A Feast for the Senses in the Gourmet Destination of Cortona, Italy (Europe) for Seven Days & Six Nights in a One-Bedroom Apartment for Two, Including a Wine Tasting in a Wine Bar and a Cooking Demonstration and Dinner with a Local Chef (Land Only)

If you're looking for the charm and romance of Tuscany, you'll find it during an escape to Cortona, one of Tuscany's oldest hill towns, where strolls down the narrow medieval streets reward you with glimpses of impressive churches and incredible views of the countryside. With accommodations in a cozy one-bedroom apartment, you're perfectly poised to explore the romance of Tuscany, breathtaking scenery, historic cities, medieval art, impeccable wines and divine cuisine, and an enviable proximity to Florence and Rome. The region is a true feast for your senses, and the finishing touches to this Tuscan trip are a wine tasting and a cooking demonstration followed by dinner - buon appetito!

Savor every sip during your wine tasting experience at a renowned wine bar in the main square of Cortona. A professional sommelier will lead you through tasting three different Tuscan wines as you learn about Italy's sixth largest wine producing region, one of the most iconic in the world. The Sangiovese grape is king in Tuscany, and produces sublime red wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Towards the Tuscan coast, a very different style of wine, the Super Tuscan, may be produced, usually made by blending a little Sangiovese with non-native grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The wine bar is just a few minutes walk away from your apartment.

Taste the renowned Tuscan cuisine through a fun and delicious experience, where a local chef will let you in on the secrets of the Italian kitchen, revealing tips for perfecting your culinary art. After the demonstration, head to the table for a fabulous traditional meal during which you'll get to taste the decadent cuisine. Tuscan food is based on the Italian idea of cucina povera or "poor cooking", a concept of simple meals that are inexpensive and could easily be made in large amounts. You won't find complicated seasonings or elaborate creations in Tuscan food because they’re not needed. Instead it’s made using fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the natural flavors in each dish, simple or not. Whether foraging for truffles or mushrooms, taking in the grape harvest or sampling a genuine bottle of Tuscan olive oil, in Tuscany, local and homegrown food is a lifestyle! Some classic dishes include affettati misti, crostini di fegato, ribollita, papa al pomodoro and panzanella. Tuscans also love cannellini beans - they're not called mangiafagioli (bean eaters) for nothing! - which they use to prepare meals such as zuppa di fagioli, fagioli con salsiccia or fagioli all'uccelletto.

Just one hour drive from arguably the most beautiful city in the world, Florence, and less than two hours' drive to historic Rome, Tuscany hosts innumerable astounding localities, many of which are also named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculptures to frescoes and architectural masterpieces. Cortona, with its medieval walls still intact, sits in a strategic position overlooking the valley that leads south into Umbria and towards Rome. Spend some time exploring the landmarks of this historic city, such as the Piazza della Republica, the 13th-century town hall and clock tower that is now one of Cortona's main plazas, or the Duomo, the Renaissance cathedral featuring an 11th-century facade and gorgeous 16th and 17th-century paintings inside. Fra' Angelico lived and worked in Cortona during the late 14th century, and artists Luca Signorelli and Pietro da Cortona were both born within the city's walls. You can now find all three artists' works in the Museo Diocesano.

Your trip for two includes:
7 days/6 nights accommodations in a One-Bedroom Apartment
Wine tasting of 3 different Tuscan wines
Cooking show with dinner and wine
One midweek maid service

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. A minimum 45-day advance reservation is required. Please contact us at auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation prior to arrival may be subject to forfeiture of reservations and funds.