This is not your typical "all inclusive" tour where every second is planned...here, you will walk, hike & maybe even work to earn your nourishment! Start the day with a vigorous (or relaxing) walk up and around Cortona, stopping at one of her many cafes to enjoy a classic Italian breakfast (cappuccino and pasti) as well as passing by the famous villa, Bramasole, from the "Under the Tuscan Sun" book/movie. We try to balance your time between great experiences along with plenty of free time.
We welcome you on the night of your arrival with our very own wood-fired pizza oven in the back of the villa where we will be making pizzas using the traditional 3-day proofed pizza dough style ala Napoli. Toppings and local Cortonese wine will be plentiful. And who knows who will join us...!?
Joining you will be one of Cortona's (and Tuscany's) finest licensed tour guides to walk (and hike!) up and down the alleyways and pathways of Cortona to explore the many treasurers that have been left over the 2500 year history of the town. Etruscans, Romans, the Renaissance and overall Cortonese history! After the tour (and a meal and a rest!), finish the theme of the day off with a visit to the 2 phenomenal museums in Cortona displaying the artifacts and artwork of our fabled folk and masters
Your host or another local expert will explain and explore the beauty of Sangiovese, sanjuis jovis, the blood of Jupiter! Sangiovese grapes are the main component of the 3 principle wine regions In Tuscany; Chianti, Montepulciano & Montalcino. And the 3 kings; Chianti Classico, Nobile di Montepulciano & Brunello di Montalcino. We will discuss how one grape varietal can produce three distinctly different wines based on "terroir" and the wine making process.
After learning about Sangiovese grapes, we will spend some time learning about and tasting local Cortonese wines; Syrah, Merlot and blends. Cortona received her own Denominazione di Origine Controllata in 1999. We will then travel out to visit one of the local family-owned and run vineyards
Depending on the time and season, we will either travel out to a local farm to make pecorino cheese and enjoy a meal after your hard work or we will have a local chef join us in leading the prep and completion of a homemade traditional Tuscan lunch again paired with local Cortonese wine. Bon apetito!
Bring your shopping bags! Thursday morning is the time to jump on the bus and head down the hill to peruse the local market in Camucia. Rub elbows with the locals and find almost anything you want at unbelievable prices for Italian goods and crafts. Also! Pick up a freshly carved Porchetta panino or other Italian delicacies from one of the many food stands.
OK, so maybe we will add a little fancy into your journey. Join our friends at Enoteca Molesini to try some wines from a visiting Italian vineyard, then try on some bling and baubles from DelBrenna Jewelers to "shine yourself" before heading out to one of our fine local restaurants to reintroduce yourselves to the visiting vintner paired with a beautifully prepared meal. This is a favorite event of all the ladies!
Depending on the time and season, we will be including a special local event which could be truffle or mushroom hunting, olive picking and tasting, grape harvesting, sunset boat cruise on Lake Trasimeno, a meal in a vineyard, participate in one of Cortona's many sagras (festivals), visiting Siena or Perugia for the day or attend a local working farm. There are so many possibilities depending on the day, week or month! If you have a special request, don't hold back!
Is a week too long? Let us know and we can adjust and accomodate!
*** Please advise of any dietary issues or concerns ***
Il Giardino Del Vicino
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