Benvenuti / Welcome
We’ll meet you in Pistoia where you’ll settle into your new home for the week, a beautiful Renaissance palazzo in the heart of the city. After a warm welcome, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, exploring architectural gems with Michelle’s architect husband Paolo, a published expert on the preservation of architectural heritage. As evening falls, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal at a local favorite spot run by our dear friend Carlo, celebrating the unique flavors and beauty of this incredible region that you’ll experience in a way tourists often don’t. We can’t wait to share it all with you!

It’s Market Day in Pistoia
We’ll grab our market bags and head out where you’ll meet some of our favorite local vendors and pick up items to stock in our kitchen at the palazzo. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, artisan cheeses, hand-crafted shoes, a great deal, whimsical knick-knacks, or beautiful fabrics, this market has it all – and we’ll have plenty of time to wander, explore, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

After shopping, we’ll head to a charming spot for a light lunch at a locals’ favorite amidst the hustle and bustle of market. Then, in the afternoon, we have a very special treat in store: a hands-on cooking experience where we will visit a farm, and then prepare a traditional meal. It’s going to be an unforgettable day of food, fun, and a real taste of local life.

Vino & Villas today
In Italy, Sundays are for savoring the day, with leisurely walks and visits to favorite spots. Today’s focus is on historic villas and local wines. We’ll start with a stroll through charming Vinci, Leonardo da Vinci’s hometown, before heading to a late 16th-century villa that once served as a Medici hunting lodge. The villa’s owners make artisanal wines using ancient methods, and we’ll tour the property, learn about their winemaking, and enjoy a delicious lunch paired with their wines.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit friends at their 15th-century villa that now houses a stunning outdoor contemporary art collection, curated by the villa’s owners since the 1960s, and renowned around the world. After our art walk we’ll sample their estate wines and olive oils.

Following this day of breathtaking views, rich history, and delicious food and wine, the evening is yours to unwind and enjoy the town square at your own pace.

Cheesemaking on the Farm
Today, we’ll be the guests of our dear friend Stefano at his nearby fattoria, where we’ll spend the day learning the art of cheesemaking on his working farm. Sheep milk cheese-making here has deep roots, dating back to Etruscan and Roman times.

Stefano practices regenerative farming, rotating his sheep and using their wool to help fertilize and protect the olive trees on his land. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in his charming stone trattoria. We’ll savor the fruits of his labor, including gourmet cheeses, yogurt, olive oil, and other local specialties.

After a day spent immersed in farm life, and a rest & refresh at the palazzo, it’s time to head to a local favorite for a fun pizza night back in town, the perfect way to end a truly memorable day.

From the Mountains to the Sea
Prepare to be amazed by the diverse landscapes you’ll see today! Today is a cultural and culinary adventure, from marble caverns in the mountains to a magical seaside meal. Carrara marble, prized for its pure white color and fine grain, has been used for centuries by renowned artists like Michelangelo, who selected it for his masterpieces the David.

We’ll head up the mountain by jeep to the Carrara marble caverns where they preserve lardo colonnata, akin to prosciutto, a local delicacy that originated centuries ago in the area. A marble basin is rubbed with garlic, where they lay the pork fat and add seasonings between the layers. It’s aged for at least 6 months resulting in creamy aromatic heaven. A humble food of the quarry workers that is now a sought-after gourmet find.

Next, we will head down the mountain to a seaside village where we will have time to wander before a special meal savoring a typical meal and wines of the coast.

Chestnuts in the Hills
After breakfast, we’ll head out to the picturesque village of Orsigna, nestled in the Tuscan mountains near Pistoia, to join our friends Chef Leonardo and his wife Francesca. Chestnuts are a staple ingredient in the region gathered and dried in the fall and used all year in everything from soups to desserts. Today, we’ll cook with chestnut flour, a naturally gluten-free, protein-rich flour with a sweet, nutty flavor. No sugar needed. With Orsigna’s deep chestnut-growing history, we’ll visit the ancient chestnut mill and join Francesca on a foraging walk to pick fresh herbs for our cooking experience.

In the evening, back at the palazzo, we’ll gather for a fun merenda—the Italian word for the afternoon snack. We’ll all pitch in together to prepare necci, a traditional Tuscan crepe, popular in the Pistoia mountains. You’ll have the rest of the evening to yourself to relax, explore, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the town. It’s the perfect way to end a wonderful day out and savor the simple pleasures of Italian life.

An Italian culinary adventure: The Truffle Hunt
San Miniato is renowned for its exceptional white truffles, and today’s experience offers an unforgettable dive into this culinary tradition. The adventure begins with a guided walk through the woods, where you’ll join a skilled truffle hunter and their trained dog to search for these prized fungi. Along the way, you’ll learn about the different types of truffles, how to identify the best ones, and their important role in the ecosystem.

After the hunt, you’ll roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class, turning the freshly harvested truffles into delicious dishes. The experience concludes with a mouthwatering meal paired with local wines.

To close the week, we’ll gather for a festive apericena (the delightful Italian tradition of blending an aperitivo with cena or dinner) on the town square. With drinks in hand, we’ll toast to a wonderful week filled with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and the spirit of Tuscany.

It’s Departure day
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll have some time to relax and reflect on the wonderful memories you’ve made during your stay. Transfers to the airport or back to Florence will be arranged to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye and would like to extend your stay, we’d be more than happy to assist you in planning the next part of your Italian adventure. Whether you’re interested in exploring more of Tuscany’s charming towns, discovering hidden gems, or enjoying an extra day or two in Florence, we have plenty of recommendations to make your extended stay just as memorable. Just let us know, and we’ll help you create the perfect next step in your travels!