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Cooking at Il Podere
Tuscany, Italy
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Tour
Description |
 About
the location: Montepulciano is famous for its vino nobile wine,
and is still something of a perfect miniature Renaissance city.
Perched at 2000 feet above sea level, with Piazza Grande its
highest point, the town is a joy to discover. Just outside the
center you will find your home away from home, Il Podere, a
16th-century farmhouse nestled between woods and olive groves.
Silvia and Maurizio have lovingly turned the villa into a
residence of refined charm that retains its atmosphere of
informal welcome.
The guest rooms are few but exquisitely furnished; each one has
its own unique character and is named after one of the many
artists who contributed to the rich cultural legacy of
Montepulciano. Il Podere provides a high quality service in the
spirit and atmosphere of a private home. The farmhouse has been
meticulously restored and furnished with every comfort. There
are two floors of living quarters and plenty of space both
inside and out.
About the cookery courses: Charming and ebullient Maurizio, who
speaks very good English, has worked as a professional chef and
cooking is still his passion (along with creating a superior
olive oil!). During your stay he will lead you in the hands-on
cookery courses in the wonderful, professionally equipped
kitchen of the villa.
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Included
in the Program: |
- Seven nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Seven dinners with wine
- Two lunches
- Three hands-on cooking
classes
- Excursions as noted in
itinerary (excursions are not accompanied by a guide)
- Arrival transfer from
Florence and return transfer to Chiusi rail station
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Tour
Itinerary |
Day One - Saturday
Pick up in Florence. Check in to your lovely room at the
property.
If arrival is early, lunch on your own at a charming restaurant
a short walk away.
This evening, your welcome dinner at the Villa.
Day Two - Sunday
Following breakfast, a visit of the town of Montepulciano.
Lunch on your own at one of the characteristic restaurants in
the Piazza Grande.
Afterwards, perhaps stop for a coffee or incredible hot
chocolate at one of the oldest and most famous cafes in the
area. Return to the villa for a short rest and then time for
your first hands-on cookery course with Maurizio. Dinner with
wine pairing to follow. Overnight.
Day Three - Monday
Breakfast, followed by a visit to the wonderful towns of Pienza,
a jewel of a Renaissance city with its splendid Collegiata,
Monticchiello, a tiny delight, and the fashionable spa town of
Bagno Vignoni. Lunch on your own. Dinner tonight will be out at
a local pizzeria in Saint Albino. Overnight.
Day Four - Tuesday
Breakfast followed by a visit to Cortona, with lunch on your own
in town.
Return to the Villa for your next hands on cookery course, with
dinner and wine pairing. Overnight.
Day Five - Wednesday
After breakfast a visit to Montalcino and S. Antimo. Lunch and
wine tasting in Montalcino at a farmhouse. Afternoon visit of La
Foce Garden. Dinner at La Locanda del Vino Nobile. Overnight.
Day Six - Thursday
Breakfast, followed by an excursion to the market in
Montepulciano. Lunch in the Vineria Mentina with a wine tasting.
In the afternoon, a visit to a local cheese and wine maker for a
light dinner degustation. Coffee and digestivo on your return to
the Villa. Overnight.
Day Seven - Friday
Breakfast with a free morning or an excursion to the Prada
outlet for some shopping. Lunch on your own. Tonight, your final
cooking course and farewell dinner at the Villa. Overnight.
Day Eight - Saturday
Breakfast and a reluctant farewell. Transfer to Chiusi rail
station (a transfer to Florence can be arranged for an
additional charge).
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| Departure
Dates and Rates |
2008 Price Per Person
Prices based on a minimum of 4 people. (Please inquire for
prices for 2-3 people.)
7-night program
US$2700 based on double occupancy
US$200 per person suite upgrade
US$400 single supplement
4-night program
Available Saturday to Wednesday or Tuesday to Saturday.
US$2000 per person based on double occupancy
2008 Tour Dates
Available any week Saturday to Saturday on request for a minimum
of 4 people, maximum of 8 people.
Please inquire for groups of 2-3 people.
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Back to Itinerary Page
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