Slow Food Italy with Jasper Mirabile and Judy Witts Francini

Do you love Italy and true Italian food?

Since 2006, Jasper Mirabile and Judy Witts Francini have worked together to present the best of Italy to Slow Food members and friends. 

Jasper is the founder of Slow Food Kansas City,  restauratuer of "Jasper's and Marco Polo's".  Judy has lived in Italy for over 30 years and is known as “The Diva” for her expertise in food and wine.

 

It doesn't get any better!

“Tra le montagne e il mare”

Between the Mountains and the Sea

September 26-October 3, 2016

 

The western coast of Tuscany, rich in history and natural beauty and, of course, delicious food.  As always, the emphasis will be on historical and indigenous products, and those that are included in Slow Food’s “Ark of Taste” and “Presidia”.

Our culinary coordinator is Judy Witts Francini…the “diva” of Divina Cucina who has coordinated all of our previous “Slow Food” experiences.  Also with the group will be Jasper Mirabile, founder of Slow Food Kansas City.

AGENDA (subject to adjustment)

 Monday, September 26, arrive in Pisa. The hotel is Bagni di Pisa Palace and Spa for 3 nights.  Click on the link and take a look at this luxury property.  Our first event as a group will be a reception and dinner.

 During one of the next two days we will explore the magnificent marble mountains of Carrara with a tour of the quarries. Lunch including “lardo” and other local dishes will be included.  On return to the hotel you will have time to enjoy the benefits of the spa followed by dinner on your own. (Breakfast and lunch included)

 Livorno will be a day by the Tyyrhenian Sea.  There will be a cruise of 17th-century "New Venice" district, a rather grandiose conception where merchants' houses and warehouses were built with water access. A tour through the Central Market, and lunch at a local favorite ristorante.  On return to the hotel you will have time to enjoy the benefits of the spa followed by dinner on your own. (Breakfast and lunch included)

 Thursday, September 29, we leave Pisa and head south to our next residential destination, Orbetello

En route is planned a wine tasting at  Tenuta dell'Ornellaia  an Italian wine producer in the DOC Bolgheri in Toscana, known as a producer of "Super Tuscan" wine. Ornellaia is considered one of Italy's leading Bordeaux-style red wines.  There will be time in Bolgheri for shopping and lunch on your own.

Continuing to Orbetello we check in to San Biagio Relais.  Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant. (Breakfast and dinner included)

The following three days will include a variety of visits highlighting the best of the region.

 A boat tour of the Orbetello lagoon that supplies some of the finest fish in Italy, including bottarga that is recognized by the Slow Food “Ark of Taste”.  This is followed by lunch at the local fisherman’s restaurant.  Possible visit to nearby Giardino dei Tarocchi.   Remainder of day free upon return to Orbetello.  Dinner on your own.  ( Breakfast and lunch included)

 A day with the Italian cowboys of the Maremma.  Known as butteri they have a long history of tending the White long-horned cattle also on the “Ark of Taste”.  Along with horse, rider and cattle exhibition there will be a lunch of typical dishes of this beef-oriented area.  Remainder of day free upon return to Orbetello.  Dinner on your own.  (Breakfast and lunch included)

 
Time for more wine!  The Maremma region has some great producers including Le Pupille that boasts a woman wine maker, and/or Podere414. Return to the hotel and consider a light lunch on your own, time to pack.  Tonight we enjoy a “Top of the Line” dinner as our farewell. (Breakfast and dinner included today.

 Monday, October 3, early morning transportation is included to Rome airport.

 INCLUDED FEATURES

·        3 nights in Pisa at Bagni di Pisa

·        4 nights in Orbetello at San Biagio Relais

·        Meals and special events as indicated in the itinerary

·        Private transportation

·        Admission fees to museums and historic sites included for the group

·        Gratuities for meals, drivers and hotel bell staff.

·        $50 per person donation to Slow Food Kansas City philanthropies

LAND ONLY PRICE, PER PERSON … $3,493 , based on two people sharing accommodations 

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT… $477

DEPOSIT TO CONFIRM   $500  PER PERSON

RESERVATION DEADLINE…Wednesday, June 1, 2016                     

 FINAL PAYMENT DUE…Thursday, June 23, 2016

AIR FARE IS ADDITIONAL.

 A reservation form, invoice, and travel insurance information will be provided upon receipt of your deposit.

Checks payable to Travels With Taste Holding Account.

Mail to: Travels With Taste

5921 West 88^th Terrace

Overland Park, KS 66207

 

Your deposit is refundable up until June 2, 2016 less an administrative fee of $75.  Cancellation after June 2, 2016 will result in loss of deposit.   Refunds for cancellations received on or after June 23, 2016 will be dependent upon monies recovered from suppliers. The price is also subject to increase due to imposition of taxes or fuel surcharges not in effect at the time of pricing, an increase in the exchange rate of more than 2.5%, or should the number of participants fall below twenty (20).

 For questions and more information

Mariann Vandenberg, CTC

 Travels With Taste,

913/649-2203
e-mail Travelberg@Travels-With-Taste.com