Immerse between sweet Tuscan hills and centuries-old vineyards at the villa estate. The noble property was built by scholarly monks in 1051 with a deep passion for nature. They planted vast monastery gardens, grapevines and olive trees following the footsteps Romans and Etruscans of the 3rd Century. Here traditions unfold naturally honoring tranquility deeply rooted in the land.
Tuscany
Tuscany is a landscape of green cypresses winding along golden hills, sprawling vineyards, and silvery olive groves, where cooking is an art and every ingredient reflects the history of the land.
Through time, Tuscany has been a center of culture, commerce, and creativity—from the ancient Etruscans to the powerful Medici family. Discover Chianti’s wine, Pecorino cheese, and organic olive oil. Tuscany is a land cultivated by the Romans and Etruscans who were pioneers of agriculture.
Chianti
Chianti is nestled between Florence and Siena, a region as celebrated for its beauty as for its bold red Chianti wine. This is the heart of Tuscany, where rows of vineyards ripple across the hills, stone farmhouses bask in the sun, and cuisine is made with tradition.
The landscape is timeless. Medieval castles and quiet hilltop villages overlook olive groves and vineyards that have flourished here for centuries. As evening approaches, the air cools and carries the scent of lavender and rosemary, while the sky shimmers with the promise of a long, memorable dinner.
Life in Chianti unfolds slowly. Food and wine are meant to be savored, shared, and enjoyed together—whether you are sipping a glass beneath a vine-covered pergola or preparing fresh pasta in a rustic villa kitchen.
Gaiole in Chianti
Gaiole in Chianti is a charming Tuscan village where cobblestone streets are lined with artisan shops, a trattoria or two with wine shops. Once part of the historic Lega del Chianti, the village has long been connected to the region’s renowned winemaking traditions, producing the iconic Chianti Classico DOCG from the very soil that surrounds it. Vintners here have been producing wine and olive oil for generations.
Throughout the year, Gaiole celebrates several food and wine festivals carrying on traditions while uniting the artisans, locals and visitors. Whether you are tasting Chianti Classico among the vines or preparing rustic recipes passed down through generations, Gaiole offers a true taste of Tuscany’s culinary heritage.
Tuscan Cuisine
Tuscan cuisine is defined by simplicity, seasonality, and the flavors of the land – sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs – rosemary, thyme and basil, and artisan bread fresh from the wood-burning oven. Learn how to prepare ribollita, a Tuscan soup made with bread, kale, and cannellini beans and seasonal vegetables of any kind. Learn how to make pici all’aglione, hand-made pasta and rich garlic tomato sauce. Fire up a bistecca alla Fiorentina, the thick cut steak from the Chianina cattle breed in Tuscany. Learn how to bake Tuscan cantucci dipped in Vin Santo, the blessed wine and schiacciata all’uva, a sweet focaccia with a grape must.
Tuscan Cooking Classes
Tie on your apron with Chef X and step into the heart of Tuscan culinary tradition where hands-on cooking classes bring culture to life. From antipasto to handmade pasta, main courses and desserts, learn how to prepare a Tuscan menu paired with wine. Seasonal ingredients guide the menu, allowing you to learn not only the techniques but also the history of the recipes. Everyone enjoys the food prepared in the cooking class to follow with wine included.
Together you will cook, taste, laugh, and share local wines before gathering around the table to enjoy the meal you have created. In Tuscany, every dish carries a memory—and every class becomes part of the experience.
Tuscan Accommodations
Check in to your historic villa estate, a centuries-old abbey set among the hills of Tuscany. Walk beneath ancient stone archways and vaulted ceilings, tuck in to a quiet night and wake to the gentle rustle of cypress trees and a morning light peeking through shuttered windows.
Each spacious guest room is furnished with style combing Tuscan charm with modern comfort. Modern beds dressed in Italian linens ensure restful nights, while private ensuite bathrooms include plush cotton towels and thoughtfully selected toiletries. Rooms are spacious and decorated with luxury furniture in a neutral palette with big windows inviting natural light and views overlooking the gardens and vineyard. Modern amenities such as climate control, complimentary Wi-Fi, and in-room coffee and tea complete the experience. The property’s pool is tucked quietly into the landscape. Discover the trails, bike, trek or add on a guided hike.
Each morning begins with a generous Tuscan breakfast featuring artisan breads, local cheeses and meats, farm-fresh eggs, yogurt, and traditional cakes, served alongside tea, cappuccino, and espresso made from Tuscan-roasted beans.
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Itinerary – 5 Days, 4 Nights
Day 1 – Arrival and Check In & Chef’s Welcome Dinner with Wine Pairing
- Pick up and transfer from San Giovianni or Montevarchi Train Station. Florence Train or Airport Pick Transfers available upon request. Pricing varies per your group size.
- Check in and relax. Enjoy your Cooking Vacations Welcome Bag with Prosecco
- In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tuscan Welcome Dinner at the property’s restaurant, including a Chef’s full course tasting menu with wine pairing.
Day 2 – Cooking Class & Discover Gaiole
- Breakfast is served.
- Following breakfast, tie on your aprons for your Hands-on Cooking Class 1. Learn how to prepare a full course menu under the guide of your chef featuring farm-to-table ingredients. Following the class, everyone enjoys the foods that were prepared in class with a toast of local red or white wine.
- Discover the small village of Gaiole on your own – just a few minutes’ walk from the property, or relax by the pool, or stroll along the property’s beautiful Italian garden.
- Later in the evening, enjoy your Chef’s Tasting Dinner including a full course Tuscan menu with wine included.
Day 3 – Cooking Class, Tour of the Abbey & Tuscan Wine Tasting
- Breakfast is served.
- Following breakfast, tie on your aprons for Hands-on Cooking Class 2. Learn how to prepare a full course menu under the guide of your chef featuring farm-to-table ingredients. Following the class, everyone enjoys the foods that were prepared in class with a toast of local red or white wine.
- In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the abbey and historic wine cellars. Following, enjoy a tasting of five organic wines with homemade schiacciata.
- Later in the evening, enjoy your Chef’s Tasting Dinner including a full course Tuscan menu with wine included.
Day 4 – Yoga and Spa & Farewell Chef’s Dinner
- Breakfast is served.
- Following breakfast, enjoy a restorative and relaxing yoga class provided by a professional.
- In the afternoon, relax the mind and body with full body massage with a spa professional.
- In the evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner including a Chef’s full course tasting menu with wine included.
Day 5 – Check out and Departure
- Breakfast is served.
- Check out and departure with transfers to the Airport or Train Station
- Arrivederci!
Program Includes:
- 5 days and 4 nights, based on 2 guests at the Luxury Villa.
- Daily breakfast and maid service included.
- Welcome Dinner featuring a Chef’s Tasting Menu with wine pairing included.
- 2 hands-on cooking classes preparing a full course Tuscan menu with wine included.
- A guided tour of the Tuscan Abbey with English-speaking guide.
- Wine Tour and Tasting featuring five organic wines and homemade
- One Spa Relax Massage at the property’s spa with a licensed professional.
- One Yoga class with a licensed professional.
- Farewell Dinner featuring a Chef’s Tuscan Tasting menu with wine pairing included.
- Round trip transfers from the local train stations, San Giovianni or Montevarchi Train Station.
- Cooking Vacation’s Welcome Bag with chef’s apron, Prosecco, and recipe booklet.
- A copy of Lauren’s book “It’s a Dream Place – Stories & Recipes of Food, Love and the Amalfi Coast.”
Program Prices
$2,495 per person, based on 2 guests at the Luxury Villa Property.
Florence Train or Airport Transfers can be added on and are available upon request. Pricing varies per your group size.
For Single Guests: If you are traveling on your own, please call us for the best group price. We are happy to welcome you into our already scheduled group.
Rates are subject to change based on extreme currency exchange. Airfare not included, airfare transfer from Florence to Paris not included. Miscellaneous expenses and personal shopping monies, not included. Group transfers for any cooking tour or tours that include transfers, are for the group and are not private. Transfers before, after or to another destination outside of your cooking tour are not included in the program price. If you would like to add on a private transfer or transfers, let us know and we will send you pricing.
