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 Superior 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.

Enjoy the award-winning breakfast at the hotel before departing for a full day of adventure!

We begin our day with a visit to nearby Lake Trasimeno. Touring Lake Trasimeno offers a captivating mix of natural beauty, history, and Italian charm. This tranquil lake is surrounded by picturesque towns like Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno. Lake Trasimeno provides an authentic, less-crowded alternative to Italy’s more famous destinations, making it the perfect first stop for our tour.

After Lake Trasimeno, we return to Cortona for lunch. But not any lunch, today we will visit the Michelin-starred restaurant Relais Il Falconiere where starred chef Silvia Baracchi will prepare our delicious lunch with wine tasting.

After lunch, we will get to know our host city of Cortona with a guided tour. Touring Cortona is like stepping into a Tuscan dream. Perched on a hillside, this charming medieval town offers breathtaking views of the Val di Chiana and Lake Trasimeno. We will wander narrow cobblestone streets lined with Renaissance architecture, artisan shops, and quaint cafés. You’ll soon see why I bought a home here!

Today, we immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of truffles with a unique experience at one of our favorite farms. Upon arrival, we will  be welcomed by Sandra, the farmhouse owner, and begin the first part of our cooking class by preparing fresh pasta dough. While the dough rests, we will receive an introduction to truffles and their fascinating role in Italian cuisine, all within the warm setting of our farm restaurant. Next, we will venture into the surrounding woods with our expert truffle hunter and his specially trained dog, searching for these culinary treasures in their natural habitat. After the hunt, you’ll return to the farmhouse for the second part of the cooking session, where we will craft a full truffle-based menu—first course, main dish, and even dessert—using organic ingredients from the farm. Throughout the class, Sandra shares stories of her life on the farm and insights from over twenty years of sustainable farming. The experience culminates in a delicious four-course meal, including homemade starters, a cheese platter from the owner’s farm, and the truffle dishes we’ve created, accompanied by wine, water, coffee, and fresh-baked bread.

After our experience on the farm, we will walk off our lunch with a visit the enchanting town of Pienza. Nestled in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, area, Pienza is a pure gem known for its harmonious architecture, charming streets, and stunning countryside views, its famed for pecorino cheese and romantic ambiance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pienza blends history, art, and pastoral beauty in perfect harmony.

Today we visit local farm and learn all there is to know about true and authentic Tuscan pecorino cheese. Tasting pecorino cheese is a bold, savory experience. This sheep’s milk cheese delivers a firm texture with a slightly oily feel. The flavor is salty, nutty, and sharp, intensifying with age. Younger pecorino offers a milder, creamier bite, while aged varieties like pecorino Toscano boast a crumbly texture and a pungent, lingering tang. On the tongue, it starts salty, then reveals earthy, grassy undertones. We will taste several varieties, paired with wines, honey, fruit spreads.

After our cheese tasting experience, we will head out into the fields to enjoy an amazing picnic style lunch enjoying more cheeses and salumi, all paired with more local wines! After lunch we will visit another Tuscan gem: Montepulciano!

Visiting Montepulciano is like stepping into a Renaissance painting. This charming Tuscan hill town offers breathtaking views, winding cobblestone streets, and beautifully preserved medieval architecture. The Piazza Grande, the heart of the town, hosts festivals and is perfect for walking off lunch. Montepulciano will capture your soul with its beauty, culture, and timeless Italian charm.

Today, we visit the Etruscan town of Arezzo. Touring Arezzo offers a captivating journey through history, art, and Tuscan charm. This medieval city, nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Tuscany, boasts Roman ruins, Gothic churches, and Renaissance treasures. Art lovers can admire frescoes by Piero della Francesca in the Basilica of San Francesco. Antique markets, boutique shops, and rustic trattorias fill the cobbled streets. Arezzo is less crowded than other Tuscan cities, allowing for a more relaxed, authentic experience. It’s a perfect blend of cultural richness and timeless Italian beauty!

But before we visit Arezzo, we will return in the kitchen for another hands-on cooking class in a refurbished abbey. As the process of renovation began in 2017, one thing became clear to the owners: the beauty and uniqueness of the abbey rested firmly on two cornerstones – its centuries-long history and its deep connection to the environment. So much, yet, so little has changed with regards to the abbey’s beauty. But our cooking class is not just about delicious food or a charming setting—it’s about the heart of Italian culture. Our recipes have been passed down through generations, evolving over time yet always staying true to their roots. If you’ve ever dreamed of unlocking the secrets of Tuscan traditions, there’s no better way than by joining our passionate chefs in a hands-on cooking class. We will learn to craft a variety of traditional pasta dishes and sauces, all made with the freshest local ingredients. Then, sit down and savor our creations with a glass of fine wine—a perfect ending to our culinary journey.

This morning is all about extra virgin olive oil! We will visit a local oil (and wine) producer that produces some of the area’s best EVOO. Crafted exclusively from 100% Tuscan olives—Moraiolo, Leccino, and Frantoio varieties, the olive trees are cultivated across various parts of the Cortona area, following traditional, non-intensive farming methods. The olives are carefully hand-harvested at the end of October. Production is limited and naturally varies with the season and climate. The oil is cold-pressed to retain its full range of organoleptic qualities.

After our lunch, we will visit the amazing town of Siena. This Tuscan gem captivates with its winding cobblestone streets, stunning Gothic architecture, and the iconic Piazza del Campo. The Duomo di Siena dazzles with intricate marble work and historic art. Time seems to slow down here, inviting you to savor every moment. Siena’s warm, timeless charm leaves a lasting impression on every traveler.

Today, we embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of rural life with a farm experience that’s perfect for gourmands seeking authentic connection with nature, tradition, and each other. Stroll through lush fields, sun-kissed vineyards, ancient olive groves, buzzing beehives, and colorful orchards, where every step offers something new to discover. The guided tour takes us up close to friendly farm animals and introduces you to time-honored, sustainable farming practices. Watch the magic behind artisanal cheese-making unfold, and learn the stories and skills passed down through generations. The experience culminates in a delightful tasting session, where we will savor the farm’s freshest products—cheeses, olive oil, honey, and more.

Finally, relax and indulge in a delicious, organic farm-to-table lunch at a charming countryside taverna, surrounded by the peaceful sounds and sights of nature. It’s not just a tour—it’s a sensory adventure that nourishes body, mind, and soul.

In the evening, we will have a light dinner at “Casa Luce” – Francesca’s personal home for an evening of fun and cheer before ending our time together in Tuscany!

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.