. . . Beverly Gruber's Gourmet Traveler

Gourmet Traveler specialises in small, insider culinary tours, of between six to twelve people, to many regions throughout Italy, with occasional forays into France . . . like traveling with a group of good friends.

Over fifteen years ago Beverly Gruber fell in love with Italy and decided to share her passion for this wonderful country with others - thus was born Gourmet Traveler.

Beverly is a trained chef so her contacts in the various regions are with her fellow professionals who like nothing more than to share their intimate knowledge about the region and its artisan producers - insider views that are simply not available to the average visitor. Local instructors / chefs / authors will teach you the secrets of their regional cuisine. You learn all about the food of the region first hand from people who know it intimately . . . and so they should as they are residents of the area!

Because Italy is about much more than food, Beverly strives to offer you a complete experience through her network of Italian friends, all of whom are eager to share their love of country and rich traditions.

To maximise the experience Beverly employs expert professional guides for museum and city tours. During your tour you will also have the opportunity to visit culturally significant sites such as Pompeii, the Vatican, Uffizi, Ostia Antica, Greek temples and much more. In addition local events such as festivals, musical performances or private parties are included.

We stay in immaculately restored villas or inns with completely modern facilities and en suite baths and whenever possible cooking classes are held in homes where you catch a glimpse of Italian life.

The trips are a combination of food, fun, wine, people, entertainment, shopping, exploring, dining and laughter . . . making good times even better.

If it is the insider touch you are after . . .

< Northern Italy > < Southern Italy > < France > < USA >

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The Road Less Travelled

If you are tired of crowds, seen enough museums to last a lifetime and want to explore some of the lesser known areas and cuisines of Italy . . . this is your trip! You will be visiting a region still not on everyone's itinerary - lovely Liguria and its scenic seacoast.

While it is not yet a household name some of its sites conjure up visions of remarkable beauty, mystery and remote access: Vernazza, the Italian Riviera. Indeed on this trip you will visit the Cinque Terre - literally meaning five lands - five villages perched along the sea coast with spectacular views and an unhurried lifestyle that give glimpses into Italy's less hurried past.

Everyone will meet at our seaside hotel on the Italian Riviera, amd during your stay you will have a series of classes designed for fast, easy and simply delicious dishes taught by a multilingual Italian Chef. There will be culinary tours to artisan producers, wine tastings of some wines you will not find anywhere else, visit a vineyard and olive oil mill and local outdoor markets.

All of this while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery Italy has to offer - small villages clinging to rocky cliffs overlooking blue seas - a feast for all the senses.

Example Itinerary ~ available Spring

Travel day Saturday Travel day to Italy Day 1 Arrive Italy Train to Italian Riviera - Rapallo Hotel check in Orientation Welcome dinner Day 2 Breakfast 9:00 am cooking class with Chef Fausto Light lunch on the Rapallo waterfront Afternoon free to explore 8:00 pm Wine / Food Pairing dinner with Chef Fausto at his restaurant Day 3 Breakfast Tour to Cinque Terre Lunch at local restaurant in Monterosso Afternoon - visit other towns of the Cinque Terre. 8:00 pm - Wine / Food dinner at local trattoria

Day 4 Breakfast Tour of local cheesemaker and olive oil producer Lunch on Portofino waterfront Afternoon free to explore 5:00 pm - Meet Fishermen in Santa Margherita 7:00 pm - Fish cooking demonstration Dinner - Fish Feast Day 5 Breakfast Rapallo open air market Lunch - classic fishing village of Camogli Afternoon free Wine / Cheese Seminar Dinner on your own Day 6 Breakfast Cooking class with Chef Afternoon free to explore Farewell dinner with Chef Day 7 End of Tour leave Riviera

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

The Tastes of Tuscany

There is probably no region of Italy so well known as Tuscany - the rolling hills, the beautiful hill towns, the home of the Renaissance, the food, the wine, the people all combine to make this a truly memorable experience.

It is said that Italian cooking is a triumph of ingredients - our task is to search out the finest producers of what we know to be the best Italy has to offer. Tuscany is rich in artisans producing the flavours we long for:

• pecorino cheese
• peppery green olive oils
• glorious wines
• Vin Santo
• grappa
• plus, plus, plus.

You will spend a week in the heart of Tuscany in a restored villa, in the hills surrounding Florence, with breathtaking views overlooking the city, yet with easy access to the Chianti countryside. You will visit artisan producers, have cooking classes, tastings, culinary excursions and learn about 'the best of Italy'.

• Cheesemaking
• Cooking Classes
• Winery Tour / Tasting
• Market Tours
• Grappa Tour / Tasting
• Balsamic Tour
• Olive Oil Frantoio Tour
• Tour/Demonstration - Leathermaker
• Artisan Tours: Custom shoemaker, watercolorist

While most meals are included, care has been taken to leave time for you to explore Florence on your own and enjoy its famous museums and restaurants.

Example Itinerary ~ available Spring and Fall

Travel day Saturday Travel day to Italy Day 1 Arrive Florence, Meet at Florence Train Station Van transfer to our Chianti Villa Welcome Dinner Day 2 CHIANTI DAY TOUR Winery & Olive Oil frantoio - a fabulous tour of a winery and olive oil mill - set in one of the most charming villages you'll find anywhere. Visit to the famous "Butcher of Panzano" Lunch in Panzano Afternoon visits to local artisans: Grappa tour & tasting Custom Shoemaker Hands on Cooking Class & Tasting. Followed by dinner where we consume the goodies prepared, washed down w/Chianti! Day 3 Van to Florence Walking tour of Famous Florence food market & shops LUNCH at colorful Market Trattoria Free time to visit museums and/or shop DINNER at a favorite trattoria

Day 4 VAN TO SIENA Visit to Siena's colorful outdoor market Free time in Siena LUNCH in Siena GUIDED TOUR of this famous & beautiful city (home of the Palio) Visit to ceramicist PIZZA PARTY in Radda Day 5 Cooking Class at the magnificent private villa of a famous Tuscan chef, featuring dishes from his restaurant (R-photo) LUNCH - dining on the dishes we made, matched with wines Tour of private acetaia and balsamic tasting A local host Leathermaking demonstration of designer handbags Visit local artisans: watercolorist & ceramicist DINNER at our Chianti Villa Day 6 VAN to San Gimignano - famous "city of towers" Free time in San Gimignano LUNCH on our own Return to Villa FAREWELL DINNER at famous local trattoria Day 7 Van transfer to Florence train station or airport

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

The "Green Heart" of Italy ~ this is a custom tour

South of Tuscany and north of Rome sits a gleaming jewel of a region known as "The Green Heart of Italy" - Umbria. And green it is - the rolling hills and rich verdant countryside invite you to stop a while, relax and enjoy the treasures contained within.

And what treasures they are - chocolates, truffles, olive oil, Wine, sausages, pasta, cheeses - an amazingly rich culinary heritage. In addition there are the artisan traditions carefully nurtured by the passionate Umbrians: Deruta ceramics, exquisite hand-loomed linens, gold artists and many more.

A real bonus is that Umbria is still relatively undiscovered, uncrowded and unspoilt - everyone is proud and happy to share their artistry with us. The enthusiasm is contagious.

Speaking of enthusiasm, it all starts with your hosts - it will be difficult for you to find more hospitable people. They are bursting with excitement to show you the best of Umbria. You will stay in their exquisitely renovated country inn just outside the city of Perugia. This is a country inn like non-other . . . beautiful gardens and grounds, large gorgeous rooms, meeting room, sauna, swimming pool, laundry and as electronically sophisticated as you could ask with satellite TV and the internet - it is all there.

Culinary Excursions and Events:

• Chocolate Festival - an opportunity to indulge your chocolate fantasies (October)
• Tour famous Perugina Chocolate Museum - and tasting
• Tour cheese producer - cheese and yogurt demonstration
• Tour antique olive oil mill and museum
• Sausage Tasting - Umbria is renowned for its wide variety of sausages
• Ultimate Truffle Experience - a truffle meal extravaganza par excellence!
• Special cooking class from a local Nonna (grandmother) who shares family recipes
• Cooking Classes at a nearby professional school - including a chocolate class

Other exciting excursions:

• Assisi - guided tour of this famous city
• Deruta - demonstration of the famous majolica ceramics
• Gubbio - jewel of a hill town
• Norcia - home of sausages and truffles
• Perugia - hand-loomed linen weaving demonstration
• Spoleto - music center

As you can see - Umbria has it all.

Example Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Rome airport (or Perugia), van transfer to our Country Inn in Perugia Check In Welcome dinner and Orientation Day 2 Guided Tour of PERUGIA w/its exquisite medieval and Etruscan architecture, and Renaissance frescoes all topped off with a tasting of their famed chocolates! BANQUET/LUNCH in the DERUTA countryside w/locals Private tour of family-run ceramic tile producer DINNER at local trattoria Day 3 CULINARY TOURS - Antique Olive Oil Frantoio & museum Winery Tour LUNCH - WINE/CHEESE/SALAMI at the winery COOKING CLASS w/Nonna Leona - the family matriarch shares her pasta making techniques DINNER - dine on our class creations washed down w/local wines Day 4 TOUR to ASSISI - the "crown jewel of medieval hill towns" and the 2nd only to the Vatican in popularity. LUNCH on our own in ASSISI Afternoon free in ASSISI DINNER at a local trattoria

Day 5 CHOCOLATE MAKING CLASS - guided by a master chocolatier you will produce your own delicious chocolates to take home LUNCH in PERUGIA Free time in PERUGIA Late afternoon visit to famous LAKE TRASAMENO DINNER CRUISE on LAKE TRASAMENO Day 6 TOUR - MONTEFALCO - and the "traditional cuisine" Wines, Textiles, this medieval town has this and much more; a visit to a private convent w/hidden treasures. LUNCH - in a remote family-run restaurant with a 72 y/o "nonna" (grandma) at the helm. A meal you won't soon forget. Return to our Country Inn FAREWELL PIZZA PARTY at our Inn Day 7 End of tour - Van to airport

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

Venice Carnival!

Venice is a a city of magic at anytime but nothing compares to it during the fabulous celebration known simply as Carnival. Parades, masks, elegant costumes, a unique city with waterways for streets, a history rich with past intrigues, power and pageantry. A city steeped in traditions, such as lace making, glassblowing, prosecco, seafood, risotto, unique architecture, casinos, water taxis, pigeons, music, art and, of course, the dashing gondoliers in their sleek black gondolas. Venice is indeed magic.

During Carnival the streets are alive with people in costume, music drifts in from the street musicians, magicians entertain on street corners, bands parade down the streets, jugglers, elegantly masked citizens of the world are everywhere. St Mark's Square teems with life - vendors, dancers, singers, all manners of artisans are represented.

You will experience some wonderful culinary events: prosecco tasting, pub tours, Venetian pastries hot from the oven, and other products unique to the area. You will take culinary tours and have cooking classes in a beautiful old Venetian Palace with a Venetian lady who happens to be an extraordinary cooking instructor . . . and the best tiramisu you will ever taste. The Costumed Grand Finale is an experience you will never forget, complete with mimes, singers and an extraordinary dinner.

Special visits to renowned artisans of Venice are also part of your experience - the ninety year old glassblowing maestro, still actively blowing glass , the paper maker demonstrating his ancient art, the pasticceria demonstration of traditional donuts and sweets, the magic mask maker, the wood carver and, of course, the many activities of Carnival !

Your lodgings will be a charming, recently renovated, three star hotel just three blocks from St Mark's but on a quiet courtyard. Rooms are light and airy, with private bath. Breakfast included.

Example Itinerary ~ annually every February

Travel day Tuesday Leave US Travel day to Italy or travel a day early to acclimatise (extra room fee) Wednesday Arrive in Venice Hotel check-in 4:00 pm Parade of Masks - St Mark's Square Welcome Dinner at famous Venetian Restaurant Thursday Artisan tour of Venice and Rialto Market Lunch at the market Mask making seminar & demonstration Afternoon free 5:00 pm - masks on parade - St Mark's Square 9:00pm - Costume Ball & Dinner (historic costume) Friday Cooking Class in Private Palazzo Lunch Cooking Class in Private Palazzo Afternoon free 4:00 pm masks on parade - St Mark's Square Ballo Maschero - dance in costume 5:00 pm selection of best mask of Carnival 9:00pm - Costume Ball (historic costume)

Saturday Guided Tour - Carnival Pastry Treats Chocolate Making demonstration Afternoon free 5:00 pm masks on parade - St Mark's Square 7:00pm - Gondola tour & dinner in costume Sunday Morning at leisure Lunch - free 4:00 pm - masks on parade - St Mark's Square 9:00pm - Grand costume ball & dinner (Historic costume) Monday Guided Tour to Murano/Burano w/Glassblowing Demo Special Lunch on Murano w/famous chef Venetian Pub Crawl (wine bar snacks) Pizza Party Tuesday Artisan paper making demonstration Grand Finale Costume Ball - (Historic Costume) 11:00pm - Fireworks Finale Wednesday End of Tour Depart Venice or extend your stay to enjoy la serenissima

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

The Magic of Venice ~ this is a custom tour with dates arranged for 4 or more

Venice is a unique city with waterways for streets, a history rich with past intrigues, power and pageantry. A city steeped in traditions, such as lace making, glassblowing, prosecco, seafood, risotto, unique architecture, casinos, water taxis, pigeons, music, art and, of course, the dashing gondoliers in their sleek black gondolas. Venice is, indeed, magic.

You will manage to squeeze in time for some wonderful culinary experiences - prosecco tasting, pub tours and other products unique to the area. You will take culinary tours and have cooking classes in a beautiful old Venetian Palace with a ninth generation Venetian lady who happens to be an extraordinary cooking instructor.

Special visits to renowned artisans of Venice are part of your experience - the eighty-eight year old glassblowing maestro, still actively blowing glass . The paper maker demonstrating his ancient art, the pasticceria demonstration of traditional donuts and sweets!

The hotel where you will stay is a charming, family owned three star hotel with easy access to St Mark's but located in a quiet neighbourhood, within easy walking distance to the vaporetto. Rooms are light and airy, all with private bath.

Example Itinerary

Travel day Saturday Travel day to Italy Day 1 Hotel Check In Welcome dinner Day 2 Tour of Rialto Market Lunch - local Afternoon free A Night on St. Mark's Private visit to the Basilica Aperitifs at Cafe Florian Dinner at Cafe Quadri Day 3 Cooking class / lunch (best Tiramisu ever) Afternoon free Dinner - Venetian Pub Crawl Day 4 Tour of the Veneto Verona Lunch - Verona trattoria Tour - Antique Rice Mill - Vicenza Cooking class / dinner

Day 5 Artisan Tour - Murano (eighty-seven year-old glassblowing Maestro) Lunch - on your own Afternoon free Dinner - local trattoria Day 6 Culinary Tours - Grappa Maker Lunch - hill town of Asolo Afternoon free to shop in Asolo Dinner - local osteria Day 7 Artisan Tour Pasticceria demonstration Papermaking demonstration Cooking class Farewell dinner Day 8 End of Tour - Depart Venice

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

Cooking in Paradise

South of Naples is an area ranked among the most beautiful in all of Italy - the Amalfi Coast. Lush mountains and steep rocky cliffs which drop to the edge of the deep blue sea. As you drive along the serpentine road the scent of orange and lemon blossoms hangs in the air. Gardens, vineyards and roses, with cascading purple and pink bougainvillea, are everywhere.

The loveliest of all the towns of the Amalfi Coast is Ravello, home base for this week in paradise. Ravello is perched high above the sea with one hundred and eighty degree panoramic views that will take your breath away. The friendly people of this area are eager to share their wealth. Once you have experienced this Mediterranean way of life, you will return over and over.

And the food! Who has not heard of the famous pizza, mozzarella, limoncello, seafood and, of course, the ubiquitous tomato? This is truly a culinary paradise and the centre of it all is the wonderful chef and teacher Mamma Agata. She is a dynamo of activity whose warmth will capture your heart. She makes or raises everything used in the classes - chickens, eggs, vegetables, fruits, marmalades, olive oil, wine - the best of everything. She is so modest you would never guess she hass cooked for luminaries such as Jackie Kennedy and Henry Kissinger. The cooking classes are held in her three hundred year old country house located on a cliff top one thousand feet above the sea, with magnificent views. As Mamma is fond of saying "simplice" equals simple and wonderful.

Excursion opportunities are fabulous: You will visit Pompeii, Naples, Positano, Amalfi, see hand-pulled mozzarella being made, visit a limoncello producer, olive oil, ceramics.

The hotel is a beautiful, four star hotel, offering panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast. It is located just a few steps from the centre of Ravello. The swimming pool is wonderful. Rooms are light and airy, all with private bath. The weather is balmy even in November when average temperatures are in the sixties.

Example Itinerary ~ available Spring and Fall

Saturday Leave US Travel day to Italy Sunday Arrive Naples airport or train station Van transfer to Ravello Hotel Check In Welcome dinner and orientation Monday Cooking class Lunch at cooking class Afternoon guided tour of Ravello -Limoncello producer -Cameo maker -Ceramics Dinner - Local trattoria Tuesday Day trip to Pompeii & Naples Guided Tour Pompeii Pizza lunch in the city where Pizza was born Return to Ravello Light Dinner Wednesday Ferry to Capri Lunch on Capri with view Afternoon free in Capri Ferry to Amalfi Light Dinner in Ravello

Thursday Cooking class Lunch at cooking class Van to Positano Free time in Positano Dinner on our own on Positano Beach Friday Culinary Tour Day w/local guide Cheesemaker visit - demonstration & tasting Pasta Producer - see dried pasta shaping & production Bakery - explanation & demonstration of local production Wine/Food pairing lunch at view restaurant Return to Ravello Gala farwell evening Farewell Dinner Musical Event Saturday Van transfer to Naples for departure

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

Arrivederci Roma

If you have never thrown coins into the Trevi Fountain, browsed through the colourful open air market Campo de' Fiori, viewed the majesty that is the Sistine Chapel, visited some of the greatest art works of the world including Michelangelo's Pieta, plus savoured the flavours of Roman cooking, now is the time to do so!

Gourmet Traveler has planned some wonderful culinary experiences - a guided cheese tasting / seminar, olive oil, wine making, cheesemaking and other products unique to the area. And, of course, cooking classes where everyone gets the opportunity to recreate the cuisine for which Rome is justifiably famous.

Being in the epicenter of Italian history and culture, you will have the chance to take advantage of everything . . . time allowing, of course. There will be private and expertly guided tours of classic and historic Rome, as well as an eye-popping tour of the Sistine Chapel and various works of art by Michelangelo.

There will be lighthearted fun available also - you will be awed by the local gladiators although, unfortunately, Maximus is not present but the current representatives are well worth watching!

The hotel where you will be staying is a charming, three star hotel with easy access to everything but in a quiet area. All rooms with private bath.

Example Itinerary ~ available Fall

Day 1 Arrive Rome Hotel Check In Twilight Tour of Rome Dinner - historic restaurant within the Ancient Roman Wall Day 2 Breakfast Guided Tour - Antique Rome (Coliseum, Forum, Pantheon) Lunch - local trattoria Italian Product and Cheese Seminar Afternoon free Dinner - local trattoria Day 3 Breakfast Campo de Fiori - famous outdoor market Time to shop in Market Lunch - al fresco in the market Afternoon free Cooking Class / Dinner Day 4 Breakfast Open Morning (regular day for Papal audience) Lunch - on your own Tour: Vatican & Sistine Chapel Dinner in Historic Restaurant in the old Roman Wall

Day 5 Breakfast Guided tour - Ancient Ostia Return to Rome Afternoon free Cooking class/Dinner Day 6 Breakfast Culinary Tour to a beautiful winery Wine / Food Pairing Lunch - at the scenic winery Afternoon free Farewell Dinner Day 7 End of Tour Depart Rome . . . vowing to return

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

The Tastes and Traditions of Sicily ~ this is a custom tour with dates arranged for 2 or more

As your airplane approaches the rugged seacoast preparing to land, it is immediately apparent you are in a very different part of Italy. This landscape differs from that of other Italian regions - from the uneven seashore to the snow covered mountains - a land of contrasts and breathtaking beauty and fascinating traditions. If exploring off the beaten path intrigues you, if you like to discover a new location before it is overrun, if imposing natural beauty and warm friendly locals is your cup of tea . . . this is your trip.

Sicily is the largest region in all of Italy - divided into three distinct areas represented by their symbol the trinacria, seen in ceramics and on walls everywhere. Your visit will include the western and eastern sections (Palermo and Catania / Taormina). You will visit pristine salt marshes and view sea salt being produced by ancient techniques, colorful outdoor markets, wine and olive oil producers, cheese makers, ceramicists, marble artisan, marzipan artist demonstration, cooking classes with a famous Sicilian Chef / Author and unsurpassed dining experiences.

Sicily has been invaded by conquerors too numerous to mention all - Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, Austrians and Bourbons to name just a few. And each ruler left an enduring imprint seen in everything from architecture to the cuisine - your particular area of interest. Here the Moors brought their sugar techniques which led to the wide array of desserts for which Sicily is famous. Nowhere else in Italy will you find such splendid displays. You will enjoy a dessert buffet featuring the best of Sicilian confections and dessert wines - cassata, cannoli, sorbetto, tiramisu, panna cotta, marsala, moscato - a lavish indugence.

Your tour starts in Palermo and finishes in Taormina, highlighting the best of the areas. From Palermo, the bustling city and capital of Sicily, to the lovely, relaxing Taormina perched high above the Ionian sea and a favorite resort for wealthy Europeans and Hollywood types (Liz Taylor and Richard Burton). Both the hotels where you will stay are lovely restorations offering all amenities while allowing you to experience the best of Sicily.

Example Itinerary ~ available Fall and as a custom tour

Saturday Leave US Travel day to Italy Day 1 Arrive Palermo airport, van transfer to our hotel Hotel Check In Gala welcome dinner in a Twelfth Century Palazzo hosted by a Contessa Day 2 Guided tour of historic Palermo and its bustling markets Lunch - in the Market area Guided tour to Monreale - magnificent Norman castle Dinner - local restaurant Day 3 Culinary tours Marsala - tour and tasting the famous dessert wine Cooking class - lunch at the winery Visit to salt marshes to see sea salt processing Visit Erice - jewel of a village Marzipan shaping and painting demonstration Greek Temple - Segesta Dinner - in Palermo Day 4 Leave Palermo for tiny hillside village Vist to an ancient hill town - a step back in time Peasant Lunch in charming village - the real Sicily Cheesemaking demonstration Check into our elegant country inn Cooking class featuring local dishes Dinner andentertainment Traditional Sicilian music and dancing

Day 5 Van to Taormina Cefalu - visit to this delightful seaside town Lunch in Cefalu Artisan visit to San Stefano and ceramic demo Arrive in Taomina - hotel check in Dinner - with special dessert buffet Day 6 Guided Tour of Taormina - jewel of the mediterranean Lunch on our own in Taormina Afternoon free Cooking class / dinner - with celebrated author Day 7 End of Tour Depart Catania airport

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

The Sunny South ~ this is a custom tour with dates arranged for 4 or more

If you would like to visit a new locale before it is discovered by everyone else, this is your chance! Wonderful, scenic Puglia / Apulia - the long heel of the Italian boot. This amy well become the new Tuscany. Be the first on your block to visit here.

Puglia boasts one of the longest coastlines in Italy, with panoramic views of the Adriatic. It is home to the true Mediterranean Cuisine with an emphasis on seafood , vegetables, olive oil - it does not get much better. It ranks number one in the production of olive oil and wine, and number two in almond production. When the almond trees are in bloom the air is rich with the sweet scent.

You will experience the culinary traditions of the area through classes with local cooks taught in Seventeenth and Eighteenth century villa / farmhouses - visit local artisans to see unique cheeses, salami, confections, ice cream, as well as a pasta factory.

The area is also known for its unusual architecture trulli houses (photo on right) - structures which are only found here. You will be staying in a charming beachfront hotel just south of Bari and enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery Italy has to offer.

Puglia is a well kept secret - the place Italians go for their vacations. Do not miss this exciting opportunity for exploration.

Example Itinerary ~ available Fall and as a custom tour

Saturday Leave US Travel day to Italy Sunday Arrive Brindisi Private van transfer to seaside castle Orientation and apertifs Welcome dinner Monday Breakfast Cooking class Lunch - dine on our creations Visit to an Olive Oil artisan near Gallipoli Free time to shop in Gallipoli Dinner at a special fish restaurant above the turquoise sea Tuesday Breakfast Visit to Lecce - famous papier-mache' artisan Lunch at a very local Lecce restaurant Afternoon - free to shop in Lecce Incredible Gelato at a popular producer Dinner - grilled specialties at our castle

Wednesday Breakfast Visit to the Otranto Weekly Market Lunch in the countryside Visit a local pasta maker Dinner / tour - Alberobello - night time tour of Trulli Houses Thursday Breakfast Visit to artisan Mozzarella producer Lunch - in a traditional Masseria (grand villa) Visit to a vineyard and wine tasting Dinner - at our castle Friday Breakfast Cooking class *Lunch on our creations *Afternoon free *Farewell Dinner with Puglian music and dance Saturday End of tour, van transfer to Brindisi

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

Italy's Undiscovered Jewel

Pescara, Chieti, Vasto,Carunchio

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

The Romance of Provence

I think we're all in love with PROVENCE, but for a wide variety of reasons. For food-lovers, it's the abundance of natural products available; for others the natural beauty of the area, and yet for others, the rich cultural heritage. In our week, we'll experience Provence through all of these venues.

We'll spend our week with delightful Provencal host exploring the BEST that this rich region has to offer, through its artisan producers - wines, cheese, oil, honey, plus the rich cultural history of the area. We'll explore the countryside, visit markets, have hands-on cooking classes, dine in charming bistros and private French farmhouses, as well as meeting local artisan producers.

We'll rendezvous in Avignon, with private van transfer to our luxurious accommodations in the famously beautiful Luberon region.

Truly a week in culinary paradise!

Example Itinerary ~ available Spring

Travel day Leave US Travel day to France Sunday Arrive Avignon TGV Train Station Van transfer to our luxury estate (all with private bath) PM - orientation and meet local host / chef Welcome Dinner Monday Breakfast COOKING CLASS with lunch Dine on our creations Olive Mill tour & tasting WINE/FOOD PAIRING DINNER Tuesday Breakfast Open Market tour in beautiful Gordes LUNCH Winery tour & tasting free time COOKING CLASS WINE/FOOD DINNER on class creations

Wednesday Breakfast COOKING CLASS w/lunch VISIT to Menerbes village Special Dinner Thursday Breakfast CHOCOLATE Maker - Tour & tasting LUNCH at a special Chateau Visit to Les Beaux village DINNER Friday Breakfast EXCURSION to Roussilon & Bonnieux two of the most charming Luberon villages LUNCH in the Lubron mountains Free time to pack FAREWELL DINNER Saturday Breakfast Van transfer to Avignon TGV station

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here

Tasting America ~ these are custom tours with dates arranged for 6 or more

You do not have to travel outside North America to experience richly diverse cuisines - an oft overlooked fact is the cultural distinctions within these shores. The culinary tours are designed to acquaint you with the best that the various regions have to offer - culinarily speaking. Whether you are tasting wild salmon in the Northwest or beignets in New Orleans you will be amazed at the variety. The wine country of the Napa valley rivals or surpasses much that Europe has to offer, with an unequalled climate.

Join one of our small culinary journeys for between six and twelve people or create a custom group of your own and learn more about our great cuisines.

Following is a brief descriptions of a suggested tour. If you are interested in a tour to a specific area, then please contavt us for further details or to let us know what you are interested in. See contact details below..

Vancouver, Canadian San Juan Islands, Victoria ~ this is a custom tour with dates arranged for 6 or more

Visit the Pacific Northwest and Canada where you will become acquainted with some of the bounty this region. The story, of course, is seafood. Everyone will meet in Vancouver, a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and overlooking the water. Enjoy a cooking class highlighting local products and tour their fabulous Chinatown as well as Granville Market . . . and of course have fabulous meals in the process.

Then it is off to the islands! You will visit little known Salt Spring with its vibrant art community, great inns and restaurants, in a setting of unbelievable physical beauty. You will visit their open air market where local artists sell their products - a remarkable experience. You will eatt at a famous country inn, go on an artist tour and with luck see an old style village festival.

Next everyone is off to Vancouver Island to visit the very, very British city of Victoria. You will have tea at the Empress, view the world famous Butchart Gardens and finish off with a meal at a five star restaurant specialising in local products.

While most meals are included in our tours, we take care to leave time for you to explore the area on your own.

For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler web site - click here