The Flavors of Tuscany 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 villa 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 Italy 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: . Florence - sightseeing in the famous Renaissance capital . San Giusto a Rentennano & Brolio Castle . Siena: A Renaissance Jewel . San Gimignano . Pisa . Arcidosso . Santa Fiora 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 & Rome 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 city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; in fact, it has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. It was long under the de facto rule of the Medici family. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno 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 church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence. Gaiole in Chianti - Municipality in the province of Siena, 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.