Flavours of Tuscany

​Tuscan crostini, meaning 'little toast', is a classic Italian appetiser and one of the dishes we'll learn about at Fattoria Il Poggio, a beautiful farm in the hillside village of Montecarlo di Lucca. We'll learn how to prepare ragù sauce, handmade macaroni pasta and meat sauce for a typical crostini. Why not make notes as you learn from the experts so you can try out the recipes at home. Then it's our turn to cook our own handmade pasta. 
We'll then enjoy a well-deserved lunch – an appetiser of two kinds of crostini and a selection of salami, our macaroni pasta served with ragù sauce, three local meats and, to finish, the almond biscuits cantuccini. 
Fattoria Il Poggio is famous for its wines and we'll be given a guided tour of its vineyards and enjoy a tasting of four wines. We'll also learn more about the farm and the local area, and see the olive trees and mill used to produce olive oil. 

​Pisa is home to one of Italy's most recognisable sights, the famous Leaning Tower. Residing in the Field of Miracles, this 180ft campanile took 176 years to build and began to lean shortly after construction. Thankfully, the structure has been secured yet it still retains its famous lean. See this landmark on our optional excursion. Alternatively, take time to relax at your hotel.​

​Celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to works by great masters including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. Built beside the River Arno, we'll explore the city's compact historic centre in the company of a Local Guide. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio (old bridge), see the magnificent Duomo and admire glorious architecture among the Renaissance streets and piazzas before free time to enjoy lunch.

We'll head next to Cantina Torre a Cona in San Donato in Collina where we will visit the cellar and sample four wines. They will be served with pecorino cheese with honey, cured hams, bruschetta and pate’.​

San Gimignano is one of the prettiest hilltop towns in Tuscany, with beautiful palaces and churches, ornate frescoes and a fine baptistery within its ancient walls. It's also known as the 'town of beautiful towers' because of the impressive towers built here as status symbols by feuding families in medieval times. Siena is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in Europe. Its enchanting narrow streets lined with palaces and mansions lead to the spectacular Piazza del Campo, which is the setting each year for the colourful and intense Palio horse race. You can visit both towns on our optional excursion today.

​The beautiful Castello del Trebbio is surrounded by picture-postcard scenery. It's also where we'll learn to prepare a typical Tuscan lunch. Recipes vary to make the most of seasonal ingredients but will typically include three dishes, included fresh pasta. We'll enjoy the results for lunch with a wine tasting. Our visit here also takes in the castle and its cellar.  

​Our base, Montecatini Terme, is a lovely town and today you can spend a day at leisure here. If you head to the centre of the town you will discover a large park with three thermal spas, a wellness centre and a fantastic selection of shops, bars and restaurants.​
Alternatively, why not join our optional excursion to Lucca, an historic town which lies at the foot of the Apuan Alps and is surrounded by impressive walls. Here we'll head off on a sightseeing tour and take a walk along the ancient ramparts. We'll also admire the beautiful botanical gardens, the Basilica of San Frediano and see fascinating architecture, including a tree-topped tower.

​We'll take our return flight to the UK today​