8 Day Tour - 1st June 2014

Experience the culinary delights that Tuscany is famous for with, Celebrity Chef Dominique Rizzo
Travel Team 1800 668 728 hello@travelteam.com.au www.travelteam.com.au

DAY 1: Sunday 1st June

Arrive in Florence at your leisure. This evening you will meet the rest of thegroup along with your Tour Escort Dominique Rizzo and local tour manager for a delicious welcome dinner. Overnight in Florence (D)

DAY 5: Thursday 5th June

This morning you will learn the art of traditional Italian cooking and become an expert at pasta making. Relax with your fellow travellers to enjoy the dishes that you have prepared. Afterwards return to Figline Valdarno and have a chance to enjoy the afternoon in whatever ways you choose - relax by the pool or enjoy a stroll in the countryside. Overnight in Figline Valdarno.(B, L)

DAY 2: Monday 2nd June

Enjoy a walking tour in Florence. See the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge which spans the Arno River, Giotto's bell tower, Ghiberti's Doors of Paradise, the Florence Cathedral and its triumphant Dome. Continue to Lucca which still has its ancient defensive wall intact. Stroll along the narrow streets and the large squares to admire the prestigious works of art, churches and monuments of Lucca. The transfer to Montecarlo, flanked by vineyards, Montecarlo is renowned for its wines. The visit includes a stop at one of the best farms for a taste of their special white'. Overnight in Florence. (B)

DAY 6: Friday 6th June

In the morning transfer to Falorni, where high quality delicatessen meats are produced including Tuscany's renowned pork products. You have the chance to visit the laboratories and taste cured ham and salami. Later enjoy a visit to a wine and olive oil producer in Panzano. At the end transfer to Asciano, check in and have dinner at the hotel. Two night stay: Borgo Casabianca or similar. (B, D)

DAY 3: Tuesday 3rd June

Start your morning shopping with the chefs at the central market picking up the ingredients for your lunch and learning the techniques of shopping at the beautiful and colorful central market of Florence. Join the Chef in preparing your lunch which includes bruschetta, home-made pasta and another course and then sit down to enjoy! Later transfer to Figline Valdarno with dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Saturday 7th June

After breakfast at the hotel, we combine a visit to Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino for an inspiring day in one of the world's most enchanting wine regions for various wine and cheese tastings. We arrive at Montepulciano, not only famous for its wine but also its Renaissance Palaces. Continue to the town of Pienza to learn the secrets of the famous Tuscan Pecorino di Pienza cheese and be shown the right way to appreciate one of the region's most famous products. Afterwards attend a traditional lunch in Osteria. Lastly the small historic town of Montalcino awaits set up on a hill. Stroll through the historic centre, climb the ramparts of the Rocca Castle overlooking the Val d'Orcia and stop to admire the beautiful and stately commune building in Piazza del Popolo. Later enjoy a visit to a famous wine cellar for a tasting. A Farewell dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight in Asciano. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Wednesday 4th June

Spend your morning in Volterra which is a haven of Etruscan, Roman and Medieval art. Watch the local craftsmen work with the local stone, Alabaster which similar to marble, but much more transparent. For lunch travel to San Gimignano, known as the "Medieval Manhattan", and enjoy lunch at your own leisure. In the afternoon stroll the narrow streets through the Piazzas and immerse yourself in the history and sample traditional products from the area including Certaldo Onion, San Gimignano's saffron and organic extra-virgin olive oil. Overnight in Figline Valdarno (B, D)

DAY 8: Sunday 8th June

After breakfast, say 'arrivederci' to Tuscany and to your travelling companions and return home with memories you will cherish for years to come. (B, D)

Per Person Twin Share

Single supplement pricing available on request
INCLUSIONS: 7 nights accommodation as per itinerary Porterage at all hotels Breakfast daily 4 dinners set menu with 3 courses 1 lunch set menu with 3 courses 1 wine tasting 1 cheese tasting 1 market tour with a cooking class and lunch in Florence Sightseeing tours with entrance fees as per itinerary All transfers as per itinerary Escorted by celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo Local Tour Guides EXCLUSIONS: Travel Insurance International & domestic flights Meals unless specified Beverages unless specified Items of a personal nature Optional activities

As a Chef, Author and Presenter Dominiques aim is to inspire people to cook with fresh, seasonal and local product. Through her innovative recipes and a healthy attitude her mission is to improve general wellbeing, build confidence in the kitchen, inspire creative cooking and bring vitality onto peoples plates. Coming from an Italian background her heart lies naturally within the pages of Italian cuisine which makes her the perfect complement to this tour.

Itinerary subject to change without notice. Prices subject to change until paid in full Minimum numbers required for tour to depart.

For bookings please contact Travel Team Ph: 1800 668 728 Email: hello@travelteam.com.au Website: www.travelteam.com.au