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.
the places
Sharpen your palate across a diverse setting from Tuscany’s mountains, to its coastline, and one of its most flattering walled cities.
the Taste
We’ll learn about local culinary crafts like cheese, bread and wine making, salumi production, beer brewing and more.
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.