Cooking
or culinary holidays, vacations, tours in Italy, France
and USA:
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SHORT
BREAKS : COOKING HOLIDAYS : COOKING VACATIONS
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Beverly
Gruber's Gourmet Traveler
. . . culinary tours with the personal touch
Gourmet Traveler specialises in small, personalised
culinary tours, of between six to twelve people, to
many regions throughout Italy, with occasional forays
into France . . . like traveling with a group of good
friends.
 Over
fifteen years ago Beverly Gruber fell in love with Italy
and decided to share her passion for this wonderful
country with others - thus was born Gourmet
Traveler.
Beverly
is a trained chef so her contacts in the various regions
are with her fellow professionals who like nothing more
than to share their intimate knowledge about the region
and its artisan producers - insider views that are simply
not available to the average visitor. Local instructors
/ chefs / authors will teach you the secrets of their
regional cuisine. You learn all about the food of the
region first hand from people who know it intimately
. . . and so they should as they are residents of the
area!
Because
Italy is about much more than food, Beverly strives
to offer you a complete experience through her network
of Italian friends, all of whom are eager to share their
love of country and rich traditions.
To
maximise the experience Beverly employs expert professional
guides for museum and city tours. During your tour you
will also have the opportunity to visit culturally significant
sites such as Pompeii, the Vatican, Uffizi, Ostia Antica,
Greek temples and much more. In addition local events
such as festivals, musical performances or private parties
are included.
We
stay in immaculately restored villas or inns with completely
modern facilities and en suite baths and whenever possible
cooking classes are held in homes where you catch a
glimpse of Italian life.
The
trips are a combination of food, fun, wine, people,
entertainment, shopping, exploring, dining and laughter
. . . making good times even better.
If
it is the culinary tour with the personal touch you
are after . . .
<
Northern Italy > < Southern
Italy > < France >
< USA >
<
contact details >
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CULINARY
TOURS IN NORTHERN ITALY
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CULINARY
TOURS TO RIVIERA ~ CINQUE TERRE |
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The
Road Less Travelled
 If
you are tired of crowds, seen enough museums to last
a lifetime and want to explore some of the lesser known
areas and cuisines of Italy . . . this is your trip!
You will be visiting a region still not on everyone's
itinerary - lovely Liguria and its scenic seacoast.
While
it is not yet a household name some of its sites conjure
up visions of remarkable beauty, mystery and remote
access: Vernazza, the Italian Riviera. Indeed on this
trip you will visit the Cinque Terre - literally meaning
five lands - five villages perched along the
sea coast with spectacular views and an unhurried lifestyle
that give glimpses into Italy's less hurried past.
Everyone
will meet at our seaside hotel on the Italian Riviera,
amd during your stay you will have a series of classes
designed for fast, easy and simply delicious dishes
taught by a multilingual Italian Chef. There will be
culinary tours to artisan producers, wine tastings of
some wines you will not find anywhere else, visit a
vineyard and olive oil mill and local outdoor markets.
All
of this while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery
Italy has to offer - small villages clinging to rocky
cliffs overlooking blue seas - a feast for all the senses.
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Example
Culinary Tour Itinerary ~
available Spring
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For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here 
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CULINARY
TOURS TO TUSCANY |
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The
Tastes of Tuscany
 There
is probably no region of Italy so well known as Tuscany
- the rolling hills, the beautiful hill towns, the home
of the Renaissance, the food, the wine, the people all
combine to make this a truly memorable experience.
It is said that Italian cooking is a triumph of ingredients
- our task is to search out the finest producers of
what we know to be the best Italy has to offer. Tuscany
is rich in artisans producing the flavours we long for:
- pecorino
cheese
- peppery
green olive oils
- glorious
wines
- Vin
Santo
- grappa
- plus,
plus, plus.
You will spend a week in the heart of Tuscany in a restored
villa, in the hills surrounding Florence, with breathtaking
views overlooking the city, yet with easy access to
the Chianti countryside. You will visit artisan producers,
have cooking classes, tastings, culinary excursions
and learn about 'the best of Italy'.
- Cheesemaking
- Cooking
Classes
- Winery
Tour / Tasting
- Market
Tours
- Grappa
Tour / Tasting
- Balsamic
Tour
- Olive
Oil Frantoio Tour
- Tour/Demonstration
- Leathermaker
- Artisan
Tours: Custom shoemaker, watercolorist
While most meals are included, care has been taken to
leave time for you to explore Florence on your own and
enjoy its famous museums and restaurants.
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Example
Culinary Tour Itinerary ~
available Spring and Fall
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For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here
The
"Green Heart" of Italy
 South
of Tuscany and north of Rome sits a gleaming jewel of
a region known as "The Green Heart of Italy"
- Umbria. And green it is - the rolling hills and rich
verdant countryside invite you to stop a while, relax
and enjoy the treasures contained within.
And
what treasures they are - chocolates, truffles, olive
oil, Wine, sausages, pasta, cheeses - an amazingly rich
culinary heritage. In addition there are the artisan
traditions carefully nurtured by the passionate Umbrians:
Deruta ceramics, exquisite hand-loomed linens, gold
artists and many more.
A
real bonus is that Umbria is still relatively undiscovered,
uncrowded and unspoilt - everyone is proud and happy
to share their artistry with us. The enthusiasm is contagious.
Speaking
of enthusiasm, it all starts with your hosts - it will
be difficult for you to find more hospitable people.
They are bursting with excitement to show you the best
of Umbria. You will stay in their exquisitely renovated
country inn just outside the city of Perugia. This is
a country inn like non-other . . . beautiful gardens
and grounds, large gorgeous rooms, meeting room, sauna,
swimming pool, laundry and as electronically sophisticated
as you could ask with satellite TV and the internet
- it is all there.
Culinary
Excursions and Events:
-
Chocolate Festival - an opportunity to indulge your
chocolate fantasies (October)
- Tour
famous Perugina Chocolate Museum - and tasting
- Tour
cheese producer - cheese and yogurt demonstration
- Tour
antique olive oil mill and museum
- Sausage
Tasting - Umbria is renowned for its wide variety
of sausages
- Ultimate
Truffle Experience - a truffle meal extravaganza par
excellence!
- Special
cooking class from a local Nonna (grandmother) who
shares family recipes
- Cooking
Classes at a nearby professional school - including
a chocolate class
Other
exciting excursions:
-
Assisi - guided tour of this famous city
- Deruta
- demonstration of the famous majolica ceramics
- Gubbio
- jewel of a hill town
- Norcia
- home of sausages and truffles
- Perugia
- hand-loomed linen weaving demonstration
- Spoleto
- music center
As
you can see - Umbria has it all.
For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here
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CULINARY
TOURS TO VENICE CARNIVAL |
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Venice
Carnival!
 Venice
is a a city of magic at anytime but nothing compares
to it during the fabulous celebration known simply as
Carnival. Parades, masks, elegant costumes, a unique
city with waterways for streets, a history rich with
past intrigues, power and pageantry. A city steeped
in traditions, such as lace making, glassblowing, prosecco,
seafood, risotto, unique architecture, casinos, water
taxis, pigeons, music, art and, of course, the dashing
gondoliers in their sleek black gondolas. Venice is
indeed magic.
During
Carnival the streets are alive with people in costume,
music drifts in from the street musicians, magicians
entertain on street corners, bands parade down the streets,
jugglers, elegantly masked citizens of the world are
everywhere. St Mark's Square teems with life - vendors,
dancers, singers, all manners of artisans are represented.
You
will experience some wonderful culinary events: prosecco
tasting, pub tours, Venetian pastries hot from the oven,
and other products unique to the area. You will take
culinary tours and have cooking classes in a beautiful
old Venetian Palace with a Venetian lady who happens
to be an extraordinary cooking instructor . . . and
the best tiramisu you will ever taste. The Costumed
Grand Finale is an experience you will never forget,
complete with mimes, singers and an extraordinary dinner.
Special
visits to renowned artisans of Venice are also part
of your experience - the ninety year old glassblowing
maestro, still actively blowing glass , the
paper maker demonstrating his ancient art, the pasticceria
demonstration of traditional donuts and sweets, the
magic mask maker, the wood carver and, of course, the
many activities of Carnival !
Your
lodgings will be a charming, recently renovated, three
star hotel just three blocks from St Mark's but on a
quiet courtyard. Rooms are light and airy, with private
bath. Breakfast included.
For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here
The
Magic of Venice
~ this is a custom tour with dates arranged for
4 or more
 Venice
is a unique city with waterways for streets, a history
rich with past intrigues, power and pageantry. A city
steeped in traditions, such as lace making, glassblowing,
prosecco, seafood, risotto, unique architecture, casinos,
water taxis, pigeons, music, art and, of course, the
dashing gondoliers in their sleek black gondolas. Venice
is, indeed, magic.
You
will manage to squeeze in time for some wonderful culinary
experiences - prosecco tasting, pub tours and other
products unique to the area. You will take culinary
tours and have cooking classes in a beautiful old Venetian
Palace with a ninth generation Venetian lady who happens
to be an extraordinary cooking instructor.
Special
visits to renowned artisans of Venice are part of your
experience - the eighty-eight year old glassblowing
maestro, still actively blowing glass . The
paper maker demonstrating his ancient art, the pasticceria
demonstration of traditional donuts and sweets!
The
hotel where you will stay is a charming, family owned
three star hotel with easy access to St Mark's but located
in a quiet neighbourhood, within easy walking distance
to the vaporetto. Rooms are light and airy, all with
private bath.
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Example
Culinary Tour Itinerary
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For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here
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CULINARY
TOURS IN SOUTHERN ITALY
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CULINARY
TOURS TO AMALFI COAST |
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Cooking
in Paradise
 South
of Naples is an area ranked among the most beautiful
in all of Italy - the Amalfi Coast. Lush mountains and
steep rocky cliffs which drop to the edge of the deep
blue sea. As you drive along the serpentine road the
scent of orange and lemon blossoms hangs in the air.
Gardens, vineyards and roses, with cascading purple
and pink bougainvillea, are everywhere.
The
loveliest of all the towns of the Amalfi Coast is Ravello,
home base for this week in paradise. Ravello is perched
high above the sea with one hundred and eighty degree
panoramic views that will take your breath away. The
friendly people of this area are eager to share their
wealth. Once you have experienced this Mediterranean
way of life, you will return over and over.
And
the food! Who has not heard of the famous pizza, mozzarella,
limoncello, seafood and, of course, the ubiquitous tomato?
This is truly a culinary paradise and the centre of
it all is the wonderful chef and teacher Mamma Agata.
She is a dynamo of activity whose warmth will capture
your heart. She makes or raises everything used in the
classes - chickens, eggs, vegetables, fruits, marmalades,
olive oil, wine - the best of everything. She is so
modest you would never guess she hass cooked for luminaries
such as Jackie Kennedy and Henry Kissinger. The cooking
classes are held in her three hundred year old country
house located on a cliff top one thousand feet above
the sea, with magnificent views. As Mamma is fond of
saying "simplice" equals simple and wonderful.
Excursion
opportunities are fabulous: You will visit Pompeii,
Naples, Positano, Amalfi, see hand-pulled mozzarella
being made, visit a limoncello producer, olive oil,
ceramics.
The
hotel is a beautiful, four star hotel, offering panoramic
views of the Amalfi Coast. It is located just a few
steps from the centre of Ravello. The swimming pool
is wonderful. Rooms are light and airy, all with private
bath. The weather is balmy even in November when average
temperatures are in the sixties.
For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here
Arrivederci
Roma
 If
you have never thrown coins into the Trevi Fountain,
browsed through the colourful open air market Campo
de' Fiori, viewed the majesty that is the Sistine Chapel,
visited some of the greatest art works of the world
including Michelangelo's Pieta, plus savoured the flavours
of Roman cooking, now is the time to do so!
Gourmet Traveler has planned some wonderful culinary
experiences - a guided cheese tasting / seminar, olive
oil, wine making, cheesemaking and other products unique
to the area. And, of course, cooking classes where everyone
gets the opportunity to recreate the cuisine for which
Rome is justifiably famous.
Being
in the epicenter of Italian history and culture, you
will have the chance to take advantage of everything
. . . time allowing, of course. There will be private
and expertly guided tours of classic and historic Rome,
as well as an eye-popping tour of the Sistine Chapel
and various works of art by Michelangelo.
There
will be lighthearted fun available also - you will be
awed by the local gladiators although, unfortunately,
Maximus is not present but the current representatives
are well worth watching!
The
hotel where you will be staying is a charming, three
star hotel with easy access to everything but in a quiet
area. All rooms with private bath.
For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here
The
Tastes and Traditions of Sicily
~
this is a custom tour with dates arranged for
2 or more
As
your airplane approaches the rugged seacoast preparing
to land, it is immediately apparent you are in a very
different part of Italy. This landscape differs from
that of other Italian regions - from the uneven seashore
to the snow covered mountains - a land of contrasts
and breathtaking beauty and fascinating traditions.
If exploring off the beaten path intrigues you, if you
like to discover a new location before it is overrun,
if imposing natural beauty and warm friendly locals
is your cup of tea . . . this is your trip.
 Sicily
is the largest region in all of Italy - divided into
three distinct areas represented by their symbol the
trinacria, seen in ceramics and on walls everywhere.
Your visit will include the western and eastern sections
(Palermo and Catania / Taormina). You will visit pristine
salt marshes and view sea salt being produced by ancient
techniques, colorful outdoor markets, wine and olive
oil producers, cheese makers, ceramicists, marble artisan,
marzipan artist demonstration, cooking classes with
a famous Sicilian Chef / Author and unsurpassed dining
experiences.
Sicily
has been invaded by conquerors too numerous to mention
all - Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Spanish,
Austrians and Bourbons to name just a few. And each
ruler left an enduring imprint seen in everything from
architecture to the cuisine - your particular area of
interest. Here the Moors brought their sugar techniques
which led to the wide array of desserts for which Sicily
is famous. Nowhere else in Italy will you find such
splendid displays. You will enjoy a dessert buffet featuring
the best of Sicilian confections and dessert wines -
cassata, cannoli, sorbetto, tiramisu, panna cotta, marsala,
moscato - a lavish indugence.
Your
tour starts in Palermo and finishes in Taormina, highlighting
the best of the areas. From Palermo, the bustling city
and capital of Sicily, to the lovely, relaxing Taormina
perched high above the Ionian sea and a favorite resort
for wealthy Europeans and Hollywood types (Liz Taylor
and Richard Burton). Both the hotels where you will
stay are lovely restorations offering all amenities
while allowing you to experience the best of Sicily.
For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here
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CULINARY
TOURS TO PUGLIA / APULIA |
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The
Sunny South
~ this is a custom tour with dates arranged for
4 or more
If
you would like to visit a new locale before it is discovered
by everyone else, this is your chance! Wonderful, scenic
Puglia / Apulia - the long heel of the Italian boot.
This amy well become the new Tuscany. Be the first on
your block to visit here.
Puglia
boasts one of the longest coastlines in Italy, with
panoramic views of the Adriatic. It is home to the true
Mediterranean Cuisine with an emphasis on seafood ,
vegetables, olive oil - it does not get much better.
It ranks number one in the production of olive oil and
wine, and number two in almond production. When the
almond trees are in bloom the air is rich with the sweet
scent.
 You
will experience the culinary traditions of the area
through classes with local cooks taught in Seventeenth
and Eighteenth century villa / farmhouses - visit local
artisans to see unique cheeses, salami, confections,
ice cream, as well as a pasta factory.
The
area is also known for its unusual architecture trulli
houses (photo on right) - structures which are only
found here. You will be staying in a charming beachfront
hotel just south of Bari and enjoying some of the most
beautiful scenery Italy has to offer.
Puglia
is a well kept secret - the place Italians go for their
vacations. Do not miss this exciting opportunity for
exploration.
For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here
Italy's
Undiscovered Jewel
Pescara,
Chieti, Vasto,Carunchio
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Example
Itinerary ~
custom tour
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| Day
1 |
You
fly into Pescara or Rome and are met at the
airport by private van - taken across the
beautiful Appenine Mountains directly to our
Palazzo where you will stay for the week.
That evening you attend a multi-course welcome
feast where everyone gets acquainted. |
| Day
2 |
After
a morning stroll around our historic old town
we begin our first cooking class exploring
basic ingredients of the traditional Abruzzo
cuisine and the proceed to make wonderful
seasonal sauces for our pasta dishes. The
theme for this lunch is Healthy Homemade Meals
in 30 minutes. We'll lunch on our creations
- traditional Italian style, slowly and in
good company.
After
lunch we visit a salami production plant
and learn how this incredible product is
made. Next we visit an artisan bakery, where
the local baker shows us the traditional
way of making bread - the old fashioned
way. Dinner at a local trattoria.
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| Day
3 |
Today
is our home made Pasta Extravaganza. You'll
learn how much fun and utterly delcious making
pasta at home can be. We'll produce a variety
of colors and shapes. We teach ALL the tricks
so it turns out great every time. You learn:
pasta alla chitarra, gnocchi, lasagna, stuffed
pasta, etc. etc. After lunch featuring our
delectable pastas, well visit Agnone, in nearby
Molise, where you will see a family cheese
production of mozzarella, ricotta cheeses,
and caciocavallo - all wonderful local cheeses.
We finish our afternoon by visiting a nearby
bell foundry which provides bells to the Vatican
city. Dinner at your Palazzo. |
| Day
4 |
Today
in our cooking class you learn the ancient
art of creating delicious by simple main courses
with a variety of meats, plus how to make
real Italian sausage yourself! After lunch
we take a trip to the Adriatic Coast to Vasto
for a sunbathing, shopping and sightseeing
tour of the coast's unique "trabocco"
fishing houses. (Weather dependent). If weather
permits we will have dinner at the trabocco,
an old fishing house sitting in the middle
of the sea. |
| Day
5 |
Today
you learn to preserve fruits and vegetables
the Italian way. You make fruit preserves
and a variety of pickled vegetables, plus
learn how to preserve using oil. Taste and
discover how these ingredients are a bitg
part of the Abruzzese cuisine. Later, make
mouth-watering traditional desserts and
pair them with liqueurs. You learn how to
make Limoncello and taste a variety of liqueurs
created from local ingredients. Dinner at
your palazzo.
After
lunch there's a visit to a special winery
where you will enjoy an "insider"
visit of the production and sample their
huge selection of wines.
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| Day
6 |
Our
last day is devoted to exploring our village
of Carunchio for last minute items you might
have missed during the week. That evening
you enjoy a farewell dinner of local ingredients. |
| Day
7 |
Van
transfer to either Pescara or Rome airport. |
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Three
day Sampler Tour ~
custom tour
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| Day
1 |
Van
transfer from Rome or Pescara airport. Check
in to our beautiful Palazzo, home base for
your stay. That evening attend a multi-course
welcome feast. |
| Day
2 |
Vasto,
Shopping, Trabocchi - seafood dinner. Today
we visit Vasto, an ancient town perched
atop a hillside with beautiful views of
the Adriatic sea. Today you will walk around
the beautiful square, visit the church,
the palazzo, gardens, and the maginificent
view. Then comes an apertivo and lunch at
a local cafe. After lunch, it's time for
shopping at the nearby shoe outlet! Dinner
at your Palazzo.
Depending
on the season, we could also visit an olive
mill and its friendly owner to learn how
this product is made. Then, weather permitting,
we'll visit the unique "trabocchi"
(fishing houses) of the Adriatic coast and
have a wonderful fresh seafood dinner.
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| Day
3 |
Navelli,
Rocca Calascio, Santo Stefano, Campo Imperatore.
Today we begin on the Saffron Road. Saffron,
a precious ingredient in the finest dishes,
reached this area from the orient over the
historic sheep herding paths that led from
the mountains to the grasslands then to the
sea,. The shepherds would take the sheep to
graze and traded their goods along the way.
Next onto Rocca Cascio to visit the first
Swabian castle. Then to Santo Stefano di Sessanio,
a rare example of a village built entirely
of rock and preserved intact. In the historic
centre, once home to the famous Medici family,
we will enjoy a traditional lunch. We finish
our excursions with a tour of a nearby castle
and the hotel were Mussolini was imprisoned
at the end of WWII. Time for a relaxing dinner
back at your Palazzo. |
| Day
4 |
After
breakfast, van transfer to the Rome airport. |
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For further information or help see the Gourmet Traveler
web site - click
here
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CULINARY
TOURS IN FRANCE
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CULINARY
TOURS TO PROVENCE |
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 The
Romance of Provence
I
think we're all in love with PROVENCE, but for a wide
variety of reasons. For food-lovers, it's the abundance
of natural products available; for others the natural
beauty of the area, and yet for others, the rich cultural
heritage. In our week, we'll experience Provence through
all of these venues.
We'll
spend our week with delightful Provencal host exploring
the BEST that this rich region has to offer, through
its artisan producers - wines, cheese, oil, honey, plus
the rich cultural history of the area. We'll explore
the countryside, visit markets, have hands-on cooking
classes, dine in charming bistros and private French
farmhouses, as well as meeting local artisan producers.
We'll
rendezvous in Avignon, with private van transfer to
our luxurious accommodations in the famously beautiful
Luberon region.
Truly a week in culinary paradise!
For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here
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CULINARY
TOURS IN USA
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CULINARY
TOURS TO SAN JUAN ISLANDS |
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Tasting
America
~ these are custom tours with dates arranged
for 6 or more
 You
do not have to travel outside North America to experience
richly diverse cuisines - an oft overlooked fact is
the cultural distinctions within these shores. The culinary
tours are designed to acquaint you with the best that
the various regions have to offer - culinarily speaking.
Whether you are tasting wild salmon in the Northwest
or beignets in New Orleans you will be amazed
at the variety. The wine country of the Napa valley
rivals or surpasses much that Europe has to offer, with
an unequalled climate.
Join one of our small culinary journeys for between
six and twelve people or create a custom group of your
own and learn more about our great cuisines.
Following is a brief descriptions of a suggested tour.
If you are interested in a tour to a specific area,
then please contavt us for further details or to let
us know what you are interested in. See contact details
below..
Vancouver,
Canadian San Juan Islands, Victoria ~ this is
a custom tour with dates arranged for 6 or more
Visit the Pacific Northwest and Canada where you will
become acquainted with some of the bounty this region.
The story, of course, is seafood. Everyone will meet
in Vancouver, a beautiful city surrounded by mountains
and overlooking the water. Enjoy a cooking class highlighting
local products and tour their fabulous Chinatown as
well as Granville Market . . . and of course have fabulous
meals in the process.
Then it is off to the islands! You will visit little
known Salt Spring with its vibrant art community, great
inns and restaurants, in a setting of unbelievable physical
beauty. You will visit their open air market where local
artists sell their products - a remarkable experience.
You will eatt at a famous country inn, go on an artist
tour and with luck see an old style village festival.
Next everyone is off to Vancouver Island to visit the
very, very British city of Victoria. You will have tea
at the Empress, view the world famous Butchart Gardens
and finish off with a meal at a five star restaurant
specialising in local products.
While most meals are included in our tours, we take
care to leave time for you to explore the area on your
own.
For
information or help see Gourmet Traveler web
site
-
click
here
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Travel
day to Italy
