Join Chef Annunziata in Sinalunga for this specialty cooking program that reveals the secrets of Etruscan traditions and Renaissance recipes. This program blends the region’s food, history and wine in an intimate atmosphere at home in the villa. In this series, Chef Annunziata reveals her family’s recipe book of old-world Renaissance recipes from the heart land of Tuscany.

Chiusi, The Historic Tuscan City
Your guide will take you to Chiusi.  This small charming town was one of the most powerful cities in the Etruscan league in its time, reaching as far back as the 7th and 6th centuries BC. There are a large number of Etruscan tombs in the surrounding countryside. The Etruscan Museum was founded in 1871 and is now decorated with cremation urns, vases featuring mythological figures, and Bucchero earthenware pottery, burnished to resemble bronze. The artifacts beautifully portray the colorful history of the region.

The Villa
The villa is located high on the top of a lush green hillside with a panoramic view of the Tuscan vineyards, cypress trees and sunflowers. The villa is a quiet, restful resort in the heart of the rolling green countryside. In the surrounding areas there are many small villages and farms to visit on foot, bike or horseback. The villa's location makes it easy for you to swim in the Trasimeno Lake, cool down on the top of the Amiata Mountain, or admire the view of the Sienese clay hills.

From Sinalunga, the nearest town, you can easily drive or take the train to Central Italy and visit places such as Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Perugia, Pienza, Montepulciano or Montalcino. Visit Sinalunga, a charming city in the heart of Tuscany, and dine at one of its many enchanting little restaurants, which serve Tuscan dishes such as Ribollita. The local wine of Chianti, which the region is famous for, is always served at lunch and dinner.

The accommodations include independent apartments (45 sq. meters) with one bedrooms, a double bed, a living room, a private bathroom and shower, and kitchen. Satellite TV and self-governing heating are also available in each apartment. The swimming pool (7 x 14 meters) is open from June 15 until September 30.

Itinerary:

Day One

• Welcome to the Villa.
• Settle into your room after meeting your hosts.
• Aperitivo and presentation of program.
• Welcome dinner.

Day Two

• Breakfast is served.
• Excursion to Chiusi and visit of the Etruscan Museum.
• Lunch at the Villa.
• Culinary lesson with Chef Annunziata featuring traditional spelt soup, pasta, and desserts (such as Tuscan sweet cheese cake) from old-world Etruscan cuisine.
• Dinner with the menu prepared in class.

Day Three

• Breakfast is served.
• Culinary lesson with Chef Annunziata. This special menu features a typical Renaissance menu with homemade pasta, game cooked in clay, and Tuscan cake, all made from typical Renaissance recipes.
• Lunch with the menu prepared in class. Wine, café & dessert included.
• In the afternoon there is an excursion to Pienza and Montepulciano with visit to a winery and dinner at a typical restaurant.

Day Four

• Breakfast and departure.