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Italian gastronomic adventure: cheese, bread and wine_ € 3.850,00_From 4 to 18 September 2011 | 9/06/2011

Italian gastronomic adventure: cheese, bread and wine_ € 3.850,00_From 4 to 18 September 2011
Italian Countryside:
Cheese + Bread + Wine
a collaboration with Sapori+Saperi and Viaggi Senza Fretta
4 - 18 September 2011
An extraordinary opportunity to visit the homes of locals and workshops of artisans, sharing their culinary treasures in the three foodiest regions of Italy — Tuscany, Emilia Romagna and Piedmont. For wine enthusiasts there are 12 wine experiences. For cheese lovers, a day at Slow Food Cheese. Make new friends in an intimate group of like-minded people (only 8–10 guests).
Itinerary at a glance
  • 5 days in the Val d’Orcia
    (UNESCO World Heritage Site in Siena Province)
  • 1 day travel to the Garfagnana with lunch in Arezzo       
  • 4 days at Lucca and the Garfagnana
  • 1 day in Parma
  • 2 days at La Morra and Bra, Piedmont
Highlights of tour
  • 3 cheese experiences
    Full day at Slow Food Cheese in Bra (2011 only)
    See artisan parmesan cheese being made, tasting and visit to maturing cellar
    See artisan pecorino cheese and ricotta being made, tasting and visit to maturing cellar
  • 12 wine experiences
    Dinner and guided wine tasting with a young, dynamic wine producer
    Tours of vineyard and cellars, and a tasting with owner, oenologist or sommelier, including: Montepulciano Nobile; Chianti; Brunello di Montalcino; Colline Lucchesi; Lambrusco; Barolo, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto
    Wine and food pairings at wine cellars and restaurants
  • 3 bread experiences
    Make “ciaccia” (as focaccia is called in the Val d’Orcia) in wood-fired oven at family farm
    Make Garfagnana potato bread with village baker (Slow Food Presidium)
    Visit traditional Piemontese flour and corn mill and taste products made with their flour
  • 2 cooking lessons
    Learn to make hand-rolled pici (fat spaghetti typical of the Province of Siena)
    Prepare a menu based on ricotta and wild mushrooms
  • 3 festivals
    Luminaria, Lucca: procession of the Sacred Face through candlelit streets
    Village sagra: “Polenta and Pheasant”
    Village sagra: “Pork Butchers at the Castle”
  • City sightseeing
    Montepulciano; Pienza; Montalcino; Arezzo; Barga; Lucca; Parma
  • Other activities
    Visit to free range Cinta Senese pig farm
    Wellness treatments at award-winning spa Fonteverde, San Casciano (not included in price of tour)

 

Accommodation

Agriturismo ‘La Palazzina’, Radicofani
An 18th-century hunting lodge, set in oak and cypress parkland, has been sensitively restored retaining period features while incorporating modern conveniences. Today it possesses the qualities of a fine country house to which owners Silvano and Eliana give guests a warm welcome.
Agriturismo ‘La Costa’, Fosciandora
A former monastery divided into huge apartments, restored with attention to historic details. Panoramic views over the Serchio Valley and Alpi Apuane.
Cà San Ponzio, Vergne
Two brother builders have lovingly restored their family farmhouse as a B&B. Breakfast includes homemade cakes and jam. The wine cellar is open to guests.

Price per person:
€3850 (Euros)
Single Supplement
€355 (Euros)
The Itinerary is subject to change if necessary due to weather or agricultural conditions or other events outside our control.
Includes:
  • Services of an English-speaking guide throughout your stay
  • 14 nights nights in welcoming, relaxing accommodation, en suite bathrooms
  • Local ground transportation for 15 days
  • Daily continental breakfast, 9 lunches, 13 dinners
  • Entrance to wine tastings, cooking lessons, guided visits with producers
Does not include:
  • Airfares
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Spa treatments, concert
  • Wines and drinks, other than those served with meals, additional meals
  • Personal expenses such as telephone, mini-bar, etc.
Notes
Meeting point
Chiusi-Chianciano Terme train station (nearest international airport is Rome)
If you are flying from outside Europe, we suggest you arrive a couple of days early to recover from jet lag so you can fully enjoy your time with us. We are happy to advise about where to stay and eat and what to do before and after your tour.
Dress: Informal. Jeans or smart trousers are acceptable everywhere. Good walking shoes and socks required for pig farm and grape harvest..
Weather in September:
Val d’Orcia: 14–25˚C / 57–77˚F, precipitation 35 mm / 1 in
Lucca: 15–26˚C / 59–78˚F, precipitation 123 mm / 5 in
Bra: 14–20˚C / 57–68˚F, precipitation 72 mm / 3 in