Tucked in a corner of Southwestern Tuscany is an area that few tourists know about. The Maremma features rolling hills, charming medieval villages, and pristine beaches. It is also home to the so called Tuscan “cowboy” or buterri and the great but relatively unknown Morellino di Scansano wine.

It is here that we propose an equestrian and culinary getaway…a time to explore forgotten lanes and olive groves on horseback, to learn to prepare the perfect hand-made pasta and pan sauce, and yes, to relax at the end of the day in a state-of-the-art spa. It all happens at a four star country house hotel just outside the village of Scansano. For a week you will be based here, enjoying hands-on cooking lessons with Chef Leonardo, riding to nearby towns and wineries on horseback, and visiting nearby towns such as Orbetello and the spa of Saturnia.

Day One

Arrival on your own at Antico Casale di Scansano, a charming country hotel situated in a restored farmhouse. Your room features an en-suite modern bathroom, antique furniture, satellite TV and stunning views of the Maremman hillsides.
Welcome dinner at the restaurant, featuring delicious country cuisine. The dishes feature seasonal products and local olive oil and are accompanied by delicious wines such as Morellino di Scansano and Aione di Macereto.

Day Two

Meet your instructor and chef, Leonardo, in the kitchen of the restaurant. You will prepare an extensive list of handmade pastas and gnocchi and their appropriate, seasonal sauces. Sit down to lunch featuring what you have prepared accompanied by local wine.
Afternoon excursion to the town of Orbetello on the coast. Once an Etruscan settlement, the town uniquely lies on an island in the middle of a pristine lagoon. It is a lively and busy town which has always relied on fishing. Today it is a fun place to shop and people watch, enjoying the sea breeze.
Return to Scansano. Dinner at the hotel.

Day Three

This morning walk down to the equestrian center where you will meet your guides and your mount! The center offers both English and Western tack and a variety of horses, suitable for both beginners and advanced riders. The breed is mostly Maremmano. Today’s trek will take you to the area of Ripacci where you can visit the old suphur mines or Villa Romana. Stop for lunch at an organic farm where they will show you how they prepare local cheese. Lunch is not included but you can enjoy a tasting of the products made at the farm for an additional fee. (4-5 hour ride)
Return to the hotel where you will have time to relax in your room or at the spa.
Dinner.

Day Four

Today join Chef Leonardo in the kitchen for your second cooking lesson in which you will learn how to prepare extraordinary country soups, flavored with our precious local extra-virgin olive oil. Some of the soups you will cook include mixed mushroom soup, Mediterranean vegetable soup, chickpea or bean soup and the tasty Acqua Cotta soup. Last but not least, you will prepare, as a starter, the famous Tuscan crostini or toasted bread seasoned with oil, garlic, or tomatoes.
Lunch follows the lesson.
This afternoon’s excursion will take you to the Etruscan towns of Sovana and Pitigliano. Pitigliano stands on a tuff cliff and appears to grow out of the volcanic rock. Due to its large and active Jewish community, dating back to the 15th century it is also known as “little Jerusalem.” Sovana is just a few kilometers north and features interesting medieval ruins.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day Five

Today’s ride will take you in the direction of Macereto where you will visit the winery of Roccapesta. Here you will enjoy a tour of the cellar and have lunch (not included). (4 hour ride plus stop)

Return to the hotel with time for relaxing spa treatments before dinner.

Day Six

On the last day of Tuscan cooking course in the farmhouse, you will learn how to prepare typical Maremma desserts, just like panna cotta with wild-berries, tozzetti to be eaten with Vin Santo, a typical dessert wine, and many other sweet delights, whose secret will be revealed step by step by Chef Leonardo. A tasting follows the lesson.
This afternoon you will visit to the famous Tuscan spa of Saturnia for a dip in the sulphurous springs.
Return to Scansano.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day Seven

Today is market day in Scansano so our ride will take us to the hill town where will stop to enjoy the festivities. Back in the saddle we continue on to Civitella, passing by the convent of Petreto (3 hour ride plus stop).
Afternoon free.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day Eight

Check out.