Timeless Tuscany: Leather Workshop & Culinary Tour
7 night retreat featuring a 3-day leather workshop and culinary experiences
€3,700 per person (double occupancy) · +€400 for single occupancy
Group size: 6–12 guests · Includes private guide
September 14–21 or September 21–28, 2025
Overview
At the heart of this 7-night Tuscan retreat is a rare opportunity: a 3-day hands-on leather workshop with Stefano Parrini, an award-winning master craftsman known throughout Italy. Under his guidance, you'll design and create your own leather piece using traditional tools and techniques - an intimate chance to connect with a timeless Italian craft.
Outside of the studio, you’ll enjoy immersive culinary moments: pasta- and pizza-making classes, vineyard and olive oil tastings, and seasonal meals prepared with local ingredients. This retreat balances hands-on experiences with time to relax, explore, and connect.
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
Traditional Tuscan dinners prepared by the owner of the farmhouse B&B
Seasonal truffle hunt followed by truffle-focused dinner
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
Small group format (6-12 guests) for meaningful connection and focus
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. Along the way, you’ll learn about time-honored tools and techniques passed down through generations. No prior experience is needed. This is a rare opportunity to work at the source and understand the art from the inside out.
Sample leather box made in the workshop
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
The farmhouse combines timeless Tuscan style with cozy comforts, offering a serene retreat for travelers seeking authenticity, connection with nature, and a relaxed rhythm of life.
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.
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.
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
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.
Is This Tour Right for You?
This experience is perfect for creative spirits, curious travelers, and food lovers 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.
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3‑day artisan leather workshop with master Stefano Parrini
7‑night stay in a refined Tuscan farmhouse B&B
Traditional Tuscan dinners prepared by the owner of the farmhouse B&B
Seasonal truffle hunt followed by truffle-focused dinner
2 private Tuscan cooking classes (pizza and pasta)
Wine tasting and vineyard tour at a family-run estate
Daily breakfast
Olive oil tasting seminar with regional producers
Dedicated local guide throughout
Ground transportation for all group activities
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Flights to and from Italy
Transfers to/from the farmhouse
Lunches
Personal expenses
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
FAQ
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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 guide
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 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
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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
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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.
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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.
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To reserve your spot on the retreat, a 10% deposit is required at the time of booking. We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as bank transfers. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the tour start date.
If the tour is canceled for any reason, your deposit will be fully refunded.
For your peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations or changes on your end.
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U.S. and U.K. 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
Leading the retreat is Jane Leek, a seasoned guide fluent in Italian and deeply immersed in Tuscan culture. She helps travelers connect more meaningfully with the people, traditions, and creative spirit of Tuscany - not just by showing places, but by sharing the stories and meaning behind them. Having lived in Tuscany and apprenticed under Stefano Parrini - the very craftsman you’ll work with during the retreat - Jane’s time in Italy left a lasting impression: she fell in love with the rhythms of life and the way they pour themselves into food, togetherness, and long conversations. Jane’s gift is creating space for genuine connection - among guests, cultures, and the creative process.
She fosters an environment where guests can slow down, learn something new, and feel a true connection - with each other, with Italian culture, and with their own creativity. Jane hopes to share the beauty she’s gathered through craft, tradition, and the joy of learning together - all in true Italian style.
