Tuscany/Umbria Tour
Let’s cook and play together! Your home base will be the luxurious villa from the movie Under The Tuscan Sun. 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. 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 FCO Airport/ Hilton Hotel; stop for lunch / free time in Orvieto. Arrive in Cortona in the late-afternoon.
- Welcome Cocktail and Villa Tour
- Settle In
- Extensive Welcome Antipasto Dinner
- After Dinner Drinks
DAY 2 – SUNDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Morning guided tour of Le Celle and Basilica di Santa Margherita. Lunch on your own in Cortona with time to explore the village. Panoramic views of Val di Chiana, churches from the 13th, 14th & 15th centuries and dozens of beautiful boutiques, 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 Dinner at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After Dinner Cordials
DAY 3 – MONDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Guided tour of Assisi / birthplace of St. Francis. This beautifully preserved Umbrian town is famous for the Basilica of St. Francis, two medieval castles, art masterpieces, frescoes, roman ruins and pretty winding medieval streets. Your sure to find a scenic place for lunch and have some fun peeking in the shop windows too. 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 Dinner at the Villa, see menu in chart below
DAY 4 – TUESDAY
- Breakfast at the Villa
- Tuesday we’re exploring north of Cortona. First stop Arezzo, known as the rural center of Etruscan origin. Tour the piazza grande and see the famous fresco’s in the Church of San Francisco. The scenic drive leaving Arezzo will lead us to Anghiari which is on the list of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Enclosed in massive 13th century walls the ancient city is well preserved. History buffs will enjoy the battle museum, the exhibit featuring Michael Angelo and the vast collection of artifacts. The afternoon in Anghiari will include an introduction to the family Bugatti, Masters of Italian linen since 1842. A behind the scenes tour of their family facility is a highlight of the week.
- Cooking Class at the Villa with chef Michael. Assist Michael in preparing the four-course dinner menu of the evening.
- Casual Pizza Night at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After Dinner 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.
- Late Afternoon Surprise evening out in the beautiful village of Spello with Master Sommelier. 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.
- Arranged group lunch at an area farm and a chance to hear the stories of a local farming family. 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 Night at the Villa, see menu in chart below
- After Dinner 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: 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 Dinner 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
- “Belli” 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