Tuscany Lifestyle and Flavors

Enjoy a relaxing overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Rome.

Welcome to Eternal city. We know the arrival day may turn stressful and that’s why we will spend the first night near to airport area by the sea. Greeted upon arrival and transferred to hotel. Welcome dinner by Mediterranean in a local fishing village. (D) Overnight at Sheraton Medici Hotel or similar.

Siena is a sumptuously preserved medieval city. This important art city is also known for palio, where 17 neighboring regions defy in a breathtaking horse race. Continue to San Gimignano, a medieval town in the Siena province. Known as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano is famous for its medieval architecture and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is also known for the saffron, the Golden Ham and its white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. (B) Overnight in Tuscany at Relais Vignale Hotel or similar.

Breakfast at hotel. We arrive at the charming small town of Montalcino with its magnificent view of the Tuscan hills. Stroll in narrow streets with the famous Tuscan facades. A little detour to see the church of St. Peter and then we walk toward the medieval fortress. After walking the fortress ramparts, we’ll stop at the very famous Brunello di Montalcino shop for wine tasting. Continue to another charming town, Montepulciano, a medieval town with Renaissance style! A little walk in town ends at a small restaurant for a delicious lunch with a Vino Nobile of Montepulciano tasting session. In the afternoon, we visit the Duomo and the splendid Palazzo Communale. (B, L) Overnight in Tuscany at Relais Vignale Hotel or similar.

Breakfast at hotel. Early morning drive to Siena’s fresh food market where we will meet our chef. After we get the necessary vegetables and ingredients, we return to our Relais and start our Tuscan cooking class. Class finishes with a graduation ceremony, and outdoor celebration lunch.  The afternoon is free to enjoy the pool, or take an optional horse ride in the country. (B, L) Overnight in Tuscany at Relais Vignale Hotel or similar.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning departure for Florence where we will meet our guide for a walking tour of the main sites, including the visit of Michelangelo’s David. In the early afternoon, we arrive in cozy Montecatini town renowned with thermal waters. Enjoy your OPTIONAL SPA session with relaxing massage service. Continue to Rapallo, our next few days’ hub in the Coast of Liguria. (B) Overnight in Rapallo Hotel Tigullio Royal or similar.

Breakfast at hotel. Cinque Terre is a group of five small fishing villages with colorful houses situated on mountain slopes connected to the sea by pedestrian paths.  This picturesquegroup is in UNESCO list since 1997.  We will avoid longue lines by the prepaid train and local pass as we visit Riomaggiore's Love Promenade, the church of San Giovanni Battista, Dei Disciplinati oratory, Monterosso's Aurora and medieval hamlet, Vernazza's chateau of Doria family, Manarola's white pyramid and Corniglia's Lardarina stairs. (B) Overnight in Rapallo Hotel Tigullio Royal or similar.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning departure for Genova for a panoramic drive tour and a stop at Cristopher Columbus’s house. Continue to Milan. On the way, we will visit vineyards to taste wines of the Piedmonte region-Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Roero, Barbera, Dolcetto and Arneis. After lunch at a local family restaurant, we’ll stop at the Asti region, renowned for its sparkling white wines. (B, L) Overnight in Milan Hotel Uptown or similar.

Breakfast at hotel. Half day morning tour of Milan. Visit Duomo and Cenacolo. Afternoon is at leisure. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D) Overnight in Milan Hotel Uptown or similar.

Breakfast at hotel. This morning we depart to the USA.