ItalyTourTravel

Bella Toscana at Casa Bianca

About the location: The Casabianca estate is situated high on the ridge that separates the Chiana valley, (described so vividly by the poet Dante), and the famous "Crete Senesi." The estate is located in an area rich both in history and natural beauty. There are breath-taking views in every direction. The estate, which dates back to the 19th century, has been carefully restored to become a beautiful four-star hotel, fitted with all modern amenities. The estate offers the possibility of relaxing by the whirlpool, swimming, and tennis, fishing in their stocked pond, horseback riding, or just walking in the woodlands. Casabianca is also a working estate; they produce a superb extra virgin olive oil, which has won many awards, and very fine Chianti as well. The property is also in an ideal location for excursions such as Siena and Montalcino.

About the lessons: Your instructor for your hands-on lessons will be the executive Chef, Francesco Brogi. Chef Brogi will lead you through the preparation of entire meal, focusing each lesson on one or two courses of typical Tuscan cooking. The restaurant is located in the ancient rooms of the cellars of the estate.

Highlights

Roundtrip transfer from Florence
6 nights double accommodation with daily breakfast
Welcome cocktail on arrival
3 dinners a la carte in the hotel, 1 pizza dinner, and 2 dinners out in local trattorias or restaurants, including local wine, water and coffee
4 cooking classes, followed by the meal with local wine, water and coffee
4 half day excursions
Use of all the facilities at Casabianca, fishing, tennis and horseback riding included, at no additional charge.
All taxes and service

Tour Itinerary

Day One, Sunday

• Afternoon arrival by scheduled transfer from the Florence airport or train station.
• A welcome cocktail and introduction of the program, followed by dinner.

Day Two, Monday

• Buffet breakfast in the charming Limonia.Your first cooking class with Chef Brogi, followed by lunch with wine.
• In the afternoon, an excursion to the beautiful medieval city Siena, famed for its "Palio."
• Dinner will be in a characteristic Sienese trattoria this evening.

Day Three, Tuesday

• Buffet breakfast. Time at leisure this morning to relax or enjoy any of the activities offered at Casabianca.
• Lunch on you own.
• In the afternoon, excursion to a winery for a wine tasting and a visit of the cellars, a visit to a frantoio, an olive press and a short stop to visit a Chianina cattle breeder, which are grass-fed beef and are becoming very rare in Chianti.
• Dinner at Casabianca.

Day Four, Wednesday

• Buffet breakfast, followed by your next cooking class and lunch.
• In the afternoon, a visit to the town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello wine, for a visit of the cellars and a tasting, and a visit of the fortress.
• Following your tour of Montalcino, dinner will be in a charming local restaurant.

Day Five, Thursday

• Buffet breakfast. This morning, we will visit the delightful town of Montalcino.
• Lunch on your own in town.
• In the late afternoon, a cooking class on pizza, where Chef Brogi will share his secrets of making the "pie."
• Dinner will be the pizza, maybe with a good Italian beer!

Day Six, Friday

• Buffet breakfast. Afterwards, your final cooking class, followed by lunch, at which the cooking certificates will be given.
• Your afternoon is at leisure.
• Tonight is the Farewell dinner.

Day Seven, Saturday

• Buffet breakfast followed by checkout and transfer back to Florence