Chocolatiers of Florence & Tuscany
With Martin Christy
Thurs 20 – Mon 24 September 2012 Ref: 12024
With flights: Twin Share £1,495; Single £1,795
For those who wish to make their own travel arrangements: Twin Share £1,195; Single £1,495
Please note: We are happy to arrange room shares for single travellers on request
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning flight from London to Florence.
Start getting to know beautiful and historic Florence during a sightseeing tour led by a local guide. With its famous Duomo and churches, its bridges, piazzas and stunning Renaissance art, this really is one of Europe’s most captivating and fascinating cities.
Late afternoon check-in at the 4-Star Hotel Bernini Palace in Florence’s historic heart, just a few steps from the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria.
A chance to chat to Martin and the rest of the group over welcome drinks at the hotel. Also discover more about what’s in store over the next few days during Martin’s introductory talk.
Day 2
A day packed with specially arranged visits to some of Florence’s most eminent chocolatiers, including:
- Andrea Bianchini
A member of the Academy of Masters of Italian Confectionary, Andrea Bianchini is often referred to in Italy as the ‘King of Chocolate’. Hand-made pralines, bars and biscotti are all part of his repertoire and Andrea thrives on finding the perfect blend of tastes – exemplified by his chocolate and saffron praline, and the 70% Equatorial bar infused with paprika, cardamom and pimento. Other flavours used include balsamic vinegar, ginger and green tea, making for some unusual and exhilarating taste sensations.
- Rivoire
Masters of their art for a century and a half, Rivoire has been producing chocolate on its site in the heart of the city since 1872, when Florence was the Italian capital. Today Rivoire combines tradition with innovation, continuing to create wonderful hand-made chocolates using the best raw materials and presenting them beautifully wrapped. With its fabulously located cafe on famous Piazza della Signoria complete with traditional wooden interior and outside terrace, Rivoire is a Florentine institution and is the perfect place to sample high-quality chocolate in a superb setting.
- Vestri
A family-run business, five years ago Vestri took things to the next level by purchasing a finca in the Dominican Republic growing organic cacao, from which it now produces its own chocolate. This is then used in the creation of a host of high-quality bars and pralines – all of which can be found in Vestri’s Florence shop. Dark chocolate with hot peppers; dark, white and milk chocolate-covered hazelnuts and almonds; and chocolate-covered candied orange slices and peel are just some of the offerings to be found there. Another specialty is liquid chocolate served in shot glasses (hot in winter, cold in summer) and a range of delicious chocolate gelato.
Along the way there’ll be a stop for lunch (not included) at the Catinetta da Verrazzano, where you’ll get a chance to sample their delicious foccacia, panini, cured meats, cheeses and tortas.
Finish off the day’s visits with some time to explore this wonderful city for yourself .
Day 3
Today we move beyond Florence itself to discover the chocolatiers of the Tuscan Chocolate Valley, including:
- Luca Mannori, Prato
An innovator and international award-winning Relais Dessert and Maître Chocolatier, Luca Mannori believes passionately in the value of a team working as one to create the best possible results. A space in continuous evolution, Mannori Espace is where you can see Luca and his young protégés at work. From the 99% cacao Olmeca bar through subtle tea- and spice-infused bars to exquisite pralines made in both the traditional style and with an innovative twist, Mannori’s repertoire is extensive – and deserves to be explored in depth.
- Roberto Catinari, Agliana
Roberto Catinari studied with Swiss chocolatiers for two decades before returning home in 1974 with a suitcase full of recipes and opening a small shop bearing his name. Now considered the ‘father’ of all Tuscan artisan chocolatiers, Roberto has refined his craft through the decades and continues to produce chocolate and pralines of the very highest quality. Among them are hand-made grappa-filled chocolates, and baskets of chestnuts, walnuts and acorns made from chocolate and hazelnut paste.
Afterwards, you’ll return to Florence with the evening to relax at the hotel or set off into the city in search of famous Florentine sights and good Tuscan fare.
Day 4
A second day spent visiting the master chocolatiers of the Tuscan Chocolate Valley, this time including:
- Slitti, Monsummano Terme
While spending time in his father’s coffee roasting workshop as a child, Andrea Slitti became a connoisseur of coffee beans and blends, before falling in love with chocolate. He began producing his own chocolate in 1988 and quickly introduced his own unique methods while drawing on his coffee experience to create innovative new cocoa blends. Since that time Andrea has won numerous prizes, becoming the first non-Frenchman to win the prestigious Grand Prix de la Chocolaterie de Paris, and continues to head-up the family-run business to this day.
- De Bondt, Visignano-Navacchio
A collaboration between Dutch cook and confectioner Paul de Bondt and Cecilia Lacobeli, a designer from Pisa, De Bondt Chocolate is listed by Chantal Coady in its prestigious The Chocolate Companion as one of the 15 top chocolate manufacturers in the world. From bars to pralines and chocolate with dried fruit, all De Bondt’s products are hand-made from high quality raw materials – the company’s philosophy being their best product is the one they haven’t yet invented. Enjoy a special tasting session to get the most out of the De Bondt collection.
Return to Florence in the late afternoon with time to relax before enjoying a Farewell Chocolate Dinner at an exclusive Spa Restaurant, featuring a specially designed menu.
Day 5
Educate your palette with a private chocolate tasting led by our local expert Monica Meschini.
A few final hours to enjoy glorious Florence. Marvel at the ancient Baptistry with its trio of glided bronze doors; climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for wonderful views over the city and River Arno; visit striking Palazzo Vecchio with its late-medieval crenellated roofline, soaring defensive tower and elaborate decoration; visit the Uffizi Gallery to see the very best Renaissance art; or simply stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and enjoy a glass of Chianti on a cafe terrace.
Fly from Florence to London, arriving back in the early evening.
