7-day "Heart and Soul" Tour to Tuscany, Italy
Saturday June 25 - Saturday July 2, 2016
$3,795 per person / $3,595 if two or more guests sign up together (prices are double occupancy or +$600 single supplement).
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Whether you have always wanted to visit the storybook landscape of Tuscany, or you are returning for another adventure, this very special tour will bring you into the heart and soul of life in the castle-topped, stone and terracotta villages and the working vineyards that scatter the hills around them. Liz and Claire have selected the jewels in the crown of this region for you to experience shopping at the bustling food and crafts markets, tasting the local wines and cheeses and, of course, enjoying the endless choices of delicious Tuscan dishes followed by Gelato or, perhaps, a few Ricciarelli! Living in community in our spacious and stunning villa, you will enjoy dinner under the stars, appetizers by the pool, walks through the flower gardens and even yoga classes on the lawn.
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During this wondrous week, we will walk through ancient Piazzas, see the breath-taking masterpieces of Michelangelo and daVinci and cross Florence’s 14th century Ponte Vecchio for a look at some of the most beautiful gold and silver jewelry in the world. We will visit the famed Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, the Pearl of Tuscany, and hear its history from our local art and history expert, Silvia. You may take a bike ride or just relax at the villa or have a glass of wine in a romantic outdoor cafe and soak up the Tuscan life-truly “La Bella Vita!”
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Each day begins with a leisurely breakfast served from 8-9am. Breakfast consists
of fresh-baked local bread and pastries, hot coffee or tea, juice, eggs, sausage,
yogurt, and fresh fruit from the local markets.
We are there to ensure
your days are enjoyable and stress free. We make all the arrangements, so that ALL your time is spent relaxing
and enjoying your immersion in the Tuscan
way of life. We will transport
you around Tuscany in a comfortable, air-conditioned car. |
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On each of our guided day-trips, we will eat lunch in a local café or
restaurant, and spend the afternoon sight-seeing. While
all activities are included in the cost of the tour, you may choose
to opt out of any activity at any time and relax at the house. |
The vacation package includes accommodation for 7 nights in a beautiful villa, pick-up/drop-off, all breakfasts, all lunches, and six dinners (you will be responsible for the cost of dinner in Florence). Our guided day trips include lunch in a restaurant or café, and activities. You will need spending money for items such as souvenirs, postcards, ice-creams, snacks, and any activities you choose to do that are not part of the tour itinerary.
Saturday, June 25
ARRIVAL: The closest airport is Florence. Take the train to Siena station and we will meet you there.
We will have a sign with "Tuscany: Heart and Soul”. The remainder of the day will be spent settling in... rest, relax, sit by the pool, and enjoy dinner at the villa under the stars.
Sunday, June 26
8:00am Yoga Class (optional)
8-10am Breakfast
11:30am Depart for lunch in Monteriggioni where we will explore one of the most important walled castles in Tuscany.
Nestled in the province of Siena, between this beautiful city and Colle Val
d’Elsa, its perfect circular perimeter makes one suppose it to be an artificial
construction but it was created by following the curves in the natural ground.
The castle, with 14 towers, was built by the Sienese around 1213; its strategic
location atop a hill overlooking the Cassia Road allowed the medieval watchmen
to be on the lookout for any armies approaching Siena.
From there, we take a short drive to Volterra-the alabaster capital of the world.
We will see some beautiful frescoes and the oldest Gothic Town Hall in Tuscany,
and the model for Florence's Palazzo Vecchio.
8:00pm Dinner at the villa
Monday, June 27
8:00am Yoga Class (optional)
8-10am Breakfast
10:00am Cooking class in a Tuscan country farmhouse with Nona, a famous local chef and
grandmother.
1:30pm Depart for our tour of San Gimignano delle Belle Torri. Here we will meet our expert Tuscan guide, Silvia Roncucci, who is not only a local but also a history and art scholar. We will visit the stone towers that rise up from the
terracotta roof tiles and discover the town's amazing wealth of 14th and 15th century art, and we
won't forget to taste the excellent local white wine!
8:00pm Dinner at the villa
Tuesday, June 28
8:00am Yoga Class (optional)
8-10am Breakfast
11:30 Depart for lunch in Pienza where our guide, Silvia, meets us and we discover Italy's only perfectly planned Renaissance town center, commissioned by Pope Pius II. This afternoon you will be treated to a taste of the best pecorino in the world. Then, we move on to Montepulciano to explore the town and visit the Tempio di San Biagio - followed by a glass of fabulous local vino in a cellar, deep under one of the town's beautiful palaces.
8:00pm Dinner at the villa
Wednesday, June 29
8:00am Yoga Class (optional)
8-10am Breakfast
Free Time
12:00pm Lunch at villa
1:00pm Depart for the castle and winery of Barone Ricasoli. You will experience a tour of the
lavishly decorated castle, hear about its fascinating history and go on a guided exploration of the
vineyard with tastings of the famously delicious wines.
5:00pm We will meet our guide Silvia in the medieval jewel of Tuscany - Siena. Silvia will lead
us on a tour of the town and then we will eat dinner in one of Siena’s contrades (neighborhoods), alive
with anticipation while preparing for the famous Il Palio horse race.
Thursday, June 30
8-9:30am Breakfast
10:00am Depart for Florence, a city overflowing with art, culture, shopping, and mouthwatering
food and wine. We will eat lunch and dinner in Florence while seeing as many of the sights as
possible. Lunch is included on the tour, while you will be responsible for the cost of dinner. Home to our villa late evening.
Friday, July 1
8:00am Yoga Class (optional)
8-10am Breakfast
11:30 Depart for Montalcino, a town that stands proudly above the valley offering us stunning views from the ruined 14th century fortress. This is a great place to sample Montalcino's Brunello wine, Tuscany's most robust red. We will have lunch there, and later drive to the beautiful Cistercian Abbey of Sant' Antimo, founded by Charlemagne.
8:00pm Farewell Dinner at the villa.
Saturday, July 2
We will drop you off at the Siena train station. You may choose to continue your tour of
Italy or you may be flying home, happy to have made new friends while cherishing
memories of beautiful Tuscany.
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