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Tuscany/Umbria Tour

Tuscany/Umbria Tour

Let’s 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 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/Umbria Weekly Itinerary

DAY 1 – 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 – 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 cafe’s 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 – 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 – TUESDAY

  • Breakfast at the Villa
  • Tuesday we’re 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 fresco’s in the Church of San Francisco. Β The scenic drive leaving Arezzo will lead us toΒ AnghiariΒ which is on the list of Italy’s 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 – 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 – guaranteed to be memorable!

DAY 6 – THURSDAY

  • Breakfast at the Villa
  • Thursday we’re 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 – 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 – 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

  • Fava Bean Custard with Grilled Shrimp
  • Pappardelle alla Norcina
  • β€œBelli” Spiedini (meat skewers)with Olive Mashed Potatoes
  • Limoncello Semi Freddo

DAY 3 – MONDAY

  • Dinner Out

DAY 4 – 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 – WEDNESDAY

  • Pizza Night – savory and sweet pizzas

DAY 6 – THURSDAY

  • Ricotta and Vegetable stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
  • Strangozzi Pasta with Fresh Seafood
  • Rosemary Grilled Pork Loin
  • Pear-Almond Tart

DAY 7 – FRIDAY

  • Prosciutto Baked Buffalo Mozzarella with Garlic & Tomatoes
  • Seasonal Tuscan Farro Salad
  • Spinach Agnolloti with Oregano, Chicken and Cream
  • Chef Michael’s Tiramisu with Hazelnuts

For more information on the tours and to reserve a room, please email us at MaryJoBrink@me.com

Chef Michael
ChefMichaelSalmon.com

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