Tasting Tuscany

Provincial Lucca & The Chianti

 

Tour Description

Tasting Tuscany explores two unique foodscapes of the Tuscany region: La Valle del Serchio in Lucca Province and The Chianti in Siena and Florence Provinces. On this 10-day culinary exploration of Tuscany, we immerse our curious palates in the diversity of Tuscan enjoyment.

Part 1 - Tasting The Serchio

Based in Barga, Tuscany: Experiences in Garfagnana, La Valle del Serchio, Lucca, Versilia

La Valle del Serchio is Tuscany’s Greenest Valley. In this less-published corner of Tuscany you’ll make yourself at home for a week in the artist’s haven of Barga and satiate your craving for fresh culinary territory. While taking in the valley’s most breathtaking views of the Apuan Alps we stop at length to enjoy the best restaurants and tasting spots of Lucca, Versilia and the The Serchio Valley. The setting is full of novelties from Tuscany’s only mountains to its coastline and one of Italy’s most flattering walled cities. We enjoy a cooking class in Lucca with Aurelio Barattini and meet the local community of artisans and growers. We’ll learn about local culinary crafts like cheese, bread and wine making, salumi production, beer brewing and more. 

Part 2 - Tasting The Chianti

Based in Siena, Tuscany: Experiences in Chianti, Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano, Firenze

For the second half of Tasting Tuscany we move into The Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. At the heart and soul of The Chianti are the farmers, food artisans, winemakers, restaurateurs, and families who are passionate about their craft. They are devoted to honoring the land and sustaining the high quality of their local traditions. This tour is dedicated to connecting you with that poetic lifestyle and the people who bring this illustrious part of Tuscany to life. We taste the local delicacies and wines from small producers and enjoy walking through vineyards and olive groves that speak stories resounding from centuries ago. At the most locally revered Osterias and Trattorias we’ll dine in the company of local cultural experts. As it is custom in these parts, our days will be infused with the ancient a wisdom of Tuscan poets and the lyrics of modern life.

 
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the places

Sharpen your palate across a diverse setting from Tuscany’s mountains, to its coastline, and one of its most flattering walled cities.

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the Taste

We’ll learn about local culinary crafts like cheese, bread and wine making, salumi production, beer brewing and more. 

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the people

Meet local artisans, chefs, and growers. Cook with them and get to know their stories. Become part of the scenery and enjoyment alongside locals.

Tour Highlights

 
  • 10 days exploring Tuscany

  • 5 nights in Barga, 4 nights in Chianti

  • Memorable dining in the region's best eateries

  • Wine tastings, vineyards visits, and cellar tours

  • Cheese tasting and caseificio visits

  • Salumificio visit and tasting 

  • Beer tasting and birrificio visit

  • Baking class with Paolo Lucchesi

  • Cooking class with Aurelio Barattini

  • Visits to picturesque villages and markets

  • Time for exploration and shopping

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Accommodations for 10 days and 9 nights at our favorite luxury boutique hotels or farmhouses

  • Andee's full time accompaniment and expertise: she is with you throughout the trip, handling behind-the-scenes logistics and is there to help with anything from figuring out how to dial home, conversing with locals, to plugging in your curling iron

  • Official certified regional and city guides as detailed in itinerary

  • Admissions to tastings, historic sites and other scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary

  • Trip literature

  • Private ground transportation as detailed in itinerary

  • All breakfasts + 1 meal per day

Prices subject to change without notice. 

Airfare is not included.