Back in 1997, &quot;The Lowes&quot; posted a similar message regarding foodie tours of Tuscany. I am looking to plan something similar (villa lodging, culinary adventures, and occasional side trips to Florence, Rome, Pisa, Venice, whatever is close), but have no desire to rough it. I drive and cook and clean year 'round and want a break while enjoying some fantastic Italian food, wine, and sights.<BR><BR>First hand info or suggestions would be welcomed.

It's not clear to me from the phrase &quot;culinary adventures&quot; if you are interested in cooking classes or not, but this recent thread may have useful information for you either way:<BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&amp;tid=34401208<BR><BR>(Foun d it with a text search for &quot;cooking and tuscany&quot; if you'd like to find other similar info here.) <BR><BR>The shawguides site seems particularly comprehensive.

Thanks for the thread pointer. I already explored Shaw Guides, but was hoping for hands on stories from Fodorites.<BR><BR>Clarification: in this case, culinary means we want someone to cook delicious local cuisine for us; no hands on classes here.

Heidi, I have a fantasy vacation. I bought a book/cd combination called Menus and Music and it takes you to inns and restaurants in Italy. I've had so much fun just reading about the places and menus. But I think the most amazing trip to Italy would be one where you follow a trail of those places. Check out www.menusandmusic.com and follow the links to Italian Intermezzo.

Lordy lordy they ALL look so good! Where do I start?<BR><BR>Concentrate. I must concentrate on Italy...

BTW, Grasshopper, enjoy London. I was just there two weeks ago. Believe it or not, we had a delicious time!

Fred Plotkin's terrific book, Italy for the Gourmet Traveller, seems to be about to come out (or has just come out)in updated fashion. I find the April 2003 book listed on amazon UK, but NOT on amazon in the US where the 1997 version is still the only one listed. Worth checking out.