Sonia writes:

“I personally would love to take you and introduce you to some of my favorite places in Siena and its neighboring towns, as well as have you meet some of my friends if they are around. Of course, we also visit my work place – my school – and perhaps if you like invite you to join one of our culinary classes. I’d be happy to read your mind when it comes to fulfilling your special interest in the art de vivre around here.”

Itinerary 2:

La Dolce Vita

“Italian cookery is delicious, healthy and full of imagination and is an essential part of our nation's culture. Get a real taste of la Dolce Vita by learning about our cuisine, language and culture. Let‘s cook together in our large furnished and fully equipped kitchen. Come for a day or four weeks. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional or enthusiast, or a beginner. We can look at a variety of themed courses that we can do together. Perhaps we can cook a special seasonal meal; or a traditional Italian, especially Tuscan cuisine meal; or have you ever tried to follow a recipe of the middle Ages? I will leave the choices up to you.”

“We begin in the morning and I take you step by step through the cooking lessons. Let’s take a good look at the necessary ingredients. And last but not least – we enjoy our fabulous lunch in our frescoed dining room.”

“After a little break after lunch how about I teach you some basic Italian or brush up your Italian language skills….?”

Itinerary 3:

Siena

“Come and meet me at my house. After a good cappuccino a la Sonia, I’ll introduce you to our town:

"Siena is the city of the Blessed Virgin. See the white and Black – it is the heraldic symbol of the "Balzana". Siena is all this: It's passionate and contemplative, known and unknown, steps and alleyways of days long gone. The singular color of the Piazza del Campo takes you by surprise. In the districts, museums and oratories of the contradas, the songs of the Palio evoke ancient rituals. See the town inside the walls built hundreds of years ago.
At the time for “al Conca d’Ora” and we enjoy a wonderful Prosecco just like the Siennese. For lunch I can either make reservations at Trattoria San Giuseppe or Osteria Le Logge and we enjoy a fantastic meal. Or if you like we can always join and participate at one of our culinary classes back in school.”

“Siena is also the Duomo, the cathedral and the breathtaking view from the Facciatone; the Pilgrim's Hall at Santa Maria della Scala, the Piccolomini Library and the prestigious Chiagiana Academy. The overpowering fortress now holds the Enoteca Italiana, and with it the most precious wines of the region. Taste the wines of Tuscany and of the whole country. Smell the food preparations at the trattorie. Hear the sounds of the craftsmen and the splashes from the fountains. Let me tell you about Fontebranda and the mystery of Diana, the famous underground river and the geometric architecture of the Piazza, at once suggestively neo-Gothic and cathartic.

Siena means the world to me. Let me show you what is engraved above Porta Camollia "Cor magis tibi Saena pandit" meaning “Siena opens her heart more than her doors to you!”

Chianti & hilltop towns of San Gimignano and Monteriggioni

To the north, we have the richness of the Chianti landscape, woven with vines and olive-trees throughout the hills. Even we the local people exclaim that the Chianti area, between Florence and Siena, is one of the most beautiful countrysides in Italy and a famous wine production area.
Wine tasting is a possibility but also olive oil tastings.

Here we also find the beautiful hilltop towns of San Gimignano and Monteriggioni with old walls, winding streets and incredible views. In San Gimignano we enjoy wine tasting and discover the “Tuscan Skyscrapers”. Let’s get scared by the representation of “Hell” on the Duomo‘s walls. On we go to Volterra. Here we admire the Etruscan jewellery, stroll through the shops of alabaster and then a stop I look forward to: My favourite country restaurant on the way back .

South of Siena, the Arbia valley leads to the hill-top town of Montepulciano, San Antimo, Montalcino, home to the famous fantastic Brunello wines. We could stop for wine tasting and a visit at the fattoria. Later we enjoy some more of the beautiful countryside and we can return to Siena for a culinary lesson if you wish.

The area called La Crete is also amazing with its harsh rock formations and unique landscape. Let’s visit the Abbay of Monte Oliveto Maggiore first before we had for Pienza for a cheese tasting. In the evening we must dine at “alla trattoria della Pievina”where my friend Miretta prepares hopefully a fantastic fish meal.

Westwards we head towards the coast, to captivitating coastline towns like Castiglione della Pescaia, and nature reserves like the area called Maremma.

It is all within reach and Siena is a good place to base yourself for a true Tuscan experience. I’d be happy to host you while you are here.