Traveling to this part of Tuscany in early September gives you a unique opportunity to experience the "Joust of the Saracens", an exciting and colorful ancient game of chivalry dating back to the Middle Ages. Other highlights include three hands-on cooking lessons and visits to local producers of cheese, salumi and wine.

The first six clients to pay in full receive 50% off an in-room spa treatment (that's worth at least $75!) at our Tuscan home away from home.

Itinerary

Lodging for the next seven nights: Dimora Casa Eugenia.

Day 2: The Saracen Joust of Arezzo
You are awakened each day by the softly lapping waters of the Ciuffenna River and Eugenia’s scrumptious continental breakfast. A gorgeous drive through the land that inspired Leonardo da Vinci brings you to the regional capital, Arezzo. Considered to be one of the original 12 Etruscan towns, Arezzo was featured in Benigni's stunning film Life is Beautiful and was also birthplace to the scholar and poet Petrarch.

But today, we are there to enjoy the Saracen Joust! Adagio Travel has arranged balcony seats in the Piazza Grande, where a local guide will enlighten you on the rules of the joust as it unfolds in front of your eyes -- a truly unique occasion! A catered lunch of local specialties will accompany your experience. Return in the late afternoon and dine at Dimora Casa Eugenia this evening. B,L,D

Day 3: Visit the Valdambra
Travel to Valdambra, located in the very center of Tuscany and usually overlooked by tourists. Fortunately, as it has retained many traditional towns and customs. Bring your cameras; lunch will be in one such typical village, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Return to the hotel and free night for dinner. B,L

Day 4: Of Tuscan Beans and Other Delicacies
Visit to the local “Fattoria di Terranuova”: learn about local breeds of farm animals, cheese and winemaking, and olive oil production. Discover why the “fagiolo zolfino” is the most sought after of Tuscany’s many wonderful beans. Tasting lunch with the friendly owners. Back to Dimora Casa Eugenia in the early afternoon, with time to rest before joining Chef Giuseppe for your first cooking class. The menu changes daily according to Giuseppe’s inspiration and local seasonal ingredients. The menu prepared in class followed by a leisurely in-house dinner. B,L,D

Day 5: Chiesa di Gropina and a Saucy Lesson
Enjoy a walking tour of Loro Ciuffena and a private viewing of the interior of the Romanesque church in nearby Gropina, considered one of the most splendid examples of this type of architecture. Optional walk to the church from our hotel (2 hour round trip).

Your second cooking class takes place this afternoon with Chef Giuseppe. Teh focus will be sauces -- to accompany everything from pasta to dessert! Dine on your creations. B,D

Day 6: Chianti Classico Senese
Travel west for a guided tour of the “Chianti Classico Senese”, that part of the famous wine region just west of the Province of Arezzo. Visit bustling Radda in Chianti, followed by the gardens and local wine cellars of the Castello di Brolio estate. Wine tasting, followed by lunch in Volpaia village in a typical tavern. Back to Dimora Casa Eugenia for dinner and relaxation. B,L,D

Day 7: Local Flavors
Shop in the local open air market and lunch on your own in the town of Terranuova Bracciolini. This charming town was named after one of Italy's most famous humanists, Poggio Bracciolini (1380-1459). Final cooking class with Chef Giuseppe, followed by a private "piccola gala" dinner. B,D

Day 8: Arrividerci
Transfer to Florence airport/train station or Pisa or Montevarchi Train Station. B

Accommodations

Meals

Transportation

Personal Budgeting

Notes