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Itinerary for the one week Italian Cooking and Hiking at Casa Ombuto or Bellorcia

Immerse yourself not only in the Tuscan cuisine but also in the beautiful Tuscan culture and countryside of Tuscany. For select weeks at Casa Ombuto and Bellorcia we offer a combination of cooking and hiking. Learn to cook authentic Italian dishes, having fun and making friends for life, all while staying in Casa Ombuto and have the added benefit of taking two optional spectacular hikes. You will be accompanied with a professional guide to discover the beauty of the Casentino valley if you choose Casa Ombuto or the Val d’Orcia if you choose Bellorcia. Find out more information about the Tuscookany hikes and the Casentino and Val d’Orcia regions and join us for a unique week of cooking and hiking. During your one week Italian cooking vacation you will have Italian cooking lessons on 4 afternoons and hiking for two mornings. For dinner you will dine on your creations accompanied by delicious wines to compliment the dishes. We introduce you each evening to different red and white wines from different regions of Italy. The hiking is an optional extra and if you prefer not to hike or want to go sightseeing on your own you are of course free to do so. A full-day culinary excursion is included.

The itinerary for the one week Italian cooking and hiking vacation:

First Day	Arrival at Florence airport We can arrange transfers to and from Florence airport on request. Check-in at the villa from 16:00 onwards Welcoming dinner at 20:00 Introduction given by the chef and a chance to get to know each other.
Second Day	Breakfast Morning free to relax and enjoy the villa Light lunch for those who are present First Cooking lesson starts at 15:00 Dinner
Third day	Buffet breakfast Depart for your first hike 09:00 - 12:30 Light lunch for those who are present at 13:00 Second Cooking class – starts at 15:00 Dinner
Fourth day	Breakfast Departure culinary excursion *Bellorcia:* You will drive through the magnificant Val d'Ocria and visit Montalcino and taste the famous Brunello di Montalcino wines and have time to walk around this charming village. You will visit an authentic pecorino cheese farm in Pienza and have a chance to see how these local produce delicious Tuscan cheeses. Lunch is planned in a breathtaking location and before going back to the villa for supper you visit a Olive oil farm to taste various cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil and learn how it is made. Casa Ombuto : You will visit a wine and olive oil estate for oil and wine tasting, then pay a visit to a wine estate for a wine tasting and make your way to a cheese and meat Farm for lunch and cheese and meat tasting. After lunch you will stop in a local town for a gelato or visit a ceramic and then go back to your villa after an exciting, fun-filled day to have a light, informal dinner at the villa.
Fifth day	Breakfast Morning free for sightseeing or relaxing at the villa Light lunch for those who are present Third Cooking lesson– starts at 15:00 Dinner
Sixth day	Breakfast Free day On the free day, only breakfast is served. After breakfast you have the day to yourselves to do some sightseeing or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This is an ideal day to take a trip to Florence or Siena for shopping and sightseeing Tip: Our guide can organize and accompany your group on excursions in the area. You also have the option to stay at the villas and relax at the pool or take a soak in the Hot Tub. Lunch and dinner reservations can be made at a restaurant of your choice.
Seventh day	Breakfast Depart by car for second hike 08:30 - 13:00 Light lunch for those who are present at 13:30 Final cooking lesson – starts at 15:00 You prepare an elaborate dinner covering all the cooking techniques you have learnt during the week and more. Presentation of food will be demonstrated.
Last day	Breakfast Check-out around 10:00

Italian cooking schools

Do you want to enjoy an inspiring Italian school in Italy combined with hiking in the spectacular Casentino valley or Val d’Orcia , all while staying in an amazing villa? Then read more about the available dates for your cooking holiday.