Culinary and Cultural Tour: TUSCANY, ITALY

Culinary Tour Adventure in TUSCANY AND Il BARETO FARMHOUSE, Italy 2008

TUSCANY AND Il BARETO FARMHOUSE

September 27–October 4, 2008 • May 16–23, 2009 • September 19–26, 2009

 

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For those who wish to experience the deep pleasures of Italian country life, il Bareto offers the perfect gateway to the cultural and sensuous pleasures of central Tuscany. Located just 14 kilometers from the famous medieval town of Siena, this 17th-century restored farmhouse offers comfortable accommodations and spectacular views. Perched on a hill across the meadow stands Celsa castle, an architectural jewel and the main view from most of the rooms at il Bareto. The delightful grounds and pool area offer a place to stroll, relax and dine al fresco (for additional information and photos go to www.hiddenitaly.com. Click on “near Siena”, then il Bareto.).

Our one-week culinary journey will focus on seasonal Tuscan cooking. When you’re not exploring ancient villages and local markets, you will learn to make delicious meals from local chefs at the Dante Alighieri Culinary Institute, including fresh ravioli, various pastas, bruschetta, Osso Bucco, Bistecca alla Fiorentina and wonderful desserts, such as Tiramasu and Panna Cotta. Also learn to work with seasonal produce, all while savoring fabulous local wines. Whether you love to be in the kitchen or prefer to sightsee and shop, our culinary adventure in Tuscany will exceed your expectations.

Benevenuto!!
After your arrival at the Siena train station, the group will drive to il Bareto and settle in. We will share in wine tasting and introductions on the veranda while taking in the spectacular view of Celsa castle. A dinner demonstration of fresh ravioli and Bistecca alla Fiorentina will follow.

A Day in Siena
We’re off to the historic city of Siena for a guided tour walking tour. Afterwards, there will be plenty of time to wander the narrow, medieval streets on your own. Enjoy free time at lunch and then meet up again for a cooking class at Dante Alighieri Culinary Institute featuring homemade pasta, Osso Bucco and Tiramasu.

Country Life and Castles
Enjoy the ambience of il Bareto with a few free hours in the morning. Walk around the grounds, sit by the pool, or head to the exquisite Medici gardens a few minutes away. We’ll then drive to Gaiole in Chianti and Castello di Meleto for a tour of the castle and wine tasting, followed by lunch in the castle’s dining room. In route back to Siena, we’ll stop for a brief visit to the walled city of Radda. In the evening we’ll have a pizza demonstration and meal at a local Pizzeria.

The Heart of Chianti
Off to the town of Greve in Chianti for a salami and wine tasting at the famous Macelleria Falorni in the town square, followed by a light lunch. On the way back to Siena, we’ll stop in the picturesque town of Castellina with time to wander around. Late afternoon cooking class at il Barteto featuring local Tuscan fare.

Market Day
We’ll arrive early to the weekly market in Siena. There will be plenty of time to peruse the stalls and sample local delicacies before heading to the fabled town of San Gimignano. Lunch at one of the local trattorias, before visiting the town’s famed medieval towers. Free evening with option to return to Siena.

Wine and more wine!
We’ll head to the famous wine town of Montepulciano for the day. Enjoy the winding streets and numerous shops at your leisure. Lunch on your own at one of the many wonderful restaurants, before heading on to Pienza and a late afternoon of antipasti with a wine tasting.

A day in the country
Free morning at il Bareto before a cooking class and lunch. We’ll then head out to Montalcino for an afternoon visit before a special farewell dinner at the wonderful La Pievina restaurant.

Buon Viaggio!
In the morning. we depart our beautiful Tuscan farmhouse and return to the Siena train station for connections to either Florence or Rome.

Pricing For Our 2008 Tuscany, Italy Culinary Tour*:
Double occupancy $3200, private bath

Single supplement $450

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*included in the price are 7 nights accommodations at il Bareto, all ground transportation after arriving at the Rignano sull'Arno train, all group activities, cooking classes and demonstrations, and most meals, except for lunch in Siena and Montelpulciano.

A $1000 deposit is needed to secure your place in our Culinary Adventure in Tuscany, Italy. Since the number of participants is limited and accommodations vary, early registration is advised. The balance of the tour is due 60 days prior to departure. If not received by that time, CULINARY ADVENTURES OF MEXICO reserves the right to treat the reservation as cancelled.

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