Compare Premium Tuscany by Intrepid Travel vs Tuscany Cooking Vacations: Treasures of the Tuscan Sun by Access Trips

Day 1 Rome

Welcome to Rome! Enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel and settle in. If you arrive with time to spare, the city’s magnificent buildings are best appreciated on foot, so perhaps wander in search of an espresso. Your Italian adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you will meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Once the formalities are out of the way, get your first taste of Italy over an included dinner with your group at an excellent local restaurant. Sitting down to dinner in Rome means experiencing generations of culinary know-how and timeless traditional recipes. Once your leader introduces you to some of Italy’s best dishes, you’ll understand why this country is so renowned for great food.

Day 2 Rome

From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today join a private guide for a trip back in time. Marvel at the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona before reaching Campo de Fiori, where a local fresh produce market has been held since 1869. Join your tour leader for a quick stop at a local bar for a granita - an iced Italian espresso and a must when in Rome. Next, visit a local aristocrat at his home close to the Campo de Fiori. Much of the apartment is still in its original state and features a stunningly painted ceiling. Find art and artifacts casually displayed throughout the rooms and chat with the energetic owner before sitting down for an included lunch in the dining room. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you please – perhaps take the chance to follow in the footsteps of gladiators and Roman emperors with a visit to the iconic Colosseum. Please note that tickets should be booked in advance, and before the beginning of your trip.

Day 3 Siena / Monteriggioni / San Gimignano Region

Today you’ll take a private vehicle to the gorgeous city of Siena, where your leader will show you the most interesting sights on an orientation walk. At the city’s heart is Piazza del Campo – home to the biannual Palio horse race, and nearby is the stunning Siena Cathedral. Next you’ll visit Monteriggioni – a charming medieval walled town. Over a dozen towers are spread throughout the town, once used to defend Sienese territory from the Florentines. You will have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your Feature Stay accommodation near San Gimignano. This country hotel with cinematic views of a tree-studded landscape and a refreshing outdoor pool is a fine spot to unwind. Tonight, indulge in an included gourmet dinner at your hotel with your group – the food is made with local ingredients and pays homage to traditional Tuscan dishes, with a modern twist.

Day 4 San Gimignano Region

Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano – the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture, with your leader on hand to answer any questions inspired by your explorations. This region is also renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Your group will visit a local agriturismo, where you’ll explore the vineyards and sample some of their celebrated wine, before enjoying an included lunch featuring regional cheese, fine olive oil and bruschetta. Return to your Feature Stay accommodation for another delicious dinner.

Day 5 Pisa / Lucca / Florence

Today you’ll visit Pisa. It’s not always possible to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to its precarious state, but as your leader shares the history of this legendary building, you will have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your next stop is historic Lucca, one of Italy’s most beautiful but underrated cities, where you’ll take a short walk along the city’s beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. From here you’ll take the short journey to Florence where the evening is yours to walk the cobbled streets, eat gelato and soak up the unmistakenly Tuscan atmosphere.

Day 6 Florence

This morning join a private guided walk of Florence you will earn about its Glorious past and the notable families that made Florence an important centre for culture, economy and politics. Your tour includes a visit of the Galleria dell ‘Accademia, an art museum renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo. Enjoy a free afternoon at your own pace – ask your leader for some local tips on the best way to spend the day. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. And be sure to head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence’s timeless skyline. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany, with dishes known for their freshness, simplicity and quality. Olive oil, beans and herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina, a large steak sliced on the bone and shared between multiple diners, and ribollita, a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables, and beans. Panforte is the signature sweet treat.

Day 7 Venice

In the morning, head to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Venice. Upon arrival your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get acquainted with the city’s maze of canals and learn about its unique history, showing you some extraordinary views over the roofs of Venice. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit, or simply meander around the tiny, cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s dessert speciality, tiramisu. Later in the evening join your tour leader for a nice, included Venetian dinner.

Day 8 Venice

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).

DAY 1: Your Tuscany Culinary Tour Begins

Meals: None

Welcome to Tuscany, Italy’s rustic, tranquil and historic heartland and home to world class wine and cuisine, lush rolling landscapes, and medieval hill towns. Your culinary tour of Tuscany begins as we pick you up from your Florence accommodations or the Florence airport. Our destination today is Cortona, the stunning setting for the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun.”

On our way to Cortona, we’ll visit Siena, arguably Italy’s most beautiful medieval city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set on three hills in the Chianti region, Siena is a must-see on any visit to Tuscany. Siena’s heart is its central piazza called Il Campo, which is best  known worldwide for the famous Palio di Siena, a horse race run around the piazza twice each summer. We’ll tour the ancient town on foot, stopping at its most renowned bakery to taste the local “Ricciarelli,” a traditional Sienese cookie made from almonds, sugar, and egg whites.

We’ll then all transfer to our lovely boutique hotel, walking distance to Cortona’s central piazza. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.

DAY 2: Cortona Walking Tour & Italian Cooking Class

Meals: Breakfast, tastings and Dinner

This morning we begin with a 3-hour walking tour of beautiful Cortona to uncover together its two thousand year history. Your local guide will introduce you to the town’s two main churches: the San Francesco Church, dating from the 13th century, and the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, rebuilt in the 15th century on the remains of an even older church. You’ll also visit the charming main town square, Piazza della Repubblica, home to Town Hall and several Renaissance palaces, before visiting the Etruscan Museum to discover Cortona’s central role in the Etruscan Confederation and into the Roman period. During the walking tour, we’ll also take a break for coffee and pastries with our guide to relax and immerse ourselves in the relaxed rhythm of local life. After the tour you’ll take time for lunch at your leisure.

This afternoon we will walk to the historic center of Cortona for one of the most interesting and traditional cooking classes in Tuscany. We’ll meet Antonella, an eclectic and talented chef who is also a  journalist and expert on local culture. Her charming kitchen has a massive fireplace and a view of the ancient alleys and roofs of Cortona. Working with the best seasonal ingredients, Chef Antonella will guide you in the hands-on preparation of an unforgettable meal, from antipasto to dessert, including the local pici pasta with ragù. We’ll then sit down at the large kitchen table for our hearty dinner paired with the perfect wine. Saluti!

DAY 3: Pienza, Montepulciano & Wine Tasting

Meals: Breakfast and tastings

Our Tuscany culinary tour continues as we spend the day exploring the world-famous wine region of the Val d’Orcia. We’ll start with a tour of a local food producer, visiting for example a greengrocer, a butcher, or a beekeeper to learn the customs and traditions of rural life and sample a few delicious local products.

Our destinations this afternoon are the beautiful hill towns of Pienza and Montepulciano, famous for their excellent cheese and wine production. In Pienza you’ll enjoy a private guided tour to take in the main highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the imposing Palazzo Piccolomini which offers breathtaking panoramas over the valley and was an iconic feature in Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet. We’ll also stop into an artisanal shop where the same family has been aging the finest local cheese for generations. You will have the opportunity to taste pecorino di Pienza cheese at different ages, as well as Italy’s famous balsamic vinegar.

From there we’ll continue to Montepulciano, where you’ll have some free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch and explore on your own. Then you’re in for a delightful surprise. Unbeknownst to most people, beneath the main square of Montepulciano lies an ancient Etruscan cavern that was converted to a wine cellar in the 16th century and has housed the finest regional wines ever since. After touring the cellars, we’ll taste several of Talosa Winery’s award-winning wines accompanied by local pecorino cheese and bruschetta.

DAY 4:  Truffle Hunt & Michelin-Rated Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

One of the highlights of our Tuscany culinary tour is a truffle hunt, which takes place in a “tartufaia” (woodlands where truffles are found) on a family farm and vineyard. Together with our truffle expert and his trained dogs, we stroll through the woods as the dogs sniff out the precious truffles. You’ll even have the chance to handle the truffle dogs directly if you are interested. During the walk, our guide will give you an introduction to the world of Italian truffles, particularly the species of truffles in Tuscany. We’ll learn where and how the truffles are found, how to preserve them properly at home, how they are used in cooking, and what recipes complement them the most. After the hunt, we will head to the farmhouse with our new-found treasure, just in time for lunch al fresco that is paired with the lovely wines that are produced on-site. Our farm-to-table meal includes truffles and other local and seasonal ingredients, such as handmade pasta from flour milled on the premises, local meats and cheeses, and herbs from the garden.

For one of the highlights of Tuscan food this week, our dinner is at the Michelin-starred Il Falconiere, run by award-winning executive chef Silvia Regi Baracchi. This is a meal you may never forget!

DAY 5: Our Tuscany Culinary Tour Ends

Meals: Breakfast

Our culinary tour of Tuscany is over today, but if you want more, we can deliver! Ask us about our 3-day/2-night Florence extension, which you can enjoy either before or after your Tuscany cooking vacation.