TUSCANY
Sophisticated Italy offers the following range of tours in Tuscany
THE CASTLES OF CHIANTI (Full day with car)
Morning departure for the Crete Senese, unusual clay Tuscan hills south of Siena home to some of the world's finest wines and enchanting scenery. Visit one of the most famous vineyards in this wine-producing region for a visit and taste. Continue to the town of Radda a visit and lunch on own before reaching your second vineyard for both wine and olive oil tasting. One last stop in the town of Greve for a walk through the city streets.
SAN GIMIGNANO, MONTERIGGIONI AND SIENA (Full day with car)
Visit three of the oldest, most fascinating medieval cities in Tuscany . First San Gimignano, the Manhattan of the 14 th century, with its remaining medieval towers and interesting artisan workshops. Then on to Monteriggioni, visiting the Borgo's historic center and lunch on own at a typical trattoria . The afternoon dedicated to the incredible city of Siena and a complete guided tour of its famous monuments.
Today is devoted to a tour of some of the charming, historic villages of the southern part of Tuscany . First stop is Murlo, a small hill town that has one of the most important Etruscan museums in Italy . From there proceed to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the motherhouse of the Olivetans, a Benedictine Order founded in 1319. The Great Cloisters are decorated with a series of 35 frescoes depicting the life of St. Benedict. Lunch on own in the small Osteria located in the Abbey. After lunch depart for Bagno Vignoni, with its ancient thermal baths. In mid afternoon you will visit Pienza, “the ideal” Renaissance city of Pope Pius II. Afternoon snack, tasting the world-renowned Pecorino cheese from Pienza.
SIENA – A NOBLE WELCOME TO THE CITY OF THE PALIO (Full day with car)
This unusual tour combines a visit to one of the aristocratic Palazzos of Siena, a cooking class in the patrician home of one of Siena's noble Contessa's, including lunch in her charming dining room, followed by an afternoon tour of the city with an emphasis on the historic role of the Palio.
EXCLUSIVE WINE TOURS DEPARTING FROM THE SIENA AREA
CHIANTI CLASSICO
Depart hotel with private transportation through the fairytale land of Chianti stopping in the town of Gaiole at the Castello di Meleto to savour the flavor and fragrances of wine and the scent of the cellars. Lunch in the town of Radda at La Perla del Palazzo . Time for one more stop in the Chianti filled hills of Radda at Podere Capaccia for wine tasting before returning to your hotel.
MONTALCINO
Depart hotel with private transportation. First stop, Azienda Agricola Altesino in Montalcino, visit the cellars where Brunello wines are produced followed by a chance to taste and appreciate their finest wines. Lunch in Montalcino at the Osteria di Porta al Cassero . After lunch, visit the Abbey Sant'Antimo in Castelnuovo dell'Abate famous for it's Gregorian chants. Proceed to the town of Castelnuovo dell'Abate for wine tasting at Azienda Agraria Mastrojanni before returning to your hotel.
MONTEPULCIANO
Depart hotel with private transportation. Today you will taste the ‘Vino Nobile di Montepulciano'. First stop in Gracciano at the Tenuta Valdipiatta for a visit and wine tasting. Lunch will be at Diva e Maceo in the center of Montepulciano. After lunch, walk through the town of to visit the historic Cantina dei Redi followed by a visit to the Fattoria del Cerro in Acquaviva before returning to your hotel.