ITINERARY
Day 1: Pisa with the Leaning Tower/Wine Tasting
Morning arrival at Florence Airport where we’ll meet the private driver. Before being transferred into Figline Valdarno, enjoy a panoramic tour of Pisa with the famous leaning Tower (one hour stop). Accommodation at Villa Casagrande, where we will enjoy a five night stay. Later on in the evening enjoy a wine tasting, featuring wine produced at the villa with accompanying appetizers. To follow, a welcome “Tuscan Feast” with traditional Tuscan fare and local wines. Buon Appetito! Overnight at the villa.
Day 2: A Day to Explore Chianti
After breakfast at the villa, time at leisure to explore the wonderful town of Figline Valdarno. The Tuscany region of Italy offers breathtaking landscapes and a relaxed lifestyle where you can relax, relate and enjoy. The town, located in the heart of Chianti, is full of museums, cathedrals and historical buildings as well as colorful outdoor food markets. Just 15 minutes by car from the villa there are also many outlets!!!
OR OPTIONAL PM COOKING CLASS ENDING WITH DINNER
At 4:00 pm you will start your three hour “Tuscan Cooking Class” where you will learn the basics of traditional Tuscan cooking as well as savor the foods prepared by you. Overnight at the villa.
Day 3: Florence with Accademia
After breakfast at the villa, we journey to Florence. Stroll down cobblestone lanes, through majestic squares and across ancient bridges, pausing along the way to visit and with your guide to learn about Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Cathedral, Giotto’s bell tower and the Academia (entrance fees and reservation included). Afternoon at leisure. You might like to do a little leather, gold or apparel shopping near Ponte Vecchio. Dinner and overnight at the Villa.
DAY 4: Day to Explore the Villa’s Historic Grounds
After breakfast at the villa, the day is at leisure. OR OPTIONAL TOUR TO ASSISI AM: 8am-7pm (Only 150 km from villa): Private guided tour of St. Francis’ hometown still surrounded by the mystic ancient atmosphere. It will be a great spiritual experience thanks to the Churches, one dedicated to St. Francis and another to the Holy Mother that keeps inside like a little treasure the “Porziuncola” (the first Church built by the Saint and his Friars) In the afternoon enjoy some free time in Assisi and come back to the villa.
OPTIONAL TOUR TO ROMA PM: (6:30 am-9:00 pm - only 260 km from villa): You will meet the full day guide around 10:00/10:30 am and start your visit of the Capital. You will enter the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica and see Coliseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.
Approximate return to villa at 9:00 pm: OPTIONAL TOUR TO AREZZO and CORTONA: (9:00 am-6:00 pm) (Only 60 km from villa) Meet the full day guide around 10:00 am and visit the beautiful town founded by the Etruscans. Visit the town, the Roman remains and its Amphitheatre along with the Church of S. Francesco, the Legend of the True Cross (painted by Piero della Francesca). In the afternoon continue with your guide to the medieval town of Cortona, one of the twelve cities of the Etruscan League where remains of its primitive cyclopean defenses can still be seen. The city is commandingly situated enjoying magnificent panoramas, embracing the whole Val di Chiana. Approximate return to the villa at 6:00 pm. Dinner on your own and overnight.
Day 5: Siena/S. Gimignano
After breakfast at the villa, depart for Siena through the beautiful Chianti Hills. Enjoy a half day guided visit of the Medieval hilltop Fortress with 13th century architecture. Admire the exterior of the Cathedral and the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and stroll through the charming narrow streets of the city. Lunch on your own. After lunch, spend some time in the famous medieval village of San Gimignano where you can discover the real medieval atmosphere. Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner at the Villa.
Day 6: Departure
Morning transfer to Florence airport for return flight home, taking with you memories of the best of Italy.
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