GROUP ACTIVITIES
In addition to the celebration of our marriage we want to offer everyone opportunities to explore and enjoy as much of Italy as you can. We both love visiting and Aurora has deep ties and memories of Umbria and Tuscany through her family and want to share those with you.
Throughout the week we’ll have scheduled outings to offer which we encourage you to sign up for and join. In the evenings we will host sporadic gatherings on the grounds of Tenuta Larnianone including aperitivo followed by a family style dinner under the stars. These are just suggestions and offerings, if you would like to do your own thing, thats great too.
ALL ACTIVITIES BELOW NEED TO BE BOOKED BY SUNDAY, AUGUST 13TH.
To book a spot or if you have any questions regarding any of the tours or activities out lined below, contact our wedding planner, Janet Howell, who can assist you.
Chianti Wine Tasting Tour
Tuesday Oct 10th - Full Day
(morning departure, early evening return)
Your driver will pick you up from Tenuta Larnianone and take you through the hills of Tuscany. One half of the group will first arrive at Castello di Fonterutoli, the heart and soul of the Marchesi Mazzei story and wine production for nearly 600 years. Owned by the family since 1435, the estate still retains its original style of a tranquil country village, surrounded by 650 hectares of wood, vineyards and olive groves. Here you will enjoy a tour of the state-of-the-art winery followed by a tasting of their fantastic production. The other half of the group will enjoy their first tasting at Castello della Paneretta, one of the most impressive medieval castles in the Country dating back to the 1200’s. Upon arrival, you will meet your host and start with a tour of the property, followed by the wine cellars to learn how one of the best Chianti Classico is made. Following the first tastings, both groups will meet at a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch composed of pasta and other local items. After lunch, the groups will split off again and visit either the Castello di Fonterutoli or Castello della Paneretta for their second tasting of the day (winery switch). There will be stops in small villages such as Montefioralle and Passignano during the excursions. Return to Tenuta Larnianone for the evening.
Euro 289 per person (includes roundtrip transfers, hosts for each bus, wine tastings and tours, lunch).
Tour of Siena and San Gimignano
Wednesday Oct 11th - Full Day
(morning departure, late afternoon return)
Depart by private bus from Tenuta Larnianone to the center of Siena, one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany with its massive medieval walls and a gleaming redbrick canter. Here, you will meet your private guide to start your tour beginning at the Duomo, strikingly ornate with its massive black and white tower. Next, see the famous Piccolomini Library, with its frescoes by Pinturicchio of scenes from the life of Pope Pius II. You will then approach the impressive Piazza del Campo, where the ‘Palio’ bareback horserace takes place each summer. A nice walk through Siena’s charming streets will then take you to the Church of San Domenico from where you will enjoy a fantastic view of the city.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then meet your driver to head to the beautiful town of San Gimignano, often described as the Medieval Manhattan for its unique skyline. You will be provided plenty of information about this charming town before giving you time on your own to explore on your own. Originally a castle, later a Dominican Convent, this fortress was built by the Florentines in 1353 when the town submitted to Florence to protect it from possible attacks by Siena or from internal riots. The fortress maintains hits pentagonal base and you will be able to climb one of turrets and admire the stunning panorama. Meet your driver and return to Tenuta Larnianone for the evening.
Euro 125 per person (includes roundtrip transfers and private guide in Siena). Lunch additional.
Tour of Florence
Thursday Oct 12th - Full Day (morning departure, early evening return)
Depart by private bus from Tenuta Larnianone to the center of Florence, known as the Cradle of the Renaissance. Meet your private guide to begin a half-day walking tour of the City, starting with Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of the 19th century modernization of Florence, where the roman forum of the old city once was. You will then move on to one of the most beautiful squares in the world, Piazza del Duomo where your guide will tell you about the Cathedral and its graceful Gothic bell-tower and discuss the Romanesque baptistery with its beautiful gilded bronze doors. The next stop will be the Accademia Museum, home of Michelangelo's David, one of the most beautiful masterpieces of the Renaissance. After the museum visit, you will reach the Church of Santa Croce. Often described as the Temple of the Italian Glories, Santa Croce is burial ground of Machiavelli, Galileo and Michelangelo and one of the most interesting churches in Florence. You will first admire the beautiful façade rebuilt in the 19th Century, then visit the interior to see the spectacular frescoes by Giotto, considered as the artist who introduced prospective into painting. Your guide will point out many of the hidden gems of Florence throughout your tour. Following the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with your group of friends. You will have a bit of free time to explore Florence after lunch, then meet your bus driver to head back to the Tuscany countryside for an evening at leisure.
Euro 150 per person (includes roundtrip transfers, private guide and skip the line entrance tickets to the Accademia). Lunch additional.
COOKING CLASSES
Learn to cook traditional Italian and Tuscan food with Chef Robin on the grounds of Tenuta Larnianone. These are 4 hour long classes arranged for small groups of 2 min and 8 max who are interested in learning how to prepare and cook traditional Italian meals from scratch. Both classes need to be scheduled and booked in advance, and start on your day of choosing at 9am - 1pm.
Option 1: Fresh Pasta
The three types of fresh pasta of this fantastic territory, combined with its most classic sauces, certainly simple, but which best enhance these products, let us breathe together the scent of fresh pasta of small works of art, and then conclude the lesson with the tasting of what you have done! - €120 per person
Fresh Pasta Menu
I Pici Cacio e Pepe
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I Ravioli Maremmani burro e salvia
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Gnocchi di patata al pomodoro e basilico
Option 2: Tuscany on the Table
The most iconic dishes of the Sienese and Tuscan tradition, 4 courses that smell of this fantastic territory.
To then appreciate what was created together comfortably seated at the table with the possibility of completing the experience by combining excellent wines by choosing from a selection of the best Tuscan wine products. - €140 per person.
Tuscany on the Table Menu
Patè di Fegatini
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I Pici al ragu di Cinta Senese
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Peposo di Manzo al Chianti
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Cantucci con il Vin Santo