DAY 1 Arrival- Florence
Today you will arrive at Florence Airport. Here you will be met by your private English speaking driver and then start your journey to the Chianti region. The rest of the day is yours to relax after the journey and familiarise yourself with your surroundings under your own esteem.
Accommodation: Gaiole, Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel (Classic Room)
DAY 2 Truffle hunt-cookery class
Following a leisurely breakfast in the hotel you will be collected and embark on a truffle hunting experience in the company of a knowledgeable local expert and his fellow dog. Jaunt through the woods in search of the precious tuber. Next it is back to the kitchen where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a private cookery class and learn how to add and balance fresh black truffles into some Tuscan speciality dishes. Following your culinary master class, you can feast on the fruits of your labour for lunch.
The afternoon is yours to make your own arrangements and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Accommodation: Gaiole, Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel (Classic Room)
DAY 3 Chianti
After another delicious Italian breakfast in the hotel, the morning is yours to spend at your leisure. Perhaps take a dip in the pool or consider visiting the following places under your own esteem, San Gimignano, a small walled medieval hilltop town, and Volterra- not far from Pisa.
In the afternoon your driver will meet you and take the journey to Castello do Fonterutoli Winery (or equivalent) for a private visit of the cellar, featuring an innovative project with low environmental impact and a special tasting of various vintages.
Accommodation: Gaiole, Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel (Classic Room)
DAY 4 Siena
Set off with your private driver after breakfast to Siena. Embrace the quintessential medieval flavour of the city. Enjoy a guided walking tour with an art historian, expect to visit the Palazzo Pubblico, colourful marbel clad cathedral and entrance to the stunning Piccolomini library and hidden majestic gardens where there are many opportunities to marvel at the works of Pinturicchio.
Sit back, relish the local scene and unique charm of this beautiful city while savouring a cappuccino and ricciarelli- a legendary Sienese almond cookie at the historic Caffe Nannini. Next it is off to one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares ‘Piazza del Campo’ celebrated for it’s architectural integrity and unique shell shape. The square is also known for the Palio di Siena, a horse race which is held twice annually- a tradition that dates to 1633.
Cotninue to Gargonza castle, check in and spend the rest of the day under your own esteem.
Accommodation: Gargonza, Castello di Gargonza (Classic Room)
DAY 5 Arezzo
A day for you to enjoy however you like. We recommend perhaps exploring the charming and enchanting city of Arezzo an absolute highlight in Tuscany. The city is known for its ceramic and metal production as well as it’s processing of gold. The city is divided into two sections, the lower part is modern in character and the top is largely historical. Archaeological finds here date back to 4th Century BC. We recommend exploring the Piazza Grande, a large square with interesting architecture, a mix of medieval and Renaissance styles. The Basilica of San Francesco, built in the 13th century it is one of the first churches and is distinguished by its Renaissance frescoes.
Accommodation: Gargonza, Castello di Gargonza (Classic Room)
DAY 6 Val d’Orcia
Enjoy a scenic drive to Val d’Orcia and consider what you would like to do when you arrive. Some highlights here include; Pienza ‘the perfect city’- an architect’s dream and designated UNESCO site. The active might enjoy climbing the medieval Tower of Tentennano and taking in the sensational views over the Orcia Valley, the Amiata Mountains and the lush green surrounds. On the way down, you may also fancy a visit to the restored fortress. Other places of interest include, the Abbey of Sant’Antimo a Benedectine Monastery dating back to the 8th Century.
Accommodation: Castiglione d’Orcia, Podere San Marcello (Classic Room)
DAY 7 Pienza
Your English speaking driver will collect you and take you to enjoy a morning visit to a local speciality farm in Pienza. The producer will familiarise you with the estate and their dairy where they produce ‘Pecorino di Pienza’ a famous and delicious local cheese. This product’s origins date back to ancient times and it is considered one of the most flavoursome cheeses in Italy, especially the blend ‘under ashes’. Following the tour and demonstrations enjoy a pecorino tasting together with some other local products and a glass of wine. The rest of the day is entirely unscheduled for you to discover the beauty at your own pace.
Accommodation: Castiglione d’Orcia, Podere San Marcello (Classic Room)
DAY 8 Florence Departure
The driver will collect you and together you will travel to Florence Airport for your departure.
