Day 1 - Petroio Tuscany

Upon arrival in Petroio, between Siena and Montepulciano, you will check into the delightful Palazzo Brandano. We can arrange transfers from the airport or train station upon request. Balance of day free to enjoy the city.

Day 2 - Montalcino and Montepulciano

You will be met by your driver for your full day excursion to the Val D'Orcia area of Tuscany for a day of wine and cheese tasting. In the Val D'Orcia, Italy's "Golden Valley", where the colors of dry clay and golden earth share the hills; dark green moss and undergrowth cover the base of rocky crags and old farm houses, the gentle colors found in the orderly lines of vineyards mix with the silver grey of the olive groves. The hilltown of Montepulciano, is renowned for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine. Its narrow streets and beautiful piazzas are lined with distinguished Italian Renaissance palazzos, wine cellars with 13th century grottoes, gastronomy shops, cafes and wine stores. You will visit a local winery for a taste of Vino Nobile and local cheese. In the medieval hilltown of Montalcino, famous for Brunello wine, you can stroll the narrow streets, stop at an Italian wine shop, honey and gastronomy stores, or outdoor cafes, or sip some Brunello at the medieval fortress, now an enoteca.Brunello di Montalcino made its appearance in the middle of the 19th century, prepared by Clement Santi from a selection of Sangiovese Grosso grapes, the larger-berried clone of the Sangiovese variety. This dry wine is one of the best Italian reds. It's a strong, structured and tannic wine and it has a very long life. A tasting of the Brunello wine will be included.

Day 3 - Siena and San Gimignano

A full day excursion to two of the medieval jewels of Tuscany, Siena and San Gimignano.Together with Florence and Pisa, Siena is one of the leading art cities in Tuscany. This city has managed to preserve its medieval character completely. You begin your privately guided tour with a visit to San Domenico, a church much frequented for its venerated relics of Saint Catherine, patron saint of Italy and Europe. Then, you will head for the magnificent palace, Monte dei Paschi Bank, which was founded in 1472 and is the oldest bank in Europe.From there, visit reach nearby Piazza del Campo, the unrivalled center of vivid city life. Here, your guide explains the Palio, Siena's breathtaking bareback horse race. With a stop at the Chigi-Saracini Palace, you finally reach the Duomo, with its marble pavement made with a startling sequence of 56 marble panels. After some free time in Siena, your tour continues to San Gimignano. The towns 14 remaining towers visible from a distance, makes the town a remarkabe sight. It is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Tuscany. You will have time to explore it on your own. Walk through the wonderfully preserved town square at the Piazza della Cisterna and visit the 13th century town hall - the Palazzo del Popolo. There are good views from the Rocca Citadel and the entire town is an excellent place to stroll and soak up the atmosphere.

Day 4 - Departure

After checking out of your hotel, depart for your onward travel. Transfers can be arranged for your next point or the airport or rail station or add another of our mini packages.

Accommodations

Petroio Palazzo Brandano (or similar)

Sightseeing

Full day excursion in the Val D'Dorcia including Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza

Full day excursion to Siena and San Gimignano

Transfers

Private car with English speaking drivers for excursions and tours

Optional private car transfers can be arranged from the airport or rail station

Private car or rail transfers can be arranged from other points in Italy

Meals

Breakfast daily at your hotel

2 Wine tastings

Cheese Tasting

Services

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

Local emergency contact number

Does not include

Airfare

Travel Insurance (highly recommended)

Tips and gratuities to drivers and local guides

1) Consult with our tour designers

Contact our office by phone or e-mail and speak to one of our tour designers who will answer any question you have about our suggested tour. They will listen attentively to your ideas and plans and suggest changes to personalize the tour based on your interests and budget.

Tel: 416 964 7600
Toll: 1-800-848-8163
reservations@roadtoitaly.com

2) We send you a Proposal

Shortly after your initial contact with our tour designers, you will receive a draft proposal based on your earlier discussions, normally within 2 business days. This proposal is a no obligation draft for your review and comments. Any additions or modifications will be implemented and a new proposal will be forwarded to you for approval.

3) You like what you see!

Upon meeting your requirements and expectations, you will be requested to send a deposit in the amount of 25% of total. Final Payment is due 45 days prior to scheduled departure date.

4) Buon viaggio!

Approximately, 2 weeks prior to departure you will receive a personalized and detailed day by day itinerary booklet and the necessary vouchers for the services to be provided, along with a general information section on the various regions of Italy.

The booklet and vouchers will include all the important information; addresses, phone & mobile numbers for all your service providers, hotels as well as the phone number of our office in Rome.