7 Days Wine Tasting Tuscany & Cooking Holidays in Italy

Your home for the week is a villa that is owned and operated by the same family for nine generations. The historic manor house is located in the heart of Chianti, surrounded by olive grove and vineyards, and produces its own olive oil and wine. The manor house has a typical Italian garden with roses, lavender, lemon trees, and herbs. The pool overlooks the peaceful Tuscan hills. Inside, the original frescoes walls tell the history of the villa and the story of the family. The original kitchen is still being used to serve breakfast, while the 15th century dining room with its grand chandelier is used for special dinners. There is also a private chapel and so many historical pieces. Each of the guests' bedroom has a different decor and includes en-suite shower or bath.

Day 1: Arrival

• There will be a group transfer from Florence airport and train station around 15:00.
• You will be driven to the villa in Chianti. You’ll have time to unpack.
• Later, you’ll gather for a short tour led by a family member that will share the story of the house and the family followed by your first Tuscan Dinner and wine.

Day 2: Chianti, cheese farm visit, wine tasting

• After breakfast you will depart on evocative journey in the hills of Chianti driving through charming little villages and enjoying spectacular view until you reach an organic goat cheese farm. The farm was founded by two men who turned a dream into reality and changed their lives forever. You will learn about the process of making cheese and then taste the farm's Artisan cheeses, honey, olive oil, and wine.
• Next, You will discover a tiny but most charming village. After walking in the picturesque streets you will visit a family-owned winery where you will have lunch and wine tasting in a spectacular setting.
• After lunch you’ll continue to Greve, the unnamed capital of Chianti where you’ll have free time to explore before going back to the villa.
• Light dinner at the villa.

Day 3: Siena, Monteriggioni, cooking class

• This morning you’ll make our way to Siena, a medieval city that has not changed much in 800 years. You will have a guided walking tour, which after you’ll have free time for lunch, shopping or exploring.
• In the afternoon you will visit Monteriggioni, a charming walled village before going back to the villa.
• In the evening you will have a cooking class at the villa. You will get a chance to see a real Italian home, learn how to make fresh pasta and cook Tuscan dishes for dinner.

Day 4: Volterra, San Gimignano, pizza class, wine tasting

• After breakfast you’ll drive to Volterra, a medieval walled town, which used to be a key trading center and on of the most important Etruscan cities. Recently Volterra has attracted international for its connection to the twilight series of books and movies.
• Next, you’ll visit San Gimignano known for its striking towers from medieval times. You will have free time for lunch and for exploring the cobblestone streets and craft shops.
• In the afternoon you will drive to a small winery located in a magical setting outside San Gimignano. The winery is owned by a passionate young couple who left the big city to go back to their grandparents farm and continue the family traditions.
• You will spend a lovely evening making different types of pizza and pairing them with different wines. You will get to taste the unique white wine to this area, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Day 5: Cinque Terre

• Today you will spend the day exploring the Coast of Tuscany visiting the enchanting Cinque Terre. This is a group of five picturesque villages perched high atop the rocky Mediterranean coastline. The only way to access these villages is by train and by a boat but that's what make it so scenic and special.
• Dinner at the villa.

Day 6: Florence, farewell dinner

• On your last day in Tuscany you will visit Florence, the capital of Tuscany, a city that you’d always want to come back to and one that has best Renaissance arts in Europe. Enjoy the street markets, the fashion and the beautiful sites.
• Tonight you will have a farewell dinner in the grand dining room and celebrate your week in Tuscany.

Day 7: Departure

• Head home or extend your stay.
• Transfer from the villa to Florence train station or airport is around 09:00.

Throughout the Italian culinary-inspired holiday, you will visit wineries, an organic goat cheese farm, and popular Italian destinations such as Chianti, Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano, Cinque Terre, and Florence.

This vacation takes place in Tuscany, Italy.

• 2 hands-on cooking classes
• 2 lunches including wine
• 6 dinners including wine
• 6 nights accommodations
• Cheese farm visit and tasting
• Daily breakfast
• Group transfer to / from Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) or train station
• Tour book
• Transportation on day trips
• Winery visit and wine tasting

• Anything not mentioned in the program
• Flights
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). Transfer from and to the airport is included. Food N’ Wine Vacations will pick you up from the airport.

Arrival by train

Please book your train to arrive at Florence train station.

• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid 90 days before arrival.