Enogastronomy and tastes of Tuscany : culinary vacation, cooking classes, wine & oil tours, special tastings

Flavours and scents of Tuscany

Florence, Siena, Chianti, Pisa
gastronomy & wine tastings


1. DAY
Florence

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities of Italy, the second most visited city in the country and called "the pearl of renaissance. We will arrive to Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can enjoy the view of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In the historic center you will visit the external complex of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral with the magnificent dome of the architect Brunelleschi, that dominates Florence and is part of the largest cathedrals in the world. The Campanile of Giotto and the Baptistery of San Giovanni with the famous Gates of Paradise are also part of this complex.

After a short walk through the streets of the historic heart of the city you get to the Galleria dell'Accademia, to the Piazza della Signoria with the Fountain of Neptune, and the copy of the famous statue of David by Michelangelo and other works. The main symbol of the city is the “Ponte Vechio” bridge of the 16th century with goldsmiths' shops.

In the evening we will leave for the beautiful hills in south of Florence and north of Siena, the heart of Chianti Classico - San Gimignano. Accommodation and dinner in a organic wine farm with swimming pool, producing Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Vinsanto DOC, grappa di Chianti, Rossi Supertuscan, extra virgin olive oil, jams and honey.

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2. DAY
Shopping outlet The Mall and Prada outlet, Castellina in Chianti

We will drive to the shopping outlet center "The Mall", near Florence: here you will find the Gucci, D & G, Yves Saint Laurent, Armani, La Perla, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tod's, Fendi, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Burberry, Emanuel Ungaro, Hogan, Stella McCartney, Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto etc.. with discounts ranging from 35 to 70%.

Not far from here we will drop to Prada outlet, where are also very interesting articles and prices.

In the afternoon visit of the small georgeous town Castellina in Chianti, important for its wine farms, wth many craft shops. Opportunity to try thermal cures, esthetic treatments and fitness at the thermal center of Gambassi.
Accomodation in the organic wine farm in San Gimignano area and dinner.

3. DAY
Siena, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Monterrigioni

Those 2 days will be a journey of exploration in the heart of Chianti Classico, between the beautiful hills south of Florence and north of Siena. The routes around Siena are of a rare beauty unifying nature, medieval life and spirituality or those of painters and poets who crossed the Val d'Elsa in the past centuries, including Pontormo, Leonardo, Boccaccio and Dante.

We start the day in Siena, one of the best-preserved and probably Italy's loveliest medieval city, famous for its artistic heritage and the medieval character, where takes place on its central piazza in form of the shell "Il Campo" the world-reknown festival and horse race "The Palio". Then we will leave for Castelnuovo Berardenga, to taste excellent and famous Chianti wines accompanied by a light lunch in Castello Bossi, the 16th century castle surrounded by vineyards.

In the afternoon we will stop in Monterrigioni, a fortified town with the castle and craft shops. Here craftsman of ship leather, ceramics and crystal are famous, having a long tradition in Val d'Elsa and on the hills of Chianti. Dinner with degustation of locales wines and special meals.
Accommodation in the farmhouse near San Gimignano.

4. DAY
Colle Val d'Elsa, San Gimignano

We will start the day visiting Colle Val d'Elsa, town located on a hill in the picturesque landscape of Siena. A crystal city, with many craft shops which produces 95% of all Italian crystal and 14% of the whole crystal in the world with a products of great value, beauty and variety.Visit the historical center is like stepping back in time, in the authentic Tuscan artisan workshops, with the views of the countryside and genuine flavors. We will lunch in a place where you'll taste simple, homemade and traditional organic dishes in a homely atmosphere.

Then we will stop in Certaldo, the charming medieval small town well preserved in every detail. A picturesque scenery with an attractive hillside panorama, with Bocaccio’s house, and the Palazzo Pretorio, former castle with facade decorated with picturesque coats of arms in stone and glazed terracotta.

In the afternoon we will see San Gimignano, medieval little town with majestic towers, where it seems that time has stopped, built on a hill overlooking the valley of Elsa. San Gimignano and the hills are considered one of the most beautiful places of Tuscany and travel for his campaign we will see some of the spectacular sights that made this area famous throughout the world.

San Gimignano is famous for its towers, but also for producing one of the most important Italian white wine Vernaccia. After lunch, we will visit familiar winery for a guided tasting of Vernaccia di San Gimignano made by the producer, to understand the history and unique features that make this grape. We will have here a cooking class with Tuscan seasonal specialties menu, followed by a tasting dinner (3 hours). It includes a complete menu with appetizers, pasta, main course and dessert, accompanied by the excellent wine of the factory.
Accomodation in the organic wine farm in San Gimignano area.

5. DAY
San Miniato, Pisa

In the morning we will leave to San Miniato, an ancient city in the heart of Tuscany and one of the most important centers of prestigious truffles, exported worldwide. You will visit one producers of specialties such as truffle olive oil and other products with truffles. After a city tour we will have lunch in a restaurant offering specialities.

We will leave to Pisa, one of the most visited cities of Tuscany, through its Leaning Tower and its magnificent Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), world heritage of UNESCO, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful monumental complex in the world. You will find 4 masterpieces of medieval architecture from the 11th to the 14th century tower, the cathedral (il Duomo), the Baptistery and the Monumental Building Camposanto. Then departure to Pisa airport.

The price of the stay includes
• 4 nights with breakfast
• Half board (5 meals)
• 4 tastings of wines, olive oils and other specialties
• 1 Tuscan cooking classe and recipes
• Transportation in a vehicle for 6 persons
• Assistance, accompaniment.

The price does not includes
the flight to Pisa.
With Ryanair London-Pisa from 40 € roundtrip, Paris-Pisa with Easyjet 60 € roundtrip.

Tarifs Rates
per person based on double room and groups for 4 people

Low season 3.1.-21.3.et 1.11.-31.12.: from 750 Euro vat
Mid Season 21.3-13.6. and 12.9-31.10: from 780 Euro vat
High season 13.6.-12.9. : from 810 Euro vat