Italy with World Journeys

6 Days/ 5 Nights

From $4,791 pp twin share

Single supplement on request

Stay in a beautifully restored 19th-century hunting lodge in the countryside near Lucca. Visit an ancient olive mill, discover true Tuscan cuisine, explore the intriguing historical Tuscan towns nearby, and simply relax in wonderful Italian countryside luxury!

 

Day 1: Florence > Lucca Transfer from Florence to your accommodation in the Tuscan countryside near Lucca, a lovely city with cobbled streets, Renaissance walls and an historic city centre. Dinner and overnight at the relais.

Day 2: Cooking Lesson & Lucca This morning meet the chef for your hands-on cooking lesson. Pick herbs from the vegetable garden and learn how to prepare the typical Lucchese pasta called Tacconi, gnocchi with tomato sauce and ragout. This afternoon is a private visit of nearby Lucca, with return transfers included.

Day 3: Siena, San Gimignano & Monteriggioni Spend the day visiting Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni by car with English speaking driver. These wonderful Tuscan towns are typical of the region and the beautiful small walled town of San Gimignano is sure to be a highlight. Transfer back to your relais for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Day 4: Cooking, Olives & Wine Today's cooking lesson will involve the preparation of some typical fish dishes like a thick fish and tomato soup called Cacciucco or, if you prefer, traditional meat or vegetarian dishes. Later visit an olive grove, learn to recognise high quality olive oil and visit the "frantoio" where the olives are pressed. This afternoon visit the Royal Villas in Marlia and Torrigiani before enjoying the olive oil, wine cellars and aromatic garden of a farm nearby.

Day 5: Versilia & Olive Oil Tasting Enjoy your morning at leisure. In the late afternoon, you'll be picked up by car from the hotel with your guide. Transfer to the hills behind Pietrasanta (Versilia area) to discover a special product of this area - a truly special extra virgin olive oil recognised with the Slow Food Presidium. Olive growing in Versilia, and this area in particular, has been of primary importance for millennia, both for the local economy and in shaping the landscape. The centuries-old Quercetano olive groves still shape the surrounding landscapes to this day. Pure Quercetano olive oil is rare, produced by a handful of olive growers, and it has a unique taste. You will visit an olive oil producer where you will have an olive oil tasting with the owner, followed by a visit to the owner's popular restaurant with a gourmet dinner immersed in an olive grove.

Day 6: Lucca > Florence Transfer to the airport or city centre of Florence where arrangements conclude.

 

INCLUSIONS:

• 5 nights' accommodation
• 2 private cooking lessons
• Wine tasting and guided visit of the wine cellar
• Olive oil tasting
• Half day guided tour of Siena and Lucca
• Private transfers and excursions as per itinerary
• 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners