Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1514480
Tailor Made Italy: A Foodie Adventure
Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.
Discover the culinary wonders of Italy on a journey through Rome, Florence, Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, tossing authentic pizzas with an expert pizzaiolo; sampling Chianti at a vineyard in the Val d’Orcia; tasting mortadella, ciccioli and salsiccia passita in Bologna; and touring an acetaia (vinegar producer), where you marvel at the flavors of sweet, thick balsamico.
9 nights | Call for pricing
Abercrombie & Kent: Tailor Made Italy: A Foodie Adventure
Day 1 Rome, Italy
Arrive in the “Eternal City” of Rome, where you are met by your Guardian Angel and privately transferred to your hotel.
Today, try your hand at the wonderful art of Italian pizza during a lesson led by an expert pizzaiolo (pizza chef) who puts on a marvelous display of skills and then guides you through the fun process of twirling your own pizza dough and hurling it into the air to oxygenate it. Don't be disheartened if you don't achieve perfection as this tradition — recognized by UNESCO as a traditional art form — takes years to master. When you’re ready, select your toppings and wait for your mouth-watering pizza to bake in the wood-fired oven. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. Afterward, go for a spin on the back of a Vespa and feel like one of the locals as you buzz around age-old cobblestone streets and alleyways. Discover some of the Eternal City’s most exceptional neighborhoods and locations, including some not accessible by vehicle. Along the way, stop for photos, learn the city’s wondrous history and converse with locals over a coffee, croissant or gelato, all the while taking in dazzling views of the city.
Explore Rome with your private guide and vehicle, traversing the ancient city’s labyrinth of narrow streets and wide-open piazzas. Listen as your guide explains the stories behind the fountains and monuments and describes the decoration, allegorical figures and animals sculpted in Rome’s famous marble sculptures. Visit the oval-shaped Piazza Navona and see the plan of its original purpose: as a Roman athletics track. Walk the piazza, which is today flanked by cafes and restaurants, and behold its famed centerpiece, Bernini's Quattro Fiumi fountain. Stroll to the nearby Pantheon, best preserved of all Roman monuments in the city and continue past the ministries of the Italian Government, across the Via del Corso to the iconic Trevi Fountain, where you may wish to cast in a coin. Finally, regard the elegant Piazza di Spagna, with the Spanish Steps rising to the Trinita dei Monti. A climb to the top of the steps (there is also an elevator) rewards with stunning views over the hills of Rome. Just before sunset, transfer across town to the lively Trastevere District for an unforgettable food and wine adventure tailored to your individual tastes. Get a sense of this once bohemian quarter of Rome, which still retains its arty edge, from a local's perspective. Cap off your day with visits to some of the city's best-loved food stores to chat with families who have worked hard to preserve Roman food traditions for generations.
Privately transfer to the Rome train station, where your pre-arranged train tickets await. After travelling independently to Florence, you are met by your local Guardian Angel and privately transferred to your hotel. Take some time to settle in before lunch and a wine tasting in a local enoteca near the Duomo. Continue on foot to a family-run bakery, where you taste authentic cantuccini (almond cookies). Return to your hotel to freshen up. This evening, join your Guardian Angel — an expert in local food customs — for an aperitivo (apéritif).
Set out on a full day’s exploration of Tuscany’s beautiful Chianti area, renowned for its glorious views, eminently drinkable wines and the simplicity of its mouth-watering cuisine. Begin in the picturesque medieval town of San Gimignano, viewing its 14 towers and enjoying time at leisure to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the Collegiata containing vivid 15th-century frescoes, the Palazzo del Popolo, now the municipal museum containing Renaissance paintings or the Church of Sant'Agostino. Later, make an exclusive visit to a local extra virgin olive oil producer. Tour the frantoio (olive press), where you discover how every drop of olive oil is successfully extracted from the fruit. Discuss factors that play a pivotal role in flavor; from whether traditional techniques of extraction are better than modern methods to the importance of the weather and heat during cultivation. Then, sample the delicious extra virgin olive oil yourself and learn how professionals judge oil quality. After lunch, sit back and enjoy a stunning drive through the Chianti countryside to the hilltop town of Castellina, whose noble origins date back to the 13th century. Bask in the lively atmosphere as you wander its charming streets. Throughout your day, savor the opportunity to sample exceptional wines in wonderful properties, before returning to your hotel.
Begin the day at a local food market, touring it alongside a local chef who accompanies you from your hotel. After learning about Italian produce and ingredients, proceed to a cooking school in the heart of Florence, where you take a private, hands-on Italian cooking class that is tailored to your interests and expertise. After sitting down to the meal you helped prepare, take an afternoon walking tour of the city’s lovely piazzas, churches and palaces. Pass the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, its dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Next, see the Galleria dell’Accademia, where you behold Michelangelo’s David. Admire medieval, stone Ponte Vecchio bridge and explore the neighborhood of Oltrano, set on the south side of the River Arno and full of small artisans’ workshops.
Depart Florence and head to the historic town of Bologna, affectionately known as La Grassa (the Fat One) for the hearty, filling dishes that originated here. Upon arrival, set out on a gourmet adventure to bustling markets, including the Quadrilatero, Mercato di Mezzo and Mercato delle Erbe. Pause at some of the city’s most beloved food stores and stalls to sample mortadella, ciccioli, salsiccia passita and chocolate. Then, watch a pasta-making demonstration and try your hand at making tortellini, with the opportunity to taste your creation. Continue to Modena, where you visit the Museo del Balsamico Tradizionale. Learn about the art of crafting balsamic vinegar; visit its acetaia (subject to availability); and sample the thick, savory product right from the source. Next, venture into the countryside outside Parma to settle into your amazing accommodation, set in a 14th-century castle.
Today, explore the exceptional amenities of your hotel, Antica Corte Pallavicina, a gastronomic destination in its own right, complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant. See its medieval meat-curing cellar and learn about prized culatello salami dating back to the 15th century, for which they have a dedicated museum on-site. Learn about the cooking traditions of Parma with one of the hotel’s expert chefs. Don’t miss the chance to dine here; A&K can secure a reservation in advance of your departure.
Early this morning, meet your driver and privately transfer to a cheese factory where Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is produced for a cheese-making demonstration. Afterward, enjoy a delicious platter of food, which includes three types of Parmigiano Reggiano. Continue to the city of Parma and explore it with a private guide. Stroll around the piazza at the heart of the city and see the stunning 12th-century Duomo di Parma and its pink marble Baptistery, considered to be among the most important medieval monuments in the country. Then, enjoy time for lunch at your leisure before you are privately transferred back to your hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to either the Bologna or Florence airport, where you are met and assisted by your Guardian Angel and board your international flight.
When thinking of Parma, the first thing that comes to mind is its famous food: prosciutto di Parma; and Parmigiano reggiano cheese in particular. Home to Barillo pasta, the town is renown for its culinary delights overall. Visit Parma's various cheese factories to get a first-hand look at how Parmigiano is made and sampling, as well. The town is a feast for all senses; opera, art and history buffs will find countless ways to indulge their interests. Festival Verdi celebrates Giuseppe Verdi's musical legacy every October, and at the Piazza Duomo, one can view the medieval baptistry done by Benedetto Antelami, where rosso di Verona (pink marble) shifts tones depending on the time of day and degree of sunlight. Frescoes by Corregio and Antelami decorate the interior of the Duomo. For a broader exploration of European art masters, visit the Galleria Nazionale in the Palazzo della Pilotta, noting artworks by Pamigianino, da Vinci, Van Dyck, Tiepolo and more. Relax from site-seeing at the many picturesque cafes for siesta, or treat yourself to shopping at the many boutiques throughout town.
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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