Carole Peck Plans Four Provence Culinary Tours In 2004

Carole Peck, chef-owner of the award-winning Carole Pecks Good News Cafi in Woodbury, Connecticut, will lead four Provence Culinary Tours for small and select groups of gourmet-travelers during 2004.

Together with her husband, Good News co-owner and French native Bernard Jarrier, Ms. Peck will serve as personal guide on weeklong tours custom-designed for tour groups of eight to ten persons interested in discovering the cuisine, local foods and wines, and rich culture of Provence. In response to heightened interest, four Provence Culinary Tours have been scheduled this year for June 3 to 9; June 13 to 19; September 23 to 29; and October 4 to 10.

Our special delight is to introduce sophisticated travelers to the rich history, natural beauty, and culinary delights of this extraordinary region in the south of France, Ms Peck observes. Our intimate tour groups allow each participant to enjoy an unforgettable personal experience as they discover Provence from a true insiders perspective.

Participants this year will be the guests of Ms. Peck and Mr. Jarrier at their newly restored home in Montfrin, Prieuri Notre Dame, which boasts a history dating back to the 12th century and all the contemporary comforts of today. Each tour group will enjoy cocktails and a family-style dinner with their hosts on the evening of their arrival, plus breakfast at the house each morning of the tour.

Carole Pecks Provence Culinary Tours feature a wide range of activities carefully planned to ensure that each guest discovers the richness and diversity of Provence in its foods, wines, landscape and people. Among the highlights:

* Cooking classes featuring local star chefs who demonstrate culinary techniques suitable for all skill levels.

* Visits to the Marchi open-air farm markets of Provence, the biggest and best of France.

* Sumptuous meals at some of the regions best bistros and most acclaimed restaurants, as well as Carole and Bernards special dining discoveries off the beaten path.

* Abundant opportunities for private tastings of the best foods and wines of Provence at their source.

* Personalized sightseeing and shopping tours that take full advantage of Carole and Bernard's extensive knowledge of the secrets of Provence.

The tour package cost of $2,900 per traveler includes accommodations with private baths, three meals a day plus all wines and other beverages, sightseeing, and ground transportation. Air fares are not included in the package cost; pickups for tour participants arriving by air or rail are made in either Avignon or Nimes.

Reservations are now being accepted for all four tours scheduled during 2004. A deposit in the amount of $1,450 per person is required to confirm each tour reservation. Reservations should be submitted to the manager at the Good News Cafi or sent by mail to the attention of Carole Peck at the Good News Cafi, 694 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT 06798.