Magnificent Siena & The Palio Horse Race™

Tie on your aprons and join us in Siena!!!  Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most renowned Tuscan cities in Italy. Full of history, art and culture, it conjures up thoughts of the Piazza del Campo, Palio, Siena Cathedral, Duomo and Saint Catherine of Siena. Step inside its Medieval walls and go back in time. Stroll through its ancient streets, reserved for pedestrians only, and discover the historic Piazza del Campo, before slipping into your charming and well appointed accommodation, an oasis of calm in the heart of bustling Siena.

Our Siena cooking program brings you into Chef Francesco’s kitchen and will have you cooking Tuscan classics, while learning the importance of regional products and precious Tuscan wines with our local Chef. Discover the stories, history and food culture with our English-speaking guide who takes you on a fascinating tour of Siena’s Piazza del Campo, beautiful monuments, artisans, and food and wine shops.

Cooking Classes in Siena

Tie on your apron and follow Chef Francesco in hands-on authentic cooking classes while learning about regional Tuscan foods of Siena. You will prepare a full course lunch or dinner, including fresh handmade pasta accompanied by seasonal sauces.  Ingredients are always farm-to-table, seasonal and fresh.  Menus reflect our chef’s passion for reviving historic recipes including making handmade pici pasta, tagliatelle, ravioli, local Chianina beef, Tuscan beans, stuffed garden vegetables and cantucci biscuits dipped in Vin Santo! Everyone enjoys the food made in class with local wine and mineral water included.

Siena

Set among the olive groves and vineyards of Chianti, Siena was first settled by the Etruscans making it a must for all visitors. It is a town that has changed very little over the centuries, and its unique Piazza del Campo, the central piazza, is known as one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. Famous for its annual historic horse race, the Palio, which takes place in the central piazza, There is also the Duomo, a striking example of Italian Romanesque architecture, originally intended to be the grandest Cathedral in existence and Palazzo Pubblico, which houses Ambrogio Lorenzetti frescos and is another masterpiece not to be missed. And just a few steps away from the main square are the narrow, winding streets that make for adventure and lead to hidden angles leading to pretty squares, fabulous restaurants, caffés and theaters.

For the wine lover, there is the Medicean Fortress, home to the Italian Enoteca, an institution dedicated to Italian wine, home to the most famous wines of Italy DOC, DOCG and IGT of over 1500 wines.  Visit for a sip and swirl of great Super Tuscans and local artisan producers.

Siena Accommodations

4-Star Hotel

Relax and enjoy your beautiful accommodations set in the heart of Siena. Each private room is decorated with elegant furnishings and boasts a colorful view over the town of Siena. Warm Tuscan colors create a cozy atmosphere, and antique prints line the walls and hallways. Each private room has a stylish en-suite bathroom equipped with hairdryer, quality linens, air conditioning, minibar, safe and free Wi-Fi internet connection. Take a stroll through the red brick cloisters, and enjoy breakfast under the brick vaulted ceilings. Nestling within the city walls, this historic property is perfectly situated for reaching shops and monuments alike, providing welcome respite from Siena’s bustling center.

Luxury B&B

Nestled in the very heart of Siena’s storied historical center, this deluxe and intimate accommodation stands as a testament to elegance and history, merging the allure of a bygone era with the comforts of modern luxury. Situated at the nexus of the city’s vibrant life, it offers comfortable bright rooms with breathtaking views of the renowned Piazza del Campo, immersing guests in the rich tapestry of Sienese culture and history. Committed to blending the historical ambiance with modern amenities, the establishment provides guests with complimentary Wi-Fi among other comforts, ensuring a stay that is both luxuriously comfortable and deeply connected to the historical essence of Siena. Each room is adorned with comfortable beds, Italian linens and ensuite private baths. Daily breakfast includes Tuscan cake, bread, fruit, cappuccino, coffee, tea and homemade jams. Daily maid service and breakfast included.

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Itinerary: 5 Days, 4 Nights

Check in and start your program on any day of the week

Day 1: Arrival & Check In

• Arrival in Siena and check in.
• Relax.  Enjoy your Cooking Vacations’ Welcome bag with Prosecco toast.
• Welcome Dinner featuring a Chef’s Tasting Dinner including a full course menu with local fare.

Day 2: Guided Food & Landmark Tour Of Siena & Cooking Class 1

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, join our English-speaking guide for a Food & Landmark walking tour of Siena with delicious tastings included.  Learn about the ancient city of Siena, the churches and museums while visiting the city’s most respected artisan food and wine purveyors.  Start with a visit to the artisan bakery, who has kept the Old-World baking traditions alive, tastings included.  Next, visit a food shop showcasing a variety of local fresh and dry pasta, fruits and vegetables, and wine – food and wine included.  Learn about pici pasta, and how it is still made by Tuscan Nonnas. The tour continues with a visit of the Cathedral of Saint Catherine, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Italy.  Visit the famous Piazza del Campo, home to the Palio horse race. The famous Palio is the oldest event in Italy, running annually since the 16th century. The tour ends on a sweet note in an ancient artisan cake shop where you will see how Siena’s famous ricciarelli are made.  Buon appetito!!!
• After your tour, head to the kitchen for your Cooking Class 1 with our Chef Francesco.  This hands-on cooking class focuses on the preparation of a full Tuscan menu, from antipasto to dessert, including fresh pasta and sauces, a main course, and biscotti, cake or pastries. Dinner follows and everyone enjoys the foods that were prepared in class. Local wine included.
• After your cooking class, explore the winding streets of Siena for a glimpse of the ancient Tuscan city at dusk.

Day 3:  A Wow Wine Tour and Tasting Lunch at Award-Winning Vineyard

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, enjoy the early morning on your own and discover Siena.
• Later in the morning, meet your driver and discover an award-winning winery.  Enjoy your Wine Tour Tasting Lunch, which includes a visit to the wine cellars and vineyards with a Tuscan lunch paired with wine from the winery.  Begin with antipasto – Tuscan cheeses, salami and bruschetta.  Next course is delicious Tuscan Pasta –  you can opt for the chef’s signature truffle lasagna or the traditional Tuscan Ribollita.  The chef’s main course is roasted Tuscan meat, potatoes and vegetables – and vegetarian options are available upon request.  Enjoy Tuscan cantuccini paired with Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine, for dessert.
• After the Wine Tour Tasting Lunch, enjoy shopping at the winery’s boutique wine shop.
• Following your Wine Tour and Tasting lunch, return to Siena.
• Dinner is on your own with suggestions provided.

Day 4: Cooking Class 2 & Michelin- Star Chef’s Tasting Dinner in the Hills of Siena

• Breakfast is served.
• Cooking Class 2 with Chef Francesco.  Tie on your aprons for hands-on cooking class includes the preparation of an antipasto, pasta, main course, and dessert. Lunch follows and everyone joins in to enjoy the foods that were prepared in class. Local wine included.
• Following the cooking class, explore Siena’s beautiful foot paths, the Palio Museum and Piazza del Campo.
• In the early evening, meet your driver and transfer to a beautiful restaurant set on the hills overlooking Siena.  This exquisite dinner includes a Michelin-Star Chef’s Tasting Menu featuring a full course menu.   Wine not included, you can select wine at the restaurant, based on your tastes on-site.

Day 5: Departure & Arrivederci

• Breakfast is served.
• Check out & departure. Arrivederci!