Eating well and drinking wonderful wine - aren't these among the main reasons that visitors flock to Italy. We are well aware of this - and have developed a series of programs illustrating the finest in Italian cooking and wines. We are honored to be the only American members of the prestigious Italian "Accademia della Cucina" - we are always on the lookout for the newest in Italian cooking and restaurants - but this must be combined with the rich tradition that characterizes the historic development of Italian cuisine.
This program is our best seller - a combination of great food, principally in Tuscany, wine tasting of the finest Tuscan wines, unusual sightseeing, art treasures off the beaten path and even a day in the fabled Cinque Terre. We know it is a winner. Parts of it can be adopted for individual trips. Breakfast in the two hotels is always included.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Firenze. Arrival Florence Airport and transfer, with our guide in private motorcoach to the Villa San Lucchese, a lovely country hotel in the Tuscan hills. Evening is dedicated to a special welcome dinner at L'Antica Trattoria in the heart of the nearby village of Colle Val D'Elsa.
Day 2: St.Antimo - Montalcino - Pienza. In the morning visit the incredible 11th century Abbey of St. Antimo, to hear the haunting strains of Gregorian chants. Next stop is Montalcino, a very picturesque hill town worth a visit even if it wasn't the home base for Brunello Di Montalcino, one of Italy's finest red wines. Lunch and wine tasting of this famous wine at the Fattoria dei Barbi. In the afternoon continue to Pienza, founded in 1459 as a Papal summer court, with its principal Piazza the first example of Renaissane city planning. The Oscar award winning film "The English Patient" was shot in Pienza. Return to hotel in early evening. Dinner in hotel.
Day 3: Siena. Morning visit of San Gimignano, and its 14th century famous medieval towers. Lunch on own. After lunch proceed to Siena, the mystical beautifully preserved Medieval city characterized by Gothic Palaces, narrow streets, ancient gates, walls and towers. Siena is probably best known for its central Piazza del Campo, the sight of the Palio held twice a year - the medieval horse race whose competition dominates the life of the city. Dinner on own in one of Siena's wonderful restaurants. Return to hotel.
Day 4: Chianti Region. Today is dedicated to a tour of this world famous wine region. First stop will be in Greve in Chianti, a charming town known for its beautiful Piazza. Lunch (and wine tasting) will be at the Castello di Vicchio Maggio, a Medici castle with a fine restaurant and excellent wine. After lunch visit Radda in Chianti with a final stop and sampling) at the Castello di Volpaia, producing both a first rate wine and great olive oil. Return to hotel and dinner on own.
Day 5: Lucca. Depart the Villa San Lucchese for Pietrasanta with a stop in Lucca, considered the most civilized of Tuscany's cities, whose ramparts and walls hide an elegant Renaissance city of churches and palaces. Lunch at the world famous Buca di San Antonio before proceeding to Pietrsanta and the Albergo Pietrasanta, a very special hotel opened in 1997 in a restored 16th century Palazzo. Dinner at the Gatto Nero in Pietrasanta's bustling main Piazza.
Day 6: Pietrasanta. After a lovely buffet breakfast in hotel, the morning will be dedicated to a private tour of Pietrasanta's art galleries, studios and foundries. Pietrasanta is Italy's most famous art colony and world renown sculptors and artists have their laboratories here. Afternoon free. Dinner this evening at L'Enoteca, one of Italy's most unusual and best restaurants.
Day 7: Cinque Terre. Full day devoted to an exploration of these five old fishing villages, on foot and by train. Lunch on the Mediterranean in the fishing port of Vernazza (and a chance to try the refreshing white wine of the Cinque Terre). Return to Pietrasanta and overnight.
Day 8: Return to the US.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Food & Wine
Cultural Journey
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