For this episode of my blog, I wish to share your with the beautiful experience of a corporate event in the Tuscan countryside. The 20th birthday of the company was organized amongst the parks of the Renaissance villas in Tuscany, renowned for their elegant architecture, lush gardens and rich history. These villas were once the summer residences of wealthy noble families, built to showcase their wealth and status. Many of these villas are nestled on the countryside, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. This specific corporate event was a successful blend of business, culture, and relaxation.
The base of the operations was chosen in Montecatini Terme, which is an Unesco site, and one of the most famous thermal towns in Italy, having a rich history dating back to Roman times. The town is blessed with natural thermal springs and is characterized by an elegant Belle Époque architecture. The historic thermal establishments such as Terme Tettuccio (where we had the good fortune to have an event) and Terme Excelsior, are architectural gems still reflecting the opulence and sophistication of their golden age.
Six days in Tuscany (in this case Florence, Lucca, Siena and Pisa) are the perfect duration for a corporate event. A comfortable transportation for attendees is mandatory, between the venue, museums, and other excursion sites. A perfectly smooth logistical support and a fluid coordination on site, throughout the event, are also necessary.
Our tasty gastronomic experiences took place in private mansions, as Villa Medici in Fiesole, which exemplifies the grandeur and sophistication of the Renaissance architecture. Our memorable lunch in its gardens, filled with ornate fountains, sculptures, and meticulously manicured hedges, was an elegant feast. Other notable villas which hosted our event were Villa Torreggiani, close to Lucca, which boasts beautiful frescoes and a stunning garden, Villa Mansi, Villa Gamberaia, Villa Fontallerta, Villa Marlia, Villa Corliano, Villa Oliva, Villa Reale di Marlia. Every meal in such prestigious frames was a rich and immersive discovery.
The apotheosis of our gastronomy trip was the unforgettable cooking class, which offered a taste of the region’s culinary traditions and allow the participants to learn how to prepare authentic Tuscan dishes. Under the guidance of skilled chefs, the participants (50) rolled up their sleeves preparing authentic filled pasta (ravioli), which was afterwards shared by the participants as first course. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the colleagues learned to appreciate the simplicity and elegance of Tuscan cuisine, with its emphasis on seasonal produce and time-honored cooking methods. Throughout the cooking class, the group had also an insight into the cultural significance of food in Tuscan society. Cooking is viewed as a communal activity in Tuscany, bringing friends and family together to share laughter, stories, and, of course, delicious meals.
In the same ancient monastery, we had a remarkable wine and olive oil experience that offered a delightful journey through the region’s rich winemaking and oil traditions. Tuscany is famous for its world-class wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, among others. We observed the winemaking process, from grape cultivation in the vineyards to fermentation and aging in the cellars, and we had a tasting of the wines and the olive oil, paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and other delicacies.
My clients wished also to have an overview of the Tuscan culture, in particular its museums, which house artistic treasures from the Renaissance and beyond. I choose for them a private visit of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, home to one of the most important collections of Italian Renaissance art in the world, including works by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.
By combining culture and gastronomy, shopping sessions and purchasing of artisanal gifts, dancing dinners and relaxing moments in thermal waters, my clients had a rich and immersive Tuscan experience.
By this example, I wished to show you as a corporate event in Tuscany can offer a well-rounded and memorable experience for attendees, fostering camaraderie, inspiration, and professional growth.