From FLORENCE to FLORENCE

PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS: 

3 Night Accommodations in a Characteristic Country House in the Chianti Region;
Visits of Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and much more;
Chianti Wine Tasting and Hands-On Tuscan Cooking Class;
Transfers and Tours with a Private Driver;

TRAVEL ITINERARY:

Day 01: FLORENCE, TAVERNELLE VAL DI PESA
Private transfer in the afternoon from Florence to your lovely bed and breakfast accommodation in a characteristic country house in the heart of the Chianti Region. You'll have the afternoon free to relax by the pool or in the gardens before your welcome dinner paired with local wines. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a restful night here.

Day 02: TAVERNELLE VAL DI PESA, SAN GIMIGNANO, MONTERIGGIONI, SIENA
The day starts with a tasty breakfast to prepare you for a pleasant day touring the Tuscan countryside during a full day private tour with an English-speaking driver. First you will arrive at the medieval walled town of San Gimignano with its 14 towers standing as a proud testament to its heritage of wealth and power. San Gimignano grew thanks also to its position along the Via Franchigena: one of the most important medieval routes for merchants and their goods from Northern Europe to Rome and the Adriatic Sea. You'll want to visit the Church of Sant'Agostino, it houses many important works from some of the most famous Renaissance artists, as well as the Communal Palace, home to the Town Gallery which has works by Filippino Lippi, Pier Franceso Fiorentini, Pinturicchio and others. You will continue to Monteriggioni, another beautiful medieval village with a rich history. This town was once a crucial segment of the Sienese Empire that controlled of a portion of the trade routes and was in battle against Florence for hundreds of years. Eventually, the town placed the exile Giovannino Zeti from Florence in charge of the defenses, not realizing he had reconciled with the Medici Family. In 1554, Zeti handed the keys of the town over to Medicean forces transferring Monteriggioni to the power of Florence in what became known as the "great betrayal". Enjoy lunch in the town's defensive walls, which are still intact (optional, not included). After lunch, Siena will be next on the agenda. Take your time strolling through the medieval alleys, beautiful palaces and paved streets of this fascinating town. The Medieval power of the city can still be observed in its magnificent Cathedral composed of black slate and white marble that houses bas-reliefs by Donatello and other 15th century sculptors as well as perfectly preserved frescoes by Ghirlandaio. The Piazza del Campo is another triumph of history, home to the famous twice annual Palio horse race and the Palazzo Pubblico, where frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini are on display. Later in the afternoon, reunite with your driver and return to your country house in the Chianti area. Enjoy dinner on your own before retiring for the night.

Day 03: TAVERNELLE VAL DI PESA, GREVE IN CHIANTI, TUSCAN COOKING CLASS
You'll enjoy breakfast at the farmhouse before spending another morning with your private driver touring the Chianti wine region. Your first stop will be the charming fortified village of Montefioralle, which dates back to the 14th century and is remarkably well-preserved. You'll continue to Greve in Chianti, the heart of the Chianti wine region where you will have some time to discover Piazza del Mercato, the market square, and perhaps visit the Franciscan Monastery. Enjoy a visit at one of the famous historical butcher shops where you will taste salame, cheeses and wild boar sausages. Afterwards, you will head to a local winery where you will have the opportunity to tour the historic cellars and taste the fine wines. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch before heading back to your country house for another wonderful experience: your Tuscan cooking lesson. Signora Giulietta will guide you in the practice of Tuscan cooking and you will make your own Tuscan dinner that you will enjoy with local wines. Afterwards, your last night will be spent at the country house.

Day 04: TAVERNELLE VAL DI PESA, FLORENCE
Enjoy breakfast then check-out of your accommodation and transfer by private car with driver to Florence. This marks the end of the tour and our services.

PACKAGE START AT $1,392.00 INCLUDES:

- 3 nights accommodation at Countryside Hotel in Tavernelle Val di Pesa, Chianti area or similar;
- Daily breakfast;
- 1 Welcome dinner with local wine;
- 1 full-day private excursion of Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni w/ English speaking Driver;
- 1 half-day private excursion of the Chianti region w/ English speaking Driver;
- 1 winery visit with wine tasting;
- 1 cooking class with dinner to follow with local wine;
- Return private transfer from and to Florence city center or airport;
- Vat Taxes and Service Charges.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: 
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. If applicable it has to be paid locally to the hotel.
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums Tips, Extras.
- Guide services during excursions.
- All what is not mentioned in “PACKAGE INCLUDES”.

GENERAL CONDITIONS: 
Independent tour package with private car w/ Driver for transfers and excursions.
Available all year around on request.
Minimum number of participants: 2 people.

(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).