Join Marnie from Solstice Savory Pies for an enchanting foodie retreat at Castello di Potentino, a 1000-year-old Tuscan castle beautifully restored by Charlotte Horton and her Bohemian British family. Beyond its rustic charm and sophisticated elegance, this retreat offers an authentic experience of Tuscany's rich culture and cuisine. Relish gourmet meals prepared by local chefs, enjoy the finest estate wines, and enjoy an afternoon at a local winery enjoying lunch, tour and wine tasting. Embrace the tranquility of foraging on the property and the tradition of harvesting grapes to make wine with ancient Etruscan stones. This retreat is not just about discovery, but also relaxation—immerse yourself in the real Tuscany, away from the crowds, in a serene environment that encourages you to unwind and soak in the beauty and simplicity of Tuscan life.
Pricing (All-Inclusive, Airfare Not Included
2026 Tuscany Retreat Date
Spring Retreats
Fall Retreats
Six Nights / Seven Days
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Double Occupancy: 2500 Euros per person based on double occupancy (6 rooms available).
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Single Occupancy: 4500 Euros per person.
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Triple Occupancy (3 Twin Beds): 2500 Euros per person based on triple occupancy(two rooms available).
2,500 euros in dollars current exchange rate (04/15/2025) = $2818.16, dollar amount is based on exchange rate upon payment
Please note: Shuttle service from and to the Grosseto train station is included if you are not driving yourself. It's the closest train station to the Castle and easy to reach via Rome, Florence or any other city.
Includes:
Six gourmet seasonal family style dinners by local chefs/ Daily Continental breakfasts/ Daily lunches/ Cheese making classes/ Morning Yoga/ Bread and Pasta making/ Special Winery tour with tasting and lunch/ Self guided Santa Fiora Exploration/ Sculpture Garden visit/ Nightly seasonal artisan cocktails by the pool (weather permitting) and Estate wines every night. A bottle of Castello di Potentino wine in your room when you arrive.
Activities: excursions, pool overlooking Castle and property nestled in ancient olive grove, two story library and exploration of the property and accommodations in the beautifully restored 1000 year old castle on Etruscan grounds for you to explore, swim and relax.
Day 1
- 3:30 pm shuttle pickup from Grosseto Train Station
- 4:00-4:30 pm: Check-in
- 5:30 to 7:00 pm: Wine tasting with Castle owner, Charlotte and her own estate wines. A lesson about the area, soil, climate and Etruscan culture and people.
- 7:30 pm: Dinner prepared by guest chef with Castello di Potentino Estate wine at the Castle.
Day 2
- 7 am to 10 am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- 9:30 am to 10:30 am Optional: Run/hike with Marnie
- Midday: Making cheese with Luisa, followed by Lunch
- 5:30 to 6:30 pm: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset (weather permitting)
- 7:30 pm: Dinner prepared by guest chef with Castello di Potentino Estate wine at the Castle
Day 3 ( A day to unwind and relax).
- 7am to 10am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- 9 am to 10 am: Morning Yoga- optional (if weather permits outside in courtyard)
- Free day for guests to explore the property, relax, go for hike on the grounds, read, draw. A day of rest and relaxation
- 1pm lunch prepared by Chef Pasquale.
- 5:30 to 6:30 pm: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset (weather permitting)
- 7:30PM: Dinner prepared by guest chef with Castello di Potentino Estate wine at the Castle
Day 4
- 7 am to 9:30 am: Self- serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- 10:00 am to 5:00 pm: Lunch and wine tasting, exploring Santa Fiora and visiting an outdoor sculpture garden. (shuttle included)
- 5:30 to 6:30 pm: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset (weather permitting)
- 7:30 pm: Dinner prepared by guest chef with Castello di Potentino Estate wine at the Castle
Day 5
- 7 am to 10 am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- 11 am-4 PM: Bread making class, along with a light lunch.
- 5:30 to 6:30 PM: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset( weather permitting)
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Evening: 7:30 PM: Dinner prepared by guest chef with Castello di Potentino Estate wine at the Castle
- 7 am to 10 am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- 9 am- 10 am: Morning Yoga-optional (if weather permits outside in courtyard)
- 11 am to 4 pm: Guided foraging walk on grounds of castle and pasta making with Luisa and cheese you made earlier in the week! Enjoy a pasta lunch you created!
- 5:30 to 6:30 PM: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset(weather permitting)
- Evening: 7:30 PM: Special Solstice Savory Pie dinner with Castello di Potentino Estate Wine. *** If weather permits in the castle courtyard under candle light.
Day 7
- 7 am to 10 am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- Check out 11am. Shuttle leaves by 11:15 am to take guests back to Grosseto Train Station. Ciao till our next retreat!
Important Information for Your Journey to Castello di Potentino
Travel Options
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Car Rental Recommendation:
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Explore with Freedom: Rent a car to discover nearby hilltop villages and hot springs on your free day.
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Small Cars Advised: Smaller vehicles are recommended for easier navigation through local villages' quaint, narrow streets.
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Airfare and Car Rentals:
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Not Included: These are not included in the retreat package.
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Booking Assistance: Contact Marnie for help with bookings.
- Email: marnie@solsticesavorypies.com
- Phone: 530-409-2097 (Available 8am-5pm, leave a message or text for callbacks)
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Shuttle Service:
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Available Locations: Grosetto ( 1 hour from Castle)
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Advance Booking Required: We offer complementary round trip shuttles from Grosseto if you choose not to drive.
Nearest Airports and Travel Time:
- Pisa: Approx. 2 hrs 15 mins
- Florence Peretola: Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins
- Perugia: Approx. 2 hrs 15 mins (challenging driving conditions)
- Rome Fiumicino: Approx. 3 hrs ( most economical)
- Rome Ciampino: Approx. 3 hrs 30 mins
Payment Options
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Contact Marnie for Payment: Payments can be made directly to Marnie via wire transfer, ACH, Check, or Zelle.
- We can offer credit card payments with a 3% fee.
Cancellation Policy
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Deposit: $750 deposit (per person) required at booking.
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Balance Due: Remaining payment due four months prior to arrival day.
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Cancellation 6 months before trip: 25% of deposit refunded.
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Cancellation less than four months before trip: Non-refundable.
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Wait list Refund: If we fill your spot, 75% of the trip cost refunded.
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Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for unexpected cancellations.
Additional Notes
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Booking and Assistance: Contact us for any further assistance or queries. We are dedicated to ensuring your journey and stay at Castello di Potentino is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
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NOTE:
- Please be aware that our castle retreat involves navigating multiple staircases, as there are no elevators on the premises. It's essential for guests to be comfortable with climbing stairs frequently, including accessing the castle ramparts and exploring the expansive grounds. We regret that if this level of physical activity is challenging, our retreat may not be the most suitable option for you.
- Please no kids under 15, as this is a more adult type foodie trip with alcohol and folks wanting time to relax.
Gallery of photos below to enjoy:
Relax, sunbathe, or swim in the stunning pool, nestled amidst olive trees and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the majestic castle.
Surround yourself in the inner and outer courtyards and gates with views of Seggiano, the hilltop village in the distance. Take a moment to visit the church inside the castle walls and go back in time.
Spend your leisure moments immersed in a book, unwinding with friends, or indulging in a glass of wine or coffee in the grandeur of the grand drawing room. Revel in an experience that makes you feel like royalty, cherishing every second of your time here.
Experience the delight of savoring wines crafted directly from the grapes of the estate by the master winemaker, Charlotte, who is also the esteemed owner of the castle. Join us for more than just a wine tasting; embark on an educational journey that intertwines a lesson in the rich Etruscan culture, an insight into the enchanting land where our grapes thrive, and a sensory exploration that promises to captivate and intrigue. Marnie and Charlotte enjoying a glass of wine together.
Indulge in an exclusive experience with a wine tasting and a sumptuous four-course lunch at Poggio Rubino, located in the renowned and coveted Brunello wine region. This tour combines a delightful exploration of exquisite wines with the beauty of scenic views and exceptional cuisine, crafting an idyllic afternoon to remember.
Discover the art of cheese-making with Luisa, who will guide you in crafting delectable Pecorino and Ricotta cheeses using milk from her own sheep, grazed just a stone's throw away from the castle. Lunch is served with the cheese we've made! This hands-on experience promises both fun and flavor in a truly authentic setting.
Embark on a delightful stroll around the property and venture down to the river beneath the castle. Embrace your inner child as you explore trails, try your hand at fishing, enjoy a picnic, and seek out the ancient Etruscan carved stones. During your stay we will pick grapes and traditionally crush them with our bare feet in the stones. This unique adventure is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the library, where you can find the perfect book for some peaceful alone time. Wander between the 2nd and 3rd floors via the elegant spiral staircase, surrounded by beautiful and iconic paintings that add to the serene ambiance. This space is a haven for those seeking a quiet retreat.
Experience the enchantment of a Tuscan sunset, a spectacle you'll never forget, from various magical vantage points around the castle. Whether from the comfort of your room, the tranquil poolside, the grandeur of the room windows, or any spot within the castle's embrace, each moment under the mesmerizing hues of the evening sky promises to be nothing short of magical. Most nights we will be serving artisan cocktails at the pool with this view before dinner.
Sampling of some of the rooms and bathroom. All rooms have their own bathroom either en-suite or next door.
