Past Trips — Thelma & Leez

Tuscany 2019 Memories

We spent our days discovering the unexplored countryside of Tuscany and visiting local artisans, farmers, cheesemakers, and butchers. We cooked together, walked a short part of the Via Francigena, kick back and enjoy long leisurely lunches and picnic and dine at the newest addition of a local Michelin restaurant.

Each experience was hand-picked, unique with some special surprises thrown in...

2019 Brochure

P6040006 (1).jpg — the villa

Our small group of food enthusiasts, consisting of 8 to 10 guests, is based in a luxurious villa in the Tuscan countryside, a few minutes outside the charming village of Montaione. This typical Tuscan villa boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen where we will cook together. A hand-built, wood-fired pizza oven is waiting for us to learn the ins and outs of making this Italian specialty.
There are 5 generous bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, 3 expansive indoor living areas as well as outdoor entertainment areas, a swimming pool, herb garden, and endless views of rolling hills with cypresses, vineyards, olive groves, and ancient villages.

Sample Itinerary

day 1

Welcome to Tuscany! We will pick you up from Pisa airport, train station, or hotel in the afternoon and take you to the beautiful villa where you can unpack and settle in for the week. We will enjoy sundowners and informal dinner and get to know one other.
day 2

After a delicious breakfast, we head off to hunt for truffles – dogs and all! We will indulge in a delicious truffle lunch after the morning adventure. This afternoon you can put your feet up and relax at the villa and soak up the last rays of sunshine at the pool before we head out to one of the area’s oldest and most innovative wineries.
day 3

The food escapades continue after breakfast as we head out to the beautiful medieval town of Certaldo for a cooking class with Giuseppina. In the evening our in-house Pizzaiolo Cristian will serve up delicious pizzas in the villa's woodfired oven.
day 4

Let your mind wander off to the middle ages, breathe in and smell the countryside of Tuscany and imagine being a pilgram on the Via Francigena as we walk the stretch between Gambassi and San Gimignano. Lunch awaits under the trees where you can relax and enjoy some cold wine and prosecco. In the afternoon you can relax at the villa before we head out for a surprise dinner.
day 5

This morning we walk past Pinocchio's movie set, which has been beautifully restored and boasts a Michelin star restaurant, an art gallery, coffee shop and hotel. Back at the villa a scrumptious brunch awaits. In the afternoon we head off to San Gimignano which is one of the best-preserved of the middle-aged towns. Dinner is served at the sister restaurant of Cum Quibus, a one Michelin Star Restaurant.
day 6

After a light breakfast overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany, we will make our way to a local Coop to shop for fresh produce. Then we head off to have a snack and a drink with the locals in the town square. The rest of the afternoon is spent preparing for our interactive cooking with Chef Liezie where we will cook up a storm and enjoy real Tuscan-style dinner together.
day 7

One last splurge for breakfast to celebrate and share a few more laughs and stories. Mid-morning we will transport you back to Pisa airport, train station or your hotel (approximately 1 hour’s drive) and send you home with extraordinary experiences and memories that will last forever!