April 26th- May 7th, 2009
The Tastes of Tuscany Tour is designed to give you an in-depth experience of all the best of this delightful region. Our lovely hotel in Florence will serve as your base--so you can unpack once and really settle in. From the time you arrive, you can relax and enjoy yourself, knowing you are in expert hands.
You will explore Tuscan art, history, cuisine, and culture from earliest Roman times in charming Fiesole, medieval Siena and San Gimignano, and of course, the jewel of the Renaissance, Florence, and its nearby ancient rival, Pisa.
And, you'll understand what you're seeing thanks to our evening talk when Paula will provide fascinating background information and prepare you for the next day's adventures. Of course, we will always be right there with you to answer questions and point out treasures.
We are pleased to announce that this tour includes a hands-on cooking class
at a beautiful villa outside of Florence. The classes are conducted in
English by an Italian chef. You'll learn to prepare traditional Tuscan
specialties in these hands-on classes, suitable for all levels of
cooks. Then, you'll enjoy the fruits of your labor with wine from the
estate's own vineyards. 
You will also savor the tastes
of regional specialties and local wines in the authentic restaurants and trattorias we've carefully chosen. Unlike most tours, you can order what you like off the menu--no
pre-cooked
"tourist special" spaghetti platters for you! Take a look at Meals on the Tour for more information.
If you like to shop, we know all the best shops for everything from
handmade Tuscan crafts (including leather, ceramics,and fine paper
goods) to gifts and souvenirs in all price ranges.
Read over the itinerary and other information below. If you have any questions email us at: info@timeofyourlifetours.net and be sure to include your phone number if you'd like us to call.
If you're ready to join the tour, read over Prices and Deadlines, then print the Sign-Up Form, fill it in, and send it to us with your $1000 deposit to reserve your space. We've had lots of interest in this tour, so please don't delay and risk disappointment! NOTE: Space is limited to 8 women.
**EARLY BIRD SPECIAL- Sign up and send in your deposit postmarked by October 31, 2008 and receive $200.00 off your Final Payment.**
If you've been dreaming of Italy, now is the time to join us!
Tastes of Tuscany: April 26th-May 7th, 2009
Please note: This is a tentative schedule. The essentials will
remain the same, but final details and exact dates of side trips may change.
Day Zero - April 25th - This is your travel day. To arrive in Florence on Sunday, April 26th, most flights will leave the U.S. on Saturday, April 25th. The two closest airports are Florence and Pisa.(For more information about arranging your flights, please see Frequently Asked Questions)
Day One - Arrive in Florence
where we'll be waiting to greet you at our art-filled hotel. Unpack and
relax; this is your home for the tour. We'll gather on the hotel's rooftop
terrace for an orientation talk and a glass of wine before heading out
for a gala "welcome to Florence" dinner.
Day Two - You'll really get oriented this morning when you take a leisurely three-hour walking tour of Florence's historic center with an experienced English-speaking guide. The afternoon is free for you to explore, shop, or relax. Our evening talk will focus on the treasures of the Uffizi Museum in preparation for tomorrow's visit. We'll have dinner at one of our favorite, off-the-beaten-track restaurants.
Day Three - We'll bypass the long lines and walk right into the Uffizi
with our reserved tickets. Spend as much or as little time as you like
exploring one of the world's greatest art museums, home to Botticelli's Primavera, and countless Renaissance masterpieces. Walk with
us or wander on your own. Take time to browse the huge museum shop. The
rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. After our evening wine
and talk, we'll dine on authentic Tuscan cuisine at a nearby trattoria.
Day Four - We have teamed up with a
great cooking school in a beautiful villa outside Florence to offer you a special hands-on cooking class. You will learn to prepare a full Italian meal of
regional
Tuscan specialties, from appetizer to dessert (including fresh
pasta), and then enjoy the fruits of your labor with wines from the
estate. We'll meet for our evening talk and then dinner (if you have
any room!) is on your own. We can help with recommendations and
reservations.
Day Five - Once again, we'll bypass the line and walk right into the
Galleria dell' Accademia where you'll feast your eyes on Michelangelo's
incredible David. Next, we'll stroll over to the
Medici-Riccardi Palace with its gorgeous frescoed chapel (pictured on
the left). Finally, we'll spend some time at the nearby Pietre Dure Museum, a small gem that tourists rarely have time to see. Later in the afternoon, we'll indulge our senses in the not-to-be-missed Santa Maria Novella Perfumery.
This is the one you've read about, a 400 year old delight--and a great
place to find gifts.We'll relax over wine and our evening talk before
heading out for another delicious dinner.
Day Six - Today we'll take you on our Secret Shopping Tour and show you
all our favorite shops and open-air markets. We'll visit shops for
Italian kitchen ware, leather, jewelry, handmade paper, pottery, and
more. We'll also stroll the fabulous food hall, the Mercato Centrale
(pictured here) with its incredible array of cheese, meat, pastas,
vegetables, olive oil, and all sorts of Italian delicacies. We'll have
lunch at the Mercato, and later after our evening talk dinner is on
your own. Perhaps you'll want to picnic.
Day Seven - We'll board a train for the short hop down to amazing Pisa. You'll have plenty of time to explore the famous Campo Dei Miracoli (Field
of Miracles), home of the Leaning Tower, magnificent Cathedral,
Baptistery, and a couple of small but fine museums. Back in Florence,
after our evening talk, we'll have dinner at a special restaurant.
Day
Eight - Today we'll visit the lovely Museum of San Marco. This former
monastery house the world's best collection of Fra Angelico paintings
(like the Annunciation pictured here)--right on the wall of the
monk's cells. We'll also visit some of Florence's most dramatic and
beautiful churches.
Day Nine - Travel through the beautiful Tuscan countryside in a mini-bus for a guided tour of the medieval town of Siena and the ancient village of towers--San Gimignano. You'll also enjoy a splendid buffet
lunch at a family-run farm and vineyard in the heart of Tuscany. You'll
sample a variety of the vineyard's wines and get a glimpse of life
outside the cities. Be sure to bring your camera! Tonight, after our
wine and talk, you'll have a chance to sample the restaurant of your
choice (we can recommend and make reservations).
Day Ten - We'll catch a city bus for the short ride up into the
hills and the tiny town of Fiesole. We'll explore the Roman ruins and
Etruscan artifacts at the archaeological museum, browse the small art
museum, and savor all the pleasures of this lovely town. We'll enjoy a
special tasting menu for lunch at a beautiful restaurant with stunning
views.
Day Eleven- You are free to spend your last day as you wish--bicycle, shop, browse, return to your favorite museum-- before joining us for a special farewell dinner.
Day Twelve- May 7th - fly home.
Questions? Email info@TimeofYourLifeTours.net.
