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Home / Special Interest Tours |
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Independent Special Interest
Tours |
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01:
COOKING at PALAZZO LEOPOLDO
|
live
history
|
3 days/2 nights Mon-Sat
(min. 2 persons)
|
01.03-19.03.08
01.08-31.08.08
06.11-29.12.08 |
26.03-24.04.08
01.07-31.07.08
22.10-05.11.08 |
20.03-25.03.08
24.04-30.06.08
30.12-07.01.08 |
| Cost per person: |
576
|
605
|
on request
|
| Radda in Chianti: visit the local
stores and learn to choose the appropriate ingredients,
cook in a historical kitchen, taste the excellent
local wines and then consume your creations in the
exclusive company of your chef in the 16C kitchen.
Buffet breakfast daily. |
| Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation
in twin share at the luxurious Palazzo, buffet breakfast
daily, 1 cooking lesson starting at 16.00 followed
by dinner. |
|
| 4 days/3 nights, minimum 2 persons
|
| Cost: $698 pp twin share in superior
room |
| Cost: $873 pp twin share in a suite |
| Your inclusions are: selected type
of accommodation for 3 nights at the 4* Orto degli
Angeli, breakfast daily, a welcome aperitif, "gourmet"
gift from the owners upon arrival, one cooking class
(1 ½ hours) with dinner for two persons including
two courses prepared by the guests and two further
courses to complete the menu (excluding drinks) |
|
03:
CLASSICALLY TUSCAN an introduction
|
|
Personalised
Cooking & Touring programme
|
| 5 days/4 nights |
| Cost: $2356 per person in twin share |
| Commence: Fri, Sat or Mon 06-15Apr & 25May-07Oct.
Any day in other periods |
|
day 1
|
Maiano |
D
|
| Own arrangements to the country house,
orientation tour and welcome dinner in the evening |
| day 2 |
Florence |
BD
|
| The morning is dedicated to Florence's
best sites accompanied by a highly qualified guide,
also the latest for. Afternoon at leisure or take
a guided tour of the olive oil mill and the 15C
Villa di Maiano (also featured in the in the film
"a room with a view"). Dinner will be
served at a typical Trattoria. |
| day 3 |
The Local Market & Cooking Class |
BD
|
| Visit the market, where for centuries
the Florentines have purchased their fresh products.
Meet with the chef for an appreciation of the local
produce. Afternoon appreciation of the traditional
Tuscan recipes from appetizers to dessert, including
the art of making fresh pasta. Enjoy the fruits
of your labour as you dine with the chef. |
| day 4 |
The Best of Tuscany |
BD
|
| Full day excursion and guided tour
of Siena and San Gimignano. Visit a vineyard, with
spectacular panoramic views, followed by wine tasting
in the cellar and a delicious gourmet lunch. Upon
your return you will be at leisure until the farewell
dinner. |
| day 5 |
Arrivederci |
B
|
| Farewell and departure after breakfast |
Inclusions: apartment style
accommodation, breakfast daily, welcome and farewell
dinner, half day guided tour of Florence, one cooking
class followed by dinner, visit the local market
with the chef, full day guided touring of Siena
and San Gimignano, visit a vineyard and wine tasting
with lunch, return transfers for each visit, apron,
welcome and farewell gift, general expenses, taxes
and final cleaning. Minimum 2 persons
NB: personal trash must be removed from apartment,
(applicable penalty for default EU 50)
Non cooking companions cost $1745. |
|
04:
FINE WINES & COOKING IN UMBRIA
|
|
Create tempting
traditional dishes and become acquainted with
fine Umbrian wines!
|
| Cost: $1135 pp in twin share, single supp. $90 |
| Year round excluding Sat, Sun & public holidays.
Minimum 2, maximum 8 persons |
|
day 1
|
Spello, Cooking
lesson |
| Independent arrival at the hotel.
Late afternoon commence your first cooking lesson,
followed by dinner with the dishes prepared. Enjoy
an Umbrian meal as you learn about the various products,
the preparation and presentation. |
| day 2 |
Spello, Wines & Cooking
|
| Buffet breakfast. At 10.00 depart
for a guided tour of Spello. Attend a briefing on
the fine local wines at a renowned vineyard followed
by light lunch. Return for your late afternoon cooking
lesson followed by dining on the prepared menu.
|
| day 3 |
Excursion & Cooking |
| After buffet breakfast the morning
is at leisure. At 15.00 depart for a pre-booked
visit of the Sportoletti Vineyards. Late afternoon
commence your third cooking lesson, followed by
dinner and presentation of participation certificate
and recipes. |
| day 4 |
Departure |
| Departure after your buffet breakfast
|
NB: it is possible to reduce
or extend the above programme
Inclusions: 3 nights at the 4* Palazzo, 3
dinners, tasting with drinks, taxes, 3 cooking classes,
introduction on local wines with light lunch, tour
guide, assistance, visit to local vineyard. |
|
04a:
GASTRONOMICALLY ITALIAN full immersion course
|
| 7days/6 nights cooking & touring programme |
| Cost: $ 3665 per person in twin share |
| Commence: Fri, Sat or Mon 06.04.08-15.04.08 /
25.05.08-07.10.08. Any day in other periods |
|
day 1
|
Maiano |
D
|
| Own arrangements to the country house,
orientation tour and welcome dinner in the evening |
| day 2 |
Florence & Cooking |
BD
|
| The morning is dedicated to Florence's
most spectaculars sites accompanied by a highly
qualified guide, including the best shopping venues.
The afternoon cooking class will be an introduction
to traditional Tuscan recipes. Step by step you
will learn a full meal from appetizers to dessert,
including the art of making fresh pasta. Enjoy the
fruits of your labour as you dine with the chef.
|
| day 3 |
The Best of Tuscany |
BD
|
| Full day excursion and guided tour
of Siena and San Gimignano. Visit a vineyard, with
spectacular panoramic views, followed by wine tasting
in the cellar and a delicious gourmet lunch. Upon
your return you will be at leisure until dinner
at a typical Trattoria. |
| day 4 |
The Local Market & Cooking Class |
BD
|
Visit the market, where for centuries
the Florentines have purchased their fresh products.
Meet with the chef for an appreciation of the local
produce.
The afternoon cooking class will be on making traditional
fresh pasta and soups. Culminate your efforts with
dinner in the company of the chef. |
| day 5 |
Day at leisure |
BD
|
| Full day at leisure or join a guided
tour of the olive oil mill and the 15C Villa di
Maiano (also featured in the in the film "a
room with a view"). Dinner will be served at
a typical Trattoria. |
| day 6 |
Third Cooking Class |
BD
|
| Morning at leisure. We recommend a
short visit to a renowned warehouse for shopping.
In the afternoon, your cooking lesson will be dedicated
to main courses and side dishes. You will finish
this Italian experience enjoying your dinner with
the chef and your new friends and the finest local
wine. At the end of the lesson you will receive
the collection of recipes and secrets which you
have mastered during the course. |
| day 7 |
Arrivederci |
B
|
| Farewell and departure after breakfast |
Inclusions: apartment style
accommodation, breakfast daily, welcome dinner at
a Trattoria, three intensive cooking classes followed
by dinner, visit the local market with the chef,
half day guided tour of Florence, full day guided
touring of Siena and San Gimignano, visit a vineyard
and wine tasting with lunch, return transfers for
each visit, apron, welcome and farewell gift, notebook
and recipes, general expenses, taxes and final cleaning.
Minimum 2 persons
NB: personal trash must be removed from apartment,
(applicable penalty for default EU 50)
Non cooking companions cost $2269. |
|
05:
COOKING AT THE RELAIS
|
| 7 days/6 nights, commence Tuesday |
| Cost: $3616 pp twin share, single supp $371 |
| Enjoy excellent local dishes and fine regional
wines |
|
day 1
|
Cortona |
D
|
| Independent arrival at the historical
property near Cortona. Welcome cocktails, followed
by dinner, an opportunity to meet your chef. |
| day 2 |
Cooking & Touring Cortona |
BD
|
| Cooking session will be based on the
traditional Tuscan cuisine. Over a glass of 'prosecco'
update on the importance of presentation! Afternoon
guided tour of Cortona and its Etruscan Museum,
continue to the Monastery of Saint Francis 'Le Celle'.
In the evening relax and enjoy the dinner prepared
during the lesson. |
| day 3 |
Markets & Cooking |
BLD
|
| Morning excursion to the local market,
learn to seek seasonal produce and other ingredients
which will be used for the cooking lesson. Relax
over a light lunch. Your second cooking lesson will
enhance the importance of using seasonal produce.
Dinner will follow at the restaurant. |
| day 4 |
Montepulciano & Pienza |
BL
|
| Full day excursion to visit two gems:
Montepulciano and Pienza. Enjoy lunch with wine
tasting at selected cellars in Montepulciano, sample
unique cheeses in Pienza, whilst you admire the
magnificent surrounding countryside. Evening at
leisure |
| day 5 |
Cooking & Shopping! |
BD
|
| Share the chef's secrets on how to
produce the best homemade pasta and the use of olive
oil. Afternoon excursion to the designer outlets
of Gucci, Prada and others. In the evening enjoy
the prepared menu for dinner. |
| day 6 |
Cooking & Arezzo |
BD
|
| For your final cooking experience
the chef will teach you on the art of cooking fish
and the secrets to enhance the flavour of the sea.
Afternoon excursion to Arezzo, renowned for its
fine goldsmiths, location of the film 'Life is Beautiful'
and masterpieces by Piero della Francesca and Signorelli.
Dinner by candlelight and presentation of your participation
certificate. |
| day 7 |
Farewells |
|
| Departure after breakfast |
| Inclusions: 6 nights accommodation
in a deluxe double room, 4 cooking lessons followed
by dinner, 1 welcome dinner, wine tasting, 1 lunch,
breakfast daily, touring with English spoken guide,
transportation according to itinerary, local taxes
and service charges. NB: shorter courses
on request and possibility to commence on other
days. Minimum 2 persons |
|
05a:
UMBRIA'S CULTURE, WINES & GASTRONOMY
|
| 8 days/7 nights Saturday (other days on request)
|
| Cost: $ 3031 pp twin share, single supp $160 |
|
sat
|
Perugia |
D
|
| Courtesy transfer from Perugia Railway
Station or Airport to the country house. A welcome
basket of local delicacies will be provided in your
apartment. Dinner at a local restaurant. |
| sun |
Perugia and the National Art Gallery |
BLD
|
| Visit the medieval town of Perugia,
the Priori Palace and the National Art Gallery with
13C to late 18C collection of artworks, visit the
Pope's fortress, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
At leisure until dinner at a local restaurant. |
| mon |
Archaeological Umbria |
BL
|
| Visit to the Etruscan monumental tomb
of the Volumni and the National Archaeological Museum
of Umbria. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon
at leisure. Visit a local cellar followed by tasting
of renowned wines and local products. |
| tue |
Assisi |
BLD
|
| Excursion to Assisi, perched on top
of Mount Subiasio it commands magnificent views
of its surrounds. Visit St Francis Basilica and
the town centre. Lunch at a local restaurant. In
the afternoon continue to an oil mill followed by
tasting of olive oils. Dinner at a local restaurant. |
| wed |
Oil & Wine Museum plus
Deruta Ceramics |
BLD
|
Morning visit to the Oil and Wine
Museums. Continue to a local winery followed by
wine tasting. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon
Excursion to Deruta, visit to the Regional Pottery
Museum and visit a ceramist's
workshop with a demonstration. Dinner at a local
restaurant. |
| thu |
Gubbio |
BLD
|
| Morning excursion to Gubbio, visit
its many handicraft shops. Special Truffle lunch
at a local restaurant. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner
at a typical local restaurant. |
| fri |
Lake Trasimeno |
BLD
|
| Morning excursion to Lake Trasimeno.
Ferry crossing and visit the main island. Lunch
at a local restaurant. Continue to the charming
medieval town of Passignano positioned on the Lake.
Dinner at a local restaurant |
| sat |
Farewells |
B
|
| Courtesy transfer to Perugia Railway
Station/Airport. |
| Inclusions: 7 nights in
apartment style accommodation, return transfers
from Perugia (extra charge from other areas), private
touring with English spoken tour guide according
to programme, breakfast daily, 6 lunches, 6 dinners,
welcome basket, 2 wine and olive oil tasting, ferry
crossing, entries according to programme, local
taxes and service charges. The rates apply for a
minimum of 2 persons, discounts applicable for additional
participants up to maximum 6 persons. NB:
shorter courses on request |
|
05b:
COOKING, TOURING & THE AMALFI COAST
|
| 5 days / 4 nights (min.2, max. 6 participants)
|
| Cost: $2727 per person, single room supplement
$160 |
|
The chefs & Your cooking:
|
| Each afternoon you will be welcomed
by the chefs Pasquale, Ciro and Salvatore each in
their specialised role.... |
| day 1 |
Arrival |
| Pick up at Naples Airport or Station
and transfer to the hotel, welcome drink and at
leisure until dinner. |
| day 2 |
Positano & Capri (summer) |
After breakfast, transfer to the pier
at La Praja Beach and boat excursion along the coast
and to Capri: visit the Emerald Grotto (weather
permitting). Stop at Positano and at leisurely visit
of the town.
At 15.30 your first cooking lesson will be dedicated
to Pasta, the chef will demonstrate hand made pasta
and sauces. Dinner will follow. |
| day 3 |
Amalfi & Ravello |
Breakfast and transfer to Amalfi:
At leisure on arrival to visit the town with the
famous Duomo, the Paradise Cloister and the Arsenals.
Then drive along the coast and up to Ravello. Visit
of the two beautiful and famous villas: Villa Rufolo
with its medieval ruins and Villa Cimbrone with
its fascinating views of the coast. On the return
trip visit local winery.
At 15.30 meeting with the chefs for a new cooking
lesson: the famous Napoletan Pizza and the fish
of our coast.
In the afternoon visit a Limoncello producer and
other typical liqueurs. Dinner at 20.00. |
| day 4 |
Agerola, Furore
& Mozzarella |
After breakfast transfer to Agerola,
visit a Mozzarella cheese producer. Stop at Furore,
known as the "the Painted Village" and
finally on to a ceramic workshop in Praiano.
Option to have the day at leisure to visit your
preferred sites.
At 15.30 your last cooking lesson: desserts! At
20.00 gala dinner and graduation ceremony with the
chefs. |
| day 5 |
|
| Breakfast and transfer from the Hotel
to Naples Airport or Station. |
NB: commencement on Monday,
other starting days according to availability
Inclusions: return transfer Naples Airport
or Rail Station, welcome drink, 4 nights in double
share with sea view at a 4* hotel in Praiano, buffet
breakfast and dinner daily, 3 cooking lessons, interpreter,
the chefs, boat excursion to Positano and the Emerald
Grotto with entry (weather permitting), excursions
to Amalfi, Ravello and Agerola, tour guide in Amalfi
and Ravello, entries to Villas Rufolo and Villa
Cimbrione, courtesy shuttle to La Praja Beach, a
surprise gift for the guests |
|
| 5 days / 4 nights (min.2, max. 6 participants)
|
| Cost: $1855 per person, single room supplement:
$175 |
| A great cooking and touring experience for
minimum 2 participants |
| day 1 |
Arrival |
| Met on arrival and transferred to
your Hotel in Minori. Evening presentation of the
course followed by a welcome dinner. |
| day 2 |
Minori & Cooking |
| Orientation tour of Minori, talk to
the local shopkeepers and producers of fresh pasta,
wines, limoncello and the fishmonger. At 15.00 meet
for your 1st cooking lesson, followed by dinner. |
| day 3 |
Pompei |
| Morning excursion to visit the Archaeological
site of Pompei. In the afternoon commence your 2nd
cooking lesson. Before dinner receive your participation
certificate and a surprise gift from the management. |
| day 4 |
Amalfi, Positano
& Ravello |
| Guided visit of Amalfi, including
the Cathedral with its Cloisters and the paper mill,
then on to Positano. In the afternoon guided visit
of Ravello including Villa Rufolo and the Cathedral.
Dinner at a typical restaurant in Minori. |
| day 5 |
Departure
|
| Farewell and departure transfer after
breakfast. |
| Inclusions: 4 nights accommodation
at a 4* Hotel in Minori (4km from Amalfi), return
transfers from Naples or Salerno, breakfast daily,
2 cooking lessons with your professional chef, 4
dinners including wines and coffee, guided touring
and entrance fees as per itinerary, English speaking
escort. The rates apply for a minimum of 2 persons,
reductions applicable for additional participants. |
|
| 7 days / 6 nights |
| Cost: $3273 per person, single room supplement:
$436 |
| Enjoy excellent local dishes and fine regional
wines for minimum 2, maximum 10 participants. |
| day 1 |
Minori |
| Met on arrival and transferred to
your Hotel in Minori. Evening presentation of the
tour followed by a welcome dinner. |
| day 2 |
Avellino & the Irpini Wines |
| Breakfast and departure for the fertile
region of Avellino, you will be guided by an English
speaking expert to the tasting of the Irpini wines
accompanied as you lunch on the typical products.
Dinner at the hotel in the evening. |
| day 3 |
Benevento & the Sanniti Wines |
| Morning departure for Benevento, panoramic
of the city on arrival, followed by tasting the
renowned Sanniti wines with a light lunch based
on typical regional produce. Late afternoon arrival
at the hotel and at leisure until dinner |
| day 4 |
Paestum &
the Salerno Hills |
| Drive south to famous archaeological
site of the ancient Greek city of Paestum and commence
your visit with your local tour guide. Enjoy a typical
light lunch including tasting the wines and oils
from the Salerno hills. |
| day 5 |
The Cellars of Amalfi, Tramonti,
Ravello & Furore
|
| Depart after breakfast to visit the
most renowned wine cellars and your tastings will
include some of the best in the region. Stop for
a light lunch. Evening return to the hotel, followed
by dinner. |
| day 6 |
Minori, Pasta & Limoncello |
| Guided visit of Minori and the archaeological
excavations of Villa Romana and the Cathedral of
St. Trofimena. Then visit the Vecchio Molino and
view the production of pasta and a demonstration
on the technique of making Limoncello. Return to
the hotel in time for dinner. |
| day 7 |
Farewells |
| Farewells and departure transfers
after breakfast. |
| Inclusions: 6 nights accommodation
at a 4* Hotel in Minori (4km from Amalfi), return
transfers from Naples or Salerno, visits and tastings
as per programme, breakfast daily, light lunches,
6 dinners including wines and coffee, guided visits
and entrance fees. The rates apply for a minimum
of 2 persons, reductions applicable for additional
participants. |
|
06:
WINE & GASTRONOMY OF SICILY
|
|
Small group tour conducted
exclusively in English
|
| 9 days/8 nights, Palermo/Catania |
| Depart: Saturday 12 Apr, 17 May, 14 Jun, 13 Sep,
11 Oct 2008 |
| Cost: $2780 pp twin share, single supp $411 |
|
sat
|
Palermo |
D
|
| Met by the assistant on arrival at
the airport and transfer to your hotel*. Remainder
of the day is at leisure until your welcome dinner
at a local restaurant. |
| sun |
Monreale/Wine tasting/Trapani |
BLD
|
| Admire the Arab-Norman art and architecture
of the Monreale Cathedral. Continue across. Then
across the vineyards in the valley where we will
taste quality wines. The whites with a poignant
citrus and floral notes, typical of the grapes of
Catarratto, Grillo, Viognier and Chardonnay. The
reds are full flavour, of savoury red berries, typical
of the Nero d'Avola, Merlot and Syrah. Lunch will
follow. Evening arrival at your hotel in time for
a light dinner. |
| mon |
Erice/Cooking Experience |
BL
|
| Visit medieval Erice and taste the
almond delicacies. Continue for a visit to a renowned
olive oil mill followed by tastings. Then meet the
Chef for your cooking experience, learn to master
traditional recipes. Enjoy the results for lunch.
Leisurely return to your hotel. |
| tue |
Trapani/Marsala/Menfi/Agrigento |
BL
|
| Panoramic drive to view the salt mills.
At Marsala stop at a renowned cellar to taste the
local specialty. Proceed for Menfi visit the vineyards,
olive groves, surrounded by citrus groves, carobs
and other typical flora, then taste the fine local
wines in the Cellar. After lunch continue to Agrigento
and visit the Valley of the Temples. At night return
to view the illuminated Temples. |
| wed |
Agrigento/Sant' Angelo Muxaro/Agrigento |
BL
|
| Visit the village of Sant' Angelo
Muxaro, in the valley crossed by the River Platani.
At a typical country house learn the art of making
pizza and typical bread with oil, cheese, a light
lunch will follow. Visit the characteristic town
in the afternoon before returning to your hotel. |
| thu |
Agrigento/Piazza Armerina/Caltagirone/Ragusa |
BD
|
| Visit the magnificent mosaics at the
Roman hunting lodge at Piazza Armerina, namely Villa
Romana del Casale. Admire the handcrafted ceramics
at Caltagirone. Afternoon at leisure in Ragusa until
dinner at a typical restaurant and taste the local
specialties. |
| fri |
Ragusa/Modica/Noto |
BL
|
| Morning stroll through the historical
centre of Ibla, dominated by Baroque architecture.
Proceed to two of UNESCO Heritage Sites: Modica
and Noto. Modica is also renowned for the Chocolate,
produced according to an ancient Aztec recipe, you
will see a demonstration of chocolate making and
of course taste! A light lunch will be followed
by a visit to Baroque Noto. At leisure until departure
for Catania. |
| sat |
Catania/Mount Etna/Taormina/Catania |
B
|
Morning drive to Taormina, at leisure
to explore on arrival. Afternoon excursion to a
winery near Mt Etna.
The rich soil and volcanic minerals produces a wine
which is blissfully unique. Visit a vineyard, with
an olive grove, followed by tasting with snacks
and cocktails. Afternoon return to your hotel |
| sun |
Catania |
B
|
| The tour comes to an end with a courtesy
transfer to the airport |
Inclusions: return
airport transfers available 08.00-19.00 (a supplement
is applicable after hours), tour escort, deluxe
transportation, 8 nights accommodation at 4* hotels,
buffet breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 3 dinners, 3
wine tasting, 1 olive oil tasting, 1 cooking class,
2 cooking demonstrations, farewell cocktails, entry
fees as per programme, local taxes, small group
tour,
Not included: drinks and meals (unless
stated), gratuities, porterage, personal expenses
|
|
07:
Local Artist & Ceramic Class
|
|
Share the
knowledge and technique of a renowned artist as
you create your own ceramic masterpiece!
|
| Cost: $1135 pp in twin share, single supp. $90 |
| Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Nov, Dec '08, excluding Sundays
& public holidays. Minimum 2 persons |
|
day 1
|
Spello and Art
|
| Own arrangements to your Hotel in
Spello. Late afternoon guided walking tour of the
city, ending at the studio of a renowned artist
who will give a demonstration of his work and techniques.
A sumptuous dinner will follow at the Il Molino
Restaurant across from your hotel (closed on Tuesday).
|
| day 2 |
Torgiano & Ceramics |
| After your buffet breakfast depart
for Torgiano, visit the vineyards and the cellars
of the renowned Lungarotti wines. A typical Umbrian
brunch will be served at the Osteria of the Museum
(closes at 12.00). Continue for Deruta and your
pre-booked 4 hour ceramic class ending at 18.30,
you will be assisted by a translator. Remainder
of the evening is at leisure. |
| day 3 |
| | | |
