You are greeted at the Florence airport by our Tour Director and escorted by motor car to your luxurious five star accommodations in the heart of this beautiful and historic city. After settling in, an introduction and overview of the weeks events will be discussed over a traditional Tuscan "aperitivo" before heading out to dinner at one of Florence's celebrated restaurants.
In the early morning you are escorted to the first balloon launch site in the nearby verdant hills overlooking Chianti Region. You will gently float southwards over the wine trellised Chianti region. Upon landing you will enjoy a sumptuous breakfst and you will be treated to a wine tasting luncheon at a private winery. After lunch a casual stroll through the charming village of Radda in Chianti to peruse the numerous wines, cheeses, olive oils and ceramics of the region. We will have the opportunity visit shopkeepers, unique craftsman, and see the many items that are home to this region. As we conclude the days events, we arrive at, and check into our luxurious accommodations topping off the day with a gourmet dinner.
We begin with an early morning balloon ride over this peaceful countryside, before we join the hill top town of Volterra. Originally of Etruscan origin today it is widely recognized for fine craftsmanship of valuable stone including alabaster. Before exploring its winding cobbled stone streets and numerous shops the morning will be passed in a private kitchen making hand made pasta for a delicious sit down lunch. In the afternoon our guide will escort you along the meandering valley road to the famous city of medieval towers, San Gimignano. A long time favorite even during renaissance times, San Gimignano's charm and vantage position offer breathtaking vistas. We return for a bit of relaxation and time to absorb the days events. A gourmet Tuscan feast awaits you at a wonderful restaurant in Colle Val d'Elsa.
You will start this day with a wonderful early morning hot air balloon ride. Following breakfast your guide will head to one of Tuscany's most beautiful towns, Siena. You will have the unique privilege to first experience this Renaissance jewel from the air during your morning balloon ride. Upon landing a city guide will escort you on a walking tour to discover the richness and beauty of Siena. Lunch will be on a terrace overlooking the famous Sienna Campo. We will travel by motor car this afternoon through this relaxing and beautiful countryside. We are heading to the south, and will arrive at our Historic castle accommodation just in time to to relax and prepare for a most fantastic Italian dinner.
Sunrise comes early, and we will not miss a thing as we coast over this rugged, but beautiful countryside. Following your early morning balloon ride you will visit one of the best producers of the famous Brunello wines followed by a visit to the heart of the Brunello region, the tiny and celebrated town of Montalcino. Afternoon will be leisurely with time to enjoy the castle's private pool and stunning vistas over the vineyards of these super Tuscans before to enjoy a prestigious dinner and overnight stay at Castello di Velona.
After breakfast you will be driven to a small village in the heart of the Crete Senesi for an exciting experience of Truffle hunting with Lagotto di Romagna breed dogs. Next the tour will take you to the beautiful urban planned 13Century town of Pienza. Renown not only for its architectural symmetry but also as the center of production for Pecorino cheese, you will get an opportunity to visit one of the artigianal cheese factories for a sample tasting of these delicious and various cheeses. Late afternoon will be spent in the picturesque hill top town Montepulciano perched high on a limestone ledge where you will have a final gourmet dinner and spend another luxurious night.
Breakfast, check out and transfer back to Florence.
June 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009
$1,795.00 per person per day
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