Tuscany,
the greatest expression of the Italian Renaissance, today proposes itself
under a new look: it's the reign of the big maîtres chocolatiers
as Paul De Bondt in Pisa; Andrea Slitti at Monsummano; Roberto Catinari
at Agliana; Luca Mannori at Prato.
Here they produce a fantastic chocolate of the highest quality defending
its purity (100% cocoa butter without any vegetal oils added). Chocotravels
will introduce you to them visiting their work shops and boutiques: we'll
taste their never ending luxurious creations, true "food of Gods",
thanks to their art and fantasy.
Our tour, as usual, will propose you to deep the knowledge
of the italian art too visiting the most famous monuments and masterpieces
of Florence, Pisa and Lucca completely charmed by the delicious landscape
of the green valley that leads to the sea.
The travel, by private bus, is for 25/30 persons: otherwise it would be
impossible to visit and meet these artists. Our hotels are always the
most charming in any place.
The restourants we propose are rich of taste and offer regional and local
specialities.
1° day/Thursday: FLORENCE
Arrival
at Rivoli Hotel **** (or similar) at about 2 PM and accomodation.
Afternoon guided visit to this beautiful town capital of the Italian Renaissance.In
the centre we'll stop at the "Rivoire"'s, one of the most famous
pastry of Florence: here it's possible to taste a delicious cup of hot
chocolate or its chocolate and nuts cream.
In the evening: dinner at "La Taverna del Bronzino"or at "Mastrobulletta"'s.
Overnight in hotel.
2° day/Friday: FLORENCE/PISA
Breakfast
at Hotel. 9AM departure to Pisa.Guided visit to this marvellous town situated
on the Arno river and to its famous leaning Tower re-opened to visitors
in October 2001. Lunch in a nice place with a particular menu.
Then we'll reach Gello, nearby Pisa where Paul De Bondt and Cecilia Jacobelli
are waiting for us in their workshop.
Paul is from Holland while Cecilia is from Pisa: he is considered one
of the eight greatest chocolatiers in the world: she is a chocolatier
too, but even a charming designer from Carrara Academy. Their love was
born thanks to chocolate!
Here they produce 15 different types of chocolate tablets; 40 different
pralines with ganaches at tea, rum flambè, fresh cream and chocolate
and the latest gluttonery: chocolate and Ben Ryè, a traditional
wine from Pantelleria Island. Mediterranean flavours are the secret loves
of this nice couple, in fact. At the end drive back to Pisa to visit their
chocolate boutique. Later accomodation in a *** Hotel. For dinner we have
chosen a typical local tavern: "Da Bruno"(or similar).
3°day/Saturday: PISA/LUCCA/MONSUMMANO/AGLIANA/FLORENCE
Breakfast
at Hotel. Departure to Lucca at 9AM. Guided visit to this charming and
ancient town: in 180 BC was a Roman colony and at the end of the Roman
Empire it was still considered the capital of Tuscany. Wonderful its Cathedral
with the romanic prospect by Guidetto da Como, San Michele in Forum and
Ilaria del Carretto's tomb. At leasure until 2.30 PM. Then drive to Monsummano
Terme, a nice small town in Valdinievole. Here, at 1268 Via Francesca
Sud, Andrea Slitti works with his family. In 1969 his father created the
"The Slitti Torrefazione" and 19 years later Andrea, charmed
by the idea of adding another colonial product to coffee, began to create
chocolate "masterpieces". In 1994 he won the Grand Prix International
de la Chocolaterie in Paris and now is one of the best chocolatier in
the world. From his fabulous production you'll be able to taste and buy:
handmade pralines, dragées, 60%, 73%,82% and 100% cocoa tablets,
the wonderful Slittosa chocolate cream. He'll offer you a good cup of
coffee with a chocolate coffee spoon too!
Our sweet trip continues to Agliana to visit Roberto 
Catinari's
workshop at 378, Strada Provinciale. He introduced the art of chocolate
in Tuscany 30 years ago when it was still unknown here. He studied in
Switzerland taking a degree in chocolaterie and then came back to his
small village, Bardalone, in 1974 where began to work.. He produces more
than 120 different types of pralines some with Chianti or Vin Santo wines,
cognac and brandy. Among his specialities there is a gianduia cake, a
"schiaccia" of milk chocolate with nuts/ puffed rice and almonds.
He'll confess you he doesn't want to transform his work into an industrial
one: handmade chocolate is his love. Late in the evening dinner in Florence
in a typical restourant (as "Buca di Lapi" or similar ). In
the night, during a leisurely discovery tour on foot you'll visit interesting
bars and chocolateries. We suggest even a good ice cream at the "Perseo"'s
in Piazza della Signoria. BB at the Tivoli Hotel****(or similar).
4 day/Sunday: FLORENCE/PRATO/FLORENCE
Breakfast
at hotel, but for the gluttony lovers we suggest the pastry"Gilli",
in Via Roma, or near by "Donnini"s with its delicious croissants.
Departure to Prato to meet our last fantastic friend: the World Champion
of Pastry 1997 Luca Mannori in his confectionery and chocolarerie at 2,
Via Lazzerini. What about his chocolate? On October 2000, he gained the"Eurochocolate
Award" which classified him as the best of the hear. 
His
latest triumphs: at Sorrento with a fantastic cake of white chocolate
cream, oranges and pan di spagna and Perugia in October 2001 with a biological
one. Luca, his wife Marina and his staff will offer you a real unique
aperitif while all around us an incredible amount of pralines, cakes and
pastries will enchant us with their flavours.
Lunch at "La Fontana"'s on the green hills near by Prato. Return
to Florence. End of oue services.
The quotation includes:
-private bus at disposal for the whole journey
-BB accomodation in Hotels****
-dinners and a lunch as indicated in the program
-Kit with detailed program
The quotation does'nt include:
-drinks
-extra in general
-entrance fees
-what not specified in "The quotation includes"
On request we can add two days for following some hours of chocolate lesson
at De Bondt.
For any further details please send an e mail to info@chocotravels.com
or telephone to 02 733547.
| Hotel Belvedere |
 Viale Fedeli 10 51016 Montecatini Terme (PT) Tel: 057 270251 Fax: 057 270252  |
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