Tuscany/ Chianti Tour
Let’s cook and play together in 2025! Your home base is nestled in the hillside between San Gimignano and Volterra, the perfect location to visit the highlights of central Tuscany. The a historic farmhouse is beautifully renovated with; 9 en-suite luxurious bedrooms, gorgeous marble bathrooms, well lit professional kitchen, open air dining room and game room. We’re looking forward to a LOT of fun! For more information on the tours and to reserve a room, please email us at MaryJoBrink@me.com
Tuscany/Chianti Itinerary
DAY 1 – SATURDAY
- The bus will meet the group at the Hilton Florence Metropole at 11:00 a.m. and depart for the village of Certaldo.
- Welcome Cocktail and Villa Tour
- Settle In
- Extensive Welcome Antipasto Dinner
- After Dinner Drinks
DAY 2 – SUNDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Morning guided walking tour of Volterra with Gelato tasting
- Lunch on your own in Volterra
- Afternoon guided walking tour of Etruscan Tombs with a visit to the Etruscan Museum, Roman ruins and Ampitheatre.
- Cooking Class at the Villa with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
- Four Course Dinner at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After Dinner Cordials
DAY 3 – MONDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- A morning visit to a local Bee farm and honey tasting.
- Lunch on your own in Monteriggioni.
- Afternoon wine tasting in San Gimignano.
- Cooking Class at the Villa with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
- Four Course Dinner at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After Dinner Cordials
DAY 4 – TUESDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Morning guided tour of the quaint and artsy village of Colle di Val d’Elsa.
- Tour and demonstration at an Artisan crystal workshop.
- Lunch on your own in San Gimignano with afternoon walking tour and free time.
- Cooking Class at the Villa with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
- Four Course Dinner at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After Dinner Cordials
DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Morning Truffle hunting.
- Lunch on your own in Volterra.
- Afternoon visit to several local artisan studios.
- Four Course Dinner at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After Dinner Cordials
DAY 6 – THURSDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Morning visit to the Volterra salt mines with a tour of the factory.
- Micro Brewery tasting.
- Lunch on your own in Bolgheri with free time to explore.
- Cooking Class at the Villa with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
- Four Course Dinner at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After Dinner Cordials
DAY 7 – FRIDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Memorable Multi-Course Lunch at the famous butcher shop with Dario Cecchini.
- Afternoon Free – time in Greve in Chianti
- Dinner at local family Pizzeria
DAY 8
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Bus departure to FLO / Florence airport or Hilton Florence Hotel. Choose a departure flight after 1pm.
Tuscany/Chianti Weekly Dinner Menu
DAY 1 – SATURDAY
- Buffet Dinner – Large Antipasto assortment including: local Cheese Board, Sliced Cured Meats, Olives, Marinated Vegetables, Eggplant, Artichokes, Peppers, Mushrooms, Bruschetta and Crostini, Focaccia
DAY 2 – SUNDAY
- Arancini Ragu – Crisp Risotto balls with a Spicy Meat Sauce
- Roasted Bell Pepper, Arugula and Grilled Eggplant Salad
- Handmade Tuscan Pici Pasta with a Wild Boar Sugo
- Almond-Ricotta Semifreddo with Almond Macaroons
DAY 3 – MONDAY
- Baked Artichokes with Sheep Ricotta, Aged Pecorino and Italian Herbs
- Fennel and Sausage Soup
- Spatchcocked Chicken with an Eggplant Caponata
- Italian Zuccotto with Candied Citrus Peel and Chocolate
DAY 4 – TUESDAY
- Seafood Risotto with Fresh Thyme
- Roasted Eggplant, Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Timbale
- Braised Osso Bucco (Veal Shanks) with Rosemary Polenta
- Skillet Baked Pears with melted Pecorino, Walnuts and Plum Jam
DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY
- Seasonal Tuscan Farro Salad
- Porcini Mushroom Ravioli with a Pine Nut-Brown Butter
- Pork Saltimbocca with Prosciutto, Fontina cheese and fresh Sage
- Fritelle di Riso – Rice Fritters with Vanilla Gelato
DAY 6 – THURSDAY
- Fried Pecorino Cheese with Oregano and Tomato Jam
- Creamy Mussel Soup with Fava Beans
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Salted Caramel Budino
DAY 7 – FRIDAY
- Dinner Out
For more information on the tours and to reserve a room, please email us at MaryJoBrink@me.com