Tuscookany: Italian Cooking at Torre del Tartufo and Casa Ombuto
Tuscookany: Italian Cooking at Torre del Tartufo and Casa Ombuto
This trip is eligible for our Worry-Free Booking promotion.
Your lively group culinary vacation will take place in one of three amazing properties, Torre del Tartufo, Casa Ombuto, or Villa Bellorcia. All are private villas in the countryside of Tuscnay, and all feature en suite bedrooms, common living areas, gardens, swimming pool, hot tub and sauna/fitness.
The culinary program includes cooking classes in the afternoons, while most mornings are free for exploring on your own. (For this reason, we recommend you have your own rental car.)
Come explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside while learning to cook with new friends!
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Trip Details
4 hands-on cooking classes
During this cookery holiday, you will learn to make complete 4 course Italian dinners covering all the basic Italian cooking techniques. You will make a wide range of dishes including such staples as:
- crostini, bruschette and torte verdura
- homemade pasta and gnocchi
- pizza in a real wood-fired pizza oven
Itinerary
Please note that the Mediterranean weeks, fitness and yoga weeks, and the hiking and cooking weeks have a slightly different itinerary. Please inquire for specifics!
Day One
- Arrival on your own at your accommodations. (We can arrange transfers to and from Florence airport on request, although we recommend having your own vehicle to use during the free time.)
- Check-in after 4:00 pm.
- Welcome dinner and introduction given by the chef and a chance to get to know each other.
- Overnight.
Day Two
- Breakfast is served, followed by a free morning.
- A light lunch at around 1:00 pm for those who are not off sightseeing.
- Hands-on cookery course starts around 3:00 pm.
- For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by a delicious Tuscan wine to compliment the dishes.
- Overnight.
Day Three
- A buffet Breakfast is served and you have time to relax or do some sight seeing or enjoy the pool or take a walk.
- A light lunch is served around 1:00 pm.
- Hands-on cookery course starts around 3:00 pm, during which you prepare a four-course meal.
- For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by the finest Tuscan wines.
- Overnight.
Day Four
- After breakfast, a full-day excursion, which will vary according to your accommodation.
- For those staying at Casa Ombuto or Torre del Tartufo: You will visit a wine and olive oil estate for oil and wine tasting, after which pay a visit to a wine estate for a Tuscan wine tasting and make your way to a cheese and meat Farm for an authentic lunch and cheese and meat tasting. After lunch, stop in a local town for a gelato or visit a ceramic or fabric factory before heading back to your villa.
- For those staying at Bellorcia: drive through the magnificent Val d’Ocria to visit Montalcino and taste the famous Brunello di Montalcino Tuscan wines and have time to walk around the village. Visit an authentic pecorino cheese farm in Pienza and have a chance to see how these locals produce delicious Tuscan cheeses. Lunch is planned in a breathtaking location. Before going back to the villa for supper, visit an Olive oil farm to taste cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil and learn how it is made.
- The day ends with a light, informal dinner at the villa.
- Overnight.
Day Five
- Breakfast is followed by a morning at leisure.
- After lunch, your hands-on cookery course starts around 3:00 pm.
- For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by the finest Tuscan wines.
- Overnight.
Day Six
- After breakfast you have the day for yourselves, to do some sightseeing or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- This is the ideal day to make a trip to Florence for shopping and sight seeing as it’s only a 50 km drive away. Or visit La Verna—an ancient monastery where San Francisco de Assisi lived most of his life.
- Alternatively, you can of course stay at the villas and relax at the pool or take a dip in the hot tub.
- Lunch and dinner reservations can be made at a restaurant of your choice.
Day Seven
- Breakfast is followed by a morning at leisure and for those interested we have a light lunch ready at 1:00 pm.
- Hands-on cookery course starts at 3:00 pm and you prepare an elaborate buffet dinner covering all the cooking techniques you have learned in the week and many more. Presentation of food will also be demonstrated.
- At the grand finale dinner you will be presented with a certificate of attendance.
Day Eight
- Breakfast and departure on your own around 10 a.m.
Day One
- Transfer from the Arezzo train station if staying at Torre del Tartufo (or arrive on your own).
- A light lunch at around 1:00 pm.
- Hands-on cookery course starts around 3:00 pm.
- For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by a delicious Tuscan wine to compliment the dishes.
- Overnight.
Day Two
- A buffet Breakfast is served and you have time to relax or do some sight seeing or enjoy the pool or take a walk.
- A light lunch is served around 1:00 pm.
- Hands-on cookery course starts around 3:00 pm, during which you prepare a four-course meal.
- For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by the finest Tuscan wines.
- Overnight.
Day Three
- After breakfast, a full-day excursion, which will vary according to your accommodation.
- For those staying at Casa Ombuto or Torre del Tartufo, you will have time to explore, shop, and sightsee in the charming town of Arezzo. Along the way, we’ll pay a visit to a wine estate for a tasting, and drive through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside to visit an olive oil mill for a tasting and a lunch. You will also make your way to Anghiari to visit the textile factory.
- For those staying at Bellorcia, you will have a visit to the Val d’Ocria and Montalcino where you will taste the famous Brunello di Montalcino, and then head to Pienza for a cheese producer visit. You will have lunch while you are out, and will stop on the way back for an olive mill visit.
- The day ends with a light, informal dinner at the villa.
- Overnight.
Day Four
- Breakfast.
- Departure.
Trip Details
Included in the 7-Night Trip
Accommodations
7 nights accommodation at either the Torre del Tartufo, Casa Ombuto, or Villa Bellorcia
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 5 lunches
- 6 dinners
- Local wine included with all included meals
Classes & Instructors
4 hands-on cooking classes
During this cookery holiday, you will learn to make complete 4 course Italian dinners covering all the basic Italian cooking techniques. You will make a wide range of dishes including such staples as:
- crostini, bruschette and torte verdura
- homemade pasta and gnocchi
- pizza in a real wood-fired pizza oven
Excursions
- Full-day excursion on day 4 (see itinerary for details)
Transfer Details
- Transfers are not included (but can be arranged from Arezzo if you are staying at Torre del Tartufo). We recommend having your own rental car for this itinerary.
Not Included
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Lunch and dinner on your free (7-night itinerary only)
Included in the 3-Night Trip
Accommodations
3 nights accommodation at either the Torre del Tartufo, Casa Ombuto, or Villa Bellorcia
Food & Beverages
- Daily breakfast
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Local wine included with all included meals
Classes & Instructors
2 hands-on cooking classes
During this cookery holiday, you will learn to make complete 4 course Italian dinners covering all the basic Italian cooking techniques. You will make a wide range of dishes including such staples as:
- crostini, bruschette and torte verdura
- homemade pasta and gnocchi
- pizza in a real wood-fired pizza oven
Excursions
- Full-day excursion on day 3 (see itinerary for details)
Transfer Details
- Transfers are not included (but can be arranged from Arezzo if you are staying at Torre del Tartufo). We recommend having your own rental car for this itinerary.
Not Included
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Lunch and dinner on your free (7-night itinerary only)
Accommodation Information
Torre del Tartufo: This stunning villa, which dates back to before 1700, is situated in the hillside just 15 minutes from Arezzo and 30 minutes from Cortona (Florence and Siena are about an hour’s drive). But with its views that seem to go on forever, Torre del Tartufo feels like a secluded retreat in beautiful Tuscany. The villa’s name comes from the surrounding truffle estate, which is famous in the area for seeing how truffles are found and used in cooking. As for the villa itself, the owners suspect it was once a chapel that was built up over the centuries. Today, the renovated villa features top-of-the-line finishing as well as beautiful floors and marble bathrooms, while still retaining a Tuscan charm. The villa’s 120 hectare estate includes fertile grounds for truffles — due the hazelnut and oak trees — as well as apple orchards and a deer farm. The lake located behind the villa also offers stunning views of the hills.
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Casa Ombuto: Situated on a hill, this Tuscan villa is in a secluded environment that offers breathtaking views of the area’s hills and villages, including the picturesque medieval town of Poppi in the heart of the Casentino valley. The villa dates back to before 1800, and today features farm-style teak furniture, large living areas with fireplaces, terra-cotta floors, open wooden beams, and marble bathrooms. The property also has a lovely private outdoor area known as the ‘piazza,’ which is shaded by four old trees, where breakfast and dinner is served weather permitting.
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Villa Bellorcia: The newest addition to the group of properties is the stunning villa Bellorcia, which boasts 8 double en suite bedrooms, a large outdoor area with heated pool, hot tub, and outdoor dining area. There is also a vegetable garden.
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Pricing & Tour Dates
Looking for tour date information?
2020-2021 Pricing:
7-night Program
US$3600 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$300 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
- Subtract US$950 per non-cooking companion
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
This trip is eligible for our “Worry-Free Booking” promotion*, which means your deposit is fully refundable up to 31 days prior to the trip start date. Questions? Please contact us!
*See our terms & conditions for details and exclusions.
Tour Dates
Available for a minimum of 1 person. Please note availability changes frequently – inquire with specific dates.
2020
(Please inquire for itinerary for special hiking and fitness weeks.)
October 3-10 at Casa Ombuto
October 4-11 at Torre del Tartufo – 3 rooms left
October 10-17 at Casa Ombuto (Mediterranean Cooking) – 3 rooms left
October 17-24 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
October 18-25 at Torre del Tartufo
October 24-31 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
November 1-8 at Torre del Tartufo – sold out
2021
April 11-17 at Torre del Tartufo
April 17-24 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
April 19-22 at Torre del Tartufo
April 24-May 01 at Casa Ombuto
April 25-May 02 at Torre del Tartufo
May 1-8 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
May 8-15 at Casa Ombuto
May 9-16 at Torre del Tartufo
May 15-22 at Casa Ombuto
May 16-23 at Torre del Tartufo
May 23-30 at Torre del Tartufo
May 29-June 5 at Casa Ombuto (fully booked)
June 6-13 at Torre del Tartufo (fully booked)
June 12-19 at Casa Ombuto
June 13-20 at Torre del Tartufo
June 19-26 at Casa Ombuto
June 20-27 at Torre del Tartufo (fully booked)
June 26-July 3 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
June 27-July 04 at Torre del Tartufo (fully booked)
July 4-11 at Torre del Tartufo
July 10-17 at Casa Ombuto (cooking and hiking)
July 17-24 at Casa Ombuto
July 18-25 at Torre del Tartufo
July 25-August 01 at Torre del Tartufo
July 31-August 07 at Casa Ombuto
August 1-8 at Torre del Tartufo (Cooking Fitness and Yoga)
August 7-14 at Casa Ombuto (Cooking and Hiking)
August 15-22 at Torre del Tartufo (Cooking Fitness and Yoga)
August 21-28 at Casa Ombuto (Cooking and Hiking)
August 22-29 at Torre del Tartufo
August 28-September 4 at Casa Ombuto
September 5-12 at Torre del Tartufo
September 11-18 at Bellorcia
September 11-18 at Casa Ombuto
September 12-19 at Torre del Tartufo
September 19-26 at Torre del Tartufo
September 25-October 02 at Casa Ombuto
September 25-October 02 at Bellorcia
October 2-9 at Bellorcia
October 3-10 at Torre del Tartufo
October 9-16 at Bellorcia
October 9-16 at Casa Ombuto (Cooking and Hiking)
October 10-17 at Torre del Tartufo
October 16-23 at Casa Ombuto (Cooking and Hiking)
October 24-31 at Torre del Tartufo
October 30-November 6 at Casa Ombuto (Cooking and Hiking)
October 31-November 7 at Torre del Tartufo
Looking for tour date information?
2021 Pricing:
3-night Program
US$2300 per person based on double occupancy
- Add US$100 for single occupancy (use of a double room by 1 person)
- Subtract US$750 per non-cooking companion
30% deposit due to confirm booking.
This trip is eligible for our “Worry-Free Booking” promotion*, which means your deposit is fully refundable up to 31 days prior to the trip start date. Questions? Please contact us!
*See our terms & conditions for details and exclusions.
Tour Dates
Available select dates for a minimum of 1 person.
2021
April 19-22 at Torre del Tartufo
May 3-6 at Torre del Tartufo
May 31-June 03 at Torre del Tartufo (fully booked)
June 3-6 at Torre del Tartufo (fully booked)
July 11-14 at Torre del Tartufo (fully booked)
July 19-22 at Torre del Tartufo
August 9-12 at Torre del Tartufo
August 30-September 2 at Torre del Tartufo
September 2-5 at Torre del Tartufo (fully booked)
September 27-30 at Torre del Tartufo
October 25-28 at Torre del Tartufu
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Country:
Italy
Region:
Tuscany
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