Delights of Southern Tuscany

Day 1 - Arrival in Tuscany

Today you will arrive in the Val D'Orcia and relax at your accommodation at Palazzo Brandano. Transfers from your point of arrival can be arranged.In the evening you will enjoy a typical dinner accompanied by local wines at the hotel's superb restaurant.

Day 2 - Wine and Cheese of the Golden Valley

Depart with your private driver for a day that promises to be a feast for the palate and the eyes. You will be struck by the natural beauty of the landscape which in the past has inspired painters and writers. Your first stop will be the small but fascinating town of Pienza. While here, you will visit a local cheese laboratory where traditional methods are still used to produce high quality products. You will enjoy a tasting of the cheeses made here. You will then continue to Montepulciano, where you will have time to wander around this picturesque, walled hill town and see its Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The real reason for your visit however, is the town's famous Nobile wine, a mellow-flavored red with a mildly floral aroma that features a distinctive iridescent orange tone.Your driver will return you to your hotel at the end of the tour.

Day 3 - Tuscan Cooking Class and Brunello Wine

This morning a cooking lesson with the expert cooking staff of Palazzo Brandano has been organized for you. You will create a full menu from appetizer to Dessert.You will then of course enjoy what you have prepared along with a nice lunch in the restaurant of Palazzo Brandano.In the afternoon depart with your private driver for Crete Senesi. The clay hills of this area create a moonscape effect which is quite striking. Your first stop will be Abbey of Sant' Antimo built in the 12th and 13th centuries. If you are lucky, you'll be in time to hear the Gregorian chanting of the resident monks.You will then proceed to the Poggio Antico wine estate where you will enjoy an extensive cellar tour. At the end or the tour you will taste 3 different wines: Brunello, Altero and Madre.Your day will end with a fine dining experience in the widely acclaimed Ristorante Poggio with a stunning view of the estate vineyards.Your driver will return you to the hotel in the evening.

Day 4 - Siena and the Colli Senesi

This morning your driver will take you to Siena. Here you will meet your local English speaking guide for a walking tour of Siena. The walk will not be too physically challenging, and will offer a new and entertaining way to become familiar with the extraordinary beauty of this medieval town. Your route will take you away from the ordinary tourist routes, as your guide illustrates Siena's eventful past through tales of bankers, pilgrims, artists and Saints.In the afternoon, you will depart with your driver to the Arno Valley to experience the Colli Senesi. You will arrive at a local winery for a truly unique 'tasting tour'. Beginning in the Enoteca, the first wine will be accompanied by an oil tasting and an explanation of the peculiarities of the area that combine to make the wine's distinctive flavor.The second wine will be sampled in the estate's chapel, in an atmosphere of ancient and sacred stillness. The final wine will be sampled in the cellars themselves, paired with salami and goat cheese, as your guide explains the importance of the different types of earth on which the vineyard is cultivated.At the end of the tour, your driver will drop you off at your hotel.

Day 5 - Departure

After checking out of your hotel, departure for your onward travel. Transfers can be arranged to your next destination or to the airport or rail station.

Accommodations

Tuscany Palazzo Brandano (or similar)

Sightseeing

Private full day tour of Pienza and Montepulciano

Cheese making

Winery visit in Montepulciano

Excursion to Abbey of Sant' Antimo

Winery visit in Montalcino

Excursion to Siena with local guide

Winery visit in Colli Senesi

Transfers

Private transfer from city to city as per itinerary with English speaking drivers

Meals

Breakfast at hotels daily

Welcome dinner with wines at hotel

Cheese tasting in Pienza

Wine tasting Montepulciano

Cooking class followed by lunch

Wine tasting at Poggio Antico Montalcino

Dinner at Poggio Antico

Wine tasting in Colli Senesi winery

Services

Assistance from our Road to Italy office in Rome and local representative offices throughout Italy

Local emergency contact number daily

Does not include

Airfare

Travel Insurance (highly recommended)

Tips and gratuities to drivers and local guides