You know the saying, “You didn’t go to (insert place here) if you didn’t do (insert thing here)”? Well, that’s how I feel about the tour company Arianna & Friends. They are a very well know entity in the area and how can they not be? Owned by charismatic Arianna and business partner Massimo, they offer literally everything under the Tuscan Sun.
I’ve had the pleasure of using their services multiple times (over five or six to be exact) and each time I grow fonder of the company. I’ve mostly used them for the private at home cooking classes, so I’ll start with that. Reasonably priced, a chef and host come to your villa or vacation rental, bring all the essentials (including accompanying wine) and teach you how to make some of the areas most famous and delicious meals. It’s not only fun but informative, giving you all the insider tips and tricks into what makes Tuscan food the freshest, and let’s be real, amongst the best in the world. You get to choose how many courses and what you want to make for each course, and they have plenty to choose from. The class lasts about three hours or so, and normally I like to invite the host to stay and eat with us just because they’re always such a delight, and give your meal that true Tuscan flair. However, if you don’t have a kitchen where you are staying, not a problem. You can also book this at their farm and have the same type of experience.
Along with cooking classes, the company also offers a variety of tours in the area. Vespa and bike tours that take you along the hills through the beautiful villages. Tours of vineyards and mills to taste the local wines and olive oils. They offer truffle hunting where you trek through the woods and get to see the dogs in action as they find the precious truffles the area is known for. And one that I’m dying to do, a cheese making tour and class, where you go to a local cheese farm and make your own Pecorino.
This article is only scratching the surface on all that Arianna & Friends has to offer. Check out their site below and get ready to be overwhelmed by the variety of experiences you can have. But not to worry, if you need help choosing, reach out to their friendly staff and they will guide you (literally) every step of the way.
Arianna & Friends: https://www.ariannandfriends.com/
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