Over the years we have selected some of the best local cooks, experts in authentic Italian cuisine, to offer our guests unforgettable hands-on lessons in typical Tuscan cooking, in a friendly and informal atmosphere. With a cooking class at Montalto you can learn to make fresh tagliatelle, ravioli and other types of filled pasta, all by hand, with different kinds of sauces to complement them; as well as appetizers, main courses, and delicious desserts like panna cotta and the famous tiramisù that is said to have been invented in Siena during the Renaissance.
You will learn the importance of using fresh organic ingredients, such as Montalto’s extraordinary extra-virgin olive oil, which is far superior to commercial oils. More than just a condiment, olive oil was considered in Etruscan times to be a real medicine able to heal physical weakness and fragility of skin, hearing, intestines and more. Considered magical, it was used to detect the evil eye, to remove migraines, to rekindle love. Today it is still the true protagonist of Italian cuisine and its quality determines the flavor, aroma and the unique lightness of the dishes.
At the end of your cooking class you will dine on the dishes you have prepared, accompanied by a fantastic Chianti wine — because, of course, a lunch or dinner in Tuscany without a glass of good wine is unthinkable!
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“The cooking classes at Montalto are not to be missed! We had a great time making the whole meal, including pici (rustic pasta rolled out and formed by hand). Everything was fatto a mano (made by hand), with wonderful ingredients, patient and humorous instructions, and lots of help. Then we feasted on what we had prepared. Even the non-cooks in our group loved the experience. Highly recommended!” (Tina, USA 2018) |
Very close to Montalto Castle (reachable also on foot in summer and fall when the river is not too deep), we are lucky to have one of the best equestrian centers in the area, affiliated with the Italian Federation of Equestrian Sports. The owners, Donatella and Sadio, share their passion with those who visit. As they say, it’s a magical place where “you can deeply connect with nature thanks to the pulsating energy of these mythical beasts”.
The center has been recommended by Ian Stark in his magazine “Horse and Hound” for the attention with which the students are followed and the horses cared for and trained.
All year round, except for August, Donatella teaches horse-back riding and takes children and adults for beautiful rides in the country. Even the most experienced riders can benefit from her lessons at all levels in the rings.
On horseback it is also possible to reach a spectacular winery where you can taste some good Chianti wines under the expert guidance of a sommelier. One-day or longer horseback excursions are also offered, for exploring this beautiful Renaissance landscape that has changed very little over the centuries, as it was left mostly intact during the Italian industrialization.
Residential summer camps are also organized for children, teaching everything about horses and their needs, from riding to handling. The children live in a group and learn to respect the rhythm and rules of the animals while having fun together.
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"I love horses. My favorite is Ciro! He is very big, and all black! But he’s very gentle, and it's fun to ride in the woods. I like taking lessons but I like even more the walks in the woods." Diana, age 7 |
Everybody has different needs, and it isn't always easy to make them all work together. A villa rental at Montalto Castle in Tuscany is the answer. Here you fully experience the art and culture of the area while enjoying the advantages and independence of a private home, and still benefiting from the companionship of other kids and the availability of help when needed.
Book a vacation villa rental at Montalto castle in Toscana for your family holiday and you’ll wake up to the smell of fresh air and a clean and very peaceful environment. After you've relaxed and recharged, away from the normal noise of the city, you will be able to easily embark on sightseeing of nearby places and attractions in Tuscany to enjoy all that the local culture has to offer. Montalto, with its cluster of separate villas and apartments, is well suited to both the only child as well as to extended families.
Children love Montalto !
For details about each of Montalto's villas for rent read about our accommodations. You are sure to find a villa to suit your needs! Contact us if you are coming with an extended family and would like advice to rent more than one villa. We are also happy to help you organize in advance the things to do that inspire you the most.