If you choose the 7-day experience, your trip continues and let you take a break from cooking and visit the countryside, off-the-beaten-paths.
Today's tour crosses two regions: Tuscany and Marche.
After the breakfast it's time to move on to the Sanctuary of La Verna founded by St. Francis of Assisi. The Sanctuary is located on the mount Penna covered with a monumental fir and beech trees forest, is characterized by an unmistakable appearance thanks to its summit (1283 over the sea level) bending in sheer drop over the valley. Over the sheer cliff and wrapped around by a surrounding wood we can find the hole unit of the Sanctuary, which cherishes several art, culture and history treasures inside its massive and articulated structure.
Then we shall head to Sansepolcro, the medieval walled town is a key destination for anyone enamored of the art of Piero della Francesca, the monumentally important painter. Visit the Duomo di Sansepolcro preserving some extraordinary works by artists such as Perugino, Bartolomeo della Gatta, Santi di Tito, and the masterpiece the Holy Face, an unusual carved wooden Crucifix of Carolingian, origin, made from a single walnut log and its polychrome finish.
Sansepolcro Civic Museum houses a number of artworks notably related to the figure of Piero della Francesca, and you can also find the Della Robbia’s artworks.
Eremo Montecasale is not to be missed where the monks still live in their very simple and truly down-to-earth lifestyle.
After the lunch in a restaurant selected by the Chef, the tour continues to Urbino, a renaissance hill town and the birthplace of Raffaello. Visit the impressive Palazzo Ducale that houses one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in Italy. Another worthing visit to the Duomo housing several important artworks, including a painting of the Last Supper by Federico Barocci and the Museo Diocesano where can be admired a collection of glass, ceramics, and religious items. The small Albornoz fortress at the top of Urbino is a great place for views of the town and surrounding hills.
The next destination is Arezzo. For art lovers, Arezzo is a true delight.
The Church of San Francesco to admire the stunning frescos by Piero della Francesca, inside the Cappella Bacci, admiring the medieval stained glass and the baptismal font relief sculpted by Donatello. Also notable are five glazed terracottas by Andrea della Robbia and his studio in the Cappella della Madonna del Conforto.
The main square Piazza Grande with the elegant loggia designed by Vasari (the same Vasari who planned the Uffizi in Florence).
Casa Vasari to see the elaborate interiors of Giorgio Vasari’s Renaissance home as well as containing his own work and frescos, among which the Room of Virtue stands out.
Palazzo Pretorio, its façade covered in coats of arms. The Palazzo dei Priori near the Cathedral is a splendid example of civic Gothic architecture.
Before leaving Arezzo a stop to meet with a winemaker and tour his winery.
Return and have dinner with the Chef.