CHRISTMAS ART & CULINARY WORKSHOP IN TUSCANY
DECEMBER 4 - 11, 2025
When the scent of wood burning fires and roasted chestnuts fill the air, and the tourists are long gone, Tuscany shines even brighter.
Outdoor Christmas markets pop up in each village and their ancient streets are aglow with twinkling lights and nativity scenes.
Accommodations for this tour is "hotel diffuso" style, where you will spend 6 nights in your own apartment in the village. You can enjoy breakfast on your own at nearby cafes, and we will meet each day for our excursions, classes, and meals. All apartments are located in the historic center of the walled village, and are a short walk to shops, bars, and restaurants.
Sample accommodations in Cortona.
DAY 1
We will pick you up in Rome at the airport or Roma Termini train station. Settle into your apartment and we will meet for aperitivo, before we head to dinner at a local trattoria in Cortona.
DAY 2
CHEESEMAKING ON A TUSCAN FARM
We start this week making cheese and having lunch on a dairy farm. Dinner together tonight in Cortona.
DAY 3 WINE TASTING & MONTEPULCIANO CHRISTMAS MARKET.
This afternoon we visit Pienza, beloved city of the Medici family for shopping and free time to explore the medieval village. have lunch and a wine tasting in Montepulciano, with free time to visit the village's Christmas market and explore the tiny streets and shops. Tonight we go casual with an assortment of pizzas, "stuzzichini", wine, and local craft beer to enjoy while we create vintage Christmas ornaments and gifts in a tiny cantina in Cortona.
WEDNESDAY MARKET DAY IN THE VILLAGE
Market to table cooking class today. Rise early to purchase the best ingredients at the market in Piazza della Signorelli and visit the local butcher shop to pick up meat for tomorrow's cooking class too. ead to a little villa to make a heartwarming Italian comfort food lunch today. Tonight dinner on your own.
THURSDAY COOKING BY CANDLELIGHT
Free morning. Late afternoon guided tour of a hidden jewelry and leather studio. Enjoy some prosecco during your visit then meet up to cook a Tuscan winter diner of antipasti, polenta with a mushroom ragu as well as the traditional tomato ragu with grilled sausages and pork ribs to serve over the polenta, and Italian Christmas cookies and truffles together, fireside, at the villa to take home to friends an family!
FRIDAY TRANSFER TO FLORENCE
We head to Florence for two nights and check into the hip and chic Soprarno Suites, just across the Arno River, where the Florentines live. Free time until we meet tonight to go to the Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce and have a traditional Florentine dinner together in the center of the city.
FOOD, COCKTAIL, & SHOPPING CRAWL AROUND FLORENCE
A Florentine holiday food crawl tasting the city's favorite dishes and some holiday specialties, and of course gelato, because that's never out of season! Free time to Christmas shop then we will meet for our farewell dinner together tonight at Atelier de'Nerli.
SUNDAY A PRESTO!
After breakfast we will transport everyone to Santa Maria Novella train station. Until next time, arrividerci!
Holiday Season in Tuscany 7 night tour rate:
$4,200 per person
Included in price:
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5 Lunches & 5 Dinners.
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7 nights accommodation
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Wine included with all meals.
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Private transportation throughout the tour.
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All entrance fees to excursions outlined in itinerary.
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Hands-on cooking classes.
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All taxes and gratuities
Not Included:
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International Airfare
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Travel insurance