7 Day | Tuscan Gastronomy and Cooking Retreat

Day 1

Check-in to your apartment and get acquainted with your surroundings before meeting at 6pm for an aperitivo. Nothing says Italy like a Spritz, so enjoy your first sip of Aperol as you take in the backdrop of the medieval village. It's here that you will meet the culinary team before diving into dinner, a four-course feast under the pergola or in the rustic Tuscan dining room.

Day 2

09:00

Dive straight into the action with a tour of the local Buffalo mozzarella farm, where you can enjoy buffalo milk cappuccinos, followed by a cheese tasting led by an artisanal cheese producer.

11:00

Next up on today's agenda is a tour around an Organic Tuscan rice farm, followed by a class in cooking the perfect Italian risotto. Then, of course, comes the eating and a well-earned glass of wine.

14:00

Soak up some rays in the afternoon during your free time when you can head to Castiglione beach town. Indulge in the offerings of the best gelateria in town and take some down time strolling the Medieval fortress.

17:00

After some tasty aperitivo snacks and a glass of prosecco, Oli will take you through all the essential skills and secrets to perfect risotto making with the rice you picked up earlier. You’ll cook together in the spacious and well-equipped village professional kitchen, before eating your risottos (plus a few other treats prepared by your hosts) in the beautiful village square outside.

Day 3

07:00

Set sail on unique fishing boat trip bright and early to pull in nets with the charismatic local fisherman who's making waves in marine life preservation on the Tuscan coast. Enjoy the chance to dip into the sea for a swim and have lunch on the deck, under the sun's rays.

14:00

Take advantage of your free time to explore the local village and rub shoulders with the Tuscan locals.

18:00

Roll up your sleeves and get to cooking with your resident expert chef Oli who is on hand to show you the ropes—you'll cooking up the day's catch along with handmade gnocchi, followed by Tuscan almond biscotti for dessert. You'll indulge in the meal you've prepared by candlelight under the sycamore tree at the heart of the medieval village (weather permitting).

Day 4

13:00

An unforgettable experience at an award-winning vineyard, you will get a real understanding of the art form that is winemaking. Enjoy a Tuscan lunch and private tasting of their Sangiovese, Viognier and Syrah.

11:00

You'll start the day with a cycle tour of a nearby vineyard—a light ride over the hills and down through the local villages to burn off the excesses of the week, with a knowledgeable and friendly private cycling guide. The ride will take you to a beautiful vineyard on the Tuscan plains.

18:00

After an hour or two resting up after your cycling and vineyard experience, professional fresh pasta maker and chef Oli will take you through all the basics of creating great fresh pasta, including making the dough, using a pasta machine, and learning 3 shapes—farfalle, tagliatelle and garganelli. You'll also drum up the perfect Tiramisu together, and enjoy your creations with a view of the Tuscan hills and plenty of good local wine!

Day 5

11:00

Using yesterday's newly acquired basic pasta skills, you'll take things a step further and learn to make different filled pasta shapes. With a delicious seasonal filling (eg spinach and ricotta or pumpkin) you'll learn to make ravioli, tortelloni and much more! You'll then enjoy your pasta as part of a delicious 3 course lunch.

15:00

After lunch you'll knead out some pizza dough ready to be used for the following day's dinner. Pizza dough has a much better texture and flavour when made the day before and allowed to develop!

17:00

Relax at your apartment or enjoy one of the great local restaurants and a bit of time to yourselves on your free evening.

Day 6

11:00

About an hour away is the fairytale medieval town of Montalcino—gastronomically famous for Brunello wine and honey. Here, you'll learn all about organic honeymaking, study the hives, and get an insight into what makes this wine so sought after. To the soundtrack of the bees busying away, you will lunch with traditional Tuscan dishes and honey tastings, along with some delicious Brunello.

14:00

Spend an hour or two wandering the beautiful streets of Montalcino. Grab a gelato, enjoy the impressive churches, great views, and numerous wine bars!

18:00

Back in Roccatederighi, you'll use the dough you made the day before to create real handmade Italian pizza and cook it together in your wood-fired oven. Sit down with the view for one last time and enjoy your pizza as part of a 4 course feast prepared by your own private chef!