Italy with KITCHEN by Brad Smoliak May 15-29, 2016 Sunday, May 15 Depart Edmonton on KLM Flight #676 to Amsterdam Check in 2:30pm Depart from Edmonton at 5:40pm and arrive Amsterdam at 10:25am the following morning. Monday, May 16 Depart Amsterdam on KLM Flight #1643 to Florence Depart Amsterdam at 2:55pm and arrive Florence at 4:55pm. Upon arrival in Florence, Italy, you will be met outside of the customs area by one of our local English speaking representatives and privately transported to the Grand Hotel Cavour in Florence. This evening in Florence, we have many great ideas for wonderful restaurants walking distance to the hotel. Grand Hotel Cavour Florence Tuesday, May 17 Discovering the History and Culinary Traditions of Florence Meals: B Florence, Italy Grand Hotel Cavour Florence Today is a day dedicated to discovering the rich history and culinary traditions that Florence is famous for the world over. We will have a chance today to visit the Accademmia Gallery where Michelangelo`s David is housed, followed by a tour designed specifically for food and wine lovers.
Wednesday, May 18 Florence Historical Center and Shopping Meals: B Florence, Italy Grand Hotel Cavour Florence Today we will continue exploring the rich cultural heritage and incredible culinary legacy of Florence. Thursday, May 19 Chianti: Vineyards and Hamlets: Visit Tenuta Carobbio Winery Meals: B Chianti, Tuscany Villa Rignana This morning we depart Florence for the heart of Chianti. Over the course of the day we will visit various wineries and the beautiful Chianti hamlets like Greve in Chianti, Panzano in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti and beautiful villages where there will be some time to shop, savour the local products and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. In the afternoon we visit the Tenuta Carobbio, near Panzano in Chianti. From here, we continue on to Villa Rignana, nestled in the heart of Chianti Classico area and surrounded by its vineyards. Friday, May 20 Siena San Gimignano Volterra Meals: B Chianti, Tuscany Villa Rignana
Today is dedicated to discovering some of Tuscany`s most beautiful villages: Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra as well as the local wineries. Saturday, May 21 Southern Tuscany Wine Estates: Val D'Orcia en route to Cortona Meals: B Cortona, Tuscany Relais Villa Falconiere This morning we depart the Villa Rignana in Chianti and head further south into Tuscany to the Relais Falconiere. En route we pass through the magnificent Val D'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Brunesco di Montalcino. Sunday, May 22 Enjoy the Falconiere Estate & Cortona: Visit to Tenuta Montecchiesi Meals: B Cortona, Tuscany Relais Villa Falconiere This is a day dedicated to enjoying the beautiful Falconiere estate, which occupies a beautiful position right under the town of Cortona. The estate is famous all over the world for some of the finest wines and incredible culinary traditions. In the afternoon, wine tasting at the Tenuta Montecchiesi. Monday, May 23 Depart Cortona and Drive to Diano d Alba, Piedmont Meals: B Piedmont, Italy Albergo Ai Tardì
This morning we head from Cortona in Tuscany, through northern Italy to the region of Piemonte, famous the world over for some of Italy's finest wines. In the afternoon we will visit the Azienda Agricola Rizieri estate for wine and food pairing before retiring to the hotel in the evening. Tuesday, May 24 Barolo and Montemagno: Visit to Azienda Agricola Bric Cenciurio, Meals: B Piedmont, Italy Albergo Ai Tardì What a day today to visit the beautiful Barolo wine country in the spring time. Wednesday, May 25 Depart Langhe Region for Milano Meals: B Milan, Lombardia Grand Hotel Cavour Milano Depart this morning for Italy's fashion capital, Milano. Today there will be time for some sightseeing, shopping and an option to visit Leonardo DaVinci's "Last Supper" This must be booked in advance. Thursday, May 26 Time to say Arrivaderci Italia! Private transfer to Milan Airport Meals: B This morning you will be picked up at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Amsterdam. Depart Milan on KLM #1620 at 10:50am; arrive Amsterdam at 12:45pm
Upon arrival in Amsterdam you will be met and transferred to the Movenpick Hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Moevenpick Hotel Friday, May 27 Amsterdam Meals: B Enjoy Amsterdam. Saturday, May 28 Amsterdam Meals: B / D Enjoy a day of leisure. This evening is a farewell dinner that you will not soon forget. It will be a night of interaction and culinary entertainment. Sunday, May 29 Depart Amsterdam on KLM Flight #675 to Edmonton Check in: 11:45am Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then transfer back to the airport for you flight home and with a lifetime of memories. B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner (Itinerary/hotels subject to change) Included: Airfare on KLM from Edmonton to Florence; returning from Milan via Amsterdam Plaza Premium Lounge pass in Edmonton Arrival and departure transfers and transportation throughout 10 nights 4* accommodation in Italy with breakfast Sightseeing and winery visits as per itinerary English speaking professional tour escort and driver in Italy Transfers from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam 3 nights at the 4* Moevenpick Hotel City Center with daily breakfast De Chef's Table dining experience Baggage handling (one per person) AMA Travel escort (based on a minimum of 16) Not Included: Winery tastings Meals not listed Gratuities Travel insurance Items of a personal nature
Final Payment: Due upon booking Booking: Contact AMA Travel Counsellor Aida Zoldi at 780 474 8684 or Aida.Zoldi@ama.ab.ca. Located at AMA Travel Kingsway. Cancellations: Notice Given Prior to March 9 March 11 to April 11 April 12 to day of departure Penalty Per Person 30% of total package 50% of total package 100% of total package Documentation: CANADIAN CITIZENS require a valid Canadian passport which must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of expected departure. A Tourist visa is not required for stays up to 90 days. Cost: $7,499 + $692.95 Air Taxes/Fees Rates are in Canadian dollars, per person, based on two people sharing a room and are subject to availability at time of booking. Air Taxes/Fees, including fuel surcharges are subject to change without notice. AMA Travel Professional Consulting Fee is included.