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Culinary tour of Italy's Highlights: Local Experiences
Italy
Culinary tour of Italy's Highlights | Local Experiences
8 Days from X
Multiple dates available
Florence, Tuscany, San Gimignano, Rome,
Discover the rich tapestry of Tuscany's history, art, and culinary delights. Marvel at the iconic Michelangelo's David, behold the grandeur of Florence's cathedral, and indulge in delightful wine tasting in the picturesque Chianti region. Embark on a journey to the medieval towns of San Gimignano and San Miniato, where an exciting truffle hunt awaits you. Immerse yourself in the heart of Rome through the eyes of a true local. Zip around the city on a Vespa scooter, craft your own Roman sandals, learning from skilled artisans, and unlock the secrets of creating an authentic pizza at a traditional Roman pizzeria. Prepare for an unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories of Italy's captivating culture and treasures.
8-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Florence! | Upon arrival at Florence airport you will be privately transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Florence walking tour | Along with your expert guide, enjoy an introduction to Italy’s favourite Renaissance city: Firenze. Listen to intriguing tales of feuding painters, Medici rulers and religious fanatics, who all left their mark on the city. The excitement, artistry and intrigue of Medieval and Renaissance Florence truly comes alive as you stroll through the glorious city and maze of backstreets. Your guide points out Florence’s most important highlights, including the gigantic Duomo - the city’s most famous Cathedral with its iconic dome (seen from the outside), Piazza della Signoria - home to the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio - Florence’s oldest bridge. Your tour concludes with a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia (Florence’s Academy of Fine Arts), where you witness the original statue of David, one of Michelangelo's most impressive sculptures. During your excursion, take a break with a refreshing gelato, granita or freshly-baked pastry served with Italian coffee. (4 hours, walking guide)
Day 3: Florence to Tuscan countryside & Chianti wine tasting | Depart Florence this morning with your driver-guide and transfer by private vehicle through the beautiful Chianti countryside. En route to your hotel in the Tuscan countryside, enjoy a leisurely espresso or gelato in the historic main square of Greve, considered the principal town in Chianti. You also have the opportunity to taste the famous local wine at Monterinaldi winery (subject to availability), located in the Chianti Classico - the historic heart of the Chianti region. (6 hours, driver-guide)
Day 4: San Gimignano and San Miniato Truffle Tasting and Lunch | San Miniato is a charming, medieval town and one of the undisputed capitals of the white truffle. Today you meet a man and his dog, passionate about truffles and their history. During this morning’s adventure, you are guided through the beautiful Tuscan woods in search of this luxury ingredient. Your guide takes you through the history, traditions, legends, and magic of the truffle and how to recognise a good one from a ‘fake’, of inferior quality. Afterwards you indulge in a well-deserved, traditional lunch based around fresh truffles.
After lunch you will be transferred back to your hotel in the Tuscan countryside. Enjoy a stop en route in San Gimignano for a walking tour with your English-speaking driver-guide. You may wish to visit the Collegiata containing 15th century frescoes, the Palazzo del Popolo, now the municipal museum containing Renaissance paintings, and the Church of Sant’Agostino, or simply wander the narrow cobbled streets with your driver-guide who will know where to go for the best local wild boar salami and Vernaccia white wine!
Day 5: Tuscan countryside to Rome | This morning depart your hotel by private vehicle with English-speaking driver and travel to Rome, stopping en route in Orvieto (up to 4 hours). Orvieto is perched on a plateau overlooking local vineyards and offers lovely views of the surrounding area. Upon arrival you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a 3-hour sightseeing tour through the picturesque narrow streets, including a visit to the majestic cathedral. After lunch at leisure, re-join your driver and vehicle and continue your drive to Rome.
Day 6: Pizza making | Try your hand at the wonderful art of creating authentic Italian pizza. Following a short transfer to your morning class, begin with a lesson in the various aspects involved in making the perfect pizza before you don your apron and prepare your own dough. Marvel at the deft skills of the pizzaiolo, who guides you through the fun process of twirling your pizza and hurling it into the air to oxygenate it. Don't be disheartened if you don't achieve the perfect base as this traditional art takes years to master! Revered throughout the world, this unique skill has joined a list of more than 350 traditions, art forms and practices recognised by UNESCO. Finally, after selecting your toppings and waiting for your mouth-watering pizza to be baked in the wood-fired oven, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. (4 hours, pizza chef and transfers)
Day 7: Vespa tour of Rome & sandal making | Go for a spin on the back of a Vespa and feel like one of the locals as you buzz around age-old cobblestone streets and alleyways! Discover some of the Eternal City’s most exceptional places and witness sites, neighbourhoods and locations that are not reachable on foot. Along the way, make several stops to take photos, learn the city’s wondrous history and converse with locals over a coffee, croissant or gelato. At the end of the tour, ride up the largest hill in Rome where you catch the most dazzling views of the city! (4 hours, Vespa guide)
Discover the intricate artistry behind Italian sandal making today. Meet two local artists who, having graduated in Fashion and Costume Science where they learnt the method of producing tailor-made shoes, were driven by curiosity and desire to pursue their passion for shoemaking. During this fun and informative workshop, learn to appreciate their dedication to detail and how crafting unique items for individual clients distinguishes the artists’ work. As part of this hands-on experience, you have the opportunity to create your own sandals to take away with you! (4 hours, driver and guide)
Day 8: Journey Home | Today you will be transferred by private vehicle with English-speaking driver to Rome Fiumicino airport to board your departure flight.
Trip Highlights
- Ponte Vecchio
- Galleria dell'Accademia
- Tuscan countryside
- Chianti wine tasting
- San Gimignano
- San Miniato truffle tasting
- Orvieto
- Rome from a local's perspective