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CAU > Seminars and Study Tours > The Walled Cities and Wines of Umbria and Tuscany

The Walled Cities and Wines of Umbria and Tuscany

June 2-12, 2010

There is still space available in this program.
You may register online or by mail.

We believe that to appreciate wines we must understand their historical and cultural contexts and that the art, architecture, and culture of Umbria and Tuscany can be heightened immeasurably by having a glass of wine in hand. Consequently, we have persuaded two of CAU's most popular teachers to combine their talents on this tour of one of the most romantic corners of the world. Jeffrey Blanchard, academic coordinator for the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning's Cornell in Rome, will focus our attention on the buildings, the art, and the social history of the cities we visit, while Abby Nash, former restaurateur and past faculty member of Cornell's Hotel School, will introduce us to their appealing wines during tastings and tours of some of the region's most interesting vineyards.

From our two exquisite hubs, the Hotel Brufani Palace in Perugia and Hotel San Luca in Spoleto, we'll venture out by bus each day. The highlights of our art, architecture, and cultural interests will include tours of Montepulciano, Perugia, Arezzo, Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto, and Todi, each with wonderful squares, museums, ancient theaters, clock towers, convents, and palaces. We'll also visit wineries in Torgiano, Montelfaco, and Montefiascone, tasting and learning about the fresh and modern whites and the perennially superb reds. One day, we'll lunch on regional foods we cook ourselves. Other days, we'll dine at fabulous local restaurants. While developing our palate for olive oils and artisanal breads and cheeses, we'll gaze at spectacular hillsides and at some of the most beautiful walled cities and medieval villages in all of Italy.

Double occupancy:$8,995
Single supplement:$2,995
Fitness scale:Slightly strenuous. May require extended walking over uneven ground as well as the ability to climb stairs and to stand for considerable periods of time.

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