Tuscany Slow

Arrival at Campiglia Marittima station and transfer to Relais dei Molini. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation, the Relais dei Molini, in the pretty village of Castagneto Carducci. Dinner tonight is organized in a local restaurant.

A day dedicated to discovering the favours and wines of the Bolgheri Doc area, one of the most famous wine producing areas in the world. We visit the pretty village of Bolgheri, a beutiful hamlet historically belonging to the Della Gherardesca Family and also known for its “Viale dei Cipressi”, the avenue with the wonderful historical cypresses praised in the famous Giosué Carducci’s poem “Davanti a San Guido”. The village, which can be reached through an arched gate, has kept its original aspect: the historical buildings, the old roads, charming corners and little shops create a fascinating atmosphere enriched by the astonishing view of the hills, the Mediterranean maquis, extensions of olive trees and a superb view of the sea and islands in the distance. Stop at a local winery for a guided visit followed by a tasting of some of their best wines. Lunch today is with the locals with a selection of historic recipes handed down from generations and carefully prepared by the chefs of a local restaurant in the village of Castagneto Carducci, these include home made pasta and the famous wildboar sauce as well as other specialties. After lunch, have a nice walk to discover the mediaeval village and the secrets of a local liquor production, a family run business with over 200 years of history.

Away from everyday stress, treat yourself with a regenerating and rebalancing moment in the ‘Terme di Toscana’ in the wellness centers of the Etruscan Coast. Tuscany is one of the most important thermal basins in Europe, rich in natural springs, already known and exploited in ancient times, the Etruscans and Romans themselves, for example, knew the incredible properties of the waters. A few km from the Relais dei Molini you can find some of the most renowned sites: Terme di Venturina, Il Calidario and Terme di Sassetta. We have included for you the entrance to The Calidario natural swimming pool. The Calidario is a source of hot water at 36 degrees that flows directly into the natural swimming pool which is accessed via heated changing rooms with direct internal passage. A dive into the past to the times when the Etruscan people allowed themselves baths and massages in a unique and fascinating environment, a place where harmony and well-being can still be found today.

Early morning departure for Lucca, a city of culinary traditions and incredible cultural heritage. In preparation for your authentic Tuscan cooking lesson in a rustic, rural farmhouse, you’ll start the day sourcing fresh ingredients in the orchard after settling in with a welcome drink made directly from the rose garden carefully looked after. The cooking class will take place under the supervision of Mrs Teresa, who will enveil her secrets to cook some of the best tuscan dishes. Cooking class and lunch with seasonal dishes (some dishes may change in different months). In the afternoon take a chance to visit nearby Lucca on your way back to Castagneto Carducci. This quaint and evocative city retains the charm of a small and ancient Italian City State. Over the centuries it has managed to hold on to its independence and freedom by adopting a cautious policy. Having miraculously escaped the devastation of war, today it boasts one of the most extraordinary Tuscan art heritage. The imposing tree lined Renaissance walls which totally enclose it, the maze of medieval streets flanked by towers and smart boutiques, the enchanting Romanesque churches and bright inviting squares captivate the visitor who stands in awe of such unexpected beauty. Rest of the day at leisure in the walled town, a jewel to be discovered at every corner.

An opportunity to visit other mediaeval hamlets like Suvereto or Campiglia Marittima or the town of Massa Marittima. Alternatively explore the archaeological, mining and natural Parks of the Cornia Valley or dedicate your day to sports’ activity. Hike in the parks or cycle along some of the best training roads in Italy through vineyards and amazing scenery.
For the wine lovers, today is an opportunity to further explore the local wineries and estates as well as to visit the Wine Museum and join a wine appreciation course with a professional sommelier.

Volterra is famous throughout the world for its history of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance cities; for its unique landscape of cliffs, gullies and terrestrial graves; for its traditional alabaster processing in artisan shops. It is in this context of open territory and cultural deposit that Lischeto livestock farm operates and where the new but ancient craft of the cheese-maker arises. The farm keeps and develops the traditions of typical tastes of sheep breeding in Tuscany and works only the milk of the sheep present on the farm. The local produce like the cheese pecorino are made up of raw milk, not dealt thermally, like in the millenarian tradition of cheesemaking: those are type of cheeses difficult to work, by now rare to find, but with an unmistakable taste, synthesis of technological rigor and ancient knowledge. Today we visit the farm and participate at the cheese laboratory, to learn the techniques of cheese production and make your own cheese! Lunch is served at the farm with Km 0 products. Take the chance to explore nearby Volterra in the afternoon.

The Truffle experience is a total immersion in the misterious world of truffle, an exclusive experience for wine and food lovers. The goal is to offer an unforgettable emotion both in nature and at the table by tasting delicacies combined with selected wines of the area. The tour begins with the Savini Museum where the main steps conneceted to truffle of the Savini Family’s history are gone over again: from the ’20s until today. Partecipants are let to the woods with our master truffle dog. This is the most fashinating part of the route and honestly speaking the dog is the real leading actor of the hunt. The relationship between the truffle hunter and his loyal dog is going to leave you spellbound. The scent of the woods, the dog playing his favourite game: the research of the little smelling stones allowing him to get the delicious bone-shaped biscuit! The tour culminates with a lunch allowing to taste many of our products and fresh truffle of the season. Alla Scoperta del Tartufo is a way for experiencing true nature through the hunt and taste of the precious diamond of the woods.

Transfer to Pisa Airport for your flight back home.