A Foodie Adventure through Tuscany
- Florence
- Cortona
- Tuscan Countryside
Explore beautiful Florence then head into the Tuscan countryside for food, wine and relaxation
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Private transfers
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Private experiences focused around Italy's wonderful food and wine
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Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
Think of Italy and you think of food. It has long been considered to have some of the best, if not the best food in the world. From pasta and Parmesan to gelato and tirimasu, Italian food is simply irresistable and with every province, town and village having their own regional specialties, a trip to Italy is endlesslly fascinating, and very satisfying.
This ten-day trip takes you to the heart of Tuscany, an area known for its wonderful food, wine and beautiful countryside. Your culinary adventure starts in the magical city of Florence. Explore its Renaissance history at the Accademia Gallery, home to Michaelangelo’s David, the duomo and the outdoor sculpture gallery, Piazza della Signoria. You’ll also get to see how Italian gelato is made and taste a whole myriad of flavours – this is so much more than just ice cream.
You’ll then head to Cortona, where you’ll discover the wines of Montalcino and Montepulciano, two charming hilltop towns. It’s then time to unlock the secrets of Italian cooking with a hands-on class in a local restaurant where you’ll master the art of pasta making.
The final three nights of your trip will be spent at the beautiful Castello di Casole property. Explore the wineries of Chianti, go foraging for truffles and explore the medieval cities of Siena and San Gimignano – but be sure to set aside some time to simply soak up the views from the hotel’s infinty pool that looks out over the Tuscan countryside, a truly magical sight.
Example trip itinerary
Florence
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Florence
Accommodation in Florence
Florence
Highlights
- 37 rooms and 7 suites
- Le Bistrot Restaurant and bar
- Spa with hammam
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Bicycles
- Gym
- Complimentary shuttle service to the city
Overview
Overlooking the historic Boboli Gardens, near to Florence’s centre, Villa Cora is an exquisitely restored 19th century palace that offers a step back into the grandeur of neoclassical Florence, with eclectic and occasionally bizarre artistic styles of the period.
Built at a time when Florence was the cosmopolitan capital of the newly created Kingdom of Italy, Villa Cora earned its reputation by hosting guests such as Princess Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, and the Russian composer Tchaikovsky, being considered the most beautiful residence of the Tuscan capital. It became a grand hotel in 1960, during another of Florence’s most stylish periods.
The hotel has 44 rooms and suites, divided into the main villa and in two adjacent buildings. The majority are in the main villa, split over four floors, each of which has been characterised around a theme, one with extravagant frescoes, another taking Moorish influence from the Orient. Villino Eugenia is a small guesthouse overlooking the Boboli Gardens, containing 13 accommodations, each decorated and furnished according to the bourgeois styles of the late 19th century. Lastly, La Follie, a small guesthouse located at the edge of the park that surrounds Villa Cora has a particular charm and discretion with only two rooms for complete privacy.
Le Bistrot Restaurant offers seasonal produce, during the winter months in the splendid Moorish Room with its domed ceiling with original frescoes by Antonio Caremmi, and in the summer outdoors in the winter garden by the side of the swimming pool, where guests can relax in an elegant yet informal environment.
The Benè spa is located on the lower floor of Villino Eugenia and is equipped with a small gym, tepidarium, sauna and Turkish hammam. The wellness centre offers Asian and European massages as well as beauty treatments. There is also a large heated outdoor pool shaded by vast oak trees.
→ Find out moreFlorence
Overview
The Hotel Savoy could not be more centrally located if it tried, located on Florence’s Piazza della Repubblica, next to the Duomo, with all the famous attractions of the city within walking distance.
Interiors are the work of designer Olga Polizzi, combining sleek and contemporary Italian with the building’s historic form, along with some more playful touches throughout. There are 88 rooms and 14 suites, including the two bedroom Repubblica Suite and its spectacular view over the square, and the Brunelleschi and Signoria suites that each enjoy private steam rooms.
Hotel Savoy’s restaurant, Irene, is overseen by renowned chef Fulvio Pierangelini and offers authentic flavours using local seasonal products, with some light and healthy reinventions of Tuscan classics. During warmer months, guests can enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace and soak up the atmosphere.
→ Find out moreFlorence
Overview
Set amidst lush trees and terraced gardens, the Belmond Villa San Michelle enjoys the most perfect view over Florence from its hilltop position. Dating back to a 15th century monastery, the renaissance villa’s facade has been attributed to Michelangelo, as much a part of Italy’s heritage as the cathedrals and galleries down the hill. Today, Belmond Villa San Michele is recognised as one of the country’s finest boutique hotels.
Each of the 20 rooms and 25 suites are unique, with sumptuous antiques, along with cotto-tile flooring and bright Florentine textiles. Separate from the main building, the exquisite Limonaia Villa contains three suites located in the convent’s former orangery, all with incredible views. These can be connected together to create perhaps the most glamorous villa in Tuscany, a unique haven for families and groups of friends, or for a special occasion such as a wedding or exclusive party.
Belmond Villa San Michelle is naturally a favourite among honeymooners, however there are special services tailored towards family adventures, and world famous the cookery school is a destination in itself. A huge range of activities are on offer, such as exclusive historical tours and rafting under the Ponte Vecchio, and there is a complimentary shuttle to and from Florence itself. At the hotel, relax amongst the immaculate gardens and at the spa, swim in the panoramic pool or take part in one of the renowned culinary classes.
Dining options here include one of the best restaurants in Florence – the romantic La Loggia – and more laid back cuisine at the Pool Restaurant, each with their own bar, as well as the Cloister Bar in the old monastery.
→ Find out more
Three nights in Florence
Surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills, the beautiful city of Florence is one of Europe's most enchanting and historically influential cities. If anywhere in the world can claim to have shaped modern Western consciousness, it is Florence's grand piazzas and palazzos. The world's greatest Renaissance artworks and sculpture can be found at every turn in the historical centre, an area that can be traversed on foot in under an hour but would infinitely longer to properly explore.
Classical Florence walking tour
Explore Florence’s Renaissance past with this guided walking tour of the city's historic centre. The Accademia Gallery is home to Michelangelo's ‘David’, one of the finest sculptures ever created, and though there are many copies across the city, this is the real deal. You'll also visit the church of Santa Maria del Fiore – the famous Duomo - to view Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome; the nearby Campanile of Giotto (bell tower); and Ghiberti’s enchanting ‘Gates of Paradise’, the door to the Baptistry. Continue to the Piazza della Signoria, centre of Florentine politics and home to a captivating outdoor sculpture gallery. Shopping, architecture and history will collide as you stroll over the Ponte Vecchio.
Gelato tasting
This tour is all about gelato - Italian ice cream. Learn how gelato was invented, see how it is made on the premises of a gelato parlour, and naturally, lots of flavours will be tasted and compared.
Boat trip along the River Arno
Glide along the Arno River, floating by the Uffizi and passing under the Ponte Vecchio. You'll see the city in a new way as you drift towards the Santa Trinita bridge and Carraia bridge as your guide recounts amazing stories about the city and its architecture.
The boat is steered manually by a Florentine ‘renaiolo’ (boat captain), meaning there is no engine noise. This wonderful experience on the river is also characterised by the absolute absence of city noise. The boat tour lasts about an hour, then you will hop ashore where your guide will continue showing the city’s monuments from different perspectives, ending with a visit to the Santa Croce church with the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Cortona
Cortona
Three nights in Cortona
Cortona is a small town located in the southern Tuscan province of Arezzo. Surrounded by stone walls and perched atop a hill, the town offers sweeping views out over the surrouning valley as far as the waters of Lake Trasimeno. Wander its cobbled streets, stop at one of its charming cafes for coffee or a glass of wine, or head out to visit the Girifalco Fortress.
Wine tour in Montalcino and Montepulciano
Montalcino is a beautiful hilltop town set within a full circle of fortified walls. Located in the Val d’Orcia National Park and surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, it is home to an impressive fortress and is well known for its Brunello wine. You’ll also visit Montepulciano, one of the highest hill towns as 665m. It is filled with pretty squares and offers spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. It is famous for its Vino Nobile wines. In both towns you will visit wineries and enjoy tasting their beautiful wines.
Cookery class in Cortona
Learn how to cook like an Italian at this cookery class, held in a local restaurant in beautiful Cortona. You'll prepare a four-course Tuscan meal including a starter, pasta dish, main course and dessert. You'll be rewarded for your hard work as you sit down to enjoy the food you've made along with a glass of wine.
Transfer
Transfer from Florence to your hotel in Tuscany
Tuscan Countryside
Accommodation in the Tuscan countryside
Tuscany
Overview
Tuscany is one of Italy’s most picture-perfect regions with its rolling hills, rows of vineyards and old stone buildings. Located with a 4,200-acre estate, the Belmond Castello di Casole is everything you would expect from a grand country residence.
The castle dates from the 10th century, when it was used to house political exiles from nearby Siena. Traditional construction methods and natural materials found on the estate were used during the restoration to ensure the castle maintains its authenticity and charm.
Despite its size, the castle has just 39 rooms and suites, giving it an intimate feel. Rooms have plenty of character with original wood-beamed ceilings and stone walls, luxurious fabrics and a mix of antique and contemporary furniture. Most have views of the Tuscan countryside, looking out over the estate’s vineyards and olive groves.
There are two restaurants with a focus on honest Tuscan food, so expect home-made pasta, organic vegetables and locally sourced fish and game. With over 100 acres of vineyards, this is the perfect place for wine lovers, and Tosca restaurant has a large wall displaying hundreds of vintages from leading wineries in Tuscany and around the world.
The former wine cellar now houses the spa and guests can relax and unwind with a treatment from a menu inspired by local ingredients such as rosemary, grapes and olive oil. Take a dip in the outdoor infinity pool and enjoy the views or take advantage of the activities on offer including cooking classes and truffle hunting.
→ Find out more
Three nights in the Tuscan countryside
Rolling hills dotted with rustic farm houses, Medieval towns, dark green cypress trees and ranked vines, there are few views more quintessentially Italian than that across the Tuscan countryside. Spend your time here getting acquainted with an enviable culinary tradition, fine Chianti wines, beautiful towns and warm locals.
Truffle hunting
Join in the fun of searching for truffles at a local farm, using trained dogs who will help sniff them out. You'll head into the woods where your guide will explain the techniques used to successfully find them. You'll then enjoy a truffle tasting and a light lunch.
Wine tasting in Chianti
Explore the charming Chianti area, a place renowned for its red wines and rolling hills. Visit a local winery, walk among the vines and, of course, taste some delicious wine.
Medieval Tuscany tour: Siena and San Gimignano
Built on three steep hills and unchanged since medieval times, Siena is one of Tuscany’s most beautiful towns. Admire its major sites like the Piazza del Campo, where the famous horse race takes place every year, as well as explore quieter backstreets to appreciate Siena's complex and rich history. You will be introduced to the stunning Gothic cathedral, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view from the Facciatone.
Continue on to San Gimignano, famous for its medieval skyscrapers, high walls and narrow streets that typify the image of a Tuscan hill town.
Transfer
Private transfer to Florence airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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A Foodie Adventure through Tuscany
How we work
Think of Italy and you think of food. It has long been considered to have some of the best, if not the best food in the world. From pasta and Parmesan to gelato and tirimasu, Italian food is simply irresistable and with every province, town and village having their own regional specialties, a trip to Italy is endlesslly fascinating, and very satisfying. This ten-day trip takes you to the heart of Tuscany, an area known for its wonderful food, wine and beautiful countryside. Your culinary adventure starts in the magical city of Florence. Explore its Renaissance history at the Accademia Gallery, home to Michaelangelo’s David, the duomo and the outdoor sculpture gallery, Piazza della Signoria. You’ll also get to see how Italian gelato is made and taste a whole myriad of flavours – this is so much more than just ice cream. You’ll then head to Cortona, where you’ll discover the wines of Montalcino and Montepulciano, two charming hilltop towns. It’s then time to unlock the secrets of Italian cooking with a hands-on class in a local restaurant where you’ll master the art of pasta making. The final three nights of your trip will be spent at the beautiful Castello di Casole property. Explore the wineries of Chianti, go foraging for truffles and explore the medieval cities of Siena and San Gimignano – but be sure to set aside some time to simply soak up the views from the hotel’s infinty pool that looks out over the Tuscan countryside, a truly magical sight. | Whats included?
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Days 1-4 |
Florence |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Florence |
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Accommodation in Florence
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Villa Cora - $$$$$
Overlooking the historic Boboli Gardens, near to Florence’s centre, Villa Cora is an...
•
Hotel Savoy - $$$$$
The Hotel Savoy could not be more centrally located if it tried, located on Florence’s...
•
Belmond Villa San Michele - $$$$$
Set amidst lush trees and terraced gardens, the Belmond Villa San Michelle enjoys the most...
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| Three nights in Florence Surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills, the beautiful city of Florence is one of Europe's most enchanting and historically influential cities. If anywhere in the world can claim to have shaped modern Western consciousness, it is Florence's grand piazzas and palazzos. The world's greatest Renaissance artworks and sculpture can be found at every turn in the historical centre, an area that can be traversed on foot in under an hour but would infinitely longer to properly explore. |
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| Classical Florence walking tour Explore Florence’s Renaissance past with this guided walking tour of the city's historic centre. The Accademia Gallery is home to Michelangelo's ‘David’, one of the finest sculptures ever created, and though there are many copies across the city, this is the real deal. You'll also visit the church of Santa Maria del Fiore – the famous Duomo - to view Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome; the nearby Campanile of Giotto (bell tower); and Ghiberti’s enchanting ‘Gates of Paradise’, the door to the Baptistry. Continue to the Piazza della Signoria, centre of Florentine politics and home to a captivating outdoor sculpture gallery. Shopping, architecture and history will collide as you stroll over the Ponte Vecchio. |
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| Gelato tasting This tour is all about gelato - Italian ice cream. Learn how gelato was invented, see how it is made on the premises of a gelato parlour, and naturally, lots of flavours will be tasted and compared. |
|
| Boat trip along the River Arno Glide along the Arno River, floating by the Uffizi and passing under the Ponte Vecchio. You'll see the city in a new way as you drift towards the Santa Trinita bridge and Carraia bridge as your guide recounts amazing stories about the city and its architecture. The boat is steered manually by a Florentine ‘renaiolo’ (boat captain), meaning there is no engine noise. This wonderful experience on the river is also characterised by the absolute absence of city noise. The boat tour lasts about an hour, then you will hop ashore where your guide will continue showing the city’s monuments from different perspectives, ending with a visit to the Santa Croce church with the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo and Rossini. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Cortona |
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Days 4-7 |
Cortona |
| Three nights in Cortona Cortona is a small town located in the southern Tuscan province of Arezzo. Surrounded by stone walls and perched atop a hill, the town offers sweeping views out over the surrouning valley as far as the waters of Lake Trasimeno. Wander its cobbled streets, stop at one of its charming cafes for coffee or a glass of wine, or head out to visit the Girifalco Fortress. |
|
| Wine tour in Montalcino and Montepulciano Montalcino is a beautiful hilltop town set within a full circle of fortified walls. Located in the Val d’Orcia National Park and surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves, it is home to an impressive fortress and is well known for its Brunello wine. You’ll also visit Montepulciano, one of the highest hill towns as 665m. It is filled with pretty squares and offers spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. It is famous for its Vino Nobile wines. In both towns you will visit wineries and enjoy tasting their beautiful wines. |
|
| Cookery class in Cortona Learn how to cook like an Italian at this cookery class, held in a local restaurant in beautiful Cortona. You'll prepare a four-course Tuscan meal including a starter, pasta dish, main course and dessert. You'll be rewarded for your hard work as you sit down to enjoy the food you've made along with a glass of wine. |
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|
Flights & transfers
Transfer from Florence to your hotel in Tuscany |
|
Days 7-10 |
Tuscan Countryside |
|
Accommodation in the Tuscan countryside
•
Belmond Castello di Casole - $$$$$
Tuscany is one of Italy’s most picture-perfect regions with its rolling hills, rows of...
|
|
| Three nights in the Tuscan countryside Rolling hills dotted with rustic farm houses, Medieval towns, dark green cypress trees and ranked vines, there are few views more quintessentially Italian than that across the Tuscan countryside. Spend your time here getting acquainted with an enviable culinary tradition, fine Chianti wines, beautiful towns and warm locals. |
|
| Truffle hunting Join in the fun of searching for truffles at a local farm, using trained dogs who will help sniff them out. You'll head into the woods where your guide will explain the techniques used to successfully find them. You'll then enjoy a truffle tasting and a light lunch. |
|
| Wine tasting in Chianti Explore the charming Chianti area, a place renowned for its red wines and rolling hills. Visit a local winery, walk among the vines and, of course, taste some delicious wine. |
|
| Medieval Tuscany tour: Siena and San Gimignano Built on three steep hills and unchanged since medieval times, Siena is one of Tuscany’s most beautiful towns. Admire its major sites like the Piazza del Campo, where the famous horse race takes place every year, as well as explore quieter backstreets to appreciate Siena's complex and rich history. You will be introduced to the stunning Gothic cathedral, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view from the Facciatone. Continue on to San Gimignano, famous for its medieval skyscrapers, high walls and narrow streets that typify the image of a Tuscan hill town. |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Florence airport |
