2016 Autumn Tuscany Tour

Autumn In Tuscany ~ 2016

October 22 - 29, 2016 

Our Setting in Tuscany

Villa Entry 

Villa Living room 

Villa Bedrooms - Each with ensuite bath

One of the 8 Villa Ensuite Bathrooms 

Villa Kitchen

    Our Days Together

DAY 1 ~ Saturday

•    5:00 p.m.  Meet group at Chiusi Train Station & transport to the Villa

•    Check in and orientation of Villa and grounds

•    Welcome Dinner & Introductions

DAY 2 ~ SUNDAY

•     Italian Breakfast

•     Tour an organic farm near Pienza and taste fresh ricotta and amazing crafted pecorino cheese

•     Visit a small village with outstanding views over the Val d'Orcia.  After time to explore, enjoy a light  lunch at the small family run Osteria.

•     Visit historic Pienza with it's famous "ring walk" and shopping including a wide array of food shops featuring local cheeses, wines and meats

•    Cooking Class at the Villa with Professional Italian Chef followed by 4 course dinner

•    Itinerary briefing after dinner

Pecorino Organic Cheese Maker

DAY 3 ~ MONDAY

•   Italian Breakfast

•   Excursion to Montalcino region for Brunello wine tasting at a famous winery.  Time to stroll the enchanting town independently & stop for light lunch or coffee.

•  Afternoon continue 10 km to the south to the beautiful Sant' Antimo Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery in the commune of Montalcino.  We will enter the abbey to hear the Gregorian Chants of the Cannons.  The setting of the abbey & grounds are a photographer's delight as is the mesmerizing acapella chanting.

Wine Tasting 

Sant' Antimo Abbey

DAY 4 ~ TUESDAY

•     Italian Breakfast

•    A DAY AT THE FARM: Agricola Fontanelle - Cinta Senese (A free range ancient breed of pig) Chianti and Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Chianciano.  Run by three brothers, this farm produces a range of five excellent wines (D.O.C.G. Chianti, a Super Tuscan, Rosso and Nobile di Montepulciano) as well as a D.O.P. extra virgin olive oil. In addition to this, the brothers also raise Cinta Senese, a heritage breed of pigs dating back to the 14th century (originally raised only in the province of Siena, hence the name) OR a special visit to the Chianina Beef Cattle farm.  This special breed is where the famous & prized Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (Florentine Steak) originates.  

•    Return for Dinner at the Villa prepared by local chef.

•    Itinerary briefing after dinner

Wine, oil and Cinta Senese product tastings

DAY 5 ~  WEDNESDAY

•   Italian Breakfast

•  "The Search of the Truffle".  A unique and exciting experience to participate in a white truffle hunt with the truffle seller and his trained dog.  We will learn about the prized truffle including truffle tasting.  A very special experience.  Weather and harvest sensitive.  Alternate activity will be substituted.

•  Return for a pizza making class at the villa with our Pizziola chef and our wood burning oven

•  Itinerary briefing after dinner

Tartufi Bianco

Woodfired Pizzas

DAY 6 ~ THURSDAY

•    Italian Breakfast

•    Cooking lesson with our Tuscan Chef followed by lunch  

•    Excursion to Montepulciano & environs.   Proceed to the historic hilltown of Montepulciano for a Vino Nobile wine tasting.  Independent town exploration of famous Piazza Grande and boutique and artisan shops featuring copper, ceramics, leather, jewelry & handmade clothing.  Stop for a cafe, aperitif or dolce at the famous Cafe Poliziano.

•   Vino Nobile wine tasting and light dinner at the top of Montepulciano in a local cozy wine bar

Piazza Grande Montepulciano

Sunset from Montepulciano

Vino Nobile Wine 

DAY 7 ~  FRIDAY

•     Italian Breakfast

•     Visit an olive oil mill during the fresh pressing (dependent on picking date) and experience the process and taste the fresh oil.  Light lunch at the mill.  Opportunity to buy and ship fresh oil.

•    Special farewell dinner prepared by our local chef

•    Sharing of memories of our week in Tuscany

Fresh pressed extra virgin olive oil

Lunch at Olive mill

DAY 8 ~ SATURDAY ~ Arrivederci Amici

•     Italian Breakfast

•     Depart Villa at 10:00 a.m with transfer to Chiusi Train Station

To sign up and receive more information click here.  Space is limited!

2016 Autumn Tuscany Culinary & Wine Tour

October 22 - 29, 2016

7 nights all inclusive *

From 2800 to 3200 euro per person Double Occupancy 

1200 euro additional Single Occupancy

Your tour includes: 

•  7 nights in our own luxury 8 bedroom/8 bathroom villa in the countryside near Cetona, Tuscany*
• Group meals and wine with meals as noted
• 2 participation cooking lessons at our villa with a professional chef
• Visit to an organic pecorino & goat cheese producer and tasting
• Visits to towns of Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano and other small hamlets
• Visit to special farm/vineyard/olive grove with the Cinta Senese ancient breed of pig and enjoy learning about the region's best cured meats, wines and olive oil Or to the famous Chianino Beef of Tuscany farm with tour and tasting.
• Winery visits and tastings of the famous Brunello and Vino Nobile wines of the region
• Special side trip to Abbazia di Sant'Antimo to experience the Abbey's monks Gregorian chant
• Experience an authentic truffle hunt and learn about the famed Bianco tartufi (white truffle) followed by a lunch inspired by tartufi 
• Visit a local olive oil mill and taste the fresh pressed oil during harvest season
• Private transportation for all group excursions
• All local taxes 

*Please note:  The daily schedule may vary due to weather or unforeseen changes with local producers and may be rearranged by our hosts to maximize the experiences of the region.  Villa may change based on availability once minimum of 14 persons is reached.  Travelers will be notified of different property.  Low enrollment may be subject to trip cancellation.  Deposit refunded if trip is cancelled due to low enrollment.  Pre and Post hosted trip days can be planned at an additional cost.  

*  Not included are ~ Airline tickets ~ personal expenses ~  light meals and/or beverages during independent time ~ Alcohol outside of group meals ~ Everything not written in the program ~ Trip insurance (required)

Per Person Pricing based on bedroom category at the villa.  All bedrooms have ensuite bath.

Standard Rooms (3)  2800 euro/person

Deluxe Rooms (4) 2950 euro/person 

Master Suite (1) 3200 euro/person 

* supplement for 3rd & 4th person1200 euro/person (Lofted Bedroom)

* single supplement 1200 euro (note number of singles is limited)

Space is limited!