victours-italy gourmet 2011

Italy Gourmet 2011

Buon Appetito!It is often said that the real understanding of a country’s culture comes from sampling the country’s food. Italy is the food capital of the world. Let yourself be carried away by the passionate flavours, scents, and colours of a country that makes you fall in love every time you visit!

Under The Tuscan Sun...........5 One Day Cooking Class...........6

Food & Wine Class..................7

Cooking classes in Florence....8

Highlights of Chianti................9

Classic Tuscany 2011.................10-11

Table of ContentsTuscan Flavour.....................12 Sicilian Flavour......................13

Calabrian Flavour..................14

Ligurian Flavour.....................15

Ligurian Fish Specialties.........16

SLOW FOOD

Piedmont...............................18-19

Umbria...................................20-21

Campania...............................22-23

Terms and Conditions............24-25

Victours Toll free 1-800-668-7475 4

Cooking Experiences

RATES:Accommodation in a classic room for double use CDN$ 1.635.00Accommodation in a double room for single use CDN$ 1.995.00

Deluxe supplement CDN$ 202.00Junior suite Supplement CDN$ 428.00 Suite Supplement CDN$ 675.00

*Rates are per person and include taxes

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•3 nights at the Relais Il Falconiere in double room with buffet breakfast daily •Welcome Aperitif and Dinner (with beverage) upon arrival •2 Cooking lessons with the Chef, followed by lunch or dinner with matched wine selection •1 Guided sightseeing tour •Visit of the Baracchi wine cellar and wine tasting•Access to the Thesan Spa (hydro massage pool, Sauna, Turkish bath)

Cooking under the Tuscan sunRELAIS & CHATEAUX IL FALCONIERE - CORTONA (AREZZO)


DAY 1Start with a welcome cocktail around 7:30 pm with Silvia & Riccardo Baracchi, your hosts. The aperitif will be followed by a delicious dinner “a la Carte” in the elegant hotel’s famed restaurant, with wines from the The Baracchi Winery. The Baracchi family has owned the Il Falconiere estate, a splendid 17th century Tuscan villa and winery, since 1860.DAY 2Breakfast. In the morning, you will have a guided sightseeing tour of the charming city of Cor-tona, setting of the book and movie “Under the Tuscan Sun.” If possible, we will also stop at the weekly market to buy ingredients for the lesson. Have lunch on your own in Cortona. Return to Il Falconiere for your 4:00 pm cooking lesson featuring Etruscan cuisine. This menu, based on the ancient Etruscan civilization and its influences, might include: traditional wild herb pie with par-mesan fondue, “gnudi” pasta with ricotta cheese, local lamb in a crust of Tuscan bread, sautéed greens, and berry cake with mascarpone cheese mousse. Dinner follows based on your efforts, wine included. DAY 3Breakfast. After breakfast, it’s time for your next cooking lesson, “Pane, olio e fantasia” (bread, oil and im¬agination). Your menu might include: stuffed eggplant with almond, tomato confit and basil; pici pasta with traditional ragout; veal medallion stuffed with black olives and orange fla-vours; flaky pastry with pears and peanuts served with melted chocolate. Lunch follows, accom-panied by great Tuscan wines. The evening is free for you to relax in the Thesan Spa and perhaps schedule a wine therapy relaxation massage. Around 7.00 pm, visit the Baracchi Winery for a wine-tasting and receive your cooking certificate. Dinner this evening is on your own. DAY 4 Breakfast. Departure.

RATES:CDN$ 232.00


Classes are held for individuals and small groups on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 4pm by ap-pointment only. On other days of the week, we are more than happy to offer exclusive, private classes for pre-formed groups of at least 6 participants and a maximum of 14.

One day cooking classBADIA A COLTIBUONO - GAIOLE IN CHIANTI (SIENA)


These classes offer a unique chance to learn classical regional Italian cuisine through a hands-on approach in the Coltibuono’s family kitchen. Badia a Coltibuono is an 11th century abbey and vineyard in the famous Chianti region with a fascinating history and stunningly beautiful sur-roundings.Upon arrival, at 10 am, you will be welcomed and given a tour of the abbey and the ancient wine cellars.Lessons start at 10:30. In 3 hours, students will all work together to prepare a whole menu, including “antipasti” (starters), a “primo” (first course of pasta, rice, soup or gnocchi), a “sec-ondo” (a meat or fish dish with accompanying seasonal vegetables), and a dessert. Following the cooking lesson, at 1:30pm, lunch is served in a beautiful private dining room, where the participants will enjoy dining on their preparations while also sampling a selection the world class wines produced at Badia a Coltibuono.After the sumptuous lunch, coffee and grappa are served in the living room. Relax in the garden or in front of the fireplace until approximately 4pm.

RATES:May 12 –May 15 May 26 -May 29 Sept 8- Sept 11 CDN$ 1350.00 DoubleSept 15- Sept 18 CDN$ 1650.00 SingleOct 13- Oct 16Oct 20-Oct 23


THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•All meals and wine •All visits•Accommodation in one of the 8 double guest bed-rooms•Cooking lessons•Recipes

Food & Wine classBADIA A COLTIBUONO - GAIOLE IN CHIANTI (SIENA)


THURSDAYBetween 2 and 6 pm guests can arrive at Coltibuono on their own, or you can be picked up at the Florence train station at 4 pm. Upon arrival, guests are shown to their rooms and made comfortable. At 7:30 pm an aperitif is served in the frescoed refectory so that the group can meet the chef and other members of the class before dinner. Dinner is served in the private halls of the abbey. Badia a Coltibuono is an 11th century abbey and vineyard with a fascinating history and stunningly beautiful surroundings.FRIDAYBreakfast is served from 8 am. At 10 am the first cooking lesson will start in the Coltibuono’s family kitchen. Participants will prepare a whole menu including bread and dessert which will be enjoyed accompanied by a selection of wines that best pair with the dishes. In the afternoon, you can enjoy some free time. In the evening, the second cooking lesson will start at 5pm and will be followed by dinner. SATURDAYAfter breakfast, the group is taken on a comprehensive visit of Coltibuono’s vineyards and fermentation cellar. The morning includes a guided walk through the vineyards, and an in-depth explanation of winemaking, from the vineyard to the bottle. Students can see first-hand the pro-cesses involved in wine making to gain a fuller understanding of how hand-crafted wines come into being. You will have the opportunity to taste wines at their various stages of development. After the tour, you will have an al-fresco lunch at Coltibuono’s estate restaurant. At 5 pm, the third cooking lesson will begin in the family kitchen. It will be followed by your farewell dinner. SUNDAYDeparture after breakfast by 10:30 am

RATES:Accommodation in twin room CDN$956.00Accommodation in single roomCDN$1575.00


THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•3 Nights at “Le Stanze di Santa Croce” in Florence on BB basis•1 Cooking class with Mariangela as per program with lunch, water and local wine included•Market visit and city walk with Mariangela•1 Tasting of Tuscan local products at Mariangela’s (day 3)

Cooking classes in FlorenceLE STANZE DI SANTA CROCE - 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS


DAY 1Arrive in Florence and transfer on your own to Le Stanze di Santa Croce, a bed and breakfast in the very heart of Florence just a few metres away from the splendid church of Santa Croce and in walking distance of important sights and shopping. Dinner is on your own. Overnight. DAY 2Breakfast. In the morning, visit the Sant’Ambrogio food market to shop for fresh food for the cooking class with Mariangela. Return back to the B&B and enjoy your first hands-on cooking class, learning some typical Tuscan antipasti and two first courses. Afterwards enjoy lunch based on your efforts. Your afternoon is free for individual activities. Dinner is on your own with sugges-tions by Mariangela. Overnight. DAY 3Breakfast. The morning is at your disposal for individual activities and shopping. Return for a typical light lunch at Mariangela’s. A special table has been prepared for you on the lovely terrace surrounded by jasmine, with lots of local cheeses, typical ham and salamis with Tuscan bread and local wine. The rest of the day and evening is free for individual explorations (guided tours can be arranged on request). Overnight. DAY 4Breakfast. Departure.

Number of participants: minimum 2 /maximum 6

RATES:Accommodation in twin room CDN$1481.00


THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•Transfers by private car from Florence (Hotel or Air-port) to Fagiolari B&B, Panzano in Chianti and return•3 Nights at Fagiolari Bed and Breakfast in a double room on b&b basis •1 Cooking class with Giulietta followed by dinner with local wine•1 Welcome dinner with local wine •Full-day tour Siena/San Gimignano•Half-day tour of Chianti with winery visit and tasting

Highlights of ChiantiFARMHOUSE FAGIOLARI - 4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS NIGHTS


DAY 1 Florence/Chianti Transfer by private car in the afternoon from Florence to Fagiolari Bed & Breakfast, located in Panzano in Chianti. Before dinner, you will have time at leisure to enjoy the pool and the stunning scenery at Fagiolari, an 800-year-old beautifully restored country house surrounded by its own olive trees, vineyard and forest. Your welcome dinner includes a local wine. Overnight.DAY 2 Siena/San Gimignano After breakfast, depart for a full-day tour of Siena and San Gimignano with a private driving guide. You will have time for lunch on your own. Return to the farmhouse in the late afternoon. Dinner tonight is on your own. Overnight.DAY 3 Chianti tour After breakfast, depart for a half-day guided tour of the Chianti region. Visit Greve in Chianti, Montefioralle, and enjoy a wine tasting in the area. Lunch is on your own. Return to Fagiolari after lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a cooking class with Giulietta in her rustic kitchen where you will learn how to prepare a Tuscan dinner. Dinner follows based on your efforts. Overnight. DAY 4 Florence Breakfast. Transfer back to Florence .

Number of participants: minimum 2

RATES:Apri 1 – Oct 31 2011- Sunday arrivals onlyAccommodation in twin room CDN$1894.00


THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•4 Nights in double room at Relais Torre Guelfa on BB basis •3 Cooking classes with chef Claudio Piantini including lunches•Transfer Florence/Relais Torre Guelfa and return •Half-day excursion to Chianti area •Half-day excursion to Arezzo•Half-day excursion to a local winery with tasting•1 Dinner in a typical restaurant in Chianti•3 Dinners at B&B or Restaurant Torre Guelfa

Classic Tuscany 2011RELAIS TORRE GUELFA - 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS


DAY 1 SUNDAY Florence-Figline Valdarno Transfer from Florence airport or Florence railway station to Figline Valdarno. Check in at Relais Torre Guelfa, a charming historical villa hotel which has been recently remodelled. Torre Guelfa produces its own wine and olive oil and has a swimming pool and spa, a beautifully landscaped Italian garden and a small agricultural heritage museum. Your welcome dinner includes a local wine. Overnight. DAY 2 MONDAY Cooking Class–Cheese & wine tasting After breakfast, participate in your first cooking class with Chef Claudio Piantini at his countryside home. In the class, which will last about 3 hours, you will learn to prepare many traditional and seasonal Tuscan dishes. Lunch follows based on your efforts. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine and cheese tasting in Claudio’s wine cellars. Later enjoy a light dinner at the Torre Guelfa Restaurant. Overnight. DAY 3 TUESDAY Market - Cooking Class – Arezzo After breakfast, meet Claudio or his assistant for a visit to Figline’s wonderful outdoor food market. Afterwards, participate in your second cooking class with Chef Claudio, with lunch to follow based on your efforts. In the afternoon, meet with your driving guide for a half-day excur-sion to the delightful town of Arezzo. The Renaissance architect and artist Vasari hails from this town, and the frescoes of Piero della Francesca can be found in the church of San Francesco. Walk through the historical centre and picturesque alleys where the Oscar winning “Life is Beauti-ful” was filmed. Return to Figline in the late afternoon. Dinner is at the Torre Guelfa Restaurant. Overnight.

Classic Tuscany 2011RELAIS TORRE GUELFA - 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS


DAY 4 WEDNESDAY Cooking Class– Chianti Classico RegionAfter breakfast, enjoy your third cooking class with Chef Claudio, with lunch based on your ef-forts. In the afternoon, depart with your driving guide for an excursion into the beautiful Chianti Classico region. Visit the charming village of Greve in Chianti with its covered archways. You will have a chance to visit the famous butcher shop Falorni and will have time to stroll through the quaint stores. Afterwards, visit the nearby castle village of Montefioralle. Dinner tonight is at the farmhouse restaurant Fattoria di Montagliari, owned by Davide Migliorini. Before dinner you will have the chance to walk through their cellars - the farm produces their own Chianti Classico, the sweet Tuscan dessert wine (vin santo), and a small production of balsamic vinegar (mosto di chi-anti). Overnight at Torre Guelfa. DAY 5 THURSDAY Breakfast and private transfer to Florence.

Number of participants: minimum 4

Group transfer on day 1 will be provided at 11:30 am from Florence airport and at 2:30 pm from Florence train station.

RATES:THREE DAY COURSE WITH 7 NIGHTS STAY Apr 14-Apr 16, Oct 10 - Oct 12 CDN$1284.00June 6 -June 8, Sept 26 -Sept 28 CDN$1386.00One day cooking class CDN$190.00

ONE DAY COURSE WITH THREE NIGHT STAYApr 14-Apr 16, Oct 10-Oct 12 CDN$583.00June 6-June 8,Sept 26-Sept 28 CDN$603.00

*Rates are per person and include taxes THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•Tours of the historic parts and of the wineries of Fat-toria del Colle•Tour of the winery Casato Prime Donne in Montal-cino (with own car)•Guided wine and olive oil tasting •Learning equipment and final diploma for each course •Buffet breakfast every morning•Accommodation in apartments or rooms according to availability•Linen and final cleaning •Three day course: Welcome dinner + 3 dinners with the food prepared during the class - drinking excluded + 3 light lunches - drinking excluded•One day course: Lunch or dinner with the food pre-pared during the class - drinking excluded

Tuscan Flavour FATTORIA DEL COLLE - TREQUANDA (SIENA)


The Fattoria del Colle offers 1 or 3 day courses. The tutor, Helle Poulsen Tesio, teaches Tus¬can Gastronomic Culture with an attentive eye to novelty as well as the recovery of old recipes. The cooking classes are alternated with wine and oil tastings and guided visits to the vineyards and to the historic areas of the farm: a pleasant way to learn a great deal about Tuscan civilization.

Helle Poulsen Tesio is a professional tutor in Italian Cookery at the Scuola Romana “A Tavola Con Lo Chef” in Italy. She has hosted several radio and television programs about Italian cuisine in Denmark, the most important of which was “Kokkeskole in Siena” for the national channel TV2. She has written 16 books on the Culture of Italian Gastronomy for the Danish and Scandinavian market. She collaborates with her journalist husband Alfredo Tesio. Helle Poulsen Tesio’s course offers those who adore cuisine a unique opportunity to compare the old cultural values of Italian and Tuscan cuisine with those of our contemporary cuisine. The courses take place in the 16th century Fattoria del Colle, which is a perfect setting for taking both noble dishes and farmers’ dishes from the past and proposing modern preparations.The participants will have the opportunity to be chefs for one or more days in courses where conviviality is the main ingredient together with the pleasure of the hospitality.

Number of participants: minimum 8/maximum 14The course runs from 10:30 pm till 1:30 pm

RATES:CDN$ 1444.00Price valid throughout the year


THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•5 Nights in a double room suite, complete with daily buffet breakfast•Excursions accompanied by an English-speak-ing guide to: Agrigento,Caltagirone,Piazza Armerina,Palma di Montechiaro,Ragusa,Modica •Two full cooking course sessions•One lunch at Mandranova•Five dinners at Mandranova•Guided visit to Mandranova’s Milling facility followed by an olive oil course and tasting•Transfer to/from Palermo airport

Sicilian Flavour MANDRANOVA - PALMA DI MONTECHIARO (AGRIGENTO)


DAY 1Transfer to the elegant Mandranova estate, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Share a wel-come drink with Silvia and Giuseppe. Experience your first dinner and over¬night at Mandranova. DAY 2After breakfast, you’ll leave for Agrigento for a guided visit of the Valley of the Temples. Lunch at leisure. In the early afternoon, you will return to Mandranova for a Cooking Course taught by Silvia, followed by a visit of Mandranova’s milling facilities which include an overview of the olive oil production process. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the estate. DAY 3After breakfast, depart for a tour of Caltagirone, a city famous for its ceramics. Visit the Villa del Casale famous for its Roman mosaics. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, visit a local winery with complimentary wine tasting. Return to Mandranova for dinner and overnight. DAY 4After breakfast, you’ll be taken on a guided tour of Palma di Montechiaro, home to the famous Tommaso di Lampedusa, author of Il Gattopardo. You’ll return to Mandranova for a Course on olive oil appreciation and lunch. In the afternoon, Silvia will hold another Cooking Course. Dinner and overnight. DAY 5After breakfast, visit Ragusa Ibla and Modica, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous for their Ba-roque architecture. Lunch at leisure in Modica. In the afternoon, visit the Duomo di S. Giorgio. The tour will end with the visit of a choco¬late factory. DAY 6 After breakfast, check out of the estate. Pre-arranged transfer to Palermo airport

RATES:7 DAYS/ 3 COOKING CLASSESJune 1-June 30 CDN$1200.00July 1 -July 30 CDN$1312.00


THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•7 nights at Casa Solares in full board•3 cooking classes

Calabrian Flavour CASA SOLARES - ROSSANO (COSENZA)


Calabrian cuisine is very rich in flavours. It is known for its strong and spicy sauces, and for its excellent cheeses and salamis. A great variety of fresh local vegetables and spices, and good quality olive oil are used in preparing traditional Calabrian dishes. In the cooking classes, you will learn how to cook Parmigiana di Melanzane, Polpette di Melanzane, and many other traditional recipes. The dessert recipes are just gorgeous!

Your stay at Casa Solares will be elegant and relaxing. This noble old citrus and olive plantation estate is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the countryside just steps from the sea. The family history goes back to the 13th century. Some of the well-appointed rooms, furnished in a fresh Mediterranean style, have a balcony or terrace overlooking the garden and citrus groves. There is a beautifully situated pool, and the beach is just a short walk away.

Nearby Rossano has some beautiful historical sights, including the Cathedral and an Abbey from the 11th century. See examples of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The surrounding countryside is gorgeous, with mountains and rugged terrain, farmland, and always nearby, the blue Mediterranean Sea.

RATES:CDN$ 193.00Every Monday from March 15 – October 31


THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•Transfer from the Levanto train station to the farm-house•Hands-on cooking experience•Printed recipes•Aperitif•Candle light dinner with 3 courses

Ligurian Flavour CINQUE TERRE


You will be introduced to the Ligurian cuisine in a beautiful Farmhouse Villa in a panoramic location surrounded by olive groves and vineyards near the town of Levanto. Ligurian cuisine is known for its natural and pure ingredients, fresh products from the garden and the forests.Very characteristic is the generous use of wild herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, sage and borage. Fresh basil is not only the base for the famous pesto sauce but adds flavour to many other Ital-ian dishes. Lessons start with the introduction to the menu. You will be given the recipes, and then begin to prepare the dishes together with Chef Alberto. Participants will have hands-on experience creat-ing a 3-course meal with Ligurian specialities. In the relaxing atmosphere of the Villa and its surrounding gardens and accompanied by a good wine, you will enjoy an unforgettable afternoon followed by a nice aperitif on the beautiful ter-race and the candle light dinner.

Meeting point: Levanto at 3 pm Duration: about 6 - 7 hoursDeparture: 3 pmReturn: after dinnerNumber of participants: minimum 6/maximum 16

RATES:CDN$ 163.00Every Tuesday from March 15 – October 31


THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•Visit to the local market•Second breakfast•Hands-on cooking experience with English speaking cook•Printed recipes•Lunch with drinks

Ligurian Fish SpecialitiesCINQUE TERRE


Your culinary experience starts with a short stroll through La Spezia and a visit to its beauti-ful market: see the fish sellers with the fresh fish and seafood, discover regional vegetables depending on the season, juicy tomatoes, green asparagus, aromatic mushrooms or the pre-cious artichokes. With Sandra, your cook, you will buy the fresh ingredients you’ll need to pre-pare your lunch. After the market visit, just as the locals do, you will have a short stop in a typical caffè to have your “Italian breakfast” - a cappuccino and a fresh made croissant or the Ligurian foccacia. Then you continue to your “Osteria”, a beautiful little restaurant which opens its kitchen to you for this beautiful lesson. This is one of the best seafood restaurants in La Spezia, following the ideas of Slow Food. The idea of Slow Food - to prepare traditional local dishes with local ingre-dients as much as possible and with as low as possible environmental impact - is what Sandra wants to get across. It sounds complicated, but the result is incredibly mouth-watering dishes! You will be surprised by the simple finesse of the dishes you are going to prepare using only a few ingredients, but ingredients of a high quality. At the end, you will enjoy one of the most deli-cious lunches of your life which you, yourself have prepared!

Meeting point: La Spezia train station 8:30 (for people staying in La Spezia another meeting point can be fixed) Duration: about 6 hoursDeparture: 8:30 amReturn: 2 pmNumber of participants: minimum 6/maximum 12


SLOW FOODThe true heart of Italy, even more than the well known cities of great historical and artistic rel-evance, are the thousands of small towns and vil-lages spread throughout the country, each with its own history, culture and culinary traditions. The following tours were born to give travellers the opportunity to experience the true Italy, with its gastronomic specialties and excellent wines. Slow Food is a global, grassroots organization that links the pleasure of good food with a commitment to their community and the environment.

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•7 Nights in Hotel Albergo dell’Agenzia 4* in Pollenzo, buffet breakfast included•1 Slow Food welcome evening •1 Lunch at an “Osterie d’Italia” typical Slow food restaurant•1 Dinner at an “Osterie d’Italia” typical Slow food restaurant followed by cooking lesson•6 Tastings of local Slow Food Presidia products, visits to the producers and presentations of the production techniques used•3 Tastings of Piedmontese products and wines, entrance fees, presentation and visit of the Regional wineries•1 Tasting of Piedmontese wines and visit of ancient wine cellars•1 Entrance to the Banca del Vino including a wine tasting and a lesson on how to build a wine cellar at home•1 Visit to the Slow Food market including a lesson about the local production at the market •1 Lesson on how to cook in the Piedmontese agricul-tural style•1 Slow Food gift•1 Slow Food presentation kit- Terra Madre•Guided enogastronomic tour with expert and inter-preter•Official guides for the itinerary•Travel in luxury coach and taxes

Piedmont Gourmet -8 daysPIEDMONT 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS


DAY 1Arrive at Milan Malpensa airport. Transfer to Albergo dell’Agenzia di Pollenzo. Meet your tour escort, and enjoy a welcome dinner dedicated to the products of Slow Food Presidia of Pied-mont. Overnight in hotel. DAY 2In the morning, you’ll have a tour to the Barolo vineyards. Visit local wine cellars and have a wine tasting of some of the typical local products of Langa. Depart for Castagnole Lanze and visit Giorgio Rivetti’s estate, La Spinetta. Taste his exclusive labels accompanied by local products. Depart for Carmagnola and visit the Agripiemonte farm where the Carmagnola Grey Rabbit is raised (Slow Food Presidium). Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 3In the morning, depart for Barbaresco to visit the cellars of the Barbaresco producers. Continue to Cherasco to visit the old historical centre. You’ll have free time to wander around the little streets that house the traditional workshops which produce the delightful “Baci di Cherasco” (dark chocolate with hazelnuts).Transfer to Murazzano to visit the Caseificio Manuela Bertone cheese factory for a tasting of Robiola cheese. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 4In the morning, depart for Asti to see the city and visit some of the traditional workshops with their top quality local products- the sweets made in the Barbero nougat plant and the hazelnut pies. Continue to Mongiardino Ligure and stop at the country farmhouse, Caseificio Vallenostra, to taste the Montebore cheese (Slow Food Presidium). Join in a cooking class dedicated to the Piedmontese agricultural tradition. Return to the hotel and overnight.

RATES:Jun 26-Jul 3 C$ 4521.00Sept 4-Sept 11 C$ 5126.00Oct 9- Oct 16 C$ 5126.00Nov 6- Nov 13 C$ 5126.00

*Rates are per person based on double and include tax

“A tour to discover the rich enogastronomic tra-ditions and historical heritage of the Piedmont

region, an unforgettable experience involving all the senses. Pleasurable days spent among rolling

hills covered with vineyards, elegant palaces dating back to the former Italian Kingdom, ancient cellars, tiny streets and traditional fresh produce markets,

imposing castles and antique shops, savouring some of the best foods and excellent wines that

Italy has to offer.”

Piedmont Gourmet -8 daysPIEDMONT 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS


DAY 5In the morning, depart for Turin. Tour the city and see some of the historical and religious build-ings-the Mole Antonelliana and the Duomo cathedral. You’ll have free time to wander around the city, and taste some of the local specialties such as the famous Turin breadsticks-Grissini, and fresh home made pasta. Back to Pollenzo to visit the Banca del Vino Slow Food for a short lesson on how to build a wine cellar at home. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 6In the morning, depart for Alba, where the Slow Food Earth Market takes place every Saturday morning. Lunch will follow with some typical local dishes, in the Osteria dell’Arco in the heart of Alba. Depart for Grinzane Cavour to visit the Piedmont Regional Enoteca, and taste some of the Piedmont DOC and DOCG wines. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 7In the morning, depart for the Nebbiolo region in the north of Piedmont which comprises the lovely hills between Novara and Vercelli facing Monte Rosa. Visit the regional Enoteca of Gatti-nara and the Terre del Nebbiolo. Enjoy a tour about the enogastronomic traditions and sample the wines which will be accompanied by some local dishes. Leave for Vercelli and stop to visit the historical centre. In the early afternoon, continue on to the Monferrato hills, stop at the regional Enoteca of Aqui Terme to visit the ancient cellars. There will be a talk on the enogas-tronomic traditions of the region, followed by a wine tasting. Enjoy some free time to visit the magnificent old historical centre of Aqui Terme. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 8Transfer to the airport and take the opportunity to order a basket of local Slow Food products.

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•7 Nights in Historical Residence Alla Posta dei Donini 4* buffet breakfast included•1 Slow Food welcome evening •2 Dinners at Osteria d’Italia typical Slow food restau-rant•1 Lunch at Osteria d’Italia typical Slow food restau-rant•5 Tastings of local Slow Food Presidia products, visits to the producers and presentations on the production techniques used•1 Tasting of Umbrian products and wines, presenta-tion and visit of the Enoteca Regionale of Umbria•1 Visit to the Slow Food Earth Market including a les-son about the season’s local produce•1 Special wine tasting•Entrance fee to the Chocolate Museum, Perugia•Funicolare (cable car), Orvieto•1 Slow Food Gift•1 Slow Food presentation kit- Terra Madre•Guided enogastronomic tour with expert and inter-preter•Official guides for the itinerary•Travel in luxury coach•Taxes

Umbria Gourmet -8 daysUMBRIA 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS


DAY 1Arrive at Rome airport and transfer to Historical Residence Alla Posta dei Donini. A welcome din-ner dedicated to the typical products of the Umbria region and the Slow Food Presidium will be prepared for you. Overnight at the hotel. DAY 2In the morning, visit Orvieto. Enjoy a guided tour of the city, including a Gothic Cathedral and a visit to the Palazzo del Gusto, head office of the Enoteca Regionale of Umbria. Wine tasting. Then, have some free time to wander around. Visit the Adriano pastry shop to try the best of Orvieto’s typical cakes and desserts. In the afternoon, visit Todi, a splendid medieval town. Here you’ll have some free time. Visit the Caseificio Montecristo (cheese producer) in Pian di Porto to sample the baby Pecorino cheeses made with fresh milk. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 3In the morning, have a guided tour of Assisi, including the Basilica of St Francis and the Forno dei Fratelli Sensi bakery. Continue on to Bevagna. Free time to discover the town. Then, continue on to Montefalco which offers a spectacular view of the Umbran hills. Visit the city and taste the fa-mous Sagrantino, a new DOCG wine. You’ll be given time at the Azienda Rosati to buy local cold cuts. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 4In the morning, visit Perugia, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Visit the Perugina choco-late musuem. Stop off at the historical Pasticceria Sandri pastry shop and Bottega delle Erbe Aromatiche. In the afternoon, depart for Citta’ di Castello. You’ll have a tour of the city and the Fratelli Giulietti Salumificio where you can sample the local salamis, including Nazzafegati (Slow Food Presidium). Return to Perugia for dinner with typical Umbran dishes. Return to the hotel.

RATES:June 19- June 26 C$3802.00Sept 4- Sept 11 C$3802.00Oct 2- Oct 9 C$3802.00Oct 23-Oct 30 C$3802.00


“A tour to discover Umbria, the so-called “Green heart of Italy”, a region not only lush with nature

but also full of ancient towns with cobblestone streets, stunning cathedrals and old fortresses, a

place rich in tasty foods and good wines; the start-ing point of the tour is Orvieto-whose cathedral is a gothic masterpiece- and Todi, then it follows the

tracks of St. Francis in Assisi, moves to Perugia with its Etruscan walls, 16th century palaces and choco-

late factories, to Spoleto, where the “Festival of the two worlds” is held, then touches the shores of

the Trasimeno Lake, and much more”

Umbria Gourmet -8 daysUMBRIA 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS


DAY 5Depart for Spoleto and tour the city. Stop just outside the city for a treat in two tiny villages. The first stop is at the Leonardi bakery which specializes in natural yeast breads. The second stop is at the Castello Poreta to visit and sample extra virgin olive oil. In the afternoon, return to Foli-gno and stop at the Central Bar for top quality ice cream. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 6Depart for Umbertide, a wonderful old city where there will be a guided tour of the Slow Food Earth Market and a lesson on the season’s vegetables, fruit and local products. Have lunch at the Trattoria Nonn Gelsa. Transfer to Gubbio, yet another important small city that defines the ancient Umbrian civilization. Return to the hotel where there will be a tasting of a selection of local wines. Overnight. DAY 7Depart for Solomeo, located between Perugia and Lake Trasimeno. Visit the old hamlet which has preserved its original medieval layout to this day. Visit Bruno Cucinelli’s old craft shop selling handmade cashmere products. Depart for Lake Trasimeno, one of the largest lakes in Italy, to visit some of the characteristic towns around the lake. Dinner will be hosted in a traditional local restaurant, the Acquario in Castiglione del Lago where traditional dishes, including the Fagiolina del Lago (Slow Food Presidium) will be served. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 8Transfer to the airport and take the opportunity to order a basket of local Slow Food products.

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:•7 Nights in Hotel Delfino 4* buffet breakfast included•1 Slow Food welcome evening •2 Dinners at Osteria d’Italia typical Slow food restau-rant•1 Lunch at Osteria d’Italia typical Slow food restau-rant•1 Lunch at the Terra, Amore e Fantasia Farm•4 Tastings and samplings of local Slow Food Presidia products, visits to the producers and presentations on the production techniques used•1 Special wine tasting•1 Entrance fees to the Pompeii archaeological site and the Emerald grotto•Ferry boat Sorrento-Capri•Funivia (cable car) in Capri•1 Slow Food gift•1 Slow Food presentation kit- Terra Madre•Guided enogastronomic tour with expert and inter-preter•Official guides for the itinerary•Travel in luxury coach•Taxes

Campania Gourmet -8 daysCAMPANIA 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS


DAY 1Arrive at Naples or Rome airport and transfer to hotel Delfino. Meet your tour escort and enjoy a welcome dinner dedicated to the typical products of the Campania region and the Slow Food Presidium. Overnight at the hotel. DAY 2In the morning, depart for a guided tour of Naples and its main attractions- Dell’Ovo Castle, the Royal Palace, the Maschio Angioino and the Galleria Umberto- followed by a walk through the famous Spaccanapoli part of town. Have a real Italian pizza at the Antica Pizzeria Capasso for lunch. Depart for Sorrento. Dinner at the traditional Trattoria Da Emilia in the Borgo dei Pesca-tori. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 3In the morning, depart for Pompeii, the opulent Roman city which was buried beneath rubble from the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The guide will illustrate the habits and curiosities of the daily life of the ancient inhabitants. Return to the hotel where there will be a tasting of local wines. Overnight. DAY 4In the morning, depart for what will be a memorable day spent in one of the most beautiful places in the world: the Amalfi coast! The first stop will be in Amalfi itself. Visit the Cathedral and go through the Valle dei Mulini, then visit the Azienda Agricola Valle dei Mulini distillery to taste some Limoncello. Free time for lunch. After lunch, visit the Antica Pasticceria Andrea Oansa pas-try shop. Depart for Ravello, and continue on to Scala, before arriving at Vietri sul Mare, world-renowed for its pottery and ceramics. Free time. Return to the hotel and overnight.

RATES:June 5- June 12 C$3832.00Aug 28-Sept 4 C$3832.00Oct 9- Oct 16 C$3616.00Oct 23-Oct 30 C$3616.00


“Campania is a land rich in culture, music, history, architecture and archeological sites. The tour will bring participants to Naples with its castles and

noble palaces, but also the city where the pizza in its moderns aspect and taste was conceived, to

Pompeii, the ancient Roman town buried in 79 AD by the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius, to Sor-rento, the lively seaside resort home to the famous

limoncello, along the celebrated Amalfi coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where a series of

mountainside towns seem to tumble into the sea, to the idyllic island of Capri and to the wonderful

Positano.Campania is also a land with a rich gastronomy that

finds its roots in the local fresh food production; the Romans knew the region as Campania Felix, which translates into English as “fertile country-side”, and there is a real wealth of genuine, tasty

food to be discovered here.”

Campania Gourmet -8 daysCAMPANIA 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS


DAY 5In the morning, depart for Sant’Antonio Abate. Visit the Terra Amore e Fantasia Farm for a guid-ed tasting of the San Marzano tomato (Slow Food Presidium) and other local products, followed by lunch. Visit the Fattoria Terranova for a lesson dedicated to fruit and vegetables. Tasting. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 6In the morning, take a ferry to Capri. Climb up to Capri in the famous funivia (cable car) and then travel by bus to the little square, the Piazzetta, in the centre of the island. Late in the afternoon, take the ferry back to Sorrento. Return to Sorrento and overnight. DAY 7In the morning, depart for Positano, with its wonderful white-washed houses and balconies draped with bouganvillea that fall in a cascade of colour against the mountain rock. Enjoy free time to wander around the shops, and have lunch. On the return journey, stop at the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto) and at Cetara, a fishing village famous for its traditional cola-tura di alici (amber anchovies sauce). Visit the village and enjoy free time to stroll around the tiny streets and visit the shops and workshops such as Nettuno and I Sapori Cetranesi that offer typical local products. A traditional dinner with a talk on the typical cuisine of the Amalfi Coast will be hosted at Il Convento Resturant which is located in the cloister of an ancient convent. Return to the hotel and overnight. DAY 8Transfer to the airport and take the opportunity to order a basket of local Slow Food products.

TERMS AND CONDITIONSPAYMENTS:A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the amount is due at time of booking. Full payment must reach our office 45 days prior to departure.CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS:Booking fee: $25.00 / Amendment fee: $100.00 / Cancellation Fee: 100% of the amount paid is non-refundableINSURANCE PROTECTION BEFORE AND AFTER DEPARTURE:We strongly recommend that travellers purchase applicable insurance fromtheir travel agent to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances that may force them to cancel or interrupt their trip such as, but not limiting to: injury, sickness or death of themselves or a member of their immediate family or of a single travel companion with whom they are sharing accommodation during the trip. Adequate insurance coverage for luggage and personal is also encouraged.PRICES:Prices are quoted in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated and are based on the costs and exchange rates in effect at the time of payment.VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to increase its prices in order to protect against unplanned cost increases or for any reason at its discretion without notice. No price increases are permitted after the customer has paid in full. However, if after deposit has been paid and the total price of the travel services has increased, should the cumulative increase be more than 7 percent, the customer has the right to cancel the contract and obtain a full refund; (except any increase resulting from higher retail sales tax or federal goods and services tax). In this case our liability will be limited to the refund of the monies paid. Our prices do not in-clude any items other than those specified and exclude such items as air transportation, expenses of personal nature, airport taxes, tips and gratuities, local municipal taxes.UNUSED SERVICES:There will be no refund for unused services or hotel nights.DOCUMENTATION: Passengers should be in possession of a valid passport and must ensure that they comply with applicable visa requirements. Itis the responsibility of each person to advise their travel agent of their citizenship/nationality of all members of the travelling party to ensure the agent provides correct documentation requirements. Obtaining passport and visas are at the traveler’s expense. VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL cannot assume responsibility for the client’s inability to travel due to incorrect documentation. Every effort has been made to describe as accurately as possible the travel services being purchased. The traveler has to be aware that each country or region has particular features (such as food, water, weather, customs etc.) that may not appeal. There are many differ-ent living standards, practices and conditions at the destination compared with what the traveler is used to. By purchasing these travel services the client is presumed to have made all the necessary inquiries in this regardsLIMITATION OF RESPONSIBILITY:VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL makes arrangements with suppliers who provide travel services such as airlines, cruise lines, hotels, buses, sightseeing, train, car rental or other activities included in our tours. Although we try our very best to choose the most reputable suppliers we cannot be responsible for their acts and omissions. VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL acts only in an agent’s capacity for passengers in all matters relating to goods and services rendered and as such, we hold ourselves free of responsibility for any delay, loss of property, injury, death, damage, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, distress or frustration whether physical or mental, resulting from any of the following: Any wrongful or negligent act or omission on the part of any travel supplier outlined in our vouchers or their personnel or any company or person not under the direct control of VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL. Sickness, theft, labour disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, war, government restraints, weather, closed roads or accesses, or any other cause beyond our direct control. Failure on passenger’s part to obtain the necessary documentation by the time of travel in which case VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL cannot refund any monies paid.


TERMS AND CONDITIONSFailure to arrive at the airport on time on the day of departure or not to be on time for the various convocations during the trip, for any reason.Unauthorized statements of acts of misinterpretations made by any travel agency of its employees relating to the standards, quality, services and inclusions of the vacation programs purchased VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to modify the itinerary or the carriers, substitute accommodation whenever necessary or cancel the trip completely. In such an event it will not be liable for claims, damages or losses beyond the refund of costs. In the even of cancellation of the trip by VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL the full refund of monies paid will represent the final settlement with the passenger. If a modification in the itinerary results in a saving, a refund would be made. Conversely if the modification should entail additional expenses, such expenses would be borne by the passenger. VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour member whose presence may impede the operation of the tour or the rights of enjoyment of the other passengers. Under such circumstances, unused land services only will be refunded. VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL, the travel agent and carriers accept no responsibility for loss of tickets, coupons or any travel documents. Written notice of any claims against VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL must be received no later than fourteen (14) days after return from the trip. No representatives of VICTOURS INTERNATIONAL or the suppliers are authorized to modify or cancel any of the above.

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“We only sell what we know BEST!”YOUR TRAVEL AGENT

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www.victours.ca 416-736-6613 1-800-668-7475

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victours-italy gourmet 2011

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