Tuscan Adventure; A journey for all Travelers
10 Days | Start & End: Florence, Italy | Price $4950
Nights 1-3 in Florence - Nights 4-5 in Greve - Nights 6-9 in Bagno Vignoni
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: Today we delve into the art history of the Renaissance accompanied by our historian and guide. We will visit the Uffizi via the Vasari corridor, secret passageway of the Medici family, which crosses the Arno river into the Oltrarno neighborhood. Then onto lunch in the Oltrarno district and then head out to we meet the artisans who continue the traditions of centuries-old crafts in their workshops including a shoemaker, a bookbinder and see up close, the art of Florentine semi-precious stone inlay by the de Filippis family who have been practicing this ancient art form sine the 19th century. The evening will be at your leisure along with recommendations for your time to explore and suggestions for dinner.
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 you will have some free time to explore the this part of Florence or head back to the hotel for rest before dinner. 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: Today we bid farewell to Florence and drive south toward Chianti to the charming village of San Minaito to partake in a hunt for truffles! We will take a walk in the forest with Choco the dog and his trainer Francesca looking for the most treasured fungi in the world. After our walk we will enjoy a lovely lunch prepared by Francesca and her mother at their beautiful villa using what we have found in several recipes. Then we head to the town of Greve. Arriving at our destination, the Villa Vignamaggio is a 14th century 400 acre wine and olive oil producing estate. Our hosts will open their cellars and share some of their flagship wines. Afterward you will have time to wander the grounds and stunning gardens of the property. Dinner will be a traditional Tuscan affair.
Day 5: This morning we journey deeper into the Chianti countryside. We travel to Fattoria Petroio and meet the wine producing Lenzi family. Diana, the winemaker, runs the family business, and is also an accomplished chef. We will have an exclusive tour and tasting and gourmet lunch prepared by Diana. After lunch we head back to Villa Vignamaggio for a little R and R time. In the evening, we head out to learn about the craft of butchering from the infamous Dario Cecchini. Dario is world famous for his style and expertise. We will have a class to discover the best cutting and cooking methods for each piece of meat. Followed by a meal at his restaurant.
Day 6: Today we head south to Cortona, with its charming narrow streets and spectacular hill top location. We spend our time in its historic center at Pozzo Antico where Paula will guide us in a cooking class of seasonal local ingredients. After enjoying our lunch we will head down the hill to visit tour and taste at the "frantoio" or olive oil press that our friends, Beppe and Nicoletta use each Fall to create their 'green gold" extra virgin olive oil. Then we head to Albergo le Terme in the charming medieval spa town of Bagno Vignoni, our home for the final four nights. Tonight we will have a light dinner and time to soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful property.
Day 7: Today we visit Pienza in the Val D’Orcia and sample its many culinary and artistic 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. Then back to Albergo for dinner.
Day 8: Our adventure today starts in the delightful town of Montalcino famous for its Brunello production and its stunning vineyard scenery. Here we will have an exclusive tour and tasting before enjoying a gourmet lunch. We will have time to relax and take advantage of the spa at our resort and then have dinner in San Quirico a quaint medieval town.
Day 9: Today is spent with our friends and producers in Montepulciano. We will learn about its notable wines. Our hosts are expert vintners and share with us their experience and passion for their craft. We will visit a coppersmith that has been making beautiful cookware for over 50 years. Tonight we celebrate our time together with an intimate farewell dinner at Il Rigo, a restaurant and inn with an historical past.
Day 10: Arriverderci! It is farewell with a transfer to Florence for flights back to the USA.