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Living the Tuscan Dream
Our hands-on courses cover traditional, home-style Tuscan and Italian recipes. Enjoy the wonderfully intense flavor and freshness of traditional Italian dishes cooked in an idyllic and picturesque Tuscan Villa in the hills of Chianti, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves!
The cooking classes are held in a friendly atmosphere and you have the chance to meet new people and make new friends and learn a few culinary secrets from Santo and Antonella, our Culinary Chefs. Participants cook and eat dishes prepared using fresh, organic and natural ingredients. A complete meal such as appetizers, a pasta dish, a meat or seafood dish and then a dessert is prepared for each class and is accompanied by the wine which best complements it. Learn all about the wines of Tuscany by our in-house wine expert who will lead you during each Wine Tour and Tasting included with your stay.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Sunday
Arrive at Il Riguardino and Colle Sant 'alfredo in the picturesque Val D'orcia. Time to get acquainted and enjoy the magnificent splendour that Tuscany offers. San Quirico is nearby. Our host, Lidia will welcome you with an introductory Wine lesson on Tuscan Wines. From Chianti, Vino nobile, brunello and beyond.
DAY 2 - Monday
Today we visit Bagno Vignoni - a out of the way hot springs not far from our village of San Quirico. Bagno Vignoni's is one of the oldest and most famous thermal baths location in Italy. Lunch at the Terme Restaurant offering the best Tuscan cuisine.
Day 3 - TUESDAY
A visit to one's of Tuscany's iconic Winery. Castello di Banfi. Its about the journey to Banfi along with a tour and tasting of the best single vineyard brunello di Montalcino. From there we stop to visit the town of Montalcino and then off to see Amedeo at Capanna. Dinner (cooking demonstration)back at the farmhouse.
Day 4 - wednesday
A Morning of relaxation and then off to Pienza-- the "ideal city" - a rare example of Renaissance town design where you'll find the best cheese shops in all of Tuscany. Be sure to taste the local pecorino. Here we will all meet at the favourite local restaurant. Price of Dinner included in package.
Day 5 - Thursday
Enjoy the Val d'orcia from your villa and brace yourself for the trip to Montepulcaino where we also visit the famous Avignosesi Estate. Not only will you love the vino nobile, you will love this medieval and Renaissance hill town that sits at 600 m. above sea level. We will dine at the local's best restaurant.
Day 6 - Friday
This time we head out to visit the famous DOCG of Chianti Classico where we will sample Sangiovese at it's best! Our winery here is Rocca delle Macìe in the foothills of Chianti. Learn how their methods of organic farming make some of the best wines in the region. We will visit shops where we can buy olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar and of course cheese. Then off to the medieval town of Siena where the famous Polo matches take place. Pick your choice of endless restaurants.
DAY 7 - Saturday
Sleep in this morning. Enjoy another delicious breakfast and enjoy the area. Depart at your leisure later in the day.
What's included
All accommodation (per person, double occupancy)
All breakfasts and only dinners listed
Local English-speaking guide and services of local Tour Coordinator
all transportation within itinerary
All planned excursions including wineries and entrance fees.
What's not included
Airfare, ticket fees and taxes
Travel/medical/cancellation/interruption insurance
Single supplement
Optional excursions beyond the customized itinerary
Price
The cost of the week-long program is $2,500 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement is an additional $350.
Deposit of $500 required with completed booking form.
*This Itinerary is subject to agreements with local providers and is offered as an example of the style and substance of the ultimate product. It is given with the understanding that sometimes substitutions of similar value are required due to availability.
Gallery
Accommodation
Your farmhouse
Il Riquardino and Colle Sant'Alfredo - two separate houses are set deep within the idyllic and picturesque Val D'orcia in the heart of wine country. Tucked in amongst the rounded hills, vineyards, olive groves and woods of the valley. There is so much more this area has to offer. It extends from the hills of Siena to the Monte Amiata where you're surrounded by cypresses and umbrella pines, and old isolated farmhouses. The Val D'orcia is one of Italy's UNESCO World heritage Site. You will love it!
Testimonials
Here what some of our guests have to say about their experience!
"From the moment we arrived at the villa to see Lydia waving as we pulled in, to the moment we left, Mark and Lidia did everything you can imagine to make it the most enjoyable, carefree holiday.
It was truly an authentic experience under the Tuscan sun! Thanks Lidia and Mark!"
Vince and Colleen
"Working with a chef from Sicily opened my eyes to the art of fine dining and gave me the opportunity to enjoy some of the most delicious meals I had ever had, while watching the sun set over the Tuscan hills in the evening. I felt like I was on a movie set. Recently I surprised myself by commenting to a friend, "That's a nice Tuscan wine. I toured that winery last summer!" It was a fulfilling and memorable experience that I would recommend to anyone!"
Ginny F
"The trip to Tuscany was very memorable…beautiful scenery…delicious food…interesting people…a trip I won't soon forget."
Andrea A
Booking
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