When the scent of wood burning fires and roasted chestnuts fill the air, and the crowds of tourists are long gone, Tuscany shines even brighter.
Outdoor Christmas markets pop up in each village and their ancient streets are aglow with twinkling lights and nativity scenes.
Cortona is a charming and walkable village with loads of adorable properties from self catering apartments to full service hotels, so there is something for everyone, all located in the historic center of the walled village, and are a short walk to shops, bars, and restaurants.We will meet each day for our excursions, classes, and meals.
For this tour you can now book your own accommodations. This will allow friends and families to share one of the charming Tuscan properties in the medieval village of Cortona. See our suggested list of properties below if booking on your own. If you prefer full service hotels we have also listed a few suggestions below.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Casa Zeni (Silvia, the owner, has a few apartments in the same building and another on a nearby street, so any of them are good choices.).
Together in Tuscany This website has many listings but please be sure the location is Cortona proper, NOT Camucia or another town.
If you would prefer a hotel which offers breakfast, the below properties offer a range of room options and are all located in the historic center of town.
You will need to arrive at the Camucia-Cortona train station the first day of the tour. From that point on all transportation will be provided throughout the tour by private driver or train.
Hands on cooking with Chef Angela Cicala making Italian holiday recipes.
Hands-on cheese making on a farm in the countryside with a full lunch of their house-made products.
Create vintage Christmas crafts and ornaments
Tour a historic cantina in Montepulciano and enjoy wine pairing with a delicious Tuscan lunch.
Guided, 4-course dinner with wine pairings with a local Sommelier in Cortona.
Shop at the local butchers, bakers, and produce vendors for ingredients for our cooking classes.
Surprises from Tuscany for you! Merry Christmas!
Tour starts and ends in Cortona. If you are traveling to Florence with us for 2 nights, tour ends in Florence. Please arrange transportation to and from the starting and ending points. We can assist!
We will pick you up at the Camucia-Cortona train station which is along the direct route coming from Rome or Florence. We will get everyone settled into their apartments and then meet for aperitivo before a welcome dinner at a local trattoria in the village with wine pairing led by a Sommelier Francesco Fratini.
It's market day! Rise early to get the best produce from the stalls and we'll stop at the butcher and wine shop to pick up ingredients for our holiday menu we will be making today. Hands-on cooking class at a villa within walking distance from the historic center where we'll make pasta, soup, a main course, and of course dessert. Dinner on your own tonight.
Christmas cookie class today at the villa. We will provide decorative boxes for you take your sweets back to America with you if you would like. Dinner on your own.
We'll take a ride out to Montepulciano today to a historic cantina for ta tour, tasting and lunch at the winery.
Free time to explore the village and shop at the Christmas market to pick up any last minute gifts. Tonight we will have a holiday filled evening of making Christmas crafts, enjoying cocktails and pizza at a friend's cantina in Cortona.
You are welcome to bring along any gifts you would like to wrap. All art supplies and wrapping paper provided.
We will transport everyone to Camucia-Cortona train station, or if you would like to continue your Tuscan journey, join us for 2 nights in Florence. See details in Add On section of the booking form.
