1. Take a gelato class with a master gelato maker
In the historic town of San Gimignano, learn the treasured Italian skill of gelato-making from Sergio Dondoli, one of the 10 remaining master gelato makers in the world.
2. Hot air ballooning
There’s nothing quite like watching the sun rise over the Tuscan countryside from mid-air. Working with a local balloonist, we can take you high above the Tuscan hills, its medieval crenelated towers and rural villages.
3. Cooking class with a Michelin-star chef
Learn to cook with Italian flair alongside Michelin-starred chef, Giovanni Luca Di Pirro who will share his in-depth knowledge with you in an animated culinary class. Using finest Tuscan ingredients – including the freshest produce from the kitchen garden – you will prepare classic Tuscan dishes to be enjoyed over lunch at the end of the class.
4. Harvesting olive oil
Tuscany is one of the best oil-producing regions in Italy, and the oil from Chianti is particularly green and spicy, with surprising hints of artichoke and pepper. The ‘Green Gold’ experience will take you through the stages of producing extra virgin olive oil from your very own olive tree. While your harvested olive oil is being bottled, enjoy a guided tasting session of Chianti olive oils while learning about COMO Castello Del Nero’s own oil production system.
5. Go on a Tuscan truffle hunting experience
Spend a few hours with our professional truffle hunter Francesco and his loyal Lagotto Romagnolo dogs – your guides to hunting for truffles around the estate. After a morning of truffle hunting, return to the hotel for a special four-course lunch, or dinner, prepared by our executive chef, Giovanni Luca di Pirro, who favours these prized mushrooms in both pasta and meat courses.
