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Italian Cooking at Il Podere
Montepulciano, Tuscany
About the location: Montepulciano is famous for its vino nobile wine, and is still something of a perfect miniature Renaissance city. Perched at 2000 feet above sea level, with Piazza Grande its highest point, the town is a joy to discover. Just outside the center you will find your home away from home, Il Podere, a 16th-century farmhouse nestled between woods and olive groves. Silvia and Maurizio have lovingly turned the villa into a residence of refined charm that retains its atmosphere of informal welcome.
The guest rooms are few but exquisitely furnished; each one has its own unique character and is named after one of the many artists who contributed to the rich cultural legacy of Montepulciano. Il Podere provides a high quality service in the spirit and atmosphere of a private home. The farmhouse has been meticulously restored and furnished with every comfort. There are two floors of living quarters and plenty of space both inside and out.
About the cookery courses: Charming and ebullient Maurizio, who speaks very good English, has worked as a professional chef and cooking is still his passion (along with creating a superior olive oil!). During your stay he will lead you in the hands-on cookery courses in the wonderful, professionally equipped kitchen of the villa.
- Pick up in Florence. Check in to your lovely room at the property.
- If arrival is early, lunch on your own at a charming restaurant a short walk away.
- This evening, your welcome dinner at the Villa.
- Following breakfast, a visit of the town of Montepulciano.
- Lunch on your own at one of the characteristic restaurants in the Piazza Grande.
- Afterwards, perhaps stop for a coffee or incredible hot chocolate at one of the oldest and most famous cafes in the area.
- Return to the villa for a short rest and then time for your first hands-on cookery course with Maurizio.
- Dinner with wine pairing to follow.
- Overnight.
- Breakfast, followed by a visit to the wonderful towns of Pienza, a jewel of a Renaissance city with its splendid Collegiata, Monticchiello, a tiny delight, and the fashionable spa town of Bagno Vignoni.
- Lunch on your own.
- Dinner tonight will be out at a local pizzeria in Saint Albino.
- Overnight.
- Breakfast followed by a visit to Cortona, with lunch on your own in town.
- Return to the Villa for your next hands on cookery course, with dinner and wine pairing.
- Overnight.
- After breakfast a visit to Montalcino and S. Antimo.
- Lunch and wine tasting in Montalcino at a farmhouse.
- Afternoon visit of La Foce Garden.
- Dinner at La Locanda del Vino Nobile.
- Overnight.
- Breakfast, followed by an excursion to the market in Montepulciano.
- Lunch in the Vineria Mentina with a wine tasting.
- In the afternoon, a visit to a local cheese and wine maker for a light dinner degustation.
- Coffee and digestivo on your return to the Villa.
- Overnight.
- Breakfast with a free morning or an excursion to the Prada outlet for some shopping.
- Lunch on your own.
- Tonight, your final cooking course and farewell dinner at the Villa.
- Overnight.
- Breakfast and a reluctant farewell.
- Transfer to Chiusi rail station (a transfer to Florence can be arranged for an additional charge).
