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  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • Tailored Just For You
    • Honeymoons and Destination Weddings
    • Vacations on the Beach
    • Cruising
    • Group Travel
    • Travel With Me >
      • Exclusive Italy May 2020
      • Irish Whiskey Weekend
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Travel Resources
  • Link Page

Taste of Italy
September 30-October 8, 2017

Join my exclusive trip to Italy for the flavors of fall and enjoy the iconic food and wine of the Tuscan region.

​Detailed Itinerary:





​
​September 30, 2017
Arrive in Florence where you'll be met at the airport and transferred to Villa Rignana in a private coach.  Enjoy a  welcome dinner at the hotel.

Villa Rignana is in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany.  Once a monastery, the villa dates back to the 17th century and has been fully restored.  

Overnight at Villa Rignana.

​Meals: Dinner

​October 1, 2017

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.  Start your time in Italy with a private walking tour of Siena, followed by some free time to explore.  

We then visit family winery, Tenuta Casanova, one of my favorites in Tuscany, and enjoy a cooking class, where we will prepare our dinner.
 

 
Overnight at Villa Rignana.
​Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Picture
Picture

​October 2, 2017
After a leisurely breakfast, today we will explore the some of the Chianti Hamlets like Greve and Radda, wonderful towns with local shops and authentic Tuscan products.

​
From here, we head over to San Miniato, where our local guide will take us on a truffle hunt in the gorgeous countryside and explain the various types of truffles and how to use them in a variety of dishes.  Afterwards, enjoy dinner before heading back to the Villa.

 Overnight at Villa Rignana.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

October 3, 2017
After  breakfast, we will visit Southern Tuscany, including Val D'Orcia, Montalcino, Pienza and Bagno Vignoni.  Visit an organic winery, Brunello winery, taste local Pienza cheese and visit the natural hot springs in Bagno Vignoni.  

​Overnight at Villa Rignana.
Meals: Breakfast
Picture
Picture

October 4, 2017
After breakfast and a leisurely morning at the hotel, we visit Volterra, a walled, hillside town over thousands of years old.  Afterwards, we spend time in San Gimignano, a city famous for all of it's towers.  

​Overnight at Villa Rignana.

Meals: Breakfast

October 5, 2017
Today after breakfast, we head for Castello di Poppiano, a castle owned by the same family for hundreds of years.  They produce wine from their acres of vineyards and olive oil.  We will tour the castle and learn about the process of making olive oil, which will include a tasting.

Overnight at Villa Rignana.
Meals: Breakfast
Picture

October 6, 2017
We depart Tuscany today after  breakfast and head for Florence, the amazing city of the Renaissance.  Arrive at the Hotel Pierre, followed by a private walking tour of Florence with an official guide including skip-the-line entrance into the Accademia Gallery where you will see Michelangelo's David.  

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore the many amazing restaurants, sites and shopping that Florence has to offer.  

​Overnight at the Hotel Pierre.
Meals: Breakfast

October 7, 2017
After breakfast, we will head to the Uffizi gallery, for  a private tour  of all of the iconic artwork.  Enjoy your afternoon at leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner with the group.

Overnight at the Hotel Pierre. 
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Picture
October 8, 2017
After breakfast this morning, depart on the private group transfer to the Florence Airport or Rail station.

Meals:  Breakfast

Book Now
Pricing:
Land-only pricing based on sharing a room is $3,300 per person.

Want to join the trip but don't have  a roommate?  Let us know and we can help match you with one.
Interested in extended your trip?  We can help you plan that as well.
​
​Your Trip Includes:
Deluxe accommodations as mentioned in double or single room
  • 6 nights at the Villa Rignana with breakfast
  • 2 nights at the Hotel Pierre with breakfast
All meals mentioned in the itinerary
All tours mentioned in the itinerary
All taxes except local city taxes
Local English speaking guides and drivers
Entrance fees to the Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery in Florence
Large private coach bus for the duration of the trip

Not Included:

Extra meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
International airfare
Gratuities to drivers, guides, porters and waiters
Porter service at hotels
Local City taxes - between 2-5 Euro per person, per day, payable directly to the hotel
email: rene@grandexplorations.com | phone: 866-869-1760