Day 1: Arrive to Chianti Villa
Transfer from Florence (either airport, train station or city center hotel); your private transfer will take you to the hotel style villa in the heart of Chianti. Later in the afternoon, after all participants have arrived, we will hold a “meet and greet” to give overview of the program while having our first introduction to the local wines. The evening also offers the first opportunity to sample the local menus with a welcome dinner. (W, D)
Day 2: Chianti Center for Wine / Siena Cooking Class
Morning breakfast and then your day offers a guided tour of an historical winery, vineyard production and wine cellar; then afterwards on to Siena (free time for lunch); then a walking tour to take in the medieval jewel that is Siena. In the late afternoon, begin your cooking class with one of the regions best instructors, followed by dinner of your prepared menu. (B, W, D)
Day 3: Greve-in-Chianti Wine Expo Festival
Morning breakfast and then start your day with the Chianti Classico Wine Festival in Greve. Food markets, wine tastings all in the cities unique village square. Then on to one of the best wineries for a very special lunch. After this full day, return to the villa and evening at your leisure. (B, L, W)
Day 4: Chianti – Tuscany
Morning breakfast and depart to venture south, through Chianti and on to the heart of the region. Stops along the way in the historic Chianti villages, before reaching your new hotel/villa accommodations. The balance of the afternoon to relax, then a welcome custom dinner prepared by the villa chef. (B, D, W)
Day 5: Tuscan Winery
Morning breakfast and depart for another local, family owned winery; visit the production facility, enjoy their wines in an exclusive tasting, then a family member will present their talents with a lunch prepared just for you. After this relaxing day, return to the villa and evening at your leisure. (B, L, W)
Day 6: Villages of Tuscany Excursion
Breakfast, then a day in the beautiful val d’Orcia, the most recognizable part of Tuscany. A stop in Montepulciano for a visit to a unique wine enoteca in the city center and time for a light lunch. Afterwards you’ll go on to Pienza, the “ideal town of Renaissance architecture” where you’ll have time to stroll the beautiful town center before visiting a cheese shop to taste the typical “pecorino” cheese produced for centuries in the this area of Tuscany. In the evening, a final dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants. (B, D, W)
Day 7: Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and check out; your transfer will take you to Florence. (B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, W=Wine Tasting, O=Olive Oil Tasting
Base price includes accommodations for 6 nights, arrival/departure transfers from/to Florence; transportation as needed for excursion activities, plus meals and cultural activities as indicated. Tour is typically limited to 8 persons.
