See

F e e l Ta s t e 2016

Roma/Florence 10/10 - 10/21 S icily 11/8 - 11/19 [email protected]

www.cupinisitalia.com

(816) 753-7662

Buon Giorno!

Last year was another great journey for us as we traveled through Italy together! We spent time along the beautiful Amalfi Coast as well as returning to my favorite region Roma. This year we are looking to take two unforgettable journeys. The first in October through Roma and Florence, and the second in November throughout Sicily. Both of them are spectacular experiences, where our primary focus is to really dive into the culinary attributes of the region. Along the way, we will be seeing the ‘can’t miss’ sights, as well getting down into the local flavor of our destinations. Additional unique experiences from falconry, truffle hunting, and wine making are part of our trip - providing you with exclusive insight into Italia’s culinary pleasures . We will participate in stimulating hands on cooking classes with distinguished chefs of the regions, including demo classes inFlorence and the on the beaches of Cefalu. Throughout the adventure, you won’t have to worry about a thing. Our concierges and myself will be there every step of the way. We have a photographer on hand - so as to help document the journey and leave you without having to worry about a camera. All transportation is included with our good friend Luciano taking care of us. There will also be scheduled ‘free’ time for you to explore the area on your own as well. Please take a second and finger through this booklet we’ve put together with you with this year’s itineraries and photos from the past. I hope your taste buds are ready to try some tastes that are going to make your head spin. I look foward to sharing this culinary adventure with you!



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Ciao!

www.cupinisitalia.com

(816) 753-7662

Roma and Florence Oct. 10th - Oct. 21st, 2016

Join us on this adventure throughout Roma and Tuscana - we are certain to have a fantastic journey. Over the course of these ten days we will immerse you in the Italian culture from our culinary practices, to traditional points of interest throughout the region. I look forward to sharing with you my perspectives as one that has grown up here and share things from a view point through my eyes - as well as listen to your thoughts - as we create these experiences together! Ciao!

Day 1: Tuesday 11th October ( Tr a n s f e r / R o m a )

Arrival at Leonardo Da Vinci Airport with transfer to Hotel Giuliu Cesar. Welcome Drinks followed by a walking tour of Rome.

This evening, let the Eternal City enchant you as you stroll through its picturesque cobblestone alleyways and discover some of the world’s most famous sites – all in a single afternoon! We’ll see the Trevi Fountain, Rome Pantheon and the Spanish Steps along with many of the city’s unsung heroes. With your expert, English-speaking guide on hand you’ll get to know Rome, hearing the tales that bring every street corner to life. Our Best of Rome tours start at the Spanish Steps, one of the most atmospheric spots in Rome. From there we trace a path through the cobbled streets of the city to the colossal Trevi Fountain – part water feature, part magnificent sculpture. Listen as your guide explains the strange history behind this famous monument, including the reason why there’s one spot from which the entire structure is obscured. You’re in the very heart of Rome now, where narrow streets snake out in every direction. We’ll stop for a gelato and to recharge our batteries before making our way to the Rome Pantheon. Here you’ll see Raphael’s tomb and learn the real cause of the famous artist’s death. Not so far away from here, it’s his contemporary who steals the limelight. Perhaps the most beautiful square in all of Rome, Piazza Navona is home to spectacular Renaissance buildings and Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s beautiful ‘Fountain of Four Rivers’, the sculpture that saved his reputation after he almost tore St. Peter’s Basilica in half. Our tour ends in Campo dei Fiori, a favorite hangout among locals. Like so many of the sites you’ll visit on your tour, this piazza has a history you never would have guessed. After the tour we will visit my good friend Fabio at his restaurant right next to the Trevi Fountain called ‘That’s Amore’ for our first feast together.

Day 2: Wednesday 12th October

Roma (Cooking Class Island of Tibernia)

There is an archaic saying, most likely as ancient as Rome, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’

Thus is the basis of which we have orchestrated our cooking lesson. Our ‘Walking Tour’ intertwines the discovery of the magical Italian cuisine juxtaposed with the sightseeing beauty that in this world only Rome has to offer. You will see Rome through the eyes of a local and find fresh ingredients in local neighborhoods of Rome. Cooking classes run for around 4 hours and you’ll stay a while after cooking

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Roma and Florence Day 2 Continues

to sit down together and enjoy the meal you’ve learned to cook, accompanied by local wines from the region, finishing at about 3 in the afternoon. Set upon the exclusive Tiberina Island, right in the centre of Rome, is enthusiastic cook Fabio’s private apartment where you’ll learn Italian cooking techniques and the skills to cook delicious Italian dishes with a focus on making fresh pasta dishes. Under the guidance of your fun and friendly Italian host Fabio, Monica or Federico who are passionate about Italian cooking, you will immerse yourself in Italian life to discover the gastronomic delights of Rome. The aim of the course is to give you the techniques needed to cook different pasta dishes as well as one meat dish (vegetarians can be catered for) that will give you the skills to make and cook delicious fresh pasta to impress your friends back home.

Day 3: Thursday 13th October Roma (Collosseum Underground Experience)

Spend the morning and early afternoon visiting the shops and sights that Rome has to offer, while getting ready for this afternoon’s unforgettable experience. Imagine experiencing Rome’s iconic Colosseum without the crowds. Well, on certain days and at certain times in the summer, the iconic Colosseum allows exclusive entrance to pre-booked guests. We’ll make you one of these VIPs, taking you to the awe-inspiring ancient amphitheatre on a summer’s evening – the best time to enjoy it. Moreover, we’ll provide you with special access to the Underground and Arena Floor. You’ll begin your enchanted evening with a glass of Prosecco, some wine, and a delectable, four-course, silver service meal at one of Rome’s best rooftop restaurants. There you’ll be joined by your expert, Englishspeaking guide and intimate group of up to 15 people. While you’re admiring the beautiful views over the illuminated Trajan’s Forum, your guide will describe ancient Rome, telling tales that make the ruins you see come alive. His descriptions of Roman cuisine will make your authentic dinner even more delicious. The dinner last from approximately 7:30 PM to 9:15 PM. When you’ve finished your Roman feast, we will guide you past the Roman and Julius Caesar Forum until you’re standing in front of the imposing highlight of the evening: the Colosseum. Entering with our pre-booked access, you’ll begin to explore an almost empty Colosseum, including the recently opened arena floor and underground level.

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Roma and Florence Day 4: Friday 14th October

Oct. 10th - Oct. 21st, 2016

R o m a ( C o o k i n g C l a s s a t Fo o x i a / C a p i t o l i n e M u s e u m To u r ) We will begin the morning, with a cooking class at Fooxia...

Nestled in the picturesque narrow alleyways of the Jewish Ghetto, (the oldest continuous Jewish presence outside Israel) is Fooxia Cooking School. We will be gathering all supplies from the local market to prepare our meals. The course concentrates on the techniques to make fresh pasta (flour+ egg and flour+ water) with the accompanying sauces and a second dish. MEAL: Appetizer, two first dishes, second dish with side dish and dessert (water & wine) Following the cooking class we will head over to the base of the Capitoline Museums for a tour here. The Capitoline Museums hold some of the most important of ancient Rome and Etruscan artifacts, sculpture and iconic artwork in all of Rome. See some of the city’s most valuable pieces and understand more about the life and culture of the ancient Romans and how that has shaped the current life and culture of Rome, and Italy, as we know it today.

Day 5: Saturday 15th October ( Tr a n s f e r t o F l o r e n c e )

This morning we will begin our transfer to Florence. As we drive through Tuscany, we will stop at a family owned meat and cheese factory, where we will look at the different aging of meats that they produce, a variety of cheeses, followed with a tasting of their products with lunch and wine. Late afternoon, we will arrive in Florence with accommodations at Hotel Boscolo Astoria - just blocks away from the Duomo, with great rooftop views - should you prefer wine on the roof for an evening. After everyone is settled in, we will head to our favorite Trattoria Pandemonio of ours, to dine and wine as a group.

Day 6: Sunday 16th October

( W i n e Ta s t i n g / M a k i n g a t C a s t e l l o M o n t e r i n a l d i )

Spend the morning alongside the wine maker learning about the art of blending and aging wine. You’ll visit the cellar, select your grapes and blend your own wine. You will also create a personalized label. The winery will then bottle, label and ship your wine to Cupini’s in the U.S. Following the winemaking activity, you’ll enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch on the property. Afterwards, we will return for an evening of free time.

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www.cupinisitalia.com

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Roma and Florence Day 7: Monday 17th October

Oct. 10th - Oct. 21st, 2016

( Ta s t e o f F l o r e n c e Fo o d To u r ) Take a delicious walking tour of Florence.

See the city and get to know its people by tasting some of the best Tuscan specialties around. Our guide will take us to the Central Market, where you will see the freshest products from the variety of farms throughout the region. We will also visit a family bread making shop to savor in their unbelievable fare , enjoy a wine tasting, do a tasting at a small prosciutto/salami/pork shop, and finally top it all off with unbelievable gelato. (Don’t eat any breakfast today, this is going to be a walking wining and dining feast!)

Day 8: Tuesday 18th October ( F l o r e n c e Fo o d S t u d i o )

This morning and afternoon, utilize this day to enjoy and explore all the beautiful streets and shops that Florence has to offer. As we are located in the heart of Florence, everything is in walking distance. Perhaps visit the Duomo Museum, this has been a past favorite! In the evening, we will visit The Florence Food Studio. Here Franco Cupini will teach us a course at a boutique cooking school which offers skills in traditional Tuscan Culinary Arts with a modern twist. The project is driven by a dedicated collaboration between the world renown Florentine D.O.C. Chef Benedetta Vitali and two young Florentine aficionados dedicated to preserving their Tuscan heritage: Paolo Dellafiore and Giorgio Pinto. The focus this evening is on transmitting Italian cooking skills and secrets but at the same time on health, nutrition and wellbeing – all innate elements of the traditional Italian diet.

Day 9: Wednesday 19th October ( Tr u f f l e H u n t i n g )

Today we are going truffle hunting in Florence. Luciano will transport us to the forrest in San Miniato where we will meet up with our truffle hunter and his dogs. He will give us the insides into truffle hunting and about the intricacies involved and the very elaborate training that his dogs go through. Can you believe each of his dogs is valued at over $65K? From there, we will go on a live demonstration through the hills watching the dogs and the hunter at work. When we are finished there, we will return for a wine tasting that features different grapa, including one infused with truffle. We will enjoy a lunch here, before transport back to Florence. This evening, we will enjoy our final group meal together, before packing our bags for going back home.

Day 10: Thursday 20th October

( T h e Tr i p H o m e )

Transfer to Florence Airport for flight to Paris, then Atlanta.

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(816) 753-7662

Sicily

Nov. 8th - Nov. 19th, 2016

Sicily is owner of some of the most beautiful beaches and views on the planet. Here, we will enjoy the freshest of seafood prepared and shared with us by locals, exhibiting their heritage and culinary traditions. Below is our exciting itinerary for our Sicilian exhibition. I look forward to seeing you there! Ciao!

Day 1: Tuesday 8th November ( Tr a n s f e r )

Arrival at Palermo airport transfer to Cefalù

Welcomed drinks and a 5 night stay at Hotel Cefalù Sea Palace http://cefaluseapalace.it/en/

Day 2: Wednesday 9th November (Cefalù)

Morning visit to Cefalù, the famous Arab/Norman town with its majestic cathedral, important museum, shops and beautiful sandy beach. Lunch on terrace of a local seafood restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Free afternoon and evening.

Day 3: Thursday 10th November

( Pa l e r m o a n d M o n r e a l e )

Drive (1hour) to the city of Palermo, for a guided walking tour through the bustling markets of Palermo tasting the street food of this infamous town – panelle, sfincione and for the more adventurous pani ca meusa. Street food is a culture of the locals in Palermo. After the markets, our tour continues through the historical centre with its melting pot of history.Lunch will be enjoyed with the locals at the street side trattoria. The afternoon continues with a guided visit of Monreale, and its 12thC Norman Cathedral which houses the majestic tombs of William I & William II, Kings of Sicily. Famous also for its mosaics, the cathedral is known as one of the wonders of the world. Thursday evening conclues with a group dinner.

Day 4: Friday 11th November

( C o o k i n g C o u r s e - O i l Pr e s s - V i s i t to Local Cellar)

A short 15 minute drive takes us to the seaside village of Sant’Ambrogio. We will take a guided tour through the charming cobbled streets of the village, meet the locals, and learn about their local traditions. It is then time to visit the local oil press where its owner Saro will explain the process of oil pressing. We meet the chef Mimmo (chef) at his Osteria (restaurant) for an on-hand cooking course. Today Mimmo will teach local, authentic and Sicilian dishes that he serves at his family run restaurant. During the course there will also be an opportunity to visit Mimmo’s cellar where you will learn how he makes his superb homemade wine and of course an opportunity to taste it! The cooking course is followed by lunch and then a free evening.

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(816) 753-7662

Sicily

Day 5: Saturday 12th November

Nov. 8th - Nov. 19th, 2016

( T h e M a d o n i e M o u n t a i n s a n d Fa l c o n r y D i s p l a y ) Immerse yourself in the history, folklore and traditions with a full day guided tour.

We will drive through countryside known for the production of Manna, a substance produced from the Ash trees and collected by local farmers in July and August and then sold as a natural remedy for many ailments. Stopping to chat with locals and learn more about their everyday lives, we will contine to Castelbuono - the traditional Sicilian town in the foothills of the Madonie Mountains. As we walk through the town to taste local products we will then continue our drive into the higher Madonie mountains, where we will stop at the fountain just below the town of Geraci. People from surrounding areas come to get water from this fountain renowned for its diuretic properties. They say it is very good for flushing out kidney stones! We will then meet Mimmo for a falconry display – a ‘must see’ as he still uses the traditions introduced by Frederick II, the Swabian Emporer, in the 14th century. Our lunch stop is at a small family-run trattoria in the quaint and beautiful medieval town of Petralia Soprana before our drive back to Cefalù, through the grain-growing area of Sicily, which in Roman times was known as the bread basket of the empire. You will have the evening free to explore or rest for our exciting day ahead!

Day 6: Sunday 13th November

(Enna - Villa Casale, Roman Mosaics - Taormina) From our hotel to the centre of Sicily to the town of Enna

Classified as the ‘navel’ of Sicily, transter time (1hr.15min) allows for exploration of the treasures and magnificent views across the countryside of Enna. From the Rock - on which once stood a temple dedicated to the Fertility Goddess Demeter, as well as her daughter Persephone - we will make our way (35min drive) to the famous mosaics of Villa Casale at Piazza Armerina. The villa is home to some of the best preserved and extensive examples of Roman mosaics. Spread over roughly 3500m2, our guided visit of the villa concludes as we depart to our accommodations (6 night stay at Hotel Belvedere - www.villabelvedere.it) in Taormina.

Day 7: Monday 14th November

( Ta o r m i n a & t h e G r e e k / R o m a n T h e a t r e ) We have the morning to explore the charming streets of Taormina

Perched above the Ionian Sea with Mt. Etna in the distance, Taormina is ours to explore with the help of our guide. The afternoon’s oppourtunities are endless: visit the Greco-Roman amphitheater, relax at our beautiful villa, enjoy shopping in the elegant shops, eat gelati in the Piazza, or even take the funicular down to the spectacular seaside and bathe on the rocky shore. Free evening.

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Sicily

Day 8: Tuesday 15th November

Nov. 8th - Nov. 19th, 2016 (Randazzo)

A cooking demonstration From Taormina we drive inland along the Alcantara river to reach the town of Randazzo. A reflection of the majestic lava from Mt. Etna, this town was built using volcanic rock. Our cooking demonstration is at the aristocratic country estate, located near Randazzo at the foothills of Mt Etna. Owned by Chiara, the house on the estate has been maintained in its original grandeur of the early 1800’s. Chiara’s mother Rosanna will demonstrate some of her grandmother’s 100 year old recipes which she treasures and has kept secretly locked. The cooking demonstration is followed by lunch and a tasting of the estates Etna Rosso D.O.C wines. After lunch we will walk through the old vines to the oasis created by the 1981 lava flow from Etna, which stopped 500m from the estate. Finally, we stop for a visit at the Palmento, the old wine press and the family chapel that is still in use. Free Evening.

Day 9: Wednesday 16th November ( C a t a n i a - Ta o r m i n a ) A cooking demonstration

We drive (45mins) to the city of Catania, rebuilt using lava in Baroque style. We will wander through the open squares and avenues, heading toward the famous fish markets unique to Sicily. As we watch people bartering for the fresh fish we will enjoy lunch at the markets. This afternoon we will visit the prestigious eighteenth-century private residence Palazzo Biscari. Belonging to the family of signor Ruggero Moncada, who still lives in the palace with his family. This evening will end with a cooking class taught by Franco Cupini with ingredients picked from the local markets.

Day 10: Thursday 17th November (Cooking Course)

At 9:00am you will meet the chef and the hands-on cooking class commences. A short walk through Porta Messina (the northern gateway of Taormina) takes you to the local market where you will be buying local produce for the cooking course. After learning more about Sicilian food and the importance of the fresh ingredients and how to select it, we take the ingredients to the restaurant kitchen where cooking the local Sicilian dishes will begin. Followed by lunch and 2 different Sicilian wine tastings, the course finishes at 2:00pm and the evening is free to spend as you please.

[email protected]

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(816) 753-7662

Sicily

Nov. 8th - Nov. 19th, 2016

Day 11: Thursday 18th November (Savoca)

Godfather Tour Today we will drive to Savoca and Forza d’Agro for a guided tour of the towns where the Godfather was filmed. We will find out why the Godfather was not filmed in its town of origin, Corleone. We will learn about the local customs and folklore that are still evident today. Our lunch stop will be at a local family run trattoria Antichi Muri where we will not only enjoy the genuine Sicilian cuisine but also the warm hospitality of our host family. Gala Sicilian group dinner.

Day 12: Saturday 19th November

( T h e Tr i p H o m e )

Transfer from Catania Airport.

[email protected]

www.cupinisitalia.com

(816) 753-7662

Your Trip at a Glance A quick overview of your trip ahead

Roma and Florence

Oct. 10th - Oct. 21st, 2016

10 - 11 : Arrival in Rome and Best of Rome tours begin 10 - 12 : Cooking class on Tibernia Island 10 - 13 : Exclusive tour of the Collosseum 10 - 14 : Cooking class at Fooxia & Capitoline Museum Tour 10 - 15 : Transfer to Florence 10 - 16 : Wine Tasting/Making at Castello Monterinaldi 10 - 17 : Taste of Florence Food Tour 10 - 18 : Florence Food Studio Cooking Class 10 - 19 : Truffle Hunting 10 - 20 : Flight home

Sicily

Nov. 8th - Nov. 19th,

11 - 08 : Arrival at Palermo airport & trasnfer to Cefalù 11 - 09 : Exploration of Cefalù 11 - 10 : Exploration of Palermo & Monreale 11 - 11 : Cooking class, oil press, visit to local cellar 11 - 12 : The Madonie Mountains & Falconry Display 11 - 13 : Enna, Villa Casale, Roman Mosaics, Taormina 11 - 14 : Taormina & The Greek/Roman Theatre 11 - 15 : Cooking Class in Randazzo 11 - 16 : Catania 11 - 17 : Cooking class in Porta Messina 11 - 17 : Godfather Tour in Savoca 11 - 17 : Flight home [email protected]

www.cupinisitalia.com

(816) 753-7662

Pricing Roma and Florence • $6,500

per person ($195 additional for single room) • $1500 Deposit to confirm reservation. ($1500 of $6500) • Payment $2000 July 12th, 2016. ($3500 of $6500) • Payment $2000 Aug. 23rd, 2016. ($5500 of $6500) • Payment $1000 Sep. 15th, 2016. ($6500 of $6500)

Sicily

• $7,200

per person ($195 additional for single room) • $1500 Deposit to confirm reservation. ($1500 of $7200) • Payment $2000 July 29th, 2016. ($3500 of $7200) • Payment $2000 Sep. 14th, 2016. ($5500 of $7200) • Payment $1700 Oct. 5th, 2016. ($7200 of $7200)

Tours include:

• Accommodation

in double room with

breakfast. • All transportation. • All dinner and lunch where stated. • The guided tours with our professional guides where stated. • Cooking Classes where stated. • Concierge services throughout trip. • Basic photo package where listed right, with access to all photography.

Photography Packages • Basic

package will include a folder of dropbox images and 72dpi for screening viewing only of all images selected from the trip. • Basic package includes 1 photo book included with shipment to U.S. address within 60 days return of trip.

Single Room supplement is an extra $600 per person

[email protected]

www.cupinisitalia.com

(816) 753-7662

[email protected]

www.cupinisitalia.com

(816) 753-7662