invoice tuscany food and wine tour - quality …qualitystreetcatering.com/userfiles/the flavors of...
TRANSCRIPT
The Flavors of Tuscany
Food & Wine Tour
Coordinated by
Vincenzo and
Joann from Quality Street Kitchen
26 September to 4 October 2013 * (Proposed)
Tuscany As It Should Be Chef Vincenzo and Joann from Quality Street Kitchen and Catering have teamed up again to bring you a trip of a lifetime. Join us in a tour of Tuscany where you will stay in a private villa and enjoy day trips throughout the region enjoying the sights, regional foods, local beverages (and gelato!) and rhythms of life found in this most unique place. Authenticity is the key to this trip and while enjoying the rich history, you will also be building your culinary skills. We are in the process of researching a number of properties in the Tuscan region of Italy and will select our villa by February 2013. We are looking
for the perfect location that you can fully immerse yourself in, to discover the old flavors and the relaxing rhythms of the countryside. Our tentative schedule will include the following:
Florence - sightseeing in the famous Renaissance capital San Giusto a Rentennano & Brolio Castle Siena: A Renaissance Jewel San Gimignano Pisa Arcidosso Santa Fiora
Tuscany is a place where the relationship between man and nature is still alive. The environmnet, time, labour and history have harmoniously forged the landscape and the historical places of the Tuscan region. We have put together a food and wine tour that comprehensively balances the local elements to forge memories for a lifetime. There is a detailed itinerary included in this package and you will find that we have planned for transportation to and from St. Mary’s County, private transportation while in Tuscany and most of the destination highlights are included in the price of the tour. There will be a $$ symbol next to any of the items that will require additional funds.
You will need to pack smartly and dress appropriately for the season. Daytime temperatures will average in the high 60’s to low 70’s and night time can get down into the 50’s. We have excursions planned that will be both indoors and outside and casual dress is recommended for most of the stay. There is the possibility of a seasonal shower or two while we are there. Prior to going, we will be hosting a Bon Voyage party at Quality Street Kitchen and will review trip specifics and allow you to meet your travel companions in advance. There will be scheduled free time while you are there that will enable you to relax, explore on your own and savor the Italian life style. Cost: $4,350 to $4,600 (Finalizing flights, lodging and mode of transportation in country currently; Note – we have added one additional day based on prior tour member feedback) Tour Size: 18 (includes guides) Date: 26 Sept to 4 Oct 2013 (Proposed)
The Flavors of Tuscany Food & Wine Tour
TRAVEL POLICIES
Vincenzo and Joann are pleased to organize and guide “The Flavors of Tuscany Food &
Wine Tour & Rome Experience”. We have accounted for every detail and have great
confidence in our third party suppliers, carriers, and hosts to make your trip fantastic. We
also have a great group of travelers, YOU! This document is meant to assure that you
understand and agree to the terms and conditions of this trip. Please review it and your
invoice carefully. The tour will include up to 16 guests. Reservations are made on a first
come, first served basis. Your reservation is confirmed with your deposit.
Guests Overview o Guest must be at least 21 years old at the time of departure, or accompanied by
an adult. o Travel Insurance is not included in the price. If you want to purchase travel
insurance, please make the appropriate arrangements and we can assist you with this as needed.
o Each guest needs a current passport. o A Bon Voyage Party will be held to review the itinerary and meet all the guests. o Baggage Limits: Due to the size of European vans, each guest is limited to 1
suitcase (26”x 14”x 10”) and one carry on. Payments
o At the time of reservation, a $350 deposit per person is due in cash or by check. Deposits are non-refundable.
o A copy of your passport must be delivered with your deposit. o The package price includes all known taxes and fees for transportation,
lodging, tours and planned meals. Ground Transport to Airport
o Bus service is provided to and from St. Mary’s County for each guest by RMA Chauffeur Transport.
o The bus driver is an employee of the bus company. o Ground transport is subject to the individual contract terms, rules, and
regulations of the bus company, which are made part of this agreement.
Airfare & Air Travel o The organizers have made airline reservations to secure the best group rate.
Your ticket is issued to you directly by the airline. o All airline policies and procedures will apply to each traveler. This includes over
booking policies, delay procedures and cancellation policies.
o Air transportation is subject to the individual contract terms, rules, and
regulations of the airline, which are made part of this agreement. o The airline will use its best efforts to keep to the flight schedule. Times shown
are not guaranteed and are not part of this contract. o Each traveler shall comply with Government travel requirements, present
passports and any other required documents, and pay taxes, tariffs or fees that are not otherwise paid.
Lodging o The organizers have reserved and pre-paid for occupancy at Monaciano to
secure the best group rate. o All Villa polices and procedures apply to each guest. o Any incidental charges incurred by individuals (phone calls, additional food
purchases) are the responsibility of that guest.
Ground Transport in Italy o Van transport is provided by Europe Car Rentals. o Ground transport is subject to the individual contract terms, rules, and
regulations of the rental company, which are made part of this agreement.
Cancellation and Refunds
o Changes can only be made through Vincenzo and Joann.
o Please note this trip includes airfare that is non-refundable after 24 July.
o If you purchase travel insurance, the cancellation policies of the insurer
apply.
Highlights
Florence A centre of medieval European trade and
finance, the city is often considered the
birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; in
fact, it has been called the Athens of the
Middle Ages. It was long under the de
facto rule of the Medici family. From
1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital
of the Kingdom of Italy.
Florence's museums, palaces, and
churches house some of the greatest
artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the
Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of
Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San
Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius. Wander some of
the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and
experience the "newest" area of Florence, the
Oltrarno.
Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art
collection housed in the Pitti Palace. When you
grow weary of museums and monuments, head
outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or
climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte
to experience an enchanting view of Florence.
Gaiole in Chianti - Municipality in the province of
Siena, The American magazine Forbes named it number
one in its list of "Europe's Most Idyllic Places to Live."
Gaiole has developed along the valley of the River
Massellone due to its idea position as a trading and
meeting point and its origins are based in these very
geographical characteristics.
In fact, even prior to the year 1000 the hills surrounding this valley were populated and it
was these inhabitants who came down into the valley to meet and trade; they gave life to the
centre that then became the main focal point of the whole valley.
Shop the quaint shops with hand-painted ceramics, prosciutto shop, grab a cappuccino and
more!
San Giusto Wine Estates
San Giusto a Rentennano has
undergone many transformations
over the course of its history, with
an inaugural period as a medieval
monastery (San Giusto alle
Monache). Located in the heart of
the Chianti Classico region, this has
marvelous vistas, tasting room and
an ancient wine cellar.
Brolio Castle
The castle of Brolio began to be remarkable at the beginning of the
12th century, when the powerful feudal family of the Ricasoli from
Cacchiano took office. The castle to this day belongs to their
descendants. Its position was always strategic for the control of this
area of Chianti, edging both the Florentine and Sienese territories. For
this reason, since the 13th up to the mid 16th century, the castle was
often involved in frontier wars.
The castle has always been in the hands of Florence, with the exception
of a temporary Sienese occupation after the second Aragonese invasion
of the Chianti in 1472. The castle returned Florentine in 1484 and
began a great work of restructuring and expansion of the fortification to fully bastion the
walls in protection of the new fire weapons. Its ramparts in stone have an irregular
pentagonal plan and the views from this historical are
wonderful!
Siena
Siena is a medieval city in the region of
Tuscany, located in the north of Italy
some 70 km (43 mi) south of Florence. It
is probably best known for a colorful
horse race, Il Palio, conducted twice
each year in the summer. You can see:
The Piazza del Campo, the
unique shell shaped piazza at the
centre of the city
The Palazzo Pubblico, Siena's City Hall for almost 800 years, contains (amongst
many other things) the famous frescos on good and bad government by Ambrogio
Lorenzetti, frescoes by Simone Martini and Duccio, and access to the Torre di
Mangia, from whose top you can view a beautiful panorama of the Sienese
countryside.
The Duomo, Siena's magnificent black and white Italian Romanesque cathedral
including the Libreria Piccolomini, Baptistery (separate entrance and charge), and an
attached Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (separate entrance and charge) which includes
the famous Maestà by Duccio. After you've seen all the art, you can also treat
yourself to a beautiful panorama from Il Facciatone in the museum.
The Pinacoteca, full of Sienese painting from the city's Medieval heyday.
The Palazzo Salimbeni, built in 1472, is the world headquarters of Monte dei Paschi
di Siena, the major banking corporation which has a hand in much of the economic
and cultural life of the city.
The house where St. Catherine of Siena was born is just a few blocks from the
duomo. This 14th century mystic is one of the principal patron saints of Italy.
San Gimigiano
This is a small walled medieval hill town
in the province of Siena, Tuscany, north-
central Italy. Known as the Town of Fine
Towers, San Gimignano is famous for its
medieval architecture, unique in the
preservation of about a dozen of its tower
houses, which, with its hilltop setting and
encircling walls form "an unforgettable
skyline". Within the walls, the well-
preserved buildings include notable
examples of both Romanesque and Gothic
architecture, with outstanding examples of
secular buildings as well as churches. The Palazzo Comunale, the Collegiate Church and
Church of Sant' Agostino contain frescos, including cycles dating from the 14th and 15th
centuries.
Pisa
Known throughout the world for its famous Leaning Tower, there is so much more to Pisa
than just this striking landmark. This ecclesiastical city began its life as a seaside settlement
around 3,000 years ago and was first laid out in the mid-eleventh century.
Today, Pisa is crammed full of wonderful, historical monuments and buildings dating back
many hundreds of years, and much of the city has managed to retain its medieval
appearance. Pisa is also known for its excellent university, which was established in 1343
and has become one of Italy's top schools.
In the north-west of Pisa there is an immense green
lawn on which four impressive buildings stand, in
gleaming white marble. These imposing structures are
the enormous, breathtaking Duomo (cathedral) - built
almost 1,000 years ago, the cathedral's bell tower -
better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the
circular Battistero (Baptistery) - the largest of its kind
in the whole of Italy, and the Camposanto - also
known as the Holy Field, without doubt one of the
most beautiful cemeteries in the world. This area is
referred to as the Campo dei Miracoli or the Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) and
these remarkable Tuscan buildings combine Moorish, Gothic and Romanesque architectural
features.
Arcidosso
The historic center of Arcidosso, one of
the most striking of Amiata, develops in a
long pyramid shape along the plateau
dominated by the castle. Only three gates
of the original medieval walls remain, of
which two are original – the Porta di
Castello and the Porta Talassese towards
the sea. From here, going down towards Codaccio, is the Porta dell’Orologio, built in 1851
to replace the Porta di Mezzo.
Santa Fiore
Santa Fiora, a medieval town at an altitude of 800 metres, situated at the foot
of Monte Amiata, is regarded as one of the most beautiful natural
environments in Italy.
ITINERARY
TUSCAN FOOD AND WINE TOUR
26 Sep – 4 October 2013
All transport, rooms, breakfast and dinner included. There are three lunches included and
where money may be needed, there will be a $$ symbol.
Day One and Two Getting There & Intro to Florence September 26 - 27
Depart Thursday, Sep 26 from Quality Street on Charter Bus at 1:00 pm, Travel to Dulles
International Airport for departure.
Arrive Friday Morning, Sep 27 at Florence Airport. Board transportation to hotel in
downtown Florence, unload your luggage and begin to see the sights of the city!
Spend the afternoon in Florence which boasts a wide range of collections of art, especially
those held in the Pitti Palace and the Uffizi, (which receives about 1.6 million tourists a
year). Florence is arguably the last preserved Renaissance city in the world and is regarded
by many as the art capital of Italy. $$ for lunch. We will return to the hotel in the afternoon
and meet that evening for a local dining experience!
Day Three Florence & Off to the Estate September 28
Spend the morning in Florence enjoying the open air market and resume seeing the
numerous sites that this famous city has to offer! $$ for lunch. We will leave in the
afternoon and travel out to our estate where we will be lodging the remainder of our stay.
Evening Cooking Lesson with Chef’s Vincenzo & Lucia!
Day Four Gaiole, San Giusto Wine Estate & Brolio Castle September 29
Begin the day with a drive out to Gaiole to see ceramic shops and prosciutto shop. Head to San
Giusto wine estate in the Chianti region. Enjoy cellar tour and wine tasting hosted by Luca and
Elizabetta, members of the Martini di Cigala family. Includes local food specialties.
Proceed to Brolio Castle where we will enjoy the sights and history at this wonderful fortified
castle overlooking beautiful wine country. Evening Cooking Lesson with Vincenzo!
Day Five Siena & Cooking Lesson September 30
Tour Siena. Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio,
a horse race held twice yearly. Siena, like other Tuscan hill towns, was first settled in the
time of the Etruscans (c. 900–400 BC) when it was inhabited by a tribe called the Saina.
Siena's cathedral (Duomo), begun in the 12th century, is one of the great examples of Italian
Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square,
which houses the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, is another architectural
treasure, and is famous for hosting the Palio horse race. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo,
the town square, which houses the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, is another
architectural treasure, and is famous for hosting the Palio horse race.
There will be a walking tour, where you can go into the Civic Museum ($$), Torre Del
Mangia ($$) (tower), Piazza del Campo, Il Duomo, and the church of Santa Chiara, patron
saint of Italy. Gelato is mandatory! Or visit the town on your own and meet for light lunch
$$.
Evening Cooking Lesson. – Brick Oven pizza prepared in the old traditions hosted by
Michele and Stella Russo.
Day Six San Gimigiano and Small Towns Experience October 1
We will start off heading to San Gimigiano, known as the Town of Fine Towers. San Gimignano
is famous for its medieval architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its
tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls form "an unforgettable
skyline". $$ for lunch. We will continue with a relaxing day in the countryside touring
small villages with unique features. Evening Cooking Lesson.
Day Seven Pisa October 2
Begin the day with a drive out to Pisa. Pisa offers definitely more than just a "Leaning Tower".
Three thousand years of history, pioneering science and trendsetting art make Pisa an
obligatory stop on every trip in Tuscany.
You will discover Pisa's most important monuments and squares: with a walking tour that
starts with a visit to the world famous Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) with its
unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces: Leaning Tower, Baptistery, Cathedral (inside
visit) and the Campo Santo (inside visit) cemetery. Passing medieval Tower houses we head
for Piazza Dante with Pisa's State University where Galileo Galilei taught. The tour finishes
at Piazza dei Cavalieri, the central civic square of medieval Pisa with Italy's academic
showpiece, the Scuola Normale Superiore.
$$ for lunch. There will be free time throughout the afternoon and we will travel back and
enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to our estate.
Day Eight Shopping, Tuscan Regional Tour and Farewell Dinner! October 3
Visit local ceramics shop, Olive wood factory and see hand-crafted delights! Off to Castel
del Piano, have gelato and cappuccino along the way. Visit medieval town, Santa Fiora for
lunch in well preserved medieval village.
Evening cooking class and Farewell Dinner with Vincenzo!
Day Nine Return Home October 4
Breakfast and off to the airport. Depart Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, Florence. Travel
to Dulles International Airport and return to Quality Street Kitchen by charter bus.
Contact Us Now!
We are taking reservations for this very exciting trip. We will have a special Bon Voyage Party at
Quality Street Kitchen, in September for those that are joining us on the 2013 tour.
APPLICATION FOR TUSCANY FOOD AND WINE TOUR
Guest Name: __________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________ Phone: _____________________
____________________________ Cell: ______________________
_____________________________ E-Mail: _____________________
PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED
Travel Dates: 26 Sept to 4 Oct 2013
Airports: Depart Dulles International, Dulles, VA
Arrive Florence Peretola Airport, Italy
INCLUDED:
Bon Voyage Party at Quality Street Kitchen
Transportation from Quality Street Kitchen, Leonardtown, MD to Dulles, and Return
Air Fare Round Trip on United Airlines
Lodging in Florence and Tuscan Region
Ground Transport in Italy
Meals: Continental Breakfast (7 days), Lunch (3 days) and Dinner (7 days)
Cooking lessons (3 dinners)
TOTAL PACKAGE $_4,350_to 4,600 *___
Deposit Required by May 15, 2012 $__350 **_________ Received _____
1st Payment Required by Jun 24, 2012 $_1950___________ Received _____
2nd
Payment Required by July 24, 2012 $_TBD___________ Received _____
Tax Included $ 0.00 **
* Final pricing will be determined no later than February 2013, and is directly tied to the
exchange rate, the selection of villas and airline rates at the time of booking.
* Non-refundable
** SURCHARGES AND TAXES MAY BE INCREASED WITHOUT NOTICE**
THANK YOU FOR YOUR BOOKING.
THE DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE. AFTER FINAL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED
CANCELLATION PENALTIES OF UP TO 100% APPLY.
Guest Name ___________________, Tour Dates: 26 Sept to 4 Oct 2013
I UNDERSTAND THAT VINCENZO D’ARISTA AND JOANN McKEOWN ARE
ACTING SOLELY AS TRIP ORGANIZERS FOR THE TRAVEL SUPPLIERS I HAVE
SELECTED AND THE ORGANIZERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACTS BEYOND
THEIR CONTROL, INCLUDING UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MIGHT
RESULT IN DELAYS AND SUBSTITUTIONS IN THE ITINERARY.
I UNDERSTAND THAT SELECTED CARRIERS – TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES
– TOUR OPERATORS – LODGING AND SERVICE COMPANIES, ARE
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. VINCENZO D’ARISTA AND JOANN McKEOWN
ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION BY ANY OF
THESE ORGANIZATIONS.
I ACCEPT THE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS SHOWN ON THIS INVOICE MADE FOR
ME AND MY PARTY AND HAVE RECEIVED A COPY.
THE ABOVE ITINERARY WAS EXAMINED AND FOUND CORRECT.
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION INCLUDED
ON THIS INVOICE AND IN THE TOUR POLICIES.
Signature _______________________________
AMOUT DUE $ __4,350 to 4,600 *_____
(*) Final pricing will be determined no later than February 2013, and is directly tied to the
exchange rate, the selection of villas and airline rates at the time of booking.
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND
INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
In consideration of being permitted to participate in "The Flavors of Tuscany" tour for
myself, my personal Representatives, heirs and next of kin:
1. Acknowledge, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of overseas travel and that
I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such
activity. I further acknowledge that the traveling tour will be conducted over public roads
and facilities open to the public upon which potential hazards of traveling can be expected. I
further agree and warrant that if, at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, and I will
immediately discontinue further participation in the activity.
2. Fully understand that: (a) traveling involves risks and dangers; (b) these risks and dangers
may be caused by my own actions, or inactions, the actions or inactions of others
participating in the tour, the condition in which the tour takes place, or the negligence of the
“releasees” named below; (c) there may be other risks and social and economic losses either
not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I fully accept and assume all
such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I incur as a result of my
participation or that of the minor in the activity.
3. Hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue Vincenzo D'Arista, or Joann
McKeown, of Quality Street, LLC, their corporations administrators, directors, agents,
officers, members, volunteers, and employees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers,
and, if applicable, owners and leasers of premises on which the tour takes place, (each
considered one of the “releasees” herein) from all liability, claims, demands, losses, or
damages on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence
of the “releasees” or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations; and I further agree
that if, despite this release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity
agreement I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the releasees, I will
indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the releasees from any litigation expenses,
attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as the result of such claim.
I have read this agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up
substantial rights by signing it, and have signed it freely and without any inducement or
assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all
liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement
is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
Printed name of participant:
_________________________________________________________________
Address:
___________________________________________________________________
(street) (city) (State) (Zip)
Phone: ____________________________
Participant’s signature (only if age 18 or over): __________________________________
I have read this release. Date: __________________________________
MINOR RELEASE
And I, the minor’s parent and/or legal guardian, understand the nature of travel activities and
the minor’s experience and capabilities and believe the minor to be qualified, in good health,
and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I hereby release, discharge,
covenant not to sue, and agree to indemnify and save and hold harmless each of the
releasee’s from all liability, claims, demands, losses, or damages on the minor’s account
caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the “releasees” or
otherwise, including negligent rescue operations and further agree that if, despite this
release, I, the minor, or anyone on the minor’s behalf makes a claim against any of the
releasees named above, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the releasees from
any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost that may incur as the
result of any such claim.
Printed name of parent/guardian:
_____________________________________________________________
Address:
___________________________________________________________________
(Street) (City) (State) (Zip)
Phone: ____________________________
Parent/guardian signature
(Only if participant is under the age of 18): _______________________________________
I have read this release. Date: _________________________________