European Classics For Foodies
EUROPEAN CLASSICS FOR FOODIES
London, Paris and Rome
Savor all the culinary delights with a with a whirlwind tour of Europe’s most exciting cities. First, stylish London with an increasing number of fashionable dining spots. Then Paris, the reigning gastronomic capital of the world with an estimated 40,000 restaurants, and in Rome, experience some of the finest traditional cuisine with a 4 course dinner hosted by a local family. You’ll also tour some of the famous food markets with local chefs, and then take a hands-on approach, learning how to prepare some authentic dishes.
Day 1 - Arrive in London
After clearing customs, meet your driver for a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Explore your surroundings or just relax.
(Accommodations, London)
Day 2 - London
Your morning is free to explore independently. At noon, you’ll meet your guide at a designated place for a shared 4-hour Historic Pubs of London Docklands Walking Tour. Explore this old pirates and artists hangout one historic pub at a time! London is filled with amazing history but if you want to feel like you’ve actually gone back in time hundreds of years, there’s nothing like strolling along the docks of old London town. The remainder of the afternoon is free.
(Breakfast & Accommodations, London)
Historic Pub Tour - how intriguing!
Day 3 - London
After breakfast, explore the city on your own to see some of the famous landmarks like the Tower of London, The Eye, Buckingham Palace, British Museum, Westminster Abbey, or just perusing through neighborhoods like Soho, Notting Hill, or quirky Shoreditch. Late in the afternoon, meet your guide on Bridal Lane for a City of London Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting. You’ll take a guided tour through the London Gin Distillery and discover the history of gin in London, learn about their gin and the process of making it. Tour will be followed by a 3-flight gin tasting. And if the tasting is to your liking, your ticket will also include a discount voucher off a bottle of their gin. Please note, the minimum age to participate in this tour is 18 years.
(Breakfast & Accommodations, London)
Traitor's Gate? Interesting!
Day 4 - London to Paris
After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to St Pancras Rail Station. You’ll clear customs before departing, then travel in 1st Class on the Eurostar for a quick 2½-hour trip to Paris. Upon arrival at Gare du Nord, your private transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for independent sightseeing.
(Breakfast, London; accommodations, Paris)
This trip has been seamless!
Day 5 - Paris
The morning is at your leisure before meeting at 5 Place Blanche in Montmartre for a 3-hour Gastronomy Walking Tour. The Montmartre area is famous for its bohemian life, and with its famous artists like Picasso and Renoir, has managed to keep its soul over the ages. We’ll walk through the small streets off the beaten track of this mythical neighborhood tasting local produce, then visit a pastry-shop specializing in fine tarts. On Rue Lepic and Rue Abbesses, we’ll visit a fishmonger, a charcutier, a butcher, a baker and no, not a candlestick maker, but a vegetable seller. We finish in front of Clos Montmartre winery; the last trace of this neighborhood’s agricultural past. The remainder of the day is free.
(Breakfast & Accommodations, Paris)
I love the Gastronomy of Montmartre!
Day 6 - Paris
For all aspiring chefs, an adventurous morning awaits you with your Shared Cooking Class along with a market visit. We’ll meet Chef Marthe, formerly of the Ritz Carlton Paris, who will lead you through one of the city’s popular markets, Marche Raspail, and introduce you to the art of buying the best products. With your ingredients at hand, it’s back to her apartment in the 11th Arrondisement. Here you will create with her assistance a complete meal including an entree, a main course, and a dessert. This is guaranteed to be a fun and informative class. Apron and utensils will be provided as well as copies of the recipes. After your creative lunch, perhaps a walk is in order. Paris remains the premiere venue for exploring on foot, and nearby is the Bastille, the Picasso Museum and Place de Vosges.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Paris)
The cooking class was outstanding!
Day 7 - Paris to Rome
After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer to Paris CDG Airport and your flight to Rome. Upon arrival, you’ll have a private transfer to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is free to explore the Eternal City. You’ll have an unlimited number of attractions to choose including the Colosseum. Vatican City, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and the Forum. Or just wander down fashionable Via Veneto.
(Breakfast, London, Accommodations, Rome)
The food of Italy is to die for!
Day 8 - Rome
After an early breakfast, you’ll meet Gianni or Cesare in Piazza Farnese for a market tour. Make your way to the gorgeous Campo de Fiori, where the necessary fresh ingredients will be bought. After a stroll in the neighborhood to see how the Romans shop for their food, head back to Gianni & Cesare’s studio, located alongside the Tiber River in the historical center. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to get dirty with some flour! You’ll learn how to mix egg and flour to make the perfect dough for homemade pasta. Your next lesson will be to cook an antipasto, plus 2 different types of pasta from scratch (an egg-based dough and a water and semolina dough) along with a unique perfectly-paired sauce for each pasta. We’ll end our lesson by creating a delicious dessert. And now the best part: you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor, accompanied by local wines, starting with a bubbly prosecco, and a white and red wine to compliment the meal. After lunch, you may want to stroll through some of Rome’s interesting neighborhoods before returning to your hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Rome)
I love making fresh pasta!
Day 9 - Rome
Your day is free for independent sightseeing. Take time for a leisurely lunch at a sidewalk trattoria, but save room for dinner as you will be guests this evening in a local Roman home. At approximately 7:30 pm your driver will meet you at your hotel and will take you to Barbara’s house for an unforgettable evening. Barbara or one of her assistants will warmly welcome you. Before enjoying a memorable meal, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a real Roman family while making many new global friends. You’ll start with an appetizer, accompanied by some excellent Italian wines. Dinner will continue with some traditional Roman dishes like bruschetta, amatriciana, carciofo alla romana, pollo e peperoni and a typical Italian dessert. This will be an intimate setting with a maximum of 20 guests. Depending on various conditions, during the summer months, dinner may be served on a roof top terrace. In this case maximum 24 participants can attend. After this lovely evening, you can return to your hotel via taxi.
(Breakfast, Dinner & Accommodations, Rome)
I want dinner with the locals!
Day 10 - Depart Rome
After breakfast, meet your driver in the lobby for your transfer to Fiumicino Airport and your return flight home, fondly reminiscing of your culinary experiences. *Or continue your European Culinary Explorations*
(Breakfast, Rome)
