Tuscany/Umbria Tour






Letβs cook and play together! Β Your home base will be the luxurious villa from the movie Under The Tuscan Sun. Β Magical location within walking distance to Cortona, two fabulous kitchens, outdoor wood burning pizza oven, pool room, luxurious bedrooms with gorgeous marble bathrooms, jacuzzi & swimming pool, indoor and outdoor area to relax. Β Weβre 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/Umbria Weekly Itinerary
DAY 1 β SATURDAY
- 10am Rome pick-up at FCOΒ Airport/ Hilton Hotel; stop for lunch / free time in Orvieto. Β Arrive in Cortona in the late-afternoon.
- Welcome Cocktail and Villa Tour
- Settle In
- Extensive Welcome Antipasto Dinner
- After Dinner DrinksΒ
DAY 2 β SUNDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Morning guided tour of Le Celle and Basilica di Santa Margherita.Β Lunch on your own in Cortona with time to explore the village. Β Panoramic views ofΒ Val di Chiana,Β churches from the 13th, 14th & 15th centuries and dozens of beautifulΒ boutiques,Β relaxing cafeβs and gelato shops. Return to the villa by bus or by foot.
- Cooking Class at the Villa with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
- Four Course DinnerΒ at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After Dinner Cordials
DAY 3 β MONDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Guided tour ofΒ Assisi / birthplace of St. Francis. Β Β ThisΒ beautifully preserved Umbrian town is famous for the Basilica of St. Francis, two medieval castles,Β art masterpieces, frescoes, roman ruins and prettyΒ winding medieval streets.Β Your sure to find a scenic place for lunch and have some fun peeking in the shop windows too. Β 3pm pottery demonstration by 4th generation master artist.
- Cooking Class at the Villa with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
- Four Course DinnerΒ at the Villa, see menu in chart below
DAY 4 β TUESDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Tuesday weβre exploring north of Cortona. Β First stop Arezzo, known as the rural center of Etruscan origin. Β Tour the piazza grande and see the famous frescoβs in the Church of San Francisco. Β The scenic drive leaving Arezzo will lead us toΒ AnghiariΒ which is on the list of Italyβs most beautiful villages. Β Enclosed in massive 13th century walls the ancient city is well preserved. Β History buffs will enjoy the battle museum, the exhibit featuring Michael Angelo and the vast collection of artifacts. Β The afternoon in Anghiari will include an introduction to the family Bugatti, Masters of Italian linen since 1842. Β A behind the scenes tour of their family facility is a highlight of the week.Β
- Cooking Class at the Villa with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
- Casual Pizza NightΒ at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After DinnerΒ Cordials
DAY 5 β WEDNESDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Morning and early afternoon free to relax at the villa, play bocci, take a dip in the pool or walk / take a taxi to Cortona.Β Β
- Late AfternoonΒ Β Surprise evening out in the beautiful village of Spello with Master Sommelier. Β Dress is smart casual β guaranteed to be memorable!
DAY 6 β THURSDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Thursday weβre exploring the area surrounding Cortona with a couple of stops for tastings and cheese making. Β
- Arranged group lunch at an area farm and a chance to hear the stories of a local farming family. Β Group Lunch; Euro 15pp.
- Cooking Class at the Villa with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
- Casual Pizza NightΒ at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After DinnerΒ Cordials
DAY 7 β FRIDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Guided tour of the areas Etruscan Tombs which date back to the 6th century, lunch on your own in Castiglione
- Afternoon tasting:Β 5 wines, buscetta, honey & cantucci almond biscuits.
- 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 DinnerΒ Cordials
DAY 8
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Depart Villa at 7:30 a.m. to FCO / Rome airport.
Tuscany/Umbria Weekly Dinner Menu and Cooking Classes
DAY 1 β SATURDAY
- Buffet Dinner β Large Antipasto assortment including: local Cheese Board, Sliced Cured Meats, Olives, Marinated Vegetables, Eggplant, Artichokes, Peppers, Mushrooms, Bruschetta and Crostini, Focaccia
DAY 2 β SUNDAY
- Fava Bean Custard with Grilled Shrimp
- Pappardelle alla Norcina
- βBelliβ Spiedini (meat skewers)with Olive Mashed Potatoes
- Limoncello Semi Freddo
DAY 3 β MONDAY
- Dinner Out
DAY 4 β TUESDAY
- Fried Crisp Polenta with Mushrooms and Pecorino
- Escarole and White Bean Soup
- Chingale (Wild Boar) Lasagna with Seasonal Vegetables
- Torta della Nonna
DAY 5 β WEDNESDAY
- Pizza Night β savory and sweet pizzas
DAY 6 β THURSDAY
- Ricotta and Vegetable stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
- Strangozzi Pasta with Fresh Seafood
- Rosemary Grilled Pork Loin
- Pear-Almond Tart
DAY 7 β FRIDAY
- Prosciutto Baked Buffalo Mozzarella with Garlic & Tomatoes
- Seasonal Tuscan Farro Salad
- Spinach Agnolloti with Oregano, Chicken and Cream
- Chef Michaelβs Tiramisu with Hazelnuts
For more information on the tours and to reserve a room, please email us at MaryJoBrink@me.com