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Culinary Vacations: Last

Join us for 7 days and 6 nights in the most famous wine region in the world, and discover the gastronomic and historic heart of France. The first pages of French history were written in this region of chateaux, monasteries and medieval villages. Discover all the region has to offer on a culinary adventure focusing on the culture, history, and of course the great food & wine of the region with your Laguna Culinary Arts Adventures travel team!

Summary of our Burgundian Adventure:
We have created a very special trip for you, full of culinary and cultural adventure. Our home for the week will be a beautiful “hameau” or hamlet located in the forest, just outside the village of Savigny-les-Beaune, in the heart of the Cote D’Or. This luxurious yet comfortable property has well appointed guest rooms, comfortable family-style sitting rooms, and lovely grounds situated within acres of private forest & parkland.
Our itinerary has plenty of choices, allowing you the flexibility to be involved with as much as you want each day – visiting local markets, medieval villages, and of course the important city of Beaune – the capital of the Burgundian wine trade and an important political and historic site as well. We’ve arranged some very special wine tasting events and dining experiences to showcase the regional cuisine. As always, there will be plenty of time for shopping, hiking, bicycling, or just relaxing in our beautiful hameau.

In addition to having our own French Chef Laurent prepare our meals, our voyage includes 2 cooking classes, one of which will be taught by guest chef Maurice Brazier, who was born & raised nearby and spent the early years of his career working under local chefs before travelling the world. He has cooked for dignitaries & royalty throughout the Mediterranean. You will also enjoy several meals out, at authentic local Burgundian restaurants. The classes are optional of course, but if you want even more cooking, you are always welcome to join the chef in the kitchen at any time to assist in preparation.

	Sunday Early afternoon group transfer from Dijon to our lovely hameau in the forest of Savigny-les-Beaune. Welcome hors d’oeuvres and aperitif. Freshen up in your room; relax on the grounds. Sumptuous buffet dinner at the hameau.
	Monday Breakfast. Morning departure to the famous vineyards of Montrachet for a private tour of the Leflaive vineyards, followed by a wine-tasting lunch. Afternoon visit to a tonnelerie (barrel maker). Aperitif, followed by dinner at the hameau.
	Tuesday Breakfast. Morning departure to Fontenay Abbey, followed by lunch in a nearby historic village. Early evening cooking class at the hameau, followed by aperitif and dinner.
	Wednesday Breakfast. Morning departure to Noyers, a Roman-era village surrounded by ramparts on the river Serein, for the local “artists” market. Lunch in the nearby town of Vezelay, another Roman-era village and pilgrim destination for it’s Basilique Ste-Madeleine, whose relics are believed to have the power to free captives. Evening aperitif, followed by dinner at the hameau.
	Thursday Breakfast, followed by morning cooking class in our kitchen at the hameau, followed by lunch. Afternoon departure to Beaune for a visit to the “Hotel Dieu,” private wine tasting & restaurant dinner in town.
	Friday Breakfast. Morning departure to Nuit-St.-George for market & town visit. Picnic lunch back at the hameau, followed by a free afternoon to relax or explore Savigny-les-Beaune. Evening Farewell Dinner at the hameau.
	Saturday Breakfast. Group transfer to Dijon. Bon Voyage!

Culinary Vacations: Past
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2007 Culinary Adventure to Provence, France
Rediscover the simple pleasures of life in the French countryside as you rejuvenate your mind, your palate and your soul.
Relax in our beautiful chateau overlooking the Luberon Valley, and experience the serenity & natural beauty of old Provence with it’s scented landscape full of lavender, rosemary and thyme.
Dates: Sunday, May 27 – Saturday, June 2, 2007
or Sunday, June 3 – Saturday, June 9, 2007

2006 Culinary Adventure to Toscana, Italy
Explore the back roads of Tuscan countryside!
Gourmet food & wine, cooking classes, private winery tours in the Chianti Classico region, horseback riding, and plenty of time for relaxation of our own Tuscan farmhouse.
Dates: Sunday, May 21-Saturday, May 27, 2006
or Sunday May 28-Saturday, June 3, 2006

2005 Sonoma Valley, California
Culinary Adventure to the Wine Country
Explore the back roads of California’s premier wine region. Gourmet food & wine, cooking classes, private winery tours, vineyard picnics and a chance to work the 2005 harvest!
Dates: Thursday Oct 13 - Monday Oct 17, 2005

2005 Culinary Voyage to Catalonia
A Culinary Adventure in Northeastern Spain!
From rugged coastlines to jagged peaks, with vast vineyards in between, the northeastern corner of Spain offers a rich and varied palette to rival even the likes of Tuscany! Discover a unique culture full of art, history, and of course great food and wine with your Laguna Culinary Arts Adventures travel team!

Dates:
Week 1: Monday to Sunday, May 23 to May 29, 2005
Week 2: Monday to Sunday, May 30 to June 5, 2005

Historical Significance of the Region:
The Romans settled in the region in the 3rd century BC, building great structures for governance and civic life that still exist today. When Rome’s dominance faltered in the 8th century, Christendom began to encroach into the region from the north, resulting in the construction of magnificent gothic monasteries and cathedrals. Over the centuries the region’s internal politics turned ugly, resulting in Catalunya being annexed by Spain. Struggles for independence failed, and signs of recent civil war are still visible. However in spite of its rough modern history, the region’s art and architecture are renowned. Three of the giants of 20th century painting, Picasso, Miro and Dali, began their careers here, and the architectural fantasies of Gaudi and his followers can be seen all over Barcelona. The region is also important for its production of high-quality wine and cava (Spanish sparkling wine).

Summary of our Voyage:
We have created a very special trip for you, full of culinary and cultural adventure. Our home for the week will be the Arianella de Can Coral, a lovely masia (Spanish manor house) about an hour from Barcelona overlooking the vineyards of the famous Pened’s wine region.
Our itinerary has plenty of choices, allowing you the flexibility to be involved with as much as you want each day – visiting local markets, museums and bodegas (wineries), bicycling through the vineyards, learning how to dance flamenco – with plenty of time to relax in the grounds of the masia or at the poolside. Our voyage includes 3 cooking classes: 2 that will be held at a Spanish cooking school on the coast, and one informal class led by Chef Laurent Brazier, Executive Chef Instructor at Laguna Culinary Arts, in our own kitchen. We’ll also take an overnight excursion to Montserrat, an unforgettable mountain-top retreat.

Itinerary
Monday:
Group transfer from Barcelona airport or selected Barcelona hotels. Welcome hors d’oeuvres and aperitif. Freshen up in your room. Buffet dinner at the masia.
Tuesday:
Breakfast at the masia. Cooking class in Coma-Ruga, followed by lunch. Afternoon visit to a local bodega (winery) for tour and wine tasting. Dinner at the masia. After-dinner music and games.
Wednesday:
Breakfast at the masia. Visit to the charming seaside city of Tarragona, home of impressive Roman ruins and the 12th century gothic Cathedral of Santa Tecla. Delightful walking city with plenty of shopping. Lunch with group in Tarragona, followed by a free afternoon. Dinner at the masia followed by Flamenco dancing lessons.
Thursday:
Breakfast at the masia. Cooking class in Coma-Ruga followed by lunch. Afternoon excursion to Montserrat, where we will spend the night on the mountain at Hotel Abat Cisneros. Guests are free to explore the site, which includes the monastery, a museum and a mountain full of trails, caves, etc. Dinner at the Hotel restaurant.
Friday:
Breakfast at the Hotel. Free morning for continued exploration of Montserrat, followed by lunch at the Hotel restaurant. Return to masia followed by a free afternoon. Dinner at the masia followed by games and music.
Saturday:
Breakfast at the masia. Visit to the nearby village of Villefranche for Saturday market day. Tour and tasting at another local bodega, followed by picnic lunch on the property. Free afternoon. Informal cooking class with Chef Laurent at the masia, followed by our farewell dinner.
Sunday:
Breakfast at the masia. Group transfer to Barcelona airport.

2004 France
Culinary Voyage to the Perigord Noir
We all experienced a unique culinary voyage in the Perigord Noir, truly the most beautiful region of the southwest of France – renowned for its well-preserved prehistoric caves and Medieval architecture, and its magnificent culinary contribution to the world: foie gras.
Historical Significance of the Region:
The long and storied history of the region is evident in the numerous Medieval villages, churches, manors and ch‚teaux, tucked between steep cliffs, river and forests. The River Dordogne threads through the region and allows us to enjoy numerous outdoor activities, including canoeing or boating, hiking, fishing, and even rappelling for the more adventurous. Many historic sites still survive from a local heritage dating back 4,000 years. The villages of Beynac and La Roque-Gageac are officially classed as among “the most beautiful villages in France.” The castle at Castelnaud la Chapelle was a stronghold in the Religious wars; the caves at St Christopher were inhabited 40,000 years ago, and again throughout the Bronze Age and in Medieval times. These are but a few of the destinations on our agenda.
Summary of our Voyage:
We have created a very special trip for you – full of culinary and cultural adventure. In addition to having our own French chef to cook with us and for us, and to open our eyes to the bounty of the traditional open-air markets, we will be staying in our own private 18th century chateau, Chateau de Lacoste, overlooking the River Dordogne and the surrounding countryside.
Our itinerary has plenty of choices, allowing you the flexibility to be involved with as much as you want each day – visiting castles and prehistoric caves, canoeing down the Dordogne, visiting the region’s markets, learning the secrets of foie gras – with plenty of time to relax in the gardens of the Chateau or at the poolside. Our voyage includes 2 cooking classes that will be held in the large chateau kitchen, led of course by Laurent Brazier, Executive Chef instructor at Laguna Culinary Arts, and renowned chef-owner of Picayo restaurant in Laguna Beach. We have planned some fun “theme” evenings to take full advantage of our incredible surroundings, with games and music each evening following dinner.
Sunday
Group Transfer from Brive or Sarlat train station. Welcome hors d’oeuvres and aperitif. Freshen up in your room. Buffet dinner at the Chateau prepared by chef Laurent Brazier.
Monday
Breakfast at the Chateau. Visit to La Roque Gageac prehistoric and medieval caves. Canoe trip down the Dordogne, past several chateaux, churches and castles to our lunchtime picnic site. Free afternoon followed by a cooking class with Chef Laurent at the Chateau. After-dinner Petanque lessons.
Tuesday
Breakfast at the Chateau. Join Chef Laurent at the Cenac market – or catch up with the group at the plaza in Domme (the best defended Medieval city of its time). Guided tour of the city, followed by free time to shop, tour the churches or caves. Picnic lunch at Castlenaud la Chapelle in the walnut orchards at the local walnut mill and museum. Afternoon options include: tour of Castelnaud, walking through the local hillsides, or relaxing at the chateau. Dinner in La Roque Gageauc, followed by games and music back at the Chateau.
Wednesday
Breakfast at the Chateau. Visit to Montignac market and Lascaux II caves (prehistoric cave paintings). Picnic lunch along the River V’zËre, followed by a visit to La Roche St. Christophe cave dwellings. Pool party grill-out at the Chateau – wear your Caribbean best and boogie to French Reggae!
Thursday
Breakfast at the Chateau. Morning cooking class with Chef Laurent in the Chateau kitchen, followed by lunch at the Chateau. Free afternoon for activities of your choice, including canoeing, visit to Benyac, Petanque, walking/hiking in the region, golf at a nearby course, or relaxing poolside. Dinner at the Chateau followed by games and music.
Friday
Breakfast at the Chateau. Visit to the Medieval city of Sarlat, including a visit to a foie gras fabrication plant. Free day in Sarlat. Formal “Medieval” dinner party at the Chateau, followed by games and music.
Saturday
Breakfast at the Chateau. Group Transfer to Sarlat or Brive train station.

The History of Chateau de Lacoste
Chateau de Lacoste is situated in Castelnaud la Chapelle on the border of the Dordogne River in the heart of Perigord Noir. The chateau is a romantic 18th century family home surrounded by medieval castles. The original construction was a tower to defend thevalley of the Ceou as well as the Castelnaud chateau. The original owner, the Count de Bessou, was a chavalier, who gradually enlarged the tower and transformed the property into a manor house. The family was prosperous, and the chateau has remained in the family for many years. Under the influence of one of the descendents, Joseph de Bessou, who was a passionate architect, the chateau started to change form, turning into what we know today. The property today is a very beautiful, romantic place, where you can “walk around the grounds and let your dreams become reality.” The Bessou family relinquished control of the chateau when they went into exile during the French Revolution.
In the 19th century, the Baron de Bastard (a family of the southwest of France) was attracted to the Dordogne region. His wife, a distant relative of the descendents of the Bessou family, very much wanted to return to the region, and they fell in love with the chateau. Today the chateau is a national treasure of France. The Baron de Bastard has lovingly furnished the chateau and especially preserved the romantic atmosphere. The current owners, descendents of the Baron de Bastard, are proud to preserve the chateau as a family home, and are very happy to welcome Laguna Culinary Arts and its guests to appreciate its history, romance and beauty.

2003 Pacific Northwest Culinary Trip – Ashland, Oregon
August 28, 2003 – September 1, 2003
Here’s your opportunity to enjoy a culinary get-away that doesn’t require overseas travel! Join us as we explore the culinary delights of late summer in the Pacific Northwest. Laguna Culinary Arts has designed a 5-day, 4-night itinerary that includes all of the necessary elements of a fun and relaxing trip, including white-water river rafting, wine tasting, sightseeing, theatre, shopping, and of course, cooking and eating!
Our adventure is based in historic Ashland, Oregon, a beautiful little pioneer town tucked into the eastern foothills of the coastal mountain range just north of the California border. Small but sophisticated, Ashland today is best known as home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, this year presenting a selection of eleven plays throughout its 9-month season. A college town (Southern Oregon University), Ashland’s historic downtown boasts many fine restaurants, interesting shops that showcase the local craftspeople and their exquisite wares, and luscious parkland, in addition to its famous theatres. Although we’ll venture out of Ashland for a couple of day trips, our last night will be in town – we’ll dine at Amuse, an eclectic local restaurant serving menu items that fuse French and pacific northwest cuisines, and enjoy Shakespeare’s classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the outdoor Elizabethan Theatre.
In addition to in-town activities, the parklands and gardens of Ashland alone are worth the trip. Lithia Park, a National Historic Site, is called the “jewel of Ashland.” 100 acres in size, literally in the middle of town, the mature trees and beautiful trails makes it wonderful destination for tourist and resident alike.
A few miles to the north of town, the Rogue River makes its run to the ocean, and just beyond the river is the historic county seat of Jacksonville, and the vineyard region of the Applegate Valley. Our trip includes excursions to the river, to Jacksonville, and to the Applegate Valley. Our river trip will feature an exciting 2Ω-hour white water rafting trip, followed by a leisurely picnic by the river. Our trip to Jacksonville will allow us time to explore the “Growers and Crafters Market” in addition to the historic downtown area, and will end with a foray into the Applegate Valley, for a tour of the Valley View Winery, including a tasting of their award-winning wines.
Many of Ashland’s historic homes and buildings have been converted into quaint inns and “B&B’s” to accommodate the flood of visitors that arrive to enjoy the theatre throughout the year. You will stay on a beautiful property in the historic garden district of Ashland, within easy walking distance of the downtown area. Proprietor Casey Mitchell has lovingly restored an historic home and guest house, which now comfortably accommodates 10 guests (double occupancy). The kitchen in the main house rivals the kitchen at Laguna Culinary Arts for size and functionality, and is a perfect setting for our hands-on cooking sessions. The gardens that surround the house are full of herbs in addition to beautiful plants and flowers, and the patio/deck off the kitchen has a spectacular view of the Rogue Valley to the east.
Itinerary
Thursday Afternoon: Settle into accommodations; overview of Ashland
Evening: Dinner prepared by Nancy & Megan
Friday Morning:
Continental breakfast at the Guest House
2-1/2-hour rafting trip on Rogue River (to work up your appetite!)
Lunch: Picnic lunch on the river
Afternoon: Free time in town for shopping, hiking, etc.
Evening: Cooking lesson and dinner at the Guest House – starts at 5pm
Saturday Morning:
Continental breakfast at the Guest House
Market trip to Jacksonville Growers & Crafters Market
Free time for shopping & site seeing in Jacksonville
Winery tour – Valley View Winery in the Apple Gate Valley
Lunch: Picnic lunch at the Winery
Afternoon: Return to Ashland – free time for shopping, etc.
Evening: Cooking lesson and dinner at the Guest House – starts at 5pm
Sunday Morning: Brunch buffet prepared by Nancy & Megan (guests are welcome to watch or assist).
Afternoon: Lunch (if you still want it after our brunch buffet) will be on your own in town, followed by a free afternoon for walking or hiking, sight seeing, shopping, etc.
Evening: Dinner at Amuse
Theatre: Midsummer Night’s Dream, Elizabethan Theatre
Monday Morning: Continental breakfast at the Guest House
Transport back to the airport