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Regional Tours
Delights of Southern Tuscany
Southern Tuscany, the Val D'Orcia region is the iconic landscape of Tuscany. This is land that has inspired artists and writers from the world over, as well as the setting for some of cinemas finest films: The English Patient, Gladiator, La Vita e Bella and Romeo and Juliet to name a few.
Our 4 day program will introduce you to the beauty and history of the place as well as its culinary specialties; the superb wines of Montepulciano and Montalcino, and the Colli Senesi the cheese of Pienza. A cooking lesson with our local chef will bring it all together as you prepare a full meal with the best ingredients accompanied by local wines.
This program can be combined with any of our other programs and is especially suited to combine with our Delights of Chianti program.
Highlights
Cities Visited:(Siena, Pienza, Montalcino)
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
Personalized souvenir itinerary booklet
Does not include
Airfare
Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Tips and gratuities to drivers and local guides
Siena - Palazzo Brandano
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Alternative Hotels
| Grand Hotel Continental - Siena(5L) | Borgo La Bagnaia(5L) | Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort(5) |
| Poggio alla Sala Resort and Spa(4S) | Castello di Spaltenna(4) | Garden(4) |
Average land cost for this program
Per person based on number of people travelling together.
Based on 2 people
Euro 1589 per person
Based on 4 people
Euro 1239 per person
Based on 6 people
Euro 1100 per person
This program can be priced for any number of people. Cost may vary depending on dates chosen & ANY weekend, holiday and trade fair date surcharges.
For a quote on your dates & number in your party please contact us.
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.