As we bid farewell to our final visitors of the season, we’re already setting our sights on next year’s adventures. For the upcoming year we’ve carefully considered three unique ways for you to join us on the stunning Tuscan Coast ensuring there’s an option for every traveler.

​If you come to visit us, you’ll explore the Castagneto Carducci – Bolgheri region, a hidden gem of Tuscany. Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, this area is renowned for its Super Tuscan wines. While Bolgheri is not very well known as a travel destination, its name shines in the constellation of world-famous wines, such as Sassicaia and Ornellaia. The American magazine Wine Spectator awarded the title of “Best Wine in the World” to these two Super Tuscan wines on separate occasions. In 2001, the honor went to 1998 Ornellaia, and in 2018, the 2015 Sassicaia claimed this prestigious accolade.

This is the place where we’ve chosen to make our home, so you’ll experience this part Tuscany through the eyes of those who know and love it best. Good food, great wines, rich culture, unexplored hills, sandy beaches, great biking roads, a community of friends and local connections, slow pace living, and sunny days for most of the year thanks to the proximity to the Mediterranean. The luxury of everyday life resides in simple things, the simple pleasures that we’re excited to share with you.

If you’re seeking an in-depth immersion into Tuscan culture, wine and cuisine, this is the trip for you. We’re thrilled to announce that the dates for 2024 are now available! We will be offering four exciting all-inclusive trips, with two in the spring and two in the fall. Here are the dates:
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1. April 23 – April 27
2. May 8 – May 12
3. October 9 – October 13
4. October 23 – October 27

Our Food & Wine Trip is a 5-day all-inclusive experience, to discover Tuscany during Spring or Fall. This is the ideal moment, the temperature is mild, with sunny days and cool nights. So it’s perfect to explore the region’s natural beauty, stroll through beautiful vineyards, visit historic villages and local markets, while enjoying great food and wine.

You’ll be traveling along with us and have the opportunity to gain insights into the history, culture, and traditions from true insiders. As an avid traveler myself, having explored numerous corners of the world on my bicycle for many years, I understand the value of connecting with local people. Traveling is more than just moving from one place to another; it’s about immersing yourself in the essence of a place.

The most exciting part for me is the opportunity to cook together in my home kitchen where I teach my online cooking classes. There’s not a better place where we can experiment, discover, and create. A place where we can slow down and connect with others.

Here are some trip highlights:

• Cook authentic Italian recipes with me in my home kitchen.
• Taste world-class wines from some of the top-producing vineyards in the world.
• Explore beautiful medieval villages, meet local artisans, people, winemakers, with whom we have become friends over the years.
• Dine at my favorite local restaurants and wine bars, tasting the best of Tuscany’s world-class cuisine.
• Group size will be a maximum of 12 people.

We’re strategically located close to Rome, Florence, and Siena, easily accessible by car or train. There’s a train station right in our village that is also close to a fantastic gelato spot, Bar Jolly! This positioning makes it easy to extend your trip to visit these historic Italian cities and delve into their rich cultural heritage.
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Our trips are meant for small groups and spots are limited! We recommend securing your place as soon as possible. Tuscany in the spring and fall is a magical experience, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

​If you prefer a shorter stay or different dates than the 5-day all-inclusive Food & Wine Trip, or if you’d like to focus more on cooking classes and less on wine, we are more than happy to tailor your trip to your exact preferences. We’ll use our local insider knowledge to plan all the logistics to create your unique itinerary.

Stay with us at La Casa Toscana, we are ready to welcome you! Surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and only 6 km from the crystal-clear Mediterranean, La Casa Toscana is our beautiful, restored 18th-century Tuscan farmhouse on ‘La Strada del Vino’ between Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri. Our property has two levels: the bottom, where my family lives (also where I teach my hands-on cooking classes), and the top, where we have two spacious apartments for rent.
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Each apartment is 90 square meters (970 square feet) with two bedrooms, a spacious living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. Air conditioning and wifi are provided for free.
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If you come and stay with us as an independent traveler, Arnaud & I will be delighted to assist you with personalized recommendations for our favorite restaurants and must-visit places. You can also book a hands-on cooking class with me or a food & wine tour to discover Tuscan medieval villages, culinary excellence, and world-class wines.
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Whether you’re seeking a local trattoria or an elegant dining experience, we can point you in the right direction. When it comes to wineries, we’ll help you book tastings at some of our favorite wineries. Check our webpage La Casa Toscana where you can see pictures and video tours of the two apartments. If you’re interested in our rentals, respond to this email or just email me at chicca@cookingintuscany.cc

We can offer guidance on how and where to rent a car or a bicycle, making the process seamless and stress-free. If you prefer the convenience of local trains to reach Rome or Florence from our village, we’ll provide you with all the details you need to navigate the system.

We can help you create a tailor-made itinerary as an independent traveler that aligns with your interests and ensures you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions during your stay. Our mission is to make your journey through Tuscany as smooth and unforgettable as possible.

If you’re a cycling enthusiast, this is your paradise! We’re passionate cyclists ourselves and can’t wait to share with you incredible itineraries for both road and gravel bikes.

Castagneto is also the starting point for the Tuscany Trail, one of the world’s largest bike-packing events that is held in May. Over the past years, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting families that have enjoyed our region while waiting for their adventurers to return from the trails.

We look forward to sharing the magic of the Tuscan Coast with you, no matter your travel style or preferences. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the upcoming trips, please don’t hesitate to reach out by responding to this email!

Love from Tuscany,
Chicca & Arnaud!