For Italians, food means joy, family and friendship. Food is weaved into their history and they are passionate about it becoming part of yours.
From local trattorias to gourmet feasts, to the sophisticated wines of this region, this journey is a food lover's dream come true.
September 13 - October 18, 2008
Cost: $3,800.00 per person Double Occupancy,
Cost: $700.00 per person Single Supplement, Exclusive of Airfare
Transfers and transportation included
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7 Night Private Ensuite Lodging
•
Castle Wine Tour with tasting & lunch
•
Artisan Bread & Pizza Making Tour & lunch
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Chianti Wine Tour with tastings
•
Walking Tour of Siena and San Gimignano
•
Pasta Making & Lunch
•
Wine, Herb & Cheese Pairing & dinner
•
Hands-On Cooking Lessons with local Tuscan Chef
TRAVEL ICONS
STILL AVAILABLE
September 13 - 20, 2008
September 20 - 27, 2008
September 27 - Oct 4, 2008
October 4 - 11, 2008
October 11 - 18, 2008
Villa Wine & Dine
For Italians, food means joy, family and friendship. Food is weaved into their history and they are passionate about it becoming part of yours. We have created a wonderful itinerary where you'll meet local producers and growers, share their secret family recipes, and soak in a lifestyle that can only be found in this magical part of the world.
From local trattorias to gourmet feasts, to the sophisticated wines of this region, this journey is a food lover's dream come true.
To add to the merriment, Giulio our Tuscan partner joins us brings with him a deep love and knowledge of this fantastic wine region and the people. In the Chianti countryside the eye can range far across the unfolding of hills, all offering a spacious spectra of color and a land offering some of the best
vines in Italy. This ancient wine region of is a "must do" for wine lovers and the idyllic scenery is exactly
how we think of dreamy Tuscany, sprinkled with castles, hill top villages and vine-covered valleys.
Food & Friends
Tuscan food has long been known for its robust flavors and simple ingredients. Like the Italians themselves, every dish seems to celebrate life and the beautiful surroundings for which Italy is known. From the fresh pasta, to the wild mushrooms, the cakes, the meat, the cheese and the bread, to the wine, each meal is made with a passion and served with a love for food that only comes from a deep appreciation and understanding of the ingredients and their source.
Whether you're a professional chef or you simply like to dabble, this trip is a treat for any food lover. So, roll up your sleeves and come into our kitchen. We have guest chefs, wine experts , cheese connoisseurs and truffle gurus all waiting to teach you how to create masterful dishes with locally grown and fresh ingredients.
During the week, you'll enjoy relaxed hands on cooking classes. You'll learn to make handmade pasta and typical Tuscan sweets. Our local expert Francesca, a professional chef will show you how to prepare fresh Tagliatelle and Ravioli and the Cantuccini biscuits that you'll taste at the end with a glass of Vinsanto wine.
You'll meet a new friend, Pierre whose passion and love for herbs will introduce you to a whole new world. His great mixtures will be infused with the flavors, aromas and colors of Tuscany.
Our friend and Tuscan partner Giulio has lived in Italy his entire life. Originally from Torino his career as a restaurateur in Milan and the highly respected restaurant Le Api eventually led him to Tuscany where he soon fell under the spell of the Tuscan life. His love of the earth and of the wine it produces leads him to yet another career in enology and seeking out delicious discovers for Vagabond
Gourmet.
The week won't be complete without visits to famous Chianti Classico vineyards and meeting these passionate producers. Centuries ago these hills were marked with battles but now the gentle landscape flourishes with vineyards and orchards.
There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread pulled right out of the oven, is there? Here in Italy, the making of fresh bread is a tradition that has passed from generation to generation, and this week, the secrets will be passed on to you.
We will take you to the farm of Viola, a warm Italian lady who has been cooking bread for as long as she can remember. Viola will show you how to make bread from scratch, using the products on her land. Delicious flatbread with rosemary and olives and pizza crust are on today's menu! She'll also share some tips on using old bread so it doesn't go to waste. Lunch with Viola is next with; you guessed it, bread and pizza for all.
Around Tuscany
A visit to Siena is another highlight of this magical trip. The town is perched over Tuscany and is a well preserved example of medieval architecture with winding cobbled streets and beautiful plazas. Siena is divided into terzi, or thirds, and within each of these there are a number of the districts known as contrade. Each contrada has its own animal emblem (a caterpillar, a giraffe, a goose etc.) and its own strong identity. Walking through the town, you will see colorful flags draped from windows, and in restaurants.
The towered city of San Gimignano is most of Tuscany's most charming villages and another treasure trove of gourmet shops and delicious discoveries. Shopping for oils, vinegars, salumi, and cheese here is always great fun. And after a gelato, and buttery crostata from the pastry shop a visit to see the frescos at the Musceo della Collegiato are nearly worth the trip.
Your Tuscan Villa
At night, there is nothing more to do than enjoy a hearty meal prepared together under a Tuscan moon, with a glass of local Chianti, in our beautiful villa.
When you are not exploring the Tuscan countryside and the small villages, you will hopefully be beside us in our large country kitchen at Villa Montignoso, engaging in lively demonstrations, and immersing yourself into a recipe that was likely created by an Italian nonna decades ago.
High atop a hill approximately 2000 feet above sea level, your home away from home is located between two of the loveliest medieval towns, San Gimignano and Volterra. We are only about 20 miles from Siena, 35 from Florence and an easy drive to Lucca, Pisa and the seaside. Suffice it to say...the villa is perfect.
The elegant house has been decorated with beautiful spacious rooms,
each with their own bathrooms and comfortably appointed. You'll
find stunning terracotta tile and Italian marble throughout, and
can admire the hand plastered walls and painted detail. Three fireplaces
in the house make for delightful evenings of cheerful conversation
accompanied by tasty selections of fine Italian wine.
A laundry room, TV, telephone and swimming pool add modern comforts to this Tuscan oasis.
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For Italians, food means joy, family and friendship. Food is weaved into their history and they are passionate about it becoming part of yours. We have created a wonderful itinerary where you'll meet local producers and growers, share their secret family recipes, and soak in a lifestyle that can only be found in this magical part of the world.
Tuscan food has long been known for its robust flavors and simple ingredients. Like the Italians themselves, every dish seems to celebrate life and the beautiful surroundings for which Italy is known. From the fresh pasta, to the wild mushrooms, the cakes, the meat, the cheese and the bread, to the wine, each meal is made with a passion and served with a love for food that only comes from a deep appreciation and understanding of the ingredients and their source. 
A visit to Siena is another highlight of this magical trip. The town is perched over Tuscany and is a well preserved example of medieval architecture with winding cobbled streets and beautiful plazas. Siena is divided into terzi, or thirds, and within each of these there are a number of the districts known as contrade. Each contrada has its own animal emblem (a caterpillar, a giraffe, a goose etc.) and its own strong identity. Walking through the town, you will see colorful flags draped from windows, and in restaurants. 
At night, there is nothing more to do than enjoy a hearty meal prepared together under a Tuscan moon, with a glass of local Chianti, in our beautiful villa. 
The elegant house has been decorated with beautiful spacious rooms,
each with their own bathrooms and comfortably appointed. You'll
find stunning terracotta tile and Italian marble throughout, and
can admire the hand plastered walls and painted detail. Three fireplaces
in the house make for delightful evenings of cheerful conversation
accompanied by tasty selections of fine Italian wine.