CULINARY ADVENTURE
Elba Island | Tuscany
Dotted with picturesque villages and stunning beaches, Elba is the ideal destination for culinary tourism for those with an adventurous spirit! We will delve into the history of this Medici influenced island – that has been a cultural hub since the time of Etruscans – all while we savor delicious local seafood, olive oils, wines and so much more. We will make cheese with the goat shepherd, ebike along the coast with stops for a swim, and go on a fishing boat adventure with Gaetano the skipper. Local chefs will invite us in for cooking sessions so we can indulge in the island’s finest wines and native flavors, all while we uncover a natural side of Tuscany seldom seen through this immersive experience.
May 19 – 26, 2025
EARLY FALL 2025 with Shereen Pavlides
Sep 15 – 22, 2025
PROGRAM DETAILS
Benvenuto ad Elba/A Warm Welcome
Meet at Pisa Centrale Train Station and drive to the port before boarding the ferry to Elba, where adventure awaits. You’ll check-in to your charming accommodations and then enjoy a tea or coffee while getting to know each other.
We’ll then stroll through the historic streets of your new neighborhood, soaking in the beauty and rich stories that surround us. The evening unfolds with a casual dinner and drinks at the inviting home of the lovely local Maria Rosa, whose colorful abode overlooks the ancient port—a truly special experience. End the day on a sweet note with a visit to the beloved nearby gelato shop!
Folklore & Food
Start your day with an optional morning walk to yoga by Napoleon’s Villa, followed by a tasty breakfast. Then, enjoy a guided tour of Cosmopoli, exploring Napoleon’s exile and the De Medici family’s influence on the island. After freshening up, meet your driver and head to a family-run farm for lunch under the olive trees. Taste their estate olive oil, beer, vermouth, and wine, then savor a farm-to-table meal prepared by chef Michele amidst trees gifted by Mussolini. In the afternoon, take a scenic walk to a coastal winery in a 1500s beachfront villa. Enjoy food and wine pairings while soaking in views of Napoleon’s villa and the De Medici fortress. End your day with a transfer back to your hotel for a free evening to unwind.
Mines & Wines (and seafood!) in the History of Elba
After breakfast we’ll set off for an adventure in the historic and picturesque town of Capoliveri founded during the Etruscan-Roman era. We’ll enjoy a coffee and a leisurely stroll before meeting Luigi for a guided visit to the fascinating mining museum. Don your hard hats and flashlights as you explore the rich history of Elba’s mining industry, which dates back 2,700 years to the Etruscans and remained vital until the 1980s. You’ll then indulge in a wine tasting and lunch at a stunning local winery perched on the southeastern coast of Elba, surrounded by breathtaking views of protected beaches and coves. In the afternoon, join chef Gabriele for a hands-on cooking experience, where you’ll learn to prepare local seafood dishes while soaking up his passion for Elban cuisine. After a day filled with adventure and culinary delights, enjoy a relaxing transfer back to your hotel, reflecting on the memories created on this enchanting island.
We’ll divide the group for these two “SURF OR TURF” adventure days!
Our Surf Group!
For those joining our fishing boat group, start with breakfast before a pretty drive to the charming town of Marina di Campo. You’ll embark on an immersive experience in Mediterranean fishing traditions with our friend Gaetano, a seasoned fisherman. Learn techniques, discover local sea life, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views as you catch and prepare a fresh seafood meal together, complemented by local beers and wine. Dive into exclusive coves for snorkeling and swimming — don’t forget your sunscreen, towel, and flip-flops! After a memorable day on the water, reunite with the rest of the group back on land. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the charming shops of Marina di Campo. Enjoy a refreshing aperitivo on the beach or use your voucher for a cocktail anytime. Cap off the day with a delightful dinner on the beach, where Matteo, one of our favorite chefs, will treat you to an unforgettable meal.
Our Turf Group!
Our e-bike group embarks on a thrilling adventure through the stunning landscapes of Elba. After breakfast, enjoy a scenic transfer before setting off on a guided 50 km tour that’s perfect for all ages. Cycle from Procchio to Marina di Campo, visiting charming villages, with plenty of opportunities to stop at picturesque beaches for a swim. In the afternoon, we’ll regroup on land to head home to relax and freshen up for a very special evening out in the charming antique neighborhood called the Borgo del Cotone for a refined dining experience at Umami by the Sea, highlighting local seafood traditions.
Foraging for Native Herbs
Start your day with breakfast and an optional beach yoga session before a scenic transfer to magical botanical gardens dedicated to preserving and showcasing the native flora of the Tuscan Archipelago. We’ll join botanist Francesco for an engaging foraging experience and one of his beloved “herbal walks” as he shares insights into the traditional medicinal and culinary uses of various herbs, while we collect wild herbs to use in a delicious al fresco lunch prepared by a private chef. Along the way you’ll see the historic Romitorio di Santa Caterina, a beautiful antique church that has been a site of pilgrimage since the 1600s. In the afternoon, enjoy a coffee break and visit the charming village of Rio Marina before heading to Porto Azzurro for an evening cocktail and shopping. With its unique local markets, artisan shops, and vibrant evening stalls, this town, with its narrow, charming streets is a shopping paradise. You can choose to stay in Porto Azzurro and take a taxi back to the hotel later or return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening in your neighborhood to relax and unwind.
Day with the Shepherd + Formaggio in Cucina
Start your day with breakfast before a scenic transfer to meet Daniele, a passionate shepherd dedicated to preserving the ancient art of goat herding and cheese making after making a shift from carpentry to his new life’s work. His mission is to inspire the younger generation to appreciate local, quality produce and perhaps even consider careers in sustainable farming on the island, blending tradition with community engagement and environmental respect. Enjoy a delightful nibble of his fresh cheese while taking in the stunning sea views where his goats roam.
Continue your journey with guide Luigi as you explore the island’s granite landscape, once vital for creating columns for Roman landmarks. Afterward, transfer to a hillside cooking school for a cheesemaking demonstration and a delicious lunch featuring Daniele’s cheeses, wild boar salame, and local wines.
In the afternoon, take a coffee break and relax at the school’s beautiful setting. In the evening we’ll join Martina for an evening cooking experience at the school, using more of the shepherd’s cheeses. After a fulfilling day, enjoy a transfer back to your hotel, filled with new flavors and experiences.
Arrivederci! Which literally means…until we meet again.
On your last day you’ll enjoy a leisurely free morning in your neighborhood to pick up any last minute items. In the late morning, transfer to the ferry for your journey back to the mainland. After a scenic ferry ride, arrive back in Pisa, ready for new adventures ahead.
PRICE
The price of the Elba Culinary Adventure for 2025 is 7,300 euros per person for double occupancy/8,300 euros per person for single occupancy. Tour is limited to 12 guests.
MORE ABOUT YOUR ACCOMODATIONS
The Portosole Bed and Breakfast in Elba offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views over the historic Medici harbor. Set in a charming, historic building, the B&B is ours for the week and just a short walk from the island’s beaches, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy spacious rooms with modern amenities like air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi, plus a delicious breakfast each morning. The welcoming hosts, longtime friends of ours, ensure a personalized, home-like stay. Please note, due to the unique nature of our carefully chosen accommodations, we reserve the right to adjust lodging to best suit the group’s needs, but rest assured, all options are of the highest quality and offer an authentic local experience.
PAYMENT DETAILS
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
Late Spring 2025
A magical time to visit when the wildflowers are in full bloom!
May 19-May 26
Early Fall 2025
When the weather and water is ideal for swimming!
September 15 – September 22 – with Shereen Pavlides
May 19 – 26, 2025
Sep 15 – 22, 2025
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• 7 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.
• Group transfers from Pisa Train Station to port
• Ferry tickets
• 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 adventurous & active trip! E-bikes are great for all ages but do require basic biking skills. There is also a lot of walking, light hiking and optional morning yoga.
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 closet airport is Pisa International Airport (PSA), and the next would be 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 be meeting the group on day one at the Pisa Centrale Train Station (Piazza della Stazione). Details will be provided after booking. Pisa is an easy train ride away from many beautiful cities in Italy. We are happy to discuss more in detail 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.