Tuscany Relax Wine

Tuscany: Relax & Wine


DAY 1 – ROME > MONTEPULCIANO > PIENZA > MONTALCINO > BORGO SAN LUIGI

At 7:15 am, meet your friendly tour guide and depart from Rome by a deluxe coach. You will travel through the provinces Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany to the charming town of Montepulciano, a medieval treasure rich with history and art. Known for its “Nobile” wine, which can be purchased in wine houses throughout town, Montepulciano is also the host of an annual jazz and wine festival every July. Spend a few hours getting to know Montepulciano at your own pace, enjoying free wine tasting in many of the shops, as well as leisure time to shop and have lunch (not included).Proceed to the beautiful town of Pienza, considered the gem of the Val d’Orcia region. You’ll have free time to explore this small, pretty town, which was planned out by Pope Pius II, the humanist pope, to be the ideal Renaissance town. In the afternoon, arrive in Montalcino, the hilltop town that gives its name to both the region and its wines. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to walk around the walls of the fortress, where brave soldiers of the Republic of Siena made their last stand against Florence during battles in Middle Age. Enjoy your Brunello di Montalcino wine and Pecorino cheese tastings at Enoteca La Fortezza. Continue to Borgo San Luigi, a rural village built in the 16th Century that is surrounded by cypress trees and a beautiful landscape. Take in the peaceful setting by relaxing in the shade of the thick gardens or by going for a swim in the Olympic-size pool. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2 – BORGO SAN LUIGI > SIENA > GREVE IN CHIANTI > SAN GIMIGNANO > BORGO SAN LUIGI

After breakfast, spend the day venturing around Tuscany. Upon reaching the beautiful town of Siena, you’ll be amazing to walk along the medieval streets, admiring the splendid palaces and the glorious Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful town squares in the world, as well as the site of the famous 600-year old horse race called
“Il Palio.” Next, set off into the Chianti hills, enjoying views of beautiful forests, rows of vineyards and pretty medieval hamlets. The beautiful town of Greve is famous for
its triangular-shaped piazza and for being the home of the famous sailor named Verrazzano. Spend your leisure time visiting the local boutiques and market stalls before taking a short drive to Castello di Verrazzano, where you’ll have a guided visit of the castle’s gardens and historical ageing cellars. Enjoy a guided tasting of some of the best wines, as well as lunch with gastronomic specialties prepared with raw ingredients right from the farm and other local Tuscan producers. After lunch, spend your afternoon in the nearby medieval hill town of San Gimignano, where you can walk around this UNESCO World Heritage cite. Try a selection of medieval sweets, such as ricciarelli (rich biscuits) and panforte (moist and sumptuous fruit cake). Explore the town on your own before heading back to Borgo San Luigi for dinner and an overnight.

DAY 3 – BORGO SAN LUIGI > FLORENCE > BORGO SAN LUIGI

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing drive to Florence, where you will have free time to explore the “Cradle of Renaissance.” Based on Etruscan-Roman origins, the city ourished in the Middle Ages as a free “commune” and was further re ned by the Renaissance. You will be fascinated by its numerous monuments, churches,
and buildings, as well as Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo. On your visit, you will be amazed by its magni cent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi. Cross a small piazza to see the campanile tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the baptistery, with its bronze doors that Michelangelo dubbed the “Gates of Paradise.” In the heart of the city, you will see Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the basilica of Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own before returning to Borgo San Luigi.

DAY 4 – BORGO SAN LUIGI > VOLTERRA > PISA > ROME

After breakfast, depart to Volterra, a fascinating Tuscan city renowned for its alabaster — the translucent stone used for centuries to create vases, lamps and other works of art. Leaving Volterra, you will next reach Pisa, where you will have time to explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Leaning Tower (exterior visit), the Baptistery (exterior visit) and other important monuments. Choose to have a pleasant walk to Piazza dei Cavalieri, where you can admire the historic Scuola Normale, one of the most famous universities in the world. Spend time at your leisure in this quaint town before returning to Rome, where your trip will come to an end.

Inclusions

  • Visit the best of Tuscany!
  • Wine and pecorino cheese tasting at enoteca La Fortezza
  • Castello di Verrazzano, visit of the Castle’s gardens and historical ageing cellars.
  • Wine tasting and lunch with gastronomic specialties

 Not included

  • City taxes to be paid at the hotel
  • Drinks in meals

Departures

HIGH SEASON

  • May 22
  • June 19
  • July 10 – 24
  • August 21
  • September 4 – 18
  • October 2 – 16

Hotels

1st category – Monteriggioni

  • Borgo San Luigi (Siena 4*)
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