A graciously escorted Italian adventure, specially for lovers of Italian food and wine. Stay in a beautiful Tuscan villa in the heart of wine country, FIVE cooking classes with local chefs, wine tastings, market visits, Florence, Siena, and much more.

This food and wine lover's adventure is graciously hosted by Jeff Fergusan (also known as “Giopetto” when on tour in Italy). Jeff is an Italian tour specialist. After a 20-year career as a restaurant owner, restaurant manager, wine steward and consultant, including 16 years working for celebrated Italian chef Maurizio Bertossi, Jeff turned in his apron and embarked on a career as professional tour guide. With travel experience ranging from Australia to Puglia and most points in between, Jeff is not only knowledgeable, but also a charming entertainer with a story for every occasion. Jeff's undeniable charm and assured nature has endeared him to all our guests.

8 Days-8 Nights – May 7, 2010
Includes: Includes 8 nights accommodation (villa), 5 cooking classes, 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners, wine is included with most meals, guide and transportation.

$3699*
* Based on double occupancy, per person, land only – airfare not include    Ask about great airfares!

This is a trip designed for those with a taste for life. From the culture and history of Florence and Siena
to the wine and food; this experience is designed to dazzle all your senses.

Or Contact Your Local Maritime Travel Cunsellor.
Hurry! Space is Limited.

Friday, May 7th, 2010
Welcome to Tuscany! You'll be greeted by Jeff, your Maritime Travel guide, outside the arrivals area of the Florence airport. From the airport it's a short drive to San Gimignano, the famed medieval city highlighted by its numerous towers that harken to back to a time when one's wealth was symbolized by the size of one's tower. Tonight, you are staying at small hotel, with a stunning view of San Gimignano as its backdrop. On the site of the hotel is a working farm where they raise Tuscany's prized Chianina cattle, grapes to make their delicious Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Chianti and a luscious sweet Vin Santo as well as flowers for honey and saffron. After unloading your bags, we'll take some time to tour the town and taste some wine before heading back to explore the farm where you will enjoy a delicious meal featuring dishes made from ingredients from the property.

Saturday, May 8th, 2010
After a hearty breakfast, we're venturing south. There will be some time in the morning to revel in the sheer beauty of the area and take a stroll through the vineyards and pastureland around the farm. Today we are driving from San Gimignano to Montalcino in Southern Tuscany, which will be our home for the next week. Montalcino, is arguably Tuscany's most important wine town as it is the home to the famous wines known as Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino. You will be staying in a villa situated on one of the area's most famous vineyards, known as La Casa. With Montalcino as your backdrop you'll spend the next week drinking in the beauty of the region and tasting the splendours of Tuscan cuisine. We begin with a wine tasting at nearby Il Paradiso di Frassina, where the vines are grown in an amphitheater and coaxed to perform their best by dozens of speakers playing Mozart. This is one of Italy's most unique and exciting vineyard projects. After sipping Brunello you will return to the villa for a relaxing meal by the pool accompanied with wines from the region.

Sunday, May 9th, 2010
The day begins with a little culture with a visit to Sant'Antimo where every Sunday morning the monks perform Gregorian chants. You can either attend mass or listen to the enchanting beauty of the chants while walking the beautiful grounds surrounding the abbey. After mass, we'll have lunch at the local Osteria, where the cooking is uncomplicated but intensely flavourful and the red wine made by the restaurant owners is a simple pleasure. Later in the afternoon, we'll make our way to the hilltop town of Montalcino, where we will be welcomed into the home of Teresa Galli who is our lead cooking instructor for the week. Teresa's beautiful apartment is located at the top of Montalcino and boasts stunning views of the town and the surrounding valley. Tonight you'll focus on working with vegetables and pasta making. Teresa, is like no other cooking instructor. Be warned; you will be charmed by her charisma.

Monday, May 10th, 2010
After breakfast, we'll drive to Montalcino for quick tour of the town. We recommend a visit to the famous fortress at the top of the town to get some spectacular pictures overlooking the valley. Today we'll be joined by Teresa for a day in the country. Teresa will take us to San Quirico where we can taste wine and olive oil, before heading to the butcher to select cuts for the night's cooking class. We'll have lunch in the area before returning to the villa. There will be a little time to freshen up before returning to Teresa's for the evenings cooking class and meal, which is focused on the meats of Tuscany.

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
Today we are heading to Florence; Tuscany's cultural and economic center. We are making the way to Florence by train so that we can absorb the Tuscan countryside. The train stops at Santa Maria di Novella train station in the middle of Florence. Your guide will walk you to the Duomo in the center of the city which is in close proximity to many of the other major sites including the Uffizi Museum and the Ponte Vecchio; the famous shopping bridge that spans the Arno River. For the food lovers, we recommend a visit to Florence's food market. This is where your guide will be selecting ingredients for the evening's meal. For those wishing to explore the Uffizi Museum, we highly recommend pre-purchasing tickets on-line to avoid the massive lineups. Your Maritime Travel consultant can advise you of an appropriate time.