Tuscan Treasures Tour
June 1-13, 2012
(DETAILS MAY VARY SLIGHTLY WITH FINAL ITINERARY)
DAY 1 Depart NYC for overnight transatlantic flight. Flights from other US & European departure cities can be arranged at time of registration.
DAY2 Arrive Rome airport in morning; transfer to La Mucchia Villa Suites in Cortona, Tuscany via private motor coach. Lunch, welcome reception & dinner included.
DAY 3 Italian language instruction with private tutor. Lunch included. Evening in Cortona for dinner and Giostra dell Archidado festival.
DAY 4 Guided visit to Cortona and surrounding area. Evening dinner included and Medieval Market in Cortona.
DAY 5 Travel by train to Firenze for a full-day guided tour with visits to the Uffizi Gallery & Academia. Dinner included.
DAY 6 Head to Umbria’s Casiglion del Lago, a lovely lake town where you board a ferry boat to explore an island in the midst of Lake Trasimeno. Then off to Monte Olivetto Magiore Abbey to admire dozens of 14th century art frescoes and tour the Abbey winery and centuries-old Franciscan pharmacy. After group dinner (included), you are an invited guest at the reenactment of the medieval wedding feast of Francesco Casali, Lord of Cortona and Antonia Salimbeni, noble woman of Siena!
DAY 7 Cooking class with Ada. Ada is chef for Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun, who lives part time at Brama Sole in Cortona. Early in the day, you will accompany Ada to the local farmers’ market for fresh seasonal ingredients to make homemade pastas, a variety of sauces and other Tuscan specialities. The day’s main meal, prepared and served by the group, is included. Evening you will again experience Cortona’s Giostra dell Archidado festival featuring crossbow shooters, music and dancers. Late night bruschetta & wine served poolside at your Villa.
Day 8 Art history & design instruction with local artist….or you may choose a FREE DAY to explore Tuscany on your own.
DAY 9 Guided visit to historic ASSISI and to Frantoio Landi, a boutique vineyard and olive grove for wine and oil tastings. Evening group dinner, included.
DAY 10 Travel via private motor coach to one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany, SIENA. Full-day, guided walking tour including the Siena Synagogue. Evening group dinner, included.
DAY 11 After breakfast, leave for Montepulciano and Pienza, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, via private motor coach through the breathtaking Tuscany Wine Road. Afternoon stop at one of the best wineries of Tuscany, Avignonesi, for a vineyard tour, wine tasting and appetizers. Lunch and dinner, included.
DAY 12 FREE MORNING. Afternoon excursion to Cortona to visit MAEC (Museum of Etruscan Artifacts) featuring archaeological treasures dating from 1000BCE. Group dinner, included. Late night: farewell wine & music poolside at your Villa with La Mucchia hosts, Uri & Zeev.
DAY 13 DEPART for US. Arrivederci La Mucchia Villa Suites for morning transfer to airport for transatlantic flight back to USA. THOSE WISHING AN EXTENDED STAY may do so by making arrangements at time of registration.
For complete itinerary details, contact…
Melina…mcarnice@roadrunner.com
Liala…lstrotman@yahoo.com