When your Italy travels take you to a famed gelateria in San Gimignano, know that you’re in for a treat. Much more than a joy for the taste buds, Sergio Dondoli’s gelato in San Gimignano is a haven of local flavors, top-quality ingredients and award-winning innovations. Patrons travel from around the world to visit the best gelateria in San Gimignano. Here’s why you should too. 

The shop 

While Gelateria Dondoli (or Gelateria di Piazza) is known worldwide as a gelato destination and certainly the best gelateria in Italy, the experience of visiting the shop is intimate and personal. You’ll find the gelateria tucked down a winding alleyway in Piazza della Cisterna in San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s many piazzas.  Step inside – or join the line – and be prepared to be delighted by the creations by Master Gelato Maker Sergio Dondoli. 

@gelateriadondoli_official

The man behind the gelato  

To understand Dondoli’s mastery, we must also understand the importance of homemade gelato in history. The first person to introduce gelato from Italy to France was Catherine de Medici, future wife of Henry II King of France, in the 16th century. Catherine had worked with alchemist Cosimo Ruggieri as part of a cooking contest to create this creamy dessert and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Dondoli carries on the tradition as one of the 10 Master Gelato Makers in Italy.  

Dondoli is especially known for his experimental, original and unusual flavors. Some of the most notable include Crema di Santa Fina® (cream with saffron and pine nuts), Champelmo® (pink grapefruit and sparkling wine), Dolceamaro® (cream with aromatic herbs) and Vernaccia Sorbet. 

Read more: 10 stunning Lake Como towns you need to visit

@gelateriadondoli_official

Since he began making gelato in 1984, Dondoli has been recognized with numerous international awards. He won the prestigious MAM (Master of Art and Craft) award in 2016, the Italian equivalent of the “Living National Treasure” Japanese Prize, and the French “Maître d’Art” Award. Only 75 Artistic Masters were awarded this honor in Italy, and Sergio is the only Gelato Master to have received this important award. Dondoli also took part in “Identità Golose” (Tempting Identities), a gastronomic event in Milan between February 1-4, 2009, as a member of the “Creatività Gelate” (Frozen Creativities) group.  He also recently published a book, I, Sergio Dondoli, an autobiographical account of his passion that includes his recipes.   

@gelateriadondoli_official

The gelato 

Not surprisingly, Dondoli makes his gelato using highly selected, top-quality ingredients, often local to the region. For example, his DOP Saffron has earned the protected designation of origin from San Gimignano and Vinsanto. Dondoli also uses “Tonda Gentile” Hazelnut from the Langhe region and Bronte Pistachio. Dondoli is the only gelato maker to use Amedei chocolate, awarded the Oscar in London as the best chocolate in the world for five years. He uses raw milk from cows adopted by Gelateria Dondoli at Camporbiano Farm, and local, organic fruit whenever possible. 

When you consider the appeal of gelato compared to ice cream, you can imagine why these flavors are so special. Gelato has more milk than cream and uses lower quantities of fat than ice cream. Because gelato has less air in the base, it is denser and packed with more flavor than ice cream.       

@gelateriadondoli_official

We can’t wait to try… 

With so many tempting creations at this gelateria in San Gimignano, how do you choose? We have our eyes on some of the most innovative flavor combinations using aromatic herbs such as Rosemary Baby® (Raspberry and Rosemary) and Venere Nera® (Blackberries and Lavender). We can’t wait to sample the pairings of sweet, spicy and bitter, including Sangue di Bue® (spicy chocolate and sour cherries), Michelle® (saffron cantuccini, Avola almonds, honey and bitter orange peel), Biske Rata® (white chocolate, pumpkin seed oil, and cookies) and Crema de’ Pazzi® (bitter orange peel, Grand Marnier, dark chocolate and almonds). 

@gelateriadondoli_official

The class 

After your visit to this gelateria in San Gimignano, you may want to dig your spoon deeper into the world of gelato. Should you have more time on your travels, you can take the Dondoli Gelato Class to learn more about and make gelato. You’ll have a quick lesson followed by trying your hand at making a Fiordilatte (raw milk) gelato and a seasonal fruit (persimmon, banana, strawberry, lemon or melon) gelato.  

@gelateriadondoli_official

Just a taste 

Dondoli’s gelateria in San Gimignano is just a taste of the culinary riches of Italy’s Tuscany region. Read about seven ways you’ll celebrate Tuscan food with Luxury Gold and the essential guide to Italy for foodies. 

Still hungry? These 5 Michelin Star chefs are celebrating local culture through food. 

With the news that the highly acclaimed ‘world’s best restaurant’ Noma, is closing its doors in 2024, we asked our Luxury Gold Travel Experiences team for their world’s best restaurant recommendations. Whether you love casual and cozy or chic and sophisticated, from Michelin-star dining to traditional surf and turf here are some tantalizing suggestions.

The news about Noma

@nomacph

Despite holding three Michelin stars and the title of the world’s best restaurant, Copenhagen-based restaurant Noma has announced it will close for regular service by the end of 2024. An open letter on Noma’s website explained “In 2025, our restaurant is transforming into a giant lab—a pioneering test kitchen dedicated to the work of food innovation and the development of new flavors, one that will share the fruits of our efforts more widely than ever before.”

Through using ingredients often forgotten or underused, Noma chef, owner and co-founder René Redzepi is credited with inspiring the culinary movement New Nordic cuisine.

The Olive Tree, Bath, England

@olivetreebath

With a commitment to local and seasonal, the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant offers a chic yet informal and welcoming fine dining experience. Set in Bath, the fertile heart of the English countryside, the restaurant is blessed with an abundance of high-quality produce from local suppliers. The only Michelin-star restaurant in Bath, the Olive Tree showcases both the best of Bath and the best of British cuisine.

Chef Chris Cleghorn, who gained his Michelin star in 2019, crafts menus that feature beautiful, fresh and seasonal dishes, with an unusual edge to simple flavors. With the finest meat, fish, cheese, fruit and vegetables available right on its doorstep, Cleghorn believes the more he buys from local producers, the more they thrive and carry on producing such great British ingredients. A strong contender for the world’s best restaurant, we are sure you’ll agree.

Discover this on: British Royale, Castles & Kingdoms

Read more: 5 Michelin star chefs celebrating local culture through food

Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney, Australia

@bennelong_sydney

Located within the famous Sydney Opera House, Bennelong is a unique venue set in the building’s iconic sails. A pinnacle of Sydney’s premier dining experiences, savor Australian produce and award-winning wine, coupled with stunning harbor views.

With Peter Gilmore, one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs at the helm, Bennelong showcases the flavor, diversity and quality of Australian produce. Taste dishes such as sashimi scallops with oyster cream, green almonds, rock samphire and black vinegar laver, and Maremma pasture-raised duck with hunter sausage, cherries, and Kampot pepper. Delicious desserts include ‘five textures of Queensland mango’ and pavlova.  A menu befitting of a world’s best restaurant contender.

More than an exceptional dining experience, when you travel with Luxury Gold, you’ll be treated to a VIP guided tour of the Sydney Opera House beforehand. Go behind the scenes and uncover its intriguing secrets.

Discover this on: Inspiring Australia

Related content: Our top ten hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

L’Etoile, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

@letoilrio

Sophisticated and romantic, L’Etoile by Jean Paul Bondoux, combines high-level cuisine with a stunning view of Rio de Janeiro from its 26th-floor setting. Located on the top floor of the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, admire breathtaking views of the Ipanema coastline, whilst dining on French-influenced dishes.

Chef Matias Cifuentes, originally from Chile, presents a menu with classic French gastronomy techniques combined with a contemporary touch in this most luxurious restaurant. His menus include extensive fish and seafood offerings, reflecting the fresh produce of the region, as well as meat and vegetarian options.

A Michelin-award-winning restaurant, L’Etoile also offers a curated wine menu and impeccable service, making it a truly memorable experience.

Discover this on: Classic South America

Gibbys, Montreal, Canada

Take a step back in time as you dine at Gibbys restaurant, housed in a 200-year-old building in Old Montreal. This charming steak and seafood restaurant features historic stone walls, original beamed ceilings and cozy fireplaces along with the very best of fine dining. For locals and tourists alike, a visit to Old Montreal would not be complete without a meal at Gibbys.

Enjoy the finest seafood Montreal has to offer, including chilled oysters and a large choice of fresh fish. Or try one of Gibbys’ expertly aged steaks, cooked to perfection. A Montreal landmark for lovers of fine cuisine, the restaurant has been in operation since 1969 and was the dream of owners and foodies, Gibby and Allan. Prior to opening they traveled the globe and experienced many world-class restaurants. Curating their findings and ideas, the duo opened Gibbys to share their passion for gourmet food.

Discover this on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

Related content: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

To sample these, and more of the world’s best restaurants, join us on a luxury, limited-edition tour, where exceptional dining and magnificent hotels bookend every day of your journey.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. And this Sunday, January 22nd, we’re looking forward to ushering in the new year. Whether you were born in the year of rabbit, you’re embracing Chinese New Year’s traditions, or simply looking for a fresh start to 2023, join us in celebrating the year of the rabbit.   

@woutvanacker

The Chinese zodiac 

How does the Chinese zodiac work? This ancient zodiac assigns each person an animal based on the year they were born. The 12 animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal is linked to certain characteristics, much like the western zodiac. The animals also rotate each year. So, 2022 was the year of the tiger, 2024 will be the year of the dragon, and the symbol of 2023 is the rabbit.   

@pablomp

Year of the rabbit  

According to the Chinese zodiac, if your birth year falls in the year of the rabbit (2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, and 1927), you’re gentle, kind, a seeker of tranquility and have a grounded outlook on life. Rabbits are also said to be quick and skillful. Considering those aspects of their personality, we also dug into what’s to come for rabbits in 2023. 

@eastonmok

What rabbits can expect in 2023   

Some astrologists say rabbits should be prepared for adversity and ready to face challenges head on. 2023 may not be a smooth year, but because the sign of the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture, 2023 is also predicted to be a year of hope. Rabbits, while you may face the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in 2023, you can ride out the storms with your upbeat attitude. Perhaps a trip to one of our calm destinations will keep the positive energy going. 

Another outlook for rabbits 

However, other astrologists predict that 2023 will be a lucky year for rabbits with success in all areas and a time when they will come into their own. After commitment and dedication, they can expect advancements, achievements as a result of their efforts, and may see a boost in their career. Rabbits’ sharp financial sense also makes 2023 a good year to take a financial risk. In general, the year of the rabbit is an auspicious year for risk-takers. 

@sharonmccutcheon

In terms of relationships, this is the time for rabbits to follow their heart to start new romantic relationships as well as a year when they can expect existing relationships to deepen and achieve more harmony. It’s also a good year for rabbits to get married or have children. Similarly, because the rabbit is a symbol of fertility, 2023 is also a good year to start a new business or creative endeavor. Rabbits’ flexibility puts them in a good position to try anything unfamiliar. Rabbits should also focus their energy on their health and maintaining a balanced lifestyle for this year of healing. In summary, rabbits, this is the time you will see the results of your efforts. 

@ninjason

Welcome Chinese New Year 

No matter your sign, you can adopt the Chinese New Year traditions to ring in the new year. The Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is a time to say “goodbye” to the past year and welcome in the luck and prosperity of a new year. So, it’s no surprise that a common practice leading up to the new year is cleaning. By sweeping away the past and eliminating any old bad luck, you’re ushering in a fresh start and good luck. But be sure to finish your cleaning by new year’s day, as that’s a day of celebration and enjoyment. 

@hngstrm

Celebrate New Year

Now that your space is tidy, put up decorations. Fresh flowers and cumquats are said to bring prosperity. And because red is the Chinese color of wealth and good fortune, you’ll find red lanterns decorating many homes and shops that celebrate Chinese New Year. Gifts of money – crisp, clean bills only – are also given in red envelopes. To celebrate, families and friends join to offer sacrifices to ancestors and feast on a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. If you happen to be near a Chinese New Year festival, enjoy a performance of the dragon and lion dances. 

@yuweishaw

Festive foods 

One of the easiest and most fun ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year is feasting on festive foods. Long noodles, or longevity noodles, are a popular dish symbolic of living a long life. Spring rolls and dumplings are also eaten for good fortune. If your mouth isn’t watering from these Chinese dishes yet and you’re still dreaming of your next trip to Asia, check out some of Asia’s best food towns. 

@charlesdeluvio

Still thinking about how to welcome 2023? These are other New Year’s Celebrations around the world.