The Taste of Italy

Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Rome’s historic market area often referred to as “Testaccio.”  Explore this dynamic marketplace accompanied by your guide to understand the produce and products used when creating authentic Italian cuisine.  This is the same process done by the culinary staff at almost every Roman restaurant, and so happens to be the process done by the staff at the restaurant where your Italian cooking course will be taking place today.   Learn the tricks of the trade from some real professionals during this informal cooking course where you will be actually cooking the meal you’ll be eating.  Every feasting on the fruits of your labour you will receive a diploma, souvenir, and personalized cotton apron and skull-cap (or hat).

This afternoon, a privately driven vehicle with guide will meet you at your hotel for a unique and unforgettable day exploring the ancient wonders of Baroque Rome.  Admire the art and attention to details used when building the longest and widest staircase in all of Europe, “Piazza di Spagna” or the Spanish Steps.  Visit Rome’s largest and most elegantly designed Baroque fountain, “Fontana di Trevi” or Trevi Fountain, followed by a visit to the best-preserved ancient monument in the world, the imperialized and façade faced Pantheon.  A trip to Navona Square revitalizes the Gladiatorial spirit as this location was utilized by the ancient Romans as a Stadium for athletic competitions and entertainment based battles to the death.  During your free time in the city keep a keen-eye out for some of the many other Baroque inspired monuments including various obelisks and fountains.  A return transfer to your hotel is provided upon completion of your tour.

Sit back and enjoy the scenery as it passes you by during this train ride departing Rome and arriving in Bologna.  This transfer will take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

A private vehicle with Italian speaking driver will provide a transfer to/from the train station.

This full day program starts in the morning in the Bologna center.  Visit the central food market to talk about the regions' traditions and its great products such as parmigiano reggiano cheese, prosciutto di parma, mortadella di bologna, Traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena and others.  Continue on to do some food shopping and little tastings of local products.  Meet again in the afternoon for the cooking class based traditional menu of Emilia Romagna. This english lesson includes the preparation of hand-made egg pasta.  Enjoy a wine aperitif and tasting of some products of the region. Dinner will follow of what was prepared. Selected regional wines are included.  Includes a recipe book and a beautiful hand-printed apron.

Set out on 2 hour guided tour through beautiful Bologna accompanied by an English speaking guide.  Immerse yourself into the rich culture of this historical city boasting magnificent medieval markets, spectacular squares and plazas and mouth-watering dining compilations.  Begin with a visit to a traditional bakery, followed by an informative visit to a local pasta connoisseur’s where you’ll learn about the production of two famous provincial types of pasta, Tortellini and Tagliatelle.  Next, you’ll visit Beccari’s Salsamenteria to uncover the history of cured Mortadella, from the ancient techniques used in the third century BC to the modern methods used today.  From savoury to sweet, the highlight for many on this tour is a visit to a traditional chocolatier.   Learn all about how solid chocolate was invented whilst sampling on various types of this heavenly treat.  A visit to a typical “Osteria” or tavern will conclude your Bolognese inspired day tour.

A private vehicle with Italian speaking driver will provide a transfer to/from the train station.

Sit back, relax, and allow the stunning Tuscan scenery pass you by during this short train ride departing Bologna and arriving at the city of Renaissance art, Florence.  The approximate travel time is 40 minutes.

Travel back to the Renaissance period during this half day walking tour that explores the renowned Italian city of Florence.  This guided tour ensures that you visit some of the many landmarks and sites that have made Florence a global tourist hub, and one of Italy’s most beautiful cities.  This walking tour begins with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, boasting some true masterpieces of art including Raphael’s “Madonna of the Goldfinch” and Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Annunciation.”  The tour continues with a walk through the Signoria Square to marvel at the re-created duplicate of Michelangelo’s statue of “David.”  Next is a visit to the elegant Ponte Vecchio, which translates to “old-bridge,” dating back to 1345, this bridge was actually built to replace the once previous bridge structure that was unfortunately swept away during a vicious flood.  Along either end of the bridge, take this opportunity to view, and purchase if you’d like, some of the many items for sale including souvenirs, snacks and jewelry.  Your final visits on this tour include stops at the 14th century Cathedral Square to view the Duomo, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Spend some time exploring the world of olive oil today, in the comfort of a privately driven vehicle while accompanied by a local guide.  The Tuscan landscape has been for the last 300 years lined with olive groves and trees providing the area with a stable industry to focus on.  During this excursion you’ll explore the various hillside areas that have made the Tuscan oil kingdom famous including Impruneta, San Casciano and Tavarnelle.  Just as it was done during ancient times, the olives are still collected by hand via wooden ladders set upon the branches of the trees.  The oil produced from these olives is still to this day stored in terracotta brick jars which are manufactured in Impruneta.  A visit to the Torre Rossa farm to view and sample various oils is scheduled before heading to the Osteria Antica Sosta for lunch.  Finally you’ll visit La Querce farm for a thorough visit of the oil processing area before being brought back to your hotel. 

A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer to the airport in Florence today.