Tour: Italy: Tuscany 5 Nights

The Region

Whatever your interest - art, culture, political and religious history, photography, food and wine there's no place like Tuscany. For wine lovers, the region has played a major role in wine making and trade since the Etruscan era 1000+ BC. Time leap forward into the present and the winemakers still respect the traditional ways (most Italians do!) but have become more creative and innovative and thus have begun a new era- these past 20 years - where the wines have improved remarkably, placing them in the highest echelons of world class wines. The foundation for most Tuscan wines is the Sangiovese grape and the Malvasia and Trebbiano whites all of which thrive in undulating hills covering the calcium-rich clays. When blended with other reds such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, the Chiantis take on an elegance, complexity and quality that is superb, And, when you start considering Chianti Classico regions and designations the consensus is that based on the blended grapes, southern Tuscany (Siena) are more full bodied and more complex while those from northern Tuscany show less fruit and more structure. The Supertuscans born of Sassacaia, now elevated to DOC status, and known worldwide by the success of Antinori's Sangiovese 80%/Cabernet Sauvignon 20% blended Tignanello are among the most expensive and extraordinary wines being made in Italy today. When the clone of Sangiovese, Brunello di Monbtalcino, stands alone and is exposed to the cooler and less rainy climate of southern Tuscany (Chianti Classico DOCG region) you have the fullest, richest and smoothest of the Italian reds. Another Sangiovese clone, the Prugnolo grape, produces the richly colored and highly tannic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, some of which represent their well-deserved DOCG classification while others continue to aspire to the "Noble" name but fall between a Chianti and a Brunello

The Must Sees & Dos

Immerse yourself in Florence the birthplace and center of Renaissance art, architecture and sculpture. Experience the Duomo, the incredible Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia where the statue of David is displayed. Glow in the mesmerizing Tuscan sun and awesome, scenic countryside unchanged since the Renaissance. And, then, sit back and discover the incredible Tuscan food with origins dating back to Medici Renaissance times.

Wineries You May Visit

Properties will be a selection of producers to give the broadest possible experience of the styles of winemaking of each region. Some smaller producers do not speak English. Therefore choice of visits is dependent on guests' ability in Italian language, as well as normal constraints of time of year and advance booking notice. All visits are requested on an individual basis and winemakers' schedules can fill well in advance at certain times of the year. Visits are personally selected by Peter Smith, based on his extensive experience in the region, and are often with winemakers who are personal friends of his. Here are a few of those... Banfi, Cinelli Colombini, Gualdo del Re, Petra, Ornellaia, Jacopo Banti, Volpaiole, Grattamacco, San Michele, Biondi-Santi, Altesino, Dievole, Vecchia Oliviera, Val di Suga, San Leonino, Poggio Antico, Frescobaldi, Rocca delle Macìe, Ricasole, Fonterutoli, Coltibuono, Castello di Ama, Riecine, Vignavecchia, Volpaia, Torciano, Tua Rita, and Casanova Di Neri.

Accommodation

Il Chiostro is a restored monastery in the historic village of Suvereto. It is comprised of vacation apartments with small kitchenettes. This is a unique accommodation in a superb location, and quite unique. It does not have a dining room, so breakfast is arranged at a local café just around the corner, in typical Italian fashion.

Hotel Casafrassi is a family property between Castellina and Siena, in the heart of Chianti Classico. It is situated on the family's well-respected winery property (which you can visit), and owner Giovanni Vidali also breeds a species of local boar that has long traditions in the region but is now endangered. The hotel's restaurant is excellent, and service is friendly and welcoming.

Inclusions

• 6 days and 5 Nights hotel in shared double/twin room including taxes.
• 5 breakfasts
• 1 welcome gourmet dinner on arrival.
• 1 artisan visit - olive oil producer including tasting fees.
• 6 VIP winery visits.
• All wine tasting fees
• Artisan visit - Toma cheese and Cotto salame producer.
• For self-drive program: includes rental car or van, maps and detailed driving instructions/tips if you choose this option.
• For private chauffeur program: includes car or van , wine expert driver & guided commentary if you choose this option.
• for days and nights when lunch or dinner is not included, wine world management will provide recommended dining establishments and even make your reservation at no additional charge. (Note: transportation to/from dinner is not included, and will be arranged with local taxis as needed.




Exclusions

Round trip airfare, customs fees, telephone, tips and taxis, alcoholic beverages, wine and dining there not are not specifically included in itinerary and personal items. Inquire about optional cooking class with lunch.



Pricing

All prices shown are per person double occupancy (twin share) and ultimately depend on program chosen, preferred accommodation, number of guests and type/size of rental car if self-drive. Prices that "can be as low as" refer to lowest per person price possible based on a group (3 couples, etc) of six like-minded wine and gourmet dining enthusiasts traveling together.

Self Drive Program priced from $2,079.00 per person double occupancy but can be as low as $1,989.00 based on the number of travelers in your party.

Chauffeur Program priced from $4,839.00 per person double occupancy but can be as low as $2,839.00.

Please Note: For our clients who do not wish to worry about driving and following our spot-on directions, we recommend our private chauffeur-driven and guided version of the same itinerary but with wonderful local knowledge, insider information and "flavour" that only an experienced and friendly Italian driver / guide can provide. It's truly a great value and a relaxing, fun experience.



Tuscany Wine World Itinerary

Your Wine World adventure can begin on Sunday or Monday.

Day 1
Morning - Pick up your rental car in Rome and follow directions supplied to drive north up the coast to the Maremma wine region and your accommodation in the medieval village of Suvereto, in the heart of this beautiful country. You can take your time, stopping along the way if you wish, or head straight here (driving time is about 2 hours) to get settled in your room, which is really a small apartment in a restored monastery - complete with cloisters - right in the center of the village.

Afternoon - Once you arrive you are free to relax, stroll through the cobbled streets or do a little exploration outside the village, as the mood takes you.

Dinner tonight is at Suvereto's top restaurant with a special local tasting menu matched with local wines.

Day 2
Morning - Today is your day for tasting the wines of the coastal region of Tuscany, where some of the most exciting wines in Italy are now produced. Many wineries from Chianti, Montalcino and other parts of Italy have been investing in property here, and the famous "Supertuscan" wines originated here. Your day will include a visit to the tiny Etruscan village of Populonia, dramatically perched on an outcrop of the coast, where you will have lunch at the only restaurant in town.

Afternoon - Of course we have also arranged for you to visit two of the top wineries of this region, where you will learn some of the history and discover why these wines are enjoying such fantastic success.

Dinner - reservations can be made for you by advance request in any of our recommended restaurants at no extra charge, or you can choose to make your own arrangements.

Day 3
Morning - This morning we'll arrange for you to visit an olive oil producer to learn how this delicious Italian specialty is prepared, then you will continue on your way to Montalcino, home of Brunello, perhaps the most noble of Tuscany's wines. Arrive in time for lunch (about a 90 minute drive) perhaps in the enoteca - housed in the castle at the top of the village it's well worth a visit. There is a great selection of Brunellos that you can taste by the glass, and you can choose to take a casual lunch here or make your choice from the restaurants in the village.

Afternoon - In the afternoon you'll be able to visit and learn first-hand from one of the village's leading winemakers, then take your time to enjoy the winding streets of this lovely hilltop village before continuing on your travels into the Chianti region, about an hour's drive north just past Siena to Castellina in Chianti. Your new accommodation is a lovely family-owned hotel that's a working (and very good) winery, ideally placed to visit the best vineyards and pretty villages of the region.

Dinner - tonight can be enjoyed in the comfort of your hotel's friendly restaurant, or you can choose to drive into Castellina or Siena if you prefer.

Day 4
Morning - Today you'll have the chance to see some of the prettiest countryside in Tuscany, as your winery appointments (one before and one after lunch) take you through the winding roads of Chianti. You have time to fit in a visit to a ceramics artist, perhaps a market or a stop in any of the interesting villages along the way, in between the visits. Our restaurant recommendations for lunch will correspond with the winery locations on your itinerary.

Afternoon - At the end of the afternoon we recommend you to try to end up in San Gimignano, the famous village of medieval towers - it's always crowed with tourists during the day, but if you get there late you can have a little more space to yourself. San Gimi is known for excellent salami, venison and other delicious charcuterie, as well as the refreshing Vernacchia white wine that compliments many of these "cold-cut" foods.

Dinner - You might decide to stay here for dinner also, and enjoy a moonlit stroll through the village before driving home.

Day 5
Morning - Your final morning in Chianti is free for you to enjoy as you wish, relaxing at your hotel or perhaps going into Siena to visit the wonderful historic center and shops, and enjoying lunch at your leisure.

Afternoon - If you are interested in the fine art of Italian cooking, we have a special optional activity just for you! A unique opportunity for a lesson in cuisine and life-style, is our optional cooking class in a traditional farm kitchen in the heart of the rolling Chianti hills. Your hostesses (sisters) speak fluent English so there's no language barrier, and the chef (their uncle) speaks not a word, but he manages to communicate quite effectively with his twinkling eyes, gesticulating hands and ever-present glass of wine! This is far more than just a cooking lesson, as you'll discover as the lesson blends into lunch, and lunch stretches into the mid-afternoon as you relax in the warm hospitality of your new friends. Just be sure to have a designated driver if you don't have a chauffeur! This is an optional activity; please check with us for current costs and availability. We've arranged for a wine visit this afternoon also, but it can be cancelled if you're just too relaxed to go or prefer to spend the time driving to explore more of the countryside.

Dinner - We leave dinner arrangements to your own volition, in case you've taken the cooking lesson and don't really have room for dinner! Otherwise you can either dine at your hotel or at one of several local restaurants nearby that we will recommend for you.

Day 6
Check out of your hotel and drive into either Siena or Florence, according to the rest of your chosen itinerary. Either city (or both) is a "must se" worth visiting for a day (Sienna) or more (Florence).





Book this tour at www.wineworldtours.com