Culinary Adventures in Tuscany

Tour Type:

Private Group Tour

Comfort Rating:

Premier

Activity Level:

Really Easy

Duration:

8 Days

Join us on this special private tour as we experience the cuisine culture of Tuscany while exploring the towns and historic cities of this magical land.

Casual 3-Star or premier 4-Star accommodations, local guides to show you the secrets of the area, private transfers, and a Go Get Lost tour leader to make it all run smoothly.

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Day 1 - Welcome to Florence

Arrival in Florence airport and private group transfer to your centrally located 3 or 4 Star hotel.
Check-in and relax.

Florence is known as the cradle of the Renaissance, and rightfully so. The 14th-century explosion of creative talent that ended the Dark Ages and forever changed the world, was born and matured in this beautiful, magnificent city. Some of the greatest names in history called Florence home: Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello, Dante, Giotto, and the infamous Machiavelli.

Florence is known as a pedestrian-friendly city, with all of the major museums, palazzos, and squares located within easy walking distance. The friendly ambiance of this genteel Tuscan capital will set you at ease as you wander along its cobblestoned streets lined with shops and restaurants.

This afternoon you’ll meet your local Florentine guide for a 3-hour tour of Florence. They’ll lead you on a private journey of exploration throughout the city, where you’ll marvel at the fascinating story of Florence, both past, and present. You’ll end with a visit to San Lorenzo Market followed by dinner inside the Market.

Day 2 - Cooking Class in Florence and Botteghe Tour

After breakfast you’ll embark on a pleasant walk of about 20 minutes to reach your private kitchen located in San Frediano, the most authentic quarter of Florence . Before starting to cook your personal chef will accompany you in a unique “botteghe walking tour“, a short shopping walk in one of Florence’s most authentic neighborhoods, avoiding the tourist-packed markets. Together with your chef, you’ll hunt for produce visiting our small family run butcher, vegetable stall and a “not-to-be-missed” cheese shop, before heading back to the school for your lesson. Your class lasts approximately 3.5 hours, the course is hands on. You will prepare a four-course menu, using the best seasonal products and learn the secrets of making fresh handmade pasta. Wine is also included. After the lesson, you’ll be able to relax and dine with the recipes you prepared.

Afternoon is free to wander Florence and get lost. World-class museums, art, and shopping abound. You’re free for dinner tonight, so keep your eyes open for the perfect trattoria.

Day 3 - Olive Oil & Fiesole

This morning you’ll experience one of the most unique culinary experiences in Tuscany, a cooking class focused on olive oil. This is an absolute must if you are in Tuscany, the homeland of the world’s best Extra Virgin Olive Oil. We will talk about the history of olive oil and its nutritional properties, learn the meaning of words like EXTRA VIRGIN, COLD PRESSED and CULTIVAR. You will know the names of the different varieties and their origin. With Italy having the largest patrimony of endemic species – there are over ninety different varieties, you will be taught how to distinguish between plus points and defects. Using your senses you will understand the meaning of fruity green, bitter and pungent. You’ll have three ‘professional’ tastings of three different varieties of Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (served with crackers, apple and sparkling water to ‘clean’ your mouth between one testing and the next) and three ‘soft’ tastings of Extra Virgin Olive oil on bruschetta and with fresh vegetables. At the end of the olive oil, class enters the kitchen with your chef and she will teach you how to prepare fantastic desserts based on olive oil and serve them for breakfast, tea or at the end of a meal, keeping a close eye on calories and healthy ingredients. DURATION 3 ½ hours. By the end of the class you will walk out a more confident consumer and cook, and you’ll enjoy lunch at the end of the lesson for your efforts…

In the afternoon transfer to the hill of Fiesole to visit this charming village with an outstanding view over Florence. You can visit the Roman amphitheater, the Cathedral and walk up to San Francesco Convent to admire a panoramic view of Florence.

Day 4 - Chianti & Siena

After breakfast at the hotel you’ll check out and board your private coach for your day exploring the charming Chianti region. Following the Chiantigiana Road, you’ll stop in Greve in Chianti for a wine and salami tasting at the famous butcher Falorni. Then on to Panzano in Chianti and stop for lunch at Dario Cecchini’s “Solo Ciccia “ restaurant for lunch and wine. Time permitting you’ll be able to wander a bit in these quaint towns. In the afternoon you’ll arrive in Siena and accommodation at your 3 or 4 Star hotel:

When you combine the history of Siena with the current traditions of its inhabitants, you'll find that Siena is arguably one of the most fascinating, one of the most unique, and one of the most vibrant cultures in all of Europe! The Senese have kept alive the customs of their ancestors, and in fact, live it every day. To understand all of the history and customs, we'll have a private guided tour of the city by one of its citizens. As you explore the city you'll marvel at the huge span of history represented in its architecture, from the Romans to the Renaissance to the Goths, Siena is a landscape of all the civilizations that have dominated here.

Tonight we’ll have an excellent dinner at one of our favorite local out-of-the-way ristorante, featuring local specialties

Day 5 - The Valdorcia, Pienza & Montepulciano

This morning we head south for an unforgettable excursion into southern Tuscany. Our first stop will be Montepulciano, a lovely medieval village perched on the top of a small mountain, the slopes of which are covered with vineyards dedicated to producing the unique grape Prugnolo Gentile. Its walls are perfectly preserved and from them, you can enjoy great views of the Orcia valley hills. Here you’ll enjoy some free time to wander the cobblestone streets and explore the town. Be sure to stop in one of the many wine shops and underground cellars to sample their famous vintage Nobile di Montepulciano, a full-bodied red and one of the great wines of Italy. This afternoon our explorations continue in the town of Pienza, true symbol of Renaissance. Walk in the narrow romantic streets of this tiny village, home to Pope Pius II and perfectly representing the Quintessence of Tuscany over five hundred years later.

Before heading back for Chianti we’ll make a stop at a local farm and cheese maker in the Pienza countryside where we’ll learn how they produce their cheese, and then we’ll sit down to a wonderful cheese-based dinner, highlighting all of their farm’s production.

Day 6 - Cooking in Chianti… & San Gimignano

This morning we head north into the rolling hills of the Chianti countryside to the charming town of Castellina in Chianti. Here we’ll meet Chef Laura and join her for a walking tour of the
local market of Castellina to buy ingredients for our cooking class. Then on to her wine estate in Castellina for our cooking experience in the preparation of a Tuscan menu. Of course, lunch to follow with wines of the Estate, along with a tasting of their olive oils.

In the afternoon we’ll proceed into the region known as the Chianti Colli Senesi, where we’ll explore the wonderfully bizarre town of San Gimignano. The high walls and narrow streets of this imposing fortress are typical of Tuscan hill towns, but the 14 medieval towers that dominate San Gimignano's skyline set it apart from all the rest. Here you can "get lost" in the maze of streets, shops, and cafes. San Gimignano is rumored to have one of the best gelato shops in all of Italy...may be worth a visit? For the not-so-faint-of-heart, a tour of the fascinating (and gruesome) Museum of Medieval Justice will provide an interesting yet terrifying glimpse of the past.

Later you’ll return to Siena and have the evening free to explore.

Day 7 - Cooking class with Chef Andrea

This morning we’ll have another authentic experience in Tuscany: we will join Chef Andrea in his Tuscan cottage and kitchen for an amazing cooking class with fresh vegetable directly from his garden. Andrea defines himself as a Chianti “Host“ which explains a lot about his personality. An avid adventurer and a great communicator, he has been living in Chianti all his life and knows every single corner of the region. Through his different professional ventures (restaurant owner, winery guide, among others) he has constantly shared his limitless passion for his land.

After the class lunch will be served in his outside garden, weather permitting. In the afternoon we’ll have a visit to nearby Fattoria di Dievole for a guided visit of the old wine cellar…and of course for a wine tasting.

Later we’ll return to Siena and you’ll have time to relax and freshen up at your hotel. Tonight we’ll have a very special farewell dinner at one of our favorite restaurants…in one of our favorite settings…the Piazza del Campo. Arguably one of the most beautiful and romantic piazzas in Italy, the Campo is the perfect venue for our final meal. After dinner, we can have a traditional after-dinner passegiatta tonight in the Campo…strolling along with a gelato in hand under the soft lamplights of Siena is an experience to remember.

Day 8 - Departure

This morning we’ll have a group transfer to Florence airport.

HOTELS

Due to availability at the time of booking, hotels listed may change to similar hotels

Florence - 4 Star Beacci Tornabuoni: The décor and atmosphere is of refined elegance enhanced by modern comforts that make the Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci a location full of charm and glamor in the most elegant Florentine shopping, Via de Tornabuoni.
The rooms are decorated with fine furniture, curtains, and upholstery, and the guests are immersed in atmospheres rare for an unforgettable stay in Florence.

Siena – 4 Star Hotel Athena With a perfect location just inside the walls of Siena’s old city, the Athena is in a quiet residential neighborhood only a short walk from the center of Siena and its famous piazza, Il Campo. Modern rooms are tastefully decorated with dark woods and muted colors. With furnishings by local artisans, colors that echo the tones of the Tuscan landscape and the many comforts available, you will feel completely at home at ease, surrounded by the warmth of a welcome you will always remember.

Florence – 3 Star Hotel Silla: Beautifully located along the Arno River, Hotel Silla distinguishes itself for the excellent comforts and services it offers and a breathtaking rooftop terrace on the Arno. Within the historic Demidoff building, the congenial family-run hotel offers an expert multilingual staff. Only a few steps away from the hotel (a one minute walk) you can reach the Ponte alle Grazie and once you have crossed the bridge, you find yourself in the center of the architectural structures and works of art that have made Florence famous all over the world, such as Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Strozzi, and Palazzo Pitti.

Siena - 3 Star Hotel Santa Caterina For those visiting Siena for the first time, the historic center is often considered a perfect medieval jewel. This lovely hotel is just outside the historic center and just a few minutes' walk from Piazza del Campo, the Duomo and other artistic beauties of the city. Located in a patrician building dating back to the eighteenth century, they also have a beautiful rooftop garden with a view over the Sienese countryside, where in the summer they serve breakfast to their guests. Rooms at the Santa Caterina are furnished in an elegant and sophisticated manner, and the staff are highly renowned for their availability and courtesy.

• 3 nights at a 4 Star hotel in Florence
• 4 nights at a 4 Star hotel in Siena
• Daily breakfast
• Meals as specified: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, 2 wine tastings, 4 cooking classes
• All group meals include water and wine (soft drinks, beer and any other drinks are extra)
• Private group arrival airport transfer in Florence
• Private walking tour of Florence with local guide
• Welcome dinner in San Lorenzo market
• Botteghe tour with the chef, and cooking class in San Frediano cooking school with lunch
• Olive oil cooking class with pastry cooking and lunch
• Salami and wine at Falorni Butcher
• Lunch at Solo Ciccia Restaurant by Dario Cecchini
• Private walking tour of Siena with local guide
• Dinner at a Siena restaurant
• Visits to Montepulciano and Pienza
• Tour of dairy farm and dinner
• Castellina market visit
• Cooking class in a wine estate, with lunch, wine tasting and olive oil tasting
• Visit to San Gimignano
• Cooking class at Chef Andrea’s Cottage with lunch and wine
• Wine cellar visit and tasting at Dievole Vineyards
• Farewell dinner in Siena
• Private group departure transfer to Florence airport
• All transfers as listed in itinerary, this tour uses private coaches, trains, and boats
• All gratuities for meals, local guides, coach drivers, etc. (Does NOT include gratuity for primary tour leader.)
• Completely escorted by a Go Get Lost Tour Leader with local guides at specified sites throughout the itinerary
• A lifetime of unforgettable memories!

• Airfare package
• Gratuity for primary local tour leader
• Visa fees, if applicable
• Meals not specified in itinerary
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Insurance (strongly recommended), call for details
• Single supplement charge
• Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, etc.