1. Hunt for Truffles in the Chianti Countryside
Truffles have long been part of Tuscany's culinary heritage, featured in everything from handmade pasta to richly flavoured steak sauces. Accompanied by an expert truffle hunter and their dog, you can venture into the woodlands around the 740-acre COMO Castello Del Nero estate in search of these prized seasonal delicacies. The experience is made all the more rewarding when followed by a Tuscan lunch inspired by your morning discoveries.
2. Master the Art of Italian Pizza
Guided by an expert chef, learn how to stretch, top and bake authentic Italian pizza using carefully sourced local ingredients. Included as part of the Villa San Luigi experience, this relaxed, hands-on activity takes place in the privacy of the villa.
3. Toast La Dolce Vita
Surrounded by some of Italy's finest wine country, Villa San Luigi is ideally placed for exploring Tuscan wines. Enjoy complimentary Chianti Classico tastings in the privacy of your villa, or venture further afield to renowned local wineries such as Antinori or Casa Emma. With vineyard and cellar experiences often booked up months in advance, your dedicated butler can secure a sought-after tour, led by expert vintners and culminating in a private tasting of the estate's wines.
4. Explore Tuscany by Vintage Fiat 500 or Supercar
Whether you opt for the timeless charm of a vintage Fiat 500 or the thrill of a high-performance supercar, a chauffeur-driven tour offers a memorable way to experience Chianti by road. Your driver will pick you up from Villa San Luigi, where your guided half- or full-day journey begins. Travelling through vineyards, olive groves and hilltop villages, you'll discover the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, learning about the region's history and culture and stopping whenever a view demands a closer look.
5. Make Gelato with a Master in San Gimignano
Just 30 minutes’ drive from Villa San Luigi, San Gimignano is known for its medieval towers, UNESCO-listed historic centre and one of Italy's most celebrated gelaterias. Here, you can join award-winning gelato maker Sergio Dondoli for a hands-on, two-hour private masterclass, learning the techniques behind authentic Italian gelato before sampling the results for yourself.
6. Get Creative at Il Tafano
Located just 12 minutes' drive from Villa San Luigi, the ceramics workshop of Il Tafano offers an introduction to Tuscany's artisan traditions. Set within the Chianti countryside, these two-hour workshops are tailored for both adults and children. Younger guests can experiment with natural materials and textures to create animals and decorative pieces, while adults are introduced to the traditional colombino technique before decorating each creation with Italian ceramic paints. Every piece is kiln-fired after the workshop and can be shipped home upon request.
7. Wander Tuscany's Medieval Hill Towns
Tuscany's smaller towns — many within a 60-minute drive of Villa San Luigi — reveal some of the region's greatest treasures. Explore the skyline of San Gimignano, wander the ancient streets of Volterra, enjoy a leisurely lunch at family-run Antica Trattoria La Torre in Castellina in Chianti or discover the perfectly preserved walls of Monteriggioni. Each offers its own perspective on Tuscany, from Etruscan heritage and medieval architecture to local food traditions and sweeping countryside views.
8. Head to Florence for Art, Culture and Shopping
A 30-minute drive from Villa San Luigi, Florence is easily reached for a day of exploration. Spend the morning exploring Renaissance masterpieces, historic piazzas and architectural landmarks, before heading to The Mall Firenze — a 45-minute drive from Villa San Luigi and home to Italy’s leading designer brands including Prada and Valentino. Here, you can take advantage of exclusive privileges including shopping assistance and lounge access.
Villa San Luigi is a five-bedroom private residence on the COMO Castello del Nero estate, offering villa-exclusive experiences as well as access to hotel's wider dining, wellness and concierge services. For more information or to book, please contact our concierge team.
