Flavors of Tuscany: we won’t love, we might not pray but we will eat!

Tuscany is clear red wine- who does’t know Chianti-, salty cheeses, herbed and grilled meats marinated with its fruity olive oils. Tuscany is also the site of charming Lucca, tilting Pisa, and Florence. This trip combines cooking lessons with tours of countryside and town and lots of traditional tastings and meals.   Staying in one hotel in the spa town of Montecatini makes this trip an easy transition to life in Tuscany.

Grand Hotel Nizza and Suisse in Montecatini

March 24 Depart New York (JFK) for Italy. Other gateways available at varying prices.

March 25  FLORENCE/MONTECATINI 
Arrive into Florence Airport, where our guide will escort us to Montecatini Terme, famed for its century-old spring waters, thermal baths and therapeutic spas. Over the next week you’ll experience the local, simple, often hearty cuisine. Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation tour. Dinner is at our hotel this evening. (D- all dinners are with wine and bottled water)

March 26  CHIANTI REGION 
Today is a full-day tour of the Chianti Classico region. This beautiful countryside is well known for its wine AND the beauty of the architecture of its medieval small towns, castles and stone farmhouses. Visit one of the many popular estates of this region such as Castello di Verrazzanno or Vicchiomaggio and taste the prestigious wines. A special country style lunch is included to enjoy the specialties of the area. (B,L,D)

March 27  MONTECATINI COOKING EXPERIENCE/LUCCA 
Today is your first cooking experience. En route, visit the charming town of Lucca. Its peaceful narrow lanes wind among the medieval buildings, opening suddently to reveal churches and tiny piazzas. You will hae the full day to learn the secrets of Tuscan cooking and taste the traditional dishes that you helped to prepare. Enjoy an early dinner at the villa. (B, D)

March 28 MONTECATINI OR OPTIONAL TOUR TO FLORENCE
Today is at leisure to explore on your own, or take an optional excursion to Florence. Tonight dinner is at the hotel. (B, D)

March 29  TUSCAN REGION/WINE AND CHEESE VISITS AND TASTINGS
After breakfast, full-day tour to the Southern Tuscan region. Visit Montepulciano, a renaissance town and important agricultural center, which lies on a hilltop with panoramic views. Continue to Pienza, famous for the production of Pecorino cheese. Visit a cheese factory and enjoy a cheese tasting. Continue to Montalcino where the red wines Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino are produced. Enjoy a visit to the winery and taste Brunello and Nobile wines. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. (B, D)

March 30 MONTECATINI COOKING EXPERIENCE AND PISA
After breakfast, continue to the charming town of Pisa where you see its Leaning Tower, Campo dei Miracoli, Baptistery and Duomo. Now is our second cooking experience. Observe the chef as he teaches you how to prepare a delicious meal you will enjoy for your early farewell dinner. (B, D)

March 31 MONTECATINI/USA 
After breakfast transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S. (B)

Included:

• Round trip airfare from JFK with fuel surcharges in effect at time of printing (Other gateways available for additional costs, please ask when you book)
• 6 nights hotel accommodations with taxes and service charges
• Meals as above:  B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), and D (Dinner). The dinners are with wine and bottled water.
• Two private cooking demonstrations/classes
• Two wine and cheese tastings
• Tours as noted
• Round Trip airport transfers for JFK flights. Please ask about transfers if you are coming from another gateway.

Not included:

• Airline taxes valid at time of printing.
• Meals not mentioned
• Items of a personal nature, laundry, telephone, beverages
• Transfers for non JFK flights
• Optional excursions mentioned; an optional full day tour to Florence by train is available.

NY Extensions to this Trip

Recommended Reading:
100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go a Club favorite by Susan Van Allen

Trips designed by women for women
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Speak with our reservations staff who will notify you of any changes in prices or schedules.

*Itineraries subject to minor changes- fuel surcharges included in trip prices where airfare is included. Not included: airport taxes, government fees and September 11th Security Fee. Prices per person based on double occupancy.

Booking form and terms/conditions being updated. Please ask for information when you book.

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The Women's Travel Club (USA), Inc.
Phone: 800-480-4448 . Fax: 1-866-249-0411
E-Mail: info@womenstravelclub.com

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