Classical Italy with a culinary twist

Rows upon rows of twisting vines skitter across the Tuscan landscape, weighted with the plump, velvet tones of grape clusters, eager to be transported to their highest level of taste and transformed into the elixir often associated with the classical deities of ancient days. The lazy tumble of the Italian hillside rolls onward, bearing other fruits, like bright tomatoes, aromatic basil and the smooth, robust olive. The cultural traditions of Italy span more than just its magnificent classical architecture, place in the Renaissance and the impressive history of the Roman Empire. Food has always been a prime suspect in Italian life, and here's your chance to explore the best of it in the company of someone who knows more than a thing or two on the subject.

On the menu

Day 1 - Toronto - Rome, Italy

Day 2 - Rome - Montecatini (D)

Day 3 - Florence, Italy (B/L): Cooking Class, Franciscan Church

Day 4 - Siena, Italy (B): Wine Tasting, Piazza del Campo

Day 5 - Lucca, Italy (B/D): Olive Oil Tasting, Cooking Demonstration

Day 6 - San Gimignano - Chianti (B): Vineyard Tour, Wine Tasting

Day 7 - Arezzo, Italy (B/L): Tuscan Cooking Class

Day 8 - Montecatini - Rome (B): Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Square

Day 9 - Rome, Italy (B/D)

Day 10 - Rome - Toronto (B)

View a more detailed itinerary here

Thrill your taste buds and learn something new

A full sensory experience, your tour will whisk you through the iconic sights and sounds of Italy, while also enticing your senses of smell and taste. Traipse through Florence's beautiful alleyways, rife with the delicate details of classical architecture, and discover how well you can fashion your own pizza during a unique cooking experience. Sample the fruits of Tuscany with wine tastings from various regions of the countryside including Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti. Enjoy a scintillating cooking demonstration by your host and chef extraordinaire, Christian Pritchard. Experience the exquisite landmarks of Rome, from the flowing beauty of Trevi Fountain to the enormous elliptical arena of the Coliseum, with a gastronomic twist.

Your chef de cuisine

Your guide to all things delicious and Italian is a familiar face in the Canadian culinary scene. Christian Pritchard can be viewed on various television outlets, including RogersTV, the Food Network and CBC, working his skills in the kitchen and further exploring scrumptious dishes and enthralling flavours. Also known for his work as a chef, food consultant, caterer and food entertainer, your palate will be in the most capable of hands with Christian as your guide. With such an esteemed and knowledgeable source, your tour is certain to be a multi-dimensional learning experience, pairing hands-on experience with an incredible demonstration of culinary finesse by Christian himself.

Give your food coma a welcoming home base

Most of your nights will be spent in the engaging town of Montecatini, a bustling resort city right in Tuscany. Built around mineral water springs, the city is well-known for its many decadent spas as well as savoury restaurants. Make good use of your down time at the end of a rigorous tour day by meandering through this beautiful town, or relax in your glorious 4-star accommodations. Be sure to try a "cialde", a wafer-esque biscuit made from almonds and sugar, easily found in town at one of the dainty patisseries

NOTE: Flight times are subject to change.

TORONTO DEPARTURES