A TAVOLA TOSCANA
(At the Tuscan Table)
Fourteen Days of Exploring the
Cuisine, Farms, Markets, Vineyards, and Hill Towns of Tuscany
Why A Tavola Toscana?
The Tuscan table brings together the pleasures of life--good food, wine, and talk among friends. Nowhere is the table more convivially set than in the heartland of Italy.
The Tuscan table is the culmination of a cultural process that begins in the rich soil, plants, and animals of farmers and vintners, and works its magic through the local markets, shops, and kitchens that honor traditional ways and cuisines. The ingredients are fresh, the taste sparkles, and the setting is convivial. It is an everyday ritual in Tuscany, yet for many Americans it is a revelatory experience.
The Tuscan table, as a culture and a way of life, is what Debby and I have most enjoyed in our many visits to Italy. It is the inspiration of the Slow Food movement and expresses many of the sustainable ways that we need to practice for the good of the earth.
For fourteen days, we will…
Stay at three locations—
A Florentine family-run residenza a Tuscan working, organic farm, anda garden-pensione within Pienza’s walls.
Follow Tuscan guides, as we explore city markets, artisan shops, and Renaissance art and architecture.
Prepare our own in a cooking class and taste the slow food of family-run trattorias.
Visit vineyards in Chianti country.
Take time to relax and be on our own.
Debby and I have traveled and researched the area, and made arrangements with guides, hotels, trattorias, vineyards and shops. We hope you can join us
A Tavola Toscana!
Why We're Unique!
Your Hosts—Charlie is a teacher and workshop leader, active in organic gardening and ecological design; he gravitates towards livable cities, and likes to cook. Debby, a writer, enjoys the conviviality of public places, food shops, and endless possibilities for rambling and drawing. They both teach at UNCG, garden and cook, and speak a passable Italian. This is their third tour to Italy.
Cooperative Travelers—We’d like everyone to be expectant, flexible and cooperative. As a small group, we can make changes, linger, and take advantage of the unexpected. At times, your help may be needed to prepare for a picnic or even to drive a car! We feel this cooperation adds to the trip.
Guides—Silvia and Annalisa.
Less Expensive—This is not a tour of 4-star hotels, valets, coaches, and gourmet meals. We strive for a personal touch, being closer to the people, while keeping the costs low.
Many Meals—We provide 12 main meals and all breakfasts.
Small Group —We’re just twelve in all.
Free Time—We are aware that people need their own time to relax or explore.
Transportation—We rent cars and drive them ourselves. We go where we want to go, when we want to go there.
Physical Activity—Be ready to walk a lot and often up steep terrain and in hill towns.
Packing Lightly—We ask you to bring only a carry-on size suitcase and a daypack.
Beginnings, Endings—We meet you at our Florentine hotel, and say goodbye in Florence. You book (with your agent) your own connections to and from Florence and your flights to and from the USA.
|
