Day 3 - La Dolce Vita! - Wednesday, October 13, 2009
San Gimignano seems to be a favorite stop on the tour. We start the day with a walking tour of the main sights, plus a visit to the Collegiata with its beautiful frescos of Santa Fina. Then you will still have most of the day to shop, rest or explore the lovely village on your own. (Maybe climb the Torre Grande.) Beware, there are some of the best artisan shops right down the street. This has always been an important trading center. It was on the famous Via Francigena: the most traveled of the medieval roads that pilgrims traveled to Rome. From the 8th Century, it was the route through France that linked Canterbury Cathedral in England and Rome, the heart of Christianity. Today you will find locally owned shops selling ceramics, soaps, leather goods, etc. You will find a great selection of paintings and prints of the Tuscan area. Later in the afternoon, you can join me for an optional power walk around the ancient town walls. Also, do not miss the chance to taste the "award winning" gelato from the shop across from our hotel. (B)
ITALY WITH FRIENDS FALL 2009 ULTIMATE
TUSCAN VILLAGE FOOD AND WINE LOVER'S EXPERIENCE
**( Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice. Definite itinerary will be given prior to trip )
Day 0 - Depart USA - Saturday, October 10, 2009
Remember you will arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.
Day 1 - Arrival Day - Benvenuto! - Florence, the timeless city of the Medici - Sunday, October 11, 2009
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Florence and meet at hotel for welcome drink and orientation. The hotel has a lovely terrace that is just perfect. We will then take an orientation walk around the hotel before our welcome dinner at a simple Florentine trattoria. (D)
Day 2 - Bella Tuscany! - Monday, October 12, 2009
This morning you jump right into the Italian Renaissance with a guided tour of Florence. You will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Duomo, the baptistery with its famous bronze doors followed by a walk through the medieval streets of Florence. You will pass the Piazza Republica (Ancient Roman forum), leather markets, and finally end in the sculpture-studded Piazza Signoria. Then we will enjoy lunch in a little spot where you will be able to taste a variety of poplular Tuscan pastas and soups. We can also enjoy a gelato for dessert from my favorite gelateria before we cross the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence. (My favorite is peanut butter. )
We will then leave Florence for now and make our first stop in the Tuscan countryside at the American Military Cemetery located just outside of Florence. The compelling sight of endless rows of white marble crosses recalls the heroism of the young Americans who fought so valiantly to free Italy from the grips of fascism during World War II. The 1940's may seem very long ago, but during WWII this area was terribley ravaged by the fighting.
We will then head to San Gimignano, our home for the next 2 nights. On the way we will stop at San Donato, a quaint local winery for a short visit and wine tasting. San Gimignano ( The City of Towers) is one of the most popular hilltowns and one of my favorites as well. Our hotel is located in the ancient Piazza Cisterna. San Gimignano was featured in the WWII period movie 'Tea With Mussolini'. We will have plenty of time after settling in to join the locals for their evening stroll (passeggiata) before toasting our trip with a sparkling Vernaccia, the white wine produced in this area, at our "dinner with a view" from the excellent restaurant, La Terrazze. (B) (L) (D)
Day 5 - Chianti Awaits! - Thursday, October 15, 2009
This morning you will enjoy a tour of Siena's most important sights. First stop will be the massive Duomo, one of the most ornate in Italy. The inside of the Duomo is as ornate as the outside with its famous marble floors (Only uncovered during August, September and October) and sculptures by Michelangelo, Pisano and Bernini. The Piccolomini Library has some of the most stunning frescos that depict the life of Pope Pius II. The frescos are just as vibrant as the day they were finished over 550 years ago. (We will visit Pienza, the hometown of Pope Pius II later during the tour.) We will then enter the Museo dell'Opera e Panorama (Duomo Museum) to enjoy some of Siena's most priceless works of art. The museum's high point however, is the expansive views of the church and city that you are afforded from its panoramic landing on the top floor. It does require some climbing up a steep, winding staircase, but you will be rewarded for your efforts.
Afterwards, you can also visit the Baptistery and Crypt if you would like. There will be time for shopping and lunch as well. Why not splurge and enjoy lunch or a drink at one of the many spots on Piazza del Campo while you watch Sienese life just passing by.
We will then leave Siena and travel into the Chianti region of Tuscany. This area is famous for its full-bodied red wines. Our destination is Castellina in Chainti, a typical Chianti village. A lovely old Palazzo that is now a 4-star hotel will be our home for the next three nights. The hotel also has a new spa that you will able to utilize if you so desire. There will be plenty of time to explore this quaint village and to shop along its main street or along the Via della Volte. This covered passageway runs underneath the regular street level. It feels like you are walking in a cave. There are slits cut into the outer wall so that you can see the lovely countryside. You will want to be sure and stop into the Photo-Gallery of Andrea Rontini, a world class photographer. You will see some amazing award winning photos that capture the essence of Tuscany.
Castellina, along with Radda and Greve is a main player in the Consorzio del Gallo Nero. (The Consortium of the Black Rooster.) You will see the Black Rooster on the seal of many of the Chianti wines, including the wine made by the owners of our hotel. This was created in 1924 and is highly regulated.
After time to settle in or perhaps to enjoy the lovely terrace with its sweeping views of vineyards and olive trees you are all invited up to my apartment or "as I like to call it, a little slice of heaven" for a lesson on the many Italian wines that we will be tasting during our visit to Tuscany. I will also try and give you a short history lesson on the Etruscans. Who were those guys anyway? We will then take a short walk to a lovely spot for dinner. (B) (D)
Day 7 - La Dolce far Niente! (The Sweetness of Doing Nothing!) - Saturday, October 17, 2009
Today will be a day for just enjoying life in Tuscany. You can sleep late or relax at the hotel. There is a very interesting Etruscan museum located in the ancient Castle where you can climb the castle tower and have expansive views over the Chianti countryside. There are also some Etruscan tombs right outside the village. You can take a walk on the numerous trails around Castellina. You can also rent bikes. The weekly market will be going on as well, and you do not want to miss the opportunity to see where the Italians do their shopping. The hotel offers optional excursions to nearby towns, outlet malls, and horseback riding that you may want to check out.
I will offer an optional visit to the wine village of Volpaia or maybe for a pizza dinner in Radda. (B)
Day 8 - The Lovely Val D'Orcia - Sunday, October 18, 2009
This morning we will leave Castellina in Chianti and make a quick stop in another of Tuscany's amazing hilltowns. The perfectly walled village of Monterriggioni will take your breath away on first sight. It will not take long to look around and possibly walk around the ramparts for views of the beautiful countryside. There is also a great little artisan jewelry shop that is always fun to visit.
We then drive into one of my favorite areas of Tuscany, the Val D'Orcia. Our destination is tiny Pienza. Pienza is one of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany. It is the perfect Renaissance town due to a complete renovation, with Vatican clout and money, by Pope Pius II. (Remember the Piccolomini Library in Siena's Duomo?) He completely rebuilt his hometown of Corsignano and renamed it Pienza (Pio's Town). You will enjoy its quaint streets and shops selling the local pecorino cheese. The films 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'The English Patient' were filmed here. You must visit the panoramic promenade next to the Duomo. The views of the Val D'Orcia will astound you! There will be time for lunch and shopping before we visit the Palazzo Piccolomini for a guided tour. It is the most impressive small-town palace experience in Tuscany. It offers a facinating opportunity to see what 15th century aristocratic life was like.
Today is for visiting "tiny" hamlets in Tuscany. We have one more to see if time permits. Bagno Vignoni has one of the most unusual squares in Italy. The great Medici family harnessed the naturally hot sulfur springs percolating from the ground by building a giant outdoor pool that fills the main square.
Finally we ariive in San Quirico d'Orcia, our destination for the next two nights. San Quirico is not on the usual tourist track and you will find it pleasant and refreshing. San Quirico was another important stop for pilgrims on the Via Francigena. There is a lovely garden, Horti Leonini, designed in the late 15th century as a resting place for the pilgrims. Once again we are fortunate to stay in an elegant 15th-century palazzo right in the medieval heart of town. I know you will just fall in love with this lovely and well-maintained hotel with its pretty terrace and garden. They also have a small spa available.
We will meet in the evening to enjoy the local passeggiata before out dinner in one of the best restaurants in Tuscany that just happens to be owned by the hotel. (B) (D)
Day 9 - Vino e Molto Vino! - Monday, October 19, 2009
Today will be a wonderful day of sightseeing and experiencing every true Italian's love, food and wine.
We head to Montalcino passing some of the most beautiful scenery in Italy. You will see Montalcino standing proud in the distance long before we reach its ancient walls. This area is known for its famous red wines. The Brunello and Rosso de Montalcino are known all over the world. We will have the opportunity to taste this "nectar of the Gods". First we will stop at the world renown Casanova di Neri, featured in 'Wine Spectator' magazine. Then we head to the beautiful setting of Castello Banfi. We will stop into their lovely Enoteca for an aperitif before we feast on Tuscan cuisine at La Taverna Banfi. Our multi-course meal will be accompanied by Banfi wines. There will be time to walk around the castle complex and even visit the Glass museum if you would like. We might even have time for the Banfi Winery tour.
Before returning to San Quirico, we will make a stop at Sant 'Antimo, a lovely monastery. One of the finest Romanesque churches in Tuscany, it originally formed part of a 9th century Benedictine monastery founded, according to legend, by Charlemagne himself. The present building begun in 1118 is exquisite, with its elegant tower and rounded apse. An important monastic community once flourished here, and there are still some monks about. If you hit at the right time, you might be able to hear their Gregorian chants. (B) (L)
Day 10 - Under the Tuscan Sun in Cortona - Tuesday, October 20, 2009
We will leave peaceful San Quirico today and drive to one of Tuscany's most popular towns, Cortona. (Due in part to the popular movie 'Under The Tuscan Sun') Cortona is located high on a hill near the Tuscan/Umbrian border. There are sweeping views of both regions from several points in the town. We will take time to walk around and enjoy this once powerful Etruscan stronghold. Today you can mainly enjoy its medieval streets (some very steep) filled with enotecas and great shopping. One of my favorite stops is the chocolate shop, but you will have to work for it. It is on one of the steepest streets in town. We will also enjoy another delicious meal at a wonderful restaurant hidden on one of these medieval streets. If the weather is good, we will drive up to Cortona's highest point to visit the church of Santa Margarita, the cities' patron saint.
Then it is off to Florence once again, that beautiful capital of Tuscany and birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. We will make a stop to see Florence in all its glory from the panoramic Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a great place for a group photo.
We return to our lovely hotel located on Via Tornabuoni, the Rodeo Drive of Florence. The evening will be free to relax after a long day of enjoying Cortona. (B) (L)
Day 11 - Architectural Wonders - Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Spend the morning as you wish. We will meet after lunch for an excursion by train to Pisa. Pisa is one of the most famous cities in Italy and the world due to its "leaning tower". We will visit the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), exploring the piazza complex containing the leaning tower, Duomo, and Baptistery. I know you will feel like you have seen so many churches, but I have to say that the inside of this Duomo is one of my favorites. You will have time to sightsee on your own or perhaps climb the tower. We will return to Florence by train.
On the walk back to the hotel we will stop into one of the oldest perfumeries in Italy. The Santa Maria Novella perfumery started as a herb garden for the monks of the Santa Maria Novella church next door. Well-known even today for its top-quality products, it is extremely Florentine. The lingering aromas of centuries might entice you to purchase some of the lovely products for yourself. (This shop was featured in the movie 'Hannibal'.)
Tonight we will enjoy something of an institution in Florence for dinner. Il Latini is crowded, noisy and fun. You are served huge portions of Florentine classics on long tables family style. It will be an expereince to remember. (B) (D)
Day 12 - Bella Firenze! - Thursday, October 22, 2009
Take this final morning to enjoy as you wish. There are many options in Florence alone. You may just want to shop or prepare for your journey home. Try to visit the Oltrano or 'other side of the Arno' with its many artisan workshops. It is a very different Florence in that part of town. Also, be sure and stop into my favorite chocolate and pastry shop, Rivoire. It is located right on the Piazza della Signoria and has the most wonderful candy and hot chocolate you have ever tasted. It is a great place to pick up last minute gifts as well. Florence is also full of leather markets where you can find all sorts of temptations. Certainly, do not pass up the chance to wander up and down the Ponte Vecchio with its gold and silver shops just ready to take those Euros.
We will meet after lunch for a guided visit of the Uffizi Gallery. This museum has the greatest collection of Italian paintings and features works by Leonardo , Raphael, Giotto, Ruben, Titian and Michelangelo. It also has a room full of Botticellis, including his Birth of Venus. The Uffizi Gallery was one of the most important stops on the "Grand Tour" of the 18th century European aristocrats.
There will still be time to enjoy more of Florence before our farewell dinner. (B) (D)
Day 13 - Arrivederci Italia! - Friday, October 23, 2009
Make your way to the airport for your trip home or to another Italian destination. You can stay on in Florence longer if you wish. Whatever you choose, I know you take along wonderful memories of the best of Tuscany spent with new friends. (B)
(Included meals are designated each day with (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.)
Day 6- The Villa Table - Friday, October 16, 2009
Today you have the exciting opportunity to participate in the renown cooking class, "The Villa Table", which takes place in the 12th century abbey and wine estate of Badia a' Coltibuono. The cooking school offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the flavors and lifestyle of Chianti. You work in the large family kitchen and learn to prepare a full menu from bread to desserts. Afterwards, you will enjoy the fruits of your labor in the villa's private dining room while sampling the estates wines and extra virgin olive oils during lunch.
The ancient monastery of Coltibuono is one of my favorite places in Tuscany. After lunch we will be given a private, guided tour of the cloisters, ancient ageing cellars and renaissance gardens. On our way out we will stop at a little shop where you can purchase products from Coltibuono, as well as ceramics hand-made by local artists. (If cooking class is unavailable, we will have lunch at the renown restaurant at Badia a' Coltibuono, followed by tour.) Also, if attending a cooking class, no matter how fun, is not your thing, you are welcome to just spend the day relaxing at the hotel pool or exploring Castellina.
Before returning to our hotel, we will make a short stop in the tiny, jewel of a hill-town, Vertine. It only has about 50 residents. You will truly wonder if you have stepped into a set for a disney movie.
You will have this evening to enjoy relaxing or visiting the spa. Tonight dinner is on your own in any of the many wonderful spots in town. (B) (L)
OCTOBER 2009 LAND ONLY TOUR PRICES
Airfare NOT Included
( tour is limited in size to 14 members)
Tour begins and ends in FLORENCE, Tour is for 13days/12nights.
The total cost per person is $2999.00 with double occupancy.
(includes taxes, fees, and Euro exchange rate adjustment)
Traveling solo? Sadly, most hotels only have a few single rooms, so many times they provide what they term "double for single use". They do however, charge a premium for the luxury of staying alone. I am faced with this all the time. If you cannot find a partner, I will be glad to match up single travelers if at all possible. Otherwise, the single supplement for this tour is $500.00 extra per person.
- Visit hill-top towns & villages.
- See famous works of art.
- Experience history come alive all around you.
- Savor Tuscan Cuisine.
- Learn the Art of wine tasting.
- Enjoy the activity of Harvest.
- Taste the freshest Olive Oil.
- Breathe in the warmth of Tuscany!
Day 4 - Let the Wine-tasting begin! - Tuesday, October 14, 2009
Today you will have the opportunity to enjoy your first visit to a Tuscan winery. We will start with one of the oldest in the region, the 11th Century Castello Verrazzano. You may recognize the name Verrazzano as the captain who discovered New York harbor in 1542. The Verrazzano Narrows bridge is named after him. After a guided tour of the castle grounds and cellars, will we feast on a lunch of homemade Tuscan favorites accompanied by a range of delicious wines made by the Verrazzano winery. You will have the opportunity to learn the art of wine tasting in this relaxed and amusing setting.
We will then make a short visit to Greve in Chianti. This is a lovely village with its arcaded piazza and its stature of Giovanni da Verrazzano.
We are then off to another important stop on the Via Francigena, medieval Siena. This is one of Tuscany's most popular and loved towns. At one time Siena was one of the most populated and powerful cities in Tuscany with its merchants and bankers trading all over Europe. The city flourished with an impressive production of architecture and art. Sadly, in the 14th century Siena was struck hard by the black plague and famine. It then lost its independence to its lifelong rival Florence. The cities' medieval character has survived to an amazing extent. Siena's heart is the shell shaped Piazza del Campo. This is one of Italy's most famous and most beautiful squares. The Palio, a renowned horse race takes place twice a year right here. It is hard to imagine horses racing bareback frantically around for about 90 seconds in this area. This is a great place to just relax and enjoy the beauty of the Fountain of Joy and admire the City Tower standing proudly over all of Siena. (Il Campo was featured in the new James Bond movie 'Quantum of Solace'.)
You will have the evening to enjoy Siena without the throngs of tourists that visit each day. Our hotel is just a few minutes from all the main sights. (B) (L)
Note on Physical Activity
You must be in good physical condition to sign-up for this trip. This is not a "walking or hiking" tour, but there will be plenty of walking, some uphill and most on cobblestones. You will need to be on your feet for extended periods of time. There are many steps throughout the trip that you will have to climb. You will also have to handle your own luggage most of the time. Many hotels do not have elevators. If for some reason you are unable to take part in all scheduled activities, you can usually stay at the hotel and relax. I will be glad to work with you on possible alternative activities if they are possible, but cannot guarantee it.
