Join us for a magical week as we travel to Montalcino, Italy, tucked in the breathtaking southwestern corner of Tuscany, where the unhurried pace of life in a medieval village will leave you refreshed, reawakened and reinvigorated.

We’ll enjoy spending our days just inside the walled village at the exceptional Il Giglio, a beautiful property set on one of the most charming streets of Montalcino, a few steps away from the main Piazza del Popolo. We’ll take several day trips and explore this exceptional Tuscany region, including visits to the area’s top wine producers. Come experience the breathtaking vistas across the Val d’Orcia and the possibility of dipping your toes in the healing waters of the Tuscan countryside. Sample fresh pressed olive oil. Take a private cooking class or two. Hunt for truffles in the nearby hills and dine at our favorite ‘off the beaten path’ restaurants .

Join us for this magical week of ‘la dolce vita’!

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Sample itinerary, our itineraries change with the season!

Day 1: Arrival

We will meet you at Rome airport and travel to Montalcino by private transport. As you make your way to Montalcino you can get to know your fellow travelers. Upon your arrival, you will be met with a welcome aperitivo. After a bit of time to relax and explore the village we will then enjoy our first wine tasting and dinner at cozy Grappolo Blu, a trattoria just off the main piazza.

Day 2: Getting to know Montalcino

The day begins with breakfast and then you will have free time to wander, whether you choose to shop or just sit and watch village life go by, morning will be at a leisurely pace. Next is a scrumptious lunch at Le Potazzine, situated in Piazza Garabaldi, also home to the shewolf. Afterwards, we’ll go on a historical walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Montalcino before heading back to the hotel for a bit of rest prior to dinner. We will then head to Castelnuovo del’Abate for the sunset and pinci making/rolling class with this charming small town’s Nonnies. We will then enjoy a delicious meal (including our just made gnocchi) prepared by the Nonnies paired with local wines at a long table down the main street (weather permitting). This truly a farm to table experience and a special treat as we usually end up dancing the night away.

Day 3: Isola del Giglio

After breakfast we will head Porto Santo Stefano to board the ferry for the enchanting Giglio Island.

Day 4:  A “Giardino a Tavola” Cooking Class

On this morning we may have a special treat as we will have a cooking class with the women of Quartiere Pianello in the village.  After class, we will walk to a local gelateria for a class on making creamy Italian gelato.

We’ll then head back to the Borgo for a rest prior to dinner. Dinner will kick off with a special candlelight wine tasting in the medieval fortress at the village, followed by a delectable meal at Drogheria Franci, featuring old vintages of Brunello wine.

Day 5: Hot springs & pecorino

Today we’ll spend the day touring the countryside around Montalcino.  After breakfast, we will travel to visit the spectacular village of Bagno Vignoni where one can take a dip in the hot springs. After a late lunch, we will visit to the village of Pienza and spend time at a local farm to see how the famed Pecorino is made.  Dinner will be in the picturesque village. 

Day 6: Local 'yard-to-table' cooking class and a tranquil Abbey

Today we will spend a delightful morning cooking with the friendly team at Locanda Demetra, who grow much of the food they use in their restaurant. After dining on the fruits of our  morning labor, we will visit the spectacular Abbey of Sant' Antimo in a nearby valley.  We will continue around the valley and visit one of our favorite Brunello vineyards, Ciacci Piccolomini, before returning to the Borgo. 

Dinner will be at the Borgo. Michele and Deb will be hosting a special poolside dinner where we can cook together and enjoy the spectacular beauty of our special home for the week.