Sojourn to Italy; A departure for Women Travelers
10 Days | Start & End: Florence, Italy | Price $4,950
Nights 1-3 in Florence- Nights 4-9 in Buonconvento
Maximum group size: 12
Minimum age: 18
Accommodations 4 stars
Day 1: Greeted by your host at the Hotel, you will have time to rest, explore the medieval center of Florence (your host can give you suggestions for things to see close by) or get acquainted with other members of the tour before we gather as a group. In the evening we will saunter together to a local Florentine pizzeria for a casual dinner.
Day 2: This morning we delve into the art history of the city and learn about the “Invisible Women” artists of the renaissance and the foundation that is working to salvage, restore and preserve their artwork. We will learn about these remarkable women who are a fascinating part of Florence’s cultural history. We will visit the Vasari corridor crossing the Arno river to exit by the Pitti Palace. This afternoon is spent in the Oltrarno neighborhood, meeting artisans who continue the traditions of centuries old crafts in their workshops. Tonight you have the opportunity to have dinner on your own. Your host will have suggestions to fit your interests and budget.
Day 3: This morning we will explore the Sant' Ambrogio market, a culinary landmark, and the quintessence of Tuscan food culture. This is an opportunity to meet with the food mongers and learn about their selection and preparation of the vast array of ingredients: groceries, meats, cheeses, oils and vinegars to name a few. We will have lunch at a restaurant owned by one of the most famous chefs in Florence to taste traditional florentine dishes. After lunch we will visit the Scuola del Cuoio or leather school to see exquisite handbags, belts and wallets being made right before your eyes! In the evening we will savor Italy's tradition of Aperitivo with nibbles, bubbly and cocktails at some of the most exclusive locales in trend-setting, cultural quarters through the backdoor.
Day 4: We leave the city and travel to Chianti to touch the earth and learn about some of its bounty. Here we will meet Nora, an entrepreneur and Cashmere farmer. We will share in her process and of course meet the goats! We then travel on to Fattoria Petroio and meet the wine producing Lenzi family. Diana the winemaker and chef runs the family business, where we will have an exclusive tour and tasting. Our final stop for the day is home for the next 6 nights, Silvia our host will welcome us as we relax with an apericena, Italy’s version of Happy Hour, at our Tuscan retreat.
Day 5: This morning we visit the delightful town of Montalcino famous for its Brunello production and its stunning wine country. The Casato Prime Donne Winery is an exclusively female vintners collective and will be our hosts and teachers about the noble wines of the region. We will enjoy a tour, lunch and tasting of their award winning wines. Dinner is a shared experience with hands on preparation and discussion of the artisanal Italian pantry and the importance of farm fresh ingredients back in our country house.
Day 6: This morning we explore the captivating town of Siena on a walking tour with our local expert. Undeniably one of the most alluring cities in Italy; the entire city is under the UNESCO protection to safeguard its historic character. Our guide will take us to the beautiful cathedral and teach us about the contrade (the 17 districts of Siena) and their traditions surrounding the famous horse race, Palio de Siena. After discovering its many facets you will have time to venture out on your own to possibly have a light lunch overlooking the Piazza del Campo or do a little shopping. Returning to our country home we relax before an evening among the locals at an enoteca in the town of Buonconvento.
Day 7: Today we visit Pienza in the Val D’orcia and sample its many culinary delights. We will take a walk through Pienza and you will actually smell what makes this town famous, pecorino cheese. Then we head out to tour a farm that is dedicated to making this delicious cheese, get a chance to taste several varieties and even see the adorable sheep that provide the milk. After our lunch, we will learn about the craft of iron working. Tuscan iron workers have been making furniture, gates, home furnishings and beautiful art pieces for centuries. After these delicious treats we will journey on to the town of Bagno Vignoni for a visit to the thermal springs and spa and have dinner in this beautiful medieval town.
Day 8: Today we experience the inspiration of Cortona, with its charming narrow streets and spectacular hill top location. We spend our time in its historic center at Pozzo Antico where Paola will guide us in a cooking demonstration of seasonal local ingredients. After enjoying the lunch we prepared, its time to learn about the important staple of the region, Olives! We will visit a frantoio to see a demonstration and taste the oils. Then back to or lovely bed and breakfast to have dinner with Silvia and Paolo.
Day 9: Today is spent with our friends and producers in Montepulciano, we will learn about the herbs and spices that are grown in the tuscan gardens and learn how to use them in cookingand of course the notable wines. We will also visit a master coppersmith who is famous throughout the world for his cookware. Our friends are experts in their profession and share with us their experiences and passion for their craft. Tonight we will celebrate our time together in an intimate farewell dinner at the charming villa Il Rigo.
Day 10: Arriverderci! It is farewell with a transfer to Florence for flights back to the US.