Enchanted Tuscany
A breathtaking excursion through
the countryside of the Chianti area among the beautiful hills of vineyards
and olive-groves. Feel the medieval atmosphere of the small towns "Under
the Tuscan Sun" as well as the spectacular renaissance towns.
Day 1: Welcome Reception
We will pick you up at the Florence airport. Upon your arrival
at our luxurious hotel, take time to settle in, explore the private
park around the villa or the village. In the evening, you will
enjoy a welcome reception followed by a delicious dinner. |
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Day 2: Florence: Spectacular Renaissance City
Who can resist the beauty, style and elegance of the city
of Florence? It is a must stop on one's itinerary to Tuscany.
In the morning we will have a guided visit of the historic center
which will culminate in the viewing of Michelangelo's masterpiece
David. Following the visit you will have free time to shop at
the leather markets, enjoy a cappuccino or a glass of wine in
one of Florence's elegant squares or just wander the streets
and take in its beauty.
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Day 3: Cooking Session and Secrets of the Making of Terra Cotta .
Morning: Cooking session with an Italian Mama
In the late morning, we will head towards a family home outside
of Florence in a little hamlet called Impruneta where the mamma
of the family will teach us some of the secrets of true Tuscan
cooking. We will feast on our labors in the absolute splendid
setting of the Renzoni family home.
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Afternoon: Discover the secrets of making terra cotta
After lunch we make a stop in the town of Impruneta which is renown
for its production of terra cotta. We will stop at the workshop of a
family who has passed the traditional methods down from generation to
generation.
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Day 4: Vineyards and Wine Tasting
Wine is one of Italy's delights.
We will spend some time at a local vineyard where we will meet
the winemakers and have a tour of the grounds.
Vignamaggio is an exquisite location, so characteristic of the Chianti region
that it was chosen as the setting for the movie "Much Ado
About Nothing".
After a tour of the property, be led in a lunch with wines chosen
to complement the menu.
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Day 5: Siena
Morning: Visit of Siena
Siena is one of the principal cities of Tuscany, known throughout
the world for its famous horse race, Il Palio. Accompanied by
a local guide, we will visit the Campo, the Duomo and the center
of town.
Following the visit you will have a bit of free time for lunch
and exploration. Everyone finds something amazing in Siena:
the Palazzo Pubblico contains many works of Sienese art. The
Torre di Mangia provides a breath-taking view of the city. The
Duomo was built to impress and it does. Inside are an astonishing
number of busts, statues, frescoes, and painting. The octagonal
marble pulpit by Nicola Pisano is amazing, as are the works
by Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo.
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Afternoon: "Palio", the horse race in Siena
Later in the day we will meet with an expert on the fascinating
horse race known as the palio. Marco will get special permission
for the group to enter the palio museum of one of the neighborhoods
and will explain the history of the race and its importance
to the people of Siena.
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Day 6: Fortress of Montalcino and Gregorian Chant in an Abbey.
A beautiful ride through the hills of south-central Tuscany
will bring us to the town of Montalcino. We will walk up the
fortress of the city which is also home to a fantastic wine
bar. The views from the tower are incredible: Siena, the Crete,
and the Val d'Orcia. The view said to have inspired Leonardo's
drawing of a bird's eye view of the earth. Here we will have
the occasion to try some of this area's prestigious wines.
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After lunch, we will depart for the Abbey of Sant'Antimo in the
early afternoon so that we can attend some enchanting Gregorian
Chant performing by monks. This is the abbey that everyone falls
in love with. It's located in a valley surrounded by hills, cypress
trees dancing up these hills, and a lawn around of the Abbey. |
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Day 7: Da Vinci Village
Morning: Market, picnic at the Da Vinci Village
In the morning we go to the tiny hamlet of Vinci (birthplace of
Leonardo), stopping along the way for some picnic supplies.
We will enjoy this little town as well as the musem that has been
built with most of Leonardo's inventions.
We will then stop in the countryside surrounding it for a lovely picnic
where we can enjoy the spectacular views of vineyards and olive
groves that abound.
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Afternoon:
Artisan Workshops in Florence
Return to Florence in the afternoon for a visit of some of the
artisan workshops in the city (papermaker, leather school, marble
inlay) and then a final dinner together in Florence. |
Day 8: Departure
It is time to say Arrivederci! But don't worry - you'll be back.
We just know it! After our last breakfast together, we'll drive
you to the Florence airport.
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Accommodation
We have chosen an elegant Renaissance villa-hotel dating from
the XVIIIth century located in the heart of the Chianti area,
just a few kilometers from Florence.
The villa is classified as a historical home, entirely restored
by its owners with the aim of offering the hospitality and atmosphere
of a patrician family country house.
The Villa has wonderful light and spacious rooms. The large
hall, the heart of the house, with its beautifully painted doors,
has comfortable armchairs and welcoming sofas, while various
other smaller lounges offer quiet, cozy corners for reading
and relaxation. Each room has its own unique character.
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Seated under the Renaissance Loggia, you can look out over the formal
Italian gardens and be enveloped in the fragrance of old roses and flowering
shrubs. Ornamental bushes also grow in the beautiful central courtyard
and garden surrounding the swimming pool.
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our breakfasts and some dinners there. The refined cuisine of
the Chef, based on fresh seasonal local products, is an innovative
blend of Italian and contemporary gastronomy.
From your bedroom window, you will have a wonderful view on
the park and the surrounded countryside.
Each room has: a private bathroom, air conditioning, a mini-bar,
a telephone, a TV set, a safe and a WiFi connection.
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Dates & Rates
Sept 14-21, 2011:
Get US $ 150 off before April 30 from
regular price US $ 3,290 (+ $550 for single suppl.)
Includes
- Florence airport pick up and drop off
- A welcome reception
- All nights at the family hotel
- All breakfasts
- 3 dinners and 2 lunches (incl. drinks and wine)
- Transportation in a comfortable van with A/C
- A personal bilingual chauffeur/guide throughout the week
- Entrance fees to all sites on the tour
Excludes
- Flights to and from Florence
- 4 lunches
- 4 dinners
- Optional activities (those not described in the itinerary)
- Personal expenses and tipping
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