Tasting Tuscany: a culinary retreat in the heart of Italy
ITALY
with Bri McKoy
October 4-9, 2026
Want to see what your week in Tuscany looks like?
Download the complete itinerary and retreat brochure.
Val d’Orcia
ITALY
Step into a dream-like corner of Tuscany where rolling hills, medieval towns, artisan producers, and warm Italian hospitality set the stage for an unforgettable retreat.
Join beloved author Bri McKoy for a joyful, delicious week in the Tuscan countryside — a journey filled with cooking, tasting, gathering around the table, and connecting deeply with the land, its people, and one another.
This retreat blends everything we love most about travel: slow mornings, farm-fresh meals, meaningful encounters, laughter over long lunches, and evenings under the Tuscan stars. If you’re craving nourishment, inspiration, and beauty in every sense, Tuscany is calling.
✦ Cooking class at a historical, family-owned castle winery
✦ Tour an organic farm and taste their pecorino cheese
Highlights
✦ Visit a third-generation olive mill for an olive oil tasting
✦ Wander Pienza & San Gimignano on guided tours
Bri McKoy
A note from
Tuscany holds a special kind of magic — the kind you can taste, smell, and feel all the way down to your soul. When I first walked through the hills, I knew instantly: I have to bring my people here. The food, the land, the way Italians gather, the way they savor — it all feels like one big exhale. This retreat is an invitation to slow down, cook with joy, taste everything, meet the people behind the food, and experience Italy the way Italians do: with open hearts and long tables. I cannot wait to explore, laugh, sip wine, learn, and share meals with you. Pack your stretchy pants. Tuscany awaits!
“
The
Experience
Day Trips
With a local guide, we’ll wander through Tuscany’s enchanting hilltop towns, from Pienza, a quintessential Renaissance gem, to San Gimignano, affectionately known as the ‘Medieval Manhattan’ for its thirteen striking towers.
Tastings
We'll visit a family-owned organic cheese farm where we’ll tour the property as well as a third-generation olive mill and experience the art of olive oil making firsthand. Taste freshly pressed oils, learn the secrets behind their rich flavors, and savor the authentic essence of Tuscany straight from the source.
Cooking Class
We'll enjoy a cooking class at a nearby, top-rated historical castle winery. Afterwards, we'll eat what we've made and enjoy tasting the winery’s perfectly paired noble wines.
Artisan Pasta Mill
Ever wonder how dried pasta is made? We’ll don our hair nets and get a first-hand tour of a family-owned ‘pasteficio’ where they do even grow their own grain — pictured in the fields above!
The
Location
Rustic Country Charm
Authentically Tuscan, the agriturismo is situated atop a ridge, affording 360-degree, wrap around views. The surrounding views with Siena in the distance is the perfect place to take in the beauty of Tuscany.
Private Apartments
Each room is located in one of the agriturismo’s private apartments. While the agriturisimo will be hosting other guests while we are there, you will only be sharing the apartment with other people from our group.
Typically Tuscan Rooms
Each of the agriturismo’s rooms is different and uniquely rustic Italian. Most boast views across the valley and each has its own bathroom. This is an authentic way to experience Tuscany’s countryside — idyllic, comfortable and quiet. Wake up to chirping birds and sleep to the soothing soft sounds of crickets and frogs.
Retreat Inclusions
Add-on experiences available at an additional cost. See more below.
Prices are per person and include:
Shared rooms starting at
£3450 per person
ADD-ON EXPERIENCE | October 2-4
Two-Night Culinary Tour of Florence & Siena
Embark on a delightful food tour through the enchanting cities of Florence and Siena. Savor authentic Tuscan flavors as you visit local markets, artisanal shops, and charming trattorias. Enjoy guided tastings of typically Tuscan delights, immersing yourself in the rich culinary heritage of the region. After a day of indulgence, unwind at a luxurious four-star hotel in both Florence and Siena, where comfort meets elegance, ensuring a restful retreat. This journey through Tuscany promises not only delicious food but also unforgettable experiences in stunning surroundings. (Only available for those attending the retreat. Minimum of four.)
Wednesday, October 7th we’ll head to one of the most glorious areas of Tuscany for a glimpse of an astonishingly beautiful Romanesque Abbey. You’ll have time to wander the grounds and visit the monastic pharmacy (great for gifts and souvenirs!) full of wonderful hand-crafted foods, remedies and skin care products made and curated by the monks themselves. Afterwards, we’ll head to lunch at one of Italy's top wineries where we'll taste the winery’s own olive oil and incredible wines over a delicious lunch of Tuscan specialties. (Minimum of four.)
ADD-ON EXPERIENCE | October 7th
Day Trip to Romanesque Abbey & Winery Lunch
FAQs
-
We recommend you fly into Florence as it's a small, easy airport to navigate and well connected to the city center. It's also where we're all going to meet in Piazza Santa Maria Novella on the first day of the retreat for private transfer to the villa.
-
Yes, absolutely. We offer 'bijou' small, add-on itineraries for those who'd like to spend a few days in Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast or Milan on either end of the trip. Just click here, choose your dates and package and voila. Sorted! Don't see what you're looking for among one of our pre-package tours? Write to us at duende@duenderetreats.comand we'll help with a bespoke itinerary suited to exactly what you're looking for.
-
All are welcome! It's an itinerary that would be enjoyable for anyone who likes to eat, laugh, walk, cook, cycle, wine taste and explore. (Children not permitted.) If you’re looking for an authentic Tuscan countryside experience with all the flavors and fun, this is for you!
-
Yes. When you register and pay your 30% nonrefundable deposit, you can opt into setting up a payment plan.
-
Deposits are nonrefundable unless there's a waiting list and someone would like to take your spot. In the case we are able to sell your spot, you will be refunded your deposit, less £300 admin / transaction fees.
-
The full itinerary will be sent to you about a month prior to departure. If you have specific questions regarding the excursions, please do reach out to us.
Our trips, tailored to you.
Any of our trips can be tailored to suit your needs. Click on the button below and fill out our simple easy form and we’ll send you a quote.
