Benvenuti in Toscana!

Day one of your unforgettable culinary tour begins with your arrival and check-in at your luxurious boutique hotel, Hotel Villa Marsili, where comfort and elegance set the tone for the week ahead.

After settling into your beautifully appointed room, you’re invited to the lounge for a warm welcome meet and greet with fellow food enthusiasts. Sip on refreshing cocktails and local wines as we discuss the week-long itinerary, filled with hands-on cooking classes, vineyard tastings, and exclusive dining experiences. Anticipation builds as you hear about the chefs you’ll meet and the regional delicacies you’ll savor.

As the sun sets, we will head to a charming local restaurant renowned for its authentic cuisine. The welcome dinner is a true feast—featuring seasonal ingredients, traditional techniques, and regional flavors—paired with perfectly matched wines. It’s the perfect beginning to a week of culinary discovery and gourmet indulgence.

The day begins with an unforgettable breakfast at our hotel, consistently recognized as one of the finest in Italy. Featuring an abundant spread of fresh pastries, local cheeses and cured meats, seasonal fruit, homemade specialties, and expertly prepared coffee, it’s the perfect way to ease into another day in Tuscany.

After breakfast, we’ll explore the enchanting hilltop town of Cortona, our home for the week. As we stroll its winding medieval streets, picturesque piazzas, and hidden corners, you’ll discover the fascinating history, local traditions, and timeless charm that have made Cortona one of Tuscany’s most beloved destinations.

For lunch, we’ll make our way to a nearby award-winning olive oil estate, where generations of the same family have perfected the art of producing exceptional extra virgin olive oil. You’ll enjoy a guided tasting that reveals the nuances of Tuscany’s liquid gold before sitting down to a leisurely lunch featuring regional specialties, each thoughtfully paired with the estate’s outstanding oils.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to nearby Lake Trasimeno, one of Italy’s largest and most peaceful lakes. Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit, as blooming flowers, fresh greenery, and gentle lakeside breezes create the perfect setting for a relaxing stroll. Take in the tranquil scenery, browse the charming waterfront, or simply enjoy a slower pace before we return to Cortona for the evening.

Today we trade the peaceful countryside of Cortona for the timeless beauty of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s greatest culinary capitals. Our morning begins with a guided food tour through the city’s historic center, where we’ll wander charming piazzas and medieval streets while sampling an array of authentic Florentine specialties. Along the way, you’ll discover the stories, traditions, and passionate artisans behind the city’s iconic flavors, gaining a deeper appreciation for the food culture that has shaped Tuscany for centuries.

After the tour, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Browse the boutiques lining Florence’s elegant streets, visit world-famous landmarks, sip an espresso in a lively piazza, or simply lose yourself wandering the city’s enchanting back streets. Whether you choose to admire the Duomo, cross the Ponte Vecchio, explore local markets, or settle in for a leisurely aperitivo, you’ll have ample time to experience Florence in your own way before we return to Cortona in the late afternoon.

After another wonderful breakfast at our hotel, we’ll set off through the rolling Tuscan countryside to the beautiful estate of Villa Vetrichina, a lovingly restored 18th-century farmhouse nestled in the hills near Montepulciano. Surrounded by forests, gardens, and sweeping countryside, it’s the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Tuscany.

Our morning is dedicated to a hands-on cooking class led by the talented chefs of Villa Vetrichina. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honored family recipes, you’ll learn the techniques behind classic Tuscan cuisine while preparing a delicious multi-course meal. From handmade pasta to traditional regional specialties, every dish reflects the warmth and authenticity of the local culinary traditions. Once the cooking is complete, we’ll gather around the table to savor the wonderful lunch we’ve prepared together, accompanied by excellent local wines and genuine Tuscan hospitality.

After lunch, we’ll make our way to one of Montepulciano’s renowned wineries for a guided tasting of the area’s celebrated Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. As you sample a selection of exceptional wines, you’ll learn about the unique terroir, centuries-old winemaking traditions, and what makes this prestigious wine one of Tuscany’s true treasures.

Before returning to Cortona, you’ll have a little free time to stroll Montepulciano’s charming streets, browse its artisan shops, or simply take in the breathtaking views over vineyards and rolling hills. It’s a day that perfectly captures the essence of Tuscany—extraordinary food, exceptional wine, spectacular scenery, and memories you’ll carry home long after your journey ends.

After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we’ll journey into the unspoiled hills of neighboring Umbria for one of Italy’s most treasured culinary traditions—truffle hunting.

Accompanied by an expert truffle hunter and specially trained dogs, we’ll venture into ancient oak forests in search of these prized underground delicacies. As you walk through the peaceful woodland, you’ll learn about the fascinating world of truffles, the unique bond between hunter and dog, and the generations-old traditions that have made this region one of Italy’s premier destinations for truffles. Every hunt is different, making each experience a true adventure shaped by nature itself.

Following the hunt, we’ll return to a beautifully restored stone farmhouse for an unforgettable farm-to-table feast celebrating the region’s seasonal bounty. The menu showcases freshly harvested ingredients, handcrafted local specialties, and, of course, the star of the day—fresh truffles featured throughout multiple courses. Paired with carefully selected local wines and warm Umbrian hospitality, this leisurely lunch is a true celebration of the land and its traditions.

After lunch, you’ll have time to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings before we make our way back to Cortona. It’s a day that perfectly captures the authentic heart of central Italy—nature, tradition, extraordinary food, and unforgettable memories shared around the table.

After enjoying another exceptional breakfast at our hotel, we’ll head to the rolling hills just outside Arezzo to visit one of the region’s most celebrated boutique wineries. Nestled among vineyards and olive groves, this family-owned estate has been producing award-winning wines for generations and offers the perfect introduction to the rich winemaking traditions of eastern Tuscany.

Our experience begins with a guided walk through the vineyards and winery, where you’ll learn about the estate’s history, the winemaking process, and the passion that goes into every bottle. Following the tour, we’ll settle in for a leisurely three-course Tuscan lunch thoughtfully paired with four of the estate’s award-winning wines. As each course is served, you’ll discover how local cuisine and wine complement one another, making for a truly memorable culinary experience.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the elegant city of Arezzo, one of Tuscany’s hidden gems. Rich in history yet refreshingly uncrowded, Arezzo is known for its beautifully preserved medieval streets, grand piazzas, Renaissance architecture, and vibrant artisan traditions. We’ll enjoy a guided stroll through the historic center, visiting many of its most iconic landmarks while uncovering the fascinating stories that have shaped this remarkable city over the centuries.

After some free time to browse the charming boutiques, enjoy a gelato, or simply soak in the atmosphere, we’ll make our way back to Cortona, bringing another unforgettable day in Tuscany to a close.

After one final spectacular breakfast at our hotel, we’ll venture into the beautiful Tuscan countryside for a unique, hands-on cheese-making experience at a charming family-owned farm nestled at the foot of Cortona. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills, this welcoming estate offers an authentic glimpse into rural Tuscan life and the traditions that have been preserved here for generations.

Under the guidance of your local hosts, you’ll discover the fascinating art of traditional Italian cheesemaking. Learn how fresh milk is transformed into delicious cheeses using time-honored techniques, and enjoy the opportunity to participate in the process yourself. Following the demonstration, we’ll sit down to a leisurely farm lunch featuring the estate’s handcrafted cheeses, seasonal specialties, and local wines—a true celebration of the flavors of Tuscany.

We’ll return to Cortona in the afternoon, leaving you with a little time to relax, pick up a few last-minute souvenirs, or enjoy one final stroll through the enchanting streets of this beloved hill town.

This evening, we’ll come together one last time for our farewell dinner. Over exceptional Tuscan cuisine and wonderful local wines, we’ll celebrate the friendships formed, the unforgettable experiences shared, and the memories created throughout our week together. It’s a heartfelt evening filled with laughter, stories, and toasts to new friends and the timeless beauty of Italy—bringing our Tuscan adventure to a truly unforgettable close.

After breakfast at the hotel, we say our good-byes and reflect on the beautiful week we just experienced.

NOTE: As we partner with small, family-run businesses, some flexibility in the above itinerary is necessary. We may adjust the schedule, modify activities, or substitute locations to ensure the best possible experience. A finalized itinerary will be provided two weeks before our adventure begins.