Stay in Cortona, Pienza and Montepulciano

Cortona is one of the main tourist towns of Tuscany. It offers  visitors many artistic, cultural, food and wine attractions. Cortona’s cooking tradition is the one of  Valdichiana, starting with dishes such as black croutons, panzanella, ribollita, pici with ragout and ending on roast goose, rabbit, wild pork or even the famous Chianina meat. These courses will be accompanied by the typical Syrah wine. The geographical position of Cortona is a perfect starting point to reach and discover other nearby villages. Pienza is particularly famous for Pecorino, a very tasty cheese, more or less aged, made with sheep  milk, very famous and really delicious. The village is full of small and charming shops that sell many varieties of pecorino cheese. Pienza is the only medieval village with a 360 degree panoramic view over the beautiful Tuscan valley. The historic center is characteristic for the names of romantic streets such as Via dell'Amore (Love Street), Via del Bacio (Kiss street) and Via della Fortuna (Good Luck street). Restaurants with panoramic terraces and cafes line the streets of Pienza. Montepulciano, a beautiful medieval town, famous for its "Nobile", a typical local wine and for the very special aging cellars, located in the basement of the historic center.  

How the trip is structured...

Day 1

Meeting at the hotel in the early afternoon . Departure by private minivan for the half-day guided tour to discover Cortona and its magnificent historic center. Free time to discover the small village. Return with transfer to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight.

Day 2

After breakfast, a whole morning dedicated to traditional local cuisine, enhancing the excellence of the local seasonal products. The cooking class consists of a dynamic  lesson with different experiences: cooking class, cooking show, food and wine tasting but above all a social experience with other fellow travelers. After lunch, return to the hotel and free afternoon for some optional activities. Free dinner and overnight.

Day 3

After breakfast, transfer by private van to Pienza and guided tour of the small pearl of the Val d’Orcia with entrance to Palazzo Piccolomini. Free lunch. Departure to Montepulciano for the visit and wine tasting of the famous Nobile wine in one of the typical underground cellars of the historic center. Free time. Return to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight.

Day 4

Breakfast in the hotel. End of services