Wednesday, June 02, 2010
COME LIVE THE DREAM: KNITALY 2010 TOUR
October 14th- First official night of trip. Day free for sleeping in, recuperating and, in some cases, arriving. We will meet this evening at a neighbouring trattoria for supper (accommodations included)
October 15th - Florence Tour. Our uber-guide, Francesca, will introduce you to Florence in what may be the liveliest tour you have ever experienced. We'll begin in San Marco and move on to the famous Domo, the medieval heart of this Renaissance city. After lunch we'll finish the tour at the Uffizi where you may decide to linger or enjoy a leisurely, shopping-filled, stroll back to the inn.
That evening we'll eat at another local trattoria before collapsing into bed.
Tonight we'll stay the first night in our castle away from home, deep in the cypress forest of Tuscany and share our welcome meal at the Castello di Gargonza's famed dining room complete with wine (this and all meals at Gargonza are included in your payments including two with vino).
Knit these colors!
October 17th, Gargonza—Full workshop day
Today is quiet day, a knitting day for most, and, trust me, you will be glad. Your feet will be a little sore after Florence and a respite in the Tuscan hills couldn't be more welcome. You have been transported to a fabulous castle complete with garden, views and a wooded trail. After the bustle of Florence and San Gimiagno, peace will make you happy. Non-knitters can relax while the rest of us embark on our Tuscan-inspired project.
The project? Choose any of my designs you want (I'll send you the pattern of your choice by email in advance) and I'll help you create it in the spirit of free-range influenced by Tuscany. Bring enough yarn to launch your project as we will be hitting yarn stores along the way. Once you begin knitting free-range, there will never be such a thing as enough yarn.
Both lunch and dinner will be taken at the Castillo today, which involves walking up and down a small hill to help work off eaterly excess.
October 18th, Chianti Cashmere (full touring day)
Today is an exploration day where we will be off to Chianti to sample wine, olive oil and, of course, cashmere. amid some of the most glorious landscapes in the world. But first we'll pay a visit to Monte San Sevino, the home town of Gargonza where the best kept secret if a knitting store awaits. Then, it's into our bus and off to Chianti for a wine-tasting then onto Chianti Cashmere. Remember the photo in the last email? That's where we'll be lunching (lunch price with wine included).
October 19th, Cortona half touring day
In the morning we're off to Cortona, that famed locale of 'Under the Tuscan Sun', for a guided tour, a little shopping and lunch on your own. That afternoon we return to Gargonza to knit awhile before resting and readying for supper at 7:00 pm.
First, the splendor of Sienna with its famed Campo and wonderful knitting shops and then the peace and tranquillity of a working Benedictine monastery with stunning frescoes and a little shop that still sells monk-made healing potions. Does it get any better? Supper that evening in the Castillo.
October 21st, Volterra (full touring day)
Volterra is one of those towns of which travellers never tire. Not only is it deep in the ancient Etruscan land for which the region is named with one of the best Etruscan museums in the country but it offers so many interesting little nooks and crannies to explore including an impressive Roman amphitheatre. Our bus will take us here and leave us for many hours of independent exploration. The town's size is contained between the ancient walls and like all Tuscan hill towns, offers something for everyone.
Supper at our castle that evening.
October 22nd, Knitting in the morning with a cooking class in the afternoon
Here's a day to indulge in all the things you love (again): knitting, cooking and eating. Just add wine and stir. Our final supper at Gargonza will include dishes cooked by us and, of course, we'll need a little wine to help flavor the stew…or pasta…
October 23rd, Return to Florence
This morning, we're on our way, leaving Gargonza in the morning to return to Florence for a free afternoon of exploring and the last official evening of the trip. That evening, we share a farewell dinner at a local restorante near our inn before saying good bye, filled with dreams, memories and a longing to return.
October 24th - We're off…
  The tour includes:
*NOTE: There are two pricing options for accommodations—'superior' and standard. Even standard is lovely, by the way, and most people who chose this option in the past were very satisfied. The difference is most apparent in Gargonza where small apartments with tea-making facilities and sitting areas make up the difference. This year, Gargonza, OUR CASTLE AWAY FROM HOME, is looking at another option for 'standard' and that is a newly-renovated building with a knitting area and kitchenette to share with your knit-mates. I'll keep you informed on that one. Either way, think true authentically Tuscan ambiance (cedar beams, old stone, great views) with modern Italian-designed bathrooms! Hey, the Tuscans aren't into keeping bathrooms at the same vintage as their ancient walls! Dante may have slept in Gargonza but we don't need to do things the same way he did when he…well, never mind. Even pilgrims have their progress.
NOT INCLUDED:
PRICE PER PERSON standard accommodations (Gargonza and in Florence) double occupancy= $3,750 US PRICE PER PERSON standard accommodations (Gargonza and Florence) single occupancy = $4,450 US A $700 single supplement applies to both kinds of accommodations
PRICE PER PERSON SUPERIOR for apartment with kitchenette and fireplace (Gargonza and superior accommodations in Florence) = $4,200 US pp double occupancy PRICE PER PERSON SUPERIOR for apartment with kitchenette and fireplace (Gargonza and superior accommodations in Florence) = $4,900 US single occupancy LOOKING FOR A ROOMIE? LET ME HELP.
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Posted by Jane on 06/02 at 07:40 AM
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Tuesday, February 27, 2007
KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream
Knitaly08 gathers for a wine tasting
Dream your way into reality…Knitaly 10 Unfolds
"I was privledged to be part of the group in 2008. All I can say is beg, borrow or collect deposit soda cans to pay for this trip. It is beyond wonderful. As a knitter it was a fabulous treat to be with like-minded folks but there is sooo much more to this excursion. Jane and Company are supurb hosts, accomodations great and AHHHH the food! Do what you must to get there!" Diana Tagley
OCTOBER 14th to Sunday, October 24th, inclusive
This year's Knitaly will begin with two nights in Florence before moving into the Tuscan countryside.
This trip will appeal to those who:
- consider themselves a traveller rather than a tourist and are both concious of and interested in the culture of the land
- appreciate art, history, beautiful scenery, fine food, shopping and more fine food with lots of knitting (or not) on the side.
- do not want the herd mentality of a one-size-fits-all mega tour but prefer to join up with like-minded voyagers linked by common interests.
- enjoy a balance of touring with big dollops of dolce vita with food and relaxation amid the touring, shopping and knitting.
- see that travel can be comfortable while still adventurous with a balance of activities for body, soul and mind.
- and, of course, a love of knitting or beading helps, though is not a prerequisite. As you can see from the itinerary, multiple activities exist for all interests so bring your companions. No husband or non-knitting companion has been known to complain. My husband will we joining me.
Below, you'll find the story of the first two Knitaly tours to give you the flavor of these unforgettable excursions where small groups of like-minded people explore one of the world's most beautiful places.
NOW ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS FOR OCTOBER FOR KNITALY'10.
Photos of Knitaly 07 & 08:
The essence of Tuscany, despite the illustrious history, the immense cultural influence of the Renaissance, is all about living simply and well. It's about savoring every nuance of flavor and beauty and about finding such pleasures in everyday things. For this very reason the name 'Tuscan' ends up being applied to everything from restaurants to home products and why I can't get enough of Italy's most famous region. Despite the romanticism behind all things Tuscan, in truth, Tuscans are realists: they know that life is short and take steps to live every minute to the fullest. Live well. Live now. Shouldn't we all strive to live that way?
If you've never been, maybe 2010 is your year to immerse yourself in an excursion into the meaning of le dolce vita. Whether as a single knitter seeking comfort and companionship in the company of like-minded new friends or as part of a pair where even a spouse who blanches at the thought of a 'knitting tour' can find delight, this trip is for you.
Your hosts:
Me, checking out an eatery
John checking out a guide book
The Duomo in Florence, centuries old but will still take your breath away
Florentine Markets
Our amazing guide, Francesca Ermini
Gargonza via San Gimiagno
San Giminagno—view from the tower
Wall art
- Castillo Gargonza, our hotel, is a destination in itself. Tucked high in a cedar forest, this 13th century walled hamlet has been transformed into a residence/hotel perfect for our knitting adventure. Dante entered these gates centuries ago but don't let it's great age and illustrious past deter you: these accommodations are very comfortable and modern in the places where modern counts (like bathrooms). Some accommodations are apartments with fireplaces, sitting areas and kitchenettes, others are more standard. Check your options at the bottom of this page for preferences. The hotel describes itself thus:
"Upon entering the small village, you'll find yourself in the piazzetta with its tower and water well, followed by the city wall, the small lanes, homes and gardens. Even today, the village homes maintain the names of the original inhabitants: Fattore, Niccolina the seamstress, Celso the gamekeeper… Surrounded entirely by woods, grape-vines, olive trees, and rolling hills. This is Gargonza, a village that was brought back to life thanks to the love of Roberto Guicciardini Corsi Salviati.
Nestled in the heart of the Tuscany region, in Val di Chiana, near Arezzo and Monte San Savino, the Castle of Gargonza is today a bed and breakfast and residence vacation homes. It also offers a swimming pool, a restaurant and meeting rooms which have skillfully maintained the authentic character of the original antique village."
Tea in Gargonza's garden 08
Knitting in the garden 07
Workshop in progress 07…
Workshop 08
Patricia, my guest designer, leads Tuscan Tiles
Cortona…it really is this lovely
Lunch awaits
Local produce, fabulous and unberlievably delicious at Chianti Cashmere
Tuscan terracotta
Free range feather & fanning
Works in progress Knitaly07
Alberta shares life in Siena, Knitaly07
Torre Sienna
Ancient Etruscan Gate
Every street, a stroll through fascination
Tuscan hills…
Cortona on a slant…
Posted by Jane on 02/27 at 02:43 PM
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From the entry 'KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream'.
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| By Mary Bowman-Kruhm on 2010 02 06 |
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From the entry 'KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream'.
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| By Diana on 2010 02 06 |
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From the entry 'KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream'.
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| By Helen on 2010 02 05 |
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From the entry 'KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream'.
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| By Brandy on 2008 06 03 |
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From the entry 'KNITALY! 2010 Knitting the Tuscan Dream'.
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| By Mary Bowman-Kruhm on 2007 04 18 |
