A Celebration of Food, Wine & Culture
IN COLLABORATION WITH IMAGINARIA EVENTS
Montefollonico, Tuscany
AUTUMN 2023
“Welcome to our sensorial celebration of food and wine—an immersion in Italian culture under the Tuscan sun and stars— featuring truffle hunting, woodland hikes, wine workshops, and candlelit dinners.”
AN ALBERGO DIFFUSO EXPERIENCE
What: Six night all-inclusive retreat, with a focus on artisanal and sustainable food and wine, foraging and feasting set in the beautiful medieval village of Montefollonico in Tuscany, Italy—where the stars shine brightly.
Stay in diverse medieval accommodations sprinkled throughout the village for an immersive, unique experience… we honor the albergo diffuso concept (a widespread hotel) because we believe in the collaborative effort by locals to love, nourish, and sustain our tiny ancient village.
You’ll enjoy a convivial, immersive, and transformative experience which celebrates food, wine, and kinship…. while having tons of fun together!
Where: Montefollonico, one of the most beautiful 11th century villages in Tuscany. 1.2 hours from Florence, 45 minutes from Siena and only 15 minutes from Montepulciano and Pienza.
Explore the dreamy Val D’Orcia, Valdichiana, Siena, Montepulciano, Pienza and more!
When: NOW BOOKING AUTUMN 2023
(or you may add your name to the priority waitlist for 2024)
Your Hosts: Lourée & Niccolò Pieranni | Imaginaria Events & Borgo di Sotto Proprietors
DATES
6 NIGHTS/7 DAYS
(Sunday to Saturday)
SEPTEMBER 24 – SEPTEMBER 30
OCTOBER 8 – OCTOBER 14
OCTOBER 22 – OCTOBER 28
(Small groups of 10 for a more personal experience.)
ABOUT CELESTIALE
Nicco (a Montefollonico native) and Louree (A California expat) will guide you on an epicurean adventure through Tuscany in our luxurious Mercedes minivan with private driver.
You will go foraging in the hills for truffles with a local truffle hunter; stay in a charming medieval village in medieval accommodation; learn to cook authentic Tuscan meals; wine taste at local organic wineries; explore castles, gardens and a Pope’s palace; mix spritz at the local bar and forge new friendships with like-minded adventurers.
Meals will be farm to table and beautifully styled including candlelit experiences, culminating in a castle extravaganza feast on our last evening.
Celestiale offers the opportunity for you to find your bliss in enchanting Tuscany.
Retreat Highlights
- Festive cooking classes including pasta making, using fresh local, seasonal products and foraged finds. Think pici, ravioli, pecorino, porcini and tiramisu!
- Truffle hunting in the Tuscan countryside with a local truffle hunter and his rambunctious truffle-loving dogs.
- A tour of Montefollonico, including the gorgeous castle gardens, churches, and an untouched 12th century winery for Vino Nobile and the liquid gold Vin Santo.
- Nature walk in the woods surrounding Montefollonico.
- A five-course candlelit castle dinner under the Tuscan stars.
- Excursions to local boutique wineries for wine tastings paired with wine education and nibbles.
- Day trip to the magical 14th century Siena including entrance to the breathtaking Duomo, descent to the crypt, and upwards to the Gate of Heaven.
- A trip to Iris Origo’s historic La Foce Gardens.
- A luxurious, healing thermal bath afternoon at the enchanting Bagno Vignoni.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This retreat is designed for all who love the food and wine culture of Tuscany, anyone who is interested in immersive interactive experiences and savoring local treasures under the Tuscan sun and stars, finding the magic in every moment! It will be seven festive days of eating well, connecting, learning, and celebrating Tuscany in an intimate, joyful setting. All ages 18+ are welcome!
Our most romantic hideaway in Tuscany! Borgo di Sotto is an indulgence of all senses and the owners Louree & Niccolò created a sanctuary with so much love in every detail it cannot be described and must only be experienced! We will miss you both, grazie mille a million times!
Julia T. | Montana, US
BEST IN TUSCANY.
Doug D. | Alabama, US
I cannot thank Louree and Nicco enough for their compassion, hospitality, and friendship. Not only did we fall in love with magical Tuscany, but also our amazing hosts! Lifelong friends ❤️❤️
Lesley W. | Alabama, US
Location & Accommodation
MEDIEVAL MONTEFOLLONICO
THE HIDDEN GEM NEXT TO MONTEPULCIANO
Take in the magnificent views from 1,860 ft up above the Tuscan countryside—above the morning mist…
We’ll enjoy private access to the castle gardens with epic views of the Valdichiana and the Val D’Orcia.
Our accommodation includes our Borgo di Sotto—a beautiful eco-friendly medieval village home. The three story ‘townhome’ has been lovingly and sustainably restored, with a rustic, vintage feel and cozy comfort. Borgo di Sotto has been in Nicco’s family for over a century.
Additional charming and historic accommodation is also offered within the village walls, in the village castle.
You may choose from the following accommodations:
BORGO DI SOTTO B&B
- A queen bed suite downstairs with bathroom, kitchen, fireplace, and private entrance.
- Partially ‘sotto terra’ (underground), keeping it cool in the warmer months.
‘La Vedetta’ – For two to four guests (exclusively for your group)
- One queen bed suite upstairs with antique washing sink.
- One queen bed suite OR two twin beds upstairs.
- Air conditioning in bedrooms.
- Designer kitchen, dining space, living room, and one bathroom upstairs.
All bed linens, towels, organic toiletries, breakfast, coffee, tea and treats are provided.
CASTLE ACCOMMODATION
Also within the medieval village walls and part of the village castle with access to private gardens.
You may choose:
LA CANONICA – For two guests
- A queen bed suite with bathroom, kitchen, sitting room, garden, and private entrance.
- Partially ‘sotto terra’ (underground), keeping it cool in the warmer months.
LA BICCOCA – For two to four guests (exclusively for your group)
- Three bedrooms with three queen beds OR two queen beds and two twin beds.
- One full bathroom downstairs and one half bathroom upstairs.
- Air conditioning in bedrooms.
- Country kitchen, dining room with fireplace, living room, and garden.
- Private entrance.
NOTE: The La Biccoca garden will be used for two morning yoga classes.
All bed linens, towels, organic toiletries, breakfast, coffee, tea and treats are provided.
ALL INCLUSIVE RATE
$6,200 per person
($6,100 per person if sharing a bath between your group of three or more.)
What is included:
- Seven days (six nights) stay in medieval Montefollonico, Tuscany.
- All meals (including refreshments and wine) for the duration of the retreat.
- All the yoga, cooking masterclasses, food and wine workshops, and entrance fees.
- All of your transport for the duration of the experience.
- Italian/English speaking guides.
- All gratuities.
What is not included:
- Your travel to and from Montefollonico (but we can help you make arrangements!)
- Travel insurance (required).
INCLUDING DAY TRIPS
Highlights:
- Rejuvenating morning yoga in the castle garden.
- A stellar Supertuscan-Vino Nobile wine tasting with cheese pairing.
- Lunch al fresco at Montepulciano’s Piazza Grande featuring small independent wine producers’ best wines with savory charcuterie.
- Ascent to the Palazzo Tower of Montepulciano.
- A late afternoon tour of Iris Origo’s historic La Foce Gardens.
________
Highlights:
- Wine tour and tasting at a precious beyond organic family-run winery in Chianti.
- Strolling, shopping, and lunch on the famous Piazza del Campo.
- Entrance to the Siena Duomo Cathedral including ascension to the Gate of Heaven.
- An enchanting dinner at a Tuscan farmhouse—complete with handmade pasta and homemade wine del contadino.
________
TRUFFLE HUNT, PICNIC WITH A VIEW & PIENZA
Highlights:
- Off into the woods for a festive truffle hunt, will we find truffles or not? it’s up to Mother Nature and the cute truffle dogs’ detectors!
- Enjoy a breathtaking view of Montepulciano while savoring Pienza’s famous pecorino cheese al tartufo, al pepe nero & gran reserva—paired with local handmade preserves, honeys and of course, wines!
- Explore UNESCO’s world heritage village Pienza, the jewel of the Renaissance, where Papa Pio II was born and kept his summer home—we’ll take you there.
YOUR HOSTS
Lourée Pieranni
"Your life is an occasion. Rise to it."
-Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Lourée’s favorite quote and the reason why she wants you to have the time of your life here in Tuscany.
With her professional background in winemaking and hospitality (including event design and a Master’s degree from the Oxford School of Hospitality) you can expect a truly beautiful and festive experience!
Niccolò Pieranni
As a native of Montefollonico, whose family has been here for over a century, Nicco loves sharing all the local lore and showing guests around town.
You’ll also benefit from his professional experience in wine tours and wine education in the Napa Valley and the vineyards of Tuscany.
Rest assured you’re in good hands with Nicco, a certified tour manager. Every detail will be taken care of for you!
GETTING TO MONTEFOLLONICO
The nearest airport to Montefollonico is Florence (1 hr 20 mins drive) and the nearest train stations are Sinalunga and Torrita di Siena. The next closest train station is Chiusi, then Terontola-Cortona, then Rome. We can help you navigate travel to us if you would like and please do drop us a line if you’d like help planning your trip!
Plums, figs, and nectarines, all in season!
FAQ
General Questions
What to pack? Tuscany in Autumn is typically warm and sunny so pack light, breathable clothing but also bring warmer layers just in case of chilly evenings. Bring flat comfortable walking shoes as our ancient villages are cobblestoned as well as hiking shoes for our nature walks in the woods.
Top recommended items to pack:
- A scarf, cardigan or wrap for al fresco meals.
- Natural breathable textile fabrics like linen and cotton to stay cool and dry.
- Walking shoes for village strolls and hiking boots for woodland hikes.
- A swimsuit and bag for your wet swimsuit.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat.
- Mosquito repellent.
- An umbrella in case of rain showers.
- For the truffle hunt – bring a sturdy outfit that fully covers arms and legs with sturdy shoes or boots that you don’t mind getting roughed up a bit.
- Smart casual dress for dinners out but the Tuscan countryside atmosphere is quite relaxed. Slow travel at its finest!
For any other questions you might have please drop us a line at stay [at] borgodisotto.com or gather [at] imaginariaevents.com!
Ancient Italian churches and cathedrals with celestial motifs.
Celestiale TOUR Booking
We would love for you to experience all the magic of Tuscany in Autumn.
Celestiale is a tour experience presented in collaboration with Imaginaria Events.
