Become a Tuscan Chef For a Day

When in Florence....cook as if you were a real Tuscan chef! This shared cooking class takes place in a typical Tuscan setting - a fully equipped, professional kitchen installed in a building, just a few steps from the Duomo and the Central Market. Chef Giovanni and his assistant Andrea will accompany you and the other participants of the class to the Central Market where you will select the freshest ingredients for your meal. They will teach you how to choose the best among the products offered, and as you shop, you'll get to taste the ham, cheese and bread that you buy. Afterwards, you will enter the kitchen to prepare a seasonal meal of traditional bruschetta, fresh homemade pasta and typical Tuscan main courses. You will also select the Chianti wine that best accompanies what you have prepared to eat. At the conclusion of this hands-on lesson, you will get to sit down and enjoy the delicious meal you have made! A "graduation certificate" will be presented to all participants in the class. Please note that the Central Market is closed on Sundays and bank holidays; a special introduction and extra tastings will be available during the cooking class.

Italy's Most Glorious Creations: Pizza & Gelato

Which are the most glorious Italian culinary creations? Pizza and gelato, of course! Join this learn-and-taste afternoon tour -- it's informative, it's entertaining and it finishes up with a delicious Tuscan dinner, complete with wine! You'll meet the group in downtown Florence and head to a typical pizzeria where a local pizza chef, called a "pizzaiolo," will teach you the art of making pizza from scratch. Every participant makes their own pizza, starting with the dough, then covering it with a light yet flavorful tomato sauce and finally popping it in the oven to bake. And when the pizza is cooked to perfection... of course, you'll get to taste it! After pizza comes dessert! Making gelato seems easy but there is so much to learn. The chef provides an extensive introduction on how to select the best available raw ingredients, how the natural colors develop, how gelato differs from traditional ice cream and much more. And sampling many different flavors of freshly-made gelato is half the fun! The tour concludes with dinner and a wine tasting, making it a great opportunity for the whole family to gain an insight into Italy's famed gastronomical culture in a fun and tasty way!

Learn to Cook a Florentine Meal

Step into the private kitchen of Francesca di Leonardo and learn to cook a traditional Florentine meal. Together you'll prepare a 4-course meal, using fresh, local ingredients, while Francesca shares with you her cooking secrets and special techniques. Finally, you'll enjoy the fruits of your labors, eating dinner around the kitchen table. This is a 'home-style' cooking class, which takes place in the private apartment of Francesca di Leonardo, located in Florence's San Frediano district. The class will last 3 hours, with the meal following.

Learn to Cook a Tuscan Meal

The cooking class of Chef Emma Mantovani takes place in her farmhouse situated on a top of a hill, with a 360 degree view on the Val d'Elsa, only 10 miles from San Gimignano. During the cooking class you will have the opportunity to learn how to create wonderful Tuscan dishes, from antipasti to dessert; each recipe will be accompanied by Emma's Tuscan trade secrets. During the preparation, you'll also get to taste all the ingredients used such as fresh vegetables, pecorino cheese and Emma's homemade olive oil. At the end of the lesson, seated on a beautiful terrace overlooking the Tuscan countryside, you will enjoy the 4-course meal that you personally cooked. This is an unforgettable experience -- come discover the taste of Tuscany, deep in the heart of Chianti, where some of Italy's most famous wines are made.

Chianti Nord Wine Tour: Half Day

Produced in the undulating hills of the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Siena, the famous Chianti Classico wine is known and celebrated all over the world. Tidy rows of vineyards set amidst historic villages and silvery-green olive trees are the scenic backdrop for this half day wine excursion to Chianti Country. Departing from and returning to your Florence hotel, first stop is the town of Greve in Chianti with its picturesque, asymmetrical main piazza. It is lined by a succession of palaces, porticoes and loggias with the rebuilt church of Santa Croce at one end, housing beautiful Renaissance paintings from the School of Fra Angelico. At the other end of the piazza stands a statue of the explorer, Giovanni da Verrazzano, who discovered New York Harbor. After a tour of Greve you'll head to the Casaloste Vineyards, known for their fine Chianti Classico and Riserva wines. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included. Then you'll visit the cellars of the Setriolo estate in Castellina in Chianti to learn how grapes become wine; a guided tasting follows.

Italian Wines: North to South

Keen to know more about Italian wines and the way they differ throughout Italy? Your sommelier will take you on a trip from north to south, discovering the best wines produced in three of the 20 Italian regions - not necessarily the most well known, but certainly of the highest quality. You will be introduced to limited production wines made by small wineries tucked away in Tuscany, Trentino Alto Adige and Sicily. These will be accompanied by various appetizers such as traditional bruschette and a selection of the best cured meats and cheeses of the area. This 45-minute wine tasting under the vaulted ceiling of the Enoteca Alessi wine bar is the perfect introduction to the wines of Italy, ideal for any wine-lover!

Chianti Classico - Group Guided Tour

Tidy rows of vineyards, silvery-green olive trees and the inky exclamation points of cypresses are the scenic backdrop for this shared, full day excursion to the Chianti area where one of the world's most famous wines is produced. A comfortable minivan will take you around the picturesque Tuscan countryside, making stops at two celebrated wineries along the way. Here, a knowledgeable sommelier will show you around the production facilities and the cellars where you will taste wines made from Sangiovese, Canaiolo and other varieties of purple grapes. You will learn how to distinguish the flavor and acidity of each wine and, based on its unique characteristics, how to best pair it with food. Some of the excellent olive oils produced in this region will also be sampled. Lunch will be at a lovely trattoria serving local Tuscan specialties. A short stop in a medieval Tuscan town ensures that this tour is a perfect blend of food, wine and culture.

Montepulciano Wine Tour: Full Day

This full day excursion is a celebration of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, one of Italy's most outstanding red wines made from a skillful blend of Prugnolo Gentile, Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo grapes. Departing from and returning to your Florence or Siena hotel, the first stop is the Boscarelli Vineyards, known for their fine Nobile wine. A visit to the cellars and a wine tasting is included. Next stop is Montepulciano - called "The Pearl of the 16th Century" - a jewel of the Renaissance period. Curving its way along a ridge, the town delights visitors with vino and views. After a short tour of Montepulciano, you'll visit the historic cellars of Contucci. This wine making family dates back 1,000 years and is one of the 'Fathers' of Vino Nobile. Lunch will be at Diva e Maceo, a lovely trattoria serving local Tuscan specialties. Afterwards you will head to the Poliziano estate for a guided wine tasting. Final stop of the day is Pienza. The town's main piazza was commissioned by native son Pope Pius II in 1459, and is the first example of Renaissance town planning in Italy. Pienza is also known for its excellent sheep's milk cheese (pecorino di Pienza).

At the Florentine Market

Take a trip back in time to discover the traditions of Florentine market shopping and cooking. Francesca di Leonardo will take you to the San Lorenzo market, introducing you to local produce and customs. Together you'll select the freshest ingredients before returning to Francesca's home to cook a traditional Tuscan meal. This culinary adventure allows you to learn about Italian culture in the most intimate setting -- dinner around the family table.This is a 'home-style' cooking class, which takes place in the private apartment of Francesca di Leonardo, located in Florence's San Frediano district.

Chianti Sud Wine Tour: Full Day

Produced in the undulating hills of the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Siena, the famous Chianti Classico wine is known and celebrated all over the world. Tidy rows of vineyards set amidst historic villages and silvery-green olive trees are the scenic backdrop for this full day wine excursion to Chianti Country. Departing from and returning to your Siena hotel, first stop is the town of Radda in Chianti which has its preserved medieval urban design with all the streets of the tiny historic center leading to the main square, Piazza Ferrucci. After a walking tour of Radda you'll head to the Buondonno Vineyards, known for their fine Chianti Classico and Riserva wines. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included. Next stop will be lunch at the Osteria Le Panzanelle, a lovely place serving typical Tuscan cuisine. After lunch you will head either to the village of Vagliagli or to Castelnuovo Berardenga. Then you'll visit the cellars of the Monteraponi estate; a guided tasting follows.

Gelato and Vino

It may sound like a strange combination, but gelato and wine are two of Florence's best-known creations, so why not explore them together? Your tasting begins with a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the famous gelateria, GROM, where owner Mario will introduce you to artisanal Italian ice cream, explaining the stages of its production and revealing the secrets of its success. It goes without saying, all the gelato is made solely from natural products and with top quality raw materials and the seasonal flavor-of-the-month is a true delight! The tour continues right across the street, under the vaulted ceilings of the historic wine bar Enoteca Alessi. Here, surrounded by glass cabinets of filled with fine grappas, whiskies and cognac, you'll embark on a tasting menu that includes two Tuscan red wines accompanied by various traditional appetizers. Finally, for dessert, three different flavors of GROM gelato sprinkled with a special balsamic cream will be served. This 45-minute tasting experience is a great way to learn about the food and wine of Florence, and is ideal for any level of foodie!

Archi-Wine Tour: When Architects Meet Winemakers in the Val d'Orcia (Full Day)

Design and wine are the themes of this full day excursion to Montepulciano where modern wineries conceived with a contemporary flair provide wine tasting opportunities that are sure to please wine enthusiasts with a passion for cutting edge art. Departing from and returning to your Florence or Siena hotel, first stop is Icario, a custom built winery designed by Valle Progettazione. Infused with contemporary art and creativity, both the furniture and interior design take inspiration from the earth's warm hues and the transparency of air. An eclectic mix of color and light characterizes the winery's fascinating contemporary art project, Icario Arte, separated from the wine cellars by an unexpected and ethereal glass floor. After viewing the art installations and learning about the vinification process, a wine tasting will be enjoyed. Next up is a guided visit to the heart of Montepulciano, a hill town that is home to a number of well-preserved Renaissance palaces, many of which have been adapted to showcase the town's noble red wine. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines are DOCG-approved and, therefore, meet the highest Italian standards. Most local wineries are family run so the connection between wine and territory is deeply felt. Lunch takes place at the Trattoria Diva e Maceo where Tuscan specialties are served with excellent local wines. Afterwards is a visit to the pristine High Renaissance masterpiece that is the Tempio di San Biagio, designed in 1518 by the celebrated Italian architect Antonio da Sangallo the Elder. The Tenimenti d'Alessandro winery has garnered tremendous praise for its fine wines, particularly the notable Il Bosco. Situated in the village of Manzano near Cortona, the winery visit includes a guided wine tasting and a private viewing of the art collection at Borgo Syrah, an ongoing project in which contemporary art is installed outdoors among the vines.

Cooking Up a Perfect Sienese Meal

If you dream of spending your morning learning how to cook a traditional Tuscan meal, this hands-on experience can help you fulfill that dream and come away with beautiful memories. Chef Lella's cooking class takes place in her culinary school located in the heart of Siena, just a short walk from Piazza del Campo. Siena's cuisine is known to be simple yet flavorful, and is distinguished by the excellence of the ingredients. During this half-day cooking class, Chef Lella and her assistant, Jackie, will teach you how to prepare a typical Sienese menu from antipasti to dessert, including a dish of fresh, handmade pasta in a sauce that varies with the season. At the conclusion of this hands-on lesson, you will get to sit down and enjoy the delicious meal you have personally prepared, accompanied by a glass of excellent Tuscan wine. Participants will receive a booklet with the recipes in English so you can repeat this wonderful experience in your own home kitchen.

Chianti Sud Wine Tour: Half Day

Produced in the undulating hills of the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Siena, the famous Chianti Classico wine is known and celebrated all over the world. Tidy rows of vineyards set amidst historic villages and silvery-green olive trees are the scenic backdrop for this half day wine excursion to Chianti Country. Departing from and returning to your Siena hotel, first stop is the town of Radda in Chianti which has its preserved medieval urban design with all the streets of the tiny historic center leading to the main square, Piazza Ferrucci. After a walking tour of Radda, you'll head to the Buondonno Vineyards, known for their fine Chianti Classico and Riserva wines. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included. Then, if you choose the morning departure, the last stop will be lunch at the Osteria Le Panzanelle, a lovely place serving typical Tuscan cuisine. If you choose the afternoon departure, you'll do a short walk through the village of Vagliagli and then head to the Monteraponi Vineyards in Radda in Chianti; a guided tasting follows.

Montecarlo and the Villas of Lucca

For centuries, the people of Montecarlo and the beautiful surrounding villages have carefully worked the fertile, green land of Tuscany. It is thanks to the efforts of these tireless "keepers of the land" that the beauty of Mother Nature has been so immaculately preserved here. Meet the people, tour the castles and villas and try some of the region's most exquisite provincial wines on this Tuscan half-day or full-day wine safari. Choose the option that is best for you. First stop on the tour will be the picture-perfect medieval village of Montecarlo. It is incredibly well preserved and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from its hilltop castle. After a tour of this historic landmark, you'll visit one of the most respected and renowned wineries of Montecarlo, La Fattoria Michi, for a wine tasting. Their incredible wines are mainly attributable to a fusion of French and Italian winemaking techniques that results in unique, vibrant flavors. Trattoria Da Leo, a characteristic locale in the heart of Lucca with eccentric, one-of-a-kind service, is a great lunch stop. After lunch your guide will show you this gorgeous, medieval city and you'll take a walk on top of the city's incredibly well preserved walls. These tree-lined walls are so wide that they have been converted into a jogging path and park overlooking the city center. Final stop on the tour is the formal Italian garden of the Fattoria Villa Maionchi, followed by yet another wine tasting featuring a variety of the estate's superb wines.

Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tour: Full Day

Noble and seductive, Brunello di Montalcino is a grand red wine that is born in the heart of the hills around Siena. It is the work of one man, Ferruccio Biondi-Santi, whose patient efforts first brought this wine to light in 1888. Celebrate his invention on this full day wine excursion to Brunello country. Departing from and returning to your Florence or Siena hotel, first stop is the Altesino Vineyards. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting of their fine Brunello is included. This is followed by a walking tour of the village of Montalcino. Here you'll be captivated by picturesque, narrow streets surmounted by the medieval fortress, La Rocca. Lunch at the Taverna Grappolo Blu in Montalcino will introduce you to authentic local dishes like the thick, hand rolled spaghetti called pici. After a delicious lunch you'll head to the 12th century Abbey of Sant'Antimo. In a serene setting of rolling hills blanketed in olive groves and vineyards, the Augustinian friars maintain the ancient tradition of Gregorian Chant. Afterwards you'll visit the cellars of the Poggio Antico estate; a guided tasting follows.

Winery Visit & Guided Visit of Siena and San Gimignano

Departing from and returning to Florence, this full day excursion begins with a visit to the picturesque village of San Gimignano, famous for the 13th century towers that stand as a testament to its medieval prosperity and the wealth of its merchants. After a tour of San Gimignano you'll head to the Setriolo estate in Castellina in Chianti, known for their fine Chianti Classico and Riserva wines. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included. Next stop will be lunch at the Osteria di Lornano, a lovely place serving typical Tuscan cuisine. Afterwards, you will drive through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside to Siena. In this cradle of the Italian Gothic style, your expert, private guide will introduce you to the artistic marvels of the historic center. See the spectacular Duomo and baptistery, both of which beautifully symbolize the devout religious nature of the Sienese. The city's heart is the gracious, shell-shaped main piazza, or Campo, site of the celebrated Palio - this thrilling horserace is run twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th. Looming over it is the Palazzo Pubblico (City Hall), a crenellated, medieval building that represents the independence and economic might of the Sienese oligarchy. Time permitting, the driver will take a slight detour to Monteriggioni, a tiny village surrounded by high walls and 14 square towers. It is one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in existence.

Classic Tuscan Red Wines

This wine tasting takes place under the vaulted ceiling of the Enoteca Alessi wine bar, surrounded by glass cabinets filled with fine grappas, whiskies and cognac. Your sommelier will take you through Tuscany's best flavors in this fascinating tour entirely dedicated to Tuscan wines and delicacies. You will have the chance to taste three of the best red wines in the world: Chianti Classico Riserva, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino, accompanied by traditional bruschette and a selection of the best cured meats and cheeses of the area. Finish with a glass of historic Vin Santo; this sublime sweet dessert wine is enjoyed along with cantuccini - typical, hard almond biscuits that come from the nearby city of Prato.

Archi-Wine Tour: When Architects Meet Winemakers in Tuscany (Full Day)

Contemporary architecture generally seeks to dissociate itself from the world of emotions in order to create a rational relationship between building and man, devoid of all emotion. In some places, though, the synergy between architecture and its surroundings has been recreated. This is the case at two unique Tuscan wineries where indigenous style and age-old traditions have embraced modern designs and technologies. Departing from and returning to your hotel in Florence, first stop is La Rocca di Frassinello winery where a joint venture between Italian and French wine producers hired world-famous superstar architect Renzo Piano to design their new winemaking facility and cellars. The result is breathtaking, combining traditional forms of Tuscan architecture with an industrial theme that features steel-mesh shades, a terracotta piazza and a tall spire concealing heliostats that reflect daylight into the interior. The underground cellar resembles an amphitheater lined with 2,500 barrels of wine; here a guided tasting of the estate's finest vintages will be held. The park of the Villa Guerrazzi in Cecina is the leafy setting for an al fresco lunch at the Osteria Enoteca la Cinquantina. Traditional Tuscan dishes using local fish and seafood are accompanied by an exclusive selection of wines. After lunch, enjoy a short walk on the beach. Petra in Suvereto is a state-of-the-art winery designed by renowned Italian architect Mario Botta in 2000. An oblique, cylindrical structure of golden-hued stone divided in two by a steeply rising exterior staircase, this magnificent building is as bold as the Super-Tuscans you will sample in the guided wine tasting.

Pasta Fiorentina

Master the iconic art of pasta making! Francesca di Leonardo will work with you to create a challenging pasta dish and two sauces. Roll up your sleeves and test your cooking skills on stuffed pasta (ravioli or tortellini) OR lasagne OR gnocchi OR tagliatelle. Learn to make pasta as the Italians do - making the dough, pressing and cutting out pasta shapes, creating a filling and then whipping up two different sauces to serve with it. The best part comes when you sit down and taste the delicious dish that you have prepared! For a sweet finish, the meal concludes with a traditional Tuscan dessert of almond biscotti and Vin Santo. This is a "home-style" cooking class, which takes place in the private apartment of Francesca di Leonardo, located in Florence's San Frediano district. This class focuses on the hands-on preparation of ONE type of fresh pasta, based on your preference or on what Francesca suggests. It is only available for small groups and is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

Florentine Masters: Art & Wine

Famous for its abundance of art, history, charming vistas and sophisticated wines, Florence does seem to have the best of all worlds! With only a day to spare, see what this intriguing city has to offer on a guided tour that will give you a glimpse of Florentine cultural wealth and a taste of the best Tuscan wines. The visit starts in the heart of the Roman city (now Piazza della Repubblica); walking through medieval streets, you will pass many still visible, fortified family towers. Then comes the small oratory of San Martino dei Buonomini whose interior is covered with Renaissance frescoes and is surrounded by houses that once belonged to Dante. Piazza della Signoria is next -- it is dominated by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and adorned with a copy of Michelangelo's "David" in its original location. More statues in marble and bronze are displayed in the Loggia dei Lanzi. After passing the remains of the ancient Roman Amphitheater in the neighborhood where the young Michelangelo once lived, the stroll ends in the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Croce. Famous men such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini are buried here, amidst impressive frescoes and sculptures. After the historical part of the tour, you will head over to the Enoteca Alessi. This wine bar is one of the oldest in Florence and occupies the site of two Jewish oratories that were built right outside the Ghetto. Under vaulted ceilings you will taste three of the best red wines in the world: Chianti Classico Riserva, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino, accompanied by traditional bruschetthe and a selection of cured meats and cheeses from the region. A glass of Vin Santo - a sublime sweet dessert wine - along with the typical, hard, almond biscuits called cantuccini will provide a sweet finish to your tour.

Tuscan Cooking: Fruits and Flavors of Chianti Country

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, travel to the Badia a Coltibuono, an evocative 11th century abbey in the heart of Tuscany that is also the cooking school of famed cookbook writer, Lorenza de Medici. In this hands-on lesson you will prepare a traditional Tuscan meal with the Badia's Florentine chef, Andrea Gagnesi, and taste world-class wines and olive oils produced on the estate. Chef Gagnesi will guide you through the preparation of a full four-course regional meal, starting with antipasti and ending with dessert. Enjoy the delicious dishes you just made in the beautiful private dining room while sampling their very own wines. After lunch, you will relax in the living room where coffee and grappa will be served. The three-hour lesson is preceded by a guided tour of the property, providing a chance to immerse yourself in the unique lifestyle and hospitality of a 1,000 year old abbey while savoring the authentic tastes and sights that this remarkable region has to offer. Badia a Coltibuono is sure to be the highlight of your trip to Italy!

Seize the Day

With its neat rows of vineyards, cypresses and silvery-green olive trees, Tuscany is famously photogenic. What better way to experience the celebrated landscapes of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region than on this full-day excursion combining photography and wine? Alongside Michele Pero, acclaimed photo reporter and founder of The Darkroom at the Centro Italiano Firenze, you will learn how to use your own personal camera to the best of its ability, guided by the tips and tricks of a professional photographer. You will spend a fulfilling day walking around the wineries, ancient abbeys and castles of the Chianti area. Locations have been carefully selected for their great beauty, but also for their suitability to inspiring the artist in you and to testing the potential of your camera. This is a wonderful opportunity that combines beautiful sights, excellent wines and a lasting lesson in photography - at the end of the day, you'll find yourself with unforgettable memories and a newly acquired expertise that will stay with you for the rest of your life!

Olive Trees in A Tuscan Landscape

Renowned for its picturesque landscape, punctuated by dark, green cypresses and silvery-green olive trees, Tuscany produces one of the finest olive oils in Italy. This tour will take you to the heart of the Tuscan oil kingdom, where the olives are still picked by hand from ancient olive trees. Departing from and returning to your Florence hotel, first stop is Impruneta, a small country town known for its production of terracotta. Here you will admire the large main square; at one end is the church of the Collegiata, containing beautiful works in enameled terracotta by the Renaissance master, Luca della Robbia. A visit to nearby factory will introduce you to the ancient art of making terracotta. Afterwards you'll drive through vineyards and olive orchards to the Fattoria Torrerossa. They produce fine, extra-virgin olive oil that is still stored in enormous, antique terracotta jars. The estate's olive groves extend for about 50 acres, and local varieties such as Frantoio, Moraiolo, Pendolino and Leccino can be found among its 4,000 trees. A visit to the oil cellar with its old oil press and a guided oil tasting is included. Then you'll stop for lunch at Osteria Antica Sosta in Impruneta; here you can taste real Tuscan home-cooking, accompanied by a large assortment of wines. Final stop of the day is Fattoria La Querce where a guided tour will introduce you to the estate's award-winning wines and olive oils.

Sassicaia and the Coastal Wines Tour: Full Day

Wine connoisseurs will certainly be familiar with the name, Sassicaia. This wine's ultra-famous status comes from the fact that it is one of the world's most expensive and precious wines; so famous that it even has a car dedicated to it, the FIAT 500 by Aznom. Sassiccaia's superb quality is due to the labors of Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta who painstakingly planted French Cabernet grapes along the Tuscan coast and reaped the benefits of this non-indigenous grape's superior flavor. On the Sassicaia and the Coastal Wines tour, you will taste this incredible Cabernet and indulge in its exquisite flavor, following an extensive guided tour of the winery grounds and wine cellar. You'll also get to sample the marvelous extra-virgin olive oil that is produced in the same region, whose unmistakable aroma permeates the hills of Tuscany. Enoteca Tognoni, a rustic locale situated in the heart of the tiny village of Bolgheri, is the perfect place for an abundant Tuscan lunch. Last stop of the day is one of the wineries where Sassiccaia was first produced. Here you'll enjoy a final wine tasting and learn to differentiate between the various ages and flavors of the local wines.

One Grape, Four Flavors

Ever wonder how two wines can taste so differently when they are made with the exact same type of grape? In the company of your own personal wine guide, you'll explore Sangiovese grapes, the king of Tuscan grapes, and four wines made from them. Accompanied by a platter of antipasti, you'll learn to compare and contrast varietals of this amazing grape and end your evening with a newly trained palate and a taste for the good life. This 2-hour private tasting is ideal for the curious traveler or the serious wine enthusiast.

Women in a Man's World: Tuscan Wine Tasting

Don't tell Donatella Cinelli Colombini that women are the "weaker sex"! Her Casato delle Prime Donne winery in the gorgeous, UNESCO-protected landscape of the Val d'Orcia right outside Montalcino is unique in Italy - all of the wine makers are women and the Brunello they produce has won many awards. You will taste this very special wine and learn how it is made in this fascinating guided tour of the newest fermentation facility at the "House of First Women" estate. Three different types of wine, one of which is a prized Brunello, are yours to sample and savor, followed by a delicious light lunch consisting of Tuscan salami, aged pecorino, and bruschette with three types of extra-virgin olive oil produced at their sister estate, Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda. To finish off this unique and woman-empowering experience, you are welcome to take a leisurely stroll down a path through the vineyards; here, each rest stop is enhanced by modern art and the sayings of past winners of the annual Casato Prime Donne Award.

Decadent Indulgence - Wine & Chocolate in Florence

Italy is the land of sweet indulgence: nothing says decadence quite like mouth-watering chocolates accompanied by dessert wines hand-picked as perfect choco-complements. In this wine and chocolate tasting, you will delight your palate with a luxurious selection of chocolates as well as three wines specifically chosen by our sommelier to go with them. Your chocolate tray will include a sampler of sweets, including the following: Chocolate with Almond Chocolate with Hazelnut Chocolate Truffle Dark Chocolate Milk Chocolate Along with the chocolates, you will also taste sweet wines and Grappa: Barolo Chinato from the Piedmont region of Italy Ala di Salaparuta from Sicily Grappa

Immerse yourself in Tuscan cuisine at Il Maccherone

Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, a mere 20-minute ride from Florence, lies Il Maccherone, a family-owned trattoria that has earned itself a wonderful reputation for preserving the authentic flavors of Tuscany while simultaneously capitalizing on innovative culinary techniques. As such, Il Maccherone is the perfect venue for both traditional and modern-day Tuscan cooking classes. Cooking is the birthright of Chef Sabrina Somigli. The daughter of two successful Florentine restaurateurs, Sabrina has been in the kitchen all her life. In addition to her extensive life experience, she has devoted herself to the nitty-gritty science of food, earning a degree in Agricultural Bio-technology and a Ph.D in Microbiology. Needless to say, she's a master chef and an unparalleled guru in the art of cooking! On Monday and Tuesday afternoons, Sabrina will teach a 3-hour cooking class in Il Maccherone's kitchen. Students will be fully immersed in the Tuscan cooking tradition and will master exquisite gourmet dishes that they will be able to recreate for friends and family. Afterwards, the class will sit down together to enjoy a wonderful meal with expertly paired wines. Students can choose from a variety of seasonal menus, so there's a cooking class to suit every taste!

Balsamic Vinegar Tasting

Wine tastings are famous, but have you ever heard about a balsamic vinegar tasting? This phenomenon is becoming ever more popular with gourmet travelers and those who are curious about how Italians eat. During this 45-minute tasting, you will learn everything about the production of balsamic vinegar and how the humble grape is transformed into a powerful and flavorful product. The way the wine is aged affects the taste and consistency of the vinegar so you will start by trying eight types of balsamic vinegars, ranging from the youngest to the oldest. Not only will the taste be different, but also the color and the smell. After sampling all of the vinegars by themselves, including a real traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena, you will try them paired with a wide selection of meats, Tuscan cheeses, vegetables, and even fresh fruits! Traditional Tuscan bruschette and a glass of wine of your choice will be also served.

Chianti Nord Wine Tour: Full Day

Produced in the undulating hills of the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Siena, the famous Chianti Classico wine is known and celebrated all over the world. Tidy rows of vineyards set amidst historic villages and silvery-green olive trees are the scenic backdrop for this full day wine excursion to Chianti Country. Departing from and returning to your Florence hotel, first stop is the town of Greve in Chianti with its picturesque, asymmetrical main piazza. It is lined by a succession of palaces, porticoes and loggias with the rebuilt church of Santa Croce at one end, housing beautiful Renaissance paintings from the School of Fra Angelico. At the other end of the piazza stands a statue of the explorer, Giovanni da Verrazzano, who discovered New York Harbor. After a tour of Greve you'll head to the Casaloste Vineyards, known for their fine Chianti Classico and Riserva wines. A visit to the cellars and a guided wine tasting are included. Next stop will be lunch at the Osteria La Scuderia, a lovely place serving typical Tuscan cuisine. After lunch you will head either to the Antinori vineyards at Badia di Passignano or to the small castle of Montefioralle depending on availability. Then you'll visit the cellars of the Setriolo estate in Castellina in Chianti to learn how grapes become wine; a guided tasting follows.