TUSCAN TABLE
Cooking and Sightseeing in Montecatini
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Who doesn’t love Italian food? This tour is designed for wine and food enthusiasts looking to combine the fun of a little cooking with some historical perspective of the region, scenic half-day sightseeing in the countryside, and a touch of luxurious relaxation at the hotel. Over the next week you will experience the local, simple, but often hearty cuisine of Tuscany. Packed with flavor, it is peasant cooking at its best . . . heavily infused with olive oil, tomatoes and beans. You will learn how to shop for fresh ingredients, prepare traditional dishes and above all, enjoy eating authentic and delicious food, the best of the region. Exclusively for Women
Not included:
Italy Entry Requirements: *** Valid passport required. U.S. citizens do not need a Visa or Inoculations***
Day 2 – Saturday, March 13: Arrive Montecatini Arrive Montecatini. Upon arrival, please proceed to baggage claim. After clearing customs, you will be met by the tour manager from our hotel and transferred to the four star Grand Hotel Vittoria Montecatini. Located less than an hour from the airport, the hotel is Italy’s top spa resort in Tuscany. The setting is 
Your afternoon is at leisure to explore your surroundings. For centuries, Montecatini has been an exclusive world-renowned spa resort, famed for its spring waters, thermal baths, drinking cures, and respiratory treatments. Before dinner, join your tour host for a welcome aperitif while you get better acquainted with other club members and discuss the itinerary for the week. Dinner is at the hotel. (D) Day 3 – Sunday, March 14: Morning Cooking Class / Afternoon Tour of Lucca Today we learn first hand the Italian secret of how to live La Dolce Vita! The art of eating well begins at our cooking school. After breakfast, we will enjoy our first lesson at the hotel’s private Tuscan Villa. First, we visit a local market with the chef. He will show how only the finest and freshest ingredients are chosen. Back in the hills at our villa, we will experience the culinary traditions, which like many family recipes, are handed down through generations.
In the afternoon, we depart for the medieval town of Lucca, a rich heritage of churches, palaces and squares. Lucca is well known for its magnificent 16th and 17th century ramparts, having remained intact around its narrow streets. We return to Montecatini in the early evening for dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D) 
Day 4 – Monday, March 15: Full Day Tour of Tuscany We depart immediately after breakfast for the Chianti region, known for its wineries. The beauty of this area is evident by the many images found here: the soft landscape, the vibrant colors, the ancient castles, secular parishes and beautiful villas. After a visit to the town of Greve, we will stop for a wine tasting and light lunch in the magnificently restored Castle of Verrazzano. The castle is located on a hilltop in the Chianti Classico area. This was the first grape growing and wine producing area in the world decreed by an official proclamation. It was made by the grand Duke Cosimo III de'Medici in 1716. The castle was first an Etruscan, and then a Roman settlement, before becoming the property of the Verrazzano family in the 7th century. Giovanni da Verrazzano, who discovered the bay of New York and part of the east coast of America, was born here in 1485. Through years of changing ownership, the castle has been returned to its ancient splendour, thanks to the patient work of the present owner, Cavaliere Luigi Cappellini. There is a great tradition of winemaking here. The "vineyards situated in Verrazzano" are mentioned in a manuscript dating back to 1170 which is preserved at the Abbey of Passignano. We return to Montecatini for dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D) 
Day 5 – Tuesday, March 16: Morning Cooking Class / Afternoon Tour of Pisa Ahhh . . . our second cooking experience of Tuscan cuisine! First, we visit a local market to prepare for the lesson. Back at the villa, your “hands-on” course will be based on the flavorful recipes of this area. Enjoy your creation for lunch! This afternoon, our adventure takes us to Pisa. We will see the incredible Leaning Tower, which is 14 feet off-center at the top because of settling after construction began in 1173. The entrance fee of €15 to the tower is not included, but you can purchase a ticket on the spot if you wish to go inside. Other sightseeing includes the bell of the 900-year-old Cathedral of Pisa and the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) to see the Baptistery and Duomo. We return to the hotel for dinner. (B, L, D) Day 6 – Wednesday, March 17: Morning at Leisure / Afternoon Pizza Class Enjoy this morning at your leisure. Spend time exploring the town of Montecatini where the local market stalls sell everything from clothes to shoes, scarves, and accessories. In the afternoon, it is time for your third cooking class. Today’s class is making pizza. Our chef will show how only the finest and freshest ingredients are chosen to make the perfect Italian pizza. Class will conclude with a wonderful pizza dinner in our Tuscan Villa. (B, D) 
Day 7 – Thursday, March 18: Free Day for Spa Activities or Sightseeing Today is yours to enjoy a full day at leisure. You might like to take the funicular to Montecatini Alto and spend time exploring this nearby, ancient medieval village. Montecatini Alto is the old historical center of Montecatini. It was the headquarters of an ancient 14th century castle that was encircled by more than a kilometer of town-walls, with 7 gates and 25 towers. At an altitude of over 950 feet, Montecatini Alto offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the countryside and the inhabited center of Montecatini Terme. After visiting the medieval square, the fortress and the ancient defensive walls, you might inlcude a stop for lunch on your own at a typical restaurant for traditional Tuscan dishes. Return to the hotel at your leisure by funicular.
Or, join us for an optional excursion to San Gimignano & Siena (not included). Your tour manager can arrange this on site, with cost based on the numbers interested. Tonight dinner is at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Friday, March 19: Free Day Spa Activities or Sightseeing Enjoy this morning at your leisure. Spend time exploring Montecatini, enjoying a spa treatment on your own, or just relaxing in the beautiful hotel gardens. In the afternoon, at our private Villa, we will toast our culinary expertise with a farewell aperitif followed by Cooking School graduation and dinner. Not only will you return home with lots of great recipes, but your Chef will also have a little gift to take with you. (B, D) 
Day 9 – Saturday, March 20: Departure After breakfast we transfer back to the airport for return flights home. (B) NOTE: Given the terrain and local traffic in Montecatini, town regulations have imposed restrictions to all motorcoaches. Consequently, only groups with luggage on board are given permission to drive directly in front of the hotel for drop off/pick up. As a result, for all other times, all motor coaches are now obliged to pick up and drop off groups in a specifically designated area of town, which is located approximately 500 metres (a 5 minute walk), from the bus to the hotel and vice a versa. SPA TREATMENTS: Always consult your physician before undergoing any spa treatments. For additional information, visit the Italy Tourism website. |
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Day 1 – Friday, March 12: Depart the U.S. on overnight flights to Italy Depart the U.S. on overnight flights to Pisa.
spectacular, the ambiance is elegant, and you will love the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the ancient medieval town of Montecatini Alto. All 84 guest rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, minibar, hair dryer, and a safe. In addition to the magnificent Italian gardens, the hotel features an outdoor pool, a fitness room (where staff can organize yoga sessions on request), tennis, discounted golf at nearby La Pievacca Golf Club, and a full service spa, Liberty Beauty Farm. Treatments include aromatherapy, sauna, mud wraps, facials, manicure/pedicure and a variety of massages including hot stones, four-hands, holistic, well-being and anti-stress. View the 
Trips designed by women for women