Tuscan Gourmet

 

Overview

Discover the heart of Tuscany-rolling vineyards, medieval hill towns, Renaissance masterpieces, and world‑famous wines. This immersive culinary and cultural journey explores Florence, Siena, Chianti, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza, and San Gimignano, with exclusive tastings of Slow Food Presidia products and visits to artisan producers.

Savor Pecorino cheese in Pienza, Brunello di Montalcino, Nobile di Montepulciano, Chianti Classico, and the legendary Certaldo onion, celebrated since the time of Boccaccio. Enjoy hands‑on culinary experiences, winery visits, olive oil tastings, and guided tours through Tuscany’s most iconic artistic and historical sites.

Tour Highlights

🍷 Wine & Gastronomy

• Brunello di Montalcino & Nobile di Montepulciano tastings

• Pecorino cheese experience at a traditional Pienza farm

• Chianti aromatic herbs & olive oil tasting

• Slow Food Presidia products including the Certaldo onion

• Visits to wineries, bakeries, markets & artisan food shops

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🏛️ Art, History & Culture

• Florence: Uffizi masterpieces, Duomo, Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio

• Siena: medieval streets & the famous Palio square

• San Gimignano: UNESCO‑listed medieval towers

• Chianti: scenic vineyards & hilltop villages

• Montepulciano & Montalcino: iconic wine towns

• Civita di Bagnoregio: the “Dying City” perched above the Tiber Valley

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Detailed Itinerary

 

Itinerary ( B = breakfast, L = lunch, LL = light lunch, D = dinner, T = tasting, C = cooking lesson )
 

DAY 1: Arrival in Rome (D)
Arrive at Rome Airport and transfer to your hotel (optional private transfer available). Settle in and meet your tour escort. Enjoy a welcome dinner in a traditional Osteria d’Italia, including an introduction to the Slow Food philosophy. Overnight in Rome.

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DAY 2: Pienza & Montepulciano – Cheese & Wine Traditions (B, T, T)
Depart for Pienza, a Renaissance jewel famous for its Pecorino cheese. Visit Pianporcino Farm to learn about traditional cheese‑making and enjoy a tasting.
Continue to Montepulciano, one of Italy’s most atmospheric medieval towns, perched 605 meters above sea level. Visit the Gattavecchi Winery for a tasting of Nobile di Montepulciano wines, then explore the historic center.
Transfer to Villa Il Palagio in Rignano sull’Arno (Florence area). Overnight.

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DAY 3: Florence – Renaissance Art & Mercato Centrale (B, T)
Morning departure for Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.”
Visit Mercato Centrale, Florence’s iconic food market, where you’ll sample authentic Tuscan specialties.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Florence’s historic center, including the Duomo, Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria, and more.
Return to your hotel. Overnight.

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DAY 4: Chianti – Castellina, Greve & San Polo (B, T)
Spend the day exploring the Chianti hills along the historic Via Chiantigena.

Stop in Castellina in Chianti for a lesson on aromatic herbs using ancient drying techniques.

Continue to Greve in Chianti for free time and lunch.

Afternoon visit to Frantoio Pruneti in San Polo for an olive oil culture lesson and tasting.

Return to your hotel. Overnight.

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DAY 5: San Gimignano & Siena – Medieval Towers & Tuscan Flavors (B, LL)
Morning departure for San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers and UNESCO‑listed historic center.
Continue along the Via Francigena to a family‑run farmhouse, Il Castagnolino, for a light lunch featuring Slow Food Presidia products such as the Certaldo onion and organic olive oil.
Arrive in Siena to admire its Gothic architecture and enjoy a tasting of traditional desserts like Panforte.
Return to your hotel. Overnight.

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DAY 6: Montalcino – Brunello Wines & Tuscan Cooking Class (B, T, C, D)
Depart for Montalcino, home of the world‑renowned Brunello di Montalcino.
Visit the Mastio della Rocca and Enoteca La Fortezza for wine and honey tastings.
Return to the Florence area for a hands‑on Tuscan cooking class, followed by dinner featuring your creations.
Overnight.

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DAY 7: Civita di Bagnoregio & Return to Rome (B, D)
Depart for Civita di Bagnoregio, the dramatic hilltop village known as the “Dying City.” Enjoy free time for lunch and exploration.
Continue to Rome, check into your hotel, and enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight in Rome.

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DAY 8: Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. End of tour or continue your journey with an optional extension to another region of Italy.

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🛫 Travel Tips

Allow three hours for international flight check‑in and two hours for domestic flights.

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ℹ️ FAQs

How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?  
Contact us for additional pricing options.

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Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates?  
Yes—extensions can be arranged by phone or email.

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How do I check availability for my preferred travel dates?  
Review the listed dates or contact us for the most up‑to‑date availability.