Join fellow food and garden enthusiasts for a unique experience in Tuscany.  The six day trip will explore the very essence of the Tuscan landscape as a source of pleasure and food.  Every garden that you visit reflects the local culture’s intimate bond with nature: cultivating one’s own patch of earth, gathering around the table, and enjoying the bounty of the garden has always been an essential part of life here.  Look at the relationships between the people and the land, and learn important lessons that can help you lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.  The tour guides have scheduled plenty of time to savor the local food and wine and, where possible, visit the gardens that provide what’s on the menu.

The adventure begins in the scenic hilltown of Radda, the heart of the Chianti Classico region, and brings you to historic gardens and villas from the Florentine hills to the beautiful Val d’Orcia, south of Siena.  Eash day includes at least two site visits, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a leisurely lunch in between.  During the afternoon and evening in Siena you will explore the medieval city at your own pace.  On the three nights that you are not together with the group for dinner, you are free to dine at one of the numerous restaurants within a short stroll of the hotel.  On the final day you will be introduced to Massimiliano and Jaimi Biagi, local wine and food experts, who will show you how to re-create some of the best Tuscan food and wine experiences at home.

The trip is hosted by Nancy Leszcynski, landscape architect, historian, and author, and Catherine Goodrich, art historian and landscape designer, who live and work in the Chianti hills, and whose intimate knowledge of the gardens, food, and wine is at the heart of this exclusive tour.  Catherine, an American who married an Italian and settled in the region,  is related to Garden Club of the Back Bay member Gale Morgan.  Bookings and payments are handled by Customwalks.com, an international travel firm with over 15 years experience bringing visitors to Tuscany.  Cost is $3,330 per person based on double occupancy, with a single supplement of $600.  Prices include round trip ground transfer to Radda from Florence, 6 nights in a four star accommodation inclduing breakfast, at either Palazzo Leopoldo or Palazzo San Niccolo in Radda’s historic center, 5 lunches, 2 dinners, one food and wine class, private air conditioned coach transportation, entrance fees to all gardens, guide fees, tips and sales tax.  Airfare not included.  Maximum number of participants is twenty.  If you are interested in reserving a place, please contact Nancy at nleszcynski@mac.com or Catherine at catherine.w.goodrich@gmail.com, or book directly through Customwalks.com.