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Italian Journeys with Isabella and Luigi Dusi |
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Copyright:
L. & I. DUSI Culinary
& Cultural Tour of Italy 2008 PRELIMINARY
ITINERARY Escorted
by Isabella and Luigi Dusi Judith
Cullen
Sunday,
25 May to Saturday, 07 June 2008 13
nights
Day
1. Arrival – Frascati – Grottaferrata – Spello: Sunday
25 May: Luigi and Isabella will meet you this morning on your arrival at
Fiumicino airport Rome and together we’ll commence our journey, our
understanding of this country, its culture, its food, its past and present.
Later in the day we’ll arrive at Spello surrounded by the
evocative hills of Umbria, where we will stay for 3 nights but first
let’s start by visiting a typical Lazio village and then, enjoy the
hospitality of Basilio, Elena and their family.
So
attached to this territory were the Romans that they escaped to these
hills in the summer, when Rome became hot and humid, right up until the
fall of the Empire. This morning we’ll visit a monastery which conceals
an enchanting Greek church at Grottaferrata.
Frascati as you’re probably well aware, is well known for the
white wine of the same name. Although much Frascati is exported,
unfortunately exports tend to be low quality production.
We leave Grottaferrata and before moving on to Spello we’ll visit
a vineyard, and in an exquisite setting, taste quality Frascati and local
olive oil whilst enjoying a delicious lunch of Roman cuisine at Casa Mara,
the home of Basilio and Elena Ventura. Once
we reach Spello we’ll settle into our rooms. Spello is one of Umbria’s
most enchanting medieval villages. In the evening we’ll enjoy welcome
drinks with Judith and your hosts in Italy. Overnight***Hotel La Bastiglia, Spello. Lunch with wines included.
Day
2. Perugia – Torgiano:
Monday 26
May: This morning we’ll make our way to the region’s capital, the
small city of Perugia. You
may like to join Isabella on an informative walk into the heart of Perugia,
visiting Rocca Paolina, the remains of a massive palace which the war
mongering Perugians tore apart stone by stone, or the Salone of the
Notaries, wonderfully frescoed. The
morning is yours to design and explore the city of Perugia, which also
boasts fabulous chocolates so before moving away from Perugia we’ll
treat ourselves to a kiss or two, “un baccio” or
a few “baci”. Making
our way through gorgeous countryside, circling Umbrian hills, we’ll
reach the small village of Torgiano where we will visit the Olive Oil
Museum and then, their Wine Museum. Today we begin our discovery of
Umbrian olive oil and Torgiano’s two splendid DOCG wines; the Torgiano
Riserva and the Sagrantino from Montefalco.
Surrounded as we are by vineyards and olive groves there can be no
more ideal location than this “balcony of Umbria” to taste these local
products. La
Bastiglia is also well known for its fine restaurant so join us tonight
for a taste experience, a taste of Umbria. Overnight ***Hotel La Bastiglia, Spello. Dinner with wines included.
Day
3. Assisi - Spello:Tuesday 27 May: Today we’ll venture into the
sacred soul of Umbria, arriving at Assisi, birth place of Saint Francis. A
morning visit gives you the opportunity to marvel at Giotto’s frescoes
in the Basilica and to visit the crypt where Saint Francis is entombed.
This is a spiritually elevating experience, whatever your religious belief
or non belief, for to sit at the feet of Saint Francis, surrounded by
emotional believers, many on their knees, captures the very essence of his
life and teachings. You’ll have time to explore the upper reaches of
Assisi before we return to Spello. Our hotel is in such a glorious
location that the afternoon is set aside for you to relax and enjoy Umbria
at its sublime best, perhaps with a glass of wine. You can visit historic
Spello, including a church holding some wonderful art work by Pinturicchio
and Gozzoli, the Roman fountain and gates, or simply meander until you
find the perfect spot for a Campari, or walk into the hills to the olive
groves and vineyards. Architecturally Spello is enchanting, a blend of
medieval and early renaissance. Italians
need little excuse to celebrate traditions, food or anything produced on
the land; and they love to party! This evening we’ll visit a village
celebrating its annual festival, experiencing this facet of Italian
culture, joining the locals at their annual “Sagra”. The highlight of
the festival is strawberries – and although the origins of the festival
are not ancient – it is an excellent opportunity to join the locals as
they celebrate fund raising for their churches and sporting facilities.
During the evening you’ll be able to choose and purchase your own
dinner. After dinner return to our hotel. Overnight ***Hotel La Bastiglia, Spello.
Day
4. Orvieto – Pienza – Montalcino: Wednesday
28 May: Today we leave
magical Spello and travel to Montalcino, Tuscany where we’ll stay for
the next two nights. Before
arriving at Montalcino we’ll pause to visit Orvieto, set high upon a
plateau of rock. The shimmering mosaics cladding the extraordinary
cathedral, begun in the 1200’s, is visible for miles around. Isabella
will talk you through what is considered Luca Signorelli’s masterpiece,
his marvellous frescoes, ‘Judgement of the Damned’ painted three years
before his death. Explicit, fearful and yet captivating, one cannot help
but be amazed when one sees these fabulous works of art. Orvieto is also
famous for ceramics, woodwork and lace making. First we take the
autostrada, but then a drive through glorious countryside brings us to
Pienza, changed into a jewel of renaissance architecture by Pope Pius II
who rebuilt Pienza as a utopian seat for his papacy, and where we’ll
pause in search of Pecorino sheep milk cheese for which the town is famous.
Pienza, protected as a world heritage village in its entirety, makes a
delightful stop for an afternoon walk and coffee before we reach
Montalcino. This evening
we’ll introduce you to Tuscan cuisine at dinner. Overnight ***Hotel dei Capitani, Montalcino. Dinner with wines included.
Day
5. Montalcino – Angelo’s Pasticceria – Quartiere Pianello –
Brunello di Montalcino: Thursday
29 May: Montalcino is the home of your hosts, Isabella and Luigi.
Often visitors are not privy to what goes on in Tuscan villages
like Montalcino because it is exceedingly hard to penetrate beyond the
walls of stone. Today you’ll be welcomed, and have the pleasure of
coming to understand life in a Tuscan village at close quarters.
Early
this morning those who wish can join Isabella and Judith and meet Angelo
at Montalcino’s Pasticceria to watch him bake the morning treats for an
awakening village. The delicious aroma of warm brioche filled with custard
may be too hard to resist, and so are Angelo’s delicious biscuits baked
with almonds and his secret spices. Some free time to support our village
shops and for you to enjoy caffè or campari in the piazza and your lunch.
In the afternoon Isabella will offer an informative walk and talk around
this medieval village, visiting Quartiere Pianello, the neighbourhood to
which Luigi and Isabella belong, and the Church of San Pietro, and then
into the kitchen with Judith and our village ladies to prepare a typical
Quartiere Pianello dinner, or should I say feast! Before we sit down to
dinner we’ll enjoy an educational tasting of Brunello di Montalcino at
Pianello, and you’ll become “quartieranti”, members of
Pianello, and dine on genuine Tuscan Montalcinesi cuisine! Overnight ***Hotel dei Capitani, Montalcino. Wine Tasting and Pianello dinner with wine included.
Day
6. Siena – Chianti - San
Gimignano: Friday
30 May: After a fabulous
visit to Montalcino we’ll travel north, a little further into Tuscany (Toscana)
to arrive at the end of the day at San Gimignano where we’ll stay for 3
nights. Along our route lies Siena, the quintessential medieval city,
small and compact, with a wonderful Campo in which to enjoy people
watching. In the Cathedral, one of Italy’s awesome churches, you will
see the inlaid floor, magnificent sculptures and altar, and you can view
the frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Library. We’ll meet in the Campo for
a light lunch. The Campo is the heart and soul of Siena - it is abuzz with
young and old, meeting and greeting and exchanging news. It is also the
scene of the palio horse race which takes place at breakneck speed twice a
year around the Campo in Siena. After lunch we’ll travel the short
distance through the hills of Chianti, famous for olive oil, fine wine and
pork butchers who raise, cure and sell their products to the best
restaurants in Italy. Along our way we’ll be investigating the pork
products of one of the famed butchers of Chianti, and we’ll taste the
prized wine Chianti Classico in an innovative and fun cantina. You’ll be
able to visit the village of Greve in Chianti, deserving all the accolades
heaped upon it and a charming place for your next gelato or Campari. In
the late afternoon we’ll reach San Gimignano, a little time to unpack,
and we’ll take an orientation walk to acquaint you with this unique
village of Tuscany. Overnight *** Hotel da Graziano, San Gimignano. Light Lunch with wines included.
Day
7. Renaissance Florence: Saturday 31 May: Today is devoted to
the Renaissance city of Florence.
If you are under the impression that the ‘renaissance’ means sculpture,
or art, or architecture, then you may have missed the whole point.
Isabella will provoke you to think about what the renaissance really means,
leading you to think deeply about how the renaissance of Florence affects
us and the world we live in today. With pre-booked entry we’ll visit
Michelangelo’s magnificent ‘David’ and ‘Prisoners’ in the
Academy Gallery, walking to the Cathedral, past the Doors of the
Baptistery, Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto’s Bell tower, we’ll
arrive at Piazza Signorini, and then complete our ‘cultural’ events
with a pre booked visit to the Uffizi Gallery where Isabella will
walk-and-talk you through a selection of works by Giotto, Cimabue, Gentile
Fabriano, Paolo Uccello, Piero della Francesca, Leonardo da Vinci,
Botticelli and Michelangelo. You will be free for lunch and for the rest
of the day to visit the markets and shop, to visit the Churches of Santa
Croce or Santa Maria Novella and the Apothecary, Palazzo Pitti, or the
Boboli Gardens.. After a fabulous day in Florence we’ll return to San
Gimignano for dinner in our hotel. Overnight ***Hotel da Graziano, San Gimignano. Dinner with wine included
Day
8. San Gimignano and Etruscan Volterra: Sunday
01 June: This morning is yours to relax and enjoy San Gimignano. This is
an architecturally blessed village which was in a state of complete
abandon for hundreds of years due to desertion of the nobles at the onset
of the plague in the 1300’s. Today it is a well preserved medieval
village dotted with thirteen towers resembling sky scrapers – the legacy
of warring noble families. The 12th century towers give San
Gimignano an architectural image more like America than Italy. Excellent
leather, ceramics and all manner of shopping abounds, and even though it
is Sunday, by 10 am the town will be buzzing. You can have your lunch in
San Gimignano. This
afternoon Isabella will offer you a visit to another Tuscan gem, perched
on a hill, overlooking three valleys, the nearby village of Volterra.
Aside from artisan skills in carving alabaster over the past two
and a half thousand years, Volterra rests on its Etruscan origins, a
civilisation which pre dated the Romans, and from whom the Romans learned
many of their skills. Your visit will help you understand the magnificence
of this ancient civilisation. Most shopping will not be open in Volterra,
as it is Sunday, however the town is well worth a visit to see the
architecture and alabaster. After
our Volterra visit we’ll return to our hotel and you will be free for
the evening. Overnight *** Hotel da Graziano, San Gimignano.
Day
9. Lucca – Prosciutto - Parma: Monday
02 June: Today we depart Tuscany and travel to the north, stopping along
the way to visit the famous town of Lucca, birthplace of one of Italy’s
greatest composers, Giacomo Puccini. Puccini was the last of a dynasty of
musicians in his family, a dynasty which began in 1712. The walls
surrounding Lucca present an awesome spectacle. You can walk the ramparts
which maintain an unbroken defensive chain around the town, or you can
hire a bicycle and cycle the walls. Today is a holiday in Italy so the
majority of shopping will not be open. Lucca is a delightful town for a
visit, perhaps to cycle the walls, or a walk to one of the many churches
or the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre will be your choice. After lunch
we’ll travel on the coastal road, and then inland on the autostrada to
the city of Parma.
Along the way we’ll stop to investigate the production techniques which
elevate Prosciutto di Parma far above its competitors, visiting the curing
sheds and tasting prosciutto di Parma right where it is produced. In Parma
folk go about their daily life unaffected by tourism. In the 16th
century, Mannerist painting came into bloom under the artist Il
Parmigianino, while Giuseppe Verdi lived near the city when he composed
his greatest works. Once settled into our hotel we’ll take a walk to
orientate you with Parma, dining together on the cuisine of Reggio Emilia. Overnight***Hotel Button, Parma. Dinner with wines included.
Day
10. Parmigiano Reggiano – Balsamic of Modena - Parma:
Tuesday 03 June:
The delicious foods of Emilia Romagna make it a veritable paradise
for gourmets. Early this morning we’ll follow our noses to a Caseficio
close to Modena, learning about and watching the making of Parmigiano
Reggiano, visiting the temperature controlled sheds where thousands of
rounds of parmigiano cheese mature. It is worth travelling across the
Pacific to taste Parmigiano Reggiano right where it is made. This king of
cheeses bears no resemblance to anything called parmesan which is grated,
ungraciously, onto pasta all over the world. At Modena we are perfectly
placed to understand the difference between Traditional Balsamic of Modena
and any other type of vinegar, learning more about this exquisite balsam
which has no resemblance to anything you might find in a supermarket.
We’ll visit an Acetaio, hearing about and tasting this unique balsam. On
our return, you will be free for the rest of the day in parma. You will be
able to walk to the magnificent Cathedral and Baptistry, recognised among
Italy’s awesome churches as ‘unmissable’ and enjoy some free time to
visit the parks or shop before we sit down to a delicious dinner. Overnight ***Hotel Button, Parma. Dinner with wines included.
Day
11. Verona - Montagnana – Padova: Wednesday
04 June: Before we depart Parma this morning, once we have our baggage
loaded and are ready for departure, we will make a visit to the Teatro
Farnese at Parma – this is a jewel of theatre architecture open only in
the morning, so this is our opportunity. We’ll be at the door of the
theatre at 9 am! Now we journey along the autostrada to elegant Verona. On
arrival Isabella will offer an orientation walk past the Roman Arena which
is home to Opera in Verona, to the homes of Romeo and Giuletta, and the
tombs of the tyrannical medieval rulers, the Scaligeri family. You’ll
have free time to explore the heart of Verona which is compactly bound by
the River Adige, to which you can comfortably walk. Departing Verona we’ll
make our way to the walled town of Montagnana. This is a village which was
once a walled military compound and the walls still circle the village,
punctuated with 24 towers and four main gates. Not many visitors arrive in
Montagnana making it a pleasure to see the military structure of the
village, and the grand Gothic church which contains an altarpiece by
Veronese. At
their family trattoria Marisa and Nelson, friends of Isabella and Luigi,
and now a friend of Judith, will theatrically prepare an amazing,
entertaining early dinner. This will be a table of plenty, including fun
and copious amounts of exquisite food - bring a big appetite, our
gregarious hosts are generous in all respects. We’ll
continue our journey in the early evening and travel on to reach Padova,
where we will stay for 3 nights. Padova
is a small and intellectually vibrant university city. Its university, the
Bo, once the seat of Gallileo, is famous all over the world. Overnight***Hotel Verdi, Padova. Early Dinner with wines included.
Day
12. Padova
Market – Vicenza and Palladio: Thursday
05 June: The colourful
morning market is underway, second only to Palermo in variety of produce,
the market meanders through a medieval palace threaded with tiny shops
displaying enormous cheeses, rows of prosciutto, gleaming fruit and
vegetables, huge cuts of meat, rabbits and offal, and all manner of
cooking ingredients. Don’t forget to have morning caffè at Caffè
Petrocchi, hotbed of political strife in years past, and still a haven for
intellectuals today. After your visit last evening you’ll feel quite at
home with the locals. We
are close to Vicenza, a gem of Italian architecture. The style of
architecture by Andrea Palladio, born in 1508, was to last hundreds of
years and forms the basis for the world wide style known today simply as
‘Palladian’. No architect in future centuries influenced architecture
as did Palladio, who made a long and intensive study of Rome’s ancient
monuments, and then combined temple architecture of the ancients and the
ideals of the high renaissance. We’ll visit one of the gems of Palladio.
Isabella’s talk will help you appreciate the balance, harmony and
serenity of his timeless architecture. Well return to Padova in time for
you to enjoy some shopping for wonderful Italian shoes and bags – the
shops are fabulous – and you will have a couple of evening hours for
those last minute purchases. Overnight***Hotel Verdi, Padova.
Day
13. The
Maritime Republic of Venice: Friday
06 June: Today we take the
train to Venice, and we have the whole day to understand this amazing city
upon the water. It is common, and easy,
to be confused by the crowds, confounded by the tacky tourist
stalls, distracted by the glass, disturbed at the price of a coffee or the
colour of the water. But even with just a day at our disposal, with a
little thoughtfulness, and a little time talking with Isabella,
understanding what it is really all about, you will come away with an
enduring impression of one of the world’s most unique, bizarre and
fabulous cities. A walking tour will take us past the Palace of the Doge,
Piazza San Marco, St Mark’s Basilica and Bell tower, and to the Rialto
bridge. You can set your own itinerary if you prefer. The day will be at
leisure because the most pleasurable way to experience Venice, once you
understand her very nature, is simply to wander in and out the narrow
alleys, over the bridges, finding small piazzas and out of the way
tranquil corners to explore on your own. But, in the end, all roads lead
back to Piazza San Marco where we’ll meet before returning by train to
Padova. Overnight***Hotel Verdi, Padova. Farewell dinner with wines included.
Day
14. Departure – Padova Railway Station
OPTIONAL 1 OR 3 NIGHT ROME STOPOVER PACKAGE An "optional" one or three night Rome package is available on request - please mail Luigi or Isabella for complete details, inclusions and price.
TOUR
INCLUSIONS
13
Nights Twin share accommodation with buffet
breakfast daily. Single supplements are available but limited. 3 nights
***Spello, 2 nights***Montalcino, 3 nights***San Gimignano, 2 nights***
Parma, 3 nights***Padova. Hotels
are yet to be confirmed; these will be confirmed when the final itinerary
is issued. A detailed Hotel Schedule will be included with your “Pre
Departure Information”. 10
Meals made up of
light lunches, lunches and dinners. Only those meals scheduled on
the itinerary as included form part of your tour costs. There is no
reimbursement for wines not consumed. Entry
fees and visits as scheduled on the
itinerary are included: Duomo
and Signorelli frescoes in Orvieto, Wine and Olive Oil Museum, Cathedral and
Library of Siena, Uffizi and Academy Galleries Florence, Teatro Farnese in
Parma, Palladian Theatre in Vicenza. Food
and Wine tasting events scheduled as group
activities on the itinerary are all included. There is no refund if you
choose not to or are unable to attend any event or visit. Touring – will be by air conditioned touring coach. All public bus, boat transport costs, and transport scheduled on the tour itinerary and forming part of the tour are included in your tour costs. Arrival
and Departure Transfers One pick up
at Leonardo da Vinci airport, Rome, on the morning of the tour
commencement. One transfer
Padova hotel to Padova railway station, on the completion of the tour.
Your booking agent is aware of the specific and only times for pick up and
return to airports. It is your responsibility to ensure your travel plans
coincide with tour pick up and departure times. If your private travel
plans or private flight connections mean you are unable to take advantage
of airport pick up and return services please make your own private
arrangements, co-ordinated with your tour hosts, which will be at your
expense. Your hosts take no responsibility for missed flights due to
traffic problems, inclement weather or for any other reason beyond their
control. Porterage
of strictly one piece of baggage per person will be provided from touring
coach to hotel foyer and vice versa on the transfer days. Three star
hotels do not employ permanent porters and you may be required to collect
your luggage in the hotel foyer and be responsible for transferring it to
and from your room on arrival and departure from hotels. Please ensure
your baggage is BOLDLY labelled and for your own comfort, on wheels and of
a sensible manageable size. Gratuities
and end of tour tip to coach driver and tips at all group meals
scheduled on the itinerary are included. Tour Hosts: Isabella and Luigi Dusi, English and Italian speaking tour leaders, are personal friends of your Culinary tour host and escort, Judith Cullen. Luigi is Italian by birth, but spent many years living in Australia. His interests are the wine and culture of Italy. Isabella grew up in Australia. Her interests are the history, culture, art and food of Italy. Isabella’s extensive knowledge of history and art appreciation talks, presented in an enjoyable and animated style, will greatly enhance your understanding of Italy, bringing to life remarkable aspects of Italian history and culture which previously you may only have read about. Isabella’s books - Vanilla Beans & Brodo and Bel Vino are recommended reading for those who seek to understand Italy and Italians. Meet Judith Cullen at http://www.judith-cullen.com
TOUR
PRICE: Euro 4025,00 per person, twin share, land only
EXCLUSIONS
OPTIONAL 1 OR 3 NIGHT ROME STOPOVER PACKAGE: An "optional" one or three night Rome package is available on request - please mail Luigi or Isabella for complete details, inclusions and price. Travel
Insurance
– please note personal travel insurance is mandatory on all our tours
and it is essential for you to insure your travel and tour holiday in case
of cancellation due to sickness or any other cause. It is your
responsibility to ensure you have adequate insurance and your attendance
on tour will only be confirmed once you have signed and returned the Tour
Operators Booking Form and Terms & Conditions to your booking
agent. Visas and passports,
meals other than those specifically noted on itinerary, personal expenses,
excess baggage, frigo-bar, telephone, laundry, and any other item not
listed as included in your itinerary, are all at your expense.
IMPORTANT
NOTICE: Price may vary due to increases by
service providers or if adverse international currency fluctuations deem
it necessary. Project Travel retains the right to make practical itinerary alterations deemed necessary or for reasons outside their control. Any such alterations are generally of a minor nature, and you are assured of an equal quality tour in both value and content. |
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