Chianti Retreat in a Medieval Castle

About the location: Welcome to a slice of history that is 1000 years old! Castello di Tornano is a fascinating restored medieval castle in a magnificent and vast setting of DOCG wine and olive groves. The castle has been carefully restored by the owners, who previously lived on the property and who have retained the true sensibility of the original building while allowing for every amenity for your comfort. This is a splendid opportunity to relax and enjoy a spectacular setting in the heart of Chianti, just south of Gaiole.

If you feel inclined to some activity, there is a beautiful pool, miles of hiking trails, complimentary mountain bikes, a tennis court, and stables right on the property for horseback riding. And, when done, you can arrange for a massage in your room!

About the lessons: Chef Andrea Nardelli has trained in some of the finest restaurants in Tuscany and is now the head chef for the castle. He will lead you in your hands-on lessons for an introduction to typical Tuscan cuisine with the freshest ingredients, uncomplicated preparation and wonderful sapori, or flavors. Guests will prepare everything from starters to the desserts, including home made pasta, local meat dishes and finally having lunch with all the dishes prepared.

High season — April 11-18; May 1-October 15; December 12-January 7
US$1800 per person based on double occupancy in a classic room

Low season — February 1-April 10; April 19-30; October 16-December 11
US$1700 per person based on double occupancy in a classic room

High and Low season
US$125 per person, upgrade to superior room
US$250 per person, upgrade to superior tower room
US$55 Horseback riding (per hour per person)

Single supplement: please inquire

Available any three nights on request for a minimum two, maximum six people.

Join a week others have booked: September 27-30.

Sold out: June 4-5, 26 & 27; July 20; August 31; September 10-11, 18.

Three nights stay on B&B basis in classic double room at Castello di Tornano
Wine tasting in the castle cellars, followed by welcome dinner, local wine included
Two morning cooking lessons followed by lunch, local wine included
Roundtrip transfers by car or van to Siena on day two
Two-hour guided walking tour in Siena with official city guide
Light dinner at the castle day three
Roundtrip transfers Florence – Castello di Tornano
Taxes

Not included: Dinners not specified in the program, gratuities, museum entry fees and extras.

Client Comments

Very satisfied with European partners. Took care of us and made sure we had all of our accommodations, travel arrangements, etc. Very much enjoyed the...More

Very satisfied with European partners. Took care of us and made sure we had all of our accommodations, travel arrangements, etc. Very much enjoyed the cooking classes. We were fortunate to have only myself and my wife, so we were hands on all the time. We loved ending our otherwise hectic trip in Rome with a calming cooking experience at the castle. The accommodations were fantastic. Wine superb. The only “wish” was that the tour of Sienna had started earlier, so we could enjoy more. Our tour guide was excellent, but a couple of hours of an earlier start would have been better. Everything was to our satisfaction — we knew what to expect, and had those expectations met. [The International Kitchen]: was very helpful — especially as we made our arrangements within one month of our trip.
Alec S., OR

The Chianti region is so beautiful. Castello Di Tornano was just fabulous! It truly is enchanting. The owners have done a wonderful job of making...More

The Chianti region is so beautiful. Castello Di Tornano was just fabulous! It truly is enchanting. The owners have done a wonderful job of making it up-to-date and comfortable while retaining all the old world charm and beauty. The staff was wonderful. We were the only two people in the cooking class, since December is a slow time for tourists. It was great! Our chef, Andrea, is a very good teacher. Several of the recipes he taught us are regulars for us now! We thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Sienna. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable.
Larry W., NY

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Chianti Retreat in a Medieval Castle Itinerary

Day 1

Afternoon transfer by private car from Florence airport or hotel to Castello di Tornano.
Check into reserved rooms (check-in available after 3 p.m.).
Before dinner visit the wine cellars with a guided tasting of the castle’s products—Chianti Classico wine, grappa, vin santo, and olive oil.
Welcome dinner in the castle’s restaurant with local wine included.
Overnight.

Day 2

After breakfast meet in the castle’s charming kitchen for your first cooking lesson with Chef Andrea. You will learn to prepare many traditional and seasonal Tuscan dishes.
Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
In the afternoon, a private transfer will take you to Siena for a special guided two-hour walking tour to discover this medieval city known all over the world for the famous horse race Il Palio.
Tonight, dinner will be on your own.
After dinner return to Castello di Tornano and overnight.

Day 3

After breakfast, enjoy your second cooking class. Lunch to follow based on your efforts.
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the grounds: take a swim in the pool, a stroll through the vineyards, or an afternoon horseback ride (Tornano has riding stables located on the premises)!
Enjoy a light dinner at Castello di Tornano.