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Forks on the Road
A Member of Tzell Travel Group
Tasting Tuscany
A week-long culinary adventure in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.
Replete with farm-to-fork experiences, vineyards, vistas, cooking lessons and tastings galore, This sample escorted tour is ideal for chef-led groups. Completly customizible and priced upon request.
1
FLORENCE - LUCCA
A morning arrival in Florence’s Airport (Peretola) will allow for a panoramic tour of this beautiful renaissance city and see sites like the Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Known as the Duomo it is the iconic symbol of Florence. The group will travel north to the medieval walled city of Lucca. Showcasing a different Tuscan landscape, Lucca is renowned for its olive oil and arguably offers Tuscany’s best food. Tortelli lucchese, a bright yellow pasta, stuffed with seasoned meat and topped with a rich meat-laden ragù will be on the menu. After hotel check-in there’ll be time to relax before a welcome dinner. Overnight Lucca (L, D)
2
3
LUCCA - PONTEDERA
Today’s itinerary will include a tour and tasting at the award-winning and magical Amedei Chocolate factory, followed by a truffle hunt and tasting organized by the Savini family whose name has been synonymous with truffles in Tuscany for four generations. The afternoon will include a light lunch. Back in Lucca, dinner tonight will be at the Michelin starred La Mora. (B, L, D)
LUCCA
A guided walking tour of Lucca will be an ideal way to spend the morning. The group will enjoy lunch – the cafes and trattorias in the town’s piazzas are delightful - and a free afternoon to explore and shop or perhaps enjoy a bike ride. Early evening all will gather for a hands-on cooking lesson, and olive oil tasting, then dine on the fruits of their labor with local wines. (Note: arrangements can be made for the accompanying chef to interact) (B, D)
Tuscan chocolatier Amedei
Lucca with its still intact renaissance-era walls surrounding its Piazza San Michele.
4
LUCCA – SAN GIMIGNANO & MONTERIGGIONI
This morning begins with travel to an organic farm that cultivates the crocus flower for saffron and will include a special farm-to-fork lunch with dishes incorporating the precious spice. The afternoon’s activities will be a winery stop for a tasting and visits to the picture-postcard hill towns of San Gimignano and Monteriggioni. Later, an informal cooking lesson will be followed by a relaxing dinner with wine at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Medieval Monterggioni's church and belltower
5
THE COUNTRYSIDE
This day will be all about wine & cheese with tutorials and tastings and a visit to a cheese farm for an expansive tasting including a special peccorino and the group will lunch together on the farm and this evening, be free to dine on their own. (B, L)
Residents of Organic Goat Cheese Farm
6
SIENA
A later morning departure from the hotel will allow for a leisurely breakfast and some time to relax before a guided walking tour of historic Siena considered by many to be Italy’s most beautiful medieval city. Sites will include the Mangia Tower, the Duomo and its heart, the Piazza del Campo. The group will lunch on their own and have time to explore, for personal sightseeing, shopping and perhaps a visit to the Civic Museum to see the famed Sienese paintings. This evening a hands-on cooking lesson will be in Siena center. Note: An arrangement can be made for an accompanying chef to collaborate with the school’s director dinner paired with local wines will follow. (B, D)
Mangia Tower
Chianti Vineyard
Butcher Dario Cecchini
7
CHIANTI
Today the group will tour the villages of the Chianti region and lunch in Panzano with the famous Butcher Dario Cecchini. After lunch, the group will enjoy a winery visit for an exceptional tasting of Chianti’s wines including Chianti Classico. Designated one of the super-Tuscan wines, it has been produced here for over 2000 years.
8
FLORENCE
This morning the group will return to Florence for a guided tour that will be a delicious combination or art & food. The afternoon will be free for museums visits and personal sightseeing. A farewell dinner at a specially chosen ristorante will give the group their final taste of Tuscany. (B, L)
Duomo
San Marco Open Stall Food Market
9
Florence
Transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
Arrivederci !