CHRISTMAS CULINARY WORKSHOP IN
MONTALCINO, TUSCANY
DEC. 11 -18, 2021
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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.
Spend 7 nights at Locanda Franci, in the village of Montalcino, and experience an old fashioned Tuscan Christmas. The hotel is just steps to shops, bars, restaurants, and to the castle La Fortezza.
SUNDAY WELCOME TO ITALY
We will pick you at the train station in Rome and head to the medieval village of Montalcino and check into Locanda Franci. Settle in and meet for aperitivo before we head to dinner at a local trattoria in the village.
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MONDAY CHEESEMAKING IN THE HILLS OF PIENZA
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We start this week at Podere Il Casale where we will make cheese on a dairy farm with the most amazing view of the Val d'Orcia. After lunch at the farm we will visit Pienza, beloved city of the Medici family for shopping and free time to explore the medieval village. Dinner together tonight in nearby Sant Angelo Colle.
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TUESDAY COOKING & CORTONA
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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 before dinner in Cortona.
WEDNESDAY WINE TASTING & MONTEPULCIANO CHRISTMAS MARKET.
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This afternoon we have lunch and wine tasting in Montelpulciano with free time after to visit the Christmas market in Piazza Grande.. Dinner on your own tonight
THURSDAY CHRISTMAS COOKIES & CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES BY CANDLELIGHT
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Free morning in Montalcino. In the early evening we make Italian holiday sweets together, fireside, at the villa. Pick up some last minute sweets at Lambardi pastry shop today. Tonight we go casual with an assortment of pizzas, wine, and beer to enjoy while we create vintage Christmas ornaments and gifts in a tiny cantina.
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FRIDAY MARKET DAY!
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Market to table cooking class today. Rise early to purchase the best ingredients at the outdoor market near the castle, and head to a little villa in the mountains to cook up a heartwarming Italian comfort food lunch menu today. Dinner at an agriturismo tonight.
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SATURDAY DAY TRIP TO FLORENCE
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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. Tonight, we visit it "Weihnachtsmarkt", Piazza Santa Croce's famous Christmas market followed by dinner at Trattoria Camilla. Pick up a little La Befana the Christmas witch of Tuscany, for good luck.