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Regional Tours
Unusual Tuscany
Southern Tuscanyand the Val D'Orcia, the iconic landscape of Tuscany. This region has inspired artists and writers from the world over and has been 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 south as well as its culinary specialties; the superb wines of Montepulciano and Montalcino, Colli Senesi and 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 be combined with our Delights of Chianti program.
Highlights
Cities Visited:(Florence, Chianti, San Miniato, Siena)
Day 1 - Arrival
Upon your arrival in Florence you will be welcomed by our local representative and transported to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Relax after your flight or begin to explore this beautiful city.
Day 2 - Renaissance Florence
Together with your private guide you will explore the roots of the Renaissance movement which was conceived here in Florence and spread through the rest of Europe and beyond.
You will visit the Uffizi Museum which houses some of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance and the Palazzo Vecchio, seat of power of the Medici family.
Balance of the day at leisure.
Day 3 - Art and Wine of Chianti
Depart with your private driver for a unique day in Chianti.
Your first stop is a guided visit of the Chianti Sculpture Park. The park is unique blend of art and nature. Internationally renowned artists from the world over were invited to choose a spot in the woods and create a sculpture. The result is a harmonious exhibit of art and nature.
After your visit you will continue to Gaiole in Chianti for a typical Tuscan lunch at Grotta della Rana restaurant.
After lunch visit the historical and unique winery of Dievole. You will be greeted at the winery by the oenologist who will take you on a tour through the vineyards. Proceed to the wine cellars which include a deconsecrated chapel where wine is stored in various kinds of barrels. Here, in this ancient and sacred surroundings, you will taste the wine.
Return to Florence in the evening.
Day 4 - San Miniato Truffle Hunting and Tuscan Cuisine
Depart with your private driver to the truffle region of Tuscany. Here, the search for and use of truffles in local gourmet restaurants has a long tradition.
During your guided tour, you will accompany a licensed truffle hunter and his trained truffle-sniffing dog in an exciting hunt for truffles. Then, you will visit a truffle factory, where the owners will explain how they work on truffles, and will offer you a delightful tasting of their products before sampling some typical dishes.
After a visit to the wonderfully charming town of San Miniato, you will continue your culinary experience in Figline Valdarno, an with a private lesson in the preparation of authentic Tuscan cuisine by a local chef.
You will then of course enjoy what you have prepared along with selected wines that accompany the menu.
Return to your accommodations.
Day 5 - Medieval Siena and its underground
Depart with your private driver for Siena, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Tuscany. With our local guide you will first visit the main sights including the famous Piazza del Campo, sight of the Palio horse race.
As you tour the medieval streets of the city you are probably not aware of the amazing system of tunnels beneath your feet. These tunnels or "Bottini" have brought water to Siena since the 12th century. Your guided tour continues inside this masterpiece of hydraulic engineering.
Return to Florence at the end of the tour.
Day 6 - Academia Gallery and Restoration class
Your guide will meet you at the hotel for your special tour of the Academia Gallery.
On the first part of the visit, you will have the opportunity to admire the eternal Florence masterpiece: Michelangelo's David (plus a few of his other pieces).
Then you will continue with a visit to the historic Palazzo Spinelli. Here you will have the opportunity to see the process of restoration of ancient treasures such as ancient maps, chalks, archaeological vases, paintings and the magnificent frescoes. For this part of the visit you will be guided by a restorer of a fresco located in one of the rooms. In each room that you will visit you will see a different technique used for each kind of antique. The visit will end in the room of the frescoes where, with the help of slides showing all phases of work, you will take part of a real lesson.
Day 7 - Departure
You will be transferred to the rail station or airport for your onward travel.
Accommodations
Florence Hotel Pierre ( or Similar)
Sightseeing
Private4-hours walking tour of Florence, including entrance to the Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce church
Private full day excursion to the Chianti area, including morning hiking excursion in the "Sculpture park" and winery visit.
Private half day excursion to San Miniato with guided truffle hunting activity
Private half day excursion to Siena, including local guide an visit of Siena's underground
Private 4 hour guided tour of the Accademia Gallery with a restoration class
Transfers
Alltransfers are private from to airports & rail stations with assistance
Private transfer from city to city as per itinerary with English speaking drivers
Meals
Breakfastat hotels daily
Typical Tuscan lunch
Wine tasting in the Chianti
Truffle & local products tasting
Cooking lesson followed by dinner including wines
Services
Assistancefrom our Road to Italy office in Rome and local rep offices throughout Italy
Local emergency contact number daily
Personalized souvenir Itinerary booklet
Not Included
Airfare
TravelInsurance ( highly recommended) Link to Insurance page
Tips and gratuities to drivers and local guides
Florence - Pierre
The Pierre is in a striking 13th century building with a splendid facade designed towards the end of the 18th century by architect .... MORE
Alternative Hotels
| Castello del Nero(5L) | Savoy - Florence(5L) | Grand Hotel Florence(5) |
| Westin Excelsior Florence(5) | Plaza Lucchesi(4S) | Degli Orafi(4) |
| Grand Hotel Cavour(4) | Botticelli(3) | Cellai(3) |
Average land cost for this program
Per person based on number of people travelling together.
Based on 2 people
Euro 2366 per person
Based on 4 people
Euro 1838 per person
Based on 6 people
Euro 1648 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.
