Castello di Tocchi

La Cucina del Castello (the Cuisine of the Castle) is a one-week program dedicated to the authentic experience of Tuscan culture, through the exploration of its ancient culinary traditions.

Traditional cooking course*
We ignore traditional tourist routes as we can, instead looking for intimate opportunities to know and feel the culture through its countryside, cooking and history. Your culinary conquest of Tuscany will include cooking classes, as well as wine tastings, city tours, visits to food producers and to a shepperd's farmhouse to assist in the making of pecorino and ricotta cheeses. Our local chefs, guided by Giancarlo Giannelli, are all at the top of their trade and teach with a great passion for the ancient customs and traditions. They also bring romance and poetry as an added value.

“Mamas of La Cucina del Castello” · Recipes of a Happy Kitchen*
Mamas of La Cucina del Castello (the Cuisine of the Castle) is an intimate one-week cultural and culinary program. The mamas will demonstrate recipes which have been handed down by word of mouth for generations. Each Mama will share with you her family's culinary secrets and you will have the privilege of learning them and then still be able to walk away!

Our itineraries will closely follow the seasons and will include truffle hunting, olive and grape harvesting, visiting a crystal making company - where the working of crystal is still strictly a craft activity - as well as a glass artist. You will be admitted into the private estates of some of Italy's noblest families, see gorgeous examples of Italian gardens and visit the ancient cellars within the renaissance villas for wine tastings.

(*The classes are small, a maximum of 14, and are demonstration style, with many opportunities for participation. The course is appropriate for all levels of experience in the kitchen; the only requirement is a love of food and Italy! We hope therefore you will join us for a culinary conquest of Tuscany and take home the many unforgettable tastes of the real Tuscany that few have experienced.)

To discover the most hidden wonders of the Sienese territory, immerging oneself in its history, the medieval flavour and to experience it again as protagonists. It is easier if this trip takes place while gently rocked from the sweet trot of a horse, covering the ancient paths and discovering that lifestyles of once upon a time still exist. To take part in one of the equestrian tour proposals offers this opportunity. Just choose the most fascinating adventure: "Feast of the Conquerors", "Saints and Warriors" or "Medieval Treasure", and then let yourself be guided in this wonderful discovery by the staff of Castello di Tocchi which, with the maximum familiarity, availability and competence, will pamper you in every phase of your stay, from the crunchy breakfasts to the long rides by horseback through the Sienese territory; from the interesting excursions to the enjoyable dinners. They will be days in which you will learn to immerse yourself in a serene atmosphere, familiar and fun.

You will learn to appreciate the harmony that emanates from these lands. Four or five days, according to the chosen tour, will be completely dedicated to trekking on horseback. Skilful expert guides, natives of the territory that you will explore, will allow you to pass entire days immersed in the uncontaminated nature, surrounded by hills, forests, rivers and ancient medieval villages jealously guarded by the florid vegetation.

We will reach well-known destinations like Montalcino and San Galgano, but also more hidden places, equally full of history that in their genuineness convey the fascination of a "still unexplored treasure".

Many others will be the discoveries to experience together, while the cohesion of the group will grow and we will find ourselves once again united and participating in a fascinating travel in time: a truly unforgettable experience.