VILLA POGGIARELLO COOKING COURSE VACATION – HALF WEEK

THE 3 NIGHT/4 DAY TRIP INCLUDES:

• 3 nights at Villa Poggiarello, near Siena, in a picturesque 18th Century Villa. The villa is beautifully furnished with traditional Tuscan furniture.
  
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
  
• Small groups: 4 to 16 people.
  
• 2 hands-on cooking courses in “La Cucina Povera Toscana” – Tuscan country cooking.
  
• Visit to wineries with wine tasting in Montalcino and Montepulciano.
  
• 2 guided excursions to local food festivals (depending on season) and the towns of Siena, Massa Marittima and the seaside village of Castiglione della Pescaia.
• All transportation (Arrival transfer: Rome or Grosseto ~ Departure transfer: Grosseto).
  

SAMPLE ITINERARY:

• ARRIVAL: DAY 1 (SAT) – Transfer from Rome or Grosseto and arrival at Villa Poggiarello
  Fly to Italy. Upon arrival at the airport of Rome, you will be accompanied by car or van to Roccastrada and then welcomed at your vacation residence – Villa Poggiarello. After settling in, your tour hosts will show you around the estate! Then you can either relax in the garden or take a walk around the enchanting outdoor ambiance amidst warm vineyards and olive groves. For dinner you will enjoy a Tuscan meal at a local restaurant near the Villa.
   
• Massa Marittima and Castiglione della Pescaia
  You’ll start off the day by going to Massa Marittima. This fascinating town is situated in the area of the “Colline Metallifere” of La Maremma or Metalliferous hills of Southern Tuscany. Some its main architectural attractions are the beautiful Cathedral (the Duomo) built in the 13th century in Romanesque-Gothic style, as well a unique fountain, “La Fonte dell’Abbondanza” an attractive covered spring decorated with colorful frescos. Massa Marittima is home of an ancient Tuscan festival: the “Balestro del Girifalco” a crossbow competition between the quarters of the city where the participants and audience dress in medieval costumes and the prize for the winning arbalester is a golden arrow made by a local artisan. You will also enjoy a trip to the seacoast to the pretty seaside village of Castiglione della Pescaia. This old fishing village stands up high on a hill with its castle looking over the turquoise bay. You will enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. Once home, you can prepare a healthy Tuscan dinner (cooking lesson).
   
• Siena and local food festivals
  In the morning, after your breakfast, you’ll set off for Siena. You will visit the famous Piazza del Campo, the main square where the people from Siena (“i Senesi”) organize, twice a year, a medieval horse race known as Il Palio. Facing the square there is the beautiful tour Torre del Mangia where, if you wish, you can climb up to the top to admire a marvelous view of the city. You can also visit the Duomo which is a gothic style cathedral. You will have lunch in a quaint restaurant nearby Piazza del Campo. During different times of the year, there are many celebrated local food festivals which take place to honor different types of harvest (Porcini mushroom, Olive oil, wine etc). These will be experienced whenever they are taking place! Once home, you can prepare a healthy Tuscan dinner (cooking lesson).
   
• DEPARTURE: DAY 4 (TUE)
  Enjoy your final breakfast at Villa Poggiarello before heading back to Grosseto.

*During the spring and fall, you may participate to local “Sagre” – food festivals which take place in medieval villages and towns of southern Tuscany.