La Voce - The Voice
Notes from Villa Vita
A quarterly newsletter filled with random fun things regarding Italy and more  - please forward to friends, or if you prefer, use safe unsubscribe at bottom.      Grazie.
 

February 2010   

Lessons of Tuscany
 
at Il Borgo
 
Save over  $1000 per couple!
 
7 nights All Inclusive Tuscany
 
April 18th - 25th, 2010 Departure Only
  
While Space Lasts!
 
Call Now to take advantage of this amazing offer...
 
 only $2195 per person double occupancy
 
including . . .
 
Round Trip Van Transfers from Florence
7 nights in a beautiful Tuscan Residence 
Breakfast Daily
6  Tours Including
Florence
Siena
Chianti Vineyards
Lucca/Pisa
San Gimignano/Certaldo
Volterra
Dinner out each evening at lovely local restaurants
All transfers
Concierge Service
 
Enroll in Optional Classes such as:
Cooking
Photography
Watercolor
Art History
Italian Language
Wine Appreciation
 
all in an intimate small group environment.
 
 Castle
 
866-590-8181
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Images of Italy
 

Joel
If you were fortunate enough to have attended the presentation by Joel Wolfson in Scottsdale AZ in January, then you know what an amazing trip is in store for the participants in his Villages of Tuscany Photography Workshop.  Not only were we transported to Italy for the evening under Joel's orchestration of his beautiful images, but we also raised funds for the local art leagues and the Desert Foothills Church. A grand event all around!
For more information on Joel's Tuscany Workshop, please see more details at
 
 
STAY CONNECTED
 
  Al1
 
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Ciao a Tutti!
 
Well, this year is certainly off to better start than last year! My - the travel world is buzzing with wonderful trip ideas and some of these can be found right here!  Take a look at some of what we have in store. 
 
There are only a few spots left in the Villages of Tuscany photo workshop in May where you can combine your desires to hone your skills under the expert guidance of Joel Wolfson while experiencing some of the most beautiful places in all of Italy. 
 
Look LEFT  << and act quickly for the best deal ever on our very popular Lessons of Tuscany Program!
 
We are excited to also introduce our Postcards from Italy Writing Workshop taking place this September. This is sure to be a very special trip! The U.S. is so very beautiful too! Our travels also take us to lovely Carmel-by-the-Sea in California where we found the perfect place to unleash our inner artist at Artista Creative.  See details below.
 
Visit our website for more details on the many ideal vacations we have for you. May this year take us all to new places to discover - inside and outside of ourselves - exploring our passions, new cultures to cherish and amaze, and old places to adore and delight. Won't you join us?

 A presto,
 Gina in Tuscany 
   
signature
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shooting PienzaPhoto Workshop - May 15 - 22, 2010
Save $500 per couple on this unique opportunity to explore Tuscany with famed Photographer Joel Wolfson. For this 8 day workshop, you will get one-on-one training while shooting one of the most beautiful places in the world - you'll also get classroom time, critiques, exquisite meals paired with excellent wines all served with famous Italian hospitality.   more
 
Artista creativeArtista Creative Art Retreat
July 18 - 21, 2010

Come join us in a place of magic and beauty in idyllic Carmel-by-the-Sea, a most unique village along the rugged coast of California. Tap into your creative spirit while sharing the adventure with others on a similar journey. Express yourself artistically in a nurturing, visually stunning, and tranquil environment. Each day is filled with new discoveries from within and without.  more
 
Al in Grottoferrata"Postcards from Italy"  Writing Workshop  -  Sept 4 - 11, 2010
How many times have you traveled to a beautiful place, capturing unforgettable images with your camera but failing to preserve the actual thoughts and feelings of being there? The "Postcards from Italy" Writing Workshop is designed to evoke your sensory responses to the moments as you perceive them. Anyone, writer and non-writer, can enjoy this life enrichment experience..   more
 
 
 
 
 
Featured Recipe -  Mamma's Shells
 
Really - this is my mother's recipe for her stuffed shells.  I believe it came off the side of pasta box from back in 1958.  But it is a GREAT recipe no matter where it came from! A nice change from the traditional cheese stuffed shells.
 
Retro Mom Cooking 
1 pkg Jumbo Shells
2 tblspns butter
½ lb ground pork
1 lb lean ground beef
1/3 minced onions
¼ cup minced celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup sherry wine
1/3 cup freshly-grated parmesan
1 tsp salt
1/3 - ½ cup dry breadcrumbs
Meatless spaghetti sauce to cover as desired
 
 
Cook shells as directed - gradually add shells so that the water does not stop boiling.  Stir occasionally.

Drain portion but keep shells in warm water until time to stuff.
Melt butter in large frying pan - add pork, beef and cook until lightly browned. Yes,cook the lean meat in butter! Add onion, celery and garlic.  Cover and cook 10 - 15 minutes until celery is tender.  Remove from heat. Stir in sherry, grated cheese, salt and bread crumbs. Mix well. Stuff each shell with slightly cooled mixture and close. Pour some sauce into shallow casserole.  Arrange shells open side down and top with remaining sauce.    Baked covered at 375 for 30 minutes...   make enough for leftovers.....  they're even better the next day! 
 
 
 
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Villa Vita International is a full service travel provider creating customized itineraries to Italy and beyond for individuals and small groups emphasizing authentic and life enriching experiences.
 
 
 
Would you like to design your own life-enriching travel program?
Contact us! 
 
 
Call Toll Free  866-590- 8181 or
in Phoenix AZ  623-581-1062

Villa Vita International
Enriching Life Through Travel 
Future Events, Tours, and Workshops
 
ARTISTA CREATIVE ART RETREAT - July 18 - 21, 2010 - Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
POSTCARDS FROM ITALY - Sept 4 - 11, 2010 - Chianti, Tuscany
LESSONS OF TUSCANY - Weekly programs in Chianti at the beautiful il Borgo - April to November
COSTA RICA EXPEDITIONS - Fully Escorted Ecotours of Costa Rica - Various Dates
 
CLICK ON ANY OF THE ABOVE PROGRAMS FOR MORE DETAILS. STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE PROGRAMS INCLUDING YOGA AND PILATES RETREATS, COOKING AND CASTLES,  SCENIC STRESA AND MUCH MORE!  

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Contact Info
Gina Ruggiero, President
Villa Vita International
866-590-8181