Have you ever wondered if there is a time that the beautiful hilltop towns of Tuscany are ever not crowded with tourists? When the light of the sun can still touch your skin and soul at the same time? A time when the harvest is still fresh and you can taste the summer and farmer’s care in each bite? Thankfully, there is. The flavours of autumn in Tuscany can be celebrated in style!
As the days start to feel the chill of autumn – not just of a turned page on a calendar, but shorter days and cooler nights – not only are the towns less crowded, but tempting food festivals start to fill weekend days and evenings.
Truffle cheese – Flavours of Autumn in Tuscany
After four fabulous years living in Italy, and mostly in Tuscany, we would love to welcome you to one of our upcoming autumn food & photography retreats.
Each is built around a particular annual happening that Italians love and celebrates. Together we’ll slow down and live a little Italian life, savouring the moments, learning about foods, and practicing photography.
Each 6-night retreat is set up for 4 – 7 people, staying in elegant accommodation, and enjoying a little of the beautiful Italian life so widely written about. We’ll visit local markets as well as special events, taste award-winning wines, and dine at local and stunning restaurants.
And most importantly, we’ll have fun!
Tasting Tuscan Style— November 3-9, 2018
As the long hot days of summer fade, the flavors of Tuscany are harvested. Join us as we explore some of the ancient towns of southern Tuscany – after the grapes are harvested and olives finish ripening.
Towards Cortona – Tasting Tuscan Style
We’ll wander through hilltop towns, learn from a professional sommelier about the regional wines and different terroir, savour local foods, and relax in the sunshine.
Are you ready to taste an authentic Tuscan life? Join us November 4-9 at the Tasting Tuscan Style Retreat.
Pre-tour: Tasting Firenze — November1-3, 2018
If you’d like to arrive a couple of days early and have time to relax in Florence, join us for Tasting Firenze. We’ll start with a sip of prosecco and nibble on truffle sandwiches, have dinner nearby, and stroll on some of Florence’s most famous streets.
Our full day together will include a day trip to enjoy some ‘junk food’ Tuscan style, as only a local can curate, with our friends at Florence’s Conti Tuscany Flavors. If you still have room after our fabulous day out tasting fabulous local foods, we’ll visit one of Florence’s best little wine bars for a relaxing evening of conversation and treats.
On our last morning, you’ll have free time to explore Florence by yourself as well, or sleep in a little, as you wish.
Tuscany & Truffles — November 16-22, 2018
Each November, the streets of Tuscany’s hilltop town, San Miniato, are closed on the weekends for the Truffle Festival. Bringing together not just truffles, but makers of Tuscany and Italian favourites, the four-weekend festival is loved by Italians as they prepare for the start of the holiday season.
Lucca – Tuscany & Truffles
We’ll wander the streets of the festival, and also visit some of the suppliers in the northwest of Tuscany, to sample their wares, learn how to cook them like a local, and photograph the experiences as we go. The beautiful Versilia coast is nearby, and a beautiful way to savour the fresh flavours and artwork.
Are you ready to savour truly authentic Tuscany & Truffles? Join us November 16-22.
Post-tour: Tasting Firenze — November 22 to 25, 2018
If you’d like to stay a few more days and have time to relax in Florence before you head home, join us for Tasting Firenze. We’ll start with a sip of prosecco and nibble on truffle sandwiches, have dinner nearby, and stroll on some of Florence’s most famous streets.
Our full day together will include a trip to enjoy some ‘junk food’ Tuscan style, as only a local can curate, with our friends at Florence’s Conti Tuscany Flavors. If you still have room after our fabulous day out tasting fabulous local foods, we’ll visit one of Florence’s best little wine bars for a relaxing evening of conversation and treats.
You’ll have one more morning to relax in Florence, and we can meet for coffee at one of our favourite places – Paszkowski’s in Piazza della Repubblica… one of the best places to ‘people watch’ in Florence.
Savouring a Tuscan Christmas — December 4-9, 2018
Early December in Tuscany is filled with delights to tempt all your senses.
Join us for a 6-night retreat, based in Florence. During the Retreat we’ll stroll through local markets, enjoy a cooking class and wine tasting with experts. In the evenings we’ll wander through ancient Florentine streets, each filled with different white light decorations, and enjoy the windows filled with beautiful treats.
To officially start the holiday season, the city stops on the evening of December 8 to see the lighting of the large Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo, as part of the national holiday, Immaculata.
Florence Duomo –Tuscan Christmas
We’ll visit the Weihnachtsmarkt German Market in Piazza Santa Croce. The market takes its inspiration directly from Heidelberg, Germany! With wooden stands filled with both Florentine and German gifts and dishes, from Sienese panforte and Milanese panettone to porchetta and bratwurst – you’ll be tempted to try delicious international treats. It is open throughout the retreat, so you’ll be able to return to do some special Christmas shopping, at your own pace.
If you’d like to read more about Christmas in Florence, you might enjoy this article about 12 dates of the Florence Christmas.
Details are being finalized. Let us know if you’d like to hear more about this wonderful week in Florence – email retreat@globalwanderings.ca with your name and the number of people in your group!
Pre-tour: Tasting Toscana —December 1-4, 2018
If you’d like to arrive a couple of days early and have time to start savouring the flavor of Tuscany, join us for this delicious and action-packed pre-tour. We’ll stay in Florence and start with a sip of prosecco and nibble on truffle sandwiches, before dinner nearby overlooking the Arno River.
Together we’ll take a walking tour of Florence, and then travel to Arezzo for an afternoon strolling the antique market before enjoying dinner in a fantastic new restaurant. We’ll visit the famous Truffle Festival in San Minato, and take a day trip to enjoy some ‘junk food’ Tuscan style. And you’ll be booked into your hotel for the start of the retreat – two adventures based out of one location!
Autumn Season Schedule
Save the right dates for you and Register today! Email us at retreat@globalwanderings.ca to let us know you want to come, and we’ll get things ready for you!
Nov 1–3 Pre-tour: Tasting Firenze, staying in Florence
Nov 3–9 Retreat: Tasting Tuscan Style, staying near Cortona
Nov 16–22 Retreat: Tuscany & Truffles, staying in Lucca
Nov 22–25 Post-tour: Tasting Firenze, staying in Florence
Dec 1–4 Pre-tour: Tasting Toscana, staying in Florence
Dec 4– 9 Retreat: Savouring a Tuscan Christmas, staying in Florence
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