Farm To table Experience on an organic hilltop estate in Tuscany

Discover the Farm To Table Experience in Tuscany’s Organic Hilltop Estate

The Farm To Table Experience on an organic hilltop estate in Tuscany offers an intimate taste of authentic Tuscan life. Priced at $161.34 per person, this 7.5-hour private tour combines scenic train travel, hands-on cooking, and relaxing leisure time. It departs from Florence, with the journey starting at Firenze Santa Maria Novella Central Station, where participants meet their guide to buy train tickets to San Miniato. The tour then leads to a luxurious organic farm, Agriturismo Tenuta Chiudendone, perched on a peaceful hill among vineyards and olive groves.

Unique among Tuscany tours, this experience emphasizes personalized attention, with small group size capped at 12. Its highlights, like a three-course Tuscan lunch paired with local wines and the opportunity to swim in an infinity pool, make it a memorable day for those seeking an authentic, relaxed day outside the city hustle. The flexible nature of the experience and the friendly, knowledgeable guide make it especially suitable for food lovers and those keen on rural scenery and farm life.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience in Tuscany with a small group size
• Includes scenic train journey from Florence to San Miniato
• Hands-on cooking class focused on traditional Tuscan dishes
• Vineyard and olive grove visits with ingredient picking
• Farm-grown ingredients used in a three-course lunch served with local wines, limoncello, and spirits
• Optional swimming in an infinity pool offers a relaxing end to the day

Starting Point at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station

The tour begins at Firenze Santa Maria Novella Central Station, where the guide assists in purchasing train tickets to San Miniato (costing approximately €12.40 round trip). The train ride takes around 40 minutes, offering travelers a chance to enjoy scenic views of the Tuscan countryside. Upon arrival, the group walks to the Agriturismo Tenuta Chiudendone — a picturesque estate surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. This setup promises a peaceful retreat from Florence’s busy streets.

Traveling by Train to the Organic Farm in San Miniato

The train journey sets the tone for the day, with stunning vistas of rolling hills and lush farmland. Once at San Miniato, the walk to Tenuta Chiudendone introduces visitors to the estate’s lush gardens and working vineyards. The farm’s hilltop location offers spectacular views, creating an ideal backdrop for the activities ahead. This relaxed start allows guests to unwind and look forward to a day of farm-based discovery.

Exploring the Vineyards and Olive Groves on the Estate

At Tenuta Chiudendone, the group explores the vineyards and olive groves that define the estate’s landscape. The guides lead visits to learn about organic farming practices, and depending on the season, participants may pick grapes, olives, wild herbs, or asparagus, or even hunt for priz. This ingredient gathering session highlights the simplicity and freshness of traditional Tuscan cuisine, emphasizing farm-to-table principles. The estate’s peaceful setting enhances the feeling of authentic rural life.

Participating in a Hands-On Tuscan Cooking Class

The core of the experience is the cooking class, where guests receive hands-on instruction to prepare a three-course Tuscan lunch. The guide walks participants through traditional recipes, focusing on simple, fresh ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil pressed on-site. This beginner-friendly activity offers practical culinary skills and insights into Tuscan cooking techniques, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Tasting Farm-Grown Produce and Local Wines

The lunch includes a taste of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil on bread, along with three different wines, limoncello, and spirits. The pairing of local wines with the meal enhances the flavors of the dishes, making the tasting experience more immersive. The inclusion of spirits and limoncello adds a lively touch to the meal, and the beverages are all included in the tour price.

Leisure Time: Swimming and Relaxing at the Estate

After the meal, guests enjoy free time to relax. One of the tour’s notable features is the chance to swim in an infinity pool, offering a rare opportunity to unwind amidst Tuscan scenery. This option is a significant advantage for travelers looking to combine farm-to-table dining with leisure and relaxation, making the experience stand out from more conventional tours.

Return Journey and Departure from San Miniato

The tour concludes at San Miniato train station, where the guide assists with train tickets for the return trip to Florence. The experience ends around 5:30 pm, providing ample time for travelers to continue exploring Florence or enjoy other activities. The flexible schedule allows for a relaxed end to a full day immersed in Tuscany’s rural charm.

Logistics and Practical Tips for the Tour

This experience requires moderate physical fitness as it involves walking around the estate and participating in a cooking class. The meeting point is at San Miniato station, with the tour starting at 10:00 am. The tour is well-suited for those seeking a personalized, relaxed day, with small group size ensuring attentive guides. Keep in mind that train tickets are not included in the price, so budget approximately €12.40 for the round trip.

Why This Tour Is a Standout Choice

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the combination of scenic train travel, hands-on cooking, and exclusive leisure time, including the infinity pool. The small-group format and personalized approach ensure an intimate experience, ideal for foodies and those wanting an authentic farm visit. The high praise in reviews underscores its quality, especially highlighting the knowledgeable guides, delicious food, and stunning views.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience Most?

This tour is perfect for food lovers, rural scenery admirers, and those seeking a peaceful escape from Florence. It’s also suited for travelers interested in learning traditional Tuscan cooking and enjoying local wines. The relaxing pool option adds a luxury touch that appeals to anyone looking for a touch of leisure after a day of farm exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Tuscany Farm To Table Experience

The Farm To Table tour in Tuscany offers a unique blend of scenic travel, culinary activity, and leisure. Its personalized, small-group approach creates an intimate atmosphere, making it a memorable highlight for visitors. The inclusion of vineyard visits, ingredient picking, cooking, and swimming sets it apart from more standard day trips.

While the train ticket is not included in the price, the overall experience justifies the investment for those wanting an authentic, relaxing day immersed in Tuscany’s countryside. It is especially recommended for beginners and foodies who appreciate local, farm-fresh ingredients and informative guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and some physical activity, making it suitable for children with moderate physical fitness levels.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour focuses on traditional Tuscan cuisine, so it’s best to inform the provider if specific dietary needs exist, though this detail is not explicitly mentioned.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable footwear and a modest level of physical fitness are recommended. The estate provides a relaxed setting with opportunities for ingredient picking and swimming.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience, receiving a full refund. Later cancellations are not refundable.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour departs from San Miniato train station, with guests responsible for purchasing their train tickets from Florence. The guide assists in this process.

Is transportation included?
No, train tickets are not included in the tour price. The guide helps you buy tickets at the station.

What makes this experience different from other Tuscany tours?
Its private, small-group format, personalized cooking class, and leisure options like swimming make it stand out, especially for those wanting a relaxed, authentic farm day.

Can I participate if I don’t cook?
Yes, the hands-on nature of the cooking class is designed to be beginners friendly, and all participants can enjoy the meal afterward.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The combination of vineyard visits, ingredient foraging, cooking, and leisure time—especially swimming—creates a well-rounded, authentic Tuscan experience.