Itinerary
Farmhouse Cooking – in the heart of Tuscany!
Price $2,060 CAD* Special Interest Group Travel

Well placed at the centre of the classical itineraries which lead you to the famous artistic towns of Tuscany: equidistant from Florence and Siena (35km) and close to Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo and the Maremma around Grosseto.

6 days in Chianti - a food lover’s paradise.  Unpack and relax, you stay here for a week. And we have a wide range of cultural explorations; your experience will be a journey of tastes. We feature a ‘Sample Itinerary’ which offers a suggested culinary program. Modifications to the program are easy enough as we’re flexible. Each outing is of course subject to weather, availability and whether or not it compliments your interests. Rest assured that an exceptional week is planned to highlight the very best of the region. You will enjoy fabulous wine tastings, informative guided tours, markets and delicious gourmet food.

Day 1
Depart Saturday.

Please note that car rental is recommended for this program from Tuesday to Friday, in order to have the flexibility that you want to explore freely. You will be met at the airport and taken to your Farmhouse B&B, where your vehicle can be made available the day after your arrival. There are so many lovely little villages and interests vary so widely, a rental car is truly necessary for you to have the flexibility you desire. Please inquire if you would like to arrange car rental, we will happily organise it for you.

Day 2 (overnight)
Sunday
Arrive Sunday morning at Florence Airport in Italy. You’ll be met at the airport & transferred to your Farmhouse B&B, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your host Maria Teresa. After a tasty light lunch you will have the afternoon to yourself with free time to unpack & rest.
Enjoy your welcome dinner consisting of three Italian-style courses including local Chianti wine with your host.
(L/D)

Day 3 (overnight)
Monday
Breakfast
Wake up to a scrumptious Italian family breakfast consisting of bread, butter/marmalade, cereals, yogurt, fruit juice, fresh fruits, cheese, ham or salami, cakes, biscuits and coffee, tea, milk.
Your morning is free to ‘do your own thing’, relax & explore the surroundings – the garden, a walk or visit the closest town for lunch. 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.
This afternoon you will cook to your heart’s content…
Start your afternoon hands-on cooking lesson using fresh local ingredients. The cooking classes held by Maria Teresa are hands-on, lively, friendly and fun. Spend 3 or maybe 4 hours creating a wonderful dinner which you then enjoy together, accompanied by a local Chianti Classico wine from area producers.

(B/D)

Day 4 (overnight)
Tuesday
Breakfast
Today you’ll experience an excursion adventure of sorts…the sky is the limit. There are a lot of options to choose from in the surrounding areas from market & winery tours to a visit of historic Florence, Siena, or Pisa (the best way to go there is by train from Certaldo rail station which is about 8 km away). Generally you (the group) decide the day before what you would like to do, and the excursion will be planned for you at that time…hassle-free planning to maximize your time.
Afternoon free to go out exploring to find that great little ‘gem’ for dinner.
(B)

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

Day 6 (overnight)
Thursday
Breakfast
Today’s excursion adventure to be decided during the week, by your group…watch this space.
Afternoon free to check out the surrounding haunts and to stop at a quaint town for dinner.
(B)

Day 7 (overnight)
Friday
Breakfast
Spend your morning shopping for your last minute gift ideas at the local markets and shops…last day for shopping. Have lunch at that great little café that you heard about.
This afternoon it is back to the kitchen to start prepping today’s last dinner menu. Indulge in your dinner creation with wine and enjoy your final evening at Il Testimonio.
(B/D)

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