Not only is Spannocchia located in the heart of Tuscany, our on-site activities and tours offer you an insider’s view of life on a Tuscan farm. Guests can enjoy hiking through the estate, touring the gardens, and visiting our rare heritage-breed farm animals. Foodies, history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and families will all find plenty to do on the estate and touring the region.
Many activities are led by our Education Director, Sara Silvestri. Sara graduated from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo with a Master’s degree in Food Culture and Communications and enjoys sharing with guests her passion for Italian ( especially Tuscan) food culture and sustainable farming systems.
For more than fifty years, Spannocchia has been working with educational institutions, artistic programs and environmental groups to offer unique customized tours to visitors from around the world. We invite you to join a group and explore your passion in Italian culture, cuisine, history, art, music or many other enriching programs offered throughout the year.
A TAVOLA! Discovering Food & Wine in Tuscany
Time: September 21 @ – September 27 @
Program Description: Now in its third edition we are excited to re-propose A tavola! In Italian a tavola! literally means “at the table” or a command “to the table!” – this concept is fundamental in the Italian culture because the table is where everyone meets to break bread, share laughter and stories, and deepen connections – it is as much ...
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Artists Network Italy Retreat
Artists Network is proud to present Retreat to Tuscany, an exclusive week-long art pilgrimage to the Italian countryside where you’ll embed yourself in the natural experience and see it reflected in your artwork. Located on a nature reserve in the hills of Tuscany, Tenuta di Spannocchia is within short driving distance of Florence, Siena, and many scenic Tuscan hill towns, but isolated enough to enjoy the natural beauty of the local landscape. Limited to just 20 attendees, you will be…
A TAVOLA! Discovering Food & Wine in Tuscany
Program Description: Now in its third edition we are excited to re-propose A tavola! In Italian a tavola! literally means “at the table” or a command “to the table!” – this concept is fundamental in the Italian culture because the table is where everyone meets to break bread, share laughter and stories, and deepen connections – it is as much about feeding your body as it is about feeding your soul. The Discovering Food and Wine in Tuscany program combines…
Awaken the Artist Within – A taste of Tuscany
Spannocchia is our artists' retreat. Sketch, watercolor, journaling, photography, Tuscan Cuisine, and Yoga. Join kindred spirits, for inspirational teaching, sitting in the sun, sharing a glass of wine, reading a good book. Together we'll develop an artist's practice and experience life in the arts. Share the week with award-winning artists & teachers, Erin Lee Gafill and Tom Birmingham and begin habits that will change your life. Erin Lee Gafill is an artist, writer and teacher living in Big Sur, California.…
T’ai Chi at Spannocchia (SOLD OUT)
Seven days of Qigong & T'ai Chi practice led by Ken Ryan, Chief Instructor at Maine Coast Taijiquan. This retreat is a rare chance to experience a full week of three practice sessions per day that integrate Qigong and T'ai Chi from a variety of traditions, with particular emphasis on Chen Style and Wudang Style. The training is authentic. The atmosphere is relaxed, allowing participants to have a dedicated practice experience, or to pursue other interests, or some combination of…
Frame Drum Retreat with Inanna (SOLD OUT)
In the nearby city of Siena in the Palazzo Pubblico are the frescoes depicting the Allegory of Good and Bad Government. Centrally featured in the fresco of Good Government is a woman playing a tambourine surrounded by women dancing. This image is the inspiration for us offering a retreat in Italy, in these times when we need to energize and empower the reality of Good Government! At Spannocchia we will drum, dance, practice yoga, eat good food, learn from the…
Trail Running in Tuscany with Dan Jarrell
Trail Running in Tuscany invites travelers to actively immerse themselves in the Tuscan countryside. Each day will consist of two segments: a group run and a sightseeing tour. Daily Run. We will run once each day on the paths and gravel roads in the adjacent Alto Merse Forest Reserve. Runs will vary from 4 to 8 miles in length and will be adjusted to fit the needs and desires of the participants. Each run will include stops to tour…
Plan A Customized Travel Program in the Heart of Tuscany
Bring a group and explore Castello di Spannocchia, an organic working farm and education center located in the heart of Tuscany, near Siena! With hundreds of acres of natural preserve, the Spannocchia property is an idyllic setting to soak in the beauty of the Italian landscape, inspire creativity and learn about the protection and conservation of Italian culture, cuisine and nature.
Using Spannocchia as a base for housing and meals, student and adult program groups conduct intensive artistic or instructional workshops in the Castello’s studio space, explore the rich history and culture of the region through day trips to nearby Siena and Florence, or use the land and its organic products to learn about Tuscan cooking and organic farming and sustainability.
We are honored to have been chosen to host accredited academic programs from many institutions of higher learning.
