Experience the trip of a lifetime as we explore one of the most talked about regions in the world. This journey allows us to not only experience great architecture and food but we also partake in wine tasting, art and spa living...Italian style. Each day has been planned to maintain a well- rounded journey that explores all that "The Old World" has to offer.
We spend the first three days in the Tuscan capital, Florence. Birthplace of the Renaissance, this magical city offers architecture, history, shopping and most of all Renaissance art. Then we head to the Tuscan countryside where we sample wine, authentic tuscan cuisine and of course the local atmosphere.
Here's our itinerary;
Day 1
Arrive in Florence Airport. We will arrange an agreed meeting point and time at the airport. You will have the afternoon to explore the city with a leisurely tour of the city. In the evening, enjoy our welcome dinner in a local restaurant with all the regional specialties. D
Day 2
It’s an early start to the Uffizi Gallery, which houses the world’s single greatest collection of Italian and Florentine art. Afterwards a visit to Michelangelo’s David posing in Galleria dell’Accademia. B
Day 3
You can’t say you’ve been to Florence without fully taking advantage of all the famous Florentine shops have to offer. Optional trip to the factory outlets offering discounts of 50% off famous name brands. B
Day 4
Transfer from Florence to our villa in Chianti surounded by vineyards. We’ll visit the town of Siena where you can take a step back in time and wander the medieval streets. B,D
Day 5
We'll take a wine tasting tour in a typical winery as well as have two wine tastings with our own wine expert in Chianti where some of the country’s best wines are produced. B,L
Day 6
We begin our hilltown visits. Our first stop is Greve where you’ll witness their bustling market and have the opportunity to visit the region's largest enoteca where you can taste wine. Finally on to San Gimignano, the city of ancient towers where you can explore the city. B,L
Day 7
Transfer to Montepulciano.We will partake in a cooking lesson with an Italian chef who will reveal to you some secrets of Tuscan cuisine which takes place after we shop with the chef. Lunch will be the plates you have prepared during your lesson and will be accompanied by wines selected by the chef as well. B,L
Day 8
Visit to the ancient Etruscan hilltown of Cortona which hovers over the Valdichiana plain and is considered among the crown jewels of Tuscan hilltowns. We will visit the Etruscan Museum in the morning and you will have the afternoon free to explore. B
Day 9
Free day or Optional spa day, not far from Montepulciano, where you can enjoy the natural therapeutic hot springs. You can precede this experience with a mud bath and/or massage. Be sure to save some energy for our truly Tuscan farewell dinner. B,D
Day 10
Return to Florence for airport connections home.
Trip Specifics
Dates: May 21- 30, 2008
October 13- 22, 2008
Cost: The land cost of the tour is 2,990 dollars per person, double occupancy. Single rooms are available with a supplement of 300 dollars. Air fare is not included. For all details visit our website at www.travelmedtours.com
