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Cooking at Il Castello
Tuscany, Italy
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Tour
Description |
 About
the location: Prepare yourself to be swept away by the
magnificent beauty of this property, really a small “borgo” or
village in the heart of the Chianti countryside, close to Arezzo
and Siena. This is the Pellegrino family’s incredible estate,
comprised of the main building, the clusters of apartments, and
a veritable castle, in which the family resides. The village
lies within 750 acres of vineyards and centuries-old olive
trees. This is an area, which has remained miraculously intact
and unspoiled, offering an oasis of peace and serenity. The
rooms and apartments have been lovingly and carefully restored
with elegance and taste and are filled with beautiful antiques
and all modern amenities, including air conditioning, satellite
TV and internet access. The landscaping throughout is
spectacular, with the alluring pool providing a vista of the
area.
About the cooking lessons: We won’t let you laze forever. The
cooking lessons will take place on the estate, either in the
kitchen of the castle for small groups or in the restaurant
kitchen for larger groups. Your lessons are with a wonderful
local “nonna,” with over 20 years of teaching experience and
known for her wonderful Tuscan recipes. During the week you will
go through the preparation of all the courses of a meal.
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Included
in the Program: |
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- 4 dinners and all lunches
with local wine, water and coffee
- 4 hands on cooking classes
- Excursions as listed in
itinerary
- Roundtrip transfer
Florence airport or rail station
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Tour
Itinerary |
Day One - Sunday
Transfer from Florence train station or airport to Il Castello
estate. Settle in to your room or apartment and perhaps explore
the grounds before meeting for your Tuscan welcome dinner.
Day Two - Monday
After breakfast, your first cooking class. Lunch will follow,
based on your efforts.
In the afternoon, an excursion to Montalcino and a visit of a
local winery, with tasting. Dinner and overnight at Il Castello.
Day Three - Tuesday
After breakfast, your second cooking class. Lunch will follow,
based on your efforts. Afternoon trip to the famous town of
Siena. Enjoy a walk through the winding streets to the Piazza
del Campo, or do as the Italians and have a gelato while doing
some window-shopping. Dinner on your own in Siena. (The
Pellegrino family would be happy to make some suggestions).
Transfer back to Il Castello, and overnight.
Day Four - Wednesday
After breakfast, it is time for your third cooking class,
followed by lunch based on your efforts. In the afternoon you
will tour the famous Chianti wine region, including a visit to a
local winery for a wine tasting, and will enjoy dinner in the
quaint town of Vagliagli.
Day Five - Thursday
Breakfast, then a visit to a nearby dairy for a cheese tasting
and light lunch.
Then it is on to Arrezo, where the Oscar-winning movie “Life Is
Beautiful” was filmed with time for some sightseeing, a coffee
on the piazza, or buying some world-famous Italian products.
Dinner in Arezzo on your own (perhaps with some suggestions by
the Pellegrino’s). Transfer back to Il Castello and overnight.
Day Six - Friday
After breakfast, your final cooking lesson, followed by lunch
based on your efforts. In the afternoon, a visit to beautiful
Pienza, one of the most perfectly preserved Renaiassance towns
and famed for its street of cypress trees. Tonight, your
Farewell dinner.
Day Seven - Saturday
Breakfast, then time to bid farewell to your new friends.
Transfer back to Florence train station or airport. Arrivederci!
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| Departure
Dates and Rates |
2008 Price Per Person
Please inquire
2008 Tour Dates
Available on request any Sunday to Saturday |
Back to Itinerary Page
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