Itinerary
The Tuscan Chef.
Prices $1,535 3-Nights CAD*

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 (overnight)

Wednesday

Benvenuto a Italia!

You will be met in Florence at approximately 4pm and then travel to the estate through the beautiful rolling hills of Tuscany.

Upon arrival at the estate 5.15pm you will be shown to your room and made comfortable.  Enjoy your beautiful surroundings, take a leisurely stroll or take a dip in the pool before meeting for drinks.

At 7 pm an aperitif is served in the frescoed refectory so that you can meet the Chef and other members of your class before dinner which will be served in the private halls of the abbey.

(D)

Day 2 (overnight)

Thursday
Enjoy your breakfast served from 8 am.

At 10 am your first cooking lesson will start in monastery's (now) family kitchen.

You will prepare a whole menu including bread and dessert which will be enjoyed accompanied by a selection of wines that best pair with the dishes. In the afternoon a trip is planned to visit local artisan food producers to discover how some of the regions' finest hand crafted "pecorino" cheeses and other local specialties are produced.  You will be 'house guests' for dinner tonight at small independent winery.

(B/L/D)

Day 3 (overnight)

Friday

After breakfast you will have your second cooking lesson in the kitchen followed by lunch. At 4 pm you will be taken on a comprehensive visit of the estate's vineyards and fermentation cellar. The afternoon includes a guided walk through the vineyards, and an in-depth explanation of wine making from the vineyard to the bottle. You will see the processes involved in wine making first hand to gain a fuller understanding on how hand-crafted wines come into being and taste wines at their various stages of development. Dinner will take place at one of the region’s fabulous Michelin starred restaurants.

(B/L/D)

Day 4 (overnight)
Saturday

Following breakfast it's shopping day! Enjoy shopping at the local organic food market with Chef Guido to choose ingredients for a garden buffet lunch. Stroll the streets of Montevarchi and sip cappuccino taking in some local scenery or maybe visit the 19th century Museum of Paleontology before returning to sample the freshly bought produce, stopping along the way to visit Europe's largest collection of roses. In the evening everyone can try their hand at making pizza, bread and focaccia in the traditional wood fired oven and dining in the main courtyard while listening to live music.

(B/L/D)

Day 4 (overnight)
Sunday

After a leisurely breakfast, feel free to enjoy the beautiful Renaissance gardens and swimming pool or stroll in the over 800 hectares of pristine woodland before meeting at the wine estate restaurant for an al-fresco lunch.  The last cooking lesson will start at 5 pm followed by a graduation dinner and the final evening of festivities.

(B/L/D)

Day 6
Monday

Farewell Breakfast
Transfer to Florence Central train station, arrival at approx. 10.30am.
(B)