Tuscany is one of those tourist destinations that never disappoints. Very Seductive. Very Romantic. And a great idea for a trip for two. The artistic legacy, the breathtaking hills, the food and the wine – if you’re the long, lazy lunch type of traveler, you might never want to leave! After spending a few days exploring the cobbled streets of Florence, rent a car and drive out to the small country towns, and look to stay in a villa. A villa is the perfect base from which you can take day trips to different Tuscan towns…and perhaps try your hand at some authentic Italian cooking classes. Here’s one we like:
Casa Ombuto
Poppi, Italy
The perfect retreat in Tuscany for those who enjoy the small and intimate, Casa Ombuto is a Tuscan villa in the hills of Casentino valley set on a private 80 acre estate. The local town is a medieval village called Poppi, but the villa is also within driving distance towns such as Casentino, Chianti and Cortona.
The cantina on the property houses a professional kitchen where cooking classes are held. The classes – which, by the way, only start after lunch at 3 pm (sleeper ins rejoice!) – teach you how to make your own four-course Italian dinners, including fresh pasta making, wood-fired pizza and meat dishes such as Wild Boar and Polenta. One day features an excursion to a salami factory, a cheese farm and an olive oil mill, including a lunch at a vineyard near picturesque town Arezzo.
The villa is divided into three apartments, each with their own kitchen and living room. The common area outside features a flood pool and a large shaded pergola area for dining on a warm evening (pictured below).
