Cooking Class in Umbria

AREZZO AND ITS PROVINCE   AREZZO – History and Art – 3/6 hours Arezzo is known today for being the Gold Town due to the traditional production of gold jewellery since the VI century b.C. Infact Arezzo is an Etruscan town and Etruscans, very civilized and wealthy people, were famous for the production of jewellery, potteries and iron weapons. But Arezzo also represents Art during the Middle Age thanks to some masterpieces dating XIII-XIV century like the Cross made by Cimabue or its Cathedral or its Pieve or XV and XVI century (see tours below). Lately Arezzo is becoming more and more important also for its production of Chianti Wine so a nice wine tasting might be welcome!   PIERO DELLA FRANCESCA – History and Art – 6 hours A full day immerged in Piero della Francesca life and art. Through his works, some of them considered worldwide masterpieces, we will understand why since the XV century he has been known and still is known as the inventor of real perspective. We will visit the beautiful towns of Sansepolcro, Monterchi and Arezzo.   GIORGIO VASARI – History and Art – 3 hours A tour in Arezzo, the birth town of Giorgio Vasari, the artist who built the Uffizi in Florence and left many memories through his works in Arezzo. We will visit the house he bought and painted himself and Piazza Grande, the main square. We will discover as well the XVI century Fortress, the renewed masterpiece of Arezzo, which just reopened after 20 years and after a remarkable restauration… practically Arezzo history packed in a single monumental shrine!!   SANSEPOLCRO – History and Art – 3/4 hours The town is not only known for Piero della Francesca but also for  some other masterpieces like the Volto Santo, one of the most ancient crucifixes in the world or the “Deposition” made by Rosso Fiorentino, a very important artists of the XVI century. And what about herbal medicaments? Here, about 40 years ago, was born the first herbal industry of Italy and today we can visit its marvellous museum undertaking an ideal journey through the centuries talking about herbs and remedies.   ANGHIARI – History and Handicraft – 3/4 hours What about a dive into Middle Age? Anghiari is the perfect place! Castled uphill with its XIII century walls and its millenary history, you will appreciate its “out of the time” atmosphere. But Anghiari is also known for the famous Battle of Anghiari, which took place in 1440 and was represented by Leonardo da Vinci. Another important aspect of the town is handicraft: would you like to visit a linen fabric laboratory? And a pottery maker? And what about an oil tasting?   CORTONA and LAKE TRASIMENO – History and Wine Tasting – 4/6 hours A tour in Cortona first discovering Etruscans, one of the oldest and most civilized people in ancient history, and then walking around town to appreciate its “out of time” atmosphere with its tiny shops and art galleries. And after such a big effort, a stop for wine tasting is needed! Then down to Lake Trasimeno for lunch and a stroll along the main street of one of the nicest typical little towns of the area.   CASTIGLION FIORENTINO E LUCIGNANO – History, Art and Tasting – 3/6 hours Castiglion Fiorentino is one of the oldest towns of Valdichiana with its Etruscan origins dating VI th century B.C. We will visit the town center and the local Etruscan Museum. We will then move to the elliptical town of Lucignano, a medieval hamlet  where we will admire the Tree of Life also known as the Golden Tree, one of the most popular jewellery work ever made. We can add to the tour a wine or oil tasting on request.   CASENTINO – History – 4/6 hours A suggestion to know a bit better Tuscany: the Sacred Valley of Casentino. Visit will start by the Sanctuary of La Verna, where S. Francis of Assisi received the stigmatas  and where you will admire the marvellous glazed terracottas by Andrea della Robbia. Later on we will go to Poppi for lunch in the old town and then visit its beautiful center and its medieval Castle.     SIENA AND ITS PROVINCE   SIENA – History and Art – 4/6 hours Let’s discover the middle age Siena not only through its narrow streets, squares and historical contradas but also visiting what was up to forty years ago a hospital and today is a museum which preserves the urban origins of the town.   MONTEPULCIANO and PIENZA – Wine and Cheese Tastings – 4/6 hours Let’s go for tastings! A tour in Montepulciano, a delicious Middle Age town, where we will visit some wineries and historical caves and then in Pienza, the Pope town, for cheese tastings. We are sure you will enjoy either the perfumes and the look of both towns!   VAL D’ORCIA between S. QUIRICO,MONTICCHIELLO and PIENZA History and Cheese Tasting – 6 hours Starting from S. Quirico d’Orcia, one of the fundamental stops on the Via Francigena, we will continue on to Monticchiello, a medieval hamlet perfectly preserved, and then to Pienza, the Renaissance town thought and created by Pope Pius II. A pecorino cheese tasting will complete the visit.   SAN GIMIGNANO – History and Art – 3/4 hours Known as “ the town of the 100 towers”, let us discover San Gimignano through its historical center, its Collegiata (the main church) with its XIV century frescoes representing scenes of the Old and New Testament and the “Rocca”, the ancient fortress with its marvellous view on the valley. The tour will end up to the most famous “gelateria” in the world.   Customized tours Possibility to mix the tours   Price On Request Contact Us for prices and more informations