Discover Italy privately with our new programs,
including a private car with driver

 

Private Tour Tuscany 2022
(Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda 4* – or similar)

6 nights / 7 days
Daily departures 2022: starting at $4885 per person
Daily departures 2023: starting at $5270 per person

A tour to explore a region of sprawling vineyards, rolling hills, charming old cities, masterpieces of art and gourmandise: visit the magnificent Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance”, Siena, famous for the Palio horse race, the Chianti area, Montepulciano and Montalcino, known all over the world for their prestigious wines, San Gimignano with its tall towers; visit wineries and cellars, sample excellent wines, rare cold cuts, Pecorino cheese and olive oil, shop for delicacies in the many food shops.

 

Private Tour – Tuscany
(Hotel Villa Il Palagio 4* – or similar)

6 nights / 7 days
Daily departures 2022: starting at $4235 per person
Daily departures 2023: starting at $4575 per person

A tour to explore a region of sprawling vineyards, rolling hills, charming old cities, masterpieces of art and gourmandise: visit the magnificent Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance”, Siena, famous for the Palio horse race, the Chianti area, Montepulciano and Montalcino, known all over the world for their prestigious wines, San Gimignano with its tall towers; visit wineries and cellars, sample excellent wines, rare cold cuts, Pecorino cheese and olive oil, shop for delicacies in the many food shops.

 

Private Tour – Umbria
(Historical Residence Alla Posta dei Donini 4* – or similar)

5 nights / 6 days
Daily departures 2022: starting at $4095 per person
Daily departures 2023: starting at $4425 per person

A tour to discover Umbria, know as “Green Heart of Italy”, a region not only with a lush nature but also full of ancient towns with cobblestone streets, stunning cathedrals and old fortresses, a place rich of tasty foods and good wines. The starting point of the tour is Orvieto – where the cathedral is a gothic masterpiece then Todi, the route follows the tracks of St. Francis in Assisi, moving to Perugia with its Etruscan walls, 16th century palaces and chocolate laboratories, touching also the shores of the Trasimeno Lake, and so much more.

 

*Prices advertised on our site are valid if you purchase services in one single session. If you disconnect from our site, prices could be different in your next session. The prices indicated exclude the contribution to the Customer Compensation Fund of $3.50 per $1,000 of tourism product or service purchased from a travel agent in Quebec.

PRIVATE TOUR UMBRIA
6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

Note: suggested activities are not mandatory and not included in the package

ITINERARY

1

DAY 1 ARRIVAL, SAN MARTINO IN CAMPO (PERUGIA)

Arrive in Rome Airport and private transfer to the hotel Posta dei Donini in San Martino in Campo, near Perugia. Time to settle in and enjoy Welcome dinner in hotel with traditional products from Umbria. Overnight. (D)
Accommodation: San Martino in Campo (Perugia) at the Historical Residence Alla Posta dei Donini 4* or similar, for 5 nights

2

DAY 2 ORVIETO - TODI

A morning visit to Orvieto, with a private car at your disposal, situated on top of a rock offering the most spectacular of views. We suggest a tour of the city, including the Duomo Gothic Cathedral. Stop in Cantine Neri in Bardano, on the outskirts of Orvieto, a winery recognized for its quality and the local varieties present in the area for over a thousand years. Enticing wine tasting with local products and a light lunch consisting of excellent Umbrian wines accompanied by local fayre. Before heading off we suggest a short visit to the Adriano pastry shop to try Orvieto’s typical cakes and desserts, including chocolates made with chillies and saffron. We suggest an afternoon visit to Todi, a splendid medieval town, where it is pleasant to wander around and discover the old monuments and craft shops. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B/L)

3

DAY 3 MONTEFALCO – ASSISI - BEVAGNA

Departure with your private car to Montefalco, a splendid town situated on top of a hill, offering spectacular views over the hills. Visit the ancient olive groves – 3,000 plants – belonging to the Azienda Romanelli family, to discover the many plant varieties and the extra virgin olive oil production techniques, accompanied with a tasting. On the road to Assisi, we suggest you a stop in Bevagna, an ancient medieval town that still holds on to its characteristics. Arriving in Assisi, we suggest you a visit of the town, including the Basilica of St Francis. Proceed to Caseificio Broccatelli for some cheese tasting. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B/T/T)

4

DAY 4 TORGIANO - PERUGIA

Departure with your private car to Torgiano and visit the Azienda Lungarotti, sample their extra virgin olive oil, and visit the MOO – Olive and Oil Museum. We suggest transfer to Perugia; perched on a hill, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. A visit to the Perugina chocolate museum, famous for its Baci Perugina chocolates. Free time to discover the old city. Stop off at the historical Pasticceria Sandri pastry shop. Dinner with the dishes of the traditional Umbrian cuisine at the Osteria I Birbi. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B/T/D)

5

DAY 5 LAKE TRASIMENO - CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO

Departure with your private car to Lake Trasimeno. We suggest a full day to visit some of the characteristic towns around the lake. Visit the Azienda Madrevite. Visit the cellars and take a pleasurable stroll across the vineyards, then sample olive oil and typical products. Time to discover Castiglione del Lago, followed by dinner at the Trattoria l’Acquario, where traditional dishes, including the Fagiolina del Lago (Slow Food Presidium) will be served. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B/T/D)

6

DAY 6 DEPARTURE FROM PERUGIA

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to Rome airport or extend your stay in Italy. (B)

B=BUFFET BREAKFAST            L=LUNCH         D=DINNER      T=TASTING

INCLUSIONS

  • 5 nights in a 4* historical residence
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • 4 meals based on traditional regional dishes: 1 Welcome Dinner at the hotel; 2 dinners at “Osterie d’Italia”, typical Slow Food restaurants; 1 light lunch in Orvieto area
  • 4 guided tastings of Slow Food wines and/or Presidia products from the Umbria region
  • Return transfer from/to Rome FCO Airport
  • Private car with driver at disposal for 4 days (max 8 hours per day)
  • VAT

Not Included: Flights – city taxes (payable at the hotel) – travel insurance – gratuities – anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions above.

Notes:

  • If a change in hotels, restaurants, wineries or other businesses becomes necessary for any reason, the hotels or other businesses substituted will be equivalent of those shown.
  • Accommodation taxes are to be paid locally by the customers.
  • VAT percentage could be revised by Italian Government during the year and rates could be revised accordingly.
  • Please note this quotation is based on H&S and the freedom of movement, this could change or become affected by possible new legislation after Covid-19. Any new rules imposed by governing bodies is force majeure and out of our control. In a case of any change we will let you know asap.

ACCOMMODATION

*Historical Residence Alla Posta dei Donini 4*, San Martino in Campo (PG) – or similar
In San Martino in Campo, near Perugia, the luxury hotel Alla Posta dei Donini provides exclusive comfort and excellent service. The magnificence of this villa welcomes you to frescoed rooms, surrounded by over 20,000 square meters of the most extraordinary botanical park in Central Italy. In the heart of Umbria, a luxurious vacation awaits you in a lavish seventeenth century villa with its own pool, meeting rooms, restaurant and elegant rooms.

PRICE IN $CAD, PER PERSON STARTING FROM –
LAND PORTION 2022 – 2023

Daily Departures in 2022 Double Occupancy
November 2 – December 7
December 12 – 22		 4095
September 9 – October 28
December 23 – 28		 4165
October 29 – November 1
December 8 – 10		 4255
Daily Departures in 2023
January 9 – April 14
November 2 – December 7
December 11 – 22		 4425
April 25 – June 30
September 18 – October 28
December 23 – 28		 4495
April 15 – 24
July 1 – August 11
August 21 – September 17
October 29 – November 1
December 8 -10		 4595
Supplements
Supplement for 12 – 20 August +50
Single +430
Triple reduction on request

*Prices advertised on our site are valid if you purchase services in one single session. If you disconnect from our site, prices could be different in your next session. The prices indicated exclude the contribution to the Customer Compensation Fund of $3.50 per $1,000 of tourism product or service purchased from a travel agent in Quebec.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Lake Trasimeno Bean is tiny, about the size of a grain of rice. Soft, buttery and flavourful, the dried beans are eaten boiled and seasoned with a little extra-virgin olive oil. The fresh beans (cornetti) are sautéed with tomatoes and garlic. Cultivated on the banks and terraces around Lake Trasimeno, they were popular until the 1950s, but have now almost disappeared and are a rare delicacy.

*

The Sagrantino di Montefalco wine is named after the grape from which it is made. Cultivated for centuries on the hills of Umbria, Sagrantino is considered native to the soil, although there are various theories as to its origin. Some believe it to have come from Spain, others say it was imported by the first Franciscan friars, and others claim that it was brought into Italy by the Saracens. The Sagrantino cannot be drunk until it has aged fot at least 30 months, and of which at least 12 months in wooden casks.

*

SLOW FOOD PRESIDIA AND OTHER RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Participants will have the unique chance of sampling several Slow Food Presidia products recognized for their high-quality, with traditional foods and wines at risk of “extinction” – with other local delicacies from Slow Food Philosophers recommended quality producers, such as:

  • the baby Pecorino cheese
  • the extra virgin olive oil of the Montefalco area
  • the extra virgin olive oil of the Spoleto area

*

TYPICAL RESTAURANTS FROM THE “OSTERIE D’ITALIA” SLOW FOOD GUIDE

Tour participants will taste the delicious, authentic dishes of the regional cuisine eating at restaurants selected among those recommended by Slow Food in the “Osterie d’Italia” guide, small “trattorie” that still use fresh, local produce and traditional recipes for their dishes:

  • Trattoria l’Acquario
  • Osteria La Lumera.

*

WINERIES AND MORE

Visitors will also have the opportunity to sample wines and/or local typical products at wineries, bakeries, pastry shops, farms, fresh produce markets and more, such as:

  • the famous Sagrantino wine
  • the Baci and other chocolate pralines at the Perugina Chocolate Museum
  • the typical traditional cakes and pastries of Perugia and Orvieto

*

POINTS OF INTEREST: ART, HISTORY, CULTURE & NATURE

During the tour, the participants will not only discover delightful food and wines but also the most interesting monuments, works of art, churches and natural landscapes of the region:

  • Orvieto, situated on top of a rock offering the most splendid of views, with the wonderful the Gothic Cathedral
  • Todi, yet another splendid medieval little town full of ancient buildings and tiny streets
  • Assisi, a spiritual place home of the Basilica of St. Francis
  • Perugia, perched on a hill, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ancient towns in Italy
  • Lake Trasimeno, one of Italy’s largest lakes and the characteristic towns and villages around it, such as Magione and Castiglione del Lago.

PRIVATE TOUR TUSCANY
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

Note: suggested activities are not mandatory and not included in the package

ITINERARY

1

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN FLORENCE

Arrival in Florence Airport and take a private transfer to the hotel in Chianti Area. Time to settle in, welcome dinner in hotel and overnight stay. (D)
Accommodation: Tavernelle Val di Pesa (Florence) at Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda 4* or similar, for 6 nights

2

DAY 2 FLORENCE

Morning departure with private car to Florence. Meet your local guide for a half-day private tour of Florence. Walk through the historical centre of this amazing city and visit the Santa Croce church (outside), known as the “Pantheon of Italian Glories” where many illustrious Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and Machiavelli are buried. The visit also takes in the other religious buildings (the Baptistery, the Duomo and Giotto’s bell tower – outside) and the houses of power in the old city (the Piazza della Signoria). Lunch at typical restaurant. Free afternoon to stroll along Florence elegant streets. We suggest a break at one of Florence’s oldest ice cream parlours, “Perché no!” that offers more than 33 different flavours and a precise selection of raw materials (including pistachios from Bronte, a Slow Food Presidium product, saffron and cardamom). Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B/L)

3

DAY 3 SIENA - SAN GIMIGNANO

Morning departure with private car to Siena. Meet your local guide for a full-day private tour of Siena & San Gimignano. Siena is one of the most important and most beautiful architecture in the city, including the Museum delle Contrade (each horse in the famous “Palio”, runs for a different Contrada or district). We suggest sampling of some delicious traditional desserts like the Panforte in one of the most famous pastry shops in town. Free time for shopping. On the way to San Gimignano along the ancient Via Francigena, lunch with some of the traditional local produce such as the Certaldo onion (Slow Food Presidium), and the organic extra virgin olive oil from San Gimignano in a little family-run farmhouse. Visit and have a talk on the techniques used in producing organic olive oil. We suggest, in the afternoon, to visit the famous towers and the San Gimignano 1300 Museum: storyboards, multi-media exhibits, street scenes and a ceramic recreation of the city as it was back in 1300. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B/L)

4

DAY 4 RADDA IN CHIANTI - GREVE IN CHIANTI

Entire day dedicated to discovering the Chianti hills along the Via Chiantigena with your private car (an ancient road connecting Siena with Florence crossing over the Chianti hills). Visit a winery in Radda in Chianti where you will meet the wine producer and visit to the cellars, at the end enjoy a wine tasting. Proceed to Greve in Chianti where we suggest visiting the little historical town centre. Stopping at the historical butchers “Falorni” where since the 1729 they produce the specialties of the local [norcineria], the Prosciutto Saporito (Cured Ham) di Greve and all the cured products also in the various versions of pork from the Surrounding Senese hills as well as the wild boar, from the well-known Finocchiona to the Noble Salamis in Chianti, prepared with the noble parts of the pork, to the Salami to the Classical Chianti. Specialty: ‘Bistecca alla Fiorentina’ T-bone Florentine Steak, Italian veal. We suggest you have a little tasting of salami. We also suggest lunch at Trattoria Mangiando Mangiando. In the afternoon visit winery in Greve in Chianti for a wine and oil tasting. Return to the hotel and overnight. (B/T/T)

5

DAY 5 MONTEPULCIANO - PIENZA

Morning departure with your private car to Montepulciano, one of the most characteristic and intact medieval cities in Italy which from a height of 605 metres above sea level offers amazing views over the surrounding hillsides. Visit typical winery for a free tasting, and then explore the wonderful town centre of Montepulciano. For lunch, we suggest the old Osteria dell’Acquacheta, with its rustic and familial atmosphere. Here, you may sample some of Tuscany’s best recipes (such as the Pici all’Aglione). In the afternoon, proceed to Pienza, the perfect example of a renaissance city, famous for its Pecorino cheese. Visit a Pecorino cheese producer, learn something about the cheese-making process, and sample the fare. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B/T)

6

DAY 6 MONTALCINO

Morning departure with your private car to Montalcino, famous for its Brunello, one of the best red wines in the world. Montalcino, however, is also a beautiful art city, which dominates 3,000 hectares of vineyards (1,500 for Brunello alone). We suggest a visit to the Mastio della Rocca which is home to the Enoteca La Fortezza where it will be possible to buy some local products and the exceptional honey, a local specialty. Free time. Return to Florence area and join a cooking class dedicated to the Tuscany tradition, followed by dinner. Overnight stay to the hotel. (B/C/D)

7

DAY 7 DEPARTURE FROM FLORENCE

After Breakfast check out and private transfer from the Hotel to Florence Airport or extend your stay in Italy. (B)

B=BUFFET BREAKFAST            L=LUNCH         D=DINNER      T=TASTING      C=COOKING LESSON

INCLUSIONS

  • 6 nights in a 4* historical residence
  • Daily Buffet Breakfast
  • 4 meals based on traditional regional dishes: 1 Slow Food Welcome Dinner at the hotel; 1 lunch at “Osterie d’Italia” typical Slow Food restaurants; 1 light lunch; 1 dinner after the cooking lesson
  • 3 guided tastings of foods and/or wines from the Tuscany region
  • 1 cooking lesson
  • 1 half-day private guided tour of Florence
  • 1 full-day private guided tour of Siena and San Gimignano
  • Return transfer Florence airport/hotel
  • Private car at disposal for 5 days (max 8 hours per day)
  • VAT

Not Included: Flights – City tax (payable at the hotel) – Travel insurance – Gratuities – Meals and beverages unless indicated in the itinerary – Monuments and museum entrances – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.

 

Notes:

  • If a change in hotels, restaurants, wineries or other businesses becomes necessary for any reason, the hotels or other businesses substituted will be equivalent of those shown.
  • Accommodation taxes are to be paid locally by the customers.
  • VAT percentage could be revised by Italian Government during the year and rates could be revised accordingly.
  • Please note this quotation is based on H&S and the freedom of movement, this could change or become affected by possible new legislation after Covid-19. Any new rules imposed by governing bodies is force majeure and out of our control. In a case of any change, we will let you know asap.

ACCOMMODTION

*Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda 4*, Tavernelle Val di Pesa (Florence) – or similar

Borgo di Cortefreda is located in the heart of Tuscany 390 meters above sea level, surrounded by small medieval Villages and a short distance from the most important and famous Tuscany Cities of art. The Hotel welcomes its Guests for a stay of relaxation and good food in an enchanting place that combines elegance and style with the true philosophy of wellness in order to regenerate spirit and body.

PRICE IN $ CAD, PER PERSON STARTING FROM – LAND PORTION 2022 – 2023

Daily Departures – 2022 Double Occupancy
October 17 – December 29 4885
September 26 – October 16 4970
Daily Departures – 2023
March 14 – 31
October 17 – December 29		 5270
April 1 – May 28
September 26 – October 16		 5365
May 25 – September 25 5500
Single Supplement on request
Triple on request

*Prices advertised on our site are valid if you purchase services in one single session. If you disconnect from our site, prices could be different in your next session. The prices indicated exclude the contribution to the Customer Compensation Fund of $3.50 per $1,000 of tourism product or service purchased from a travel agent in Quebec.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Certaldo Onion. Giovanni Boccaccio has already written about it in his sixth book of the Decameron. The onion was inserted into the town seal of Certaldo. The seal, formed by two shields, white and red, with the onion enthroned on the white part, bears the motto “By nature I am strong and sweet, and still like I those who stay and those who work.” The Certaldo Onion, therefore, can be considered a cornerstone in the identity of the town; symbol and flag of a rural civilization with ancient traditions.

*

SLOW FOOD PRESIDIA AND OTHER RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Participants will have the unique chance of sampling several Slow Food Presidia products – high-quality, traditional foods and beverages at risk of “extinction” – and other local delicacies from Slow Food recommended quality producers, such as:

  • the Certaldo onion
  • the Pienza Pecorino cheese
  • the wine of Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello and Bolgheri vineyards
  • the Florence’s oldest ice cream parlours, “Perché no!”

*

TYPICAL RESTAURANTS FROM THE “OSTERIE D’ITALIA” SLOW FOOD GUIDE

Tour participants will taste the delicious, authentic dishes of the regional cuisine eating at restaurants selected among those recommended by Slow Food in the “Osterie d’Italia” guide, small “trattorie” that still use fresh, local produce and traditional recipes for their dishes.

*

WINERIES AND MORE

Tour participants will also have the opportunity to sample wines and/or local typical products at wineries, bakeries, pastry shops, fresh produce markets and more, such as:

  • the Nobile di Montepulciano and other wines of the Montepulciano vineyards;
  • the Brunello and other wines of the Montalcino vineyards;
  • the aromatic herbs of the Chianti area.

*

POINTS OF INTEREST: ART, HISTORY, CULTURE & NATURE

During the tour, the participants will not only discover delightful food and wines but also the most interesting monuments, works of art, churches and natural landscapes of the region:

  • Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge
  • Siena, where the famous Palio race is run in the ancient Piazza del Palio square
  • San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its wonderful medieval towers and the San Gimignano 1300 Museum
  • the Chianti area, with its wonderful hills and vineyards, where some of the best Italian wines are produced
  • Montepulciano, one of the most characteristic and intact medieval cities in Italy
  • Pienza, the perfect example of a renaissance city, famous for its Pecorino cheese
  • Montalcino, a beautiful art city which is famous for its Brunello, one of the best red wines in the world

PRIVATE TOUR TUSCANY
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

Note: suggested activities are not mandatory and not included in the package

ITINERARY

1

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN FLORENCE

Arrival in Florence Airport and take a private transfer to the hotel in Chianti Area. Time to settle in, welcome dinner in hotel and overnight stay. (D)
Accommodation: Rignano Sull’Arno (Florence) at Hotel Villa Il Palagio 4* or similar, for 6 nights

2

DAY 2 FLORENCE

Morning departure with private car to Florence. Meet your local guide for a half-day private tour of Florence. Walk through the historical centre of this amazing city and visit the Santa Croce church (outside), known as the “Pantheon of Italian Glories” where many illustrious Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and Machiavelli are buried. The visit also takes in the other religious buildings (the Baptistery, the Duomo and Giotto’s bell tower – outside) and the houses of power in the old city (the Piazza della Signoria). Lunch at typical restaurant. Free afternoon to stroll along Florence elegant streets. We suggest a break at one of Florence’s oldest ice cream parlours, “Perché no!” that offers more than 33 different flavours and a precise selection of raw materials (including pistachios from Bronte, a Slow Food Presidium product, saffron and cardamom). Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B/L)

3

DAY 3 SIENA - SAN GIMIGNANO

Morning departure with private car to Siena. Meet your local guide for a full-day private tour of Siena & San Gimignano. Siena is one of the most important and most beautiful architecture in the city, including the Museum delle Contrade (each horse in the famous “Palio”, runs for a different Contrada or district). We suggest sampling of some delicious traditional desserts like the Panforte in one of the most famous pastry shops in town. Free time for shopping. On the way to San Gimignano along the ancient Via Francigena, lunch with some of the traditional local produce such as the Certaldo onion (Slow Food Presidium), and the organic extra virgin olive oil from San Gimignano in a little family-run farmhouse. Visit and have a talk on the techniques used in producing organic olive oil. We suggest, in the afternoon, to visit the famous towers and the San Gimignano 1300 Museum: storyboards, multi-media exhibits, street scenes and a ceramic recreation of the city as it was back in 1300. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B/L)

4

DAY 4 RADDA IN CHIANTI - GREVE IN CHIANTI

Entire day dedicated to discovering the Chianti hills along the Via Chiantigena with your private car (an ancient road connecting Siena with Florence crossing over the Chianti hills). Visit a winery in Radda in Chianti where you will meet the wine producer and visit to the cellars, at the end enjoy a wine tasting. Proceed to Greve in Chianti where we suggest visiting the little historical town centre. Stopping at the historical butchers “Falorni” where since the 1729 they produce the specialties of the local [norcineria], the Prosciutto Saporito (Cured Ham) di Greve and all the cured products also in the various versions of pork from the Surrounding Senese hills as well as the wild boar, from the well-known Finocchiona to the Noble Salamis in Chianti, prepared with the noble parts of the pork, to the Salami to the Classical Chianti. Specialty: ‘Bistecca alla Fiorentina’ T-bone Florentine Steak, Italian veal. We suggest you have a little tasting of salami. We also suggest lunch at Trattoria Mangiando Mangiando. In the afternoon visit winery in Greve in Chianti for a wine and oil tasting. Return to the hotel and overnight. (B/T/T)

5

DAY 5 MONTEPULCIANO - PIENZA

Morning departure with your private car to Montepulciano, one of the most characteristic and intact medieval cities in Italy which from a height of 605 metres above sea level offers amazing views over the surrounding hillsides. Visit typical winery for a free tasting, and then explore the wonderful town centre of Montepulciano. For lunch, we suggest the old Osteria dell’Acquacheta, with its rustic and familial atmosphere. Here, you may sample some of Tuscany’s best recipes (such as the Pici all’Aglione). In the afternoon, proceed to Pienza, the perfect example of a renaissance city, famous for its Pecorino cheese. Visit a Pecorino cheese producer, learn something about the cheese-making process, and sample the fare. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. (B/T)

6

DAY 6 MONTALCINO

Morning departure with your private car to Montalcino, famous for its Brunello, one of the best red wines in the world. Montalcino, however, is also a beautiful art city, which dominates 3,000 hectares of vineyards (1,500 for Brunello alone). We suggest a visit to the Mastio della Rocca which is home to the Enoteca La Fortezza where it will be possible to buy some local products and the exceptional honey, a local specialty. Free time. Return to Florence area and join a cooking class dedicated to the Tuscany tradition, followed by dinner. Overnight stay to the hotel. (B/C/D)

7

DAY 7 DEPARTURE FROM FLORENCE

After Breakfast check out and private transfer from the Hotel to Florence Airport or extend your stay in Italy. (B)

B=BUFFET BREAKFAST            L=LUNCH         D=DINNER      T=TASTING      C=COOKING LESSON

INCLUSIONS

  • 6 nights in a charming 4* hotel
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • 4 meals based on traditional regional dishes: 1 Slow Food welcome dinner at the hotel; 1 lunch at “Osterie d’Italia” typical Slow Food restaurants; 1 light lunch; 1 dinner after the cooking lesson
  • 3 guided tastings of foods and/or wines from the Tuscany region
  • 1 cooking lesson
  • 1 half-day private guided tour of Florence
  • 1 full-day private guided tour of Siena & San Gimignano
  • Return transfer Florence airport/hotel
  • Private car at disposal for 5 days (max 8 hours per day)
  • VAT

Not Included: Flights – City tax (payable at the hotel) – Travel insurance – Tour escort – Gratuities – Meals and beverages unless indicated in the itinerary – Monuments and museum entrances – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.

 

Notes:

  • If a change in hotels, restaurants, wineries or other businesses becomes necessary for any reason, the hotels or other businesses substituted will be equivalent of those shown.
  • Accommodation taxes are to be paid locally by the customers.
  • VAT percentage could be revised by Italian Government during the year and rates could be revised accordingly.
  • Please note this quotation is based on H&S and the freedom of movement, this could change or become affected by possible new legislation after Covid-19. Any new rules imposed by governing bodies is force majeure and out of our control. In a case of any change, we will let you know asap.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Villa Il Palagio 4*, Rignano Sull’Arno (Florence) – or similar

Villa il Palagio is both a historical palace and a modern-style apart-hotel. The structure includes over 30 rooms which combine all the comforts and amenities of a luxury home with the discreet professional services and facilities of a world-class hotel. Villa Il Palagio is comprised of several buildings of different periods such as the Villa, the Oratory, and the barn, nowadays converted into stylized apartments. Villa Il Palagio offers its guests a wide choice of luxurious two, three, and four rooms independent suites, with contemporary furnishings. A wide green park with an amazing outdoor swimming pool & bar enhances the enjoyment of Villa Il Palagio’s guests.

PRICE IN $ CAD, PER PERSON STARTING FROM – LAND PORTION 2022 – 2023

Daily Departures – 2022 Double Occupancy
September 11 – December 27 4235
Daily Departures – 2023
January 4 – May 28
September 11 – December 27		 4575
May 29 – June 25
August 14 – September 10		 4719
June 26 – August 13 4835
Single Supplement on request
Triple on request

*Prices advertised on our site are valid if you purchase services in one single session. If you disconnect from our site, prices could be different in your next session. The prices indicated exclude the contribution to the Customer Compensation Fund of $3.50 per $1,000 of tourism product or service purchased from a travel agent in Quebec.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Certaldo Onion. Giovanni Boccaccio has already written about it in his sixth book of the Decameron. The onion was inserted into the town seal of Certaldo. The seal, formed by two shields, white and red, with the onion enthroned on the white part, bears the motto “By nature I am strong and sweet, and still like I those who stay and those who work.” The Certaldo Onion, therefore, can be considered a cornerstone in the identity of the town, symbol and flag of a rural civilization with ancient traditions.

*

SLOW FOOD PRESIDIA AND OTHER RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

Participants will have the unique chance of sampling several Slow Food Presidia products – high-quality, traditional foods and beverages at risk of “extinction” – and other local delicacies from Slow Food recommended quality producers, such as:

  • the Certaldo onion
  • the Pienza Pecorino cheese
  • the wine of Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello and Bolgheri vineyards
  • the Florence’s oldest ice cream parlours, “Perché no!”

*

TYPICAL RESTAURANTS FROM THE “OSTERIE D’ITALIA” SLOW FOOD GUIDE

Tour participants will taste the delicious, authentic dishes of the regional cuisine eating at restaurants selected among those recommended by Slow Food in the “Osterie d’Italia” guide, small “trattorie” that still use fresh, local produce and traditional recipes for their dishes.

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WINERIES AND MORE

Tour participants will also have the opportunity to sample wines and/or local typical products at wineries, bakeries, pastry shops, fresh produce markets and more, such as:

  • the Nobile di Montepulciano and other wines of the Montepulciano vineyards.
  • the Brunello and other wines of the Montalcino vineyards.
  • the aromatic herbs of the Chianti area.

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POINTS OF INTEREST: ART, HISTORY, CULTURE & NATURE

During the tour, the participants will not only discover delightful food and wines but also the most interesting monuments, works of art, churches and natural landscapes of the region:

  • Florence, the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge
  • Siena, where the famous Palio race is run in the ancient Piazza del Palio square
  • San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its wonderful medieval towers and the San Gimignano 1300 Museum
  • the Chianti area, with its wonderful hills and vineyards, where some of the best Italian wines are produced
  • Montepulciano, one of the most characteristic and intact medieval cities in Italy
  • Pienza, the perfect example of a renaissance city, famous for its Pecorino cheese
  • Montalcino, a beautiful art city which is famous for its Brunello, one of the best red wines in the world

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