Vegan Tuscan Christmas: A Boutique Culinary Escape

A Vegan Tuscan Christmas at Hortulanus Villa

A Curated Festive Culinary Retreat in the Heart of Tuscany

November 28 – December 2, 2025

Welcome to a Truly Unique Escape

Step away from the everyday and into the magic of a Tuscan winter. Join us at Hortulanus Villa, an exclusive private estate nestled among the rolling hills of Seggiano, for a deeply immersive and heartwarming 5-day vegan Christmas culinary retreat.

This is more than a holiday, it’s a chance to connect with like-minded souls, slow down in nature, and explore the beauty of Italian Christmas traditions through seasonal food, village festivals, and local culture.

Led by vegan Italian food specialist Nadia Fragnito, you’ll experience Tuscany like never before: hands-on in the kitchen, wrapped in the comfort of a crackling fire, and surrounded by the scents of chestnuts, mulled wine, and herbs fresh from the garden.

Retreat Highlights

• 5 days, 4 nights at Hortulanus

• 5 hands-on vegan cooking classes with Nadia Fragnito

• 3 authentic Tuscan excursions including local markets and village festivals

• All meals included, featuring handcrafted vegan dishes and wine

• Luxury accommodation in the villa or nearby boutique B&B

• Transport from Rome, plus all local transfers

• Exclusive access to the estate’s spa amenities and winter gardens

The Experience: A Taste of Tuscany in Winter

Day 1: Arrival & Warm Welcome

• Pick-up from Rome & scenic drive to Hortulanus

• Mulled wine & roasted chestnuts by the fire

• Wine, vegan cheese & olive oil tasting

• Tuscan “cucina povera” cooking demo

• Welcome dinner featuring Grosseto Province classics

Day 2: Pasta & Olive Oil Festival

• Hands-on pasta-making class: Pici, Tortelli Maremmani

• Lunch with wine pairings

• Excursion to the Seggiano Olive Oil Festival

• Chestnut cooking class featuring Castagnaccio or Neci

Day 3: Christmas Baking & Markets

• Christmas biscotti & dolci baking class

• Afternoon trip to Montepulciano Christmas Market

Day 4: Christmas Eve Celebration

• Full-course vegan Christmas Eve cooking class

• Winter forest walk at Monte Amiata

• Festive feast served family-style

• Fireside nightcap with your handmade biscotti

Day 5: Farewell Brunch

• A heartfelt goodbye with a Tuscan Christmas brunch

• Parting gift to take a piece of Tuscany home with you

The Setting: Hortulanus Villa

Set on 20 peaceful hectares overlooking the medieval Castello di Potentino and the village of Seggiano, Hortulanus is your private winter haven. Surrounded by ancient olive groves, vineyards, and forests, the estate includes:

• Cosy fireplaces & communal kitchen

• Sauna & hot tub (perfect for chilly evenings)

• Estate-made wine & olive oil

• Walking trails, conservatory tasting room & nearby cultural sites

Accommodations

Choose between:

• Private queen room in the villa (with ensuite)

• Private queen room at a nearby boutique B&B in Seggiano

All meals, events, and experiences are shared together, no matter where you stay.

Note: Rooms are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Booking Details

• Price: €3,400 per person (private room)

• Deposit: 50% to secure your place

• Group Size: Intimate, 8–10 guests

• Booking Deadline: June 4, 2025

Please wait to book your flight until booking deadline.

After the deposit is made, you have 48h to cancel your booking free of charge.

What’s Included

• 4 nights accommodation

• All vegan meals, snacks, wines & tastings

• 5 cooking classes with Nadia Fragnito

• All excursions & local transportation

• Pick-up & drop-off from Rome

• Welcome & farewell gifts

Not Included

• Flights

• Travel insurance (required)

• Personal purchases during excursions

Is This Retreat for You?

Absolutely, if you:

• Love food and enjoy cooking

• Crave a slower, more meaningful travel experience

• Want to celebrate Christmas in a warm, soulful setting

• Are looking for a special solo trip or a romantic escape

Meet Your Instructor: Nadia Fragnito

Author of three vegan Italian cookbooks, including Natale: Recipes for a Vegan Italian Christmas, Nadia brings together her Italian heritage, love for food, and deep knowledge of vegan cuisine in every class. She’s been featured on TV and in national media, and her hands-on teaching style makes every dish approachable and fun.

Reserve Your Spot

Book your festive culinary escape today and create lasting memories in one of Italy’s most magical settings.