More about the Trip to Italy

Last night, my husband and I were putting our two daughters to bed when our 11 year old told us that three friends in her class were going to a 6-week ski clinic at a nearby mountain. She said, “That would be fun mom, I would like to go too.” She told us that the clinic runs all day and the kids have to be there by 9am. Last week, they took a bus and one father accompanied the group. They were so tired after their day of skiing that they fell sound asleep on the bus ride home, even the father. 

All day, I thought. I know my husband was thinking the same exact thing, not that we were worried about her being out with others on her own. All day meant she would have to eat out with others and she is allergic to eggs, milk and has gluten sensitivity. That makes us a special family and when you add my allergies to tomatoes and sesame seeds, it becomes a challenge to eat out. I am sure a lot of you know what I mean, seeing how many e-mails we get with moms asking about allergens for their children.

So, as many of you already know, we had a contest and sweepstakes that ended in December, with a chance to win a trip to Italy cooking with Shauna and Danny, the Gluten Free Girl and Chef. We have now opened the doors to anyone who would like to book a room and join us in Lucca in May. So, if have ever dreamed of traveling to or back to Tuscany, this trip might just offer the piece of mind that you need when venturing out with serious food allergies or Celiac Disease. We promise an authentic time in a beautiful place, time together with others who share some of the same dietary inconveniences that many of us live with. Many of you have been calling with questions and we know this is a decision that needs to be thought through very well. Here, we share more details.

Q- How far is the villa from the airport?

A- The villa is located about 45 minutes away from the airport in Pisa Galilei or roughly a 3.5 hour drive from Milano Malpensa or Rome Fiumicino Airport.

Q- Is the villa within walking distance of shops?

A- The villa is situated in the hills above a small town where there are shops and restaurants. The town is not touristy, so you can take part in typical life in Italy when you are there. You can walk to town in less than 15 minutes or just drive down the hill. Many villas in Tuscany are often located at the end of long dirt roads that are very steep or in remote areas. Our villa is very easy to get to, convenient and beautifully maintained. The closest city is Lucca, which is less than a 15 minute drive from the villa. Many people say Lucca is their favorite town in Italy because it is a smaller city that offers a lot, yet can easily be visited on foot. It is much less touristy than Florence or Venice, so you can get a better feel for life in Italy.

Q- How will you ensure the food is gluten free and what about if I don’t have to eat gluten free?

A- We have rooms in two houses, the villa and the dependence. The villa kitchen is designated completely gluten free and will be thoroughly cleaned and ready for our guests, even sporting a brand new toaster! This is where Shauna and Danny will be cooking three gluten free meals in the afternoon, with dinner afterward. The dependance will be designated the wheat kitchen, with most options being made from einkorn wheat.  Breakfast will be served in both places and guests can choose their preference. We allow use of the kitchens when the cooking classes are not in session and there will be simple rules to follow when you get there, meaning basic respect for others. Each guest will have his own space in the refrigerators and pantry if he or she wishes to purchase food for meals at the villa.

Q- Is the villa organized like a hotel and will there be staff to answer questions?

A- The villa and the dependance are not hotels, they are comfortable, home-like settings. Although guests will have spacious rooms and a private bath, the living rooms, library, sitting rooms, etc. are common spaces. Employees of jovial will be staying at a guest house and will be available to answer questions and help out as needed. There is no hotel staff on the premises. The grounds are perfect for an early  morning or late afternoon walk and Paola, our pasta artisan’s daughter, is happy to accompany you. From someone like her who is local and has a long family history in this area, you can really learn a lot. When I was visiting last time, I learned that the guest houses, which are called the Lemon Houses, are called that because lemon trees were grown in huge pots, and because they would not survive the winter in Lucca, were moved inside for protection from the cold.

Q- Can I travel with a child?

A- Kids are most welcome, but call us before booking so we can choose a room most suited to your needs. There is a liberating feel to the abundant open space, a swing set, a warm pool and even chickens that kids will surely enjoy. Shauna’s house has a game room in the basement, so I am sure she would not mind sharing some toys.

Q- What can I see near the villa?

A- Italy is a relatively small country, so there are so many possibilities. Here are some driving times to the closer places of general interest.

Less than 1 hour by car- Pisa, Florence, Pietrasanta, Montecatini Terme, Viareggio, Garfagnana

Less than 2 hours by car- Siena, San Gimignano,Le Cinque Terre, Porto Venere and the Chianti wine region

I still remember the first time I visited San Gimignano about 25 years ago. We arrived at night and just walked around for hours. I was really stunned by the beauty of this town and in the morning, when the sun came up, wow, even better.

Q- How many meals are included?

A-We will provide a large breakfast each morning and four dinners in the evening around 7pm, including three cooking classes with Shauna and one welcome dinner with our pasta artisans. The trip is six nights and seven days, so there are two nights in which dinner will not be provided. Lunches are not included, as we imagine most people will be out sightseeing in Tuscany. In fact, we will have a nice list of authentic restaurants where you can eat gluten free too.

Q- Are the prices per room or per person?

A-The prices are per room, so a double room (at $2,250) with two people costs $1,125 per person.

If you have additional questions, please contact Heidi at 877-642-0644 or write her at heidi@jovialfoods.com. Some of you already know how great she is to talk to!