We have chosen Hotel Spadai in the heart of the historic district for our home away from home. This boutique hotel is steps away from the historic duomo and offers an elegant opulence for those who stay here. We’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast buffett with homemade pies and cakes, a wide selection of fresh fruit, cheeses, and regional meats with freshly baked pastries and prepared to order omlettes or pancakes every morning. The hotel offers a private spa for couples to enjoy with turkish bath, jacuzzi, and sauna that you can reserve for your private use. Additional services like massages can also be available.
When we arrive we will have a delicious meal that evening together, which is included in the tour. In Florence the cooking class will be one of our meals. For our Bologna Trip, we will have a food walking tour that afternoon which is also included.
For all the other meals on your own, you can choose your own adventure and pricing. I will be leading us to one of the more famous food markets and food stall places, which is pretty affordable (20 euros or less for a meal). There are a number of sandwich places for lunch around the area we are staying at. You’ll find that the food is much more affordable that in the U.S. and a higher quality. If you’re eating at a cafe you will spend a little more. But if you’re looking for a light snack a coffee bar will often have a cappucino and a cornetto (croissant) for 5-6 euros.
I will be providing a little guide of places and prices to all participants. I also encourge people to explore on their own and find little tucked away places that delight. My first trip to Italy over 20 years ago I found a little bar that sold ‘toast’ which is a grilled ham and cheese panini with a bottle of sparkling water for around 3 euros total. The prices haven’t changed much since. Enjoy the ride!
Jennie Olson Six 