A memorable week in Tuscany visiting iconic sights and immersing yourself in the Tuscan cuisine and wine including gourmet cooking classes. This is a balance between the ultimate culinary experience and the best of our Taste of Tuscany tour incorporating, stunning scenery of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, memorable locals, events and the unpretentious beauty of the region.
Tour Experience
Value
Quality of Amenities
Dining Experience
Quality of Accommodation & Grounds
Tour Locations
Our Flavours of Tuscany tour includes gourmet cooking classes as well as daily touring. These classes will vary from pasta/gnocchi making through to traditional meat and game dishes and desserts and cakes. Many of the recipes are family traditions which date back many years and you will be privileged to share in the traditions. There will be the opportunity to be hands on during all aspects of the classes or standing back and observing the masters at work, whilst of course enjoying a glass of local wine.
We also visit Siena, Montepulciano and the famous wine growing area of Chianti.
We transfer you to your accommodation and allow you to settle in and familiarise yourself with your new surroundings which will be “home” for the next 7 days. Dinner in Cortona.
Today we spend the day in the local Medieval township of Cortona, the setting for the movie and book “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Il Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca in the town centre is a very popular location. Visit the many boutiques, art galleries, stroll to the “high point” and visit Chiesa di Santa Margherita, where the Saint’s remains are encased high on the altar. Return to the villa mid to late afternoon for a little relaxation by the pool. Dinner in Cortona.
We spend the morning in Siena; a visit to the spectacular Piazza del Campo, where the famous bareback horserace is held. Visit Il Duomo and The Mangia Tower or simply stroll the streets and enjoy the ambience and the various delights Siena has to offer, from the little food stores which offer lots of tempting treats to the beautiful stores offering hand painted ceramics and leatherware.
After a light lunch we return nearer Cortona to a Villa dating back to the 1500’s for a hands on cooking experience with a local chef, Donatella, who has over 20 years of experience researching and rediscovering ancient recipes and Tuscan cooking traditions. Savour the dishes you have prepared with the chef over local wines.
We spend the morning in Montepulciano located in the Val D’Orcia this township is a true gem; great shopping, wonderful trattorias, cantinas and salumerie.
We will visit a cantina dating back to the 13th Century to enjoy a wine and food tasting.
After a light lunch we will travel not far from Montepulciano to enjoy a hands-on cooking class where you will learn the art of making various types of pasta.
Savour the meals you have prepared with the Chef, including local wine.
We will once again spend the morning with Chef Donatella for another hands on cooking experience with new and exciting recipes. Lunch will be enjoyed out on the terrace. Dinner in Cortona
A leisurely day of taking in the most amazing views, whilst driving through this most famous wine growing area of Tuscany. During the morning, we will visit the village of Castellina prior to visiting a vineyard, interact with the winemakers and enjoy lunch and a wine tasting whilst taking in the spectacular views of the vineyards and olive groves. Return to villa late afternoon. Dinner in Cortona
You may choose to “stay in” enjoy the pool and relax. Alternatively you may choose to visit a local township where you can spend the day “exploring”. We will arrange transportation to and from our local train station. Dinner in Cortona.
After a leisurely breakfast we transfer you to the local train station for your onward travels.
INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS
Tour Cost: USD $3,495 per person, twin share.
Single Occupancy : USD $300
TOUR SCHEDULE
2018 TOUR DATES
Available for commencement every Saturday through to 6th October
Minimum 2 participants required for departure
2019 TOUR DATES
Available for commencement every Saturday from 30th March through to 26th October
Minimum 2 participants required for departure
Chat to us more if you are looking for a tour outside these dates
Tour cost includes:
What is not included in tour cost:
TOUR BEGINS – CORTONA
We are located near Cortona; 2.5 hours by regional train from the main train station in Rome (Roma Termini) and 1.5 hours by regional train from the main train station in Florence (Santa Maria Novella).
PRIVATE TRANSFERS TO AND FROM THE VILLA:
Please contact us for prices.
TRAIN TRAVEL TO THE VILLA:
If you are already in Italy connection to either Roma Termini or Firenze Santa Maria Novella train stations is easily accessible via other train stations.
Either of these two major cities are a good option for your arrival into Italy and then travel to our location. We will meet you at our local train station Camucia-Cortona and will transfer you, via vehicle to the villa, which is a short drive into the countryside.
Arrival from Rome Airport:
Arrival from Florence Airport:
Located in the valley, near the historical centre of Cortona (approx. 10km), the accommodation, a Tuscan villa with old world rustic charm, is your home base for the duration of the tour. Unpack, settle in to your own private apartment and commence your Tuscan experience.
Set on wonderful grounds with a spectacular pool and all modern facilities, including laundry, it overlooks the Val di Chiana and the historical centre of Cortona. On your tour free days take advantage of the country setting, pick fruit from the trees, stroll through the lush Italian countryside or simply enjoy reading a book by the pool under the Tuscan sun.
Ines & Monique, My Tuscan vacation was perfect. It was exceptional, well organized, and truly magnificent. Thank you for your tours, hospoitality and time.
- Jen - USA
This tour experience was both relaxing and exhilarating. We were warmly met at the station and arrived at the gorgeous villa overlooking vineyards and olive groves. Ines and Monique are the most gracious hosts and made us feel a part of an extended family. The townships and villages we visited were close and Ines and Monique’s knowledge helped us explore parts we might have missed on our own. The food was amazing and presented warmly at each restaurant.
This truly was a very amazing experience, one I hope to do again.
- Lesa & Kathy - Victoria - Australia