Tuscany’s Charm

All of the pre-packaged tours listed below belong to the category we refer to as, “AT THIS PRICE, I CAN’T SAY NO”.

Whichever package you choose, you will enjoy the church bells ring, the sound of a cuckoo bird. Admire the different shades of green the hills and valleys offer, the fields of blowing poppies, the magnificent brightness of the brilliant blue sky. You'll never forget the scent of the flowers blooming or the food being prepared.  A week in Tuscany and you'll want to stay longer.

All our weekly packages are unique with special attention to detail. Many have commented “it’s like a first class trip but dirt cheap”. It may be worth your while to ask around and arrange a group yourself.  

The accommodations are all special and have character. You will be given personal attention, as the group size is never larger than 8 people.  You’ll get to visit sights where large vehicles cannot enter.  Your tour guide is an English speaking specialist.  We even offer packages with Roberto Bechi, a guide for Rick Steves' Europe.  As if the beauty of Tuscany’s landscapes wasn’t enough, we also offer packages including cooking lessons or spa treatments.  Take a look at our pre-packaged weeks they are all less than $1500 US per person and you can then decide whether you want to stay longer.

TUSCANY’S ORIGIN

$1300 US PER PERSON, BASED ON GROUP SIZE OF 6 PEOPLE

You will be escorted from the airport in Florence to your apartment near Siena. Guests are invited to stay in one of the traditional old farmhouse apartments, each having been lovingly restored in time-honoured style with the added benefit of all modem comforts & conveniences. As a visitor here, you will forget your worries for the next 7 days.  This trip will give you a better understanding of Tuscany's beginnings.  You will visit some of Tuscany's ancestors, the Etruscan's tombs, Roman baths, the first medieval town to manufacture crystal and glass.  Remember "The Flinstones"?, you'll think you're visiting them in the town carved out of rock.  Four days with your guide Roberto to visit such towns as Siena, Vitozza, Sorano, Sovana, Montagnola and the famous Chianti Region. As a special memorable tour, you will hear the chant of the Gregorian monks in Sant Antimo.  Combine this with 2 days on your own and it is sure to make a perfect vacation.

Day 1- Saturday - The excursion begins in Florence.  From the airport, you will be chauffeured in your  private air-conditioned  mini van to your home for the next 7 nights. This agriturismo provides a completely authentic Tuscan experience to guests. Located at the centre of a working farm amidst the picturesque and peaceful mountains of the Siena region.  The village of Siena is a short 2 km walk or drive. As a guest, you will stay in one of the  traditional old farmhouse’s apartments.  Each apartment has been lovingly restored in time-honoured style with the added benefit of all modem comforts & conveniences. There is ample opportunity to unwind in the leafy pastures, to take scenic walks through numerous country paths and go grocery shopping for your supplies of the week.

Start your travel diary, start to relax, enjoy the beautiful “Tuscan sun”.

Day  2 – Sunday - This morning, 9 a.m. you will meet your personal tour guide, Roberto  He will pick you up at your apartment.  Roberto is from Siena.  His family has lived in various zones of Siena, a walled town dating back to the middle ages, for hundreds of years .He is a history buff and wants to know more about those who previously inhabited the space around him.  This combination of knowledge, love for the country, and understanding of people’s needs, makes him an enthusiastic and fantastic guide. Today he will take you to the Clay Hills of Siena  - The Crete Senesi .The clay hills play an ever-changing palette of color according to the seasons: Brilliant yellow sunflowers, rich green young wheat, or neatly ploughed undulating rows of deep brown soil. Groves of silver-leaved olive trees sweep across other fields, and flocks of sheep graze in open area. You’ll begin with an Etruscan museum run by the archeological club of which Roberto is a member. Then visit a working organic farm specialized in pecorino (sheep's milk) cheese. And the piece de resistence, a visit to Sant Antimo monastery and attend the ninth hour prayers of the Gregorian Monks’ chant.

Day  3 – Monday - You’ll be happy to see Roberto this morning as he takes you to visit Montagnola and  the unique 12th century cloister of Torri. Constructed in black and white marble, its decorated with a mixture of pagan and sacred art. Then you go on to an extremely evocative 13th century abbey of San Galgano: A hauntingly elegant gothic-style structure, missing its roof, with the sky for ceiling and the grass for pavement From there you visit a little-known Roman bath with a spring.  Then go on to visit the hill-top town of Colle di Val d'Elsa; the first medieval town in Tuscany to develop a crystal and glass industry. The town, characterized by deep- set traditions and picturesque architecture, has tall buildings and concentric, narrow streets There you can visit the lab and shop of a famous local glass artist to see hand-fashioned crystal that, naturally, is a local specialty.

Day  4 – Tuesday - Roberto takes you to  Maremma.  It  was home to the Etruscans, ancestors of whom Tuscans are very proud. The half-abandoned town of Sorano is surrounded by a gorge in which the holes of ancient tombs can still be seen. You will see some up close too. Then Roberto may just drive you to his favorite restaurant in Sorano to have lunch on local specialties and taste the uniqueness of  Pitigliano’s white wine The tiny, neat Etruscan-origin town of Sovana, perched high up on the "terra", tufo, for which "terra cotta" is named. You’ll visit this charming, quiet place, with narrow streets and memorable vistas The ruins of Vitozza, a rare and amazing town carved out of rock. It is here you will see houses fashioned out of caves that remind us of the Flintstones! Cosa, once a Roman port and city, now in ruins with walls inspired by the Etruscans. Especially otable is its "tagliata", deep channel, next to the port. Not to mention all the other impressive, little-known sites; such as a church carved from rock.

Day  5 – Wednesday - Today, you will have the opportunity to spend the day in Siena.  At one time the most powerful banking cities in the word, Siena features some of the most important works of art in Italy.  Not to mention the Palio …Siena’s semi-annual horse race. Each of the city's contrade, or neighborhoods, compete in a bare-backed race in honor or the Virgin Mary. Il Campo, the main square, serves as the race track, with sand and walls placed around its perimeter.

 Every Wednesday, is Siena’s market day, so this morning you will get to experience life as a Sienese in the market.  In the afternoon you will take a 4 hour guided tour and find out all of Siena’s secrets.

Day  6 – Thursday - Today, you are free to do as you wish.  A day at the apartment, walking around the area.  A tour to Florence, some more shopping in Siena. If you are interested, you can arrange to rent a bike or a car and see the nearby hills and fields, or maybe even a castle in the unchanged countryside of the 14^th century.  The choice is yours and can be arranged at your arrival.

Day  7 – Friday - Your last day with Roberto  - and it will be another memorable one… The Chianti countryside.…

You begin with a scenic drive through the rolling, vineyard- covered hills of the Chianti region. On the way you'll hear about its colorful history. You then visit an Etruscan tomb, see a small medieval village of immaculate alleys and flower-adorned stoops; and of course  taste the wine at the cellars of a local vineyard.                               

Day  8 –Saturday - Today, your excursion with us ends.  You will be chauffeured back to the airport in Florence.  Unless, of course, you have reserved  more with us.

Price is per person for 7 nights, based on a final group of 6 people.

TUSCANY TODAY

$1250. US PER PERSON, BASED ON GROUP SIZE OF 8 PEOPLE

You'll meet your Guide when you are escorted, by air-conditioned mini van, from Florence to your Villa near Florence.  There you will stay for 7 nights.  You will be chauffeured for 5 days in your own mini van and have the remainder on your own to explore at your leisure. Your Guide will bring you to lovely medieval towns such as San Gimignano, Siena, Florence, Greve in the Chianti Countryside and even an excursion to beautiful Cinque Terre in the province of Liguria. This will surely entice you to return to Italy.

Day 1- Saturday - The excursion begins in Florence.  Here, you will be chauffeured from the airport in your private air-conditioned mini van to your home for the next 7 nights. Your home for the week is built on a hill overlooking the valley of the Pesa River. The original structure dating back to the 1400’s stands in the midst of a large tree lined and walled garden.  The romance of Tuscany will begin to take you in with its views of the neighboring hills, olive trees and the architectural details of your villa.

Your apartment, which has been “modernized”, includes a kitchen.  When you first arrive, you may want to take a walk through the woods of oak lings and maritime pines to the nearest village of San Donato in Poggio (about 1.2 km) to get your cooking supplies for the week. Although the Villa’s chef can also prepare meals for you at an extra cost.

Start your travel diary, start to relax, enjoy the beautiful “Tuscan sun”.

Day 2 – Sunday - Today your journey begins when you are picked up at 9:00 a.m. to visit the beautiful countryside of Chianti. Chianti, well known for its wine is one of the most beautiful countryside in the world.  The natural beauty of the land as well as its walled medieval towns, castles and stone farmhouses, will inspire you.  You will visit small towns such as Radda in Chianti.  There you will be surprised to see how a village, dating back over 4000 years old, deserted many times over has now come back to life. Volpaia, known as the wedding town as it was given as a wedding gift, serves marvellously as a winery. When you are in the small town of Greve, you will find an old style butcher shop with prosciutto and salami hanging from the ceiling of an old style butcher shop. Go downstairs and smell the aging cheeses.  Don’t miss the tasting bar. Of course no tour of Chianti would be proper without a tour of a winery. So your group will have the opportunity to visit an old winery where the Chianti Classico is till made like 500 years ago.  You will return to your apartment with a feeling of great fulfillment.

Day 3 – Monday - Today when your guide picks you up at 9:00 a.m., you are in for an amazing day! You will drive outside of Tuscany into the Ligurian coast to Cinque Terre.  Now the drive is a good 3 hours, but once you get into the Liguria province, by the Liguria mare, 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.

Day 4 – Tuesday - Today, you will have the opportunity to spend the day in Florence, or stay in.  You have this day to do as you wish. You may make arrangements with your guide, if you have a special request.  However, Florence should not be missed – after all it is just a short taxi ride away.  You have the chance to combine a morning sightseeing tour of the city’s museums and the afternoon shopping at one of their many markets.  It is totally up to you. 

Day 5 – Wednesday - You are back for another delightful day with your guide. You get to witness the architectural wonder of the Leaning Tower of Pisa for yourself. On the way to Pisa you will stop in Lucca.  Lucca has a long history.  Today, its streets still follow the pattern of the former Roman colony founded in 180 BC.  You’ll discover its peaceful narrow lanes winding among the medieval buildings and then…suddenly revealing churches and piazzas.  Time permitting; you’ll also stop in to Montecatini Terme. It is one of Tuscany’s spa towns.  It has a variety of spa architecture and beautiful parks.  On top of the hill, is another village called Montecatini Alto with a great panoramic view and old buildings with local familiar atmosphere.

Day 7 – Friday - What better way to end a week than by having another day at leisure?  Anything else you want to see or buy, today is the day for it.  You are free to do as you wish on your own. Unless, of course, you want to arrange something with your tour guide.  If you are shopping, don’t forget it must fit into your suitcases.

Day 8 – Saturday - Today, your excursion with us ends.  You will be chauffeured back to Florence’s Airport. Or did we organize something else for you?

Price is per person for 7 nights, based on a final group size of 8 people. It includes, transfers as indicated, accommodation, tours as indicated.  Airfare and meals are excluded

*It is not uncommon, in Italy, to pay for heating.  Although at this time of year, heating is not likely required, heating cost is not included.

TUSCANY’S COOKING

$1,350 US PER PERSON,

BASED ON GROUP SIZE OF 8 PEOPLE

This tour begins in Florence where you will be driven to your apartment. The villa is where the movie "A room with a view" was filmed. The estate is magically situated on the hills of Fiesole overlooking Florence. This special tour combines the art of Tuscan cooking for 2 days with  exploring the sights of Tuscany. Yes, you will learn to cook with either chef Jacopo Tendi or Anna Bigi in your own apartment!  Of course, you then get to benefit from your work and have lunch with your friends and Chef.   Your personal guide will bring you to places you never dreamed really existed. San Gimignano, the Chianti countryside, Siena and even Cinque Terre, outside of Tuscany.  Of course, Florence will be waiting for you to explore and do your shopping. As a special treat, the Chefs at Fattoria Di Maiano will prepare a traditional Tuscan dinner.

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Day 1- Saturday -The excursion begins in Florence.  Here, you will be chauffeured from the airport in your private air-conditioned mini van to your home for the next 7 nights, near Florence. It was formerly a Benedictine Convent now turned into an exhibition space and country retreat.  Your apartment includes a full kitchen and this is where the chef will teach you to cook.  When you first arrive, you don’t have to leave the lovely grounds they also have their own deli and country store full of Tuscan gastronomic specialties as well as a restaurant.

Start your travel diary, start to relax, enjoy the beautiful “Tuscan sun”.

Day 2 – Sunday - Today, you learn to cook Tuscan style. The chef will arrive at your villa at about 9 a.m., so no need to travel.  And in your very own apartment, you will learn the techniques of Tuscan chefs.  After all that hard work and laughter, you will no doubt want to share a glass of wine while you benefit from the food you have just prepared. Tomorrow, your excursions begin.

Day 3 – Monday - Today your outside excursions begin.  You will get to meet your personal tour guide as he picks you up at 9:00 a.m.  Today you find out that everything you have read and heard about Tuscany is true. You are touring the Chianti countryside.  The region’s richness in culture, humanity, scenery, architecture, gastronomy and wines will guarantee this.  You will visit small towns such as Greve, where you will find prosciutto, salami, capicollo, all hanging from the ceiling of an old style butcher shop. Go downstairs and smell the aging cheeses.  Don’t miss the tasting bar.  A tour of Chianti is never complete without a visit to a wine cellar and a wine tasting so control yourself.

Day 4 – Tuesday - You are back for another delightful day. Your guide will drive through to Cinque Terre. Be ready for breathtaking views of the cliffs and waterfront. 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. A perfect example of landscape architecture created by man in inaccessible surroundings.

Day 5 – Wednesday - Today, you will have the opportunity to spend the day in Florence, or stay in.  You have this day to do as you wish.  You are only a short taxi ride away from Florence. Lucia, the Fattoria’s manager, can assist arrange your day.  You have the chance to combine a morning sightseeing tour of the city’s museums and the afternoon shopping at one of their many markets.  It is totally up to you.

Day 6 – Thursday - Your last tour with your guide takes you to Siena and  San Gimignano. Once again you will leave the hotel around 9:00am 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. San Gimignano, the famous town of the fine towers, is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the region and a mediaeval 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. When you return to your apartment get ready to savour an original Tuscan dinner prepared by the chefs of Fattoria di Maiano – you are in for a treat!

Day 7 – Friday - What better way to end a week than by having another cooking lesson. We don’t want to forget any of these great recipes.  After you’re hard work you will savour the taste of culinary art that you will bring back home with you.  Later this afternoon you will go on a wine and oil tasting tour with some of the villa’s experts. Then, I'm afraid, it is time to pack up the suitcases.

Day 8 – Saturday - Today, your excursion with us ends.  You will be chauffeured back to Florence’s Airport. Or did we organize something else for you?

Price is per person for 7 nights, based on a final group of 8 people.

TUSCANY’S SPAS

$1,300. US PER PERSON, BASED ON GROUP SIZE OF 6 PEOPLE

This tour not only pampers you but also provides you with a small taste of Tuscany's sights. You begin by discovering your remodelled 11th century medieval monastery where you will be relaxing for 7 nights.  You will enjoy 2 days of "Italian style" spa treatments  - right by your apartment.   Roberto, your personal tour guide will take you to explore some of Tuscany's cities Siena, Vitozza, Sorano, Sovana, Montagnola and the famous Chianti Region. As a special memorable tour, you will hear the chant of the Gregorian monks in Sant Antimo. And you still have time for one "free day" when you can decide whether you spend it at the spa, in Siena to finish last minute shopping, major shopping in Florence or just rent a bike and take a tour around the old architecture which still remain.

Day 1- Saturday - The excursion begins in Florence.  Here, you will be chauffeured in your  private air-conditioned  mini van to your home for the next 7 nights near Siena. You will immediately relax as you witness  art and peace amidst the natural beauties of the wonderful, unpolluted area near Siena. An ancient, medieval monastery built on an 11th century fortress, restructured in the 16th century, is where your apartment is for the next 7 nights.

Day  2 – Sunday - Perhaps you have not recovered from your flight yet, so today is a day of pampering at the spa facilities. Your week includes two days of treatments so start to enjoy. Your excursions begin tomorrow – rest well.

Day  3 – Monday - Today, you will have the opportunity to spend the day in Siena. Siena, at one time the most powerful banking cities in the word, features some of the most important works of art in Italy.  Not to mention the Palio …Siena’s semi-annual horse race. Each of the city's contrade, or neighborhoods, compete in a bare-backed race in honor or the Virgin Mary. Il Campo, the main square, serves as the race track, with sand and walls placed around its perimeter.  You will have a 4 hour tour guide of Siena today and the remainder to spend at your leisure.

Day  4 – Tuesday - This morning you will meet your tour guide, Roberto.  He will pick you up at the apartment at 9:30 a.m.  Roberto is from Siena.  His family has lived in various zones of Siena, a walled town dating back to the middle ages, for hundreds of years .He is a history buff and wants to know more about those who previously inhabited the space around him.  This combination of knowledge, love for the country, and understanding of people’s needs, makes him an enthusiastic and fantastic guide. Today he will take you to the Clay Hills of Siena  - The Crete Senesi .The clay hills play an ever-changing palette of color according to the seasons: Brilliant yellow sunflowers, rich green young wheat, or neatly ploughed undulating rows of deep brown soil. Groves of silver-leaved olive trees sweep across other fields, and flocks of sheep graze in open area. You’ll begin with an Etruscan museum run by the archeological club of which Roberto is a member. Then visit a working organic farm specialized in pecorino (sheep's milk) cheese. And the piece de resistence, a visit to Sant Antimo monastery and attend the ninth hour prayers of the Gregorian Monks’ chant.

Day  5 – Wednesday - You have today to do as you wish.  Go shopping in Siena or just walk around the area.  You may want to tour Florence or rent a bike or a car and see the nearby hills and fields, or maybe even a castle in the unchanged countryside of the 14^th century.  The choice is yours and can be arranged at your arrival.

Day  6 – Thursday - You’ll be happy to see Roberto this morning as he takes you to visit Montagnola and  the unique 12th century cloister of Torri. Constructed in black and white marble, its decorated with a mixture of pagan and sacred art. Then you go on to an extremely evocative 13th century abbey of San Galgano: A hauntingly elegant gothic-style structure, missing its roof, with the sky for ceiling and the grass for pavement From there you visit a little-known Roman bath with a spring.  Then go on to visit the hill-top town of Colle di Val d'Elsa; the first medieval town in Tuscany to develop a crystal and glass industry. The town, characterized by deep- set traditions and picturesque architecture, has tall buildings and concentric, narrow streets There you can visit the lab and shop of a famous local glass artist to see hand-fashioned crystal that, naturally, is a local specialty.

Day  7 – Friday - We are getting you ready for your flight back home so another day at the spa is in your package.  You’ll never want to leave!

Day  8 –Saturday - Today, your excursion with us ends.  You will be chauffeured back to Florence’s Airport.

Price is per person for 7 nights, based on a final group of 6 people.

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