Arrival in the morning at Florence airport, where a private driver guide and elegant Porsche Macan will be waiting to pick guests up to the discovery of Florence. A personal art guide will meet guests and take them to a walking tour of Florence’s “Centro Storico” including the Mercato Centrale (the mind-boggling food market), the Piazza Della Signoria (the gorgeous square where the Uffizi gallery, Neptune’s fountain and the Palazzo Vecchio are all located), and plenty of hidden gourmet gems en route. The city’s cobblestone streets, lively atmosphere, and stunning artistic history all add to the enchanting atmosphere. Many writers and artist have been captivated by this city, including Henry James, Albert Camus and Mark Twain.

After their tour of Florence, guests will be driven into the romantic Chianti Classico, the “ultimate” Italian wine region, with its medieval hill topped villages, lush woodlands, cypress-lined country roads and valleys blanketed in vineyards and olive groves. Visit of the historic estate Badia a Coltibuono property, with its abbey and manicured gardens. On a private tour, explore the grounds and finish with a tasting of their best wines and even Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oils.

In the late afternoon, carry on to Chiusi, and check-in to a Luxury Historic Residence, set between Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello and Chianti wine. Welcome to the Land of Etruscans!

Lesson n° 1: Home Made Pasta & typical dishes of Tuscan cuisine

After a gourmet breakfast offering exclusive products of supreme quality (organic jams, homemade honey from the local beekeepers, furthermore accompanied by delicious creations of the Chef Patissier Donatella), the driver will meet guests and they will head in the most breathtaking Spa in the heart of Tuscany. The experience will begin in the relaxation area while sipping refined infusions. Guests will then enter the Turkish bath with chromotherapy. The experience will then continue in the “Vinarium Suite”, where guests will soak in wine and truffle extracts in the wooden tub whilst enjoying a glass of “Rubro”.  After this experience of absolute relaxation, guests will almost certainly be ready for a casual lunch in the casual setting of the Spa resort’s restaurant, that will allow guests to dine in their bathrobe and slippers while they take a break from their day spa program.

In the later afternoon, return to Chiusi. Meeting at the Residence for the first private cooking lesson: the Chef Donatella will show to guests all the secrets of Tuscan cuisine and the home made pasta too. At the end of the cooking lesson, guests will taste the food prepared by themselves. The dinner will be served in the evocative dining halls and each course will be accompanied by superb wines.

Lesson n° 2: Tuscan Pastries & More

During the morning, free time to sleep in, relax in the garden spa, or have a leisurely breakfast. In the late morning, meeting with the driver and a very friendly knowledgeable art guide who will embark guests on a private guided tour of Montepulciano’s most cherished sites and monuments. Learn all about this beautiful example of Tuscan Medieval Village on the top of Siena hills, also known for the wine: Nobile of Montepulciano. Visit the historical center, enclosed inside the ancient walls, that in the past time maintained safe the inhabitants from the attack of the soldiers coming from Florence. After a fantastic two-hour walking tour, visit of the monumental Cantina de’Ricci, one of the most ancient and beautiful wine cellar in the world: situated at the highest part of the city, guests will access into the Cantine via a monumental equestrian staircase, with its impressive brick texture. Lunch will be in one of the most popular Tavern of Montepulciano, were guests will taste a delicious Florentine steak. After lunch, carry on to Montalcino. This ancient village is best known for its elixir red Brunello di Montalcino wines, made with the Sangiovese Grosso grape varietal. Enjoy a VIP private visit to a Brunello producer such as the prestigious Nardi estate. At the winery they will tour the barrel caves, the installations, take in the gorgeous views and taste Brunello “Riservas” and also Rosso di Montalcino.

Transfer back to Chiusi, just on time for the second cooking lesson: the Chef Patissier Donatella will reveal the pastries’ recipes of best patisseries in Tuscany! The cooking class will conclude with a tea break in the gorgeous Residence’s garden.

The ultimate gourmet experience: dinner in Michelin guide Restaurant in private ancient village. 

Lesson n° 3: Chocolate’s Passion

After the full breakfast in the Residence, the driver will drive guests to a top winery such as Antinori’s Badia Passignano estate. The exuberant Marquis Piero will take them on a memorable tour of the property and guests will taste some of Antinori’s mythical wines such as Tignanello, Cervaro Della Sala, Chianti Classico Riserva Badia a Passignano, Guado al Tasso, and Solaia. After the cellar visit, they will enjoy an Extra Virgin Olive Oil tasting followed by an outstanding lunch at the Michelin starred Osteria, with dishes paired with the aforementioned following wines.

After lunch, carry on to Siena, to discover with their art guide this ancient city, a magnificent city of art with characteristic alleys, wards (rioni) and towers, artisan shops and buildings that make it a not-to-be-missed touristic destination!

In the afternoon, after their tour of Siena, they will travel to the Residence for the last cooking-class: the Chef Patissier Donatella will be waiting for them. Following step by step the recipes with the Chef’s help, they will learn the technique to create their perfect bon bon chocolate! Guests will relax and enjoy a free dinner in the very ancient village of Chiusi.

Departure

Full breakfast at the Residence. This wine tour of Tuscany is concluded, with wine tastings in Chianti, Montalcino and Montepulciano. Guests will leave with many gourmet goodies and gifts, their Graduation Certificate & Recipe’s Notes and above all with a deeper appreciation of Tuscan wines, art, and architecture.

We can arrange extra days in Rome or Perugia, please contact us for details.

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