Classic Fall, 7 nights

Day 1

Depart from Hotel River at 9:30 AM, which is our designated meeting spot within Florence. We will board our private air-conditioned coach and begin our tour. The journey will take us to San Gimignano. Famous for its towers, San Gimignano is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Tuscany. When seen from a distance it has a skyline to admire. The wealth that saffron cultivation brought to this area in the medieval ages contributed to the urban development of over 70 towers, only 16 of which still stand today. You may decide to climb up one to admire the view or indulge in some shopping in one of the many fine ceramic shops or art galleries the village is filled with. Afterwards, we will depart for a tour, lunch and wine tasting at our first winery. We will then continue to the luxurious Castello delle Serre, our home for the next 7 nights. Enjoy your welcome dinner prepared by the owners

Day 2

In the morning, we will depart for the Chianti Region. Visit the charming village(s) and pass through a land enchanted by castles and monasteries. We will then proceed to a very special winery and learn about traditional production of wines in the Chianti Classico. Lunch and tasting with a tour of the property and cellars. Dinner will be at a local restaurant close to the castello.

Day 3

oday we will board the bus for Orvieto, famous for their much-celebrated Duomo. The Duomo is thought to have Italy’s most beautiful Gothic facade and there we will view the fascinating Signorelli frescos. We will stroll though Orvieto with a local guide and taste the local wines during our lunch. Return in time for a historic tour of the castle before enjoying a casual dinner here at home.

Day 4

Today we will start the day visiting Mulinum, a unique agricultural reality that has devoted itself to organic cultivation of ancient non genetically modified grains. We will tour the facility and learn how grain is cultivated and turned into flour. Here we will enjoy gourmet pizzas and light lunch. Our final stop of the day will be in a vineyard outside of Montalcino where we will learn about production of the famous Brunello wines and enjoy the internationally renowned wines of the area. We will have an afternoon pit stop at the Castello to freshen up before departing for a special dinner at in a nearby restaurant

Day 5

Today, we will show you the Tuscan countryside with a once in a lifetime experience, truffle hunting! Arrive at a local Agriturismo farm and learn all about truffles. Following an informative lesson, venture out into the woods with the award winning truffle dogs to witness the professionals in action. Once our hunt has concluded, we will then return to the kitchen to enjoy lunch made with the very same truffles we found along with the farm’s homemade wine. We will return on the early side to pack for our departure early the next morning. Light dinner will be back at the Castello.

Day 6

After breakfast, we depart for Assisi. We will tour with an authorized local guide and visit the Basilica di San Francesco with its beautiful frescoes, the Temple of Minerva, the Basilica of Santa Chiara and stroll through the streets where St. Francis walked. We will then proceed to our next Umbrian destination of Montefalco, home of the famous Sagrantino wine, in time for lunch in a family run winery and oil mill. Tonight, we will eat locally

Day 7

The Best of Siena. Siena has not changed much since its heyday during the medieval ages. In complete contrast with its arch- rival Florence, Siena is a maze of brickwork and narrow, romantic alleyways. Here we will meet with an authorized local guide to tour the Duomo, Piazza del Campo, San Domenico and much more. Next, lunch at a one of our favorite local restaurants and then free time in the afternoon to shop or just wander around on your own. Return in time for a historic tour of the castle before a farewell dinner will take place at a local agriturismo.

Day 8

Say your goodbyes to the Castello family and return to Florence in the morning, via our established transportation. All departures at the same time, approximately 9:00 am. Return transportation to Florence Central LHP Hotel River with estimated arrival time at 11:00 am. Please remember not to book any trains before 12:30 pm or any flights before 15:00 on departure day. Accidents happen on the road and we would hate to see unforeseen circumstances make a damper on your travel plans.

Included in the package

This all-inclusive package includes:

Accommodations at Castello delle Serre 7-night stay in a Double Deluxe Room. If wishing to extend your stay beyond the tour a discounted room rate will be provided.

Bus transportation to/from Florence (with the group as a whole) and including the entire itinerary including all toll roads, entry permits, and parking fees  