Timeless Tuscany: Leather Crafting & Culinary Tour

Aerial view of Mugello Valley olive groves under a Tuscan sky

September 14–21 or September 21–28, 2025

€3,700 per person (double occupancy) · +€400 for single occupancy

Group size: 6–12 guests · Includes private guide

Overview

Slow down and immerse yourself in the rhythms of rural Tuscany. Spend seven unforgettable nights learning, crafting, tasting, and discovering in the heart of Mugello Valley.

This small‑group tour is crafted for travelers seeking deep cultural connection. Enjoy a rare, hands‑on leatherworking workshop with award‑winning artisan Stefano Parrini, paired with intimate culinary experiences, authentic local traditions, and the charm of a beautifully restored countryside estate.

Located just 40 minutes north of Florence, this journey encourages you to travel deeply, not widely - and connect with the land, its people, and the enduring elegance of Tuscan craftsmanship.

Highlights

  • 3‑day artisan leather workshop with master Stefano Parrini

  • 7‑night stay in a refined Tuscan farmhouse B&B near Vicchio di Mugello

  • Daily farm‑to‑table breakfasts and dinners

  • 2 private Tuscan cooking classes (pizza and pasta)

  • Wine tasting and vineyard tour at a family-run estate

  • Olive oil tasting seminar with regional producers

  • Seasonal truffle hunt followed by truffle-focused dinner

  • Small group format (6-12 guests) for meaningful connection and focus

Intimate outdoor table set for a farm-to-table meal surrounded by Tuscan countryside

Leather Workshop Near Florence: Tradition in Your Hands

Tuscany has been a center of fine leather craftsmanship since the 13th century, and this tour places you directly in the lineage. For three full days, you’ll step inside the private workshop of Stefano Parrini, a nationally recognized master craftsman who works using traditional vegetable-tanned leather.

You’ll create a custom leather design box from start to finish - measuring, cutting, shaping, and finishing the piece under Stefano’s personal guidance. No prior experience is needed. This is a rare opportunity to work at the source and understand the art from the inside out.

Group learning artisanal leather crafting in a workshop with expert artisan in Mugello

Accommodation: A Peaceful Farm Stay in the Tuscan Hills

Your home for the week is a welcoming farmhouse estate nestled in the Mugello Valley, surrounded by oak woods, olive trees, and open countryside.

The property offers:

  • Comfortable, spacious apartments with authentic Tuscan decor

  • Exposed stone, wood beams, and terracotta flooring

  • Outdoor pool and gardens for relaxation

  • Home‑cooked dinners prepared onsite

While the interiors are simple and unpretentious, the atmosphere is warm and serene - perfect for travelers who value authenticity, nature, and a slower pace of life.

Traditional Tuscan farmhouse B&B exterior nestled in Mugello countryside
Cozy bedroom interior at the farmhouse B&B with Tuscan decor
Bright, welcoming common room of the farmhouse B&B in Mugello
Modern, sleek bathroom at farmhouse B&B in Mugello Valley

Culinary Immersion

Tuscany’s flavors are a key part of its identity - and this tour invites you to engage with food as both art and ritual.

Farmhouse Cooking Classes

  • Pizza Night: Learn to mix, roll, and bake your own pizza in a wood-fired oven

  • Pasta Masterclass: Make traditional handmade pasta with sauces using seasonal ingredients

Wine Tasting & Vineyard Visit

Enjoy a guided tour of a family-run winery, followed by a tasting of three regional wines with nibbles. Learn about grape cultivation, aging, and the stories behind each vintage.

Olive Oil Tasting Seminar

This one-hour session offers insight into Tuscan olive oil production, how to taste like a pro, and what defines high-quality oil.

Truffle Hunting & Seasonal Dinner

Join a seasoned truffle hunter and his dog for a guided walk through local oak woods, followed by a truffle-themed dinner at the farmhouse prepared with what you’ve found.

Cooking traditional Tuscan dishes in a rustic farmhouse kitchen in Mugello Valley
Local red wine tasting with a selection of Mugello vineyards in the background

Explore the Real Tuscany

Often overlooked by tourists, Mugello Valley offers unspoiled landscapes, warm local culture, and rich artistic heritage.

Your home for the week, Vicchio di Mugello is a peaceful village perfect for travelers who appreciate beauty, calm, and authenticity.

Vineyards in the Tuscan countryside with rolling hills

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers, food lovers, and creative spirits who value depth over speed. No prior experience in leatherwork or cooking is needed - just an open mind, a love of culture, and a willingness to engage.

    • 7 nights in a private apartment (double occupancy)

    • 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners prepared onsite

    • 3-day leather workshop with all materials

    • 2 cooking classes at the farmhouse

    • Guided winery tour and wine tasting with lite bites

    • Olive oil tasting seminar

    • Truffle hunt and seasonal truffle dinner

    • Daily support and facilitation from your tour leader

    • Flights to and from Italy

    • Transfers to/from the farmhouse

    • Lunches

    • Personal expenses

    • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

FAQ

  • Arrival Day

    • Arrive at your leisure; room keys will be available from 3:00 PM

    • Enjoy free time to settle in and explore the estate at your own pace

    • 7:00–8:00 PM: Welcome dinner to meet your fellow guests and guides

    Typical Daily Schedule

    • 6:30–8:30 AM: Farm-to-table breakfast

    • 9:00 AM: Head to Stefano Parrini’s studio or enjoy activities at the accommodation

    • 12:30–1:30 PM: Lunch

    • 2:00–4:00 PM: Hands-on leather workshop with Master Artisan Stefano Parrini or free time at the estate

    • 5:00–7:00 PM: Optional activities or relaxation time

    • 7:00–8:00 PM: Dinner featuring local Tuscan cuisine

    Departure Day

    • 6:30–8:30 AM: Breakfast

    • 10:00 AM: Check-out at your convenience and depart

  • Peretola FLR (Florence) Airport “Amerigo Vespucci”, 30 min drive to/from the farmhouse

    PSA Pisa Airport, 1h30min drive to/from the farmhouse

    Bologna BLQ Airport “Guglielmo Marconi", 1h drive to/from the farmhouse

  • Airport transfers are not included, but we’re happy to help arrange a private car or suggest train and taxi options from Florence. We’ll provide detailed arrival guidance upon booking to make your journey stress-free.

  • Every evening, the property owner prepares dinners featuring fresh, local ingredients. Meals are rustic, seasonal, and celebrate traditional Tuscan flavors.

    We’re happy to accommodate many dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options.

    If you have food allergies or specific dietary needs, please contact us before booking so we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

  • To reserve your spot on the retreat, a non-refundable deposit is required once the minimum group size of 6 participants is confirmed. The total cost of the retreat is €3,700 per person for couples (double occupancy) or €4,100 for single occupancy.

    Payments are made in three installments via secure payment links, accepting all major credit and debit cards, as well as bank transfers. The remaining balance is due closer to the tour date.

    Upon registration, you will receive detailed payment instructions to guide you through the process.

  • U.S. and EU passport holders may enter Italy for up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Please ensure you check current travel advisories and entry requirements before departure.

Meet Your Guide

Hosted by Jane Leek, a cultural interpreter with 16 years experience leading immersive Tuscany journeys. Fluent in Italian, she lived in Tuscany and apprenticed under Stefano Parrini. Jane’s gift is creating space for genuine connection -among guests, cultures, and the creative process.

Tuscany tour guide Jane Leek

Embark on your journey