There is a magic in Tuscany that can only be felt, not explained. It is a place that captivates your heart and never lets go. --From the travel memoir Bella Tuscany

On our 10 day WIM member adventure to Italy, you will truly experience Tuscany-- sip it, eat it, see it, touch it, smell it, and hopefully even feel it.  This magical region of Italy combines a rich history, Renaissance architecture & art, incredible wines and food, beautiful countryside, and a warm hospitable population.  Our adventure begins in Florence, with two days & nights in the city that has been called the "Jewel of the Renaissance."  

Then it is on to our luxury villa in the Tuscan hills for a week.  Our villa becomes home base for exploring the best Tuscany has to offer on a series of day trips.  At the end of each day, we will return to our home away from home to enjoy each other's company and have dinner together prepared by our own private chef.  

SPECIAL FOR THIS WIM ADVENTURE:  Included in our trip package is a single occupancy ensuite bedroom at the villa and a private room at our Florence hotel.    If you have someone to share a room with, you can sign up for our double-occupancy discount.  

As you can see below, this Tuscany adventure is ALL-INCLUSIVE:

Your trip package INCLUDES roundtrip airfare from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Florence, Italy.  

Our flight (KLM 652) departs Dulles at 6:35PM and arrives in Amsterdam at 7:05AM the next morning.   Our connecting flight from Amsterdam (KLM 1653) 

departs at 9:40AM and arrives into Florence at 11:40AM.  

PRE-ADVENTURE COMPLIMENTARY TOAST AT VINO VOLO

Once you have checked in for our flight and made your way through security, our group will all meet up at VINO VOLO for a complimentary toast to our exciting adventure ahead.  

Upon our late morning arrival in Florence, our private mini-bus will be waiting to take us directly to Piazzale Michelangelo. 

ENJOY SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF FLORENCE FROM PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO

 Florence seen from above is a singular experience. Not just a perfect photo opportunity, but a moment of wonder. You are looking at the city that gave birth to incredible artists, amazing scientists and an enthralling history of discovery and power that has filled novels and movie theaters. 

WELCOME LUNCH AT ZA ZA TRATTORIA 

Enjoy a lunch to remember at Za Za Trattoria, one of Florence's most trendy restaurants.  After lunch, it is just a very short walk to our well appointed boutique hotel-- centrally located in the heart of Florence.  

GUIDED EVENING WALKING TOUR

After some time to freshen up in your rooms, our local guide will lead us on a walking tour of Florence, including the Duomo (Cathedral of Florence) and the Ponte Vecchio (Famous covered bridge over the Arno River).  

Breakfast is included with your hotel room and i served from 7AM to 11AM.  

SKIP THE LINE TOUR OF THE DUOMO

Everyone will have "skip the line" tickets to see inside the iconic Duomo and enjoy a guided tour in English.  

SECRET FOOD TOUR

 On our Secret Food Tour: of Florence, you will be introduced to the real Florence, away from the tourist traps and the museums, where you can visit the local market, taste the local olive oil, sample a selection of the best traditional salamis and cheeses paired with the best local wines, and more.  At the end of your tour, you'll have sampled some of Florence's most delicious dishes and gained a better understanding of our culture and history.`

TIME ON YOUR OWN TO EXPLORE

Even with a small group, there will be a wide variance of interests.  During a few hours of time on your own, you may wish to check out the many leathers shops and market, or you may want to spend your time at the Uffizi gallery which houses some of the world's most famous artworks, or perhaps just enjoy a presecco at a cafe and soak in your surroundings.   

TIMED ENTRY TICKETS TO THE  ACCADEMIA TO SEE MICHELANGELO'S THE DAVID

Before leaving Florence, we will have timed entry tickets for entrance into the  Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, home to Michelangelo's famous  statue of David. 

WINE TASTING AND LUNCH AT POGGIO MOLINA

As we enter the Chianti region of Tuscany, we will stop for both a wine tasting and lunch at Poggio Molina.  Their wines are excellent, but the lasagna just might be the best you've ever tasted!

ARRIVAL AT VILLA, OUR HOME BASE FOR THE WEEK

Later in the afternoon, we will arrive at Il Borgo, our villa for the week.   Witnesses of ancient times, the tower and the four villas that make up the heart of Il Borgo  have been renovated to welcome and accompany its guests on an intriguing, elegant and relaxing journey into this luxury estate. 

MORNING AT THE VILLA

After a somewhat packed schedule for our first few days, Sunday is all about sleeping in and relaxing at our luxury villa,  After breakfast prepared by our chef team, you will have time for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or enjoying one of the many outdoor seating areas overlooking the scenic view.  

VISIT NEARBY HILLTOWN OF CERTALDO

  The medieval village of Certaldo is one of the most characteristic places in Tuscany.  Certaldo is the type of hilltop town that one traditionally associates with Tuscany: peaceful, timeless and inviting.  Filled with local curiosities and historic buildings, a tale of conquering families, poets and quiet streets for beautiful photo opportunities. 

ICEBREAKER SOCIAL ACTIVITY AT VILLA BEFORE DINNER

Along with enjoying a glass (or two) of wine before dinner, we will also play a party game which should help the group gt to know each other even better.  

DINNER AT 8:00PM

Not far from our villa are the medieval and Renaissance cities of San Gimignano and Siena and we will visit both this day.  First up is ... 

SIENA, THE JEWEL OF THE RENAISSANCE

 Siena is where medieval charm and Tuscan beauty converge. Famous for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Piazza del Campo and towering Siena Cathedral, this city invites you to wander its historic streets, savour local cuisine, and experience the vibrant culture.  Our visit begins with a short guided tour by a local,  You will also have time to enjoy lunch at a spot of your choosing,  After lunch, it is on to .... 

SAN GIMIGNANO, ONE OF EUROPE'S BEST PRESERVED MEDIEVAL TOWNS

 Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1990, San Gimignano lovingly preserves the atmosphere of a fourteenth-century village and the appearance of one of the best examples of urban organisation since the age of the communes, or city-states.  Its unmistakable towers dominate a landscape that deserves a visit to discover it.   San Gimignano is also home to the World's Best Gelato!

SAMPLING SOME OF THE BEST CHIANTI HAS TO OFFER

 The first definition of a wine area called Chianti was made in 1716. It described the area near the villages of Gaiole, Castellina and Radda; the so-called Lega del Chianti and later Provincia del Chianti (Chianti province).   We will stop for lunch in one of the three villages. 

WINE TASTINGS & OLIVE OIL/BALSAMIC SAMPLING AT POGGIO AMORELLI

They really like to roll out the red carpet for their guests at Poggio Amorelli.  You will taste their excellent wines, sample various meats & cheeses, and enjoy a tasting of olive oil and balsamic vinegar as well.  

SECOND WINERY TO BE DETERMINED

 The town is surrounded by walls and fortifications designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder in 1511 for Cosimo I, Grand Duke of Tuscany. The city, full of elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, charming squares, and hidden corners, features wonderful views of the valleys that surround it. A walk through Montepulciano is the best way to enjoy it. 

Montepulciano is also known for its wine and there are plenty of opportunities to visit the subterranian cellars within the city cdnter.  

Once unspoiled and little known, the Cinque Terre (meaning Five Towns) is now among Italy's most popular destinations.  These five small villages, which are connected by train, will captivate you with their charm and beauty.  

 An indented stretch of coastline on the eastern Ligurian Riviera, the Cinque Terre are jewels set between Punta Mesco and Punta di Montenero, in the province of La Spezia. Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, moving eastwards, are the charming towns that enjoy this privileged position on the Mediterranean Sea. 

Before heading back to our various realities, we take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day at our villa-- taking in the views, sipping local wine, and soaking in the Tuscan sun.  

We will also have a number of other activities in which you may partake.   Just one of the many op0tions:  Tuscany is renowned for its thermal spas, with several locations offering therapeutic hot springs and spa experiences. 

Our arrival at Washington Dulles should be scheduled for late afternoon/early evening.