Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/739845
Crowds at the Colosseum and the Vatican can be overwhelming, however we thank- fully bypass the queues. Before the daily opening of the Sistine Chapel our local expert takes us on a VIP tour of the exquisite Michelangelo masterpiece and the Vatican Museum, leaving free time in the afternoon, something I welcomed regularly throughout my trip. Dining in Rome has its own cachet. Behind the Pantheon in a 16 th -century vaulted chamber that is part of a palazzo and anchored by a pair of pianos at the entrance, the restaurateur welcomes us to Le Volte. This medieval frescoed restaurant with a warm ambiance is simply furnished in white linen table settings. We sample the family- style platters of grilled and tempura vegetables and enjoy some fresh insalata mista paired with a classic fish piccata on a bed of thinly crusted potatoes, all of which, is accompanied with chubby glasses of Pinot Grigio as an opera duet sings arias from Tosca by Puccini. A true Roman holiday indeed, Rome was a fabulous precursor to what lay ahead. TUSCANY Imagine days filled with wine tastings at a local vinoteca, a cooking class, more wine tastings, and leisurely walks in a romantic park at a revived Medici villa that overlooks the legendary Tuscan hills in the Mugello with an unforgettable visit to the birthplace of the Renaissance. We take an easy taxi ride to the Palazzo Vecchio by the David statue. And on this visit my long-awaited reunion with an old friend at Florence's landmark Caffe Giubbe Rosse for lunch has become a cherished memory, thanks to my intuitive travelling concierge Daniele Nannetti who ensures details like this are possible. In Florence our intimate travelling group slips past more lineups of David fans at the Accademia Museum and the Uffizi Gallery to explore the iconic masterpieces at both venues. We have an exclusive tour of the off- limits Vasari Corridor, a new Signature DREAMSCAPES FALL/ WINTER 2016 14 TRAVEL PLANNER For Luxury Gold by Insight Vacations trip details, visit insightvacations.com/ca/tours/ ultimate-italy-preview-2017. Priced from $6,323 per person, the 13-day Ultimate Italy trip includes luxury accommodation, most meals and drinks including a Michelin-starred dinner on the isle of Capri, a Tuscan cooking class, an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor in Florence and access to the Vatican City before it opens to the general public. Guests travel in a spacious Wi-Fi-equipped luxury motorcoach with the services of a professional travelling concierge and receive VIP door-to-door private airport transfers. ABOVE LEFT: Local ingredients are ready for use in the Tuscan cooking class at the Villa Dianella. ABOVE RIGHT: A basket of fresh zucchini flowers is held by one of the master chefs at the Villa Dianella. OPPOSITE: Bottles of the finest Chianti were sampled in an unforgettable wine-tasting event held at the Ristorante le Maschere Enoteca in Mugello.