Cookbook released
March 14th!
Cookbook released
March 14th!
(postage included)
(postage included)
VEGAN TUSCAN CHRISTMAS
A BOUTIQUE CULINARY ESCAPE
Join us at Hortulanus Villa for a specially curated Tuscan Christmas vegan cooking getaway like no other—where food, culture, and the festive season come together in the most magical way.
BUCKET LIST
EXPERIENCE!
28 November—2 December 2025
Step into the magic of Tuscany this festive season with a unique vegan retreat. Slow down and reconnect as you immerse yourself in the stunning countryside, soaking up the joy of cooking and connection.
This isn’t just a holiday—it’s a hands-on festive cooking experience led by Nadia Fragnito, author of three vegan Italian cookbooks, including Natale: A Vegan Italian Christmas. This year, Nadia is teaming up with the beautiful Hortulanus estate to bring you a food and cooking experience like no other.
By day, you’ll embrace the warmth of a Tuscan kitchen, kneading fresh pasta, baking festive treats, featuring tastings and hands-on cooking with local produce. By night, you’ll sip mulled wine by the fire and gather around the table and share stories. In between, you’ll visit nearby villages and soak up the beauty of the winter countryside.
DATES
5 days, 4 nights
Friday, 28 November – Tuesday, 2 December, 2025
location
prices
GROUP SIZE
Hortulanus Villa & Estate, Podere Bugnanese, TUSCANY
8–10 participants
Small group experience
2,900-3,400 EUR
per person
Reserve Your Spot Now for an Unforgettable Tuscan Experience
A BRIEF OVERVIEW
LENGTH OF STAY........5 days, 4 nights
GROUP SIZE..................8-10 guests
LOCATION.....................Hortulanus- a beautiful Tuscan private estate located in Podere Bugnanese
PRICE PER PERSON.......2,900-3,400 EUR
DEPOSIT.............................1,450-1,700 EUR to secure your place
BOOKINGS CLOSE.........4 June 2025
FLIGHTS & INSURANCE...Not included—participants must arrange their own
🚨 IMPORTANT..................Please hold off on booking flights until the trip is confirmed
'Witness Tuscany in winter—when the air grows crisp, the markets glow with festive lights, and the scent of roasting chestnuts and woodsmoke are the season’s incense.'
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
HORTULANUS ESTATE is a picturesque property located in a countryside dotted with olive groves, vineyards and chestnut woods around the small village of Seggiano. The estate, owned by the Steinberg family, is a restored rural complex consisting of a villa, two adjacent houses, a cantina and a conservatory with a tasting room. The landscaped gardens make for lovely walks, even in the crisp winter air. Relax in the sauna, hot tub or curl up beside the fire.
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Set on 20 peaceful hectares of Tuscan countryside
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Overlooks Castello di Potentino and the village of Seggiano
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Produces estate-made wines & olive oil
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The villa will be ours exclusively—like stepping into your very own Tuscan dream!
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Features hot tub, sauna, infinity pool (perhaps too cold for winter!), cosy accommodation & communal spaces, including open fire places and an inspiring rustic kitchen.
Sleeping Arrangements & Rooms
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Group Size: Maximum 10 participants
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No twin share options – only queen beds. Best for singles and couples.
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Hortulanus Villa Accommodations: 5 rooms (with queen beds & private bathroom)
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Nearby Seggiano village B&B Accommodations (apartments with queen beds & private bathroom)
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All meals and activities will be shared as a group, no matter where you stay
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Rooms are allocated first come, first serve. So get in quick! You will emailed the choice of a specific room after booking.
Room Options
All rooms comes with queen beds and ensuite bathroom. Choose your room option when booking
-A ROOM TO YOUR OWN? Private single room 3,400 EURO per person
-A ROOM FOR A COUPLE? Double occupancy 2,900 EURO per person
-A ROOM IN NEARBY VILLAGE? Private single room 2,900 EURO per person
THE ITINERARY & COOKING CLASSES
Please note that some activities may be altered very slightly from the posted itinerary.
DAY 1 – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Arrival & Welcome
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Pick Up from Rome
We’ll collect you at a designated location in Rome (TBA) and take you on a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive to your home for the next few days—Hortulanus.
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Arrive at Your Tuscan Home, Hortulanus
Nestled in the rolling hills of Seggiano, Hortulanus is a peaceful and stunning retreat offering inspiring views of the Tuscan landscape.
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Welcome Vin Brulé & Roasted Chestnuts by the Fire
As you settle in, warm up with a traditional vin brulé (mulled wine) and roasted chestnuts by the cosy open fire, setting the tone for a truly festive Tuscan experience.
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Wine Pairing with Vegan Cheese & Olive Oil Tasting
Enjoy a selection of local wines from Hortulanus paired with delicious vegan cheeses and oil tasting.
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Cooking Demonstration: Tuscan Cucina Povera
Experience a cooking demonstration focused on cucina povera—the heart of traditional Tuscan cooking.
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Welcome Dinner – Grosseto Province Classics
Sit down to a welcoming dinner featuring classic dishes from the Grosseto Province. It’s the perfect way to begin your journey into the flavours of Tuscany.
DAY 2 – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Handmade Tuscan Pasta & Olive Oil Festival
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Pasta Cooking Class & Lunch – Traditional Tuscan Pasta
Learn the art of creating traditional Tuscan pasta in this hands-on class, where you'll make beloved dishes like Pici and Tortelli Maremmani. Afterward, enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch, showcasing these freshly made pasta dishes paired with local Tuscan wines.
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EXCURSION: Seggiano Olive Oil Festival
Immerse yourself in the heart of Tuscan culture with a visit to the Seggiano Olive Oil Festival. You will get to experience a small village sagra (food festival) where entertainment, activities and food come together to honour and taste the new season Seggiano DOP extra virgin olive oil from centuries old olive trees.
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Chestnut Cooking Class
Experience the flavours of late autumn with a chestnut cooking class, where you'll learn to prepare traditional chestnut dishes, such as Castagnaccio (chestnut cake) or Neci (chestnut pancakes). Chestnuts, a staple in Tuscan cuisine, are celebrated in this hands-on experience that combines both history and flavour.
DAY 3 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Christmas Baking & Mercatini di Natale
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Christmas Baking Class: Colourful Dolci Plate
Embrace the festive spirit with a Christmas baking class focused on creating a vibrant plate of Tuscan-style biscotti and festive sweets.You’ll learn to make these traditional treats, so you can bring a touch of Tuscan magic to your loved ones every Christmas.
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EXCURSION: Montepulciano Christmas Market
A visit to Italy at this time of year wouldn’t be complete without experiencing one of its enchanting Christmas markets. We’ll be venturing away from our villa to visit the festive Montepulciano mercatino known as the largest in central Italy. Take in the festive magic of this beloved market as you wander through rows of wooden stalls filled with artisan goods, handcrafted decorations, unique gifts, and seasonal treats—perfect for soaking up the Chrirstmas spirit.
DAY 4 – MONDAY, DECEMBER 1
Christmas Eve Feast & Monte Amiata
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Celebrate the season with a Christmas Eve four-course feast cooking class
You’ll learn to prepare a full festive Italian meal, including dishes like Crostini neri and Tortellini in brodo. Each dish is a celebration of the region’s holiday flavours. You'll be cooking up a storm!
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EXCURSION: Monte Amiata – Winter Forest Walk & Views
Experience the natural beauty of the area with a visit to Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano and home to ancient chestnut groves and beech forests. We’ll enjoy a peaceful forest walk and inspiring views in the crisp, fresh air—a revitalising way to connect with nature before our cosy festive dinner feast. If we’re lucky, we might even experience some fresh snowfall!
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Christmas Eve Family Dinner – Featuring Our Handmade Feast
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a family-style dinner featuring the handmade feast you’ve prepared earlier in the day. Enjoy classic Tuscan dishes, served alongside local wines, bringing the spirit of Italian holiday traditions to your table.
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Nightcap by the Fireplace & Sharing Biscotti Plates
After dinner, gather by the cosy fireplace for a nightcap, sipping a warming drink and enjoying our biscotti plates. Share the traditional Tuscan treats you baked earlier in the course, basking in the warmth of good company.
DAY 5 – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2
Farewell Brunch & Departure
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Tuscan Christmas brunch
On your final morning, enjoy a heartwarming Tuscan Christmas brunch together. It’s the perfect way to savour the final moments of your Tuscan holiday.
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Farewell Gift
As a special memento of your time at Hortulanus, you’ll receive a thoughtful farewell gift. These gifts are a delicious reminder of your unforgettable experience in the heart of Tuscany.
WHAT'S INCLUDED AT A GLANCE
✔️ 4 nights accommodation at the stunning Hortulanus estate or at nearby historic 18th century B&B
✔️ Beautiful room with queen bed and private bathroom
✔️ Specially curated vegan Tuscan cooking course
✔️ All meals, wine pairings, and tastings with local produce
✔️ 5 hands-on cooking classes led by Nadia Fragnito
✔️ 3 unique excursions (Seggiano Olive Oil Festival, Montepulciano Christmas Market, Monte Amiata)
✔️ Local transport for scheduled activities
✔️ Pick-up and drop-off from Rome
✔️ Farewell gifts
NOT INCLUDED:
❌ Flights
❌ Travel insurance (required)
❌ Personal purchases during excursions
MEET YOUR COOKING INSTRUCTOR
NADIA FRAGNITO
Nadia Fragnito, the creator of The Vegan Italian Kitchen, is a vegan Italian specialist and recipe creator. She has authored three cookbooks, Discovering Vegan Italian, A Vegan Summer in Southern Italy and most recently Natale: recipes for a vegan Italian Christmas. Nadia has appeared on television cooking shows and her recipes and food writing have been featured in various print and online media. Born in South Australia to an Italian father and an Australian mother, Nadia combines her rich heritage with a deep passion for veganism and regional Italian food.
HOW TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE
📩 For more information and enquiries, contact Hortulanus here
or email Nadia, theveganitaliankitchen@gmail.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Where is the trip held?
The experience takes place at Hortulanus, a private estate in Tuscany’s Seggianese countryside, known for its organic olive oil, wines, chestnut groves.
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Do I need to be an experienced cook to join?
Not at all! Our cooking classes are suitable for all levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks. You just have to love food and enjoy a hands-on experience!
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Is the course 100% vegan?
Yes. Every dish, wine, and tasting experience at the villa and our cooking classes will be completely vegan. When it comes to excursions, we’ll seek out vegan-friendly options.
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Can I come alone?
Yes! However, there are no twin-share rooms—only queen beds. You must book a single room (availability limited). There are rooms in the villa and off the property at a nearby B&B in the lovely cute town of Seggiano.
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Does this suit couples?
Absolutely, this is perfect for couples who love to cook and travel together. Rooms are private and include a queen bed and a bathroom.
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How do I get there?
You will be picked up in Rome. If you arrange flights to arrive in Rome, we will collect you from a designated location in the city (TBA) and drive you the two hours to Hortulanus. More travel details will be provided closer to the trip. If you prefer to make your own way to us, directions will be provided. You may also like to arrive in Rome a few days before to enjoy the Eternal City before being chauffeured to your Tuscan home for five days.
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When should I book my flights?
🚨 IMPORTANT: Please wait until we confirm the trip before booking flights, as we must have a minimum number of participants for the course to go ahead. We know you will want to book your flights asap, so we won't keep you waiting. The trip will be confirmed early June. If the course is cancelled because it doesn't meet the minimum number of participants, you’ll receive a full refund immediately.
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Why is travel insurance required?
Unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, travel delays or lost luggage can occasionally happen. Travel insurance can protect you from these types of events, ensuring you're covered and can fully enjoy your experience without worry. Especially if you have travelled a long way! You can always choose from a range of insurance options to suit your budget and needs.
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Who is this trip for?
With a focus on hands-on cooking classes, you are passionate about food, cooking...and eating! You love the idea of a slower-paced trip, immersing yourself in a beautiful corner of Tuscany, enjoying cultural experiences and local produce, without rushing from city to city on a chaotic tour. You savour the moments, with the occasional excursion to discover new delights and villages, and then returning to the cosy comfort of your villa home where you can connect and create with like-minded people.
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What happens if I need to cancel after booking?
You can cancel within 48 hours of paying the deposit. We do need to be firm with this timeframe, but of course, if there's an illness or emergency, we're always open to exceptions. This is another reason why travel insurance is a requirement when unexpected events arise.
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Do you have any recommendations for other places to visit while I'm in Italy before or after the retreat?
If you’d like to stay longer in Italy, we’re happy to offer recommendations or links to personal favourite places and experiences. If you'd like to continue to immerse yourself in the festive season, we recommend you explore the many events, markets and sights from December 8th (a national holiday) and onwards. This is the time when Italy's festive spirit really comes to life. If you'd like to catch the snow season - head towards the far northern regions, or into the mountains.
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What if I have dietary requirements?
The experience is fully vegan, which means we can accommodate intolerances to dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and other animal products. However, we are unable to accommodate additional dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or specific vegetables, as the meals are carefully curated for an authentic experience. If you have any questions however, please feel free to contact us.
