The Trip

Explore off-the-path Italian treasures, drink fabulous wine, eat mouth-watering pasta and enjoy the latest in dental technology on an unforgettable Italian adventure designed by Dennis Braunston of the Dental Learning Centers and his Italian friend Alessandra Gardino of M&G Expeditions.

Besides attending world-class dental seminars in ancient places, you will learn that “local knowledge” is what it’s all about in Italy thanks to the old-world family connections of Alessandra, a countess from one of Central Italy’s oldest families. One of your dental seminars will be held in Alessandra’s private 150 room palace in Italy’s best restored medieval village!

Itinerary

Day 0 – October 21: Departure for Italy – or consider flying a day earlier to enjoy an optional pre-night in Rome!

Day 1- October 22: Rome and Orvieto
Upon arrival in Rome, you will be transported by private bus from the airport to the beautiful village of Orvieto, a picturesque hill town built high on a plateau of volcanic “tufa” rock. Besides its spectacular cathedral, Orvieto is known for its mysterious Etruscan caves and delicious wine. After a little rest you can take an orientation stroll through this beautiful village. This afternoon you will meet the rest of the group for a welcome talk and glass of prosecco, before enjoying a welcome feast of local specialties. Sleep in a deluxe Orvieto hotel

Day 2 – October 23: Orvieto
If you are participating in the Dental Learning Centers workshop you will spend the morning learning about digital dental photography and imaging under the supervision of Dennis Braunston. If you are not participating in the seminar you can spend your morning exploring Orvieto’s grand “corso”, its ancient alleys and a spectacular Etruscan Necropolis just below the city walls. Everybody will then have free time to enjoy lunch, rest and view the very fresco that inspired Michelangelo to paint his “Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel. Later in the afternoon the celebrity chef Maurizio will teach you a few Umbrian cooking secrets after showing you his family’s private Etruscan tunnels. After your special time with Maurizio, you will enjoy an unforgettable “cave dinner”. Sleep in a deluxe Orvieto hotel

Day 3 – October 24: Orvieto, Deruta, Gubbio
This morning you will visit the private villa of a local wine maker to sample world-famous Orvieto Classico wine and enjoy a light lunch. You will then leave Orvieto to reach Gubbio, the best preserved medieval hill town in Italy.  En route you will stop to browse in the world-class ceramic production center of Deruta. Once in Gubbio you will become acquainted to this unique village during a brief stroll to a fabulous dinner at a great family owned restaurant. Sleep in a deluxe Gubbio hotel.

Day 4 – October 25: Gubbio
 If you are participating to the Dental Learning Centers workshop you will devote the morning to completing the seminar you started in Orvieto. The seminar will be held in an extremely ancient location, Palazzo Ranghiasci. The palace, which is an Italian Historical Monument (its floors and walls date back to 1310), is owned by Alessandra, grandchild of the last city Marquis, and owner of MG Expeditions.  Those who do not participate can take a funicular ride up the mountain on which Gubbio is built to take in an awesome view of the Umbrian plains and learn about Gubbio’s Patron Saint Ubaldo (a legendary medieval peacemaker who Dante penned into his Paradisio) from our excellent local guide. Each year 150,000 people gather to honor Ubaldo with the Race of the Candles (Corsa Dei Ceri). The Ceri Festival is second only to Siena’s Palio (horse race) as Italy’s largest folkloric festival. Everybody will then have free time to soak up the atmosphere of the village before heading back to Alessandra’s palace to learn a few ancient family recipes during a cooking class. Tonight you will enjoy a gala candle-light dinner at the palace. Menu highlights include crunchy “brustengo,” zesty Sagrantino wine, tasty local pasta dishes and delicious home-made tiramisu. Sleep in a deluxe Gubbio hotel.

Day 5 – October 26: Lake Trasimeno and Cortona
This morning you will say good bye to Umbria and hello Tuscany! First you will enjoy Lake Trasimeno, the largest lake in peninsular Italy, and then you will visit an award-winning olive oil mill that was Pavarotti’s favorite. The gently sloping hills around Trasimeno and the lake’s large surface make for a microclimate ideal for the growth of olives that produce a fruity but delicate extra virgin olive oil. In the late morning you will reach Cortona, a gorgeous Tuscan hilltown which was once an important center of Etruscan civilization. Cortona’s new-found fame can be attributed to its role in Francis Mayes’ novel “Under the Tuscan Sun.” Sleep outside Cortona in a beautiful country inn

Day 6 – October 27: Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano
Today you will travel to Montalcino where you will be introduced to one of Italy’s greatest red wines, the Brunello di Montalcino. After sampling this Sangiovese hybrid at a world-class winery, you will enjoy a Tuscan landscape so beautiful it is now protected by UNESCO's World Heritage Fund. Your day will culminate with two more tastings: pecorino cheese in the breathtaking Tuscan village of Pienza and “Vino Nobile” in the charming village of Montepulciano.  Sleep outside Cortona in a beautiful country inn

Day 7 – October 28: Florence
We will reserve plenty of time today for the spectacular city of Florence. A knowledgeable art historian will show you Michelangelo's David inside the Accademia Museum before leading you on a lovely walking tour through the historic heart of Florence. You will have the rest of the day to wander…visit more museums and churches, shop or just sit in a café near the Ponte Vecchio, people-watching in one of the world ' s finest cities. In the late afternoon you will meet to assess the workshop and take part in a final question and answer session. The day will end with delicious Tuscan red wine and an unforgettable farewell feast. Sleep in Florence in a centrally located charming hotel.

Day 8 – October 29: Early morning departure for the US, or beginning of your 2 nights post-trip in Florence.

What’s included in the trip:

• All accommodation in very nice hotels and charming country inns
• All transportation in private deluxe bus
• Airport transfers
• All breakfasts and one main meal per day (4 or 5 courses with house wine)
• Gala dinner at Ranghiasci Palace
• All local guides and entrances as per the itinerary, and a tour leader/main guide during the full duration of the trip
• 2 cooking classes
• 1 olive oil tasting and 3 great wine tastings

What’s not included in the trip:

• Airfare from and to the USA
• Medical and travel insurance
• Tips to local guides, main bus driver and M&G guide
• Personal expenses

 

8 days, 7 nights
$2,765 per person in double room (land only)
$435 single supplement
Workshop fee: $800 per dentist or staff attendee

Itinerary details:
2 nights in Orvieto
2 nights in Gubbio
2 nights in Tuscan countryside resort
1 night in Florence

Pre-night in Rome: $165 per person in double room
Post-trip in Florence: $445 per person in double room