Day 1
Depart Saturday.

Day 2 (overnight)
Sunday
Arrive Sunday morning at Florence Airport in Italy. You’ll be met at the airport & provided a 1 hour transfer from the airport to Podere Le Rose Italian Farmhouse B&B, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your hosts the de‘ Mari family. After a tasty light lunch you will have the afternoon to yourself with free time to unpack & rest. Meet the other guests later on & enjoy a welcome gastronomic dinner with your hosts.
Please note that car rental is highly recommended for this program, you will be staying in the countryside and taxis are not always readily available to give you the flexibility that you want to explore freely. Please inquire if you would like to arrange car rental, we will happily make the arrangements for you and of course deduct the transfer cost.
(L/D)

Day 3 (overnight)
Monday
Breakfast
Wake up to a scrumptious Italian family breakfast consisting of cappuccino or coffee/tea, Tuscan bread with homemade jams of figs, peaches & quinces, homemade cake, seasonal fresh fruit or cereal.
9.30-12.30 Cook to your heart’s content…
After breakfast, start your afternoon hands-on cooking lesson using fresh local ingredients. The cooking classes taught by Simonetta and Paola, assisted by a Tuscan chef, are hands-on, lively, friendly and fun. You'll create wonderful meals of appetizers, a pasta dish, a main dish and a dessert, which you will then enjoy together for lunch, accompanied by Chianti Classico wine from area producers - finishing around 1.30ish.
Afternoon free to ‘do your own thing’, relax & explore the surroundings – the garden, a walk or visit the closest town for dinner. Consult your handy Safari Kit for local restaurant recommendations…it’s an excellent resource and researched to ensure that your gastronomic experience is top notch.
(B/L)

Day 4 (overnight)
Tuesday
Breakfast
Today is market day - visit a typical open-air Italian Market where together you’ll select Italian cheeses, salami, prosciutto, breads, fruit & vegetables followed by a food & wine tasting at Podere Le Rose – a true Italian lunch in a mouth-watering setting.
Afternoon free to go out exploring to find that great little ‘gem’ for dinner – if you want to – otherwise stay closer to home.
(B/L)

Day 5 (overnight)
Wednesday
Breakfast
The morning is yours to explore the rolling hills of Tuscany and check out the best spot for lunch.
4.00-7.00 Create your own masterpiece in the kitchen…
In this afternoon’s hands-on cooking lesson roll up your sleeves as you’ll prepare an incredible dinner menu & of course enjoy your creation paired with Chianti Classico - finishing around 8.30ish.
(B/D)

Day 6 (overnight)
Thursday
Breakfast
This morning’s excursion adventure will take you to explore the Chianti region - with its medieval towns & a visit to a local Chianti Classico Winery followed by a light picnic lunch with wine (of course).
This afternoon get up close & personal with Siena – a beautiful historic city that was once a capital. It’s still unspoiled with the grandeur of the age when it was at its peak…get ready to be impressed! The shopping is also excellent – bring your gift list!
Late afternoon free – stop in for dinner at a quaint town on your return from Siena.
(B/L)

Day 7 (overnight)
Friday
Breakfast
9.30-12.30 Back to the kitchen…
After breakfast it’s back to the kitchen to start prepping today’s lunch menu. Indulge in your lunch creation with wine, ending around 1.30ish.
That leaves another afternoon available to rest or get up & go out to visit the closest town for your last supper.
(B/L)

Day 8
Saturday
Breakfast – Adios + Check Out + Transfer to Florence Airport + Return flight. (B)