Authentic Tuscan Cooking in the Val d’Orcia Valley

Day 1 – Arrival in Sarteano

• Private transfer from Chiusi train station to Residenza Pio III in Sarteano village.
• Arrive at your accommodations and meet your host, Chef Chiara.
• Enjoy some free time to explore the charming village of Sarteano.
• Welcome dinner at the property, featuring complimentary wine.

Day 2 – Cooking Class & Pienza & Monticchiello

• After breakfast, join Chef Chiara for your first cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare an authentic Tuscan menu.
• For lunch, enjoy your fresh homemade dishes. (Wine not included, chosen from the wine list and paid locally.)
• In the afternoon, meet our English speaking driver for a half day excursion to the beautiful village of Pienza and the little borgo of Monticchiello.
• Return back to Sarteano and have dinner on your own in one of the local restaurants of the village center (you can book through the Residenza).
• Overnight.

Day 3 – Montepulciano & Cooking

• After breakfast, meet your driver and journey to the Montepulciano village with time to explore on your own.
• Drive to the La Bindella Wine Estate for a guided tour of the wine cellar followed by a lunch and wine tasting
• Return back to Sarteano for your second class with Chef Chiara and discover more secrets of Italian cuisine. (Wine not included, chosen from the wine list and paid locally.)
• Dinner and overnight.

Day 4  – Bagni Vignoni & San Quirico d ‘Orcia

• Breakfast at the Hotel.
• Depart on a full day excursion with our driver to two beautiful Tuscan villages: Bagno Vignoni & San Quirico d ‘Orcia.
• Upon arrival in Bagno Vignoni, you’ll explore the city on your own and be amazed by its curious main square, which features a large hot springs basin.
• Later journey to San Quirico, which lunch on your own.
• After lunch, visit the Collegiate Church of San Quirico, a Romanesque temple distinguished by three elaborately decorated porticoes from different periods. Explore the Church of San Francesco as well.
• Next, discover the Horti Leonini, a perfect example of 16th-century Italian gardens. Marvel at the statue honoring Cosimo III de Medici and explore the ruins of the Cassero tower, destroyed during World War II.
• Return back to Sarteano at the end of the Tour.
• Dinner on your own and overnight.

Day 5  – Orvieto & Cooking Class

• Enjoy your breakfast. This morning meet our English speaking driver and reach Orvieto for a 2-hour guided tour: You will learn about the history and see the main monuments of this beautiful city built between the 13th and 14th centuries, a period in which Orvieto reached its maximum power.  Start at the Piazza Duomo and meander along the main city squares. The end of the tour is in the old medieval quarter.
• Lunch on your own in Orvieto (with suggestions from your guide) before coming back to Sarteano .
• In the afternoon meet Chiara and start your third cooking class for the preparation of a Tuscan menu. Delicious dinner to follow. (Wine not included, chosen from the wine list and paid locally.)
• Overnight

Day 6  –

• Breakfast, then a day free for your individual explorations.
• We recommend spending time visiting the beautiful swimming pools of Sarteano (open from April 13 to Sept. 29, 2024). These pools of crystal-clear waters flow from the spring of Santa Lucia, renowned for its rejuvenating properties for skin care and psychophysical wellness. The history of these waters date back to Roman times, and the thermal mineral water continues to flow at a constant temperature of about 24°C (75°F), with guaranteed healing properties. Surrounded by the expansive and tranquil park, it serves as an oasis for adults and families. Freely explore the pools with slides, the wide meadows, and game field. Additionally, the park offers modern sports facilities for active travelers.
• Or, if you want additional cooking, we can add another hands-on cooking class in the morning, followed by lunch, for $200 per person.
• Farewell dinner with Chef Chiara at the Residenza, and a final overnight.

Day 7   – Arrivederci!

• Enjoy your final breakfast in Sarteano.
• Private transfer to Chiusi railway station.