Autumn Arts Festival-Indulge in the Flavors of Tuscany: Culinary and Wine Adventure
John Motondo, Cultural Connector and Culinary Enthusiast, is a seasoned traveler and Program Assistant at Il Chiostro since 2002. He’s not your typical guide; he’s a bridge between cultures. Through years of building lasting friendships, he seamlessly connects guests to his extended family of local friends in Italy.
A devoted food lover and home chef, John’s tours are a sensory delight, as he leads you to his favorite hidden gems, allowing you to taste the true flavors of Italy. With John, every moment is an opportunity to forge connections and immerse yourself in the heart and soul of this enchanting country.
John Motondo, Cultural Connector and Culinary Enthusiast, is a seasoned traveler and Program Assistant at Il Chiostro since 2002. He’s not your typical guide; he’s a bridge between cultures. Through years of building lasting friendships, he seamlessly connects guests to his extended family of local friends in Italy.
A devoted food lover and home chef, John’s tours are a sensory delight, as he leads you to his favorite hidden gems, allowing you to taste the true flavors of Italy. With John, every moment is an opportunity to forge connections and immerse yourself in the heart and soul of this enchanting country.
Il Chiostro celebrates the harvest time of the year in Tuscany with The Autumn Arts Festival. We offer 3 separate workshops that all overlap throughout this week-long celebration of the arts, the harvest, the wine and this wonderful region of Italy. The workshops are:
- Painting in Watercolor & Acrylic with Lynn Stender
- Tuscany: Culinary and Wine Adventure – with John Motondo
- Travel Photography with Marie Joabar
In addition to your workshop we offer Italian Opera Appreciation lectures with Prof. Patricia Pease each evening before dinner. This is open to all participants.
Program Description – Tuscan Cuisine:
A self-professed food lover and skilled home chef, John’s connection with Italy’s culinary heritage runs deep. He understands that food is a universal language, capable of transcending cultural barriers. With an insider’s knowledge, he guides guests to hidden trattorias, bustling markets, and tucked-away cafes where they can savor the authentic flavors of the region. From rolling pasta to uncorking wine, John’s culinary adventures add a flavorful dimension to the Il Chiostro experience.
When you travel with John, you’re not just sightseeing; you’re immersing yourself in a tapestry of experiences woven together by years of friendship, cultural exchange, and shared meals. Whether it’s wandering through charming cobblestone streets, discovering hidden gems known only to locals, or simply enjoying the company of newfound friends, John’s presence guarantees an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Italy.
Experience the heart and soul of Tuscan cuisine and culture through our immersive Food and Wine Tour. Delight in a journey that combines the art of cooking, the pleasure of wine, and the beauty of picturesque hill towns. From cooking classes to wine tastings, cheese making to olive oil pressing and guided excursions to iconic towns hidden gems.
Relax and rejuvenate in the picturesque setting of Dievole Wine Resort. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this charming retreat offers comfortable accommodations, stunning vineyard views, and an authentic Tuscan ambiance. Enjoy leisurely strolls through the vineyards and relish gourmet meals made from the freshest ingredients.
Join us on a journey that will tantalize your taste buds, enrich your culinary knowledge, and leave you with cherished memories of Tuscany’s gastronomic wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or a curious traveler, this Food and Wine Tour promises an authentic, immersive, and unforgettable experience. Come discover the magic of Tuscany through its flavors, landscapes, and traditions.
Explore the charming hill towns that have come to define Tuscany’s allure Embark on guided excursions to the historic towns of Siena, Pienza, San Gimignano, Radda, and Panzano. Immerse yourself in the local culture, admire breathtaking architecture, and sample local specialties during each visit.
Here are some highlights of the class:
- 3 Cooking Classes
- Wine Tour at Dievole
- Olive Oil Tasting & Pressing (weather depending)
- Local Cheese Tasting
- Guided Excursions: to Siena, Pienza San Gimignano & Radda
- Visit local Artisans
Every day we will discuss how we can incorporate what we learn into our daily lives at home
John stomping grapes
Price: $3,975* p/p
- Single supplement – $695 (limited number available)
- Suite supplement – $450 p/p (limited number available)
* 2023 Price retained only until December 31, 2023
Includes:
- Room (double or suite) with full ensuite bathroom
- 2 meals per day (dinner with wine and full Tuscan breakfast)
- Workshop tuition and fees (except where noted)
- General activities (except where noted)
- Transfers between Siena train or bus station and Dievole
General Activities Open to All Participants (in addition to workshop):
Most activities take place in and around the 900 year old Dievole estate & vineyard.
- Winery tour and tasting, featuring Dievole’s Chianti Classico
- Italian Opera Appreciation classes every evening before dinner
- Excursion to Siena
- Dinner in the old cantina
- Various topical excursions with your class
- Special evening concerts and surprise entertainment, TBA
- Pig Roast celebrating the harvest and the arts
Price does not include:
- Airfare
- Museum admissions
- Gratuities
To Register: just click on the Sign Up Now button. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot in the workshop. Payment can be made on line with a credit card or PyPal. Once we receive your deposit we will send you a formal Registration Confirmation with further information about the program. You will receive 2-3 other correspondences by email prior to the workshop with information about Italy, a supplies list and an electronic invoice for the balance. Final Balance is due by September 1st. Any time prior to your arrival, if you have questions about anything regarding the trip or the program, you can contact us by email or phone and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Contact us for more information: info@ilchiostro.com or speak to us live at 800-990-3506.
Dievole Chianti Classico Winery, Tuscany
Participants in the Autumn Arts Festival will stay in Dievole’s 16th century inn and guest houses floating in the magnificent Tuscan hills. We take over the whole winery so it will begin to feel like home after a few days. The entire facility recently underwent a major facelift transforming all rooms into spacious, luxury lodgings. Rooms are doubles or suites with modern bathrooms and heating.
A limited number of single rooms and suites are available for a supplement.
Dievole will seem more like a family inn rather than an impersonal chain hotel. Dievole is located in the town of Vagliagli, about 12km northeast of Siena and 40km south of Florence. If you wish to explore the area independently during your stay we recommend renting a car. The link below will give you a glimpse of the winery:
Click here to visit Dievole’s web site…
Visit them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dievole
Die vole vineyards, photo by Jim Palmer
Dievole wine bottles, photo by Gilbert Rios
Gianni pouring for a tasting, photo by Andy Holtzman
Dinner in the old wine cellar, photo by J Michael Sullivan
Dino ready to carve at the harvest pig roast
Early morning at Dievole, photo by Gabriella Pascoe
Orientation in the vintners’ room, photo by J Michael Sullivan
We will pick you up in Siena anytime between 1 and 5pm on the first day of the program. The recommended arrival airports are Florence or Rome from where you can take a bus or train to Siena. Florence is closer, but there are no direct flights from the US. You would have to change in another European city. Rome provides more flight options.
The bus/train from Rome to Siena is about 3 hours.
We can also arrange for a car to pick you up from Florence or Rome. You pay the driver directly. Just let us know a few days in advance so we can make the arrangemenst for you.
If you are departing from Rome on the last day, remember it is 3 hours by car or bus from Siena so try to book an afternoon flight.
If you have time, you might consider lingering in Italy for a few days extra on either end of the festival. Allow the Italian rhythms to seduce you. A few days in Rome or Florence upon arrival is a wonderful way to get over jet-lag. For other travel help check our Travel to Italy web page.
- If you like dealing with a person, try our travel consultant, Gwynne Chafer, gwynne.chafer@travelleadersgo.com, 608-791-8362 Mention that you are traveling with Il Chiostro.
- For this trip and whenever you travel, we strongly recommend personal travel insurance. It protects you against penalties should you need to cancel your trip at the last minute. If you don’t have a policy, contact Travelex (800) 504–7883 or www.travelex-insurance.com [Note: Travelex requires that you take out a policy within 21 days of registering for a travel program.]
Specific Travel information to get to Dievole:
By Train: There are regularly scheduled trains from all major towns and cities in Italy. Head towards Siena. From Rome there are several trains daily from the main station (Termini). You don`t need a reservation. Although you purchase a through ticket, it is necessary to change trains at Chiusi. The ride takes about 3.5 hours (approximately 240 km.) and the cost is around $20.
NOTE: in Italy it is the law to stamp your train ticket in the little yellow meter near each train platform. Failure to do so can result in heavy fines, even if you plead ignorance.
By Bus: There are also buses from almost anywhere in Italy to Siena. These are modern and comfortable coaches.
From Florence: buses leave the SITA terminal (next door to the train station) nearly every hour. If you take Siena Rapida, the ride is direct on the highway and should take 1 hour.
From Rome: the ride takes 3 hours (non-stop). If you plan to arrive at the Rome airport and plan to come directly to Siena, this is the quickest method. From the airport, take the train on the left-hand track to the Tiburtina station (NOT Termini). From there, go outside into the parking lot.
If you are already in Rome you can take the Metro to the Tiburtina station. Take the B (blue) line towards Rebibbia. Follow signs to Pzle. Stazione Tiburtina.
With the long side of the station at your back, cross under the overpass into the parking lot. Buy your ticket from the building marked Biglietteria C (17.50 Euros, approx. $20); the bus usually leaves from Gate 8. These buses leave every day at regular intervals. To get current fares and schedules for the Flix bus you can check their web site: www.sena.it.
Once in Siena, get off at the Siena train station (Ferrovia). Don’t get off in the center of Siena.
Tuscany in autumn is a sensual feast. Russet and golden hills. Crisp air. Trees weighted with olives. Woods rich with mushrooms and chestnuts. The scent of grapes hangs over the valleys like mist. The harvest is the soul of the Tuscans. In autumn the hilltowns revert to the locals. Their art is to prepare the bounty: prosciutto, nuts, olive oil and especially Chianti. Traditional festivals celebrate every phase from the vendemmia (harvesting of grapes for wine) to the wild boar. Music, folklore, dancing in the piazza.And there, in the heart of Tuscany, is Siena. The legendary medieval town packed with history and art. In autumn, her museums and churches relax, uncrowded. The streets echo her architecture, art and heroes.
Surrounding Vineyards, photo by Linda Mironti