ITALY: Tuscany - Countryside & Foodie Tour – 7 days
Tour Summary
We welcome travellers from all over the world....Enjoy an experience of a lifetime
Experience the best of Tuscany countryside, from the legendary Chianti area to the Orcia Valley. This tour will let you discover the small, untouched villages of the Chianti such as Montefioralle, Panzano and Greve in Chianti and the jewels of the Orcia Valley; Pienza, Montepulciano and Montalcino. Staying in secluded villages you will enjoy the true atmosphere of Tuscany, far from the crowds.
The tour begins with a three-night stay in Panzano in Chianti a small village surrounded by verdant rolling hills and vineyards; Chianti landscape at its best. From Panzano you will explore the most authentic villages of the Chianti area and you will visit a family-run organic winery. A private excursion will bring to Siena and San Gimignano, two authentic jewels not to be missed while visiting Tuscany.
From Panzano you will reach the amazing Orcia Valley ( Unesco World Heritage Site ) in the Southern part of Tuscany to the green smooth hills and the soft curves lining the horizon with its isolated cypress trees. You will stay for three nights in Montefollonico, a small, authentic village where you can experience local life. From Montefollonico you will visit Pienza, the “Ideal Renaissance Town” wanted by the Pope Pius II to represent a harmonious fifteenth-century town, a superb example of Renaissance architecture.
This tour includes also five foodie experiences. You will have a private cooking class in Panzano and visit three small family-run wineries and a Pecorino cheese farm. Also explore the birthplaces of the most renowned Tuscan wines, Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montepulciano and Chianti.
Tour Highlights
· Explore local life in Panzano and Montefollonico
· Drive through the scenic Chiantigiana road and through the iconic Orcia Valley
· Discover the authentic side of Tuscany visiting small villages and enjoy meeting the locals
· Explore the legendary cities of Siena, San Gimignano, Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano
· Immerse yourself in a hands-on cooking class using simple, fresh and flavourful ingredients
· Tour a Caseificio (cheese farm) where you are able to see how Pecorino cheese is made
· Visit boutique wineries meet the owners producing the iconic Tuscan wines
· Indulge in the delicious Tuscan cuisine
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Chianti:
Upon your arrival at Florence you will be met by your English speaking driver and transferred to your hotel that is surrounded by vineyards, close to Panzano in Chianti; a lovely traditional village in the Chianti region.
Day 2: Cooking Class & Chianti Winery Tour: (B/L)
This morning you have your private hands-on cooking class held by the chef of the hotel. Lunch will follow.
In the afternoon you have private excursion by car with an English speaking driver, driving through the Chianti hills and visiting some of the most enchanting local villages. Visit a Chianti organic winery for a tour and a wine tasting. Transfer back to your hotel.
Day 3: Siena & San Gimignano: (B)
Pick up from the hotel by private car and driver this morning for a full day excursion to Siena and San Gimignano. You will be met by your professional guide in Siena and tour the magnificent Cathedral and the Baptistery, the Campo Square, the Corso (the main street that crosses the historic centre) and the Torre del Mangia, your guide would be happy to introduce you to the Palio, you can visit the “Contrada” seats and the Palio Museum. Time at leisure for lunch on your own.
Later, drive to San Gimignano, this amazingly well preserved medieval town known as the “city of the fair towers” with its fourteen soaring towers (of the seventy-six original) that dominate the skyline. Transfer back to Panzano.
Day 4: The Orcia Valley: (B)
This morning travel by private car with English speaking driver through the enchanting Orcia Valley to your accommodation in a 4 star hotel that is nestled in the hills of Tuscany. The hotel is an ancient, perfectly restored historical olive oil mill, now a delightful boutique inn and restaurant. The hotel is within walking distance from a small, authentic village, off the beaten path but where you able to find a Cafès and several Trattorias.
Day 5: Pienza & Pecorino cheese farm: (B/L)
Your private car with English speaking driver will pick you up this morning and drive you in the countryside around Pienza to visit a Caseificio (cheese farm) where you are able to see how Pecorino cheese is made Enjoy a light lunch based on Pecorino cheeses and local cold cuts. Continue driving to Pienza, a wonderful Renaissance jewel where you have time at leisure to stroll through the narrow streets, view the marvelous Palaces and squares and the many shops full of gastronomic specialties. Dinner is on your own in Pienza. Later transfer back to your hotel.
Day 6: Montalcino & Montepulciano - Villages and Wineries: (B)
Pick up in the morning and drive to your first stop, the Medieval city of Montepulciano. Time at leisure to enjoy a walk through the historic centre. Later drive to a flagship, historic winery where you will have a guided visit and a wine tasting.
Then drive to Montalcino, birthplace of the renowned Brunello wine, you will have time at leisure for the visit of this village, then you will visit an excellent, flagship winery and wine tasting. Transfer back to the relais.
Day 7: Depart Tuscany: (B)
Your bespoke private tour concludes after breakfast.
At your leisure before transferring to Florence for your onward or homebound journey.
Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. We are able to organise a private guide to accompany you. Some guests may wish to stay another day or more. Please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences. The magic of travelling in private tours allows us to cater for spontaneity and sometimes we often find some wonderful surprises along the way and it can be these unplanned occurrences that are the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided private tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Please Contact Us for further information.
Flexibility
The itinerary may be flexible, sometimes due to weather or sometimes for sites or events which guests may wish to see. If there is something not included in this suggested itinerary that you would like to do or see, please contact us to discuss if it is possible.
Tour Inclusions
• An especially curated itinerary for Boutique Journeys
• Exclusive and private airport & rail arrival and departure transfers for all guests. (Via Florence)
• 4 & 3 star modern & boutique hotel accommodation. Panzano and in Montefollonico
• Meals as per Itinerary: "B" Breakfast", “L” for Lunch and "D" for Dinner.
• Private services of bilingual professional guides & driver for tours included in the itinerary
o Siena & San Gimignano
• Cooking Class with lunch day 2
• Wine Tasting day 2 & day 6
• Visit to cheese farm day 5
• Luxury private air-conditioned chauffeured driven vehicles as per the itinerary
• Concierge services throughout the tour
• Admission fees to most tourist sites as per the itinerary
• All porterage, tipping and gratuities.
• An exclusive information travel package.
• Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle.
Not Included in the Tour
• International air or train fares.
• Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges.
• Passport and visa fees.
• City taxes to be paid to the hotels
• Excess baggage charges.
• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery via FedEx/DHL or post services
• Personal travel insurance.
• Additional local guides
• Meals not included
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Personal expenses
Country Information
Accommodation:
All our hotels are excellent five, four and or three star modern and boutique hotels. We highly recommend our hotels as they have excellent services and facilities. All rooms have modern facilities, private bathrooms with double or twin beds.
Climate & Clothing:
Given the choice, without a doubt the best time to see the Amalfi Coast is from April to June, when the spring flowers are in bloom, the weather is just warm enough, and the temperature of the Mediterranean allows for the first dips of the season. By choosing late spring or early summer, you can also avoid the tourist crush of July and August and the oppressive temperatures later in the year.
The general rule is to bring comfortable clothing including lightweight cottons. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as is a light waterproof jacket. We provide a detailed packing list to all our guests prior to departure.
If you wish to travel in the summer or autumn the weather in Italy is warm with the temperature average in June and July is about 78°F - 26°C. Summers are relatively dry, but rain does occur all year round.
Currency & Money Matters:
The official currency in Italy is EURO (€). On January 1, 2002, the Euro became the official currency for 300 million Europeans, in use in 12 countries of the European Union. Traveller’s Cheques can be exchanged at some banks and currency exchange offices but are not as welcome as cash or credit cards. ATMs are widely available in the cities, villages and tourist areas.
Electricity:
The electrical current in Italy is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. The European two-pin plug is standard.
Insurance:
You must obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance as a condition of travelling with Boutique Tours & Travel. We recommend that you purchase insurance at the time of Booking. Insurance is available from BT&T.
Language:
Italian is the official language, but English is widely understood in the main tourist areas.
Meals:
Our hotels offer a wonderful selection of dishes at their buffet breakfasts and our tour offers a with a wide variety of both menu and venue for lunches and evening meals.
Medical Services & Facilities:
Our hotels have access to a doctor if required. They can also assist guests with purchasing of medicine. The international hospitals in Italy are very good and have western trained medical and surgical specialists. Dental care is also available.
Passports & Visas:
To enter Italy, you require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and with at least two blank pages. No visa is required for tourists.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:
Boutique Tours & Travel suggests that you may like to arrive a day before the start of your tour to allow time to relax and refresh. You are also very welcome to linger longer after the tour is completed.
Boutique Tours & Travel has negotiated special overnight rates at this hotel for both pre and post tour accommodation. Please ask for details at time of booking. Local tour guides are also available on request.
Solo Traveller:
We welcome single travellers and we are able to arrange single accommodation. We negotiate strongly to keep single supplements at a reasonable cost.
Special Requests:
Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking or non-smoking rooms and special dietary needs or any other arrangement should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure your special request; however, they cannot always be guaranteed.
Time Zone:
Italy Standard time is GMT+ 1 (GMT + 2 during Summer Daylight Saving Time)
Transport:
We generally use modern luxury cars and minibuses for transfers and tours. We also walk where and when it’s suitable.
Water & Beverages:
Our hotels offer bottled water and bottled water is provided whilst touring in car or bus.
No alcoholic beverages are included in the cost of this tour.
