Tickets from Thomas Cook

Secrets and taste of original Italian "Caffé Espresso" Sightseeing Tickets, Caf Tours, Florence

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:17:00 GMT

Let your senses indulge in an unforgettable journey through the aroma of the true Italian espresso coffee.

A break of pleasure to discover of the secrets of aromatic coffee blends and most irresistible and tempting preparations: Mocaccino, Nocciolino, Caramellino and other delicatessen/specialities.

An expert will welcome you in the most famous Coffee-Store in the historic centre of Florence, also specialised in biological coffee, disclosing you the features of different coffee qualities and different roasting. He/She will show you how to use the famous espresso and moka machines properly and will transform you into a passionate connoisseur of this scented drink. You will taste and appreciate the differences between two types of coffee: aromatic notes of Arabica coffee and density of Robusta coffee. You will enjoy the true and irresistible Italian cappuccino and its finely whipped cream, served with delicious homemade biscuits.

An Italian lifestyle experience, whose aroma can follow you back home or at your friends home, thanks to a package of prestigious personalized blend, exclusively prepared for you by our Coffee-Store expert.

Language: Italian, English

Minimum number of participants: 2

Maximum number of participants: 10

Includes: Expert assistance, tasting of two types of espresso coffee, Cappuccino, homemade biscuits.

Times: Tues & Fri @ 15:00 hours

ALL YEAR ROUND EXCEPT AUGUST

Excluding 25 December & 1st January

Running Time: 45 minutes (explanation) entire length 1 hour approx.

Please arrive 10 minutes before departure at Caffetteria Chiaroscuro Via del Corso, 36/r.

The Taste of Tuscany - Superior Red Wine Selection Sightseeing Tickets, Caf Tours, Florence

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:12:00 GMT

The taste of Tuscany: Guided wine tasting dinner with Tuscany Superior Red Wines, Chianti Classico and D.O.P. typical products.

Enjoy and smell the genuine flavour of Tuscany, warmly welcomed in a typical Florentine familiar atmosphere. In the ancient centre of Florence, inside a building dating back to the XV century, at a small historical wine house, the best quality selection of Tuscan wines will be presented and served to you, together with handicraft seasoned salami, bruschettas with a variety of extra virgin olive oils, delicious homemade canaps and a range of the best Tuscan pecorino cheeses, served with flavoured jellies. Guided by Francesco and Saras competence and passion, you will taste typical products and prestigious wines coming from Tuscan exclusive productions only, which can be rarely found elsewhere

Vino Bolgheri Superior red wine from the Tuscan Maremma area, dense and fruity raspberry flavour or flowers smelling, but also strongly persistent, made of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, 25% Merlot and 25% Sirah grapes.This wine is served with toasted home-made Tuscan bread (bruschette) and extra virgin olive oil from the Florentine hills, together with a precious selection of biologic extra virgin olive oils, flavoured with hot pepper, porcini mushrooms and truffle.

Vino Chianti Classico Riserva - Superior red wine coming from the famous hills of the Chianti Classico, a typical 100% Sangiovese wine with special and unique features.This wine is served with three Tuscan d.o.p. pecorino cheeses, each one of a different ripening, paired with jellies (flavoured with vin santo, vernaccia, chianti classic) and honey (flavoured with truffle). Vino Nobile di Montepulciano - Superior red wine from the Val di Chiana characterised by unique smell and body, 90% Prugnolo gentile grapes and 10% Colorino grapes. This wine is served with the famous Tuscan salamis of the Casentino region (ripe Tuscan raw ham, classic Tuscan salami, typical finocchiona or Tuscan sbriciolona) and with assorted canaps (tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese, Tuscan chicken liver sauce, truffle and cheese, fresh tomatoes).

Language: Italian, English, Spanish

Minimum number of participants: 1

Includes: tasting of three wines (as above described) and of typical products (as above described), served with water, salad and fresh fruits. Our skilled staff will guide you through the tasting.

Times: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat @ 19:30 hours

Excluding 25 December, 1st January & 15 August

Running Time: 2 hours approx.

Please arrive 10 minutes before departure at the MANGIAFOCO WINE BAR - Borgo Santissimi Apostoli, 26/r - 50123 Firenze.

The Taste of Tuscany - Superior White Wine Selection Sightseeing Tickets, Caf Tours, Florence

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:07:00 GMT

The taste of Tuscany: Guided wine tasting dinner with Tuscany Superior White Wines, Chianti Classico and D.O.P. typical products

Enjoy and smell the genuine flavour of Tuscany, warmly welcomed in a typical Florentine familiar atmosphere. In the ancient centre of Florence, inside a building dating back to the XV century, at a small historical wine house, the best quality selection of Tuscan wines will be presented and served to you, together with handicraft seasoned salami, bruschettas with a variety of extra virgin olive oils, delicious homemade canaps and a range of the best Tuscan pecorino cheeses, served with flavoured jellies. Guided by Francesco and Saras competence and passion, you will taste typical products and prestigious wines coming from Tuscan exclusive productions only, which can be rarely found elsewhere

Vernaccia di San Gimignano - Superior white wine produced in the Siena area, classic and unique, dry, flat and still, 100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano grapes. This wine is served with toasted home-made Tuscan bread (bruschette) and extra virgin olive oil from the Florentine hills, together with a precious selection of biologic extra virgin olive oils, flavoured with hot pepper, porcini mushrooms and truffle.

Vermentino - Superior white wine from the Maremma hills, coppery, dry, still and rather dense, 100% Vermentino grapes. This wine is served with three Tuscan d.o.p. pecorino cheeses, each one of a different ripening, paired with jellies (flavoured with vin santo, vernaccia, chianti classic) and honey (flavoured with truffle). 2006 Vintage Chianti Classico Red wine coming from the renowned hills of the unmistakable Chianti Classico area, dry and dense, 85% Sangiovese grapes and 15% Colorino black malvasia grapes. This wine is served with the famous Tuscan salamis of the Casentino region (ripe Tuscan raw ham, classic Tuscan salami, typical finocchiona or Tuscan sbriciolona) and with assorted canaps (tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese, Tuscan chicken liver sauce, truffle and cheese, fresh tomatoes).

Language: Italian, English, Spanish

Minimum number of participants: 1

Includes: tasting of three wines (as above described) and of typical products (as above described), served with water, salad and fresh fruits. Our skilled staff will guide you through the tasting.

Times: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat @ 19:30 hours

Excluding 25 December, 1st January & 15 August

Running Time: 2 hours approx.

Please arrive 10 minutes before departure at the MANGIAFOCO WINE BAR - Borgo Santissimi Apostoli, 26/r - 50123 Firenze.

Fresco Atelier in Palazzo Vecchio w/ Lunch Sightseeing Tickets, Caf Tours, Florence

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:43:00 GMT

The experience of renaissance painting on plaster.

Live the emotion, in Palazzo Vecchio, of painting on fresh plaster with the technique used by the great Renaissance artists who "frescoed" even the splendid rooms of the Palace of the Medici. True artists will assist you in the direct execution of a small fresco. On a base of natural terracotta, you will assist to the application of plaster, the creation of the pouncing with cartons, and finally the preparation of the colours followed by the colouring. You will acquire awareness of the value of the countless frescoes that embellish the cloisters, churches and palaces in Florence and the "small great" work of art that you have made and can take with you - will continue to narrate this marvellous city in the times to come. At the conclusion of the workshop (approximately 1 hour and a quarter), you will continue this experience by enjoying a Florentine lunch in a characteristic and historic restaurant (Giannino - Via Borgo San Lorenzo,33) in the ancient merchant open gallery in the heart of the Medicean district.

Included: museum guide, entrance to the museum, lunch with drinks.

Times:

Sat, Sun @ 10:20am (Now - 31 Oct 2009)

Sat ONLY : 10:20am (1 November 2009 - 31 March 2010)

Child Policy: Under 3 years - free (Please note that lunch is not included for Under 3); 3-14 years are 18.00 Euro.
Running Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Meeting Point: Please arrive 5 mins before start of tour at Piazza della Republica, in front of the Caff Gilli.

The Secret Passages of Palazzo Vecchio w/ lunch Sightseeing Tickets, Caf Tours, Florence

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:41:00 GMT

The emotional discovery of hidden places for small groups.

Experience the exciting discovery of the places and paths of Palazzo Vecchio that are not accessible to the general public and that have been made available for very small groups of people only recently (max.12). You will ascend the narrow passages of the Duke Gualtieris medieval stairway and you will discover an unexpected path beyond a door hidden by a painting, admire the precious and imposing coffered ceiling of the Salone dei Cinquecento and explore the Medicean Palace from a different and intriguing prospect. At the end of the audience (approximately 1 hour and a quarter), you will continue this experience by enjoying a Florentine lunch in a characteristic and historic restaurant (Giannino - Via Borgo San Lorenzo,33) in the ancient merchant open gallery in the heart of the Medicean district.

Included: museum guide, entrance to the museum, lunch with drinks.

Times:

Sat, Sun @ 10:20am (Now - 31 Oct 2009)

Sat ONLY : 10:20am (1 November 2009 - 31 March 2010)

Child Policy: Under 3 years - free (Please note that lunch is not included for Under 3); 3-14 years are 18.00 Euro.
Running Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Meeting Point: Please arrive 5 mins before start of tour at Piazza della Republica, in front of the Caff Gilli.

A Day in Rome Sightseeing Tickets, Caf Tours, Florence

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:39:00 GMT

A taste of eternity in the monuments, in the streets and in the squares of one of the most beautiful cities of the world.

A journey through history, from the origins of western civilization to our days, in a fabric of the city, UNESCO world heritage, which preserves exceptional testimonies from every age, from the imposing monuments of the old town to the paleochristian basilicas and to the masterpieces inherited from the Byzantine and Renaissance periods, from the artistic and monumental heritage of Papal Rome and of the Baroque period to the lively cultural dynamism of the modern city. Live the unique atmosphere of this city, which has been the melting pot of races, and the meeting place of cultures for millenniums. For this reason, the city has always been considered the emblematic capital of the Mediterranean. On your arrival in Rome you will be greeted by an expert local Guide who will lead you on an unforgettable walk to the discovery of the heart of the city. Be enwrapped by liveliness of Piazza di Spagna, with the splendid Spanish Steps (18th century) and Trinit dei Monti, admire the famous streets of luxury shopping surrounding the centre and then you reach the enchanting Trevi Fountain, always swarmed with tourists who desire to visit the place that is the symbol of the "dolce vita", the sweet life. Then, walking along the characteristic streets of the old centre you will reach the ancient Pantheon Temple (II century BC.) with the amazing open dome that is still the largest in the world. Finally enjoy the splendour of Piazza Navona, raised in the area of the ancient stadium of the Emperor Domitian, with, at the centre, the perfectly preserved wonderful "Fountain of the four rivers", a masterpiece by Bernini. At the end of the tour you will have free time to appreciate, among many other things, the famous Roman cuisine by having lunch in one of inviting restaurants of the city centre. Your driver will then take you for a wonderful panoramic tour during which you can admire the most important monuments of Imperial Rome: the Colosseum (72 AD), symbol of the city, the archaeological area of the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, with the impressive monument named Vittoriano and finally, on the other side of the River Tiber, you will reach Saint Peter's Square, the centre of Christianity, with the splendid Basilica dominated by the dome designed by Michelangelo and surrounded by Bernini's monumental colonnade. At the end of the visit, you will say goodbye to the city from the splendid panoramic terrace of the Gianicolo Park with a suggestive and warm embrace.

Included: Pick Up and Drop Off at the Hotel*, transport in luxury minivan, qualified English speaking driver-guide, tour of Rome with local guide, panoramic sightseeing tour

* For those staying in Hotels in the old town

Times: Thu, Sun @ 07:30am

From 1st April 2010: Thurs and Sun @ 8am

Child Policy: Pay Full Price
Running Time: 13.5 hours

Meeting Point: Please arrive 5 minutes before start of tour at Piazza della Repubblica, in front of the Caffe Gilli.

A Day in Venice Sightseeing Tickets, Caf Tours, Florence

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:33:00 GMT

The most romantic art city in the world.

Be part of the waterways dream that reflect elegant palaces with Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance faades, small and delicate bridges, magnificent portals of the patrician dwellings, bulb-shaped domes and golden mosaics. Enter the "calli" and discover small and green gardens behind ancient grates and be enwrapped by the magic of lightness and colours of blown glass created by master glassmakers. Discover a unique city in the world, built between the coast and open sea on an archipelago of 120 islands linked by 350 bridges. Discover the millenary history in which east and west interweave giving life to a refined and charming culture. It is a city of invaluable artistic patrimony and has been declared "heritage of humanity" by UNESCO. Venice is all this and much more and is waiting to offer you an unforgettable day that begins with meeting up with a local Guide who will reveal its treasures to you. Walking through the characteristic "calli" you will enter the ancient districts ("sestieri") in Santa Croce and San Polo where the salt flats of the ancient and powerful Republic of Venice are located, you will then proceed to the Rialto area, the first settlement of the village, with its characteristic fish and vegetable market, the Church of San Giacomo, the oldest of Venice, the famous Rialto bridge, the oldest of the four bridges crossing the spectacular Grand Canal. Crossing this wonderful bridge you will reach the district of San Marco that is the centre of trade and culture of the city. The heart of this district is the splendid and magnificent Piazza San Marco, the "most elegant lounge in Europe", overlooking the most famous monuments of Venice: the splendid Byzantine Basilica with four portals and wonderful golden mosaics, to be viewed inside, the Renaissance Clock Tower and the masterpiece of the Gothic Palazzo Ducale. Behind the Palazzo Ducale, from the Ponte di Paglia you can admire the famous Bridge of Sighs, that used to be crossed by the condemned people before entering prison, hence the name. After the end of the guided tour, you can find dozens of typical or elegant restaurants in the area around the square where you can taste the excellent Venetian cuisine. In the afternoon you will have free time to enjoy a romantic tour in one of the famous "gondolas", get to know the city better or dedicate some time to shopping and discovering the valuable crafts of the lagoon islands: the Murano blown glass and the Burano lace. Before leaving, you can stop at one of the famous historical cafs of Piazza San Marco and enjoy an authentic Venetian style pleasure.

Included: Pick Up and Drop Off at the Hotel*, transport in luxury minivan, qualified English speaking driver-guide, tour of Venice with local guide.

* For those staying in Hotels in the old town

Times: Tue, Fri @ 07:30am

Child Policy: Pay Full Price
Running Time: 13.5 hours

Meeting Point: Please arrive 5 minutes before start of tour at Piazza della Repubblica, in front of the Caffe Gilli.

The Treasures of Umbria: Perugia & Assisi, Trasiemo Lake Sightseeing Tickets, Caf Tours, Florence

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:29:00 GMT

The charm of nature, the seduction of art and the irresistible call from the spiritual heritage in the heart of Italy.

Be captured by the emotions of the natural scenery of the lake immersed in the green of cane thickets and surrounded by hills covered with olive trees, by a harmony emanated from old fabrics of the city of rare beauty, by the serenity generated by the powerful beauty of the spiritual places. Crossing the Tuscan countryside, the first town we meet is Passignano sul Trasimeno, a small medieval hamlet with city walls and a beautiful fortress, a famous tourist resort and a magical location to viewpoint onto the enchanting lake and islands. After this visit we proceed through evocative landscapes until we reach the hill on which the ancient city of Perugia rises. Evidence of its Etruscan origin is preserved in the travertine walls and in the well located in the village centre. Perugia is one of the popular Italian cities of art, with a beautiful square in which you can admire real architectural jewels like the superb Palazzo dei Priori (1293-1443) and the splendid Cathedral (1345) placed beside the Loggia (1423), and one of the masterpieces of sculpture with an invaluable artistic value (13th century), the elegant Fontana Maggiore (1275). The excursion continues until reaching the beautiful places where the patron saint of Italy, Saint Francis of Assisi (1181- 1226) lived, worked and died. On a lowland at the foot of Mount Subasio, the hill on which Assisi rises we first visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built around as a protection of the famous little church of the "Porziuncola", where Saint Francis acknowledged his vocation and founded the Order of the Minor Friars. In this place even Santa Chiara began her monastic life. Here you can also see the "rosebush without thorns", which continues to grow only in this magic place and that, according to a legend, originated from the contact of the Saint with a thorny bush. After the lunch break we reach the centre of Assisi where you will meet up with an expert local Guide who will accompany you on an exciting visit to the civil and religious artistic heritage of the city. Admire the splendid Gothic Basilica dedicated to Saint Chiara (1257) made in pink and white bands, the Renaissance Chiesa Nuova with the elegant Dome and the Roman temple of Minerva of which the first century AD faade remains. Discover the fourteenth century Monte Frumentario and finally visit the famous and beautiful St Francis Basilica, a UNESCO heritage monument, built with white-rosy stone coming from Mount Subasio. The wonderful frescoed cycles by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini and Lorenzetti are preserved inside the Basilica. Breathe the special atmosphere of serenity and joy that this city emanates and you will understand why it has been chosen as symbol of Peace by the delegates of the main religions in the world.

Included: Pick-Up and Drop-Off at the Hotel*, transport in luxury minivan,qualified English speaking driver-guide, tour of Assisi with local guide.

* For those staying in Hotels in the old town

Times: Wed ONLY @ 08:00am

Child Policy: Pay Full Price
Running Time: 11.5 hours

Meeting Point: Please arrive 5 minutes before start of tour at Piazza della Repubblica, in front of the Caff Gilli.

The Enchantment of the Liguarian Coast, Cinque Terra & Portovenere Sightseeing Tickets, Caf Tours, Florence

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:24:00 GMT

The great Art Cities near the coast and the famous Versilian Sea.

Dive into a "sea of beauty", and live an experience of emotional discovery of splendid art masterpieces, an exciting call from a famous seaside resort and a relaxing encounter with a splendid nature. Lucca is along the road that from Florence leads towards the coast. It is a refined city of art, surrounded by renaissance style tree-lined walls, interrupted by beautiful doors and impressive bastions. You can start with a beautiful walk along a stretch of the city walls, enjoy a wonderful overview on roofs, alleys, tower-houses, wonderful churches and aristocratic palaces of the city, and then move into the historical town centre, which is easy to visit because of its dimensions. Discover Piazza S. Michele, the heart of the city, with the splendid Basilica in white limestone (12th 14th century) and the splendid Palazzo Pretorio. Pass by the characteristic shops overlooking the squares and narrow roads and reach Piazza del Mercato where you can admire the particular shape built on the tracks of the Roman amphitheatre dating back to the second century BC. Then visit the famous Gothic Cathedral of San Martino (11th century) with the sculptural masterpiece of the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto and discover the characteristic Torre Guinigi with a huge holm on the top. After a short journey, we reach the splendid and flat Versilian coast, in the seaside town of Viareggio, famous for its beautiful beaches, for the wonderful "Liberty" architecture that characterizes many of its buildings and the long and exciting walk along "Viale del Mare" with cafschantant, restaurants, shops, and venues that are among the most elegant of the coast. Enjoy some free time to admire the architecture of the bathing establishments along the famous Viale Margherita, the chalet and cafs, including the Gran Caff Margherita, a Liberty style-building symbol of the city. You can taste the fragrant cuisine of Viareggio in one of the many restaurants on the seafront and, during the warmer seasons, take a dip into the warm Tyrrhenian Sea with the spectacular backdrop of the Apuan Alps white marble sparkling in the sun. Then, in the afternoon, we move inland and reach the famous city of Pisa, one of the most renowned worldwide, waiting for us with the glittering sight of Piazza dei Miracoli, UNESCO heritage, where the peerless masterpieces in marble rise from the green lawn. The famous Leaning Tower, the magnificent Baptistery, the stunning Cathedral, and the Monumental Graveyard, maximum expressions of the Romanesque architecture of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries which house works of immense artistic value.

Included: Pick Up and Drop Off at the Hotel*, transport in luxury minivan, qualified English speaking driver-guide.

* For those staying in Hotels in the old town

Times: Mon, Thu @ 08:30am

Child Policy: Pay Full Price
Running Time: 11 hours

Meeting Point: Please arrive 5 minutes before start of tour at Piazza della Repubblica, in front of the Caff Gilli.

Art & Scent of the Sea: Pisa, Lucca, Viareggio Sightseeing Tickets, Caf Tours, Florence

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:19:00 GMT

The great Art Cities near the coast and the famous Versilian Sea.

Dive into a "sea of beauty", and live an experience of emotional discovery of splendid art masterpieces, an exciting call from a famous seaside resort and a relaxing encounter with a splendid nature. Lucca is along the road that from Florence leads towards the coast. It is a refined city of art, surrounded by renaissance style tree-lined walls, interrupted by beautiful doors and impressive bastions. You can start with a beautiful walk along a stretch of the city walls, enjoy a wonderful overview on roofs, alleys, tower-houses, wonderful churches and aristocratic palaces of the city, and then move into the historical town centre, which is easy to visit because of its dimensions. Discover Piazza S. Michele, the heart of the city, with the splendid Basilica in white limestone (12th 14th century) and the splendid Palazzo Pretorio. Pass by the characteristic shops overlooking the squares and narrow roads and reach Piazza del Mercato where you can admire the particular shape built on the tracks of the Roman amphitheatre dating back to the second century BC. Then visit the famous Gothic Cathedral of San Martino (11th century) with the sculptural masterpiece of the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto and discover the characteristic Torre Guinigi with a huge holm on the top. After a short journey, we reach the splendid and flat Versilian coast, in the seaside town of Viareggio, famous for its beautiful beaches, for the wonderful "Liberty" architecture that characterizes many of its buildings and the long and exciting walk along "Viale del Mare" with cafschantant, restaurants, shops, and venues that are among the most elegant of the coast. Enjoy some free time to admire the architecture of the bathing establishments along the famous Viale Margherita, the chalet and cafs, including the Gran Caff Margherita, a Liberty style-building symbol of the city. You can taste the fragrant cuisine of Viareggio in one of the many restaurants on the seafront and, during the warmer seasons, take a dip into the warm Tyrrhenian Sea with the spectacular backdrop of the Apuan Alps white marble sparkling in the sun. Then, in the afternoon, we move inland and reach the famous city of Pisa, one of the most renowned worldwide, waiting for us with the glittering sight of Piazza dei Miracoli, UNESCO heritage, where the peerless masterpieces in marble rise from the green lawn. The famous Leaning Tower, the magnificent Baptistery, the stunning Cathedral, and the Monumental Graveyard, maximum expressions of the Romanesque architecture of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries which house works of immense artistic value.

Included: Pick Up and Drop Off at the Hotel*, transport in luxury minivan, qualified English speakingdriver-guide.

* For those staying in Hotels in the old town

Times: Wed & Sat @ 08:30am

Child Policy: Pay Full Price
Running Time: 11 hours

Meeting Point: Please arrive 5 minutes before start of tour at Piazza della Repubblica, in front of the Caff Gilli.