Join us as we unveil the secrets of Tuscany's culinary paradise on this extraordinary 8-day journey. Delight in the flavours of Chianti, Montepulciano, and Montalcino as you sample exquisite wines straight from the vineyards and farm-to-table gastronomy. Then immerse yourself in the artistic wonders of Florence, wander the medieval streets of Sienna, and be enchanted by the timeless allure of San Gimignano.  Come join us for what promises to be an unforgettable fusion of frivolous fun, fabulous food, wonderful wine, and captivating cultural exploration.

Welcome to the start of our sensational journey through Tuscany! Departing from Rome, we firstly make our way to the medieval town of Orvieto. Upon arrival, a funicular will take us to the hilltop location of this beautiful town with the incredible Orvieto Cathedral as its centrepiece – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture adorned with beautiful and intricate frescos of a time gone by. Enjoy some free time to explore the labyrinth of narrow cobblestoned streets as you discover hidden gems and indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the local trattorias – for our white wine lovers don’t forget to try the famous Orvieto Classico. 

With a full belly and a satisfied pallet, we continue north into the heart of Tuscany where we arrive at our extraordinary home for the next seven days – the Castello delle Serre, a meticulously restored medieval castle nestled amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany. Tonight, please join us at our Grand Welcome Reception where we raise our glasses to the beginning of this Italian adventure, celebrating new friendships and the exciting experiences that lie ahead of us.   
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Get ready for a day of wine indulgence in the picturesque region of Montepulciano, renowned for its Nobile di Montepulciano wine. Our first stop is the esteemed Poliziano winery, known as one of the region's most prestigious producers. You’ll attend a wine masterclass and learn about the importance of the Sangiovese grape to the area.  

We then continue north into the heart of Tuscany, where we’ll take a walking orientation tour. You'll then have plenty of time to explore the winding streets and have a leisurely, long lunch at one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, we visit Palazzo Ricci, home to the renowned Di Ricci winery. This promises to be an unforgettable experience as we explore their underground "wine cathedral" and learn about their time-honoured techniques and passion for crafting exceptional wines. To add to the magic of the evening, we’ll then venture out to their vineyards, and come together for a sensational long table dinner prepared by the acclaimed Italian MasterChef star, Nicolo Duchini. Salute!
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Today we drive north to Florence, Tuscany’s Renaissance capital. Our adventure will begin at the renowned Accademia Museum, where our wonderful local specialist Sam will show us the museum’s famous highlights, which of course includes the magnificent Statue of David, sculpted by Michelangelo.

We'll then continue our exploration of the city on foot, and see such highlights including the awe-inspiring Duomo, Piazza Signoria – the city’s main square, and the ‘instagramable’ Ponte Vecchio which spans the River Arno. After our tour why not indulge in some retail therapy as the city is renowned for their exquisite leather goods, dazzling silver and gold jewellery, and of course mouth-watering gelato.

As the afternoon draws to a close, we'll venture up into the Tuscan Hills where we'll embark on a truffle hunting expedition with a local truffle hunter and his faithful dog. You’ll witness their remarkable expertise as they uncover these elusive culinary delights hidden within the woods. To cap off an unforgettable day, we'll savour an extraordinary evening at the breathtaking Villa Machiavelli. This historic residence, once inhabited by the esteemed Machiavelli himself, will serve as the backdrop for a delicious dinner that will highlight our freshly sourced truffles as well as other Tuscan specialties including their famous “Bistecca Fiorentina”.   Buon Appetito!
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Today we go tripping through the Chianti wine region, which is considered a paradise for wine enthusiasts, boasting a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a legacy of producing some of the world's most esteemed and flavourful wines.
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Our first stop is the Tolaini vineyard, whose wines are known internationally for their depth, complexity, and elegant flavours as well as the company’s commitment to sustainable viticulture. You'll have the opportunity to tour their cellars, uncover their winemaking secrets, and sample the exquisite flavours of their wines during an extensive tasting session. Next, we'll drive through their picturesque property to “Al Passo”, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the rolling Tuscan Hills, where a delicious Tuscan picnic awaits, featuring an array of charcuterie, cheeses, olives, peperoncini, crusty bread, and, of course, more of Tolaini's delightful wines.
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Afterwards, we'll venture a short distance to the breathtaking Castello di Brolio, considered to be the birthplace of the Chianti wine industry. You’ll explore the stunning gardens and gain exclusive access to their private residence, which has been owned by the Ricasoli family since 1141 (and yes, they still do call it home). We’ll then make our way to a private tasting room where you'll indulge in a sampling of five of their finest vintages. Finally, we'll return to our private Castello, where the remainder of the day and evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Tonight, take a stroll through our village, Rapolano di Serre, and dine at one of their local, small restaurants.(B,L)

Prepare for a day of unforgettable experiences as we explore two iconic Tuscan towns that top everyone's Italian bucket list. Our first destination is the magical city of Siena, renowned for its world-famous horse race, the Palio, since 1482. You'll fall in love with the charm and charisma (not to mention her knowledge) of our local specialist, Agnese, who’ll lead you on a fascinating walking tour, unravelling the secrets and stories that make Siena truly special.

Following the tour, take your time to indulge in a leisurely, long lunch, savouring the flavours of Sienese cuisine or continue your exploration of Siena's rich medieval heritage. After lunch, as we begin our journey back to our Castello, we have an unmissable stop at the truly fascinating town of San Gimignano, known as the "town of fine towers."  You’ll be amazed as Agnese guides you through the narrow streets and imparts the incredible history that spans centuries, leaving you with a deep appreciation for this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. San Gimignano's unique and well-preserved medieval architecture, along with its breathtaking panoramic views, is sure to make it a favourite highlight of our time together.  

To finish the day let us treat you to a gelato at Gelateria Dondoli – the most famous and most awarded gelato shop in the world.  Tonight, please join us around our pool for some sunset cocktails.  
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Prepare for a day of culinary delights and relaxation as we set off for two new and wonderful experiences. Firstly, we journey to the family home of Nonna Ciana, where Chef Umberto and Nonna Ciana herself will share with you the secrets of authentic Italian cooking. Brace yourself for a hands-on cooking course, where you'll immerse yourself in the art of Italian cuisine, getting your hands dirty as you knead and roll the pasta dough, create delicious sauces from scratch, and prepare a traditional dessert you’ll be replicating at dinner parties for years to come. Throughout the day, you'll rotate between four different cooking stations, covering antipasti, pasta, a mouth-watering main course, and, of course, a delicious dolce. After the cooking lesson, you’ll all gather together to enjoy the fruits of your labour which will be perfectly complemented by local wines.  

In the afternoon, we'll return to our Castello, allowing you time to relax before we head out to the Terme San Giovanni thermal spa pools. Spend the evening unwinding in the therapeutic waters of the spa, letting the soothing ambiance and natural healing properties of the pools melt away any remaining traces of stress, rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit.  As Friday is “late night” at the spa, grab a cocktail and a bite to eat at one of the eateries as the sun sets over the rolling Tuscan Hills.(B,L)

Today, we embark on an extraordinary journey to the clifftop town of Montalcino, renowned for its world-famous Brunello wines, celebrated for their exceptional quality, depth, and complex character representing the pinnacle of Tuscan wine-making craftsmanship.

Our selected highlight destination is the esteemed Col d'Orcia winery, recognised as one of the oldest and most awarded producers in the region. Prepare for an immersive experience as you explore the winery's organic park, gaining unique insights into their biodynamic farming practices. A cellar tour awaits, offering an exclusive Brunello barrel tasting, allowing you to savour the essence of this iconic wine in its early stages. You’ll then be guided through a tasting of seven of their exquisite wines, which will be paired with a delectable four-course farm-to-table lunch set in the estate's elegant villa.  

After our lavish lunch, we’ll return to the Castello for one final, memorable celebration. As the sun sets, join us poolside for our inaugural White Party, where we invite you to don your sexiest white outfit. Experience a night of indulgence with fabulous food, drinks, funky tunes, and dancing under the stars. This evening will be the perfect finale to our extraordinary journey through Tuscany as we celebrate the incredible memories and friendships we’ve made together. (B,L,D)

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.  Our tour concludes after breakfast where a complimentary transfer has been arranged to take you to Florence.  

If you have time up your sleeve and would like to see a little more of this fascinating country, please join us on our 2-day extension to the stunning city of Venice.  
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