Participation in four hands-on cooking sessions will reveal the secrets of some of the Tuscany most authentic Tuscan recipes. The chef is a highly trained professional who exhibit a unique culinary passion and take great joy in sharing his knowledge with other people. Cooking sessions are for all ability levels and, as much as possible, will involve the participants with hands-on experience. Typical recipes include a variety of dishes, from Crostini ai Fegatelli (toasted bread with chicken liver pate) to Ribollita alla Toscana (vegetable soup. Scrumptious desserts like Torta di Pere al Cacao (tart with fresh pears and cocoa) and Cantuccini al Vin Santo. Peposo del Chianti, Pennette all Ortolana (pasta spears with vegetable sauce), and Fagioli all'Uccelletto (northern beans Tuscany style), a particular Tuscan favorite. Sightseeing excursions on this tour include visits to Siena and San Gimignano as well as the quaint smaller towns of Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Florence
Arrival of the participants in Florence. Pick up and transfer to the Villa Belvedere in the Chianti countryside. Welcome drink then time to relax and enjoy the vineyards and olive groves. Overnight stay.
Day 2: San Gimignano After breakfast, first cooking lesson. The class will end with the lunch prepared by the participants. In the afternoon short travel for a guided tour of this beautiful medieval town, well known for its towers. Free time in San Gimignano for shopping or relaxation. Back at the villa for dinner. Overnight stay.
Day 3: Florence
After breakfast, short ride to Florence. The entire day will be spent exploring this enchanting city. A guided walking tour will orient you to this lovely town. Visit its covered food market. There will be free time for shopping and sightseeing. Return to the villa for dinner.
Day 4: Siena
After breakfast another cooking session with Daniele. In the afternoon short drive to Siena for a guided walking tour of the town. Visit Piazza del Campo, famous for its annual horse race. There will be free time for shopping and personal activities. Wine lovers can visit the Enoteca Nazionale, noted for having the largest inventory of Italian wines under one roof. There will be an opportunity for wine tasting while there. Return to the villa for dinner.
Day 5: Montepulciano
Breakfast. Excursion to Montepulciano, famous for its remarkable Super-Tuscan red wine Nobile di Montepulciano. Visit of a beautiful winery and wine tasting. In the afternoon, on the way back, stop at the wonderful Benedictin abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Back to the hotel for dinner and the night.
Day 6: Colle di Val d'Elsa
Early morning visit the local weekly outdoor market in the nearby village of Colle di Val d'Elsa. Enjoy this interesting experience "seeing" Italians doing their shopping among a vast array of goods, clothing, food, shoes and much more. There will be some free time for shopping on your own before going back to the villa for the last cooking class. After lunch guided excursion in the Chianti countryside. Visit the fairy tale village of Monteriggioni, surrounded by powerful and perfecty preserved medieval walls, stop for a wine tasting at a famous winery and time for shopping in the village of Castellina in Chianti.
Day 7: Departure day - End of the tour and transfer to Florence.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights at Villa Belvedere in Colle Val D'Elsa
- Breakfast everyday
- 5 dinners
- Welcome reception
- 3 cooking classes with Daniele and Giovanni
- Wine tasting as per program
- HD guided visits of San Gimignano, Siena, Florence
- Transportation throughout the tour
- Professional English speaking guide excort for the excursions
- Recipe book
- Apron
- Transfer from/to Florence
Price does not Include: Items of a personal nature, such as gratuities, air transportation, drinks, telephone expenses, entrance fees (when applicable) and any charges in excess of those covered by the prepaid package
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Food & Wine
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