Food & Music Of Volterra™

Tuscany conjures up many magical pictures, but surely the thought of a handsomely restored 17th-century property that produces its own wine and olive oil is one to make many a heart flutter. But this is exactly what our Food & Music culinary experience in the village of Terricciola offers: the opportunity to stay on a beautiful estate as guests of Giuseppe and his family, sample their produce and spend time in the kitchen with the talented Chef Carla, a relative of Andrea Bocelli (she always says that he can sing, but she can cook!), and her team who will soon have you cooking like a Tuscan Mamma.

Visit local produce markets with your guide, take a trip to a local oil producer and cheese artisan, learn how to create the most delicious Tuscan dishes like fried zucchini flowers, Stracchino cheese and Tuscan sausage, Pappa al Pomodoro, Tuscan chicken with vegetables and (home grown) olives, beef in Chianti sauce and a selection of homemade desserts. And best of all, allow your beautiful surroundings to help you relax and unwind.

Cooking Classes

Cooking classes take place in the property’s handsome Tuscan kitchen with Chef Carla. With the abundance of fresh seasonal ingredients available locally, it should come as no surprise that the dishes you’ll prepare are traditional Tuscan and reflect the seasons and the canny ability of the Tuscan housewife to exalt the taste of each ingredient while blending flavors harmoniously. Antipasti are a must in Tuscany and Panzanella, Bruschette and fried zucchini flowers, Zuppa Rustica-faro, carrot Tuscan soup, Pappadelle, Gnocchi & Porcini and Cantucci with Vin Santo are a sample of foods that you can expect. Discover the secret of turning out perfect handmade Tagliatelle and Ravioli every time, and of dressing them with simple vegetable and herb-based sauces. Turn your hand to making Risotto with Porcini mushrooms, melt in the mouth roast pork, and chicken with lemon, and learn how to create delicious Tuscan desserts such as Almond Ricciarelli. During lessons you’ll be assisted by Arianna or Massimo who translate and also fill you in on lots of interesting information about Tuscan traditions, culture and history. Guests attending our culinary Cooking & Music In The Kitchen will not only learn how to cook; they will also enjoy an uniquely informative experience that brings them closer to Tuscan lifestyle and culture.

Volterra and surroundings

The area of Volterra is rich in history. Originally there were the Etruscans, whose fascinating tombs are still dotted across the countryside; then the Romans who were quick to recognize the excellent quality of the local wine and olive oil; and then the town was the backdrop to the violent war between the towns of Pisa and Florence. Just 30 minutes away from Pisa and close to the main towns of cultural interest such as Florence, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano, make Volterra an ideal location. Surrounded by idyllic countryside and immersed in peace and tranquility, the little town of Terricciola is truly one of Tuscany’s hidden secrets.

Accommodations

Set in a beautiful hilltop position and surrounded by lofty Cyprus trees, your home away from home offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with the town of Volterra spread out below. The main building of the property is a perfect example of 17th-century Tuscan rural construction and it has been tastefully renovated, maintaining all the original characteristics. Around the building there is an ample garden and on the south side, the swimming pool, surrounded by a gentle green slopes and dotted with olive trees. The estate has footpaths that allow guests to stroll through fields of wheat, sunflowers, olive groves, vineyards and woodland. Rooms are attractively furnished in Tuscan style with beautiful traditional wood furniture and gleaming terracotta floor tiles. All rooms and apartments have private bathrooms, TV, Internet access; there is a playground for children, access to a barbeque, and also to a washing machine. Café tables and chairs are dotted around the property, perfect for impromptu picnics and snacks. Giuseppe and his family are the perfect hosts, and it is their warm welcome and the property’s vicinity to all the main tourist towns that make this an ideal destination for those wishing to discover the true pleasures of Tuscany.

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Itinerary: 5 Days, 4 Nights

Day 1: Welcome, Arrival, Check-In

• Arrival at residence.
• Check in, relax, and enjoy an aperitivo.
• Make your way to charming local restaurant for your Welcome Dinner. Wine available at a surcharge.

Day 2: Trip To Local Market & Cooking Class 1

• Breakfast is served
• After breakfast, it’s off to the medieval town of Peccioli to the local produce market where your guide will show you round and point out typical produce while you soak up the fabulous market atmosphere. Before heading back to your residence, enjoy an aperitivo in a local café. Trip is three hours. (Guests drive there and back by themselves.)
• Lunch is own your own.
• In the late afternoon, head to the kitchen for your first cooking class where along with Chef Carla and her team you’ll turn your hand to creating a full menu Tuscan meal. Dinner follows and everyone eats the foods prepared in class together. One glass of local wine served, additional wine available at a surcharge.

Day 3: Visit Oil Mill, Cheese Maker and Lunch

• Breakfast is served.
• After breakfast, depart for a visit to an olive mill and an organic cheese factory near Volterra with olive oil tasting and cheese tasting/lunch. Trip is 5 hours. (Guests follow tour leader in their own car).
• After your tour, suggestion: go on to visit the town of Volterra on your own.
• Return to residence at your leisure.
• Dinner on your own.

Day 4: Cooking Class 2 & Wine tasting

• Breakfast is served.
• After breakfast, aprons on for your second cooking class. Following Chef Carla, create a delicious three-course meal based on the very freshest seasonal ingredients. Lunch follows and everyone eats the foods prepared in class together. One glass of local wine served, additional wine available at a surcharge.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of some of Giuseppe’s wonderful wines, all produced on the estate.
• Dinner on your own.

Day 5: Check Out & Arrivederci!

• Breakfast is served.
• Check out.
• Arrivederci e a presto!

*Note: This schedule may vary due to inclement weather, saint days or festivals. All activities, in the event of rescheduling, are always included during the program.