"Holiday of a lifetime"
A delicious and indulgent foodie tour of Tuscany.
7 nights in a 17th century villa and warm Italian hospitality.
The Tour
Our 7 Night Tours are a fabulous way to visit Italy's hidden gems; villages, countryside and restaurants that are not often visited with regular European tours.
We take a maximum of 8 guests so each tour is personal and tailored to your interests. We provide structure to each day, however you have freedom and flexibility to experience Tuscany on your terms. You can therefore visit the museums, shops and galleries of your choice with the freedom to walk around at your own pace.
The tour includes 4 days of visiting stunning little villages in Tuscany including a day visiting and tasting at a winery and learning about Tuscan Olive Oil. Breakfast is included daily, as well as 5 lunches and 6 dinners along with wines to match.
Accommodation
Included in your tour is 7 nights accommodation in a recently restored and renovated 17th century stone villa 4 km from Cortona. Set in the hills with breathtaking views of Val di Chiana. It’s a wonderful area for walking. The villa offers all the comforts of home such as WIFI, air conditioning and central heating, quality furnishings, gorgeous bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, modern kitchen and a beautiful pool and outdoor area.
Itinerary
Day One - Saturday
The journey begins when we greet you at Camucia train station and bring you back to the villa - your home for the next week. The villa is located just 5km (3 miles) from the town of Cortona, and has incredible views across the valley.
Relax, unpack and familiarise yourself with the villa during the afternoon before joining the hosts and other guests at 5.30pm for an aperitivo (Italian pre-dinner drink), while discussing the weeks itinerary. You'll enjoy a fabulous 3 course traditional Tuscan dinner cooked by Sioban. Local wines are included.
Day Two - Sunday - Touring Day
Our first stop is the beautiful hilltop town of Pienza, famous for Pecorino cheese. Enjoy a coffee with the locals while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views, then have free time to explore this glorious village and enjoy tasting all the delicious cheeses in one of the many cheese shops.
Our next stop is Lucignano D'Asso, one of Tuscany's true gems. It's a stunning little hamlet in the middle of the Val D'Orcia with breathtaking scenery. Lunch at the local bar features a wonderful spread of sliced meats and cheeses. We'll return to the villa and have a few hours to relax in the afternoon before heading to Cortona at 6pm for an aperitivo followed by dinner.
Day Three - Monday - Touring Day
Our first stop is Montepulciano, a hilltop town famous for its wine and food shops, and seriously good clothing and shoe boutiques. We'll allow you plenty of time to explore on your own as well as the opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting of the famous Rosso di Montepulciano should you wish before departing for lunch.
12:30 pm - We move onto Monticchiello, a tiny medieval village with fewer than 200 residents and breathtaking views. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and local wines at one of our favourite restaurants, listed in the Michelin guide, while taking in those breathtaking views.
We return to the villa to ensure you have time to relax and prepare for dinner. There's one more chance to shop before dinner at one of the best restaurants in Cortona.
Day Four - Tuesday - Wine and Olive Day
Today is the Wine Tour and Olive Oil Day. We will be visiting two renowned, award-winning wineries in the Montepulciano region and sampling some beautiful Sangiovese wines. You'll enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery's operations and grounds. Later, we'll have a delicious traditional Tuscan lunch paired with the wines.
In the afternoon, we will head back to the villa and have free time before enjoying a delicious Italian dinner prepared by the award-winning Olive Oil producer, Josiane Ferlan, from Antica Quercia Verde. You'll be amazed at the beautiful food Josiane creates with her olive oil.
Day Five - Wednesday - Free Day
You will then have the day free with several options to explore;
You can relax at the villa and sun bake by the pool;
Discover Cortona with it's wonderful shops, galleries and museum, or simply sit in one of the 20 cafes watching the world go by or
Take a day trip to either Florence, Arezzo, or Perugia. We can organise a private driver to take you there and back to either of these beautiful cities or we can take you to the train station all inclusive. The travel costs with a private driver are not included.
You will be picked up at the villa at 7.15pm to take you to one of our favourite slow food restaurants.
Day Six - Thursday - Siena
9.15 am - we depart for Siena, you will have many hours to enjoy exploring this renowned city. Visit the Duomo which is incredible or choose to go and visit one of the many excellent museums. Should you want, you can meander through the ancient, pebbled streets and enjoy the excellent range of shopping opportunities. Lunch at a Tuscan Trattoria, in Piazza di Campo, where biannually they hold the Palio di Siena the famous horse race. The Palio is the most important event in Siena, taking place on July 2 and August 16 every year. In the Palio, the various Sienese "contrade", or areas in which the city is divided, challenge each other in a passionate horse race in the heart of the city in the Piazza del Campo.
You’ll return to the villa and enjoy the afternoon relaxing and Sioban will leave dinner for you prepared in the villa, with local wines to match.
Day Seven - Friday- Cooking School with Sioban
Included in your tour is a Tuscan cooking school with Sioban.
Start the day with some free time, take a trip to Arezzo, discover more of Cortona or just relax by the pool.
Mid afternoon we return to the villa to participate in a hands-on cooking school with Sioban. We will prepare 5 courses together and sit down to enjoy a long leisurely evening meal with beautiful Tuscan wine of course. You'll learn to make fresh pasta, crostini, a Tuscan meat dish, salad and an Italian dessert. The menu changes with the seasons and features fresh produce from the markets.
Day Eight - Saturday
We have our last breakfast together and say farewell to new friends. You will be provided with transport to the local train station.
2026 Tour Dates
Saturday, April 26th to Saturday, May 2nd - tentatively booked
Saturday, May 2nd to Saturday May 9th - Fully Booked
Saturday, May 16th to Saturday, May 23rd - Tentatively booked
Saturday, May 23rd to Saturday, May 30th - Fully Booked
Saturday, June 6th to Saturday, June 13th - Fully Booked
Saturday, June 13th to Saturday, June 20th - Fully Booked.
Price and Inclusions
3795.00 Euro per person twin share. 800.00 Euro per person will secure your booking with the remaining balance payable 90 days before departure.
Includes:
7 nights accommodation in a renovated villa in the hills near Cortona;
Twin share room and private bathroom;
Continental breakfast each day;
In house chef, meals in villa cooked by Sioban
Five lunches and seven dinners;
Regional Italian wines or beer with all your meals;
Tuscan Cooking School with Sioban, includes recipe booklet;
Visit a winery including wine tasting and lunch;
Four full-day tours of Tuscany;
One free day to enjoy, Cortona, or discover other villages near by, transport included to and from Cortona or to the local train station
Entry fees to local attractions whenever they apply;
Coffees daily;
Free transport to and from the local train stations if required;
For guests traveling solo, a single supplement of 350 Euro per person (approximately A$550) applies, to ensure you have a private bedroom and bathroom.