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Hidden Gems of Tuscany Tour
Embark on an 8/day – 7/night journey through the enchanting landscapes of Arezzo, Val D’Orcia, and Maremma, uncovering Tuscany’s hidden treasures. Delve into the secrets of local delicacies such as truffles, olive oil, and Vinsanto, a delightful Tuscan dessert wine. This immersive tour offers a profound Tuscany experience, allowing you to connect with locals, including Sara’s welcoming family, who will treat you as a cherished, long-time friend!
Sneak Peek of Local Delicacies:
- Pici pasta with Chianina Ragù, a typical pasta with local beef ragù
- Acqua cotta, simple bread soup
- Peposo, beef stew
- Panzanella, tomato and bread salad
- Bistecca alla fiorentina
- Cantucci e vinsanto
- And more: olive oil, truffles, pecorino di Pienza, grani antichi
- Wines: Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano…
Itinerary
- Day 1: Andiamo! Meet up in Firenze and Cooking Class in a historic farmhouse
Meals: light lunch, dinner
We start our tour meeting up in Firenze and then drive to the stunning Arezzo, only an hour away. Here we will embark on a walking tour of the town, soaking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful place. After working up an appetite, we’ll indulge in some local food for a light lunch. But that’s just the beginning!
In the early afternoon, we’ll check-in to our wonderful boutique farm house. Our host, Tulio, will welcome us and show us his property, including a tour of his cellars and vineyards. Under the expert guidance of a local chef, we will then make our own dinner during our cooking class!
- Day 2: Truffle Hunting and Leisure in Arezzo
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we venture into the woods with our trusted local truffle hunter to try and find some delicious truffles! After our hopefully successful hunt, we’ll enjoy a long truffle-filled lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore Arezzo at your own leisure. Whether you’re in the mood for shopping or having a spritz or two, the choice is yours! You could also stay in and take advantage of the stunning pool at our accommodation overlooking the valley with a wine in your hands!
- Day 3: Grape Harvest and long Sunday Lunch in the Vineyards!
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Today, we’ll roll up our sleeves and embark on a fun and exciting grape harvest in the vineyards surrounding our accommodation! The reward for our hard work will be a long Tuscan Sunday lunch in the vineyards with Tulio and his family. In the afternoon, you will have some time off to enjoy the stunning swimming pool before we head to Arezzo for our final aperitivo in this beautiful area.
- Day 4: An Exclusive Tour of Montepulciano with the Count!
Meals: breakfast, lunch
After checking out our accommodation in Arezzo we’ll visit our friend Andrea Contucci in Montepulciano. He is the actual Count of Montepulciano and he’ll give us an exclusive tour of his palace and private cellars. We’ll then have a very special tasting of his amazing Vino Nobile di Montepulciano over lunch. You’ll then have the chance to stroll around Montepulciano at your own leisure before heading to Montalcino for the night.
After checking into our accommodation in the heart of Montalcino you can spend the rest of the night exploring the village, its restaurants and wine shops.
- Day 5: Olive Oil Degustation and Thermal Bath in Bagno Vignoni
Meals: breakfast, aperitivo, dinner
Today we’ll visit a local organic farmer to learn all about her production of high quality extra virgin olive oil! We will sample some olive oil over a light aperitivo. We’ll then head to the nearby village of Bagno Vignoni, which is known for its thermal water where we’ll relax in the natural hot springs overlooking the valley.
We’ll finally return to Montalcino in the afternoon for a fine dining dinner.
- Day 6: Maremma Toscana, the Butteri (cowboys!) and Medieval Fortress!
Meals: breakfast, lunch.
After checking out our accommodation in Montalcino, we’ll set off on an exciting adventure to discover a lesser-known Tuscan gem – the beautiful region of Maremma. Here, we’ll have the unique opportunity to meet the Butteri, the famed Tuscan cowboys. These skilled horsemen will guide us through their traditional cattle-herding techniques.
Our visit will culminate in a light farm-to-table lunch featuring the freshest produce from the farm itself.
In the early afternoon, we’ll make our way to our new accommodation: a stunning medieval fortress in the village of Sorano! Upon arrival, we will embark on a fun tour of the fortress to discover its dungeons. You will then have the rest of the night to relax or head into the village below the castle for dinner or an aperitivo.
- Day 7: Etruscan heritage and Sunset Dinner
Meals: breakfast, aperitivo, dinner
After breakfast, we will meet our local guide and explore the stunning “Vie Cave,” ancient roads built by the Etruscan civilisation. Following our guide, we’ll embark on an easy hike through the lush forest, learning about the Etruscans along the way. Later, we’ll stop by a local winery for a refreshing aperitivo and a wine tasting before returning to Sorano to freshen up.
We’ll conclude the day with a beautiful dinner at sunset in the Fortress’ courtyard.
- Day 8: Hazelnut harvest and Lunch with Sara’s Parents
Meals: breakfast, lunch
This morning, we will check out of our fortress and head to the region of Lazio en route to Rome. We’ll make a delightful stop to visit Sara’s parents at their hazelnut farm, where we will assist papà Vito in harvesting the nuts. Our visit will conclude with a tasty lunch prepared by mamma Monica. We will be joined at the table by Sara’s friends and family for a true “live like a local” experience! What a wonderful way to end our tour!
We will drop you off in Rome in the late afternoon. Farewell!
- 7 nights twin-share in boutique accommodation (4* star)
- Breakfast included daily, meals provided as per itinerary including local wines.
- Full time personalised service of tour leader, Sara Pasciuta.
- Sara is fluent in both English and Italian.
- Private air conditioned 8 seater van for all transfers with driver.
- All activities as per itinerary (cooking classes, workshops, tastings)
- Travel insurance is compulsory in order to travel on our tour.
- Passport and visa fees – please be sure your passport has a 6 month validity at the date of return flight.
- International airfares, taxes and excess baggage.
- Extras as per minibar or room service.
Highlights of your 6 days / 5 nights Tour of Toscana
- Discover Arezzo’s history and artisan boutiques with your local expert guide
- Learn about the rich Tuscan cuisine during a fun cooking class in your historic accommodation
- Meet the count of Montepulciano himself and get an exclusive tour of his cellars and palace.
- Soak and relax in the thermal baths in Bagno Vignoni surrounded by olive groves and vineyards
- Sleep in a real Medieval Fortress in Sorano
- Visit Sara’s family at their hazelnuts farm and help papà Vito with the harvest
- Sample a real taste of La Dolce Vita in the Tuscan countryside, one aperitivo at the time.