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Taste Your Way Through the Tuscan Countryside |
| Cortona, Italy |
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| Decadent Delicacies and Renowned Regional Cuisine in Cortona, Italy (Europe) for Six Days & Five Nights in a Two-Bedroom Loft Apartment for Four, Including a Cooking Class and Lunch in a Winery, and Your Choice of a Cheese Making Experience or a Cortona Foodie Tour (Land Only) |
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Escape to Cortona, one of Tuscany's oldest hill towns, where strolls down the narrow medieval streets reward you with glimpses of impressive churches and incredible views of the countryside. With accommodations in one of three contemporary private apartments, you're perfectly poised to explore the romance of the Italian countryside - with its breathtaking scenery, historic cities, medieval art, impeccable wines and divine cuisine, not to mention an enviable proximity to Florence and Rome! The region is a true feast for your senses - and speaking of feasts, you'll participate in a cooking class, savor lunch in a winery after a tour, and go food tasting or learn all about cheese making!
Just one hour drive from arguably the most beautiful city in the world, Florence, and less than two hours' drive to historic Rome, Tuscany hosts innumerable astounding localities, many of which are also named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces. Cortona, with its medieval walls still intact, sits in a strategic position overlooking the valley that leads south into Umbria and towards Rome. Spend some time exploring the landmarks of this historic city, such as the Piazza della Republica, the 13th century town hall and clock tower that is now one of Cortona's main plazas, or the Duomo, the Renaissance cathedral featuring an 11th century facade and gorgeous 16th and 17th century paintings inside.
Immerse yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle during your stay in a recently renovated two-bedroom apartment set in the center of Cortona. Enjoy the stylish residences, which feature modern comforts and contemporary flair, from open sitting areas to fully-equipped kitchens, views to central air-conditioning and heating. Your Tuscan home away from home is in an exceptional location within walking distance from the main squares and attractions, in addition to various restaurants, bars and shops.
Then it's time to say buon appetito! You'll participate in a cooking class at a restaurant just a few steps from your apartment, where you'll learn about the culinary traditions and techniques as two courses are explained and prepared. Afterwards, you can feast on the fruits of your labor!
You'll love your tour and lunch at La Braccesca Estate! Just a few miles away from the city of Montepulciano, near the border between Tuscany and neighboring Umbria, La Braccesca Estate is immersed in a pristine environment that is greatly loved and admired by travelers from all over the world. The land owned by La Braccesca is situated in two very close, but entirely different, zones: Montepulciano, the classic and prestigious area of "Vino Nobile", and Cortona, which has made a name for itself in world markets with international grape varieties, specifically syrah. These two different "souls", the essential spirit of the different terroirs, represent La Braccesca's style - a harmony between the past and the future, a balance between the old and the new, a synergy of its professional mastery and its passion for quality. Then dine on a delectable lunch comprised of a Tuscan appetizer, a main course and dessert, all while tasting complementary wines.
Set out for a three-hour guided walking tour of Cortona on the Foodie Tour, and fall in love with the quaint town from "Under the Tuscan Sun". Visit some of the local spots to sample tasty treats and delicacies, and wind down your tour in true Italian style with a large spoon for your gelato and cappuccino to sip. From cozy cafes to alfresco dining, seasonally fresh menus to arrays of risottos and pastas, this is sure to be a feast for your senses!
Aged versus fresh, or made with sheep's, goat's or cow's milk, there are more than 30 types of cheeses recognized as traditional products in Tuscany! From North to South and from the plains to the mountains, Tuscan cheeses are made following ancient techniques and production processes handed down over the centuries. This cheese making tour offers you a private demonstration led by local cheese makers as they teach you about the science and art of making this dairy favorite, followed by a hands-on class. Afterwards, enjoy lunch served in a winery, as well as a wine tasting and a visit of the vineyard and cellar. From the salty, earthy taste and crumbly texture of pecorino, made from sheep's milk that carries the DOP symbol for quality, to the soft, creamy, sweet and tangy flavors of cheeses made from cow's and goat's milk, this tour is a phenomenal way to taste your way through the Tuscan countryside. |
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Your trip for four includes:
• 6 days/5 nights accommodations at a Two-Bedroom Loft Apartment
• A cooking class and dinner at a local restaurant
• A tour of La Braccesca Winery, including lunch and wine tasting
• Your choice of a Cheese Making Experience or a Cortona Foodie Tour
• All room-related taxes |
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| TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Loft may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. Travel is valid for 18 months from date of issue. |
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