…let three generations bring you on a journey to discover the essence of Tuscany!

Pici Pasta-making Class and Tuscan Dinner

Our guests are invited to come to our farmhouse “Cretaiole” to learn the art of making "pici", a traditional, handmade pasta of southern Tuscany. You will learn the secrets of measuring the ingredients, mixing and kneading the dough, and then rolling strips of dough to make thin, irregularly shaped ‘thick spaghetti’.

After the class, we will enjoy a bountiful Tuscan dinner outdoors or in the veranda. The menu includes our freshly made pici with our homemade ragù, grilled meats, salads, Pecorino cheese, and homemade dessert. Oh, and not to forget: A looot of wine, Vin Santo, and grappa!

You will experience the way Tuscans really enjoy our food and wine—in fact, having dinner with us will make you feel you have become a Tuscan yourself! We want you to feel a part of our family—after all, nothing is dearer to the hearts of Italians than making, tasting, judging, debating, and enjoying the food they have made by hand.

Tuscan Farm Visit and Product Tasting

Many animals are raised at our farmhouse in Pienza , where most of the Moricciani family lives and where we have the center of our agricultural activities. Come visit our wine cellar, our olive oil storage, and see our animals, including the baby geese, ducks, guinea hens, sheep, chickens, turkeys, pigs, and rabbits. Luciano, Nicco’s grandfather, will show you where he makes and stores his cheese, wine, and meats, and while you are visiting, he will pour you a big glass of his best red or white wine, and give you generous tastings of his cured meats, aged pecorino cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Exploring our family’s farm will give you a much better feel for the real life of a Tuscan family. If you have chosen to stay in the countryside because it brings you closer to the land and the culture, then you will value this experience highly!

Visit to the Ancient Hermitage

One of Val d’Orcia’s true hidden gems lies right in our family’s hands. In 1993, Nicco’s grandfather Luciano purchased a prized piece of land just below Pienza that contains a fascinating, pre-Christian archaeological site. Luciano and Carlo have restored it to prevent deterioration and to allow better access to it. This is an extraordinarily beautiful and spiritual place. It is closed to the public, but as our guest, we will personally escort you through it and explain the meaning of its features, its artwork, and its location. It is called the Hermitage (or “Romitorio” in Italian) because for centuries it was used by religious hermits leading lives of penitence and prayer. However, archaeologists suspect that, even much earlier than that, it was the site of an ancient Etruscan tomb. This is a unique archaeological site few people are privileged to visit.

Olive Oil Tasting

Carlo is a professional olive oil taster and judge on the grand panel of experts for the Province of Siena. He will take you to the ancient olive grove and explain the work involved in growing olives, guide you in tasting extra virgin olive oils from different parts of Italy, and teach you to recognize different smells, flavours, and levels of quality. If you are a "foodie" as so many Tuscan visitors are, you will find this to be an invaluable skill-building lesson! Nicco will be there to help with Carlo’s presentation and to translate your questions to him. 

Hike in Val d’Orcia with Carlo 

Take an intermediate hike with Carlo, starting and ending at our farmhouse “Cretaiole”. You will see landscapes, crops, vineyards, olive orchards, and hopefully some wildlife. The hike is not timed; rests are taken when needed, about enjoying the outdoors in a relaxed way. Wear comfortable shoes, bring your own water bottle and a camera.

Wine Tastings

See, smell and taste the history of some of our favourite family-owned boutique wineries in and around Val d’Orcia. The experience begins with a tour of the winery where you will learn about decades-long traditions of Tuscan wine-making, followed by a guided tasting of several different wines accompanied by a typical light lunch while enjoying the beautiful view on the Val d’Orcia. 

Truffle Hunt with our favourite truffle hunter and his dogs  

In Tuscany, truffle is one of the hidden delicacies! Join a small group of people and let our favourite professional truffle hunter and his dog Rocky teach you the wonders of the truffle, what they are, the various types of truffles, how they are found, and learn why these earthy, delectable members of the mushroom kingdom are so appreciated all over the world. For about hours, you will hear many stories and secrets about this ancient practice, and at the end of your experience you will enjoy a small tasting of home-made truffle products and red wine!

…are you ready for these and so many more experiences? We can’t wait for you to be part of our history!