Join Mario and Ornella, and share in their lifelong love and appreciation of their native country. Discover places, people, food, and wines that remain unknown to most who tour Italy. From the spectacular and renowned city of Florence, with its famous museums covering centuries of artistic triumph, go on to experience ancient towns and obscure sights, archeological and architectural wonders that are rarely seen by American tourists. The unparalleled beauty of the landscapes, the richness of the art, the treasures of antiquity that can only be found in such a combination in Tuscany, are seen through the eyes, and hearts, of native Italians.

Mario Frezzini, a native of the region of Tuscany, (Toscana to Italians), has worked as a co-consultant in tourism planning for public institutions in Italy. His extensive experience in international business and intimate knowledge of Italy, its history and culture, as well as the country of today, gives him an historical perspective that provides a fascinating background for the tour. Currently he teaches Italian language courses at various levels at Bellevue Community College, including an always-at-capacity class "Italian for Travelers".

This customized tour has been planned in detail for the clientele of Bellevue Community College by the hosts together with René Siegenthaler, Director of World Languages and Travel for the Continuing Education Department.

Ornella De Stavola, a native of southern Italy and longtime resident of Pistoia, Tuscany, is a retired teacher. Her detailed knowledge of Italian art and its history, of architecture, archeology, and Italian culture, past and present, completes the expertise provided to the tour group members.

The local arrangements are handled by Antologia Viaggi in Pistoia, a company with more than thirty years' experience in tours of Tuscany, as well as other areas of Italy, and Europe. Samuela Cecchini, co-owner and co-director of Antologia Viaggi, will act as a daily hostess and representative of her family's company. Samuela is a former student of Ornella's, and is fluent in English. The tour company will provide all coach, ticketing services, special needs; accommodations have been visited and personally selected by the hosts.

Colors of Tuscany explores not only the splendid countryside, art, and architecture of this most famous region of Italy, but draws the tour members into an continuous experience of food and wine that will become unforgettable. The group will sample a wide range of Tuscan and Italian specialties in a variety of carefully selected venues, from fine restaurants to the welcoming atmosphere of an Italian farmhouse.

Native Tuscan cooking depends upon a respect for the ingredients; fresh and seasonal items are at the center of every menu. The flavors of tomatoes, peppers, beans, zucchini, onions and garlic enliven simple recipes of country cooking - the "cucina povera" of traditional Italy. These dishes are found side by side with those more familiar to the American palate, including a multitude of pizzas of every possible description. Uncountable types of pasta, risottos, gnocchi and magnificent breads are found in the most elevated Florentine restaurants as well as the humblest trattorias. Cheeses, such as the famous parmigiano reggiano and pecorino romano or sardo, will set a such a standard for the visitor that when he returns home he will feel obligated to seek out some helpful store with an imported line! The meats, from the fabulous "bistecca fiorentina" - the discerning diner requires beefsteak only from Maremma area the Val di Chiana, breed - and many fine dishes of veal, as well as the less familiar cinghiale (wild boar, hunted for centuries in Tuscany, where it sometimes enjoys the finest of grape varieties!), will satisfy the most discriminating. A vast array of fine prepared meats (the term cold cuts simply does not do them justice) such as prosciutto, salami, and many others can be enjoyed with cheese and tomatoes, on a fresh roll. This is the proper way to discover the true Italian panini; available virtually everywhere, fresh and delicious, at bars and espresso shops for a quick breakfast or snack. Besides these specialties, there is such wide variety of seafood dishes, chicken, rabbit, incredible pastries, chocolates, and desserts that the food of Tuscany alone could create a tour! However, the Italian meal has another component without which it would not be an Italian meal: the wine.

In Italy, wine has traditionally been not only a meal accompaniment but also a thirst quencher. It is so much a part of Italian culture that a meal without wine is almost inconceivable. The fine Italian wines of today are truly that; the average Italian of the past viewed wine as a beverage, not a drink to be enjoyed on its own merit. The world class wines now produced in Italy - some of the most noteworthy coming from Tuscany - are the culmination of several thousand years of wine making combined with the advanced knowledge and techniques of the past one hundred years. Prepare yourself for this essential part of the tour - you have the opportunity to experience some of the finest wines in the world. From a glass with a fine meal in a restaurant, to a wine tasting at a small Tuscan winery, from the famous Brunello di Montalcino to obscure vintages that no shopper will ever seen on a shelf in an American wine shop, this tour will expand the knowledge and the palate of its members in the most pleasurable way imaginable.

In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most famous Tuscans:


"Et pero' credo che molta felicita' sia agli homini che nascono dove si trovano i vini buoni"


"....I believe that much happiness will come to those who are born where good wines are found"

All meals represent the Tuscan local cuisine. Wine tastings and other special events are designed to introduce the tour members to the unique products and hospitality of Tuscany.

There will be a cellular telephone available at all times for emergencies.

Included

• 10 nights lodging in charming three-star hotel in the heart of Pistoia and 3 nights in farmhouse in Scansano
• all breakfasts, four lunches, and all dinners in select trattorias (including welcome and farewell dinner)
• all sightseeing, educational and cultural activities
• 13 days fully escorted small group tour with professional, bilingual guide and local experts
• admission to all museums and archaeological sites
• all ground transportation within Italy (including airport transfer, train, and a/c minibus)
• 2 pre-tour orientations and handouts
• discount on one Italian language or travel class offered through Bellevue Community College/Continuing Education
• Italian phrase book and guide book on Tuscany
• basic medical insurance coverage

Not Included

• round-trip airfare to Florence, Italy
• lunches not included above
• fees for optional activities
• optional travel insurance

Fees and Payment Schedule

• $3,300 per person/double occupancy
• Single supplement $600
• Payable to Bellevue Community College no later than July 31st, 2002
• Fee and payment schedule are subject to change.