Discerning Experience

A Taste of Tuscany

Peruse our tailor made itinerary across Tuscany, created to provide a cultural and adventurous experience with the company of our expert guides who have extensive knowledge of the region.

Embark on a colourful cultural journey across the undulating Tuscan terrain and birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Our Tuscan experience holiday provides a balance between time spent appreciating the stunning scenery, historic churches, sites of antiquity and archaeological importance as well as visiting significant medieval cities such as Arezzo and Siena. We have also selected a couple of quality lifestyle experiences, designed to allow you to see a facet of the region not usually available. Taste the wonderful pecorino di pienza, venture out on a truffle hunting experience, soak up the medieval vibes in Siena. This itinerary combines something that everyone will enjoy, history, art, gastronomic delights and plenty of sightseeing.

If you are seeking an away from it all escape, Tuscany’s breathtaking landscapes and wonderfully rural surrounds should definitely be on your list. Our journey has been carefully created to balance time spent in the countryside, among cypress trees, steep, fertile vineyards and sightseeing on incredible walking tours with an art historian in Siena as well as visiting the majestic and medieval city of Arezzo. Numerous scenic drives will provide plenty of time for your to relax and enjoy stunning scenes through the eyes of a local. We have also curated some lifestyle experience activities, including truffle hunting in the company of a local expert and his beautiful dog, together with a cookery class where simple and delicious regional ingredients allow you to get a feel for this destinations culinary soul.

Our tailor made itinerary has been designed to ensure you see some of the region’s best bits with the company of expert local guides as well as time under your own esteem to see as much or as little as you like. We are pleased to create bespoke itineraries for guests who have an interest in visiting specific areas not included in our programme- call us to discuss your requirements.

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 4^th 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 13^th 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 8^th 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.

Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel, Gaiole

Ultimo Mulino is a stunning, country, boutique hotel created from a restored XV century mill. The property enjoys a stunning location in the majestic emerald hills of Chianti. Ideally positioned in a convenient location for exploring the village of Gaiole- renowned for its exceptional wine, scenic surrounds, historic castles and churches.

Each of the bedrooms have been tastefully furnished in typical Tuscan style and afford stunning views over the undulating magnificent landscapes. No compromise in terms of comfort has been made and a good night's sleep is guaranteed.

The hotel has all the facilities you could possibly need to help you unwind after a busy day exploring. Highlights include a large outside swimming pool with plenty of spots to relax under the hot sun or slump in the shade with a good book. The hotel also has a superb restaurant and excellent choice of wines so there is little reason to leave, if you don't want to.

Castello di Gargonza, Gargonza

Castello di Gargonza is a medieval hamlet and residence. This fortified settlement is encased by over 600 hectares of unfettered forest land, gnarled olive groves and vineyards. This stunning spot enjoys remarkable views over Val di Chiana.

Gargonza is a superb location within a convenient distance of some of Tuscany's richest cities, including Siena and Arezzo.

Each of the bedrooms have been individually styled with traditional flare and minimal alterations to ensure they retain their authenticity. Housed within various buildings, they have all the mod cons you require and many original features too.

The hotel restaurant was established in 1972. The cuisines is simple, wholesome and true to the region. Enjoy superb humble food created using only local and seasonal products from the vegetable garden and nearby speciality farms. A stunning dinner in an unrivalled location makes for a wonderful experience at Castello di Gargonza.

Podere San Marcello, Castiglione d’Orcia

Podere San Marcello is an agriturismo property which combines the owners main occupation, agriculture and real tourism. This boutique accommodation is in fact- a real farm. The family are exceptionally charming and will do their utmost to ensure your stay is relaxing and comfortable. This accommodation provides an opportunity for you to meet local people and experience their way of life.

The Di Donato family own the farm, by staying here you will be supporting the territory and the agricultural world. The farm produces, wheat and barley, oil, chickpeas as well as an array of garden fruit and vegetables. The property has a beautiful swimming pool and individually styled rooms.

The property facilities include a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, some mountain bikes, a breakfast basket service, cookery classes on request and horse riding- all payable locally.

Flights

Flights are not included in the initial rates displayed as we prefer not to assume your travel preferences, however, our service is very much focussed on their provision simply inform us of your preferred airport of departure and we will quote accordingly.

Trip Includes

7 nights’ accommodation in the hotel and rooms indicated in the itinerary (or equivalent standard of accommodation in similar hotels when unavailable), includes porterage and all city taxes
7 buffet style breakfasts in the hotels indicated in the itinerary
Private Luxury Mercedes ‘E’ car (or equivalent) for all transportation to excursions as per the itinerary with English speaking driver and water available throughout (Florence Airport to Hotel in Chianti on Day1, Half Day at disposal during the truffle hunt experience on Day 2, roundtrip from hotel to winery on Day 3, Half Day from hotel in Cianti to Gargonza with stop in Siena on Day 4, from Gargonza Castle to hotel in Val D’Orcia on Day 6, roundtrip from hotel to farm in Pienza on Day 7, from hotel in Val d’Orcia to Florence Airport on Day 8
1 lunch (3 courses) with wine, truffle and oil tasting after the cooking class on a Tuscan Farm
1 lunch with Tuscan specialities and pecorino tasting including local wine at a farm in Pienza
Private truffle hunt with an English-speaking local truffle expert
Private cooking class with an English- speaking professional chef
Private visit at a local winery with guided wine tasting in Chianti area
Private visit at a local farm in Pienza
Professional English-speaking local guides as per itinerary (1 Half Day in Seina)
Entrance Fee (Siena Cathedral)
Cappuccino and ricciarelli tasting at a famous local pastry shop in Siena
24 hour emergency line

We are pleased to tailor every trip around our clients personal preferences so if the above doesn’t quite suit, the itinerary can be personalised to meet your aspirations.

Not Included

All optional suggested excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All transport not mentioned in trip includes
All meals and drinks not detailed in the itinerary
All gratuities for local guides, hotel staff, waiters, servers and drivers for all included excursions, activities and meals
Any increase on Italian State VAT in addition to the current 22% rate
Anything else not listed in ‘trip includes’

The prices detailed below. are starting from prices for our ‘A Taste of Tuscany Itinerary’ together with a choice of 4 and 5* accommodation.

4* Accommodation

3 nights – Gaiole, Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel Classic Room

2 nights – Gargonza, Castello di Gargonza Classic Room

2 nights- Castiglione d’Orcia, Podere san Marcello Classic Room

5* Accommodation

3 nights – Gaiole, Castello di Spaltenna Superior Room

2 nights – Gargonza, Castello di Gargonza Casa Pacche

2 nights- Montalcino, Castello di Velona Deluxe Room

Date

Duration

Price

A Taste Of Tuscany Itinerary 4* Accommodation Prices Start From

7 nights

£2350

A Taste Of Tuscany Itinerary 5* Accommodation Prices Start From

7 nights

£2975

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A Taste of Tuscany

DAY 1 Arrival- Florence

Accommodation: Gaiole, Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel (Classic Room)

DAY 2 Truffle hunt-cookery class

Accommodation: Gaiole, Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel (Classic Room)

DAY 3 Chianti

Accommodation: Gaiole, Ultimo Mulino Country Hotel (Classic Room)

DAY 4 Siena

Accommodation: Gargonza, Castello di Gargonza (Classic Room)

DAY 5 Arezzo

Accommodation: Gargonza, Castello di Gargonza (Classic Room)

DAY 6 Val d’Orcia

Accommodation: Castiglione d’Orcia, Podere San Marcello (Classic Room)

DAY 7 Pienza

Accommodation: Castiglione d’Orcia, Podere San Marcello (Classic Room)

DAY 8 Florence Departure

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