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A Taste of Italy
May 10-17, 2008
7 Days & 7 Nights
Departs 8th day
(pdf version of itinerary)
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| Overview |
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I really do consider this a top of the food chain cooking and touring spectacular. Join cook extraordinaire Enrica for a week of fine food, wine, adventure and good cheer. Enrica will enrich our lives by teaching us the art of Italian cooking, showing us her own private Venice and touring us through the provinces of Veneto! We will learn about Italian wine with a sommelier at each of the three cooking classes and by visiting wineries in the local appellation on our excursion days. Our cooking classes will take place in Enrica’s kitchen. Enrica is a delight, enthusiastic about her love of food, wine, people and Italy. Enrica is quite cosmopolitan, living half the year in London and the other in Italy. http://www.enricarocca.com
Our accommodation is perfect, an elegant Palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal, a gem that only a well connected Venetian could find! The 1600sf flat is in a Gothic Palace on the second floor with a lift, water entrance and garden. It is located in the Dorsoduro area nearby Accademia and Ca Rezzonico. The flat has three double bedrooms each with en
suite bathroom, three living areas, a dining room on the Gran Canal, a fully equipped kitchen and three/four small bedrooms with two bathrooms and a laundry room. There is a Steinway, LCD flat screen Bang and Oluffsen player, wireless
broadband connection and satellite TV as well as air conditioning in all
bedrooms
On three of the seven days we will venture out of Venice and into the surrounding province. We will visit the ancient walled cites of Treviso, Asolo, Bassano, Verona and more. On one day we will explore the seldom visited Po River region, Enrica has some special sites to share with us here. During the days that we are in Venice we will visit the sites, markets and nearby islands. We will have plenty of time to wander the streets and enjoy people watching while sipping a cappuccino or chilled glasses of prosecco! There is much to do in the evenings in Venice; we will consult the local calendar of events to arrange for some fun and interesting pleasures!
As usual, I’ll be up early for a morning walk and Pilates; you are welcome to join me! This tour is only available to seven guests. Please review the itinerary and pictures below.
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| Day 1: Arrival in Venice |
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Arrival in Venice then transfer via water taxi to our lovely Palazzo on the Grand Canal! The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to wander and explore Venice’s narrow passageways. You may choose to visit San Marco square, Palazzo Ducale and the Campanile (Tower) for a great view of the city. This evening we will enjoy a delicious welcome diner with our hostess Enrica!
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| Day 2: Venice, Treviso, Asolo & Bassano |
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Today we will venture out of Venice to visit the ancient walled cites of Treviso, Asolo and Bassano. Along the way we will enjoy a wonderful lunch and a visit to one of the important wine estates of this province. Dinner will be on our own tonight in Venice. Enrica will have some fine suggestions on where we should go. |
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| Day 3: Venice, Murano, Burano & Torcello |
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In the morning we will visit the famous Rialto Market. While here we will shop for the best and freshest ingredients for this evenings cooking class! In the afternoon let’s visit the Venetian island of Murano, Burano and Torcello. We will be able to tour the glass factory on Murano. This evening we will have our first cooking class, dine on our creation and enjoy a wine tasting with a sommelier. And…yes, we cook with wine and enjoy wine as we cook! |
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| Day 4: Venice, Verona & Colli Euganei |
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Today we will again venture out of Venice and into fabulous food and wine territory. We will visit the cities of Verona (Romeo and Juliette) and Colli Euganei. Lunch will be at one of Enrica’s favorite restaurants. Later we will taste wines at two fine wineries. Dinner on our own in Venice this evening. |
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| Day 5: Venice |
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Another visit to the Rialto Market for this evening’s meal. This afternoon we will view Venice from the water via boat while sipping prosecco and visiting typical Bacaro’s for Venetian snack foods! This evening we will have our second cooking class, wine tasting with sommelier and wonderful dinner creation! |
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| Day 6: Venice & Po River Valley |
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Today we will travel out of Venice to explore an area that is not on a typical tourist travel agenda. Enrica has planned a visit for us to the Po River Valley. The Po River is Italy’s largest river where history literally flows by! Alone the way we will indulge in the regions epicurean delights! Dinner on our own in Venice tonight. |
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| Day 7: Venice |
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This is our last full day in here! The day will be at your leisure to visit the sights you have yet to see. There is the oldest ghetto in Europe (truly wonderful area), art galleries like the Accademia, churches, fine silk and linen shops or just wander the narrow street and cross the many bridges! Our final cooking class/wine tasting and dinner together will be this evening, bring your appetite and tissues as I’m sure we will all wish we could stay longer! |
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| Day 8: Venice – Departure |
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Morning departure via water taxi to the airport! Ciao! |
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| Price Per Person |
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Ground Arrangements
Land only, single occupancy $3000.00
International Air
I am happy to help you with your international air arrangements. (followed your standard wording here) |
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| Athletic Ability Level |
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| There are activities in this tour that require a moderate degree of athletic ability. If you are able to climb stairs without assistance, play golf or tennis regularly, hike, bike or swim you will be in fine shape for this trip. You can do as little or as much as you like on this tour. Remember, lifting a wine glass requires desire! |
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| Included in Tour |
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| Briefly, the following is included: lodging with breakfast, 3 day tours outside of Venice in an air conditioned minibus, all transfers and transportation to and from local airport via water taxi, listed meals, 3 cooking classes including dinner and wine, 2 morning market tours, and wine tastings, 2 lunches at private houses in Venice, welcome dinner at a restaurant or Enrica’s, boat for day tour of Venice. |
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| Not Included in Tour |
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| International air, tips, lunches and dinner during day trips outside Venice and lunches in Venice except for 2 mentioned, meals not already included, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages unless mentioned in included in meals, entrances into museums, exhibits, churches etc., public boat transfers in Venice if necessary, telephone and internet services, airport taxes, departure taxes. All items not listed in Included in Tour. Mandatory Travel and evacuation insurance. I can recommend Travelex Insurance Company, PO BOX 641070, Omaha, NE 68164-7070 www.travelexinsurance.com --enroll by phone 1-800-228-9792. |
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| Deposits |
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| $1000 deposit is due at the time of booking to reserve your place. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure. A maximum number of 7 guests will go on this tour. |
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| Cancellation Policy |
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All cancellations must be made in writing and be received within the outlined time frames listed.
- More than 60 days before departure of the trip: 50% cancellation fee over the deposit.
- 45-60 days before the start of the trip and after the total payment has been made: 50% cancellation fee over the total payment.
- 30-44 days before the start date of the trip and after the total payment has been made: 80% cancellation fee over the total payment.
- Less than 30 days before departure: no refunds can be guaranteed. TWS will try to get as much refunded as possible to the client upon negotiation with the local travel suppliers.
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| Suggestions |
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Arriving a day or so before a tour begins is a great way of starting out well rested. We can accommodate early arrivals and make the arrangements for you. |
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