Italy with Stefano

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FOOD AND CULTURE TOUR
WITH STEFANO DE PIERI
• Tuscany and the
Amalfi Coast
• Saturday 10th to
Saturday 24th May 2014
• EXCLUSIVE TOUR - Available
to only 10 people
The Settings
SAT 10.5.14 – SAT 17.5.14
TAVARNELLE VAL DI PESA, TUSCANY
Castellare de Sernigi is a
place of tranquillity and
relaxation, unwind in the
magnificent gardens and
soak up the romantic
serenity which surrounds.
With 6 Tuscan styled
bedrooms, 2 spacious
living rooms, an antique
fire place, swimming pool
and an outside gazebo,
there is plenty to offer in this
charming villa.
With views overlooking
the rolling fields and hills,
there is definitely a present
day comfort in this villa
where luxury stimulates
your relaxation. With the
villa restored respecting
the traditional Tuscan
style, it is surrounded by
olive groves, vineyards
and roses. Castelle de
Sernigi has the perfect
location, picturesque views
and fantastic facilities,
everything you need for
your perfect getaway.
SAT 17.5.14 – SAT 24.5.14
POSITANO, AMALFI COAST
Positano has been called
the pearl of the Amalfi
Coast for its many special
characteristics that raise
it above all of the other
towns on the coast, and we
could call Villa dei Fisici a
pearl among the residential
properties along this stretch
of coast. Its position allows
you to enjoy a unique view
of the town of Positano and
of the gulf. From its large
terraces you dominate, as
if on the captain’s bridge
of a ship, the typical
whitewashed houses that
slope down, one on top of
the other, right down to the
sea.
Villa dei Fisici goes back to
the 1700s and after several
restorations during this time;
it has now been completely
renovated as a prestigious
residence.
“Come and join me on an unforgettable journey through
two different, but equally emotional parts of Italy Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast.
Tuscany, beyond the easy cliches and films that have
made it so popular, is still the site that more than others
speaks to you directly about quintessentially Italian
things - history, the arts, the Italian language, food and
wine.
The Amalfi Coast, south of Naples, is as romantic and
sunny as Italy can be. Down South people have a
different disposition - an easy-going style that places a
strong emphasis on living, more than anything else. Not
for them the idea that a “good time” will come in good
time. A good time is here and now without deferrals. And
somehow the spectacular seaside, the ancient villages
precariously perched on the narrow valleys that cascade
into the sea seem to be designed to assist in the quest for a
life lived in full.
Come with me and share in the history, the arts, the food
and the wine of these regions, and above all, to relax with a
laugh or two.” - Stefano de Pieri
The Host
STEFANO DE PIERI
CELEBRITY CHEF - ‘STEFANO’S RESTAURANT’
Stefano de Pieri was born
in Treviso, near Venice. He
migrated to Australia in
1974. Stefano attended
Sydney Road Community
School in Brunswick and
went on to Melbourne
University. He graduated in
Politics and Italian Studies.
Stefano became
actively involved in many
community causes from
the moment he came
to Australia. He edited
an Italian fortnightly
newspaper called Nuovo
Paese through which he
came into contact with
many political and cultural
identities.
He dabbled with food
- always his passion - in the
early eighties, training for a
little while in a professional
environment, but finally
chose a job in the Victorian
Public Service.
He became a private
secretary to Minister Peter
Spyker and then an advisor
to a number of Ethnic
Affairs Ministers.
He married Donata
Carrazza in 1991 and
settled in Mildura at the
same time. Together
they have two children
Domenico and Claudia.
Stefano set about to assist
in the refurbishments of the
Grand Hotel and to provide
some leadership in the area
of beverage and food
preparation.
Stefano’s restaurant
in the Grand became
the recipient of many
prestigious awards and
continues to attract the
support of many patrons.
He was impressed with
local produce - and local
wine - but was frustrated
by the lack of recognition
of the district. He begun
imagining a book that
would include his food
memories from his native
Veneto and the produce
of Mildura. The book took
the title of Gondola on the
Murray and after a few
rejections from publishers
it was accepted by ABC
Enterprises, the publishing
branch of the ABC. It
was then turned into the
television series “A Gondola
on the Murray”.
Stefano and Donata
continue a family tradition
in hospitality with the hope
of providing variety and
interest for residents and
the many visitors who come
to Mildura.
Areas/Highlights
Itinerary
DAY 1 - SAT 10th MAY
- FLORENCE/
TAVERNELLE VAL DI
PESA, TUSCANY
2pm – Tour commences.
Be greeted by Emily at
meeting point at Florence
train station (Santa Maria
Novella) and transferred to
Villa Castellare dei Sergnini,
Tavarnelle di Pesa, Tuscany
where Stefano will be
waiting to greet you.
Enjoy a welcome
refreshment prepared
by Stefano on arrival at
the villa and get to know
your fellow travellers.
Meet friends and owners
of the estate; Enzo and
Annagloria and settle into
the villa.
Free afternoon to relax at
the villa with a glass of wine
and enjoy the surrounds.
Welcome Dinner at villa
- Traditional Tuscan dinner
prepared by Stefano.
(R, D)
DAY 2 - SUN 11th MAY
- FLORENCE
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano.
Transfer into Florence for
walking tour of Florence
(approx. 3 hour tour)
including entrance into
the Accademia to view
Michelangelo’s David,
Duomo and town squares
(piazzas).
Lunch at a local restaurant
at conclusion of the
walking tour.
Free time to shop and
explore Florence.
Coffee at the famous Bar
Gilli and transfer back
to the villa for rest and
relaxation.
Evening - Culinary art
session and dinner at villa
with Stefano.
(B, L, D)
DAY 3 - MON 12th MAY
- SIENA & SAN
GIMIGNANO
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano.
Morning departure from the
villa by private chauffeur
for a tour through the
scenic hills of Tuscany
before arriving in Siena,
where you will meet your
guide for a tour of the city
(San Domenico church, the
main street in the centre
with the old medieval
palace, Tolomei Palace,
the Duomo and Piazza del
Campo: the main square
where the famous Palio
horse race is run).
Enjoy time for lunch
(not included) at local
restaurant, after transferring
to San Gimignano to visit
this town and taste the
World’s Best gelati.
Enjoy a pleasant walk
through the cobblestone
streets of the enchanting
village and some shopping
at the small shops.
An easy drive will take you
back to the villa in the early
evening.
Dinner at villa prepared by
local cook.
(B, D)
DAY 4 - TUE 13th MAY
- CHIANTI
DAY 5 - WED 14th MAY
- FLORENCE
Tutti-a-tavola cooking class.
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano.
Breakfast (self-service).
Italian language
conversation with Donata
and rest of morning free
to relax and stroll into
Tavarnelle.
Lunch prepared by
Stefano.
Transfer to Tutti-a-tavola
cooking class. The Mammas
of Tutti-a-tavola invite you
to join in to discover the
flavour of life in Tuscany.
The kitchen in Tuscany is
called “casa”, the centre
of the house and family,
where traditionally the
fireplace is always lit and
everybody shares not only
meals but social life. Here
they invite you to cook with
them, not only Tuscan food
but the sum of years of
traditional family cooking.
All participants receive a
Tutti-a-tavola apron and
recipe book.
Transfer back to the villa
after dinner.
(B, L, D)
Free time to take a stroll
to Tavarnelle for a coffee
or gelato or just spend the
morning relaxing at the
villa.
Early light lunch prepared
by Stefano at the villa.
Transfer into Florence for
embarking on a private
tour of one of the most
exclusive locations in
Italy. We will open the
doors to visit the infamous,
yet rarely visited, Vasari
Corridor. Simply put, the
most exclusive experience
in Florence. Afterwards
visit Alessandro Dari’s,
famous sculptor-jeweller,
workshop. He is one of the
most fascinating artisans in
Italy. He is internationally
renowned and his work
is based in alchemic
philosophy. His workshop is
like a museum.
Then visit Santa Croce
church, it is the largest
Franciscan church in
Italy. It is the pantheon
of great Italians (such as
Galileo, Michelangelo and
Macchiavelli).
Transfer back to villa to
enjoy dinner prepared by
Stefano.
(B, L, D)
DAY 6 - THU 15th MAY
- FREE DAY
DAY 9 - SUN 18th MAY
- POSITANO
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano.
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano
Free day to enjoy the
surrounding areas or sit and
relax at the villa. Walk into
Tavarnelle and meander
through the open market
in the piazza, or walk to
the medieval town of
Barberino.
Stroll into the centre of
Positano to meet fellow
Australian, Christine for a
walking tour of Positano.
What better way to
discover the hidden
secrets of Positano than
by a downhill two hour
food tasting stroll through
the town. The itinerary
stops at eateries to taste
local produce; places of
interest to discover the
town’s history and culture;
and photograph vantage
points.
For those that wish, spend
the day cooking with
Stefano – preparing both
lunch and dinner.
(B, L, D)
DAY 7 - FRI 16th MAY
- ISOLE E OLENA
(WINERY VISIT)
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano.
Transfer to Isole e Olena
for a winery visit and lunch
(lunch not included)
Transfer back to villa in the
afternoon.
Culinary art session and
dinner at villa with Stefano
(B, D)
DAY 8 - SAT 17th MAY
- DEPART TUSCANY
FOR AMALFI COAST
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano.
Depart Castellare de’
Sernigi for Positano. There
will be a brief stop along
the way for lunch (not
included).
Arrive at Villa dei Fisici,
Positano and settle into
villa. Wine tasting at the
villa with local sommelier,
Vincenzo, followed by
‘Welcome to the Amalfi
Coast’ dinner by local
cook.
(B, D)
Take the ‘Red Fish’ boat
to famous beachside
restaurant, Da Aldolfo for
lunch.
Free evening to enjoy
Positano by night.
(B, L)
DAY 10 - MON 19th MAY
- MOZZARELLA
PRODUCTION &
PAESTUM
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano.
Today you shall experience
the tastes and the traditions
of the Cilento Coast. Stop
for a visit to one of the best
Buffalo Mozzarella factories
in Italy. Meeting with the
supervisor, you will visit the
Estate. You can view the
making of daily products
(mozzarella, yoghurt and
ice-cream). After your visit,
travel to Paestum where
we stop for lunch in a local
restaurant before visiting
the temples.
In the afternoon guided
visit of the Greek Temples of
Paestum before returning
towards the Amalfi Coast.
We stop in the coastal town
of Minori for Limoncello
tasting before transferring
back to the villa.
Dinner prepared by Stefano
at the villa.
(B, L, D)
DAY 11 - TUE 20th MAY
- CAPRI
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano.
Meet your English-speaking
captain on your private
motor-boat ‘Cool.’
Your cruise will begin
along the Amalfi Coast,
with the captain steering
to the private islands of Li
Galli, to Massa Lubrense,
Sant’Agata and the pretty
fishing village of Nerano,
well known among locals
for its fine gastronomy. It is
here where you will arrive
to the Punta Campanella,
which signals the end
of the Amalfi Coast with
Capri Island looming large
ahead.
You will cruise Capri in a
circle tour, spearing through
the heart of the iconic
Faraglioni Rocks and the
pretty enclave of Marina
Piccola, visiting the White,
Meravigliosa and Green
grottoes along the way
and, tides and weather
permitting, enter inside of
the famous Blue Grotto
(entrance fee of 12.50
euros per person is not
included. If you wish to visit
the Grotto, you simply just
pay cash on the day upon
entrance). Depending
on the weather we may
stop and drop anchor
where you desire to swim
directly from the motorboat, or simply to relax in a
private crystal clear cove.
At around lunchtime your
captain will disembark you
at Capri’s main Marina
Grande port, where you
will take taxi’s to the main
square for lunch together.
After lunch, you will then
have free time on Capri to
explore the island’s history,
chic shopping and eateries
before heading back to
Positano in the afternoon.
Walk back up to villa to rest
and change for dinner.
Transfer to La Tagliata in
Montepertuso for dinner.
Enjoy a set degustation
menu which includes
a range of local dishes
prepared using fresh
ingredients from the
restaurant’s garden.
Transfer back to villa after
dinner.
(B, L, D)
Itinerary (CONTINUED)
DAY 12 - WED 21st MAY
- TRAMONTI &
RAVELLO
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano with Stefano talking
about his passion for music.
Transfer to the hill-top town
of Tramonti for a wine
tasting and lunch at one
of the most prestigious
wineries of the area, Tenuta
San Francesco.
Transfer to Ravello for
free time to explore this
gorgeous town - Ancient
legend still recounts that
it was to Ravello, with its
breathtaking view of the
Mediterranean and the
dramatic Amalfi coastline,
that Satan transported
Jesus during his second
temptation to show the
beauty of the world’s
kingdoms. The town has
served historically as a
destination for artists,
musicians, and writers,
including Richard Wagner,
M. C. Escher, and Virginia
Woolf, all whom have either
written or composed while
staying in the town that
delivers the best possible
coastal views. Explore the
wonderful gardens at Villa
Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone,
the magical churches, and
enjoy some of the most
incredible panoramas in
Europe.
Meet group to enjoy
dinner together at a local
restaurant before concert
commences. Attend
Ravello Concert Society
concert.
Transfer back to villa after
concert.
(B, L, D)
DAY 13 - THU 22nd MAY
- SCALA
DAY 14 - FRI 23rd MAY
- AMALFI & ATRANI
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano.
Breakfast prepared by
Stefano.
Transfer to mountain
village, Scala for “Pranzo
a casa con I paesani”Enjoy a traditional meal at
a locals home with hosts;
Francesco, who is an active
member of Slow Food on
the Amalfi Coast who will
give us an insight to Slow
Food in the area, local
Andrea and his Australianborn and raised wife, AnneMaree. Together they will
give you an understanding
of the ‘Dolce Vita’ on
the Amalfi Coast and the
importance of food to the
culture.
Stroll down to the port of
Positano in time to take
local ferry to Amalfi.
Transfer back to villa, free
evening
(B, L)
The town of Amalfi was
the capital of the Maritime
Republic of Amalfi, an
important trading power
in the Mediterranean
between 839 and 1200. In
the 1920s and 1930s, Amalfi
was a popular holiday
destination mainly for the
British upper class and
aristocracy. Today, Amalfi
is the main town of the
coast on which it is located,
the Costiera Amalfitana,
and is an important tourist
destination together with
other towns on the coast.
Amalfi is also included in
the UNESCO World Heritage
Sites.
Stop for a coffee and
pastry break at local bar
before heading to your
pizza making lesson.
Pizza making lesson in
the heart of the historical
centre of Amalfi in a
relaxing and unforgettable
lemon garden. Here you
can enjoy the exciting
experience of preparing
your own pizza with
genuine local ingredients
and the real traditional
Neapolitan recipe. Enjoy
your own creation for lunch
along with local wine and
end with limoncello.
It is now time for the group
to split. Half will have free
time to explore Amalfi and
visit the impressive Duomo
of St Andrea, whilst the
other half participates in
a one hour pastry making
demonstration. Learn how
to make a local delicacy
from a professional
pastry chef. Once the
demonstration is complete,
participants can enjoy free
time in Amalfi and the rest
of the group will now have
their turn to participate in
the pastry demonstration.
Transfer to nearby hidden
jewel town, Atrani, Italy’s
smallest comune with only
915 residents. Stop by the
piazza for an aperitif before
transferring back to the
villa.
Farewell dinner at Villa.
(B, L, D)
DAY 15 - SAT 24th MAY
- DEPART AMALFI
COAST FOR ROME
Farewell breakfast
prepared by Stefano.
Conclusion of the Italy with
Stefano tour and time to
bid farewell and transfer to
Rome airport. After a short
stop along the way for a
quick lunch (not included),
you should arrive at Rome
airport at approx. 3pm.
Arrivederci e Buon viaggio!
(B)
Features and Inclusions
• Celebrity cook, Stefano de Pieri as your personal host
throughout the tour
• Fully escorted excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing visits
as described in the itinerary
• All entrance fees to listed visits
• Local, professional guides for all excursions
• Private transfers throughout the tour
• 7 nights’ accommodation at Villa Castellare de’ Sernigi
in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Tuscany
• 7 nights’ accommodation at Villa dei Fisici in Positano,
Amalfi Coast
• Welcome refreshment at Villa Castellare de’ Sernigi
• All meals as outlined in the itinerary including 14
breakfasts, 10 lunches and 12 dinners
• 14 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 7 dinners prepared by
Stefano
• Culinary lessons with Stefano and Tuscan ‘Mammas’ at
Tutti-a-tavola
• Private boat tour to the stunning Isle of Capri
• Italian language lesson with Stefano’s partner and
co-host, Donata Carrazza
• Group transfers;
• Florence to villa in Tuscany on arrival
• Positano to Rome on departure
Please note that most meals do include some beverages,
however additional beverages and snacks are not
included in the tour
COST
Land only
AUD $12,900 per person
twin share
(excludes airfares and
taxes)
Single supplement
AUD $3,000
Deposit
AUD $3,000 per person
(Non-refundable)
Final payment is due no
later than 7th February 2014
BOOKING AGENT
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Romina Izzo
Travel with a Twist
(03) 9826 4001
romina@travelwithatwist.
com.au
Conditions apply and must
be read in conjunction with
Travel with a Twist schedule
of professionalism.
CONTACT
For further information
contact Avanti Italy
[email protected]
www.avantiitaly.com
Final payment is due no
later than 7th February
2014. Cancellations of
bookings will be subject
to AUD $3,000 per person
cancellation fee plus any
charges imposed by the
principals operating the
tour. Cancellations after
final payment can be up to
100% cost of the tour.
Prices specified are based
on tariffs applicable at
the time of printing; these
may be subject to change
without prior notice until
final payment date. Group
cost quoted for this tour is
based on a minimum of 10
passengers.
If Stefano de Pieri is
not able to fulfil his
commitments as host due
to illness or death in the
family then the tour will
be cancelled. It is strongly
advised to take out an
insurance policy that
covers you for such an
unlikely event.
14 Days
TUSCANY AND THE AMALFI COAST
FLORENCE
TAVARNELLE
Tuscany
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Amalfi Coast
NOTES
[email protected]
www.avantiitaly.com