Based in a prestigious historical house where the charm of elegant surroundings blends with the atmosphere of the unique town of Pietrasanta this centre-based holiday enables the discerning traveller to get to know Tuscan cuisine and culture with 3 cooking lessons lead by 2 of the regions most-respected chefs and trips to local markets, Lucca and beyond Tuscany to the enchanting Cinque Terre.
This is the perfect trip for those that want to mix great food with art and culture, enjoying fine surroundings at the same time.
On arrival you transfer by car from Pisa Airport (or the railway station) to Pietrasanta and check in at Palazzo Visdomini. The afternoon has been left free for personal exploration of the town.
Dinner reservations have been made for you tonight in a nearby local restaurant, “Ancilla“ where the first of many fine meals will be enjoyed, tonight with local wine included. The Palazzo Visdomini combines the luxury of a grand hotel with the simplicity of ones own home. The hotel is set right in the historic centre of Pietrasanta and was carefully restored a few years ago by the architect Marco Bascherini. He endeavoured to retain the historical contexts of the building which was erected in the late nineteenth century and once belonged to a noble Florentine family.
After breakfast today you transfer to Lucca to meet one our professional city guides and enjoy an introduction to this medieval walled city, whose origins date back to the Roman age. The city, a real gem among the beautiful Tuscan hills, has some of the best examples of Gothic and Romanesque architecture that Tuscany has to offer, with the cathedrals of San Michele and San Martino being notable. Lucca is the home town of the composer Puccini and is well-known for its culinary specialities such as buccelato, a local sweet bread with raisins.
You are free to enjoy lunch before you return back to Palazzo Visdomini.
In the late afternoon meet Chef Roberto Angelini in the original stone-hearth kitchen for your first cooking lesson and an introduction to Tuscan food.
Dinner follows, you enjoying the afternoon’s labours. Local wine is included.
After breakfast depart for full day driving tour to the Cinque Terre, five tiny fishing villages in Liguria, nestled on stone cliffs and small inlets with spectacular views of the Mediterranean sea on one side and steep terraced cultivated lands on the other.
After your visit to this charming corner of Italy you return to Pietrasanta.
Following breakfast head off with chef to Forte dei Marmi market, to visit and buy fresh ingredients for the afternoon cooking lesson. There is enough time to wander at leisure and take in the sights sounds and smells of a traditional Tuscan market before returning to the Palazzo Visdomini.
In the late afternoon you meet Chef Dorino Falcomer in the kitchen for your second cooking lesson. Once again with a taste of local wine you can look forward to your creations this evening.
After breakfast, depart with your driving guide for a half-day excursion to the local marble quarries, from where Michelangelo selected marble for use in masterpieces such as the Moses and the unfinished Slaves.
In the afternoon meet in the kitchen where Chef Dorino is waiting to deliver your last cooking class. Tonight you’ll enjoy a special, local wine included.
Breakfast and transfer by private car to Pisa Airport (or railway station).
The price shown include transfer from and to Pisa Airport or railway station (other airports by prior arrangement and at additional cost), accommodation, transport as detailed, meals (with wine where indicated) as shown, excursions as shown and services of a professional, licensed guide(s), welcome drink before dinner on day of arrival, 3 cooking classes with chefs.
The price does not include international flights/travel, meals and drinks not specifically mentioned as included, entrance fees not specifically mentioned as included, items of a personal nature, optional trips or any other items not specifically mentioned above.
All prices indicated are per person, are for guidance only, and are subject to final confirmation at the time of booking with the Travel Specialist who provides the service. For any holidays displayed without an indication of price, a quotation can be obtained from the Travel Specialist through our enquiry system.
Palazzo Visdomini 5 nights.
Minibus, on foot.
5 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
Local guides, hotel staff, chefs.
Minimum 14 years.
No special equipment is required. Please bring sun protection (sun hat, suncream and sunglasses).
This tour can operate from a minimum of 4 people.
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Centre-based Holidays Cultural Tours Special Interest Holidays Single-centre Holidays Discovery Holidays Food and Cooking Holidays
Independent
Italy
6 days
Pisa
Palazzo Visdomini
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Easy
Comfortable
GEO 02
