Italy: Chianti Retreat in a… (trip)

Italy: Chianti Retreat in a Medieval Castle

  • Florence, Italy
  • Culinary & Wine Travel
Chianti Retreat in a Medieval Castle -NEW, Italy

from $1,850* per person4 DaysJune, July, October
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 1
Operator: The International Kitchen 12 people max
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.

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Chianti Retreat in a Medieval Castle -NEW, Italy

0 testimonials about this trip.

2 testimonials about the provider, The International Kitchen:

  • Reviewer: Thomas & Christine L. located in NC USA
    I'd like to start by saying, this was the best vacation of our lives. The Relais Oasi Olimpia is a five star hotel with a four star rating. Every member of the staff was warm hearted and friendly, and totally dedicated to our needs and well being. The rooms were large and comfortable, especially compared to the so-called four star hotel we stayed at in Rome. Carmen Mazzola the general manager was extremely competent, resourceful, and accommodating. Whenever we made a request, or a scheduling change was necessary due to weather or some other reason, she handled all with speed and good nature, always exclaiming, "It's nothing!" when we thanked her. The cooking lessons with Marco the Chef were just what we had hoped them to be. Nothing too intense, (after all we were on vacation) but informative and easy to execute. I'm happy to say, Christine and I are quite competent now in producing a variety of delectable dishes we would be proud to serve anyone. Our boat tour to Positano was wonderful, our host Antonio piloted the boat to the picturesue little town, and later stopped at a cove where we swam in the Mediterranean and had an expertly prepared lunch. Our favorite tour was of the Mozzarella Factory, I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Suffice to say, don't miss it. Being Italian-American, this vacation awakened feelings in me long hidden. Personality traits that I have are prevalent in Southern Italy. I felt like I was among my own kind at last. I want to go back.
  • Reviewer: Katie P located in UK
    I just wanted to let you know that Chris and I had a wonderful time at Chateau de Berne last week. Mayung took very good care of us as ourhostess, and Jean-Louis is great! And of course the location is absolutely beautiful, as you know. We were made to feel very welcome the whole time we were there. I'm a few months pregnant, and Mayung did a great job of juggling our schedule so that I got some rest when I needed it but we also managed to fit in a lot of activities (including a visit to the market, a winery tour and wine tasting and a visit to a local abbey as well as some shopping on our own).And the cooking lessons were very well done. Chris and I were the only students (and in truth, Chris was the only one really cooking with Jean-Louis -- my job was to take notes and pictures!), so it felt like a one-on-one tutorial. Jean-Louis is a patient teacher and he did a good job of explaining everything he was doing. As the week progressed, Chris took a more and more active role in the food preparation, and the hands-on approach was very educational too. Everyone at Chateau de Berne was warm and friendly, and they really did make us feel very welcome there. This program was Chris's birthday present (his 40th) and I'm very pleased with how well it worked out! Thank you!

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

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.

Day 4

    * Breakfast and transfer back to Florence. Arrivederci!


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