The trip includes:
*6 nights in Arcidosso, near Siena, in a picturesque medieval home next to a 12th century castle. The house is beautifully furnished with antique furniture.
*All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
*Small groups: 4 to 8 people.
*6 hands-on cooking courses and a wine tasting in the house’s elaborate wine cellar.
*5 guided excursions to the enchanting towns of Mount Amiata; Pitigliano, Sovana, Sorano, Saturnia (the Etruscans); Montalcino (famous for its grape vineyards that produce the celebrated Brunello wine), Pienza; and Castiglione della Pescaia (a fishing village on the seacoast).
*All transportation (to and from Rome or Florence).
WHERE YOU WILL STAY: Arcidosso (Province of Grosseto) – Small Medieval village on the slopes of Monte Amiata, the highest mountain in Southern Tuscany, worshipped by the Etruscans. Just one hour away from the coast, 45 minutes from Siena, two hours from Florence, and two and a half hours north of Rome.
WHERE YOU WILL SLEEP: “Casa Innocenti”, a medieval house, the highest of the village, next to the village Castle (12th century AD). The house features 4 floors, 20 rooms, a wine cellar, and a garden.
COOKING COURSES AND WINE TASTING: The cooking classes are taught by Carlo Innocenti, the owner of the house and conductor of a wine tasting. Carlo is quite a celebrity in Arcidosso and the surrounding area for his entrepreneurial endeavors and creativity. He is an experienced cook. In the past, he managed and was the head chef of the 1st class cafe restaurant, Harry’s Bar in Punta Ala, an upscale beach resort in the South of Tuscany. He also owned a restaurant in his own house in Arcidosso, and has conducted cooking courses in Basilea, Switzerland. The guests can learn genuine Southern Tuscan dishes. All classes are hands-on and include local wine. The courses are taught in a large rustic kitchen and dinner is served in the wine cellar or in the newly renovated dining room.
EXCURSIONS: 5 excursions to the nearby villages of Mount Amiata and Pitigliano, Sovana, Sorano, Saturnia; Montalcino, Pienza; and the lovely seaside village of Castiglione della Pescaia accompanied by Carlo (the cook, your host and native of this beautiful area). All trips include lunch in local restaurants that feature specialties of the region.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart from U.S. to Rome or Florence and arrival to Arcidosso
Upon arrival at the airport of Rome or Florence, you will be accompanied by car or bus to the village of Arcidosso and then welcomed to your vacation home next to the castle. After settling in, your host and chef, Carlo will show you his beautiful home, yours too for a whole week! Then you can either relax in the garden or take a walk through the enchanting streets of Arcidosso. For dinner you will enjoy a Tuscan meal prepared by Carlo (with optional cooking course).
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Day 2:
Siena
In the morning, after your breakfast, you’ll set off for Siena. You will visit the famous Piazza del Campo, the main square where the people from Siena (“i senesi”) organize, twice a year, a medieval horse race known as Il Palio. Facing the square there is the beautiful tour Torre del Mangia, where if you wish, you can climb up to the top to admire a marvelous view of the city. You can also visit the Duomo which is a baroque style cathedral. At the end of morning, will have a lunch in a quaint restaurant in Piazza del Campo. Once home, and after having rested, you can prepare with Carlo a healthy Tuscany dinner (cooking lesson).
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Day 3:
The Etruscan villages: Pitigliano, Sorano, Sovana, Saturnia
You’ll start off the day by going to Pitigliano. This medieval town built on tufa stones features a fascinating ghetto with its own Synagogue and Jewish cemetery. Then, continue to Sorano, where you can visit the massive fortress (built by the Orsini family), the rest of village and have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, we will go to Sovana, Pope Gregory VII’s birthplace, visit its country church, the old town square surrounded by cafés and little souvenir shops. Your last stop will be at Saturnia, the famous spa whose town center is still dotted with Etruscan brickwork and medieval houses. Once home, you can prepare with Carlo a healthy Tuscan dinner (cooking lesson).
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Day 4:
Montalcino (wine country); Pienza
In the morning, you’ll set off for Montalcino, a town famous for its grape vineyards that produce the celebrated Brunello wine. You will visit the magnificent 14th century Rocca (a fortress), have lunch in a local restaurant and then enjoy yourself wandering around the village and exploring picturesque little shops. You will then continue to Pienza, visit its main square, Piazza Pio II, a model of Renaissance planning. This main piazza is so attractive that it was used to shoot scenes for the film The English Patient. Evening dinner at home.
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Day 5:
Castiglione della Pescaia
You will enjoy a trip to the seacoast to the pretty seaside village of Castiglione della Pescaia. This old fishing village stands up high on a hill with its castle looking over the turquoise bay. You will enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, you will have your cooking class followed by dinner.
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Day 6:
The little towns of Monte Amiata
In the morning after having had breakfast at home or at a local cafe for a cappuccino, you may want to wander around the local market of Arcidosso. At around 11:00 am you will have a cooking class. After the delicious lunch, you’ll take off for Santa Fiora, a village just 7 km away from Arcidosso. There you’ll visit the historic center and an ancient Parish Church which contains fine terracotta bas-reliefs by Andrea della Robbia (15th century), and La Peschiera, the private gardens and swimming pool of the Sforza family (16th century). You will then continue your tour to the other little medieval villages of Castel del Piano, Montegiovi and Montelaterone. Fairwell dinner.
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Day 7:
Day 7 - Departure
You can choose to have a final breakfast at the house or at your favorite cafe in Arcidosso before heading back to the airport.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
30% Deposit due for reservation.
Balance due 60 days prior to scheduled week.
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