AACI Kosher Culinary Tour of Tuscany

September 4-10, 2023 – 8 Days

What has not been said about Tuscany?  It is the capital of culture, wine and food, and the true heart of Italy; Tuscany, the subject of so many books and films. The treasures of Tuscany are the finest that Italy has to offer: spectacular landscapes, vineyard-covered hills, fascinating cities, rich Jewish history, ancient and picturesque villages, culture, and above all fine wine and gourmet dining.

AACI is pleased to offer this kosher tour experience in the culinary paradise of Tuscany. Included will be cooking workshops, tastings, and visits to picturesque villages, ancient synagogues, historical sites and food markets. The meals and cooking workshops will take place in a beautiful country hotel in the heart of the Tuscan hills, under the guidance of a local Italian chef, who will accompany the tour and cook with us a kosher version of the traditional local food. The trip and Kashrut supervision is in collaboration with Eli, the owner and manager of Cantina Giuliano – an exquisite Tuscan estate, with a kosher winery and restaurant.

Credit: Michela Simoncini

Day 1, Monday, September 4

After landing in Rome in the morning, we will visit the city of Pitigliano. From the Bronze Age to WWII, this little town captures the essence of Italy.  Carved from volcanic stone, the cliffs of Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano protected the remains of many peoples since 2300 BCE.

The Jewish population has always been perfectly integrated in Pitigliano, so much so that the town is nicknamed “Little Jerusalem”.  The first Jewish community to find refuge in this tufa-carved town dates back to the end of the 15th century.  This is when the synagogue was built (1598).  While few Jews live in Pitigliano today, a strong bond remains between them and the city.

After visiting Pitigliano, we will picnic at a delightful outdoor location and then continue to our hotel in the heart of the Chianti region. Following our arrival and a short rest, we will enjoy our welcome dinner, which will be prepared by the local chef.

Day 2, Tuesday, September 5

Credit: Dries Buytaert

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit two charming cities of western Tuscany, Pisa and Lucca. The City of Pisa played an important role in Italy’s history.  It was a vital seaport and a major center of trade. In the early days, Pisa was a popular resting place for pilgrims from Europe on their way to Jerusalem.

Lucca first appears as an important city and fortress in 553, and, at one time, it was the seat of a duke who minted his own coins. It became prosperous through the silk trade that started in the 11th century.

En route we will stop at a local brewery as well as a small local pasta factory. After an open air picnic at a scenic location, we will visit the ancient synagogue of Pisa. In the evening we will return for dinner at our hotel.

Day 3, Wednesday, September 6

After breakfast, we will go out to pick truffle mushrooms (if in season). Upon our return, we will hold a kosher Italian cooking workshop at the hotel and at noon we will eat what we have prepared. In the afternoon we will visit the charming town of Volterra, stopping for a short visit that will include a tasting at an olive oil factory. We will then proceed to a kosher winery for a tour and tasting. Upon our return to the hotel we will enjoy a kosher Tuscan dinner.

Day 4, Thursday, September 7

Following breakfast, we will tour San Geminiano and Siena, two of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. San Geminiano is famous for its fascinating medieval architecture and m

any towers.  Local products include saffron and its own white wine. Siena is another of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities. The Central Piazza in Siena is known worldwide for the famous Palio horse races run here every summer. Siena and the Palio were featured in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

After lunch we will return to our lodgings to participate in a cooking workshop on kosher Tuscan food and learn more about Italian cuisine. In the evening we will enjoy a festive dinner.

Day 5, Friday September 8

After breakfast we will drive to Florence, the spectacular capital of Tuscany, where we will visit the ancient and impressive synagogue and the main local market. Florence’s museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world.

After a light lunch at a local kosher restaurant, we will explore Florence and its ancient center. In the afternoon we will arrive at our hotel to prepare for Shabbat. We will atten

d services at the ancient synagogue of Florence, followed by a Shabbat meal at the Ruth Restaurant.

Day 7, Saturday, September 9

Morning prayers at the synagogue followed by lunch at the Ruth restaurant. There will be free time to wander through and explore the city. Time for a rest followed by Seudat Shlishi. Evening free to explore Florence by night.

Day 8, Sunday September 10

Return to Israel

Included in the price:

• Accommodations for 5 nights in a country estate in the heart of Chianti or in a Tuscan hotel or villa
• Accommodations for 2 nights in Florence, walking distance to Synagogue, 4-star hotel (good level)
• A specially prepared fully equipped kosher kitchen for the cooking demonstrations
• including festive Shabbat dinners, 3 kosher meals a day , wine with dinner
• Israeli escort and kosher supervisor
• Entrance fees to sites on itinerary
• Transportation by motor coach including transfers from and to the airport in Italy
• Kosher Italian cooking workshops led by a local chef
• Guided tours of local markets
• Tours of ancient synagogues in Tuscany and other sites of Jewish interest
• Tours of Tuscan vineyards and picturesque villages
• Elegant picnics in the heart of the Tuscan landscape
• Visit to a pasta factory
• Visit to Kosher winery and olive oil factory with opportunities for tasting
• Brewery visit to sample the local beer
• Truffle mushroom picking (if in season)
• Headsets
• Gratuities to local service providers

Not included

• Flights
• Items not specified above
• Gratuities to Israeli escorts
• Passport issuance or renewal
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Health, travel and luggage insurance

The schedule and some of the activities may change depending on weather constraints and the decision of the escort and guide.

Culinary tour regitration form 4-10.23

For more details call Carole: 972-2-5661181 ext. 310  or email info@aaci.org.il