Italian Immersion Week in Tuscany
Each day of our week together we will focus in our learning learning on a new concept, which we will have occasion to practice on our walks into the village for a cappuccino, in our conversations with new friends in the park, on tours in Siena, Cortona, Pienza and Montalcino, or in any number of other serendipitous encounters.
Based for the week in the village of San Giovanni d'Asso, we will immerse ourselves in the place, the season, the language, the culture, the people and the food. We’ll learn from an expert (and his dogs) the art of truffle hunting, take a class in Tuscan cuisine, go on a wine tasting tour in the heart of the Montalcino region. (Weather permitting, we may get to go truffle hunting ourselves.)
Our home will be a private villa from the 17th century where we will be the only guests. Dinners are prepared by our personal chef using local and seasonal ingredients to make every meal a feast! We’ll eat together in the dining room each evening. Breakfast is served buffet-style. You are free to eat indoors, out on the terrace or in the garden – or go to town to enjoy a cappuccino with the locals! There is a lovely private pool at the end of the garden which makes for the perfect end to a long day writing. The villa is across the street from a historic castle and within easy walking distance of the town where there is a grocery store, cafe, restaurant and even a weekly outdoor green market. You can easily be independent to meet and interact with the locals.
Other Possible Activities:
- introduction to truffle hunting traditions
- excursion to Siena
- Tuscan cooking class at home with local chef
- optional local winery tour
- visit to nearby botanical gardens Il Bosco della Ragnaia created by an artist who turned his talents from painting and sculpture to designing and maintaining this beautiful space
