Cosmos
Gourmet Tuscany
On this affordable Italy, small group adventure, the town of Montecatini serves as home base from which to venture out to explore the surrounding landscapes of breathtaking Tuscany and getting to know its culinary and wine traditions. Indulge in picturesque scenery, world-class local wines, traditional cuisine, and cultural discoveries. From the rolling hills of Montalbano to Vinci and beyond, we’ll take you through bountiful vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut trees. You’ll even visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci to experience the Renaissance master’s life and art. Traveling through some of the most stunning and lush natural landscapes in Italy, you’ll embark to visit idyllic spots, including the gorgeous Chianti Valley and the Etruscan Coast. As you visit quaint wine shops, cafes, historic estates, and museums, you’ll feel immersed in the history and traditions of each destination. In addition to sampling the local gourmet Tuscan fare, you’ll also be treated to an Italian cooking lesson. You’ll prepare an authentic Italian dish inside a rustic Tuscan farmhouse where you and your travel companions will enjoy your culinary creations. You’ll also learn the art of Italian dessert making at your hotel and get to taste some of the celebrated Chianti and Super Tuscan wines right where they are produced. You’ll revel in the beauty of becoming familiar with a single destination of Montecatini while making priceless discoveries of locales that are off the beaten path—perfect for the smart, creative, and budget-minded travel lover.
| Day 1 |
Located in central Italy, Montecatini Terme is Italy's most frequented and fashionable thermal spa resort. |
| Day 2 |
|
| Day 3 |
Chianti, nestled in the heart of Tuscany between Florence and Siena, is a world-renowned wine region that exudes quintessential Italian charm. Famous for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and sprawling vineyards, Chianti offers travelers an unforgettable experience of Italy’s rich viticulture and history. Visitors can explore charming medieval villages like Greve in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti, where cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and historic piazzas transport you back in time. The region is also home to some of Italy’s most prestigious wineries, where visitors can indulge in tastings of the famed Chianti Classico, a robust red wine known for its distinctive black rooster seal. Chianti’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a paradise for history lovers. The Castello di Brolio, a stunning castle that dates back to the 12th century, offers panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and provides a glimpse into the region’s feudal past. Many of the vineyards in Chianti are dotted with Etruscan ruins, remnants of Italy’s ancient civilization, and medieval fortresses that once served as strategic strongholds during the region’s tumultuous history. Visitors can explore the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, a beautiful Romanesque structure that showcases Tuscany’s architectural brilliance. For food enthusiasts, Chianti’s culinary scene is as impressive as its wines. Local trattorias serve traditional Tuscan dishes like pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta) and bistecca alla fiorentina, a perfectly grilled T-bone steak. The region’s olive groves also produce some of Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oils, which you can sample during a visit to local farms. Pairing these delicacies with a glass of Chianti Classico while overlooking the vineyard-covered hills is an experience that captures the essence of Tuscan living. Fun fact: The Chianti region has been producing wine for over 2,000 years, with its wine-making traditions dating back to the Etruscans. Today, Chianti is home to more than 300 producers who adhere to strict regulations to maintain the quality and authenticity of their wines, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers and cultural explorers alike! |
| Day 4 |
Located in central Italy, Montecatini Terme is Italy's most frequented and fashionable thermal spa resort. |
| Day 5 |
West of Florence in the fertile Tuscany area, Lucca produces excellent silk, wool and olive oils. |
| Day 6 |
|
| Day 7 |
Located in central Italy, Montecatini Terme is Italy's most frequented and fashionable thermal spa resort. |
| Day 8 |
Located in central Italy, Montecatini Terme is Italy's most frequented and fashionable thermal spa resort. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
03/22/26 - 03/29/26 |
Starting At $2,199 |
Get A Quote | |
|
04/12/26 - 06/28/26 |
Starting At $2,279 |
Get A Quote | |
|
08/30/26 - 09/27/26 |
Starting At $2,349 |
Get A Quote | |
|
10/04/26 - 10/18/26 |
Starting At $2,299 |
Get A Quote | |
|
11/01/26 - 11/08/26 |
Starting At $2,199 |
Get A Quote |
The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include international airfare. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos) in which case intra-vacation air and taxes are included in the price shown.
