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A few words about Tuscany
Tuscany… a bountiful, sun-kissed region in central Italy blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and unrivaled artistic excellence. A fairytale land, rich in traditions with tantalizing local specialties and charm. Endowed with a mild climate Tuscany is famed throughout the whole world for its spellbinding scenery, artistic masterpieces, charming ancient traditions, scrumptious cuisine and superb award-winning wines. One of Tuscany’s most ancient traditional proverb recites: “non ti mettere in cammino se la bocca ‘un sa di vino”… i.e.“don’t start your journey if your mouth doesn’t taste like wine”!
The following program is especially designed to lead you through a real journey into the extensive panorama of Tuscany’s best and most celebrated wines. Thus, it comprises overnights and gourmet lunches and dinners in the three most important wine production areas: the Chianti region, the surroundings of Montalcino and Montepulciano and upper Maremma. During guests’ stay in each of the above, we are pleased to propose the most exclusive and enlightening wine-focused experiences.
Detailed day by day schedule
Saturday June 6 – Chianti and Florence. Overnight at Castello del Nero
A few words about Chianti
The Chianti (“keeahn-tee”) region includes the whole area between Florence and Siena, stretching east toward the Valdarno and west to the Val d’Elsa valleys. Its heart is the “Chianti Classico”, centered around Radda, Gaiole and Castellina in Chianti, the towns that were united to form the Chianti league (Lega del Chianti) back in 1384. This area, world-celebrated for its delectable blends, comprises the softly rolling hills between Siena and Florence and bordered by the Elsa River and Pesa valley to the east and by the Chianti mountains to the west.
Upon arrival at Florence, airport guests will be met and welcomed by their driver and English speaking assistant and transfered to their hotel, the lovely Castello del Nero.
A few words about Castello del Nero
Rising in a splendid position in the very heart of the Chianti region close to the town of Tavarnelle, Castello del Nero is a gorgeous luxury resort set in the premises of an authentic 12th century castle. Surrounded by resplendent vineyards and olive groves, it has been superbly restored to maintain the original architecture and period features (century-old frescoes, family crests, enchanting vaulted ceilings…) all of which perfectly blend with the highest standard of modern facilities. The property comprises luxurious guestrooms and suites, an extensive park and elegant common areas, as well as a fine gourmet restaurant and evocative private chapel. The property also offers its guests the latest avant-garde wellness treatments in its state-of-the-art luxury Spa, the stunning ESPA.
After settling in, guests will depart for an enjoyable afternoon in Florence: orientation visit of the city center and highlights followed by a delicious an unforgettable dining and wine experience at Enoteca Pinchiorri, which boasts 3 Michelin stars.
A few words about Florence
Florence, inhabited since prehistoric times, was one of the most important centers of Etruscan culture. Named “Florentia” by the Romans it experienced a long period of wars during the Middle Ages. Nonetheless, the 13th century also brought the city much fame and wealth, thanks to textile manufacturing and trade, and to new and ambitious architectural projects. In the 15th century, under the astute leadership of the Medici family, Florence enjoyed a period of peace and prosperity, which led it to be renowned as “the cradle of the Renaissance”. Rich bankers and merchants invested in fine palaces to replace their cramped tower houses, and paid for the adornment of churches. The result was a magnificent outpouring of mesmerizing art masterpieces and stunning architecture. World-famous for the incredible richness of its artistic, historic, and traditional heritage, Florence is also one of the world’s capitals of style, as well as the kingdom of culinary and oenological excellence.
Led by their knowledgeable perfectly English-speaking assistant, guests will enjoy a guided promenade to the discovery of Florence’s city center, world heritage site renowned for its breathtaking views and enchanted atmosphere. The visit will include viewing of the main landmarks among which: Piazza Duomo – dominated by the imposing white and green marble Cathedral, striking bell tower and superb baptistery – the grand Piazza della Signoria – which hosts Florence’s town hall – and of course the world-celebrated Ponte Vecchio, dotted by gleaming jewelry shops.
An unforgettable dinner at the legendary Enoteca Pinchiorri will follow. Boasting 3 Michelin stars and fully booked year-round (by VIPS, politicians, royalty and famed gourmands), this extraordinary temple of wine and gastronomic excellence ranks among Europe’s most important restaurants. Superbly accommodated in the refined premises of this iconic venue, guests will have the chance to savor Italy’s most celebrated and sought-after labels as well as exquisite, magnificently presented, culinary delicacies.
Sunday June 7 – Chianti. Overnight at Castello del Nero
After breakfast, guests will depart for an enlightening journey into the heart of Chianti, including a private visit to the futuristic Antinori Wine Cellars in Bargino.
A few words about the Antinori wine cellars in Bargino
The world-celebrated Antinori family recently inaugurated a new, avant-garde, wine haven. The cutting-edge Bargino cellars boast a futuristic architecture, which allows the building to blend perfectly into the surrounding landscape while meeting all technological requirements for the production of precious blends.
Guests will enjoy the privilege of an exclusive private viewing led by the specialized Antinori staff and take a real insider’s view at the many phases which make up the complex production process, including some of the reserved production areas.
Guests will explore the fascinating cellars – three 75-meter long naves kept at a constant 17-degree Celsius temperature – the production areas and the instructive museum. At the end of the visit guests will have the chance to taste three of the estate’s most excellent blends, accompanied by nibbles of delectable typical products, in one of the cellars’ charming wine tasting areas. After the wine tasting, proceed to the cellars’ charming restaurant Rinuccio 1180, for a delicious lunch. Named after the founder of the Antinori dynasty the restaurant boasts a charming contemporary ambiance and grand windows offering superb views of the softly rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves all around. At Rinuccio’s, guests will enjoy choice local products, amongst which Antinori’s special olive oil, knowingly combined in mouth-watering traditional recipes. All accompanied by the superb estate wines of course!
After the visit, comfortably accommodated in their luxury transport, guests will be led through a memorable tour of Chianti’s most evocative towns.
The route will enable guests to take in the most spellbinding views of rolling hills, unending bountiful vineyards and silvery olive groves, and comprise visits to the most picturesque towns. Greve in Chianti, known as “the gateway” to the Chianti, features a curiously shaped main square framed by a charming portico, which hosts typical cafés and shops filled with luscious products. Then guests will admire the beautiful medieval village of Montefioralle, just a few minutes away from Greve. The village boasts the remnants of an ancient castle: the town of Greve was actually born as the castle of Montefioralle’s marketplace in the 13th century, the “same” Saturday morning market which still exists today!
After some time at leisure at their hotel, guests will be escorted to Colle Val d’Elsa, for a stroll through its charming center and a Michelin-star dinner at Arnolfo.
A few words about Colle Val d’Elsa
Rising in an outstanding position, Colle Val d’Elsa is an evocative medieval town world-renowned for its crystal glass production. Its picturesque town center, enhanced by the remnants of the ancient fortress and moat and by the imposing Duomo, is filled with authentic medieval vestiges and boasts a charming ancient atmosphere as well as stunning views of the surroundings. The town is also famous as birthplace of the great architect and sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio.
After exploring the town, guests will relish an exquisite dinner and the very best wines, at the renowned restaurant Arnolfo. This celebrated restaurant boasts 2 Michelin stars thanks to its great chef, Gaetano Trovato, creator of imaginative interpretations of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Here, guests will have the chance to tease their taste buds and savor excellent wines in a refined setting.
Monday June 8 – from Chianti to the Brunello area. Overnight at Castello di Velona
After breakfast and check out, guests will leave the rolling hills of Chianti to reach Montalcino, birthplace to the famed Brunello, and Castello di Velona.
Traveling along a marvelously scenic road, guests will enjoy viewing the area’s most interesting towns and sights. They will have the chance to stroll through enchanting Monteriggioni, a perfectly maintained medieval fortress-town, and view picturesque towns, such as Radda in Chianti and Vertine along the way.
Upon reaching Brolio Castle, one of Tuscany’s most impressive castles and most ancient winery of the Chianti Classico, they will savor a delectable lunch in the Castle’s charming Osteria del Castello. The property’s restaurant offers the freshest seasonal products and most tantalizing Chianti flavors prepared with style.
A few words about Brolio Castle
Rebuilt and modified several times throughout its rich history, the castle boasts exceptional architectural features ranging from the fortified medieval bastions to Romanesque, neo-Gothic and precious 19th century details. The estate comprises over 200 hectares of stupendous vineyards as well as fields, valleys, woods and 26 hectares of bountiful olive groves. The Ricasolis, fourth most ancient family in the whole world, have owned and managed their winery, which is the most ancient in Italy, for 32 generations. The castle’s winery and cellars are also the world’s most famous: here, in 1872, Baron Ricasoli invented the Chianti formula!
The typical Osteria del Castello rises right on the castle grounds and offers its guests a warm atmosphere and succulent local recipes served in charming premises. Here guests will have the chance to enjoy authentic Chianti character and delicious traditional recipes.
After lunch, depart again directed to reach the day’s destination: the Montalcino countryside and the luxurious Castello di Velona resort & SPA.
A few words about the Brunello area: Montalcino and surroundings
The surroundings of Montalcino are world-renowned for its extensive vineyards and award-winning wineries which produce the celebrated Brunello di Montalcino and the Rosso di Montalcino. The birth of Brunello may be said to date back to 1850 when Clemente Santi, a pharmacist expert in chemistry, experimented with Sangiovese Grosso grapes, to produce a superior type wine, suitable for aging. The landscape is truly unforgettable: stark rolling hills, marked by winding roads lined with dark cypresses, magnificent vineyards, fortified towns and fairytale-like castles.
One of the area’s most stunning and majestic castles is Castello di Velona, an authentic Medieval fortress dating back to the 11th century.
Castello di Velona
Comprising a superb resort as well as 32 hectares of bountiful grounds, which yield excellent Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines, as well as delectable olive oil, Velona offers its visitors a luxurious stay in one of the most beautiful spots of the Tuscan countryside. Furnished with the utmost care and style, the hotel provides elegant common areas and finely appointed exquisite, guestrooms. The whole castle boasts a melodious blend of stunning period architecture, genuine Tuscan character and the most refined up-to-date facilities. Velona’s premises include a state-of-the-art thermal SPA, which offers guests sublime, exclusive, relaxation.
After settling in, guests will depart for a delicious dinner at the best local restaurant, the famed Boccondivino.
Boccondivino
Its name is a play on words, and a promise: “boccon di vino” means, ”a mouthful of wine”, whereas “boccon divino” means “a divine mouthful”! Family owned and managed, BocconDivino is the haven of local culinary tradition. Here guests will have the chance to relish unrivalled local products, home-made pasta and tantalizing meats. The peaceful atmosphere and extensive wine list guarantee a memorable dining experience. Weather permitting dinner may take place on the lovely terrace.
Tuesday June 9 – The Brunello area. Overnight at Castello di Velona
After breakfast guests will depart for an enlightening journey into the heart of the Brunello area, including a private visit to one of the area’s most important wineries, the award-winning Casanova di Neri, followed by a walk and delicious lunch in Montalcino
A few words about Casanova di Neri
Founded in 1971, this fascinating award-winning estate is still today family owned and managed by the passionate vintner Giovanni Neri. Boasting a world-famous wine (the Tenuta Nuova Brunello 2001 awarded the title of best wine in the world by the Wine Spectator!) Casanova di Neri estate is one of the Brunello area’s most important and famed wineries. The property rises in a stupendous position and comprises 63 hectares of splendid and bountiful vineyards, which yield precious labels, as well as rich olive groves, fields and woods.
Upon arrival at the estate, guests will be met by the expert winery staff and led through a charming visit of the vineyards and cellars. After the visit, guests will enjoy a guided wine tasting, savoring the estate’s best and most representative blends accompanied by tasty bites of local products.
After the private visit, guests will be escorted to the town of Montalcino, where they may take a stroll, exploring its exquisite center, and relish a mouth-watering lunch.
A few words about Montalcino
Montalcino, UNESCO heritage site, is a charming walled hilltop town. Rising in a stunning position it offers awe-inspiring 360° views of the valleys and rich vineyards that surround it. Quaint and picturesque, Montalcino is world-renowned for its quaint town center and wine production. The town’s main landmarks are the Rocca (fortress) and the Town Hall, with its fine 13th century tower.
Then, proceed to enjoy tasty cuisine and excellent local wines at the charming restaurant Le Potazzine: property of a renowned local winery, it serves the excellent estate wines and scrumptious local specialties in a welcoming typical atmosphere.
After lunch, guests will return to their hotel for some time at leisure, prior to experiencing yet another memorable Tuscan evening: a visit of Montepulciano and its monumental winery, Cantine dei Ricci, followed by wine tasting, and a marvelous dinner at Osteria La Porta.
A few words about Montepulciano
Montepulciano, surrounded by its imposing 15th century walls, overlooks the fertile Val di Chiana valley and bordering Val d’Orcia. The town itself is world-renowned as the birthplace of the famous poet Agnolo Ambrogini, known as “Poliziano", and for its charming center.
Guests will have the chance to enjoy an actual journey back in time, viewing the town’s many Medieval vestiges, magnificent Renaissance walls (built by Antonio Sangallo the Elder) and gorgeous noble palaces. A few meters from the town’s main square, guests will see the stately Palazzo de’ Ricci, a gorgeous ancient palace designed by the great Sienese architect Baldassare Peruzzi. Invited to enter the palace through a small side door, then descending a striking monumental staircase, guests will have the opportunity to discover the spellbinding Cantina de’ Ricci.
A few words about Cantine de’ Ricci
Hosted beneath the namesake palace, once home to Cardinal Ricci and his family, this extraordinary cellar is one of the world’s most ancient and enchanting. Visiting this cellar offers an enchanted journey back in time: entirely excavated in the tufaceous soil and roofed by a succession of arches sustained by massive pillars, it recalls a Roman-Gothic style cathedral.
Guests will have the chance to explore these unique ancient cellars, walking down the silent, evocative corridors. The corridors open into many mysterious caves, which naturally provide the ideal temperature to store the delicious local Vino Nobile. In the caves, guests will discover the cellars’ treasure: rows and rows of huge precious Slavonian oak casks, where thousands of liters of it have been kept for centuries!
At the end of the visit guests will have the opportunity to sample delicious wines accompanied by a rich selection of luscious local products, during an enlightening guided tasting.
At the end of their visit to Cantine de’Ricci guests will be escorted to nearby Monticchiello, a small, very picturesque, Medieval village. Here they will have the opportunity to relish tasty local delicacies accompanied by the excellent wines suggested by the owner, expert sommelier. Osteria La Porta is a favorite among locals and visitors, thanks to its welcoming premises and typical character.
Wednesday June 10 – from the Brunello area to Maremma. Overnight at Tenuta di Biserno
Breakfast at Castello Castello di Velona
After check out, guests will depart the bountiful Brunello vineyards headed to Maremma, world-celebrated birthplace of the Supertuscans, and the splendid Tenuta di Biserno.
A few words about Maremma
Still somewhat off the beaten track for both foreign and Italian tourists, despite its spellbinding views, pristine countryside and genuine lifestyle, Upper Maremma is truly unique because of its world-celebrated vineyards, the very ones that produce the famous Supertuscans. Produced exclusively in Tuscany by highly experienced winemakers these ambrosial blends are created with the utmost care and attention within the cellars of stupendous award-winning wineries, owned by Italy’s most important families.
On their way, guests will catch a glimpse of the visionary Petra wine cellars, designed by the great architect Mario Botta. Located in the Val Cornia hillside, this winery boasts a striking streamlined design, which enhances and highlights the magical landscape all around.
Continuing journey towards Tenuta di Biserno guests will also have the chance to enjoy a pleasant walk and a cappuccino or refreshing drink in the exquisite town of Suvereto, a perfectly preserved medieval village named after the thick cork (“sughero” in Italian) forests which surround it.
Soon after, guests reach Tenuta di Biserno and its luxurious Relais: an ideal retreat for the last few days.
Tenuta di Biserno Relais
Splendidly nestled between Bibbona’s rolling hills and the sea this estate is a magical spot, which appears to float in and above Bolgheri’s resplendent vineyards. This extensive estate is property of Lodovico Antinori, one of Italy’s greatest wine vintners and creator of the sublime Masseto (he is also founder of the Ornellaia estate, which guests will visit). Perched atop a small hill above the shady Magona forest, surrounded by the vineyards which produce the celebrated Supertuscans, rises the Tenuta di Biserno Relais, a luxury retreat set in an original building dating back to the 18th century. The Relais boasts amazing views of the countryside and sea; the grounds comprise an extensive park, filled with citrus fruits, olive trees, herbs and flower and a lovely swimming pool. Carefully restored, the villa boasts its unique original features, which blends harmoniously with state-of-the-art facilities, and exquisite décor, characterized by splendid hues (burnt-orange and intense yellow, olive-green and aqua) which recall the landscape.
After settling in guests will depart for their first Maremman wine experience: a memorable wine tasting luncheon and private visit to Ornellaia.
A few words about Ornellaia
Founded by Lodovico Antinori, and today property of the renowned Frescobaldi family, Ornellaia is a world-celebrated award-winning wine estate set in one of the most beautiful spots of the Bolgheri area. Ornellaia is the creator of the innovative project “Vendemmia d’Artista” (i.e. “an artist’s harvest”) thanks to which every year an internationally renowned artist interprets the vintage creating a work of art and a limited series of exclusive labels. The bottles bearing these labels are sold at special charity options and the proceeds donated to art foundations.
In the exclusive premises of Ornellaia guests will start their discovery of the famous Supertuscans, which today rank among the world’s best labels. First, a chance to relish mouth-watering typical specialties, served with the estate’s ambrosial blends, during a memorable luncheon. After lunch, the estate’s specialized expert staff will lead guests through an enlightening visit of the extensive vineyards and striking ancient cellars. Guests will enjoy a real insider’s view, learning all about techniques, secrets, and tips.
In the evening, after some time at leisure to enjoy Biserno’s elegant and peaceful atmosphere, guests will be escorted to Restaurant La Pineta, for a beachfront Michelin-star dining experience, in an unpretentious atmosphere. Located on the lovely Bolgheri beach, La Pineta serves exceptional delicacies masterfully prepared by the great chef Luciano Zazzeri, and the finest of the locally produced premium wines.
Thursday June 11 – Maremma. Overnight at Tenuta di Biserno Relais
After breakfast at the Relais, guests will depart for yet another exclusive experience, continuing their enticing journey into the world of the Supertuscans, an exclusive private visit to Tenuta San Guido followed by lunch at Osteria Enoteca San Guido, the charming wine bar which rises on the estate premises
A few words about Tenuta San Guido
Named after San Guido, saint and member of the Gherardesca family who lived during the 11th century, Tenuta San Guido is property of the Incisa della Rocchetta. Rising in a superb position, it extends over 13 kilometers from the deep blue sea to the rolling hills. San Guido boasts three unique defining features: the thoroughbred Dormello-Olgiata horses stud-farm, the Bolgheri bird sanctuary oasis (Italy’s first private natural reserve and WWF wildlife refuge since 1986) and the ambrosial Sassicaia, its signature wine.
Accompanied by the expert winery staff, guests will have the opportunity to take a real insider’s look at the vineyards and at the cellars, the very ones where the world-famous Sassicaia ages. At the end of the visit guests will enjoy a guided tasting of 3 of the estate’s most representative and delectable blends, including the rare and exquisite Sassicaia. After the tasting guests will have the chance to savor superb local specialties in the charming premises of the Osteria Enoteca San Guido. Located within the estate’s lovely grounds, this welcoming wine bar offers tasty typical delicacies, accompanied by the ambrosial estate wines, in a truly delightful setting.
In the afternoon guests will be escorted to the superb Tombolo Talasso Resort, a unique retreat set in a lovely position on the soft sandy beach. Here guests may relax either enjoying the seaside, sun bathing and swimming, or using the resort’s luxurious Spa, which offers state-of-the-art treatments of all kinds (massages, aromatherapy, thalasso-therapy and an innumerable range of health and beauty treatments).
After the beach and Spa guests will have some time at leisure at their hotel before enjoying a stupendous last Maremman evening, in the main center of Bolgheri.
On their way, guests will have the chance to view the exquisite chapel of San Guido and then travel along the famed cypress-framed Viale di Bolgheri.
After a pleasant stroll through Bolgheri’s picturesque center, guests will savor an unforgettable dining and wine experience at Enoteca Tognoni. This rustic restaurant is the area’s most famous “wine temple”, renowned for its amazing labels, delicious cuisine and character-full atmosphere. A dedicated, very expert and perfectly English-speaking sommelier will be at their disposal for a special dinner and guided tasting: each dish and each wine carefully selected to offer a full review of all the different types of wine guests have tasted during their voyage.
Overnight at Relais di Biserno
Friday June 12 – Maremma. Departure.
After breakfast at the Relais, and check out, time permitting (depending on flight departure schedule) guests will have the chance to enjoy a private visit to another of the area’s most important wine producing estates, Guado al Tasso.
A few words about Guado al Tasso
Guado al Tasso is a splendid wine producing estate property of the famed Antinori family. Its vineyards cover the so-called “Bolgheri amphitheatre”, a magical plain which extends from Bolgheri down to the sea and enjoys a unique microclimate.
Welcomed by the expert in-house staff, guests will have the chance to take a real insider’s view during their exclusive private visit. Led by the estate’s professional staff they will view the estate’s bountiful and extensive grounds, which comprise luxuriant vineyards and the cinta senese pork breeding farm. Then guests will explore the wine production cellars. After the visit, a guided wine tasting will offer guests the chance to savor four of the estate’s most prestigious and representative blends, accompanied by cinta senese ham and freshly baked typical focaccia.
Transfer to Pisa or Florence airport as required and departure.
Arrivederci!
Cost for the above described program, per person €6625.00
The above cost includes:
- Daily transportation by deluxe Mercedes transporter, with English speaking driver, as per schedule
- On site assistance by professional English speaking itinerary leader throughout
- Hotel accommodation: 6 nights in double room, inclusive of daily breakfast, in the above described luxury properties
- Guided visit by professional licensed English speaking art-historian for the visit of Florence city center
- Cost includes the following à la carte meals, wines not included: 1 dinner on June 6, 1 dinner on June 7, 1 lunch and 1 dinner on June 8, 1 lunch and 1 dinner on June 9, 1 lunch and 1 dinner on June 10, 1 lunch on June 11. Cost also includes: lunch at the Antinori cellars’ restaurant Rinuccio 1180, on June 7, inclusive of especially selected and paired Antinori wines for each dish; dinner at Enoteca Tognoni, on June 7, inclusive of private English speaking sommelier assistance and especially selected wines for each dish (to be representative of the various areas of production visited during the vacation)
Upon your request, we will be pleased to include guides in the other towns (those of particular historic or artistic relevance) and/or services as desired, and consequently update costs implied.
IMPORTANT NOTE for hotels, restaurants, wine estates and cellars:
In case of last minute, unpredictable, difficulties or unavailability of the above mentioned venues described in the program we guarantee that all above mentioned bookings will be re-scheduled in other similar venues, providing the same standard of accommodation/cuisine/wine excellence and service and the same, excellent, level of experience.
