Delicious Expeditions in Tuscany

SIENA and Il BARETO FARMHOUSE

May 14-21, 2016

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For those who wish to experience the deep pleasures of Italian country life, travel to Tuscany and il Bareto, a restored 17th-century farmhouse. It's the perfect gateway to the cultural and sensuous pleasures of Tuscany. Located outside the famous medieval town of Siena, il Bareto offers comfortable accommodations and spectacular views. Perched on a hill, across the meadow, stands Celsa castle, an architectural jewel. The delightful grounds and pool area offer a place to stroll, relax and dine al fresco.

Our Tuscany culinary tour will focus on seasonal Italian cooking. When you’re not exploring ancient villages and local markets, you will learn to make delicious meals from local chefs at the Dante Alighieri Culinary Institute. Also learn to work with seasonal produce, all while savoring fabulous local wines. Whether you love to be in the kitchen or prefer to sightsee and shop, our Tuscany culinary tour will exceed your expectations. It's the perfect Italian cooking vacation.

Benvenuto!!

We'll meet at the Siena train station and drive to il Bareto to settle in. Enjoy evening cocktails and introductions on the veranda while taking in the spectacular view of Celsa castle. A dinner demonstration of fresh ravioli and Bistecca alla Fiorentina will follow.

A Day in Siena

We’re off to the historic city of Siena for a guided walking tour. Afterwards, there will be plenty of time to wander the medieval streets on your own. Enjoy free time at lunch before a cooking class at Dante Alighieri Culinary Institute.

Country Life and Castles

Enjoy the ambiance of il Bareto with a few free hours in the morning. Walk around the grounds, sit by the pool, or head to the exquisite Medici gardens a few minutes away. We’ll then drive to Gaiole in Chianti and Castello di Meleto for a tour of the castle and wine tasting, followed by lunch in the castle’s dining room. In route back to Siena, we’ll stop for a brief visit to the walled city of Radda. In the evening we’ll have a pizza demonstration and meal at a local Pizzeria.

The Heart of Chianti

Off to the town of Greve in Chianti for a salami and wine tasting at the famous Macelleria Falorni in the town square, followed by a light lunch. On the way back to Siena, we’ll stop in the picturesque town of Castellina with time to wander around. Late afternoon cooking class at il Bareto featuring local Tuscan fare.

day 5: Italian Culinary Tour

Market Day

We’ll arrive early to the weekly market in Siena. There will be plenty of time to peruse the stalls and sample local delicacies before heading to the fabled town of San Gimignano. Lunch at one of the local trattorias, before visiting the town’s famed medieval towers. Farmhouse dinner.

Fabled wine towns

We’ll head to the famous wine town of Montepulciano for the day. Enjoy the winding streets and numerous shops at your leisure. Lunch on your own at one of the many wonderful restaurants, before heading on to Pienza and a late afternoon of antipasti with a wine tasting.

day 7: Italian Culinary Tour

A day in the country

Free morning at il Bareto before a cooking class and lunch. We’ll then head out to Montalcino for an afternoon visit before our countryside dinner at La Pievina restaurant.

day 7: Italian Culinary Tour Buon Viaggio!

In the morning. we depart our beautiful Tuscan farmhouse and return to the Siena train station for connections to either Florence or Rome.

Pricing For Our Tuscany Culniary Tour*:
Double occupancy $2900, private bath
Single supplement $450

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*included in the Tuscany culinary tour are 7 nights accommodations at il Bareto, all ground transportation after arriving at the train station, all group activities, cooking classes and demonstrations, and most meals, except for lunch in Siena and Montelpulciano.

A $1000 deposit is needed to secure your place in our Tuscany culinry tour. Since the number of participants is limited and accommodations vary, early registration is advised. The balance of the tour is due 60 days prior to departure. If not received by that time, DELICIOUS EXPEDITIONS reserves the right to treat the reservation as canceled.

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