Have you ever wanted to tour the Tuscany region, but were apprehensive because of your dietary restrictions? I was happy to learn that Perillo Tours is offering two gluten-free tours (May 10-17, 2013 or October 11-18) of Italy's Tuscany region in 2013.
Jennifer Iannolo, creator of Zenfully Delicious and The Gilded Fork, will be your host on this six day food lover’s tour and tasting exhibition that includes everything from historic and market tours, salumi and wine tastings, to a cooking class with ingredients fresh from the farmer’s market, all amidst the glory of the Tuscan harvest.
The itinerary is as follows:
- Day 1: NYC TO FLORENCE – Thursday
- Day 2: ARRIVE IN FLORENCE – Friday - Arrive in Florence and transfer to Villa Casagrande. Gluten-free welcome dinner prepared by the hotel’s chef. Overnight stay at the villa (all nights will be spent at Villa Casagrande).
- Day 3: CHIANTI – Saturday - After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll visit the Chianti region for a brief tour, after which you can explore the village. You’ll have lunch in a local trattoria before departing, then on the return trip, you’ll stop for a local gluten-free cheese and salumi tasting, then dine in a local restaurant on the way back to the villa.
- Day 4: COOKING CLASS – Sunday - After breakfast, you’ll head to the local farmer’s market to pick up ingredients for the gluten-free cooking class at the villa.
- Day 5: FREE DAY & WINE TASTING – Monday - After breakfast at the Villa, the early part of the day is free to explore the wonderful town of Figline Valdarno. Book time at the Villa’s spa to treat yourself to some downtime. In the afternoon you will enjoy a wine tasting featuring sulfite-free wine produced at a local cantina with appetizers, followed by dinner in town.
- Day 6: FLORENCE – Tuesday - After breakfast at the villa you’ll travel to Florence to tour the Central Market, followed by lunch. You’ll then take a guided tour of Florence (and walk off that lunch) and stroll down cobblestone lanes, through majestic squares and across ancient bridges, pausing along the way to visit and learn about Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the cathedral and Giotto’s bell tower and the Accademia (entrance fees and reservation included). Savor a gluten-free dinner in Florence before transferring back to the villa for the night.
- Day 7: SIENA and SAN GIMIGNANO – Wednesday - After breakfast at the hotel you’ll leave for Siena, where after meeting the local guide, you will visit the city. You’ll also stop for a visit and wine tasting at a local farm. After lunch on your own, you’ll depart to San Gimignano for a guided tour.
- Day 8: Depart for the States – Thursday
More details on the tours, including pricing, deadline for booking, and how to book your trip can be found online. If I can find a sponsor, I would love to attend this tour and expand my culinary experience.
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