The Culinary Adventure
Elba Island | Tuscany
“We came for the food and wine but left obsessed with the island itself. Every bite, every view, every local we met, felt unforgettable. Elba felt curated in the most effortless way. Stunning landscapes, incredible meals, cooking and education experiences, and thoughtful moments we could never have arranged on our own. We arrived as visitors and left feeling like part of a small, joyful island family. Vita Casalinga changed how we want to travel from now on.” – Rob & Erin Morris, Healdsburg, CA.
SPRING 2026
May 29 – June 5, 2026
SPRING 2026
May 18 – 25, 2026
Sep 14 – 21, 2026
Sep 26 – Oct 3, 2025
PROGRAM DETAILS
Day 1
DAY 1
Monday
We’ll meet at Pisa Centrale in the afternoon before heading by private drivers to the ferry and sailing toward Elba’s glittering coastline. Once you’ve arrived at our modern, design-forward residence in our favorite seaside village of Marina di Campo, a peaceful hideaway surrounded by Mediterranean greenery and just a short stroll from the beach, you’ll settle into your airy apartment and ease into island life. With terraces made for lingering, a pool and garden bar to enjoy, and bikes waiting for you to explore your new home base, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and relaxed coastal style. As the sun begins to set, we’ll come together for a joyful alfresco family-style dinner featuring seasonal dishes and local wines crafted by our favorite private chef Michele.
Day 2
DAY 2
Tuesday
After a leisurely morning, we’ll make our way to a beloved biodynamic farm of close family friends, where we’ll spend the afternoon cooking, tasting wines and estate olive oil, relaxing, and enjoying a few surprises. After our feast, we’ll visit Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s elegant summer residence during his exile on Elba. Walking through the villa offers a glimpse into the quieter, more human side of the emperor, his art, his routines, and the place where he shaped much of island life during his short reign. We’ll then return home for a relaxed evening in your new home village.
Day 3
DAY 3
Wednesday
We’ll walk to the port and set out on an unforgettable sailing adventure with fisherman Gaetano and his skipper. Out on the water, we’ll help pull up the nets and see the day’s catch before Gaetano prepares it for us onboard. Lunch will feature the freshest fish imaginable, paired with local wines and island-brewed beers as we cruise along Elba’s coastline. We’ll anchor in hidden coves for swimming in the clear Mediterranean, spending the day eating, drinking, relaxing, and celebrating island life from the water. Once we’re back on land, you’ll have time to rest and refresh before an evening out at our favorite pizzeria.
Day 4
DAY 4
Thursday
After a leisurely morning, we’ll head out around noon to a tiny hillside herb garden that feels like a step back in time. With a local botanist, we’ll wander through this Renaissance-style garden dedicated to the healing plants of the Tuscan Archipelago, enjoying a relaxed wild herb walk surrounded by lavender, wild rosemary, and ancient medicinal varieties. We’ll then settle into the walled garden for an al fresco lunch prepared by our private chef, complete with a cooking demonstration that brings island flavors to life. On our way back we’ll stop at the most historic winery on the island, and the first place Napolean visited when he first arrived, for a guided wine tasting and aperitivo. The evening is yours to celebrate in your village!
Day 5
DAY 5
Friday
Today we’ll stroll down to the beach to pick up our kayaks and glide along the coast toward one of the island’s most stunning beaches. This is a peaceful, scenic way to experience Elba from a whole new perspective, suitable for all levels. We’ll enjoy a relaxed beachside lunch at our favorite family-run, three-generation restaurant, a true island gem. If you prefer a slower pace, you’re always welcome to stay home and unwind by the pool or wander through town. We’ll return mid-afternoon for a rest and refresh before heading out for an elegant evening of shopping and a sunset tasting dinner in one of the island’s most charming little towns. Prepare for a very special meal!
Day 6
DAY 6
Day 7
DAY 7
Sunday
We’ll depart 10am for the ferry and return to Pisa Centrale by early afternoon.
YOUR GUEST HOST: Emilia D’Albero
We’re honored to partner with passionate guest hosts and expert guides. We’re thrilled to have Emilia D’Albero as our host on our trip to Torino. Named Best Cheesemonger in the World at the Mondial du Fromage in Tours, France, Emilia made history as the first American to earn the title. Based in Philadelphia, Emilia is celebrated for her deep knowledge, artistry, and storytelling, bringing cheese to life as both craft and culture. Torino, and Piemonte hold a very special place in her art and she is so excited to share her passion and knowledge with you.
PRICE
The price of the “Elba Culinary Adventure” Tour for 2026 is 6,990 euros per person for double occupancy/7,990 euros per person for single occupancy. Tour is limited to 12 guests.
MORE ABOUT YOUR ACCOMODATIONS
Our vacation residence in Marina di Campo offers a eco-friendly, modern, design-forward stay surrounded by Mediterranean greenery and just a short walk from the beach. With minimalist architecture, natural materials, and spacious terraces, it blends style and serenity. Apartments feature kitchenettes, private outdoor areas, and access to a pool and garden bar—ideal for guests seeking comfort, space, and a relaxed island atmosphere. It comes complete with a bike per guest for exploring your charming home base.PAYMENT
Reservations are secured by deposit on a first-come, first-served basis. Only a down payment of 25% is needed to reserve your spot, and monthly payment plans are available for the remainder. The cost is divided evenly by the number of months left before the trip with final payment needed 60 days prior to departure. Reserve your spot and we will send you a link to make your deposit and receive a full itinerary with all locations and timing for the day. Prior to making your deposit, you may also use the reservation form to ask any questions you may have.
DATES
Spring 2026
May 18 – 25, 2026
Fall 2026
Sep 14 – 21, 2026
SPRING 2026
June 9 – 14, 2026
Sep 14 – 21, 2026
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• 6 nights
• Optional group Zoom call for packing tips, general trip planning for before and after tour, Q&A
• All group meals throughout the tour, including wine at each meal.
• Private driver throughout the tour
• Daily cooking experiences – some are hands-on, some are demo style, and some are tastings. You are always welcome to just watch (and eat!) if preferred.
• Visits to local farmers & tastings
• All tours and experiences
• Tips for bus drivers and guides (we want you to just relax and enjoy the moment so we have taken care of this)
NOT INCLUDED
• Airfare
• Travel & health insurance
• Shopping and personal expenses
• Food, drinks, and snacks that are not included in the itinerary
• All other expenses incurred during free time
TRIP FAQ
Cooking experiences
We will be immersed in food and wine during the week. Some of the experiences are hands-on, some are demo style, and some are tastings. You are always welcome to just watch (and eat!) if preferred.
Physical Activity
This is an active trip. Be prepared for lots of walking, cobblestones, stairs, and long, exciting days!
Rest time
This is a busy tour as we want you to get the most experiences that you can, however, rest time is important too! While we will be out most of the day, there will be quiet moments of downtime built in to allow for slow and leisurely moments to be sure you are soaking it all in. This is not a jam-packed trip to say you saw it all – this is about experiences you will keep with you for a lifetime.
An Exclusive and Inclusive Experience
Unlike most tours available, our tours are limited to 12 people. Why is this so important to us? This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience enhancing the quality of interactions and ensuring that everyone’s questions and needs are addressed thoroughly. A smaller group fosters a stronger sense of camaraderie among participants and facilitates deeper connections and more meaningful interactions with the locals you will soon call friends.
Food & Drink Allergies
Wine is culturally served at all meals – however there will always be an option for a nonalcoholic beverage like clean spring water, sparkling water or a nonalcoholic aperitivo. Italy is a wonderful place for people to visit with dietary restrictions as options are all around, however on this trip we are visiting local farmers and experiencing unique tastings that include regional cheeses, meats and seafood. For this reason this particular trip is not suitable for vegans. We will be organizing amazing vegan friendly tours so stay tuned!
Flight & Airport Tips
The closest airports are Pisa International (Galileo Galilei Airport) or Florence Airport (FLR-Peretola). We’d recommend you fly in at least 2-3 days prior to the start of the tour to acclimate to the time difference. We will meet the group at the train station in Pisa Centrale Train Station on day one of the trip so plan to head back to Pisa regardless of where you visit prior. Additional details will be provided after booking. We are happy to discuss more details on ideas for other places to see before or after the trip on our Group Zoom Call.
Payment, Refunds and Travel Insurance
Your spot is confirmed once you pay the 25% deposit. We want you to book your trip with confidence therefore if for any reason you change your mind you have 48 hours for a full refund of your deposit. After 48 hours the deposit is non-transferable and non-refundable. Remaining balance is due four months before the start of the tour. In the unfortunate case that you should need to cancel we are happy to provide you with a credit towards a future trip as follows:
• 90+ days prior 100% credit towards future trip
• 30-90 days prior 50% credit towards future trip
• Less than 30 days no credit possible
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance which is not provided by Vita Casalinga. It is important to have coverage for things like personal accidents, medical treatment, repatriation, trip cancellations, theft, and lost property. You can explore affordable options through TravelEx Insurance.
We suggest giving them a call to choose a plan that fits your needs. “Cancel For Any Reason” upgrades are available, which provides flexibility if you need to cancel your trip for any reason. Please note, at this time TravelEx requires you to purchase your policy within 15 days of paying your deposit for the widest range of options and upgrades. This is subject to change and we suggest calling them as soon as possible after purchase.
