CHICKTRIPS 2007 www.chicktrips.net/chicktrips2007.htm

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. ---Confucius



		ChickTrips 2007 When: 2007 June 3 - June 9: Women September 30 - October 6: Mixed (couples and singles) Where: Montisi, Italy. Located southeast of Siena, north of Montepulciano, not far from Sinalunga on your map. Day trips are possible to Florence, Cortona, Siena, and other places of interest. Accommodations: The farmhouse has 5 double bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (shared). The bedrooms and baths are quite spacious, and the living and dining areas are large and comfortable. The furnishings are farmhouse simple and basic, not fancy, and the house is full of character and charm. Outside there's a wonderful covered loggia dining area with murals painted on the walls, as well as a vine-covered pergola by the pool with more tables and chairs. There is ample room for 11 people in the main house, and a guesthouse where John and I stay. Food (the important stuff): Price includes three terrific Tuscan dinners and plenty of food in the kitchen for do-it-yourself breakfasts, lunches and snacks whenever you're ready for them! And, all the local wine you care to drink. Some nights you may choose to dine in local restaurants (some Michelin-starred) or share a pizza with others at the house. Art with Elizabeth: We will visit Liz Cochrane's studio in Montisi, and she will give us a few informal art lessons at the farmhouse. She teaches all ages and levels of experience and is simply great fun, as well as being a very successful artist. www.elizabethcochrane.com Pino's Tour: Included is a fabulous tour with our friend, Pino Teresi, who will drive you through the countryside where " The English Patient" was filmed to a Vino Nobile winery and a copper artisan's workshop in Montepulciano, and to charming Pienza for a pecorino cheese tasting. Pino taught in an agricultural school for many years, grows his own vines, and is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the Italian land and culture. A Favorite Option: Ballooning in Tuscany at dawn with a champagne breakfast. It is an amazing experience to see Tuscany from the sky. Reserve your flight at Pilot Robert Etherington's website: www.ballooningintuscany.com Activity Level: We have hosted guests of all ages. Those who have enjoyed their week with us the most are fit and active. The Italian tile floors and stone staircase in the farmhouse are worn and uneven. The charming hill towns in the area are, well...hilly! We do a lot of walking to justify consuming lots of the wonderful pasta and gelato (ice cream)! Price: $1400 per person. This includes 6 nights in the farmhouse, most meals and local wine, Art With Liz, Pino’s Tour with van transportation, and our daily guidance and direction on where to go and what to do. A $350 per person deposit is required at time of booking. Email Gail for more details or call her at 770-992-4429. So...this is it. This is the Italy I love. A timeless village in the beautiful countryside with a picture-perfect view at every turn. History, art, and inspiration a part of daily life. The farmhouse will be your home and you will have the experience you choose. For those who have toured Italy before, it may be a respite from the frenzy of the cities; and for others, a gentle introduction. What I wish for you is to make a little piece of Italy your own. Its luminous energy, its sounds, tastes, and vistas - so much has remained the same for centuries. There is heart-restoring tranquility here and a peaceful spirit. I hope you'll join us.

ChickTrips 2007