Benvenuti in Toscana!

The day begins with a fun and delicious hands-on cooking course in a beautiful country home nestled in the Tuscan countryside. You will be learning how to cook a lovely full meal all based on the prestigious saffron, using the host’s own production of postils. From the pasta course to dessert, you will fall in love with saffron today as we use all fresh ingredients, many of them directly from the farm. As a bonus, if the weather permits, we will hold the course outdoors, overlooking the vineyards and olive trees. The farm stands on top of a hill, an oasis of peace and tranquility. A perfect Tuscan dream!

After lunch, we will explore the lovely villages of Panzano and Castellina in Chianti, getting lost in incredible views and enjoying plenty of time to explore the alleys and shops.

Dinner tonight will be at one of our favorite Tuscan spots.

Our journey today begins with a visit to the stunning town of Siena, admiring the spectacular beauty of Piazza del Campo. Admire the majestic beauty of the Duomo and learn from our licensed guide the fascinating stories about the famous Palio, a charming tradition from Siena that goes back to the Middle Ages.

We will then enjoy a visit to a family-owned winery that specializes in the prestigious Vin Santo (Holy Wine) dessert wine, with guided visit of the Vinsantaia and the historical cellar followed. A delicious homemade lunch with tasting of wines in front of an incredible view awaits us.

After lunch, we will head to the beautiful medieval castle of Monteriggioni, learning interesting stories of this town and enjoying free time to enjoy the shops and gorgeous piazza.

We will return to our home base for dinner tonight.

We will begin our day visiting an artisanal pasta workshop in Chianti, learning everything you always wanted to know about one of the most important icons of Italian cuisine!

We will then visit our dear friends Janet and Stefano, who are extra virgin olive oil producers in Chianti. Enjoy a guided tour of the mill and learn everything you wanted to learn about high quality extra virgin olive oil. A perfect lunch experience sampling delicious specialties all paired with olive oil is sure to follow. You’ll love spending time with this lovely family.

After lunch, we will visit the lovely village of Greve in Chianti, with free time to enjoy the beautiful shops and piazza, and to another small hamlet, Montefioralle.

Apericena tonight will be at another favorite spot. Wait until you see the views!

Always a group favorite, our journey today begins with a unique truffle hunt in the forest with trained dogs, and with our dear friend Luigi, a local truffle hunter. Luigi will tell us interesting legends and curiosities about this precious (and expensive) gift of nature. The experience will start in the fields and will end in the kitchen, where you will sit down to enjoy a full meal, sample the truffles, and finish with Tuscany’s best panna cotta. 

After lunch we will enjoy a relaxing walk in the medieval hamlet of Certaldo, stopping a beautiful pottery workshop where you could find unique gifts for family and friends.

Later in the afternoon we will visit the village of San Gimignano, which is famous for its multiple medieval towers. After we arrive, you can drift off with plenty of free time to visit the traditional handmade shops that sell leather, pottery and of course, foodie gifts. If you still have room, visit Gelateria Dondoli, which has been named to have the best gelato in the world.

Dinner tonight will be out, where you will enjoy some of the best homemade pasta you’ve ever had!

We begin today with a visit to a wonderful cheese farm in the Tuscan countryside. Get your camera ready as the views on the property are some of the best from all over Tuscany! After a tour of the farm, a delicious cheese-tasting and cheese-themed lunch with homemade specialties will follow. 

Walk off lunch at the magnificent medieval town of Volterra. Along the way, we will stop at for a stunning picture at the famous sculpture called “The Ring” created by the artist Staccioli. This will be a frame-worthy picture for sure! In Volterra, we will explore the charming alleys and visit a historical Alabaster workshop.

A festive farewell dinner prepared by our hosts awaits us tonight as we celebrate our week together. 

After breakfast at the villa, we say our good-byes and reflect on the beautiful week we just experienced. Group airport transportation will be provided.