Authentic Foods of Italy: Molise
A 9 Day Land Program in Florence, Rome and Molise
Experience the local rustic ingredients that blend northern and southern Italian cooking traditions in the Molise region of Italy with Chef Tony and Cathy Mantuano of Chicago's Spiaggia Restaurant.
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Authentic rustic experiences include visits to family farms and dairies to learn about an array of foods including ricotta, olive oil, truffles and regional wines. |
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Other regional highlights we will encounter include the festival of San Martino in Pensilis and the centuries-old Carrese Ox Cart Race. |
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Attend cooking demonstrations with Chef Tony to learn how locals prepare dishes including Pampanella, Zeppole and hand made pasta. |
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In addition to inspired dining at Chef Tony and Cathy's top-recommended restaurants, travelers will take in the region's beautiful abbeys and churches as well as impressive ancient ruins far off the tourist track. |
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Price: $4,950 per person, based on double occupancy
Price Details: 25% deposit is required to reserve. Second payment of 25% is due 6 months prior to traveling, with full payment required 3 months prior to departure. See Refund Policy below to learn how you can cancel for any reason and protect your trip investment.
Inclusions: Fare includes accommodation, tours, transfers, meals and events per itinerary and escort of Tony and Cathy Mantuano.
Exclusions: Fare does not include international air, gratuities for guides and drivers, meals not stated in itinerary, optional activities not stated in itinerary
Authentic Foods of Italy: Molise: Accommodations
The Grand Hotel, Florence
Grand Deluxe Room with Arno River View
The palatial Grand Hotel offers an authentic setting, engaging the five senses with veritable Tuscan tastes and treasures.
Situated in central Florence, the scenic Grand Hotel has been the preferred stop of seasoned travelers since the 18th Century. Steps a way from iconic landmarks, it offers an unrivaled immersion into the cradle of the Renaissance.
Affixed with rich colors, custom frescos and sparkling crystal chandeliers, the antique décor pays homage to the city’s artistic heritage.
The St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome
Deluxe Room
Sumptuously luxurious, The St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 Gold List following a meticulous $35 million restoration. Opulent interiors and an austere façade add to the seductive atmosphere of this landmark hotel.
Each of the 138 guest rooms and 23 suites feature a unique identity and are exquisitely appointed in a combination of Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles. Luxurious bath amenities and extraordinarily comfortable beds assure complete relaxation.
Il Quadrifoglio, Montenero di Bisaccia
Guest Room
The Quadrifoglio is located on the beautiful green hills of Montenero di Bisaccia, 150 mt over the sea level.
Due to its privileged positions, it’s a precious place to stay and discover Molise countryside, with an amazing view on the sea which frames the suggestive landscape.
The Quadrifoglio has a long history, handed down from father to son, starting with 60 hectares of land on which a quality agritourism structure has been developed thanks to commitment and devotion. Passion and hard work resulted in a constant increase over time, up to the current 268 hectares of owned land: 25 hectares are dedicated to vineyards, 25 to olive groves and the rest to orchards, and to vegetables and cereals plantations.
Authentic Foods of Italy: Molise: Itinerary
Day 1: Sunday, April 24
Arrive Florence
Welcome Reception with Chef Tony and Cathy
Overnight The Grand Hotel, Florence
Day 2: Monday, April 25
Private Tour of the Uffizi Gallery
Afternoon Wine Reception with Salvatore Ferragamo
Overnight The Grand Hotel, Florence
Day 3: Tuesday, April 26
Depart for Rome
Private Vatican Tour
Overnight The St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome
Day 4: Wednesday, April 27
Market tour followed by Highlights of Rome city tour
Restaurant Dinner with Chef Tony
Overnight St. Regis, Rome
Day 5: Thursday, April 28
Depart for Molise
Stop for lunch at Rivisondoli at Ristorante Reale
Arrive with remainder of the day at leisure
Overnight Il Quadrifoglio
Day 6: Friday, April 29
Visit Mariani Dairy to watch the making of ricotta, the Roman amphitheater of Larino and the historical center (Cattedrale, Palazzo Municipale)
Lunch at Francesco Travaglini’s farm
After lunch, guests will visit the olive oil farm and dairy with a truffle hunting demonstration and tasting
Tour and tasting at Cantine Salvatore, a Molise winery
Dinner at Locanda Monaco with a menu based on fish of the Adriatic Sea
Spend the evening enjoying the festival of San Martino, complete with fireworks display
Overnight Il Quadrifoglio
Day 7: Saturday, April 30
Morning Cooking Demonstration: The laboratory of Taste
Lean how to make the delicious local pork dish Pampanella
Lunch at Nonna Ninuccia restaurant
Carrese oxen race event in San Martino in Pensilis
Evening Cooking Demonstration: The Laboratory of taste
Learn how to make the Zeppole dessert of San Martino
Dine at restaurant Al Castello, San Martino in Pensilis
Overnight Il Quadrifoglio
Day 8: Sunday, May 1
Visit the archeological area of the ancient San Vincenzo al Volturno Abbey
Here you will view frescos of the Cripta di Epifanio
Lunch at restaurant Costantini, in Rocchetta al Volturno
Visit the stony Church of Santa Maria delle Grotte in Rocchetta a Volturno
Evening Cooking Demonstration: The Laboratory of Taste
Learn how to make hand-made pasta, San Martino in Pensilis
Dine at restaurant Vico Segreto, in the historical center of San Martino in Pensilis
Overnight Il Quadrifoglio
Day 9: Monday, May 2
Depart for Rome to catch your return flight to the US or continue onward to other points of interest