NEW FRIENDS
As a small travel consulting business, we pay attention to all our inquiries. We saw the need
to offer group vacations. We are mindful of our goal to provide personalized vacations at affordable
prices. We know travellers don’t want their trips cancelled because of lack of participation. We don’t want
to inflate prices to ensure vacations are assured. We found an answer - joinable group
vacations!
We offer a small group holiday for a maximum of 8 people.
We quote you the price based on booking for 2 people and provide you with a
price list, indicating how your vacation costs are decreased as additional people join the
group.
This option provides you with a guaranteed vacation
and a maximum price for the holiday. It allows us to continue encouraging travel.
5 or 7 Nights in Chianti, Tuscany
Stay in 4 star accommodation
Daily excursions with
most lunches included
Prices Decrease as the Maximum number of 8 is reached
From 1100 euros to 3000
euros
To facilitate more travellers, we offer both 5 and 7 day programs.
All programs start on Mondays and are offered throughout the year except for January, February, Easter and the
Christmas season. The month of October is on a request basis only.
Accommodations are at The Palazzo Leopoldo
in Radda in Chianti. The hill town that
has remained unaltered in its medieval charm. Palazzo Leopoldo is a patrician villa where history, art
and modern comforts meet to provide that certain old-world touch. The palace offers a fine restaurant where you can taste
real Tuscan food with an excellent selection of wines. Additionally, Palazzo Leopoldo offers a health centre which is sure to make your stay even more pleasant. Relax while in the sauna or
get a massage.
Here is the
itinerary:
Monday - Included in 5 and 7 day vacations
You are
to arrive at your hotel Monday morning.Today, you will be touring wineries in the Chianti area.
We start off the vacation with a wine tour in Chianti. You’ll be leaving the
hotel at 2:00 p.m. to visit Il Borro’s winery. The world famous winery of Salvatore Ferragamo’s
family. Later you will be tasting the renowned wines of the I Selvatici winery. I Selvatici is a small estate situated on the hills near the Chianti
Classico region. The current generation of the Sala family, have undertaken lengthy studies and experimentation in their search
to preserve and ameliorate the antique traditions of Chianti.
You will follow the development of their wines in the
cellar and taste the result of a scrupulous process carried out in the vineyards. You’ll
be back at the hotel at about 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday - included in 5 and 7 day vacations
Tuesday’s
itinerary brings you to Italy’s famous sport car museum. You will be visiting the Ferrari Museum and for your taste
buds, you’ll visit a balsamic vinegar factory.
Your day begins at 8:00 am when you will be on the road
to Modena. Modena is located between
Milan and Bologna. It isn't noted as a tourist attraction except for its proximity to the Ferrari Factory
and Museum. While at the museum, you will see some of the older Ferrari cars and learn about its history. After
having lunch in a nice typical restaurant. The meal is included in your cost. You’ll be visiting a balsamic vinegar
factory. The factory produces Acetaia Leonardi Balsamic Vinegar. Its magical flavour
is an honest reflection of the painstaking process of production. The family has been producing vinegars since 1871. The Leonardi's
respect for tradition, their skill and their dedication to the art of aceto balsamico result in vinegars consistently rated
outstanding within the consortium. In this Factory you can see the laboratory, the cellars and you can taste 5 different
kinds of balsamic vinegar from 10 to 50 years old. The Leonardi family produces one of the best balsamic vinegar in the
world in fact is the official supplier to the English Royal Family.
Wednesday
- included in 5 and 7 day vacations
Today you continue with some wine tasting and then it’s
off to the Designer Outlet Mall.
Your excursion starts later today. You will be picked
up at 10:00 a.m. for a short drive to the famous Verrazzano castle.
This historic Italian castle is known for its great wine, and great explorers. It
is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. It was Giovanni da Verrazzano, who discovered the bay that would eventually
become the home to New York City.
You will have time to taste some of their wines and have lunch in the castle. A sommelier will accompany
you while in the Castle so you may appreciate your tasting to the fullest.
If
you were planning on shopping for Designer clothes, this afternoon is for you. You’ll be going to
a shopping outlet with Gucci, Fendi, Armani, Ferragamo, YSL, Valentino to name a few. If
you are a visitor and plan to leave the European Union, you can get a refund on the taxes you have paid on your purchases,
called the "Detaxe". Many stores have a minimum purchase in place to qualify for the Detaxe, so check with the shopkeeper
or store manager for details. Also, the items purchased must not be used/worn prior to your departure. The
price tags must still be on and the items must be shown to the Officers at the airport prior to departure. Therefore,
you must have your purchases in your carry-on.
If you're serious about scouting out discount stores and outlets,
there is a book that you can and should pick up, found at most Italian booksellers, called "Lo Scopri Occasioni",
written by Theodora Van Meurs and published by Editoriale Shopping Italaia S.R.L. This book is printed in both English and
bilingual editions.
Thursday- included in 5 and 7 day vacations
We continue our wine tasting
with Avignonesi and Brunello wines. All while visiting the small towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino.
Your
departure will be at 09.30 this morning. You’ll visit the ancient town of Montepulciano. Montepulciano is a major producer
of wines. Wine connoisseurs consider its Vino Nobile among Italy’s best. Montepulciano
is also known for its food. Pork, cheese, “pici” pasta (a variant on spaghetti) are a few of
their specialties. Unlike
Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made from a blend of grapes, as is the Chianti Colli Sensei also made
in the region, and it can therefore be difficult to say precisely what distinguishes the one from the other. You’ll be tasting these at the famous
Avignonesi's cellars. These are doubtless among the most ancient in Italy. Palazzo Avignonesi
was built according to a design by Jacopo Barozzi (called Vignola) in the second half of the XVI century and it has always
been the cellars' seat.
Nowadays, Avignonesi consists
of four wine-producing estates: Le Capezzine, I Poggetti, La Selva and La Lombarda. You’ll share in another great luncheon before you go onto Montalcino. In
Montalcino, you will be tasting the famous Brunello Wines of Castello Banfi Winery. Castello
Banfi is a family-owned vineyard estate and winery in the Brunello region of Tuscany. Together with its sister estates in
Piedmont, Vigne Regali and Principessa Gavi, it has become recognized the world over for its dedication to excellence and
sparking a renaissance in the art of Italian winemaking. The Mariani family proprietors credit education, dedication and discipline for the success that
has accorded honors. One of which has been won over 11 Consecutive Years ~ Italy’s Premier Vineyard
Estate at the VinItaly wine fair. Later,
you’ll visit the old town of Montalcino. The town takes its name from a variety of oak tree that
once covered the terrain. The very high site of Montalcino offers stunning views over valleys of
Tuscany dotted with olive orchards, vineyards, fields and villages.
Friday - included
in 5 and 7 day vacations
Today you have a long day - A long, amazing day! You will be visiting Cinque Terre. Cinque
Terre is in the province of Liguria
You must leave early for the long journey - 08.00 a.m. is
your departure time. You
will not believe the breathtaking views of the cliffs and water front. Cinque Terre’s sea, hills, vineyards and old
fishing villages all help make this trip exceptional. You will be amazed at the unique terraced vineyards sustained by dry
walling. The brightly coloured houses add to the perfect example of landscape architecture created
by man in inaccessible surroundings. You’ll first visit Riomaggiore and Manarola where the sea, the
hills, the vineyards, the old fishing villages and the Genovese style churches add together to result in enthralling scenery.
From Riomaggiore to Manarola there is the renowned Via dell’ Amore (lover’s pathway) cut out of the coastal rock.
Lunch is not included today.
Later this afternoon,
you will stop in Porto Venere- a must on account of its beauty.
It’s a small picturesque 12th century hamlet of Genovese architecture.
Saturday
for those on a 5 day vacation, we must say Arrivederci – until next time!
Saturday
- included in 7 day vacations only
Today is another day of Italian discovery. You will have head to the region
of Umbria to learn the secrets of Deruta Ceramics. On the way back to Tuscany, you’ll also visit the city of Cortona.
You will start off at 9:00 a.m. for your destination of Deruta. Deruta is famous all over the world for its classical and modern ceramics. Its artistic tradition
dates back to Etruscan period, but
found its artistic peak in the 15th and early 16th century, with highly characteristic local styles,
such as the “Bella Donna” plates with conventional portraits of beauties whose names appear on fluttering banderoles
with flattering inscriptions. In the 16th century Deruta produced the so-called “Rafaellesque” ware,
decorated with fine arabesques and grottesche on a fine white ground. Deruta produced some of the finest Italian
majolica.
The most important museums in Europe and America exhibit precious
examples of this ancient art. A hearty lunch is included today
and then you will visit one of the oldest cities in Tuscany – Cortona. Cortona has been made famous
by the book Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes. However it was founded by the Etruscans whose work can still be
seen in the foundations of the town’s massive stone walls. The city was a major seat of power during the medieval period,
able to hold its own against larger towns like Siena and Arezzo. Cortona’s narrow streets and alleyways give you the
impression of how it must have been in these small isolated towns in the medieval period, and you’ll realize how much
history a little town can contain.
Sunday - included in 7 day vacations only
Today
you’ll visit the towns of Siena and San Gimignano. Two medieval walled towns of Tuscany.
You’ll be leaving at 09.00 a.m. to arrive in Siena.
For your last excursion of the week, you’ll be leaving at 9:00 a.m.
and head to Siena. Siena considered "just" the 2nd most beautiful city in Tuscany. Walking through
its XIII century streets, seeing its palaces, churches and famous square you will appreciate the most beautiful and magical
atmosphere. The city having been one of the most powerful banking city in the world during the middle ages, features some
of the most important works of art in Italy. Siena also hosts the Palio …Siena’s semi-annual horse race. Each
of the city's contrade, or neighbourhoods, competes in a barebacked race in honour or the Virgin Mary. Il Campo, the main
square, serves as the racetrack, with sand and walls placed around its perimeter. It is definitely something you must see
and experience. After a good lunch (included) you will be driven to San Gimignano. San Gimignano, the famous
town of the fine towers, is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the region and a medieval jewel. San Gimignano’s
silhouette rises from the hills of the Upper Elsa Valley. Most of this original 14th-century town’s
architecture is still intact. It is thanks to this continuity that 15 out of the 72 towers once standing
can still be admired today as well as antique noble houses, narrow lanes and squares.
Monday – we must say Arrivederci!
The tour includes:
- 4 star hotel in Chianti region
- Transportation for the excursions listed - An English speaking “Companion” during the visits.
Italy has very strict rules and only official/authorized guides are allowed to guide inside monuments and building. - Lunch included,
except on Monday and Friday.
The tour excludes:
- Airfare - Transfers to and from the hotel - Entrance fees to museums, etc. - Dinners and 2 lunches - Gratuities
Contact us for exact prices and availability.
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