. Take some time to walk around and snap some wonderful photos. Also do not pass up the chance to sample some of the delicious Pecorino cheese. There are also several lovely shops selling other local products such as honey, ceramics and iron sculpture.
Today we will visit a town famous for another Tuscan wine, Nobile de Montepulciano. Montepulciano is known for its spectacular views and its many palazzos. The nobles of Florence would come to Montepulciano in the summer to find relief from the stifling heat. The great Medici family spent many summers here as well. You will have to do some climbing to reach the Piazza Grande, but the views will be worth it, especially if you climb the steep steps of the City Hall. We will visit the Contucci Enoteca for a taste of the delicious, full-bodied Nobile de Montepulciano.
The rest of the day we will spend exploring the natural beauty that the Val d'Orcia is known for. We will drive down a winding road that is seen in almost every calendar ever made of Tuscany. We will then make a stop at La Foce with its historic garden designed in the 1920's in a formal Italianate style overlooking the Orcia valley.
Finally we will make a stop at Bagno Vignoni. This is a most unusual, very small town, known for the curative value of its hot sulphur springs. In the center of town you find what would have been the town square made into a huge sulphur bath. The pool is surrounded by picturesque medieval buildings that complete the interesting scene. There are also some old Roman ruins of ancient baths.
We will meet for dinner together in the evening. You will have a chance to taste the famous pici pasta that this area is known for. It is a thick handmade pasta that is so tasty, especially when served with a delicious wild boar sauce. Yum! (B) (D)
Day 8 - The Green Hills of Tuscany - Thursday, October 21, 2010
We will head north and return to the green rolling hills and forests of Chianti. This area is known for its many castles and we will visit one of the most beautiful, Brolio Castle. The views from this castle are unbelievable! The castle is part of the vast Ricasoli family empire who today are known for their award winning Chianti. We will have time to stop into their enoteca for a sample.
Next we are off to Castellina, which along with Radda and Greve are the main towns in this region. They are also the main players in the Consorzio del Gallo Nero (The consortium of the Black Rooster). This consortium created in 1924 regulates the making of Chianti Classico. You will see the Black Rooster symbol on the seal of only the best of Chianti Classico wines.
You will have time to enjoy the beautiful village of Castellina as our overnight destination for two nights. This one time Etruscan village has some ancient tombs near by. There is also a small castle that is part of the Etruscan musuem.
Tonight we will feast once again on some of the best pizza in Italy. You may think that you have tasted great pizza before, but wait until you taste the wood-oven baked pizza found here. It is some of the best I have tasted in all of Italy. Be ready to eat a whole pizza by yourself! (B) (D)
ROMAN HOLIDAY
Pre-tour begins in Rome on October 11, 2010
Cost per person is $899 with double occupancy. (Single supplement - $100)
Must have minimum of 4 persons for Pre-Tour
Experience the excitement found in the "Eternal City" with a pre-tour visit to Rome. Rome is the largest and most exciting city in Italy. Once the heart of an empire, Rome has attracted poets, artists, writers and travelers for thousands of years. You will have the opportunity to visit the most important sights in this magnificent city including a visit to the Roman Colosseum, one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Also, you will learn about the history of Rome with a walk through the ancient streets of the Roman Forum and a climb to Capitoline Hill. You will also spend the day in Vatican City, a tiny independent country and the headquarters of the Holy Catholic Church. Tour the wonder filled Vatican Museum with the Sistine Chapel as its highlight. Then step into St. Peter's Basilica, the largest and grandest church in Christendom.
Enjoy 2 nights in a lovely hotel in the historical center of Rome located just a few minutes from the ancient Pantheon and the famous Trevi Fountain. Enjoy an evening walk through the fountain filled piazzas and dining in lovely outdoor cafes.
Pre tour visit to Rome includes:
Hotel accommodations for 3 nights
Guided sightseeing in Rome
All admissions to sights and museums
Breakfast (3), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)
Train ride from Rome to Florence
DREAMING OF ITALY?
ITALY WITH FRIENDS TOURS
Today you will have the opportunity to enjoy your first visit to a Tuscan winery. We will start with one of the oldest in the region, the 11th Century Castello Verrazzano, producing fine Chianti wine. You may recognize the name Verrazzano as the captain who discovered New York harbor in 1542. The Verrazzano Narrows bridge is named after him. The castle has documents going back to the 11th century showing that it was producing wine during that time. After a guided tour of the castle grounds and ancient ageing cellars, will we feast on a lunch of homemade Tuscan favorites accompanied by a range of delicious wines made by the Verrazzano winery. You will learn the art of wine tasting, and learn how to pair the different wines with the different courses of food. You will truly enjoy this relaxed and amusing setting and will be surprised how quickly time will pass. The countryside surrounding Castello Verrazzano is dotted with vineyards, olive groves and hill top castles and is just magnificent.
We will then head to San Gimignano, our home for the next three nights. The local wine is the Vernaccia, a fruity white, said to be a favorite of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. San Gimignano (The City of Towers) is one of the most popular hilltowns and one of my favorite as well. Our hotel is located in the ancient Piazza Cisterna. San Gimignano was featured in the WWII period movie "Tea With Mussolini". We will arrive with plenty of time to enjoy a short walking tour of this medieval village. We will visit the old fortress that is today a peaceful park and olive grove. There is still a part of the old watch tower that you can climb where you will have a 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside. You will then have the evening free to join the locals in their evening stroll (passeggiata). (B) (L)
Note on Physical Activity
You must be in very good physical condition to sign-up for this trip. This is not a "walking or hiking" tour, but there will be plenty of walking, some uphill and most on uneven cobblestones. You will need to be on your feet for extended periods of time. (Especially in museums and in Rome.) I am NOT exaggerating about this! There are many steps throughout the trip that you will have to climb. A hilltown really means a hilltown! You will also have to handle your own luggage most of the time. Many hotels do not have elevators. If for some reason you are unable to take part in all scheduled activities, you can usually stay at the hotel and relax. I will be glad to work with you on possible alternative activities if they are possible, but cannot guarantee it and you will not be compensated for this time on your own. Also, if you decide to take public transportation to or from a sight or restaurant that I usually walk to, it will be at your own expense. Please make sure that you do understand these requirements fully before you consider signing up for one of my tours. I will plan time for you to relax, but have found that most people want to see as much as possible while in Italy. Most towns are made for walking and this is how we get around. Don't worry, I bring plenty of ibuprofen along.
