Italy | TUSCANY CULINARY IMMERSION - TRIP ITINERARY - Boundless Journeys
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Italy | TUSCANY CULINARY IMMERSION
CULTURAL & CULINARY ADVENTURE | 6 DAYS
September 15-20, 2019
TRIP ITINERARY
1.800.941.8010 | www.boundlessjourneys.com
How we deliver
THE WORLD’S GREAT ADVENTURES
A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that Small groups. Although the camaraderie of a group of like-
infectious spirit is woven into every one of our journeys. Our minded travelers often enhances the journey, there can be
staff travels the globe searching out hidden-gem inns and too much of a good thing! We tread softly, and our average
lodges, taste testing bistros, trattorias, and noodle stalls, group size is just 8–10 guests, allowing us access to
and discovering the trails and plying the waterways of each opportunities that would be unthinkable with a larger group.
remarkable destination. When we come home, we separate
Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both
wheat from chaff, creating memorable adventures that will
scheduled, small-group departures and custom journeys so
connect you with the very best qualities of each destination.
that you can choose which works best for you. Not finding
Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand- exactly what you are looking for? Let us customize a journey
crafted journeys have received accolades from the to fulfill your travel dreams.
world’s most revered travel publications. Beginning from
Customer service that goes the extra mile. Having trouble
our appreciation for the world’s most breathtaking and
finding flights that work for you? Want to surprise your
interesting destinations, we infuse our journeys with the
traveling companion with a bottle of champagne at a tented
elements of adventure and exploration that stimulate our
camp in the Serengeti to celebrate an important milestone?
souls and enliven our minds. Whether you are looking for
There is no request that is too big—or too small—for our
a challenging physical expedition or a leisurely cultural
staff to handle. From your first call, we guide you through
exploration, Boundless Journeys has exceptional itineraries
choosing your trip, provide advice on preparing for your
to match your sense of adventure.
adventure, and hold your hand until you return home.
Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for
traveling with a knowledgeable insider, and our expert local
guides will open doors for you that other travelers miss, like
dinner with their extended family in Peru’s Sacred Valley, or
meeting an art scholar in Florence. Relationships developed
over many years allow you to experience our destinations
through a well-connected friend.
Multi-year recipient of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “World’s Best Tour Operator”; and recognized by the editors of National
Geographic ADVENTURE magazine as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.
2 Boundless Journeys © 2019
Italy | TUSCANY CULINARY IMMERSION
Thank you for your interest in this fantastic journey to Tuscany. We have hand- TOC
crafted this tour from our own experience and hope you fall in love with the TOUR OVERVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
area—as we have!
THE JOURNEY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS JOURNEY ACCOMMODATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Located on a nature reserve in the hills of Tuscany, Tenuta di Spannocchia is an
WHAT TO EXPECT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1,100-acre agricultural estate that hosts an organic farm, an education center,
and a multi-national community of staff, interns, and guests. With centuries- NEXT STEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
old architecture—complete with the original 12th-century tower and restored
aristocratic home—bountiful gardens, secret hiking paths, and beautiful vistas, BOUNDLESS BEYOND. . . . . . . . . . . . 13
this is the optimal setting to relax and enjoy la dolce vita while immersing yourself
in Italian farm-to-table food culture through tastings, cooking classes, and tours.
This is more than a vacation; you’ll observe daily life on a historic property and
working farm that raises its own animals, cures its own prosciutto, and produces
its own certified organic olive oil, wine, and heirloom fruits and vegetables. Far
off the beaten path—just how we like it—this journey is about discovering the
real Tuscany and life’s simple pleasures on a rustic farm in the heart of Italy.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy two ½-day cooking classes, a Slow Food tasting experience, and a
presentation on Italian food culture
• Visit a cheese farm and a winery for tours and tastings
• City tours of Siena and San Gimignano, both UNESCO World Heritage
Sites and well-preserved medieval hill towns
• Explore an abandoned abbey and see the real “sword in the stone”
“We had the time of our lives –
and we’ve travelled a lot. But
the difference was Boundless
Journeys. Can’t wait to take
another trip!“
- V.M., Katonah, NY
800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 3
TOUR
OVERVIEW
THE BASICS
Duration: 6 days
Tour start: Florence
Tour end: Florence
Accommodations: 5 nights in a 16th-century farmhouse
Trip rating: 1+ 2 3 4 5
Easy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Strenuous
(See page 10 for more information)
Land cost: $2,995 per person
Single Supplement: $250, limited availability
.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Just pack your bags—we’ve got you covered! When you’re on a Boundless Journeys adventure, every detail is taken care
of for you, so you can relax and truly experience each moment. Put your wallet away, leave your travel books behind, fold
up your maps, and BE there. Your Boundless Journeys adventure includes:
• Expert leadership
• All accommodations
• All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
• All activities as noted in the itinerary
• All on-tour transportation
• Local wine with included dinners
• Membership to Friends of Spannocchia, the non-profit, educational arm of the estate
• All gratuities except for those for your guide(s) and driver, which are at your discretion
International airfare is not included in the price of your trip. Please contact your local travel agency or the airlines directly to
make any arrangements you may need. If you would like assistance with booking your flights or other travel plans, please
contact Boundless Journeys directly at 1.800.941.8010 for a referral to our partners who will best fulfill your needs.
4 Boundless Journeys © 2019
ITINERARY AT-A-GLANCE DAY 1 Meet in Florence and drive to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano famous for its skyline of towers. Optional hike to Santa Lucia Hermitage. DAY 2 Try your hand making Tuscan specialties at a morning cooking class followed by lunch that you’ve prepared and a historical tour of the villa and grounds. DAY 3 Explore Pienza independently before a tour and cheese tasting at an organic sheep and goat farm. Lunch on the farm and a winery tour and tasting in the afternoon. DAY 4 Delve into the philosophy, history, and methods of Italian cuisine during a food culture presentation and tasting of farm products. Enjoy an optional hike to an abandoned abbey to see the real sword in the stone. DAY 5 Learn another round of recipes and methods with a second cooking class. Enjoy a tour of Siena and free time in the city before our farewell dinner. DAY 6 Say arrivederci to Spannocchia and transfer to Florence for flights home or continued travel. 800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 5
THE
JOURNEY
DAY 1: San Gimignano & Spannocchia DAY 2: Cooking class & historical tour
Activity Overview: Walking, optional hike Activity Overview: Cooking class, walking
Activity Level: Easy Activity Level: Easy
Activity Length: 2-3 hours; drive time approx. 2 hours; Activity Length: 2 hours
optional hike approx. 2 miles
We start today with a farm-to-table cooking class, beginning
Upon our meeting in Florence, our journey unfolds as with a tour through the vegetable garden before heading to
we head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San the kitchen where Spannocchia’s cook and our instructor,
Gimignano, a small, walled medieval hill town with its Loredana, will greet us. She grew up at Spannocchia when
impressive collection of well-preserved towers that have the estate was still a tenant farming property and is a true
survived wars, catastrophes, and urban planning. We enjoy Tuscan through and through.
a tour of the historical center and lunch, our first introduction
Loredana leads us through the preparation of a traditional
to the flavors of the region.
three-course Tuscan meal utilizing products from the farm.
En route to Spannocchia, our cozy home base for the next Our lesson concludes with a convivial lunch, where we share
five nights, we pass a more forested area of Tuscany with the dishes that we have created, paired with Spannocchia’s
a few tidy vineyards, fields of drying sunflowers, groves of organic wine.
silvery olive trees, and rural stone villages. Upon arrival to
After our indulgences, we enjoy a guided tour of the
our idyllic villa, we may choose to wander the grounds, sit
historic villa, learning about the architecture, the histories
by the pool, or stretch our legs on a hike to the ruins of
of the Cinelli and Spannocchi families, the mezzadria
the 13th-century Santa Lucia hermitage, once a stop on the
sharecropping system (by which Spannocchia operated for
Via Francigena pilgrimage route that connected Rome to
centuries), and past and present agricultural activities on
Canterbury, England.
the property. We visit the chapel, library, cantina, Secret
This evening, we join other guests, Spannocchia staff, and Garden, and lastly (weather permitting), we can climb the
student interns on the terrace for wine before tucking in to a medieval tower for a breathtaking view of the 1,100 acres
simple, homemade Tuscan dinner. of rolling hills and farmland.
Accommodation: Tenuta di Spannocchia, Rosia We mingle with wine on the terra cotta terrace this evening
Meals: L, D before another hearty dinner.
Accommodation: Tenuta di Spannocchia, Rosia
Meals: B, L, D
6 Boundless Journeys © 2019
grapes (the same varietal that goes into Chianti), Brunello is
DAY 3: Pienza, Cheese farm & winery tours one of Italy’s best-known and most expensive wines. After a
Activity Overview: Walking tour and explanation of the unique production methods and
Activity Level: Easy unusual wine cellar, we enjoy a wine tasting.
Activity Length: 4 hours; drive time approx. 3.5 hours
Enjoy the iconic Tuscan landscape on the way back to
We have a full, delicious day ahead, as we drive southeast Spannocchia, where we have a bit of time to relax and
into the UNESCO World Cultural Landscape of the Orcia freshen up before dinner.
Valley, or Val d’Orcia, to learn about the cheese and wine
Accommodation: Tenuta di Spannocchia, Rosia
traditions in the region. The scenery will change from the
Meals: B, L, D
forested hills outside Siena to the heavily-cultivated rolling
hills.
We first stop in the town of Pienza, originally called DAY 4: Food culture presentation, San Galgano
“Corsignano.” A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, Activity Overview: Optional hiking
Pienza was rebuilt by Pope Pius II as an ideal Renaissance Activity Level: Easy
town using humanist urban planning concepts. It was Activity Length: 2-3 miles, 1-2 hours
the first such application, which subsequently spread
Italians are deeply allied to their region in terms of food
throughout Europe. We take time to stroll the streets of the
culture and identity. Shortly after breakfast, we have a
village and perhaps enjoy a caffè or browse in some of the
presentation about just this, investigating how history,
quaint shops.
culture, and climate combine to make the diverse regional
Just outside of Pienza is an organic sheep and goat farm, cuisines so unique. We discuss the development of Italian
where we enjoy a guided tour of the farm with the owners, food through the years, with a focus on changing agricultural
meet some of the animals, learn about the cheesemaking methods and migration into, out of, and within Italy.
process, and of course, sample the varieties! Lunch is at
For our picnic lunch, we drive a short distance to the Gothic-
the farm’s restaurant, overlooking the Val d’Orcia, with the
style Abbey of San Galgano, abandoned since the mid-
Via Francigena and a filming location from the movie The
1300s. We meander in the abbey and the round chapel that
Gladiator rounding out the view.
houses San Galgano’s tomb. Here, we can marvel at the
Afterwards, we make our way on winding roads and sword in the stone, purportedly planted there by Galgano
through tiny villages to an organic and biodynamic winery himself. You may choose to join our guide on a short walk
that produces the famous Brunello di Montalcino, a famed in the area, or simply relax and enjoy the view.
DOCG (controlled designation of origin) wine of the
The afternoon brings a tasting of Spannochia’s organic
immediate Montalcino area. Made with 100% Sangiovese
products, including cured meats. We learn about the farm’s
800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 7
A BOUNDLESS MOMENT IN TUSCANY
As we turn off the main street onto a narrow dirt road, bordered
by rustic stone walls, we catch glimpses of sheep, vineyards,
and stone farmhouses as the drive winds up the hillside. Then
a crenellated ancient tower peaks out from the trees. This
secluded corner of Tuscany is our destination and home for the
next six days as we immerse ourselves in Italian food culture.
connection to the international Slow Food movement and
about its sustainable practices, from the native livestock DAY 6: Departure
breeds to the beehives and the “beyond organic” gardens Today we say ciao to this spectacular Tuscan estate. We
and vineyard. return to Florence where you may choose to extend your
experience on a walking tour of Florence with our guide
Tonight features a special dinner—pizza!—made in the
(additional expense), fly to Bari, Italy, to join our Puglia tour,
outdoor, wood-fired oven. If it’s warm enough, we will eat
or continue on your own independent travel.
al fresco.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Tenuta di Spannocchia, Rosia
Meals: B, L, D
PLEASE NOTE: This is a typical itinerary, and actual
DAY 5: Cooking Class & Siena activities may vary to take advantage of weather
conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to
Activity Overview: Cooking class, walking play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are
Activity Level: Easy as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the
Activity Length: 2 hours right to change these should the need arise. See our
We have another opportunity this morning to learn more of booking terms and conditions for more information
the secrets of Italian cooking with Loredana and savor our about our change policy.
achievements during lunch.
In the afternoon, a 30-minute drive brings us to Siena, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the famous
medieval horse race, Il Palio, still held twice each year. Our
guide will lead us on a city tour of this splendid town before
we have some free time to explore independently, shop, or
grab a cone of gelato.
We meet up again for our farewell dinner at one of Siena’s
best restaurants that brings a modern twist to traditional
Tuscan cuisine.
Accommodation: Tenuta di Spannocchia, Rosia
Meals: B, L, D
8 Boundless Journeys © 2019
ACCOMMODATIONS
NIGHTS 1-5
Tenuta di Spannocchia
Rosia, Italy
reservations@spannocchia.org | +39 0577 75261
Spannocchia.com | Spannocchia.org
Spannocchia offers a rare experience for travelers looking to see a lesser-known
side of Tuscany. Ideally-located within a short drive of Florence, Siena, and many
scenic Tuscan hill towns, but isolated enough to enjoy the natural beauty of the
local landscape, Tenuta di Spannocchia allows visitors to immerse themselves
in a historic, agricultural estate.
The villa rooms Boundless Journeys has reserved occupy the original 16th-
century building, once home to the aristocratic Spannocchi family. The Cinelli
family purchased the property in 1925, and guests are instantly transported to
a simpler time by the antique furnishings and family heirlooms that decorate the
bedrooms and common areas. Each room is unique and has its own private bath
(thought not all are en-suite). Rooms feature original wooden ceilings, hand-
painted tiles and wall details, and antique marble accents. Fans of the rustic-
chic farmhouse style currently trending will be delighted to be surrounded by the
original inspiration. Guests can enjoy the living room, library, pool, and courtyard.
800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 9
WHAT TO
EXPECT
TRIP RATING WHEN TO GO
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and Tuscany has a pleasant, sunny climate. The spring and fall
flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit months tend to be the best times to visit, as this avoids the
of adventure and a positive attitude. Tuscany Culinary very hot summer months and peak tourist season.
Immersion is rated 1+, easy with one optional moderate
hike, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). It TRANSPORTATION
features walks on city streets and dirt paths that average 1-3 On this tour, we have the opportunity to immerse ourselves
hours per day, as well as standing during cooking classes. in one place for the majority of the itinerary, but we have
It is often possible to opt out of a day’s walk if you would included some off-site activities that require driving times of
prefer to relax on the estate. no more than 1.5 hours at a stretch. All on-tour transportation
is provided in private, air-conditioned, passenger vans.
PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP
It is very important that you realistically assess your TRAVELER’S RESPONSIBILITY
physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both
The more well-prepared you are for the activities, the more Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes
you will enjoy yourself. As a general guideline, we suggest understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary
that you engage in easy to moderate aerobic activities and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and
(such as walking, hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation
30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before with Boundless Journeys’ staff, and perhaps your doctor. In
the trip. (Consult your doctor before undertaking any new addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing for a
fitness program). Please contact us if you have any doubts trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide’s
regarding your physical match with this tour. discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the trip if the
guide feels that the person’s further participation may be
WEATHER detrimental to the individual or to other trip participants. If
The weather in early fall is usually very pleasant, with you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip
daytime temperatures that range from mid-60s to mid-80s, you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to
and 50s and 60s at night. September can have occasional speak with one of our Destination Managers.
showers, so please come prepared to walk rain or shine.
We will always walk unless weather conditions make it SMALL GROUP TRAVEL
dangerous to do so. Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the
most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we
You may obtain more detailed weather information on www. are exploring these locales with just 8-12 guests. The nature
weatherbase.com. of active group travel is such that not all participants have
10 Boundless Journeys © 2019the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that to Florence (the two towns were enemies), the Florentines
is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and surrounding communities started making their bread
and adventure are all part of this intimate experience. without salt. Practically, Italian’s view bread as a conduit
for olive oil and cured meats—the former’s flavor is altered
DRINKS WITH MEALS with salt and the latter already has enough salt—and is
At Boundless Journeys, we believe group dinners are a rarely eaten alone, thus the lack of salt in bread becomes
time to celebrate our day while enjoying the best of local inconsequential.
cuisine, and good company. In keeping with this spirit, we
Dining at Spannocchia is a social experience. Farm guests,
include local wine with group dinners. At the farm, they
special groups, interns, staff, and sometimes the owners
serve their homemade red and white wine. For our dinner
eat together. Meals are served family-style, and the set
out in Siena, if you prefer premium wine or liquor, please
menu changes daily. Multi-course dinners start with a primo
feel free to order what you like, and you may settle your tab
(pasta or risotto) and is followed by a secondo (a meat dish),
at the end of the meal.
then a vegetable side dish or salad, and finally, dessert.
DRINKING WATER
Dinners can last up to two hours, but guests should feel free
We provide purified or bottled water on all trips; however, to return to their rooms when they like.
in an effort to reduce waste, we strongly encourage you Breakfast is buffet style that includes bread, jams and butter,
to bring a water bottle to refill where safe to do so. This is homemade granola, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, juices, and
the case at Spannocchia and the cities we visit, where tap homemade breakfast cake. Lunches vary from pasta and
water is safe to drink. In parts of the world where water must salad to sandwiches.
be purified, bottled water may be our only option. Here, we
Vegetarians can be accommodated, however, other dietary
do our best to provide purified water from larger containers
restrictions may be challenging to accommodate on this
to refill your bottles, rather than using many small single-
tour. Please call us at 1.800.941.9010 with questions or
use bottles throughout your trip. This is just one small way
concerns.
we strive to travel more responsibly and we appreciate your
efforts in helping us to protect the extraordinary places we
visit.
Boundless Journeys has taken the Travelers Against
Plastic company pledge to promote sustainable travel and
encourage travelers to avoid buying bottled water when
they travel. You can take the pledge, too, and learn more
about TAP’s efforts at www.travelersagainstplastic.org.
CUISINE
Traditional, authentic Tuscan cuisine is much more simple
than what the international community often thinks or than
what is often served at North American Italian restaurants.
It centers around fresh produce, cheese, and pasta. Dishes
typically highlight one or two ingredients rather than mixing
together several competing flavors. Recipes are simply-
seasoned as Tuscan cooks prefer to let the flavors of the
fresh ingredients speak for themselves. Pork and beef, as
well as wild boar are common. Fish and chicken are rare.
Interestingly, the bread in Tuscany is traditionally made
without salt. In 1100, when Pisa blocked the supply of salt
800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 11NEXT STEPS
TO MAKE A RESERVATION CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
You can call Boundless Journeys at 800-941-8010, request If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, the following
a reservation online, or contact your travel agent. We will schedule applies to your land cost and is determined by the
confirm your spot with a deposit of $500 per person and the day that we receive written notification:
payment of internal airfare, payable by check or credit card. • >90 days prior to the trip will be charged $100.
The balance for your trip is due 90 days prior to departure. • 90-61 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged
25% of the trip price.
ONCE YOU RESERVE • 60-46 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged
As soon as you confirm your adventure, we will provide you 50% of the trip price.
with an extensive, detailed trip planner that includes arrival •BOUNDLESS
BEYOND
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?
At Boundless Journeys we are committed to exploring the Here are just a few examples - one more involved, and one
world in a responsible way and continually seek ways to quite simple - of how our travelers give back to the places
tread lightly across the unique landscapes and diverse they have explored with us:
cultures on this planet. Here are just some of the ways we • The Botswana School Project was created in 2012
aim to travel responsibly: by Boundless Journeys guests who saw that there
MAKING CONNECTIONS was a need for books, supplies, and computers in
On some of our trips, our guests have the opportunity to schools they visited in northern Botswana.
visit organizations working to protect the environment and • A Bhutan guest donated baby outfits to families she
improve the livelihoods of local communities. Whether it is met on mountain trails and in rural communities and
bathing elephants at a conservation center in Myanmar, or schools.
enjoying a farm-fresh meal at a family-owned organic farm • Two sisters who traveled to Peru donated school
in Costa Rica, our guests form meaningful connections with supply kits to a local school we visit on our Sacred
the people and places they visit. Valley & Machu Picchu tour.
GOING LOCAL Learn more:
Whenever possible, we use small, locally operated hotels www.boundlessjourneys.com/responsible -travel/
that have sound environmental practices; groups dine at
PROUD MEMBERS
restaurants that feature fresh and authentic regional cuisine;
Boundless Journeys is proud to support the following
we choose partners that strive for the highest standard of
organizations and the important work that they do:
responsible practices; and we employ local guides and
support local economies.
CONSERVING WILD PLACES
On many of our trips, we explore stunning natural landscapes
where conservation is of the utmost importance. As visitors,
we not only tread lightly, but actively contribute to the
conservation of parks and protected areas.
800.941.8010 • www.boundlessjourneys.com 13You can also read
