THANKSGIVING IN TUSCANY
Our Ever Popular Holiday Getaway . . . with a day in Florence and complimentary admission to the Accademia . . . all at no change to our 2008 Price!
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What a fabulous experience. I met the most wonderful women, saw the most incredible sights, enjoyed the most delicious food, and best of all, I learned to drink wine in the morning! Marie S., Exton, PA - 2007 Tour The cooking class was indeed fun, and Gianfranco is a great performer as well as an excellent chef. I thought the food was wonderful; everyone agreed that the portions were overwhelmingly generous, and if you could not find something you liked, then you were probably impossible to please. I loved the hotel staff; they were as good as any I have encountered, with no exceptions. The hotel was lovely. My favorite trip was to Cinque Terre. It was overwhelming. In fact, I think the three of us, at least, felt that the arrangement of the excursions was perfect, as each day seemed to get better. Everyone loved Florence and seeing the David and the market. And then we fell more in love still with Lucca, and then Cinque Terre topped everything. Lynn, our guide, arranged a side trip for those who were interested to go up to Montecatini Alto and I loved that, as well. Kay A., Shreveport, LA - 2008 Tour Back by popular demand . . . our fifth consecutive year in a row. This tour combines the fun of a little cooking with historical perspective of the region, scenic sightseeing in the countryside, a day in Florence, and a touch of luxury at a famed Tuscany Hotel and Spa. Over these six days 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. And wait til you taste Thanksgiving turkey, Italian style! *Flight Schedule from New York JFK to Pisa PSA:
Please note that flight schedules are subject to change. +1 denotes next day arrival. Exclusively for Women
Not Included:
Italy Entry Requirements: *** Valid passport required. U.S. citizens do not need a Visa or Inoculations*** Day 1 – Tuesday, November 24 – Depart the U.S. for Italy. Day 2 – Wednesday, November 25: Arrive Montecatini Walking Tour & Briefing
In the afternoon we will stroll to the center of the town for a private walking tour. You’ll learn about the history of the area. For centuries, Montecatini has been an exclusive world-renowned spa resort, famed for its spring waters, thermal baths, drinking cures, and respiratory treatments. Back at the hotel, we will have an orientation tour, followed by a welcome aperitif. While sampling traditional Italian hors d’hoeuvres, we will all have a chance to get better acquainted and discuss the itinerary for the week. Dinner is at the hotel. (D)
Day 3 – Thursday, November 26: Montecatini / Florence Breakfast Happy Thanksgiving! Due to a local ordinance that restricts buses from the market area on Thursdays, we are scheduling our full-day tour to Florence today. After breakfast we will depart for the city called the Cradle of the Renaissance. Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display. Its elegant skyline, with its russet rooftops and lofty domes, contributed to give this city its role as an important center for culture and arts. You will see the Cathedral, whose gigantic “cupola” is the symbol of Florence’s artistic achievements. We will stroll through the Piazza della Signoria and past the Baptistery with its fine bronze doors adorned with the famous gates of Paradise (too crowed to tour in the morning). Included is complimentary admission to the Accademia (Academy of Fine Arts) which houses the famous David by Michelangelo. Later, there will be free time for lunch and strolling around plus shopping on your own. You may wish to visit the San Lorenzo market where the outdoor stalls offer great shopping for scarves and bargaining for leather goods such as belts and gloves. Or visit the jewelry shops on the famed Ponte Vecchio. If you wish to return and tour the Baptistery, a ticket is just 3 euros (about $4). This evening, the hotel will serve a Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, they really do have turkey in Italy. (B, D)
Day 4 – Friday, November 27: Montecatini Breakfast Enjoy the early part of the day to take advantage of the spa facilities or explore Montecatini on your own. An interesting side trip is to take the funicular to Montecatini Alto and spend time exploring this 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, it’s the perfect time to stop for lunch at a typical Tuscan restaurant. But be sure to eat lightly! Later in the afternoon, we learn first hand the Italian secret of how to live La Dolce Vita! The art of eating well begins at our cooking school at the hotel’s private Tuscan Villa. First, we visit a local market with Chef Gianfranco. He will show how only the finest and freshest ingredients are chosen. Back in the hills at our villa, we will experience his culinary traditions, which like many family recipes, are handed down through generations. There, Chef will present a full class on the preparation of a special dinner that everyone will prepare together. Wine is poured and the feast begins! (B, D)
Day 5 – Saturday, November 28: Montecatini / Lucca Breakfast This morning we tour a most charming town. As the capital of the Province of Lucchesia, Lucca is one of the richest areas in Tuscany for history, tradition and culture. It is also one of the most ancient towns of Etruria with its rich cultural and mercantile heritage. Winding, narrow streets are lined with medieval structures. Turning a corner, the scene will suddenly change to reveal churches, palaces, tiny piazzas and other reminders of the city’s long history, including a Roman amphitheater. The town center is completely enclosed by a monumental wall that dates back to the 15th century. While not quite as well known as the Great Wall of China, the wall of Lucca is a spectacular fortification.
Day 6 – Sunday, November 29: Montecatini / Cinque Terre Breakfast Following an early breakfast, we depart for La Spezia, a coastal town east of Montecatini, along the Mediterranean Sea. After a scenic drive along the coast, we reach the village of Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then we continue by train to the Cinque Terre, a land of incomparable beauty in the Liguria Region. Here, five small villages are suspended between sea and earth, nestled in the cliffs overlooking the azure water and green hills. Note: The drive to the train is along narrow mountain roads, which is perfectly safe, but may be unsettling to those not accustomed to riding near the edge of the slope. There is also much walking in Cinque Terre so a degree of physical stamina is required. Tonight our farewell inner is at the hotel. (B, D) Day 7 – Monday, November 30: Departure. Breakfast After breakfast we transfer back to the Pisa airport for return flights home. (B) NOTE: ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE UNDERGOING ANY SPA TREATMENTS. |
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*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. To book this trip please fill out our new member application if applicable and then the booking form. The Women's Travel Club (USA), Inc.
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Upon arrival in Pisa, 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 
Late Afternoon Cooking Class
Back in Montecatini, there will be free time to relax or to enjoy the hotel facilities. Tonight you are at leisure to have dinner in one of the charming Tuscan restaurants near the hotel. (B)