Magnificent Siena & The Palio Horse Race™

Siena, the romantic Tuscan city, conjures up thoughts of the Piazza del Campo, Palio, the Siena Cathedral, the Duomo and Saint Catherine of Siena. Step inside its Medieval wall and step back in time. Stroll through ancient streets and the historic piazza, before slipping into your beautiful hotel, an oasis of calm in this bustling town center – chose from the Luxury B&B or the Luxury 4 – Star. Our cooking program with Chef Francesco immersed you into Tuscan cuisine while learning about farm-to-table produce.  During your stay, discover Siena’s Piazza del Campo, food and wine shops with our English-speaking guide.

Cooking Classes

Tie on your apron and follow Chef Francesco in hands-on authentic cooking classes while learning about regional Tuscan foods of Siena. You will prepare a full course lunch or dinner, including fresh handmade pasta accompanied by seasonal sauces.  Ingredients are always farm-to-table, seasonal and fresh.  Menus reflect our chef’s passion for reviving historic recipes including making handmade pici pasta, tagliatelle, ravioli, local Chianina beef, Tuscan beans, stuffed garden vegetables and cantucci biscuits dipped in Vin Santo! Everyone enjoys the food made in class with local wine and mineral water included.

Siena

Set among the olive groves and vineyards of Chianti, Siena is one of the most popular and attractive towns of Tuscany. It is a town that has changed very little over the centuries, and its unique Piazza del Campo, the central piazza, is known as one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. Famous for its annual historic horse race, the Palio, which takes place in the central piazza, Siena has so much to offer each visitor. The Duomo is a striking example of Italian Romanesque architecture and was originally intended to be the grandest cathedral in existence (before funds ran out!), and Palazzo Pubblico, which houses Ambrogio Lorenzetti frescos are another masterpiece not to be missed. And just a few steps away from the main square are the narrow, winding streets that make for adventure and led to hidden angles of this ancient town, past pretty squares, and along fabulous restaurants, cafes and theaters.

Siena Accommodations

4-Star Hotel

Relax and enjoy your beautiful accommodations set in the heart of Siena. Each private room is decorated with elegant furnishings and boasts a colorful view over the town of Siena. Warm Tuscan colors create a cozy atmosphere, and antique prints line the walls and hallways. Each private room has a stylish en-suite bathroom equipped with hairdryer, quality linens, air conditioning, minibar, safe and free Wi-Fi internet connection. Take a stroll through the red brick cloisters, and enjoy breakfast under the brick vaulted ceilings. Nestling within the city walls, this historic property is perfectly situated for reaching shops and monuments alike, providing welcome respite from Siena’s bustling center.

Luxury B&B

Nestled in the very heart of Siena’s storied historical center, this deluxe and intimate accommodation stands as a testament to elegance and history, merging the allure of a bygone era with the comforts of modern luxury. Situated at the nexus of the city’s vibrant life, it offers comfortable bright rooms with breathtaking views of the renowned Piazza del Campo, immersing guests in the rich tapestry of Sienese culture and history. Committed to blending the historical ambiance with modern amenities, the establishment provides guests with complimentary Wi-Fi among other comforts, ensuring a stay that is both luxuriously comfortable and deeply connected to the historical essence of Siena. Each room is adorned with comfortable beds, Italian linens and ensuite private baths. Daily breakfast includes Tuscan cake, bread, fruit, cappuccino, coffee, tea and homemade jams. Daily maid service and breakfast included.

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Itinerary: 3 Days, 2 Nights

Check in and start your program on any day of the week

Day 1: Arrival & Check In

• Arrival in Siena and check in.
• Relax.  Enjoy your Cooking Vacations’ Welcome bag with Prosecco toast.
• Welcome Dinner featuring a Chef’s Tasting Dinner including a full course menu with local fare.

Day 2: Food Lovers’ Tour Of Siena & Cooking Class 1

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, join our English-speaking guide  for a Food & Landmark walking tour of Siena with delicious tastings included.  Learn about the ancient city of Siena, the churches and museums while visiting the city’s most respected artisan food and wine purveyors.  Start with a visit to the artisan bakery, who has kept the Old-World baking traditions alive, tastings included.  Next, visit a food shop showcasing a variety of local fresh and dry pasta, fruits and vegetables, and wine – food and wine included.  Learn about pici pasta, and how it is still made by Tuscan Nonnas. The tour continues with a visit of the Cathedral of Saint Catherine, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Italy.  Visit the famous Piazza del Campo home to the Palio horse race. The famous Palio is the oldest event in Italy running annually since the 16th century. The tour ends on a sweet note in an ancient artisan cake shop where you will see how Siena’s famous ricciarelli are made.  Buon appetito!!! Sweet note in an ancient artisan cake shop where you will see how Siena’s famous Ricciarelli are made.
• After your tour, head to the kitchen for your Cooking Class 1 with our Chef Francesco.  This hands-on cooking class focuses on the preparation of a full Tuscan menu. Dinner follows and everyone enjoys the foods that were prepared in class. Local wine included.
• After your cooking class, discover the winding streets of Siena for a glimpse the ancient Tuscan city at dusk.

Day 3: Cooking Class 2 & Departure

• Breakfast is served.
• Cooking Class 2 with Chef Francesco.  Tie on your aprons for your hands-on cooking class where you will prepare a full course Tuscan menu. Lunch follows and everyone enjoy the food that was prepared in the class with local wine included.
• Check out and departure after lunch.  Arrivederci!