Victoria Truchan, Chef/Owner, C.I.A. ‘89

Flavors of Sicily -May 27th – June 3rd, 2017

Please take a look at this unique and exciting tour to the breathtaking island of Sicily. I will be hosting this tour with Barbara and Robert Seaver of “Request Italy and More.”

We will be staying at incredible hotels in Palermo and on the southeastern coast of Sicily between Taormina and Siracusa.

If you are interested in joining us on this exciting adventure, please take a look at the enclosed itinerary and phone me at 203-520-3984.

countryhousecuisine@ yahoo.com

THE FLAVORS OF SICILY

May 27-June 3rd, 2017

A Little Bit About Sicily

In the first half of the nineteenth century, before the Italian unification in 1861, there were many different kingdoms in Italy. The island of Sicily was part of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, referring to its two principal cities of Palermo in Sicily and Naples on the mainland of Italy. But for nearly 2800 years before that, Sicily was colonized and ruled by Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Saracens, Normans, Frenchmen and Spaniards. Though they often appropriated Sicily’s wealth and bounty for themselves, these peoples also left behind their rich culture and customs and influenced the Sicilian language as it evolved from Latin to the first romance language.

As a result, Sicily has its own unique and incredibly rich culture and archeological heritage that are evident all over the island. And we will be exploring and enjoying this beautiful island in comfort and style.

Our travel will take us to some of the most spectacular archeological and architectural treasures of Sicily, including the stunning Greco-Roman theatre at Taormina, the Valley of the Temples (7 of them!), gorgeous medieval churches of Norman and Byzantine styles, the Gulf of Naxos and the seaside resort of Tauromina, Mt. Etna, and the ancient Greek cities of Akragas (now Agrigento) and Siracusa, birthplace of its most famous native son, Archimedes. At times, Aeschylus, Timaeus, Pindar and even Plato resided in the city.

Vicky and the Seavers plan to take you on a trip to these wonderful locales and, along the way, you will experience some unforgettable meals. Our tour guides will be Rob and Barbara Seaver of “Request Italy and More,” whose sold-out trips to Lucca and Aix-en-Provence have brought pleasure to all.

If you have been on one of the Seavers' tours, we need not say more, as you know you are in for a spectacular visit. If you haven't been on one of their tours, just ask those who have, and you will

want to join us.

We anticipate that this tour will be sold out, so even though we list a reservation deadline of December, we urge you to get in your reservation as soon as possible in order to guarantee yourself a spot.

Request Italy and More To make your experience more complete and unique, our guides, travel expert Barbara Seaver and Amherst and Yale educated Art Historian Robert Seaver, will make this charming and historic region come alive for you. Barbara and Robert are recognized experts in the fields of fashion, art, antiques, and art history. They will introduce you to their private circle of favorite artisans and locations in a manner that few visitors get to experience.

Chef Victoria Truchan

Chef Victoria is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, with degrees in both Culinary Arts and Pastry. She graduated with high honors and was awarded the coveted Pastry Fellowship and cited as one of the Ten Best Student Chefs for 1991, representing the C.I.A. at the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado (getting a chance to work with Julia Child!). She has trained under some of the best French pastry chefs both here and in London (Anton Mosimann) and went on to work as Head Pastry Chef at Restaurant Christian Bertrand (formerly of Lutece, NYC), and Jacques Thiebeult and Tomas Henkelmann of Greenwich’s Relais Chateau Homestead Inn. Before starting her own successful catering company ‘Country House Cuisine’ in 2006, she ran the pastry department of the legendary Stonehenge Inn in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Itinerary

Friday, May 26 – We depart from JFK and travel via Rome to Palermo on the island of Sicily.

Saturday, May 27 – Arrival in Palermo. After you gather your luggage, we will meet you at the airport to board our bus and settle in at our hotel. Then we will explore Palermo and enjoy a group dinner.

Palermo

Sunday, May 28 – Explore Palermo with Rob. Possible activities include a tour of the famous opera house of Palermo, Teatro Massimo. Those of you who have seen The Godfather Part II will recognize the opera house. We also hope to take in a performance while we are in Palermo.

Cathedral of Monreale

Monday, May 29 We visit the city of Monreale on the slope of Monte Caputo, overlooking the fertile valley called "La Conca d'Oro" (the Golden Shell), famed for its orange, olive and almond groves that dominated the landscape until the 20th century. The medieval Cathedral at Monreale is the greatest example of Norman architecture in the world. You will never forget its breathtaking mosaics. Afterwards, we will enjoy a group lunch in the countryside.

Tuesday, May 30 – Our bus takes us to the gorgeous resort city of Taormina on the eastern coast of Sicily, where we will visit the famed ancient Greco-Roman theatre and enjoy a group dinner. Taormina was founded in the 4th century BCE and was an early Greek and (later) Roman town. It is said to be an "achingly beautiful spot with gorgeous medieval churches, a stunning Greek theatre and sweeping views over the Gulf of Naxos and Mt. Etna" (Lonely Planet). It was rediscovered by tourists in the 19th century and was a favorite spot of Goethe and D.H. Lawrence.

Gulf of Naxos below the hillside resort of Taormina

View of Mt. Etna from the Greco-Roman theater at Taormina

Wednesday, May 31 – Today we will visit beautifully preserved ancient Greek temples at Agrigento (called Akragas by the Greeks), enjoy a group lunch and continue to Siracusa.

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento

The Temple of Concord at Agrigento

Thursday, June 1 – We will spend the morning in Siracusa (Syracuse), rich in Greek history and famed as the birthplace of the preeminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes. We will visit the archaeological park of Siracusa with its famous theater and amphitheater as well as visit the famous Archaeological Museum. After a group lunch, we will enjoy a walking tour of the historic center of the ancient Greek city, the lovely island of Ortigia.

Noto

Teatro Massimo in Palermo Friday, June 2 – We will visit nearby Noto in the morning followed by lunch in this Baroque jewel. We will return to Siracusa after lunch where you will have the rest of the day to further explore the island of Ortigia. In the evening, we will have a spectacular farewell dinner..

Saturday, June 3 – We depart from Catania back to JFK.

*There will be three cooking classes with locally known Sicilian chefs, one in each of Agrigento, Siracusa and Palermo. Details will follow in an updated brochure. **We will be visiting some beautiful gardens as well, including the spectacular Villa Giulia and Botanical Gardens, both in Palermo.

Contact Information

In order to secure your place, please contact Victoria Truchan at 203-520-3984 or countryhousecuisine@yahoo.com. A deposit of $3,000 per person is required by November 15th to hold your reservation and to book the hotels. We have two travel agents available who can assist you in booking your flights. Note that the tour will only run if the 8 guest minimum is reached.

The Cost

Double Occupancy: $6,800 per person. Balance of $3,800 per person due by March 1. Single Occupancy: $7,675 per person. Balance of $4,675 per person due by March 1.

Almost everything you need is included so you can relax and just be swept away for a week of pure bliss.

• 7 nights luxury accommodations (double occupancy) • All meals: this includes everything from incredible dinners/wines at various restaurants,

and a traditional Italian breakfast every morning • Robert Seaver’s guided tours and selection of local wines • 2 cooking classes • garden visits • All tours, including any related ticket and admission costs • Round-trip transfer between hotels and airports at both Catania and Palermo

Not included: Airfare; items of a personal nature; taxes or duties on purchases; optional tours and private arrangements for pre- and post-tour travel; and airport transfers that deviate from the designated dates, airport location and/or time period.

All participants must be covered by personal insurance. We strongly recommend travel insurance and will be happy to provide resources for your consideration.

The Reservation Flavors of Italy, May 27-June 3rd All participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Certainly call or e-mail us to confirm your intent to join us, but please note that due to the very limited participation, we cannot hold space without payment and the signed reservation form. Please confirm your participation as soon as possible and be sure to mark the dates on your calendar. All our tours must reach a specific minimum participation level. Please do not purchase air arrangements or any additional non-refundable expenses for this trip until you receive notification from us. Please refer to the attached terms and conditions regarding our cancellation policy. Need additional information on the program? Victoria Truchan 203.520.3984 or email: countryhousecuisine@yahoo.com Extending your visit? Request Italy provides a complimentary initial consultation. Call Barbara Seaver at the toll free number listed above or email info@requestitaly.com. We will make every effort to return your call as quickly as possible, however, please allow up to 24 hours for a response. Yes, we would love to join you. Please confirm our reservation for: Single _________ Double _________ Sharing a room with: _______________

The enclosed deposit is for:

Your Names Home Phone ( )

Address Cell Phone ( )

Best method to contact you?

Email Best time of day?

Enclosed is my non-refundable deposit in the amount of $_____________________ ($3,000.00 per person). Make checks payable to: Country House Cuisine Mail to: Vicki Truchan, 1334 Sturges Highway, Westport, CT 06880

I (WE) have read, understand and agree to the terms and conditions including cancellation policies.

X___________________________________________ X___________________________________________

All requests are subject to availability at the time of your reservation. We will make every effort to accommodate you. Room preference ( please circle):

One double bed Two twin beds

(similar to queen size) Any special requests or needs? _ Would you like Request Italy to contact you regarding any pre-tour or post- tour itineraries? Y N

TERMS AND CONDITIONS The terms and conditions listed below govern and apply to Country House Cuisine as set forth in the brochure itinerary provided herewith (“the itinerary”). These terms and conditions are agreed upon by Client, identified below, and Country House Cuisine, its partners, representatives and owners.

Travel Insurance: All guests are required to be contracted for travel insurance. It is your responsibility to check that you have adequate insurance coverage. The insurance should cover, among other things, the cost of cancellation by you, personal losses, all medical costs and the costs of assistance including return to your country of residence in the event of an accident or illness. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the relevant travel and health documents before departure for the country you are visiting, which shall include, but is not limited to, any inoculations that may be required, identification and passport. Country House Cuisine shall not be liable for any expense incurred resulting from your missing, incomplete or incorrect documentation or any non-compliance with any domestic or international requirements.

Country House Cuisine shall not be liable for any damages or losses that may result from travel to any particular destination. The government of your country may help travellers stay safe overseas. Check with your government for the latest advice and conditions and general information concerning specific countries. Country House Cuisine shall not be liable to the Client for any loss, damage, costs, expenses or other claims for compensation arising from any fault of the Client, such as, but not limited to, any instructions supplied by the Client which are incomplete, incorrect, inaccurate, illegible, out of sequence or in the wrong form, or arising from their late arrival or non-arrival.

Agreed Itineraries: Independent Providers: Country House Cuisine has arranged various optional services through independent providers who have no legal affiliation to Country House Cuisine does not own or operate the equipment, vehicles or facilities used during these itineraries and assumes no responsibility for the negligent act and/or omissions of the provider. Chauffeur service, tours and all services set forth in the itinerary are subject to change or delay at any time due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Country House Cuisine . Planned events in Italy can change with very little notice or no notice whatsoever. Country House Cuisine reserves the right to change venues or scheduling if unforeseen circumstances, or circumstances beyond their control, are assessed as impacting the quality and integrity of the program. Should certain facilities, events, or areas be closed or unavailable, Country House Cuisine will take every reasonable effort to propose and organize similar alternative facilities, events, or areas, as applicable. All participants will be advised in advance of any required change.

Limits on Responsibility: Country House Cuisine is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to

personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from force majeure , illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labour activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, closure of borders, epidemic, natural catastrophe, food poisoning, medical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, and other causes that seriously affect Client or both parties and other unforeseeable causes beyond our control.

Cancellations: Deposit and final payments are non-refundable. If, for any reason, the tour is cancelled by Country House Cuisine , either prior to or during the course of the trip, all monies applied to the services and accommodations provided for as outlined in the itinerary that have not yet been distributed or are subject to a cancellation fee by the service provider, shall be fully refunded. Please refer to your travel insurance regarding refunds for trip cancellations. Adjustments or revisions to events, tours and excursions do not qualify as a cancellation.

Claims and Refunds: Claims and Refunds will only be processed by Country House Cuisine for services that are directly provided by Country House Cuisine. Claims must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the service and be accompanied by supporting documentation verifying the claim. Any adjustment considered will be based on the value set forth by Country House Cuisine for the service provided. Refunds will not be given for late arrival at a scheduled event or any missed services. All other claims and requests for refunds should be submitted by you directly to the appropriate vendor.

Traveller’s Risks: The Client assumes all risks associated with participating in the tour program, which may include walking and/or climbing in difficult terrain with steep ascents, descents, uneven cobblestones, farmland, stairways without handrails, unpaved walkways, dirt roads and stone steps. Some activities are not regulated by any industry safety standards and the Client assumes all risks associated therewith. The Client agrees to come properly attired for any type of weather conditions that may exist. The Client agrees to be responsible for monitoring his/her own dietary restrictions, allergies, including food allergies, and alcohol consumption. The Client is encouraged to check with his/her health insurance provider to ensure that his/her medical coverage extends to International travel.

Release of Liability and Indemnification: The Client agrees to release, hold harmless, indemnify and defend Country House Cuisine from any and all liability, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected in any way with participation in any activities by the Client, the Client’s travelling companions, minors, as well as any costs or expenses, including reasonable attorney fees incurred in connection with such claims.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL COUNTRY HOUSE CUISINE BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

Dispute Resolution: Country House Cuisine will always try to avoid any potential duress to the Client and work to find a reasonable solution. Country House Cuisine values it’s business ethics and goodwill and will demonstrate said qualities in the event of any conflict or unforeseen events. Country House Cuisine and the Client expressly agree that any disputes arising out of these terms and conditions shall be resolved by applying Connecticut law. Resolution shall be decided by one neutral arbitrator. The location for arbitration will be selected by Country House Cuisine. When the location assigned is in the United States, the arbitration will be governed by the rules of the American Arbitration Association. For arbitration held in Geneva, the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce will apply. Costs of arbitration, enforcement and attorney’s fees shall be borne by the losing party. The arbitrator shall not have the power to order pre-hearing discovery of documents or the taking of dispositions, but may compel attendance of witnesses and the production of documents relating to the specific matter only, at the hearing. Country House Cuisine must receive notice of any dispute in writing. Jurisdiction: These terms and conditions, and your acceptance of them by booking a service through us, are governed by Connecticut law, and both parties shall submit to the jurisdiction of the State of Connecticut at all times.