Tuscany Gourmet Cooking & Wine Tour
Tuscany Gourmet Cooking & Wine Tour
Tuscany Gourmet Cooking & Wine Tour
7 Days Starting and ending in Cortona
Visiting: Terontola Stazione, Molino di Bordone, Cortona, Hermitage "Le Celle", Montepulciano, Montalcino, Abbey of Sant'Antimo, Siena, Camucia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TCK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 10
Physical rating:
Low, Easy
Age range:
25-85
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat, Pescatarian
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Luxury, One Centre Based, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Our Tuscany Gourmet Cooking Tour takes place in an enchanting country villa situated in the Tuscan hills, only minutes from the beautiful Etruscan walled town of Cortona. The region is famous for its rustic and hearty food, rich culture, and stunning landscape and is an ideal setting for a tasty week of culinary adventure, gourmet food & fine wines. Cookery demonstrations and lessons are given by local cooks and professional chefs and take place in an informal and comfortable atmosphere using a well-equipped demonstration kitchen. We have a delightful selection of excursions to complement the program accompanied by experienced guides. At the end of each day you return to enjoy relaxation time and dining al fresco.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival
Location: Terontola Stazione, Molino di Bordone
Accommodation: Farmhouse villa
Accommodation Name: Molino di Bordone, Cortona
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet at Terontola station, Cortona (14.00-16.00), easily reached from Rome or Florence.
Relax and settle into your accommodation in Cortona which will become your home for the week. Join us for a welcome cocktail party while the chef prepares a Tuscan feast as we introduce you to the week’s activities.
Day 2 : Exploring Cortona
Location: Cortona, Hermitage "Le Celle"
Accommodation: Tuscan Farmhouse Villa
Accommodation Name: Molino di Bordone, Cortona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Cortona’s 12th century Franciscan hermitage, a spiritual and tranquil place just outside the Etruscan city walls. We enter Cortona through one of the ancient city gates to explore its mediaeval streets, monuments and bustling piazzas.
A guided tour of the Etruscan museum and some free time to indulge in a gelato follows, but don’t spoil your appetite before a tasty picnic lunch in the shady tree lined park. In the afternoon we return to our Tuscan country kitchen for Cooking Lesson 1.
Day 3 : Montepulciano, Vino Nobile Wine Country
Location: Montepulciano
Accommodation: Tuscan Farmhouse Villa
Accommodation Name: Molino di Bordone, Cortona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enter the historic 16th-century gates of Montepulciano and stroll along the mediaeval main street which is lined with magnificent buildings and ancient wine cellars.
After lunch, you can visit a cantina and taste Vino Nobile in a unique and ancient setting — almost as old as the hills, so to speak! Return to the villa in the afternoon and follow Cookery Lesson 2.
Day 4 : Montalcino & Brunello Wine Country
Location: Cortona, Montalcino, Abbey of Sant'Antimo
Accommodation: Tuscan Farmhouse villa
Accommodation Name: Molino di Bordone, Cortona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We travel to the walled hill-town of Montalcino, famous for Brunello wine, one of Italy’s finest wines. From the battlements of the Rocca castle look down upon magnificent views of the UNESCO world heritage Val D’Orcia and Monte Amiata.
Cheese and wine tasting in the Enoteca of the castle which offers a wide selection of Brunello’s. Visit the cellars of a well-known winery and then the picturesque Abbey of Sant’Antimo, built by Charlemagne where the monks still celebrate mass in Gregorian chant.
Our return journey is a spectacular drive through the countryside of the Val D'Orcia. In the evening enjoy Cooking Lesson 3.
Day 5 : Siena & Chianti Wine Country
Location: Cortona, Siena
Accommodation: Tuscan Farmhouse Villa
Accommodation Name: Molino di Bordone, Cortona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel through the idyllic countryside of Chianti Classico and taste wine at Castello di Brolio whose family created the blend for this world-famous wine.
In the afternoon stroll in Siena and visit one of the most richly decorated cathedrals in the world with masterpieces by Duccio, Pisano, Lorenzetti, Donatello, Pinturicchio and Michelangelo. In the campo square learn about the world-famous Palio horse race and the traditions of its people.
Day 6 : Farmers Market & Cortona
Location: Cortona, Camucia
Accommodation: Tuscan Farmhouse Villa
Accommodation Name: Molino di Bordone, Cortona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning to explore the historic centre of Cortona and stroll around the bustling market with its colourful array of clothing, kitchenware, fruit and vegetables on display — a great place to pick up something tasty for lunch, and you might want to try a porchetta sandwich! Perhaps you prefer to just relax with a cappuccino in a street cafés'.
Cooking Lesson 4
Day 7 : Departure Day
Location: Molino di Bordone, Terontola Stazione
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drop off (9.00-10.00) at Terontola station for onward travel.
What's Included
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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Fully Guided
Owner Guided. Fully Guided: 2 experienced Caspin Journeys Tour Leaders/guides 24/7 Service of expert multilingual Caspin Journeys Leaders/ guides with extraordinary local knowledge, available for the duration of your trip. Enjoy excellent tuition by cooks and chefs
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Meals – Full Board
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as per itinerary
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Accommodation
7 Nights at a luxuriously restored and elegant 17th century Farmhouse Villa ideally located for exploring Tuscany. A nice hotel and a good night's sleep are an important part of your overall travel experience! When considering a hotel, we look at more than just the rooms. We look for hotels or bed and breakfasts which are committed to ensuring their guests are well looked after and pay attention to detail, for example offering locally sourced breakfast produce, or a special selection of toiletries, or tea and coffee making facilities in the room. Wherever possible your hotel will be perfectly positioned for exploring and will have a historical charm or maybe a new and innovative design. We choose the best possible places to stay ensuring that each night you are comfortably settled in a place that is welcoming and full of authentic local charm. We are on a mission to find the ingredients you need to wake feeling rested and looking forward to each day of your Caspin Journeys tour! Take a closer look at some properties we have chosen for you... Owner Guided.
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Local Taxes
Tourist taxes at Hotels
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Menu's
You will be given all the weeks' menu's and recipes
What's Not Included
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International Travel
Not Included
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Not all tours include airport transfers (see Itinerary)
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Train Tickets
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Mini Bar & Bar Drinks
Please do not forget to settle your bill before leaving each Hotel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and Gratuities for your Trip Leaders is at your discretion
Check out our Q&As
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euros
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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I'm a single Traveller. Will I be comfortable?
Yes, we do have guests who travel on their own and you’ll feel welcomed as we travel in small groups — max 10 — made up of couples, friends, solo travellers or family members travelling together.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes. We can assist with advice with pre or post tour accommodation but require you to book direct.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes. 2 experienced Caspin Journeys guides 24/7
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Covid-19 Important: Please check for any vaccine requirements with the health authority of your country of origin
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes. As listed in the itinerary
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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Will I need a Passport or Visa if I'm travelling internationally
International travel always requires a valid passport. Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your holiday/vacation.
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Can I speak to someone who has done this trip?
Of course! We can put you in touch with a reference who has done that trip. Just contact us!
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4star +
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Activity Levels Explained. (Part 1 of 3
Leisurely: Walking and hiking trails and paths through rolling countryside with occasional steep trails with up to 350m elevation gain/loss. Fairly easy: Walks and hikes through gentle terrain, across fields, along coastal trails with little elevation gain/loss; altitude is not a factor. Occasionally slightly uneven paths and trails.
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Which Airport to Fly to?
Pick-up and drop off at Naples International Airport. If you plan on staying in Naples for a few days early just make your way there and back on the airport shuttle bus which goes directly into town every 20 minutes.
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Activity Levels Explained. (Part 3 of 3
Strenuous: Full day hikes, 5-8 hours, requiring good stamina and some trekking through rugged mountainous terrain with steep climbs and descents of as much as 1500m, altitudes that can exceed 2000m and some rugged uneven footpaths. For full enjoyment of these tours good fitness is required.
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What if I dont want to participate in a scheduled walk or visit?
Our guides will make suggestions and you can choose what appeals to you. You may want to linger longer in a museum, sketch, watch the world go by in a café or shop while others are out walking. Many of our walks can be abbreviated with the option to jump in the minivan and catch a lift. This is your vacation not a marathon and it is important to us that you go home relaxed and invigorated.
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Can I change my mind and transfer to another trip even after I've already made a reservation?
Transfers to another trip are allowed subject to availability. After your final payment due date we are unable to allow transfers. Any cancellation will follow the Cancellation Policy in our terms and conditions. When transferring to a different date or trip, if the trip costs more than your original trip, you must pay the difference. Exceptions to the Transfer Policy include our Private Trips.
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Activity Levels Explained. (Part 2 of 3
Moderate:Activity that involves walks and hikes mostly on unpaved trails and paths through hilly terrain with typical elevation gains and losses of 350-600m. Occasional steep and uneven sections of trails and steps. Challenging:Full day hikes, approximately 4-6 hours through mountainous terrain with significant elevation gains and losses (600-900m). Terrain may be rugged with uneven footpaths.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. International travel always requires a valid passport. Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your vacation.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
International travel always requires a valid passport. Visas are required for travel to certain countries and must be arranged far in advance of departure. It is your responsibility to check with the relevant embassy or consulate about the visa requirements for your vacation.
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What is the maximum group size?
10
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. 2 experienced guides 24/7, Local specialist guiding, All English speaking
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
NO. (Unless on a private bespoke tour or by special arrangement)
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What is the tipping policy?
In the Service industry in Europe, tipping is customary but not obligatory and at one’s discretion. We at Caspin Journeys have a policy of tipping 10% for the great service we get from our hotels, restaurants and specialist guides. These gratuities are included in the price of your trip (Except for your Trip Leaders).
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Company Instant Book
Yes We do. However, we strongly advice you to contact us to verify availability and check whether tour departure is guaranteed before you make any payments
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Entrance fees to museums, events and parks as listed in the itinerary
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I am a vegetarian or have Dietary restrictions. Can yo accommodate this?
Yes! On the booking form or on a separate email you can provide us information on any special requests or requirements you may have. If you are vegetarian, let us know if that means you do/ do not eat poultry and/or fish. We pass the information along so that you do not have to worry about it during the trip. We can accommodate most dietary requests, so please do not hesitate to let us know.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If you are the first to Book, You tour booking will be taken on a provisional basis, we will keep you updated and confirm the tour as soon as we reach six. We aim to confirm a tour at least 75 days before departure.
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How Fit do I need to be to do a Caspin Journeys trip
You need to be healthy and have good general fitness. Our trips are not marathons. If you walk, swim, play golf or do another aerobic activity to stay fit, you shouldn’t have any trouble on our trips. Our trips have different levels of activity and you can choose the level that fits you best. And even then, you will have options. The Caspin support vehicle. Read about our Activity Levels
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How can I purchase insurance for my Trip?
Travel insurance helps you relax about the holiday/vacation you are planning ahead. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your travel investment. Some insurance companies offer protection called “cancel for any work-related reason”. Make sure you take out insurance within the stipulated no. of days of making your reservation with us. We do not sell insurance.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
As listed in the itinerary. (Not all tours include airport transfers)
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes. We transport your luggage between hotels and bring it to your room. You may bring only 1 case and 1 daypack . 1 MEDIUM CASE (60 cm/24″ x 40 cm/16″ x 25 cm/10″) + 1 DAY PACK (43 cm/17″ x 33 cm/13″ x 15 cm/6″). We have limited space in the minibus and will ask you to pay transfer costs. During the day you only carry snacks, water, rainproof and personal items in your daypack
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes. Prior to departure Caspin Journeys will provide you with useful information which will include: Names of the Participant. Details of Accommodation. Background reading. Packing list. Travel support.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes. You will mostly travel in our own air-conditioned Minibus from start to finish
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Because our hotel prices are based on double/twin bedrooms, we must charge a single supplement to an individual traveller using a private room on a trip. The single supplement reflects those costs — we don’t make money on it. To keep down these costs we book economical double rooms and they are sometimes smaller, even though they cost more per person.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
In the FAQ we have included Activity Levels Explained. (please check them out)
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Joining instruction icluding backgroud reading
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Travelling opens our minds and broadens our horizons and it is better still if we do it responsibly and sustainably, and continuously improve our understanding and appreciation for the world around us.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Transfers to another trip are allowed subject to availability. After your final payment due date we are unable to allow transfers. Any cancellation will follow the Cancellation Policy in our terms and conditions. When transferring to a different date or trip, if the trip costs more than your original trip, you must pay the difference. Exceptions to the Transfer Policy include our Private and Custo
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1992
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Face masks will be required on all transportation. We will have a supply as a backup. The spacious minibus will be sanitized and aired throughout the day. Dining at larger or separate tables and al fresco if possible! Sanitation measures –We are constantly reviewing the cleaning protocols with accommodation providers to ensure they comply with the most current safety guidelines.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We tailored the best journeys for who wants to enjoy Italy, England, Spain or Corsica in small groups with like-minded
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
NO
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Caspin Journeys requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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