NOVEMBER HOLIDAY COOKING TUSCANY 2022

CHRISTMAS CULINARY WORKSHOP IN TUSCANY

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 4, 2022

PLEASE CONTACT ANGELA TO BOOK (443) 440-0473

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 7 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.

SUNDAY WELCOME TO ITALY

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.

MONDAY CHEESEMAKING AT AN AGRITURISMO

We start this week making cheese on a dairy farm with lunch and shopping in Pienza. Dinner together tonight in Cortona.

TUESDAY 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 at Cantina Di Ricci in the 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!

Market to table cooking class today. Rise early to purchase the best ingredients at the market in Piazza della Signorelli, and head to a little villa in the mountains to cook up a heartwarming Italian comfort food lunch menu today. Dinner at a Tuscan agriturismo tonight.

THURSDAY DAY TRIP TO FLORENCE

In a city full of Renaissance art, be inspired to make your own creation. Today we will make Florentine paper and visit the most elegant perfumerie. The day is yours to explore the city with lunch on your own or follow along a guided walk to see the city's main sights and best hidden shops across the Arno River. Tonight, we visit it "Weihnachtsmarkt", Piazza Santa Croce's famous Christmas market, followed by dinner in the cool neighborhood of San Frediano. Pick up a little La Befana, the Christmas witch of Tuscany, for good luck.

FRIDAY BACK IN THE KITCHEN

This morning we visit the local butcher shop to pick up meat for our cooking class. We will be making a lunch of 2 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 the Italian Christmas cake, panettone. Aperitivo at a hidden jewelry studio for a tour and some pre-dinner Prosecco. Dinner on your own in Cortona.

SATURDAY CHRISTMAS COOKIES & CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES BY CANDLELIGHT

Free morning in Cortona. In the early evening we make Italian holiday sweets together, fireside, at the villa.

Tonight, farewell dinner at La Bucaccia.

SUNDAY A PRESTO!

After breakfast we will transport everyone to Rome airport or Roma Termini station as needed. Until next time, arrividerci!

Holiday Season in Tuscany 7 night tour rate:

$3,300 per person

Included in price:

6 Lunches & 6 Dinners.
Wine included with all meals.
Private transportation throughout the tour.
All entrance fees to excursions outlined in itinerary.
Hands-on cooking classes.
All taxes and gratuities.
Airport transfers to and from Rome.

Not Included:

International Airfare
Travel insurance
7 nights Accommodation (You can choose to reserve apartments within your own budget from our suggested list or on your own in small hotels or Airbnb's in Cortona.)