Farm2Table Tours-Italia

Chiarentana

Chianciano Terme near Siena featured in FINANCIAL TIMES (2012) - top 10 Travel Destinations
This Tuscan villa, from the Middle Ages lies in a very strategic location in the Val d'Orca, a magnificent valley in southern Tuscany.

Here, we will have our base and temporary residence while we discover some of Tuscany's hidden treasures and explore the glories of Tuscan food and wine!

"Tuscany is THE region of Italy that everyone wants to visit! This Tour is about those parts of Tuscany which, with one or two exceptions, other Tours don't reach. Quite often arriving in places where NO SIGN has shown the way. A real, deep down journey into the best Italy can offer."

-Johnny Madge, tour guide

Tour Highlights:

Your first evening after you settle in to your new apartment at the Villa Chiarentana we will be having a "kick off" dinner at a the local ristorante quite nearby. We will share some splendid wines and exciting dishes as we gather in anticipation of the discoveries in the days ahead as we relax, unwind and enjoy our new surroundings.

Visiting the "land, vineyards, wine and oil", that is the heart and soul of the Tuscan experience for the gourmet traveler!

On one of our first outings, we will visit a grand estate in "the land of the Etruscans", where the Sangiovese grape "rules the day". We will not only experience their rich wines but also their very high quality extra virgin olive oils.

Later we will venture closer to Florence to visit an Agritourismo and Producer of fine wine, extraordinary extra virgin olive oils and Tuscan honey, of which we will be treated to surprising honey tasting.

In the late afternoon, after our daily excursions, we will be returning to the comfort and splendor of our Villa at Chiarentana. Evenings we will have a simple dinner prepared for us by our very own Chef.

On another day we will be visiting a "biodynamic" winery, very near Montalcino. The Montalcino region has some of the best wines in the world and we should look forward to sharing some of their finest wines during our wine tasting event in their architecturally unique winery! An adventure awaits us as we visit a local cheese maker who will take us through the process of making world class Pecorino and afterwards be rewarded with an exciting lunch where you'll be able to taste different aged cheeses, wines and meats from the farm's livestock!

We will be visiting one of the ancient medieval cities in Tuscany, having ample time to explore the city on our own and allowing for some "personal time" to do some shopping. That same day, we will visit the largest, and perhaps the most famous winery in all of Italy! There will be a tour of the vineyard, a fabulous 5-course luncheon served to us in their elegant restaurant and also have some time to look over their Enoteca for any purchases you might consider.

On our final day, we will be visiting a Tuscan butchery (Butcher shop) very near Montepulciano and Pienza. Here in a small village, the shop produces products of Tuscan tradition recognized and famous throughout Europe. Cured pork products such as; capocolli, bacons, sopressata, hams, cheeks, salami, finnochione, sausage with fennel, and of course, porchetta coming from the local ancient species "Cinta Senese".

Next, we will visit an Osteria known for their herbal gardens, breed of Cinta Sinese pigs, Appenninica and Massese sheep. There, we will forage for exceptional wild herbs and then having them cooked for us at our special lunch.

That evening we will have a celebratory dinner at our Villa to end the wondrous week of our "Tuscany Farm2Table Tour" and participate in a Cooking Class featuring a renowned Professional Personal Chef from the Tuscan region.

Please keep in mind that changes may occur with this proposed itinerary which may be due to weather or other factors out of our control at the time of travel.

This should not be considered a "luxury tour", but an interactive, hands on experience with the people of the "land of the Etruscans"!

NOTE: There will be prolonged drive times in the vans (mostly under 90 minute) due to distances between events and the country roads very typical of the Tuscan countryside.

We will be staying in a 16th century villa, it will be quite possible that you might be sharing an apartment with another guest. The apartments are generous in size and most have private "ensuite".

Hiking clothes, comfortable active wear and shoes are recommended. (Temperatures will vary from highs of 78F days and nights as low as 45F)

For more information contact: louis@extravirginolio.com or call 617 859-8582
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