| Haven't you always dreamed of a cooking adventure in some exotic place? Join me on one of my International Culinary Journeys and I promise you an experience you'll always remember. |
Culinary Journey to Tuscany, Italy
$5,500.00 pp** | May 6-12, 2017
You’ve heard the hype: Tuscany in the heart of Italy is as beautiful as a postcard, the food is incredible, the streets are filled with charm and history, and the wine is, arguably, some of the best in the world. But what you won’t know until you go there is that it’s all TRUE! Imagine sipping your morning latte in the garden looking at the hills covered with grape vines and olive trees. You’ll cook with the best most flavorful produce and enjoying meals al fresco with delicious, local wines that we’ve discovered along the way.
We'll stay at the luxurious and beautiful 16th century renovated Villa Valentina complete with frescoes and wood-fired pizza oven, in the heart of the Chianti region just outside of Lucca- famous for its incredible Tuscan wines and the best olive oil in the world!
We’ll cook together in our villa’s gorgeous kitchen, making Tuscan classics like fresh spinach ravioli, the lightest gnocchi and a divine tiramisu. And that’s just the beginning. Then we’ll head out to explore, visiting artisan cheese makers, olive mills and the outstanding open air market in the village of Pistoia. And when we’re ready for wine, we’ll head to the vineyards to taste and learn about Chianti and the Sangiovese grape, Super Tuscans, and Brunello. Just when you're ready to relax and take it all in, the spa at our villa awaits.
This is such a special place and I promise you a week you will never forget!
Group size is limited and these tours sell out quickly.
** Price based on double occupancy, single supplement applies for solo travelers. Airfare not included.
Deposit of $1500.00 per person required to secure a spot. |
Culinary Journey to Cinque Terre & the Italian Riviera
$5,500.00 pp** | May 14-20, 2017
Cinque Terre, which means Five Lands, comprise the five small coastal fishing villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso located along Italy's seaside region of Liguria. For centuries, a connecting footpath was their lifeline, but for us it's the scenic route into this gorgeous and vibrant coastal culture.
And, the cuisine? This region is renowned for its focaccia al formaggio or yeasty bread filled with oozing cheese ready to be drenched in fragrant olive oil, the very best pesto on earth made by hand with a mortar and pestle and the coveted Sciacchetrà dessert wines.
We'll stay at our beautiful villa, owned and lovingly operated by my dear friends in the seaside village of Levanto, the gateway to the Cinque Terre. This is the perfect retreat for us to relax and soak in the Ligurian lifestyle. We’ll cook together in our villa’s outdoor and well-equipped kitchen, making the famous Genovese pesto sauce to toss with trenette pasta and Farfalle with Sweet Peas and Prosciutto. We'll bake pizzas outdoors in the wood-fire oven and with so much incredible seafood available, we'll have to make a traditional Ligurian Seafood Stew.
Then we’ll head off to explore, but where to begin? Maybe we'll start with visit to the local bakery in town to see them make focaccia, take a special walk on the Via dell’Amore, or the “road of love”, and have lunch at one of my favorite little osterias with gorgeous views of the Mediterranean. Of course, we’ll do a wine tasting at a winery or two! And how about taking an over-the-top boat trip along the Mediterranean enjoying a spectacular lunch onboard?!
With its terraced vineyards covering the hillsides, pristine crystal blue waters abundant with fish and aromatic herbs sending their sweetness into the air, the Cinque Terre is truly my happy place. I can’t wait to take you there with me!
Group size is limited and these tours sell out quickly.
** Price based on double occupancy, single supplement applies for solo travelers. Airfare not included.
Deposit of $1500.00 per person required to secure a spot. |
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