Farm to Table Tour
September 28 – October 8, 2019
Whether it’s fresh made pasta from a nonna’s kitchen, the grassy, liquid gold of authentic Italian olive oil from a small mill in the countryside, or pungently earthy truffles from the woods, food is a defining and delectable component of Italy’s culture.
During this unique Tuscan farm-to-table adventure, we’ll immerse ourselves in an exploration of the culinary traditions and delights of several important areas within Tuscany.
We’ll delve into the framework of authentic Tuscan culinary traditions, finding fresh ingredients at their source and discovering their heritage in the Italian kitchen.
This tour entails a full immersion into the Tuscan farm lifestyle, methods of farming and wine making, as well as the production of olive oil, cured meats, cheese, honey and other types of food products typical to these areas of Tuscany.
One of this tour’s highlights is the half-day we will spend with a local truffle hunter and his dogs.
Afterward we’ll head back to the kitchen for a cooking lesson where we learn how to incorporate this prized tuber into several delicious dishes.
Our “Farm-to-Table” Tour is a fully-escorted tour with all of your accommodations, excursions & tours, transportation and most of your meals completely arranged and included.
However, we’ve left you some flexibility for free time to relax in a piazza, meander the small villages we will be visiting, or do some shopping.
Join us on this unique culinary expedition celebrating food & wine from the field to the table.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the hidden gems of Florence
- Visit local markets
- Learn all about the history, culture, and traditions of Tuscany
- Meet with a variety of food specialists and get an insider’s look into family farms and local food producers
- Learn how to cook Tuscan specialties
- Savor local specialties during our tasting excursions
- Indulge in multi-course dinners served with local wines
- Enjoy private tours of several farms, including organic wineries
- Spend your days exploring the incredible Tuscan countryside, its vineyards, and small hill top villages
- Forage for Truffles
- Visit a butcher shop
- Sip delicious wines while taking in the views of vineyards and olive trees
Day 1 - Arrival Day/ Benvenuto!
Welcome to Italy! Your boutique hotel for the next three nights is set in the historical heart of Florence.
All of the important monuments, museums and galleries are within a short walking distance. Florence is the capital of Italy's Tuscany region and cradle of Renaissance art and architecture.
Its museums, palaces, and churches are some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. After arrival and check-ins, we’ll begin with a casual orientation walking tour to point out the many highlights of this famous renaissance city; discovering its amazing architecture, quiet piazze, and stunning jewels such as the Ponte Vecchio.
In the evening, the group will meet up for introductions and aperitivo and then onto a fun dinner at a typical Florentine restaurant where we can taste the best of authentic Tuscan cuisine. (D)
Day 2 - Florence: Markets & Mysteries of the Medici
After breakfast at our hotel, We’ll start the morning out with a visit to Florence’s vibrant and colorful market scene, where you can find anything, from a tripe sandwich to a silk scarf!
Following our shopping extravaganza we’ll meet up with our expert local guide for a guided walking tour where we will be introduced to the colorful history of Florence's medieval center.
As we wind our way through the piazze and pretty side streets, past palaces, courtyards, churches and bridges (Note: We do not visit any museums or go inside any monuments).
In the afternoon enjoy some free time for lunch and to explore on your own. In the evening there is an optional Dinner*
(B, *Optional Dinner)
Day 3 - : A Cooking Lesson
Today we are going venture out of the city to an ancient estate in the countryside. Next, we’ll roll up our sleeves and start cooking.
What tasty dishes will emerge from the mixture of seasonal colors and flavors? The chef will instruct you in peeling, cutting, and mixing the ingredients while providing tips and tricks for preparing recipes according to the ingredients, herbs, and olive oil that are at hand.
With the cooking done, we will sit down and savor our creations together.
In the afternoon we’ll return to the hotel. Enjoy your last evening in Florence. (B, L)
Day 4 - Chianti: Olive Oil and Wine
Today we’ll meet up with our private driver and transfer to the countryside of the Chianti region – an area of Tuscany made famous by the red wine of the same name.
This is a beautiful region of terra-cotta-roofed towns and winding roads, leading through groves of olive trees, with cypress and endless vineyards stitching sun-dappled rolling hillsides – this is wine country.
We’ll stop in one of the many quaint towns where you can wander the town piazza or shop for local Tuscan products.
Our next stop is to a local winery for a tour and lunch where you can taste various products from the farm and of course, their Chianti Classico wines.
Later, check into our countryside villa where we will stay for the next 2 nights. Group dinner with local wines. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Chianti: More Farms and Wine!
We’re off to visit a small family-run cheese farm today. The visit includes a tour of the grounds, see the milking and if we arrive early enough, we might be able to assist with the cheese making.
We'll enjoy a light lunch coupled with cheese, organic honey, bread, and of course wine!
Save your appetite, as tonight we have a hearty dinner! (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Arezzo - Where ‘Life is Beautiful’
After breakfast, we’ll check out of our accommodations and head to Arezzo - A beautiful medieval town, which has its origins in Etruscan history and later conquered by the Romans.
The town was also made famous in movie ‘Life is Beautiful’ by Roberto Benigni. Even though the medieval center was destroyed during the World War II, Arezzo still has a beautiful piazza (Piazza Grande) and many historical buildings and churches as well as a Roman Amphitheater and the remains of a fortress.
We’ll visit Arezzo’s historical center. Here you have some free time to explore, visit museums or shop, with lunch on your own.
Later, check into our agriturismo villa for the next 5 nights. (B, D)
Day 7 - Pecorino and the Val D’Orcia (Montepulciano, Pienza)
Today we depart for a tour of two of Tuscany’s most famous towns: Montepulciano & Pienza set in the Val d’Orcia – what many view as the “quintessential” Tuscany.
Our first stop is the small and charming town of Pienza where you can wander the beautiful streets and visit some of the shops. We’ll also enjoy a cheese tasting of the famous local Pecorino (Sheep) cheese.
Traveling on to the steeply-slopped town of Montepulciano, you are free to wander the streets, stop at shops, churches and town squares as well as visit one of the many enoteca where you can tour ancient cellars and have a wine tasting.
Dinner at our agriturismo villa with local wines. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Local History and Daily Life in Tuscany
We start the morning by learning about the life of St. Francis of Assisi who lived and trekked throughout Tuscany & Umbria.
We will visit one of the most famous sanctuaries of St. Francis.
After we’ll head to an ancient olive oil mill with a tour, tasting & lunch.
Then you will enjoy some free time to wander the quint alleys and streets of a small medieval village that looks no different than it did centuries ago. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Truffle Hunting & Cooking Lesson
This morning we begin the day with an exciting truffle hunting demonstration with a local truffle hunter and his dog in the woods.
Here you will learn all about this precious and delectable funghi, where to find them, and the ancient methods used in Italy to search for them. Of course, hopefully we will find some truffles!
After, roll up your sleeves as we have another cooking lesson.
A delicious lunch with all the dishes we have prepared and some good local wine will follow this. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Cortona - ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ & Wine-Pairing Lunch
Morning departure for Cortona, made famous by Frances Mayes’ book & movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”.
Cortona is surrounded by a countryside planted with olive trees, in which lavish villas are surrounded by large gardens and hosts many monasteries, churches and monuments.
Cortona's Etruscan walls are incorporated into the medieval walls that surround its historic center. Inside the walls, you can wander the narrow medieval streets of
Cortona's historic center. Along the walls, you'll often be rewarded with fantastic views of the valley below and Lago di Trasimeno off in the distance. Enjoy free time to shop Cortona’s fun & interesting shops and galleries, have a Caffè in a local bar, sample some gelato or just wander the alleys and streets.
We will then head out into the countryside to visit a completely organic winery for a guided tour.
Our tour will be followed by a fabulous lunch situated in beautiful surroundings with views of the vineyards, valley and hills. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Departure Day
Early morning breakfast at our villa as we say our goodbyes.
We'll board our vans and depart for the Rome Airport (FCO).
Bid Arrivederci to Italy! (B)
This Tour Includes:
- Small group size: Only 12 guests
- 3 nights in Florence
- 2 nights lodging in Chianti
- 5 nights in the Tuscan countryside
- Airport transfer to Rome FCO on departure
- All breakfasts, buffet style
- 7 Lunches & 8 Dinners
- Regional wines with most meals
- Private cooking lessons
- All ground transportation w/ driver
- Private full-time escort & interpreter
- Private bus/van for our daily excursions
- All private wine tastings
- All excursions, tours, and entrance fees
- Pre-trip information packet
- Local VAT taxes and government fees, gas, highway tolls, city access licenses and permits, and parking fees.
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Travel insurance*
- Travel documents & fees: i.e. passport and visas (if required)
- Lunch on arrival day, and 2 other days
- Any telephone, cell, data & internet usage
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel-related expenses outside of the tour itinerary
- Any food or beverage ordered by traveler that is not included or presented during meals including: wine and other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks & gelato
- Any taxes on personal items purchased
- Optional tips to guides, staff or drivers. These are not required and are given at your discretion.
* We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment. This is to ensure that you are covered in the event of loss of deposit and cancellation fees, medical emergency or health expenses, personal accident, flight cancellation or delays and to protect your luggage against any loss or damage.
Arrangements from an alternate airport can be made for an additional fee.
Dates: September 28 - October 8, 2019
11 Days/10 Nights
Where: Tuscany
Group Size: 12 Guests Maximum
Tour Cost: $3,995 per person/Dbl occupancy
Single Supplement: $775
All tours are quoted in U.S. Dollars
To register for this tour, a deposit of $1500.00 is required to secure your reservation.
Balance is due 60 days prior to travel.
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