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Home , Palazzo Salimbeni, Piazza dei Miracoli, Piazza del Campo, San Gimignano, Siena, Siena Cathedral

The Flavors of Food & Wine Tour

Coordinated by Vincenzo and Joann from Quality Street Kitchen

26 September to 4 October 2013 * (Proposed)

Tuscany As It Should Be Chef Vincenzo and Joann from Quality Street Kitchen and Catering have teamed up again to bring you a trip of a lifetime. Join us in a tour of Tuscany where you will stay in a private and enjoy day trips throughout the region enjoying the sights, regional foods, local beverages (and gelato!) and rhythms of life found in this most unique place. Authenticity is the key to this trip and while enjoying the rich history, you will also be building your culinary skills.

We are in the process of researching a number of properties in the Tuscan region of and will select our villa by February 2013. We are looking for the perfect location that you can fully immerse yourself in, to discover the old flavors and the relaxing rhythms of the countryside. Our tentative schedule will include the following:

. - sightseeing in the famous capital . San Giusto a Rentennano & Brolio Castle . : A Renaissance Jewel . . . .

Tuscany is a place where the relationship between man and nature is still alive. The environmnet, time, labour and history have harmoniously forged the landscape and the historical places of the Tuscan region. We have put together a food and wine tour that comprehensively balances the local elements to forge memories for a lifetime. There is a detailed itinerary included in this package and you will find that we have planned for transportation to and from St. Mary’s County, private transportation while in Tuscany and most of the destination highlights are included in the price of the tour. There will be a $$ symbol next to any of the items that will require additional funds.

You will need to pack smartly and dress appropriately for the season. Daytime temperatures will average in the high 60’s to low 70’s and night time can get down into the 50’s. We have excursions planned that will be both indoors and outside and casual dress is recommended for most of the stay. There is the possibility of a seasonal shower or two while we are there. Prior to going, we will be hosting a Bon Voyage party at Quality Street Kitchen and will review trip specifics and allow you to meet your travel companions in advance. There will be scheduled free time while you are there that will enable you to relax, explore on your own and savor the Italian life style.

Cost: $4,350 to $4,600 (Finalizing flights, lodging and mode of transportation in country currently; Note – we have added one additional day based on prior tour member feedback)

Tour Size: 18 (includes guides)

Date: 26 Sept to 4 Oct 2013 (Proposed)

The Flavors of Tuscany Food & Wine Tour

TRAVEL POLICIES

Vincenzo and Joann are pleased to organize and guide “The Flavors of Tuscany Food & Wine Tour & Experience”. We have accounted for every detail and have great confidence in our third party suppliers, carriers, and hosts to make your trip fantastic. We also have a great group of travelers, YOU! This document is meant to assure that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions of this trip. Please review it and your invoice carefully. The tour will include up to 16 guests. Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis. Your reservation is confirmed with your deposit.

 Guests Overview o Guest must be at least 21 years old at the time of departure, or accompanied by an adult. o Travel Insurance is not included in the price. If you want to purchase travel insurance, please make the appropriate arrangements and we can assist you with this as needed. o Each guest needs a current passport. o A Bon Voyage Party will be held to review the itinerary and meet all the guests. o Baggage Limits: Due to the size of European vans, each guest is limited to 1 suitcase (26”x 14”x 10”) and one carry on.  Payments o At the time of reservation, a $350 deposit per person is due in cash or by check. Deposits are non-refundable. o A copy of your passport must be delivered with your deposit. o The package price includes all known taxes and fees for transportation, lodging, tours and planned meals.

 Ground Transport to Airport o Bus service is provided to and from St. Mary’s County for each guest by RMA Chauffeur Transport. o The bus driver is an employee of the bus company. o Ground transport is subject to the individual contract terms, rules, and regulations of the bus company, which are made part of this agreement.

 Airfare & Air Travel o The organizers have made airline reservations to secure the best group rate. Your ticket is issued to you directly by the airline. o All airline policies and procedures will apply to each traveler. This includes over booking policies, delay procedures and cancellation policies. o Air transportation is subject to the individual contract terms, rules, and regulations of the airline, which are made part of this agreement. o The airline will use its best efforts to keep to the flight schedule. Times shown are not guaranteed and are not part of this contract. o Each traveler shall comply with Government travel requirements, present passports and any other required documents, and pay taxes, tariffs or fees that are not otherwise paid.

 Lodging o The organizers have reserved and pre-paid for occupancy at Monaciano to secure the best group rate. o All Villa polices and procedures apply to each guest. o Any incidental charges incurred by individuals (phone calls, additional food purchases) are the responsibility of that guest.

 Ground Transport in Italy o Van transport is provided by Europe Car Rentals. o Ground transport is subject to the individual contract terms, rules, and regulations of the rental company, which are made part of this agreement.

 Cancellation and Refunds o Changes can only be made through Vincenzo and Joann. o Please note this trip includes airfare that is non-refundable after 24 July. o If you purchase travel insurance, the cancellation policies of the insurer apply.

Highlights

Florence A centre of medieval European trade and finance, the is often considered the birthplace of the ; in fact, it has been called the Athens of the . It was long under the de facto rule of the Medici family. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the .

Florence's , palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the , the , the , the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of 's architectural genius. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the "newest" area of Florence, the Oltrarno.

Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace. When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the of al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence.

Gaiole in - Municipality in the , The American magazine Forbes named it number one in its list of "Europe's Most Idyllic Places to Live." Gaiole has developed along the valley of the River Massellone due to its idea position as a trading and meeting point and its origins are based in these very geographical characteristics.

In fact, even prior to the year 1000 the hills surrounding this valley were populated and it was these inhabitants who came down into the valley to meet and trade; they gave life to the centre that then became the main focal point of the whole valley.

Shop the quaint shops with hand-painted ceramics, prosciutto shop, grab a cappuccino and more!

San Giusto Wine Estates

San Giusto a Rentennano has undergone many transformations over the course of its history, with an inaugural period as a medieval monastery (San Giusto alle Monache). Located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, this has marvelous vistas, tasting room and an ancient wine cellar.

Brolio Castle The castle of Brolio began to be remarkable at the beginning of the 12th century, when the powerful feudal family of the Ricasoli from Cacchiano took office. The castle to this day belongs to their descendants. Its position was always strategic for the control of this area of Chianti, edging both the Florentine and Sienese territories. For this reason, since the 13th up to the mid 16th century, the castle was often involved in frontier wars.

The castle has always been in the hands of Florence, with the exception of a temporary Sienese occupation after the second Aragonese invasion of the Chianti in 1472. The castle returned Florentine in 1484 and began a great work of restructuring and expansion of the fortification to fully bastion the walls in protection of the new fire weapons. Its ramparts in stone have an irregular pentagonal plan and the views from this historical are wonderful!

Siena

Siena is a medieval city in the region of Tuscany, located in the north of Italy some 70 km (43 mi) south of Florence. It is probably best known for a colorful horse race, Il Palio, conducted twice each year in the summer. You can see:

 The , the unique shell shaped piazza at the centre of the city  The , Siena's City Hall for almost 800 years, contains (amongst many other things) the famous on good and bad government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, frescoes by and , and access to the Torre di Mangia, from whose top you can view a beautiful panorama of the Sienese countryside.  The Duomo, Siena's magnificent black and white Italian Romanesque cathedral including the Libreria , Baptistery (separate entrance and charge), and an attached Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (separate entrance and charge) which includes the famous Maestà by Duccio. After you've seen all the art, you can also treat yourself to a beautiful panorama from Il Facciatone in the .  The Pinacoteca, full of Sienese painting from the city's Medieval heyday.  The , built in 1472, is the world headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the major banking corporation which has a hand in much of the economic and cultural life of the city.  The house where St. was born is just a few blocks from the duomo. This 14th century mystic is one of the principal patron of Italy.

San Gimigiano This is a small walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena, Tuscany, north- . Known as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano is famous for its , unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls form "an unforgettable skyline". Within the walls, the well- preserved buildings include notable examples of both Romanesque and , with outstanding examples of secular buildings as well as churches. The Palazzo Comunale, the Collegiate Church and Church of Sant' Agostino contain frescos, including cycles dating from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Pisa

Known throughout the world for its famous Leaning Tower, there is so much more to Pisa than just this striking landmark. This ecclesiastical city began its life as a seaside settlement around 3,000 years ago and was first laid out in the mid-eleventh century.

Today, Pisa is crammed full of wonderful, historical monuments and buildings dating back many hundreds of years, and much of the city has managed to retain its medieval appearance. Pisa is also known for its excellent university, which was established in 1343 and has become one of Italy's top schools.

In the north-west of Pisa there is an immense green lawn on which four impressive buildings stand, in gleaming white . These imposing structures are the enormous, breathtaking Duomo (cathedral) - built almost 1,000 years ago, the cathedral's bell tower - better known as the , the circular Battistero (Baptistery) - the largest of its kind in the whole of Italy, and the Camposanto - also known as the Holy Field, without doubt one of the most beautiful in the world. This area is referred to as the Campo dei Miracoli or the (Field of Miracles) and these remarkable Tuscan buildings combine Moorish, Gothic and Romanesque architectural features.

Arcidosso

The historic center of Arcidosso, one of the most striking of Amiata, develops in a long pyramid shape along the plateau dominated by the castle. Only three gates of the original medieval walls remain, of which two are original – the Porta di Castello and the Porta Talassese towards the sea. From here, going down towards Codaccio, is the Porta dell’Orologio, built in 1851 to replace the Porta di Mezzo.

Santa Fiore

Santa Fiora, a medieval town at an altitude of 800 metres, situated at the foot of Monte Amiata, is regarded as one of the most beautiful natural environments in Italy.

ITINERARY TUSCAN FOOD AND WINE TOUR 26 Sep – 4 October 2013

All transport, rooms, breakfast and dinner included. There are three lunches included and where money may be needed, there will be a $$ symbol.

Day One and Two Getting There & Intro to Florence September 26 - 27 Depart Thursday, Sep 26 from Quality Street on Charter Bus at 1:00 pm, Travel to Dulles International Airport for departure.

Arrive Friday Morning, Sep 27 at . Board transportation to hotel in downtown Florence, unload your luggage and begin to see the sights of the city!

Spend the afternoon in Florence which boasts a wide range of collections of art, especially those held in the Pitti Palace and the Uffizi, (which receives about 1.6 million tourists a year). Florence is arguably the last preserved Renaissance city in the world and is regarded by many as the art capital of Italy. $$ for lunch. We will return to the hotel in the afternoon and meet that evening for a local dining experience!

Day Three Florence & Off to the Estate September 28 Spend the morning in Florence enjoying the open air market and resume seeing the numerous sites that this famous city has to offer! $$ for lunch. We will leave in the afternoon and travel out to our estate where we will be lodging the remainder of our stay. Evening Cooking Lesson with Chef’s Vincenzo & Lucia!

Day Four Gaiole, San Giusto Wine Estate & Brolio Castle September 29 Begin the day with a drive out to Gaiole to see ceramic shops and prosciutto shop. Head to San Giusto wine estate in the Chianti region. Enjoy cellar tour and wine tasting hosted by Luca and Elizabetta, members of the Martini di Cigala family. Includes local food specialties. Proceed to Brolio Castle where we will enjoy the sights and history at this wonderful fortified castle overlooking beautiful wine country. Evening Cooking Lesson with Vincenzo!

Day Five Siena & Cooking Lesson September 30 Tour Siena. Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice yearly. Siena, like other Tuscan hill towns, was first settled in the time of the Etruscans (c. 900–400 BC) when it was inhabited by a tribe called the Saina. Siena's cathedral (Duomo), begun in the 12th century, is one of the great examples of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square, which houses the Palazzo Pubblico and the , is another architectural treasure, and is famous for hosting the Palio horse race. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square, which houses the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, is another architectural treasure, and is famous for hosting the Palio horse race. There will be a walking tour, where you can go into the Civic Museum ($$), Torre Del Mangia ($$) (tower), Piazza del Campo, Il Duomo, and the church of Santa Chiara, patron of Italy. Gelato is mandatory! Or visit the town on your own and meet for light lunch $$.

Evening Cooking Lesson. – Brick Oven pizza prepared in the old traditions hosted by Michele and Stella Russo.

Day Six San Gimigiano and Small Towns Experience October 1 We will start off heading to San Gimigiano, known as the Town of Fine Towers. San Gimignano is famous for its medieval architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls form "an unforgettable skyline". $$ for lunch. We will continue with a relaxing day in the countryside touring small villages with unique features. Evening Cooking Lesson.

Day Seven Pisa October 2 Begin the day with a drive out to Pisa. Pisa offers definitely more than just a "Leaning Tower". Three thousand years of history, pioneering science and trendsetting art make Pisa an obligatory stop on every trip in Tuscany.

You will discover Pisa's most important monuments and squares: with a walking tour that starts with a visit to the world famous Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) with its unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces: Leaning Tower, Baptistery, Cathedral (inside visit) and the Campo Santo (inside visit) . Passing medieval Tower houses we head for Piazza Dante with Pisa's State University where taught. The tour finishes at Piazza dei Cavalieri, the central civic square of medieval Pisa with Italy's academic showpiece, the Scuola Normale Superiore.

$$ for lunch. There will be free time throughout the afternoon and we will travel back and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to our estate.

Day Eight Shopping, Tuscan Regional Tour and Farewell Dinner! October 3 Visit local ceramics shop, Olive wood factory and see hand-crafted delights! Off to Castel del Piano, have gelato and cappuccino along the way. Visit medieval town, Santa Fiora for lunch in well preserved medieval village.

Evening cooking class and Farewell Dinner with Vincenzo!

Day Nine Return Home October 4 Breakfast and off to the airport. Depart Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, Florence. Travel to Dulles International Airport and return to Quality Street Kitchen by charter bus.

Contact Us Now! We are taking reservations for this very exciting trip. We will have a special Bon Voyage Party at Quality Street Kitchen, in September for those that are joining us on the 2013 tour. APPLICATION FOR TUSCANY FOOD AND WINE TOUR

Guest Name: ______

Address: ______Phone: ______

______Cell: ______

______E-Mail: ______

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED

Travel Dates: 26 Sept to 4 Oct 2013

Airports: Depart Dulles International, Dulles, VA Arrive Florence Peretola Airport, Italy

INCLUDED: Bon Voyage Party at Quality Street Kitchen Transportation from Quality Street Kitchen, Leonardtown, MD to Dulles, and Return Air Fare Round Trip on United Airlines Lodging in Florence and Tuscan Region Ground Transport in Italy Meals: Continental Breakfast (7 days), Lunch (3 days) and Dinner (7 days) Cooking lessons (3 dinners)

TOTAL PACKAGE $_4,350_to 4,600 *___

Deposit Required by May 15, 2012 $__350 **______Received _____

1st Payment Required by Jun 24, 2012 $_1950______Received _____

2nd Payment Required by July 24, 2012 $_TBD______Received _____

Tax Included $ 0.00 **

* Final pricing will be determined no later than February 2013, and is directly tied to the exchange rate, the selection of and airline rates at the time of booking.

* Non-refundable

** SURCHARGES AND TAXES MAY BE INCREASED WITHOUT NOTICE**

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BOOKING.

THE DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE. AFTER FINAL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED CANCELLATION PENALTIES OF UP TO 100% APPLY.

Guest Name ______, Tour Dates: 26 Sept to 4 Oct 2013

I UNDERSTAND THAT VINCENZO D’ARISTA AND JOANN McKEOWN ARE ACTING SOLELY AS TRIP ORGANIZERS FOR THE TRAVEL SUPPLIERS I HAVE SELECTED AND THE ORGANIZERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACTS BEYOND THEIR CONTROL, INCLUDING UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN DELAYS AND SUBSTITUTIONS IN THE ITINERARY.

I UNDERSTAND THAT SELECTED CARRIERS – TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES – TOUR OPERATORS – LODGING AND SERVICE COMPANIES, ARE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. VINCENZO D’ARISTA AND JOANN McKEOWN ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION BY ANY OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS.

I ACCEPT THE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS SHOWN ON THIS INVOICE MADE FOR ME AND MY PARTY AND HAVE RECEIVED A COPY.

THE ABOVE ITINERARY WAS EXAMINED AND FOUND CORRECT.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION INCLUDED ON THIS INVOICE AND IN THE TOUR POLICIES.

Signature ______

AMOUT DUE $ __4,350 to 4,600 *_____

(*) Final pricing will be determined no later than February 2013, and is directly tied to the exchange rate, the selection of villas and airline rates at the time of booking.

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of being permitted to participate in "The Flavors of Tuscany" tour for myself, my personal Representatives, heirs and next of kin:

1. Acknowledge, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of overseas travel and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I further acknowledge that the traveling tour will be conducted over public roads and facilities open to the public upon which potential hazards of traveling can be expected. I further agree and warrant that if, at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, and I will immediately discontinue further participation in the activity.

2. Fully understand that: (a) traveling involves risks and dangers; (b) these risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions, or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the tour, the condition in which the tour takes place, or the negligence of the “releasees” named below; (c) there may be other risks and social and economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I incur as a result of my participation or that of the minor in the activity.

3. Hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue Vincenzo D'Arista, or Joann McKeown, of Quality Street, LLC, their corporations administrators, directors, agents, officers, members, volunteers, and employees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and leasers of premises on which the tour takes place, (each considered one of the “releasees” herein) from all liability, claims, demands, losses, or damages on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the “releasees” or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations; and I further agree that if, despite this release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the releasees, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as the result of such claim.

I have read this agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it, and have signed it freely and without any inducement or assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.

Printed name of participant: ______

Address: ______(street) (city) (State) (Zip)

Phone: ______

Participant’s signature (only if age 18 or over): ______

I have read this release. Date: ______

MINOR RELEASE

And I, the minor’s parent and/or legal guardian, understand the nature of travel activities and the minor’s experience and capabilities and believe the minor to be qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I hereby release, discharge, covenant not to sue, and agree to indemnify and save and hold harmless each of the releasee’s from all liability, claims, demands, losses, or damages on the minor’s account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the “releasees” or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations and further agree that if, despite this release, I, the minor, or anyone on the minor’s behalf makes a claim against any of the releasees named above, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost that may incur as the result of any such claim.

Printed name of parent/guardian: ______

Address: ______(Street) (City) (State) (Zip)

Phone: ______

Parent/guardian signature (Only if participant is under the age of 18): ______

I have read this release. Date: ______