Your stay, day by day
Come as a stranger, leave as a local
We designed this five-day Tuscan Cooking and Wine vacation to show you the places, people, and flavors that make our life here so special. It’s a relaxed mix of hands-on cooking classes in my kitchen, premium Super Tuscan wine tasting, days spent exploring our favorite medieval villages, and gathering around the table for unforgettable meals.
Here is what we’ll be doing together, day by day.
Day One
Welcome to Tuscany
Your journey begins in Castagneto Carducci, a beautiful medieval village between the Tuscan hills and the Etruscan Coast.
We’ll meet you at the train station, or arrange an airport transfer if you’d like, and bring you to Luca’s boutique hotel, where you’ll spend the next four nights surrounded by olive trees, vineyards and a view on the Mediterranean Sea..
After you’ve settled into your room, we’ll gather for our very first aperitivo together. It’s one of my favorite moments of the week. Over a glass of Bolgheri wine, we’ll all get to know each other before heading over to my farmhouse for a welcome dinner.
Together we’ll prepare our first Tuscan meal using seasonal ingredients, then sit around the table to enjoy good food, wonderful wines and plenty of conversation.
By the end of the evening, you’ll already feel part of our family!
Day Two
Tuscan Cooking, Castles & Historic Vineyards
Your day begins in Arnaud’s way: coffee by the sea, as the coastline slowly comes to life.
Then, we gather in my kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. We’ll pick fresh herbs from the garden and prepare lunch completely from scratch using the same recipes I’ve learned from my family over the years. I’ll show you that authentic Italian cooking doesn’t have to be complicated! We’ll enjoy our creation together, paired with local wines.
In the afternoon, we’ll head high up into the hills to visit one of the region’s historic, pioneering estates. They are famous for making exceptionally elegant, organic wines and you’ll hear the passionate stories behind the labels.
Later, we’ll explore Castagneto Carducci for a local food walk, tasting artisan biscotti and liqueurs. We will end the day driving down the famous cypress-lined avenue to the historic village of Bolgheri. Dinner is at our favorite wine restaurant, set in the castle’s old stables, where we’ll share traditional dishes in an atmosphere of timeless charm.
Day Three
The Bolgheri Wine Road & the Etruscan Coast
After a relaxed breakfast and a stroll through the local shops for a glimpse into daily Tuscan life, we’ll head to the Antinori estate for a beautiful lunch overlooking the vineyards.
Next, we visit one of the world’s most iconic wine estates nearby. You’ll explore the stunning estate and their historic cellars. We’ll enjoy a tasting of the legendary, elegant Super Tuscans, considered some of the finest wines in the world.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive to the coast to visit Populonia, a majestic hilltop town overlooking the sea. You can climb the ancient castle tower for a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.
To finish the day, we’ll head to our favorite seafood restaurant right on the beach. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down over the water while enjoying the fresh catch of the day.
Day Four
Volterra, Pecorino Cheese Tasting & our Farewell Dinner
Today we take a beautiful one-hour drive through the rolling hills of deeper Tuscany to the historic town of Volterra. The countryside along this drive is absolutely stunning.
Our first stop is a traditional, family-run organic cheese farm to learn the ancient art of pecorino production. We’ll enjoy a rustic farm lunch together right on the property, tasting different cheeses at various stages of aging.
In the afternoon, a local guide will meet us at the ancient stone gates of Volterra to step straight into the past. This town holds three thousand years of history inside a single set of walls, from Etruscan foundations and a Roman theatre to a medieval center where alabaster artisans still work today exactly as they have for centuries.
Our final evening together concludes with a special farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant owned by the family of the world-renowned Sassicaia wine. It is the perfect finale to our week. We’ll raise a glass to celebrate everything we’ve shared: great food, wonderful wines, and new friendships. It’s always a special evening.
Day Five
Until Next Time…
Our final morning begins with breakfast on the terrace.
One last coffee. One last conversation before everyone begins the journey home.
We’ll take you back to Castagneto Carducci train station, or help with your onward travel arrangements.
Our journey together ends here and usually we have some tears of joy when we say goodbye. Until next time…
Testimonials
Sally & Rowe
Australia
“Treat yourself to a wonderful experience and tour with Chicca her charming Tuscan village, taste delicious pasta, gelato, and many other local specialties. It’s an unforgettable immersion in Tuscan culture, and we felt like locals!”
Jacqueline C
New York, NY
“We loved Castagneto Food tour. We sampled several traditional Tuscan recipes paired with great wines from the area. Lots of food! Our guide was great and told us stories about ancient history and local life as we toured in Castagneto. I learned a lot and had fun!”
Kylee T
Indianapolis, IN
“I would highly recommend Tuscan Wine & Food Tours! We did Bolgheri Food Tour, this village is stunning! We tasted delicious local food and amazing wines. We learn a lot about history, wine culture and traditional recipes from our fun and knowledgeable guide. Don’t miss it!”
See What a Week Together Looks Like
Arnaud captures little moments throughout our weeks together. The laughter around the table. Hands covered in flour. The vineyards. The villages. Watch the short film below and imagine how could be your trip.
Practical information
Dates, pricing, and what’s included.
The 2026 dates
Spring 2026
- 14 – 18 April 2026
- 12 – 16 May 2026
Autumn 2026
- 15 – 19 September 2026
- 13 – 17 October 2026
TAILOR YOUR TRIP
If you’d like different dates, or to focus more on wine or cooking, get in touch! with us. We’re happy to customize this trip for you.
What is Included
€4,280 per person
Double or twin occupancy · Single supplement available
We’ve designed the trip so that almost everything is covered, from the moment you arrive in Castagneto Carducci to the moment we say goodbye. You only need to take care of your personal shopping, gifts, and one dinner.
- Your Stay: Four nights in a boutique hotel overlooking the sea.
- Meals & Wine: Four breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners. This includes two cooking classes, fine dining, and all wine tastings.
- The Excursions: Market visit, pecorino farm tour, and guided visits to Volterra, Bolgheri, Populonia, and Castagneto Carducci.
- Travel & Logistics: All local transport and plus train station transfers.
On Day Three: Dinner is not included, giving you the freedom to order what you like at our favorite seaside restaurant. Arnaud and I will still join you to host the evening and help with food and wine choices.
Looking ahead to 2027
Small groups, personal experiences
We only welcome eight guests, allowing us to spend quality time together in the kitchen, around the table and throughout our journey. Because we keep things small, many of our guests plan twelve to eighteen months in advance.
Our 2026 dates are already filling up. If 2026 isn’t the right year for you to travel, please write to me anyway. We will open the 2027 in October, and I can easily add your name to a small list of people I notify before the dates are published on the website.
PRIVATE TOURS
A private journey, on dates that work for you.
Hoping to travel with just your family or friends rather than strangers or just looking for different dates? We can easily arrange a custom private tour just for you.
We can adjust the dates, length of stay, and activities to focus on what your group loves most, from extra cooking to deeper wine tastings.
We handle all the logistics to design the week exactly to your preferences. If you are interested, please send us a message and we can start planning your trip to Tuscany together.
A few practical questions
What is not included in the price?
The following expenses are not included in the trip price:
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Your travel to Tuscany: Your airfare and your train ticket to the Castagneto Carducci station.
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Travel insurance: We require all guests to carry proof of travel insurance covering medical care, evacuation, and trip cancellation.
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One dinner on Day Three: This is the seaside dinner where you can order according to your preferences. Arnaud and I will still join you to host the evening, but we pay our own bill.
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Your personal spending: Any extra wine bottles you purchase, souvenirs, gifts, spa visits, or tips.
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Single occupancy: If you are traveling solo, there is an additional single supplement fee for your private boutique hotel room.
How do I get to Castagneto Carducci?
The closest airport is Pisa (PSA), which is approximately one hour away by train. Florence (FLR) is around 2 hours away, and Rome (FCO) is about two and a half hours.
Castagneto Carducci has its own train station, and we will collect you there when you arrive.
NOTE: If you prefer a private transfer directly from the airport, we can arrange one for an additional fee.
How does payment work?
Before every trip, we begin with a brief, no-commitment video call on Zoom to discuss the details of your Tuscan Cooking & Wine vacation and answer any questions you may have.
If you decide to book, the payment is split into two parts: an initial deposit to secure your spot, and a final payment.
For custom private tours, the price quote will vary depending on your chosen activities.
What is the physical activity level?
The physical demand is moderate. We walk through medieval villages on uneven cobblestones, with some climbs and stairs and through vineyards. If you can comfortably walk one to two miles and handle stairs, you will be fine. The pace is leisurely with plenty of opportunities to rest.
Who is this small-group Tuscan culinary and wine experience designed for?
Our small-group trip works well for a variety of travellers:
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Couples and friends who want a relaxed, slow-paced trip without the logistics of driving, planning routes, or making reservations.
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Solo travelers looking for a safe, welcoming group. You will have your own private room to relax in, but you will always have company for meals and excursions.
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Food and wine lovers who want to experience authentic Tuscany through home-cooked meals, fresh ingredients, and tastings at historic local estates.
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Cooks of any level. No professional experience is required. Our Tuscan cooking classes are accessible, hands-on, and focused on sharing traditional family recipes.
Why book a cooking and wine vacation in Tuscany with us?
What makes our program unique is that you are not joining a typical commercial tour. Instead, you are invited into our daily life in Italy.
While our trips are legally registered and we are fully covered, Arnaud and I are not corporate tour operators. We are simply a couple in love with this region, and this trip is our way of sharing our home with you. You will enjoy a hands-on Tuscan cooking class in my farmhouse kitchen, visit local winemakers for premium Bolgheri wine tastings, visit an artisanal Pecorino cheese farm, and experience the Etruscan Coast from a local perspective. By the end of the week, it feels less like a vacation and more like staying with friends.
Have other questions? See the full FAQ — or write to me directly. The real conversation is the call.
A presto, Chicca
