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 Imagine a Tuscan villa set on a hill overlooking acres of vineyards and olive trees. Fields of sunflowers are in the distance. A cellar beckons you to discover its treasures. There are paths to walk, charming hill towns to discover. The famous spa town of Chianciano Terme is minutes away.. This is the dream. This is what you could experience on Epiculinary's Tuscan Holiday.
The destination is Palazzo Bandino, a 17th century villa located in the heart of Southern Tuscany. The farm dates back to 1600 and has been in the Valeriani family for several generations. It has been faithfully restored by local craftsmen, offering guests the feel of a time long ago with modern amenities and private bathrooms. Each apartment or room is air conditioned and features views of the vineyards and farm.
Cooking lessons are taught by Chef Luciano Benocci in the villa kitchen and feature authentic Tuscan cuisine that you will  delight in preparing at home for friends and family. Excursions to local hilltowns and relaxing down time complete the experience, making this the perfect cooking getaway.
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 Arrive in Chiusi, located about an hour by train from Rome or Florence.. Group transfer to Palazzo Bandino at 2 pm.
Relax in your lovely room with modern bathroom.
Later on, meet Marta, whose family owns the palazzo, for a tour of Palazzo Bandino's wine cellar and to learn about local wines.
Enjoy authentic Southern cuisine at a welcome dinner with other guests. As a member of the Slow Food organization, the villa features local products and is interested in preserving traditional recipes and food heritage.
 After breakfast meet Chef Benocci in the kitchen for your first hands-on cooking lesson. Assisted by Marta, Luciano will teach you all about Tuscan antipasti, such as bruschetta, crostini, fettunta and other types of canapes, as well as morsette, the almond cookies that are dipped into vin santo.
Lunch follows the lesson accompanied by tastings of Chianti, Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino and vin santo.
Then it’s off to the Renaissance town of Pienza, known both for its architecture and food shops.
Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Breakfast.
Morning excursion to Montalcino, known for its production of Brunello, one of Italy’s most prestigious wines. You'll visit a local winery and taste a fascinating selection of wines and light foods that best go with them.
On the way back stop at Abbazia di Sant’Antimo abbey, a 12th century Romanesque church set in the midst of an olive grove.
Transfer back to Palazzo Bandino for your second hands-on cooking lesson. Today’s highlight, classic southern Tuscan hand-rolled pasta called pici, followed by whole fish baked in a paper crust.
Dinner based on what you've prepared, accompanied by fine local wines.
Breakfast.
Morning free to relax at the palazzo or perhaps to enjoy a spa treatment at nearby Chianciano Terme. If you want to pass on the spa, you can visit the local Etruscan Museum or walk through the town’s open air market
Lunch is at a local restaurant.
Transfer back to Palazzo Bandino for a cooking lesson featuring main dishes such as roasts, braised or grilled meats, and handmade noodles called pappardelle.
Dinner based on what you've prepared, accompanied by fine local wines.
Breakfast.
Morning excursion to Montepulciano, a lovely town perched high on a hilltop and home of the renowned nobile wine. Walk through the streets of the town and visit the weekly market. Next you'll visit an olive mill (in late October through November you'll actually watch the pressing) where a light lunch will be served featuring local specialties made with the virgin oil
Transfer back to Palazzo Bandino for an afternoon hands-on cooking lesson featuring fresh vegetable dishes such as artichokes and tomatoes stuffed with herbs and cheese, followed by a decadent Tuscan dessert.
Dinner based on what you've prepared, accompanied by fine local wines.
Breakfast.
Full-day excursion to Siena where you are free to explore the town, do some sightseeing, shop or enjoy lunch at a local trattoria.
Late-afternoon transfer back to the palazzo.
Farewell dinner and presentation of your cooking program certificate at Palazzo Bandino.
Check out and departure. Transfer to the Chiusi-Chianciano train station.
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