Professional Chef Darren Johns and Pro Photographer Cindy Taylor are your
hosts on this wonderful Culinary and Photographic adventure. Through the
lens, kitchens and vineyards - you will explore the rich history and culinary
traditions of Italy. Come with us as we explore the towns, streets and
countryside of this richly picturesque and culinarily provocative region.
It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy the life that is Italy. A luscious feast for all of
your senses!
Hosts
Darren is a Professional Chef and has national
memberships in both Canadian Culinary Federation
and Escoffier Society, both based in Toronto
Canada. His diverse niche business has taken him
to top 4 Star hotels in the Canadian Rockies, award
winning inns, the Columbia Glacier and the Canadian
Arctic on a month long expedition for a foreign film
team assignment. In 2004 a U.S. Naval assignment had him aboard
the American destroyer USS Ross and the Los Angeles Class nuclear
submarine USS Minneapolis St. Paul. Darren accredits his culinary /
chocolate influence to his travels throughout Italy.
Cindy Taylor is a seasoned, award winning
professional photographer who loves to travel the
world and inspire others to share her passion and
knowledge for the craft. She has an innate love of
finding and capturing the moments that define a
story. She will help you capture the essence of Italy
for a lifetime of memories. No experience necessary.
Beginner point and shoot to pro levels!
Itinerary
Day 1: October 13 DEPARTURE FROM TORONTO on Air
Transat, Flight TS 314 departs at 8:55 p.m. arrives Rome at
11:40 a.m. the following day.
Day 2: October 14 ARRIVAL AT ROME AIRPORT.
Transfer to the Villa Pitiana hotel in Montecatini your home
base in Tuscany for 7 nights. Welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 3: October 15 PISA – COOKING CLASS
Sumptuous breakfast provided by chef Darren Johns
Morning at leisure in Montecatini then transfer to local
restaurant for your cooking class where you will learn how to
cook some local dishes. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon
departure to Pisa for guided tour of the city . Return to
Montecatini . Open Cooking Class with Darren Johns, or late
day sunset photography workshop with Cindy Taylor. Dinner
provided to all. (B, L, D)
Day 4: October 16 FLORENCE – COOKING CLASS
Today we are off to Florence. transfer to Local restaurant for
your Pizza Class followed by lunch at the restaurant. In the
afternoon guided & photographic tour of the city including:
Franciscan church of Santa Croce, known as the "Pantheon
of the Italian Glories" where many illustrious Italians, such as
Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and Machiavelli, are buried .
The visit also includes the religious centre (the Baptistry, the
Duomo and Giotto's Bell-tower), as well as the political centre
(Piazza della Signoria) of the city. Return to Montecatini. Dinner
on your own. Overnight. (B, L)
Day 5: October 17 SIENA, WINE TASTING,
PHOTOGRAPHY
Morning photographic walking tour of Siena. Admire the
Cathedral, the Piazza del Campo, the Town Hall, and San
Domenico. At the end of the tour immerse yourself in the
magical atmosphere of the Palio through the visit of one of
the " Contrada (District) Museum". Free time for lunch. In the
afternoon wine tasting in local cantina. Return to Montecatini.
Dinner on your own. Overnight. Pointers and photographs
throughout the day with photographer Cindy Taylor. One on
One time can be arranged at no charge. (B)
NOTE: Day 5 – optional day & Chocolate Tour with Chef
Darren Johns.
Eurochocolate Festival In Perugia (train from villa to Perugia)
Artisan Chocolatier/chef Darren Johns will take you on a
fabulous journey of taste and discovery. Journey by train to
Perugia, spend the day enjoying one of life's sinful pleasures
– experience and taste some of the world's finest chocolate!
Perugia's annual Eurochocolate festival draws countless
visitors from all corners of the world. Today, it is one of the
most important chocolate festivals in Europe and features
everything from theatre and music performances to cooking
demonstrations and chocolate art exhibits. A highlight for
most visitors is the collection of outdoor chocolate sculptures;
between all the chocolate used in the artwork and all the
chocolate being sold by vendors outdoors, if the weather
is warm you won't be able to walk through town without
breathing the chocolate-scented air.
Day 6: October 18 SAN GIMIGNANO AND CHIANTI AREA
– WINE TASTING.
Early morning sunrise workshop with photography Cindy
Taylor. Sumptuous breakfast provided by chef Darren Johns.
After breakfast departure to San Gimignano , famous for its
towers. Time to explore the town. Then we will explore the
Chianti area, the famous land of vineyards and hilltop towns.
Enjoy its landscape driving through Castellina, Radda in
Chianti and Greve. Visit of a local vineyard along with a wine
tasting. Return to Montecatini. Overnight. (B)
Day 7: October 19 CORTONA – COOKING CLASS
Departure to Cortona area for your second to last cooking
class followed by lunch. In the afternoon panoramic &
photographic tour of Cortona. Return to your hotel in
Montecatini. Large traditional Italian cooking class & dinner
provided by chef Darren Johns. Overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 8: October 20 LUCCA – FAREWELL DINNER
After breakfast departure to Lucca for guided tour of the city.
Oil tasting in local farmhouse Return to Montecatini and rest
of the day at leisure.Farewell dinner in local Villa. (B, D)
Day 9: October 21 DEPARTURE ROME – TORONTO
Breakfast in hotel then transfer to Rome for your flight back to
Toronto. Air Transat flight TS315 departs Rome at 2:00 p.m.
arrives Toronto at 5:45 p.m. (B)