Day 2 - Saturday; Arrive in FLORENCE.  I will be there to meet you after you clear customs. I will be just outside the baggage area sliding glass door, waiting for you to exit. Once everyone is gathered up, we'll head for the VILLA (about a 40 minute drive). Currency may be exchanged at the airport, but because of the inferior exchange rate you will receive, it's not recommended to do this. It is better to withdraw euro from a credit card, or shop around for a good rate. Make sure your PIN is good overseas. Also beware of hidden commission and service charges. The villa is a renovated 13th century farmhouse. Surrounded by vineyards and olive orchards with sweeping views of the area, it is unmatched in its basic beauty. Each apartment is complete with it’s own kitchen, dining room, two bedrooms and modern bathroom. There will be 4 people sharing an apartment. The grounds are so inviting, they beckon to you to lay and relax, take a dip in the pool, sip on some wine and unwind. Close your eyes and drift away. NO, WAIT! We’re not here to relax! Let’s get with the program.  Wash up. Get into some comfortable clothes. Let’s eat. A light picnic lunch (incl.) will be spread out before you. And wine of course. Then we’ll head out to CHIANTI CLASSICO COUNTRY. For those of you who would like to stay back and rest (you're in ITALY for God's sake!),  please note that the activities for this day will not be repeated. We will be pointed in the direction of CASTELLINA IN CHIANTI, then later we'll make a pit stop in TAVARNELLE for a field trip at the COOP. The COOP is one of the most extensive grocery stores around. You can find everything you need here. They have a wonderful meat display. Their selections for breads & cheeses are very complete with varieties from around Italy. Even their ready-to-eat section is nothing less than an art exhibit, glistening with olive oil coated salads and colorful & exotic seafood. Oh, and I don’t want to forget to mention the poultry with the dangling heads! Stock up your kitchen with snacks and water for your week here. CHIANTI CLASSICO COUNTRY is a short drive through beautiful countryside. Depending on the time of year you choose, you can expect to see luscious fields of wildflowers such as poppies, broom and sunflowers. Castelina in Chianti is a charming town comprising of a few enotece and boutiques. There's a lovely tile shop here, and an incredible photography shop that my friend Andrea Rontini has to show off his beautiful artwork. I dare you to try to leave this shop without buying at least a postcard! For dinner, we'll hit Vico Furbo for one of the most incredible and affordable spreads you've ever seen. DAY 5: Tuesday; OLIVE OIL, MONTEPULCIANO, PIENZA & MERCATINO After our ITALIAN STYLE BREAKFAST (incl.), we'll make our way back though THE HILLS OF CHIANTI CLASSICO and wind up at Franco Lombardi’s olive orchard for some great tutelage on the ever mystical olive oil scene. A two hour lecture will make you an expert on this nectar of the Gods.  After, we’ll scoot on out to MONTEPULCIANO and PIENZA on our way down south. MONTEPULCIANO, one of the highest Tuscan town, is well known for it's red wine, VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO. Filled with cantine and enoteche, it is possible to sample wines from around the region, including: BRUNELLO DI MONTELCINO and the rich and amber dessert wine, VIN SANTO. The shops here are glorious! Don't miss the fabulous paper and leather shop (oldest one in the entire town), Yolanda & Cesare's boutiqu e of hand-hammered copper crafts (everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink) or the multitude of hidden ETRUSCAN TOMBS and underground cellars.  We'll lunch here upon arrival. On our way out, we'll visit a great example of architecture,TEMPIO DI SAN BIAGIO. PIENZA is located just west of MONTEPULCIANO about a 15-minute drive. You can see it in the distance as we approach. Its claim to fame is its incredible selection of PECORINO CHEESES made in the area since the time of MICHELANGELO. The people here are very friendly and the town is exquisite. So beautiful and harmonious, it has been compared to a Renaissance dollhouse. In this area, PICI PASTA is a must, as is the breathtaking view you'll see from the edge of town. You'll also find great cookies like Osso dei Morti, Buoni ma Brutti & Ricciarelli. We'll head back for dinner in out home town, Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. The Mercatino is in town tonight. What a glorious display of Italian culture! I can't even describe it to you, you'll have to see for yourself. Day 6: Wednesday; Breakfast (incl.)starts the day. Today is cheese day! But of course every day in Italy is cheese day! This day starts out very early. Our first stop will be at the farm of my friends GIOVANNI & SANDRA. GIOVANNI was born in Sardinia, an island in the south of Italy. Now he lives in ROMITA, just minutes from the villa. He will demonstrate for us the different techniques in making PECORINO & RICOTTA CHEESES strictly from ewe’s milk. We will sample these fresh cheeses as he makes them. Delicious, and frankly the best cheese I have ever eaten. Save room in your suitcase for a wheel of this one! Next stop will be CASA EMMA VINEYARDS. My friend PAOLO will show us around the lovely amphitheater-shaped vineyard and give an enlightening lecture on the various wines they produce (tasting all the while). Do you have any wine related questions?  These are the people to ask. After our very informative wine lesson, we'll be taken into the woods and guided through the Botanical Park. Here, we'll see the many flora (and maybe some fauna) of the great Tuscan hills of Chianti. After returning back to Poggio, we'll enjoy some free time before our hosts MARIO & ANTONELLA CORTI, treat us to a succulent POOL SIDE DINNER (incl.) of  TUSCAN CULINARY DELIGHTS. We'll get to meet their family and get a real slice of Italian culture. Hopefully my very good friend, JOHN PITONZO and his wife PAOLA and their charming daughter will join us. Many great conversations and good times have been born on this night. Day 7: Thursday; After your espresso fix, (incl.), we’ll spend the day in FLORENCE. Never thought we'd get here, did you? What can I write here that you haven't already read about? Be sure to see DAVID, IL PONTE VECCHIO, THE LEATHER MARKET, IL DUOMO and  THE BAPTISTRY, THE BELL TOWER, THE UFFIZI GALLERY, PIAZZA della SIGNORIA and SANTA CROCE. Have lunch at my good friend's osteria L’ACCADEMIA near Davide. GIANNI serves up wonderful meals and sure knows how to please! On the way to town, we’ll stop off at the PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO.  There’s a copy of DAVID overlooking a dazzling FLORENCE. It’s a reflective time to think about the incredible things that you've witnessed during your trip already. And what you are about to see; The incredibly infamous people laid to rest in SANTA CROCE. The unbelievable heart & soul that went into IL DUOMO. That heart pounding & slick leather jacket you're just dying to buy. We'll dine overlooking the Arno River. Savor the memories. Day 8. Friday; This morning after breakfast (incl.) we are heading to one of the colorful markets that ITALY is known for. In COLLE VAL D’ELSA we will see where fruits and vegetables and dry goods abound. More leather products, hard wares and the latest fashions in shoes & clothing. Known for it's CRYSTAL, COLLE VAL D’ELSA charms the heart & soul. The historic part is deserving of a quick visit, with a few very charming hillside restaurants. The crystal is sparse but lovely. Located in the market area is a shop where you can sample and taste various aged BALSAMIC VINEGARS. ALESSANDRO will answer your vinegar questions, and you’ll want to stock up on this delicacy before returning home. We’ll have lunch here and head back for our last night at the villa, so we’ll need to pack up. We’ll say our good-byes to this enchanting place. And if history dictates itself, we’ll be drinking & eating lots of things that won’t fit into anyone’s suitcase. Or, if you'd like, for dinner,  we'll go to BADIA IN PASSAGNANO, a beautiful monastery down a long and winding dirt path. Pray for no outgoing traffic as we approach. The pizzeria there is charming. We’ll try to make it an early night! Day 9 - Saturday; After our last breakfast at Mario’s, we’ll be heading for the airport to say our good-byes. Hopefully some of you will be heading out to other parts of ITALY.  Don’t let the fun stop now!  Andiamo! TOTAL COST IN EUROS IS 1900.00. THERE IS SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT OF 400.00EURO WHEN AVAILABLE. *****PRICES ARE IN EUROS***** DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE OR ANYTHING ELSE NOT MENTIONED BELOW. THIS TOUR IS NORMALLY LIMITED TO 7 PAYING PARTICIPANTS, BUT MAY BE EXPANDED TO 11 PAYING PARTICIPANTS IF NECESSARY TO ACCOMMODATE CERTAIN PARTIES. **This itinerary is subject to change slightly. A DEPOSIT of 400.00EUROS (nonrefundable) is due by NOVEMBER 30, 2007. No spots will be held without a deposit. The balance is due in full by FEBRUARY 28, 2008. In addition, all waiver forms & personal emergency numbers are due at this time. THERE IS a 75.00EURO discount for all balances paid by the due date. DISCLAIMER:  I take no responsibility for unseen circumstances that may prevent some of the scheduled events from happening. I will do my best to offer acceptable substitutions. Furthermore, I cannot be responsible or liable for injury, illness or losses during this trip, as I am simply the coordinator of this tour. You must be in good physical condition. There is a lot of walking and uphill climbing. If for any reason you are not inter- ested in the scheduled activities on a given day, you are always welcome to stay back at the villa and relax or plan out your own day away from the group at your own expense. I am your driver, your host, your tour operator, your translator and your friend. If you need excessive personal attention of any other kind, this trip is not for you. Based on double occupancy, (4 guests to an apartment, sharing a bathroom), this price includes: 8-day package: (1) Cooking classes (1) Cheese-making field trip (1) Olive Oil lecture (1)Balsamic Vinegar Tasting All Wine Tastings (visits to various Enoteche) (7) Nights lodging (6) Breakfasts, (2)Lunches and (2)Dinners All related car expenses, gas, tolls, etc. TIPPING FOR THIS TOUR SHOULD BE BASED ON THE QUALITY OF SERVICE YOU RECEIVE. PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR ASSISTANT AS WELL. THIS ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Special thanks to Carole & Brian Avin for the fantastic pics included in this Itinerary!   SEND NONREFUNDABLE DEPOSITS TO:  Jackie Cipriano 2761 Swann Way Davidsonville, MD 21035
Jackie’s Top 10 List There are 100 ways to flush a toilet in Italy Poggibonsi Ditty You are so beautiful to me, Tuscany Favorite travel links www.oliveoil.chiantionline.com www.oceancityvilla.com TOUR DATES
JUNE 7-14, 2008 JUNE 14-21, 2008 JUNE 21-28, 2008 CALL JACKIE CIPRIANO (301) 524-6652 
or e-mail her: jackie@lessondujour.com


 
DAY 1 - Friday; Depart for FLORENCE, ITALY. 
You’ll be traveling overnight on the plane. We will meet the following day (Saturday) at the airport. Please make sure to give me all airport information at least one month in advance. It is your responsibility to get to the airport in FLORENCE, even if you are coming into ITALY via a different route. I cannot pick you up elsewhere, or on a different day without incurring additional expenses. 
If for some reason you do not arrive within an hour of your scheduled arrival, it is then your responsibility to get to the villa (POGGIO AL CHIUSO) by other means. You can take a taxi to the train station in FLORENCE, and then take the train to POGGIBONSI. 
It is then 6 kilometers to the villa. http://www.oliveoil.chiantionline.comhttp://www.oceancityvilla.commailto:jackie@lessondujour.comshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2
Join Jackie for a fun-filled and educational trip
of a lifetime!  
Many clients have returned year after year...
They just can’t get enough of the
beautiful countryside, the friendly people,
the great food and wine,
and the passion that envelopes the
entire experience.  
Jackie has a great network of friends
in Italy to guarantee that you have
the time of your life!
Day 4.-Monday; SIENA & COOKING CLASS SIENA is a vertical city .It is filled with unsuspecting piazzas and quaint boutiques. This will be our first stop for the day. In PIAZZA DEL CAMPO you can stare in awe at the soaring bell tower, or envision the crowds and imagine the roar of stampeding hooves as the PALIO is run twice a year. We'll be sure to sample some of the world famous pastries SIENA has to offer. PANEFORTE, HOMEMADE TORRONE & COOKIES abound, tantalizing your every taste bud. And don’t forget your daily GELATO. The churches here are noteworthy. IL DUOMO is a beautiful example of Italian artistry, with the entire floor done in etchings it is incredible! The gift shop here is a good place to stop, and the museum that accompanies the church is well worth a visit. A hike up the church tower offers some stupendous views. We'll have lunch here before moving on to cooking class. Cooking Class is how you like it. Either demonstration only, or participation if you're feeling up to it. You'll learn, laugh drink and be merry. Day 3 - Sunday; VOLTERRA & SAN GIMIGNANO Today, we'll plan to leave the villa around 10:00, just after breakfast (incl.). Our first stop will be VOLTERRA.  About a 40-minute drive through stunning hills and valleys, VOLTERRA  is sure to please. If you pass this carsick test, you're home-free! It is a beautiful hilltop town known for its stunning ALABASTER CRAFTS. We'll visit some artisans I know, and then visit the ancient amphitheater, now in ruins. You'll have your choice of visiting the lavish PALAZZO VITI, ETRUSCAN MUSEUM, or any of the fine art museums in this town. How about the Torture Museum? Make sure you eat lunch AFTER this one! A walk in the park will provide you with a glimpse of the most “un”prison you've ever laid eyes on. We’ll eat lunch here before leaving. After lunch (3:00ish), we'll make our way to SAN GIMIGNANO.  About an hour drive, SAN GIMIGNANO is visible on the drive from VOLTERRA. Looming over the horizon, its medieval towers can be seen from many different directions in TUSCANY. It is a beautiful village, with 13 of its original 76 towers still remaining. It is still possible to take your pick of a few of the towers to climb to get a bird's eye view of the surrounding landscape. Filled with delightful shops, SAN GIMIGNANO is the best preserved medieval town in TUSCANY. Unfortunately this also makes it one of the most crowded. But grin and bear it we shall!It also boasts the best GELATO in the world!! (So the newspaper articles claim!). I can attest to the delicious GELATO. We will enjoy enchanting vistas, boutiques and galleries as we stroll through town (with ice cream cone in hand) searching for the WILD BOAR SALAMI. We'll pass through the PIAZZA del DUOMO, PIAZZA della CISTERNA, and at the same time we'll be experiencing our first PASSAGIATA, the evening stroll that is the social time for the ITALIANS. We'll dine in town at the LE VECCHIE MURE . Italy Itinerary for 2008 Capital Cuisine’s Tuscan Food & Wine Tour “Italy or Bust”