After some time to sleep in and a light breakfast we are off to Montalcino, home to many of Tuscany’s finest wine estates. Here the legendary Brunello di Montalcino, the regal majesty of Tuscan wines is made. The savoury 100 per cent Sangiovese wines made from the local clone, are renowned for their mix of power, elegance, depth of flavour and savoury fruit flavours. This morning will visit one if its grand estates, before making way to our favourite lunch spot in the region, found in the tiny hamlet of San’Angelo in Colle. Here course of antipasti and pasta will flow as will the wine. After lunch we will visit the town, before returning to the villa for a wine tasting of the wine and olive oils produced on the estate we are staying.Transportation, breakfast, 2 wine tastings, lunch with wine, dinner at villa with wine

Today we’ll be staying close to homef (and what a home it is!. A deluxe villa with spacious bedrooms each with ensuite, impeccable finishes, and more). There is the option to remain near the property and have a wine class and cooking class from our guest chef, you can hike nearby trails, or we can arrange for bikes or a game of golf at the prestigious The Club at Castiglion del Bosco*, the world famous winery and resort. Dinner tonight will be at the villa.

Breakfast, light lunch, cooking class, hiking or biking, dinner at villa with wine
*price of golf, not included

No visit to Tuscany is complete without a visit to Siena. This morning you’ll enjoy a guided tour by a local historian who will provide invaluable insight on the rise and fall of this important Italian city. After a guided tour of the town you’ll be given a few hours to explore as you see fit. Don’t forget to visit Naninni for an espresso (remember in Italy, cappuccinos are not traditionally served after 11:00 am). Your guide will point out a great place to have lunch. Following our visit to Siena, we will return to our villa for a wine tasting, short cooking demonstration, meal prepared by your host.

Breakfast, historian led tour of Siena, dinner at villa with wine

After a nice breakfast, you’ll explore the local towns of Southern Tuscany. First stop is Pienza for a visit to this fabulous tourist town that is rich in great shopping, spectacular views and scents of Pecorino cheese. Next stop is the hilltop town of Montepulciano. It’s a little bigger and busier than Pienza but is rich shopping, including our favourite store, Bottega del Rame, where some of the best copper pots in the world are made. Tonight we’ll have a light meal highlighted with a cheese plate featuring what else, Pecorino. Breakfast, cheese tasting, visits to Pienza and Montepulciano, dinner with wine

After breakfast, we will pack up and move on from our Southern Tuscan home.Today we’ll immerse ourselves in the famous wines of Chianti Classico. Chianti Classico was the first region in the world to be demarcated in 1716. Over the last three centuries numerous battles for the prized land between Florence and Siena have taken place. Thankfully, the one thing that continues to survive and thrive are the vineyards. The rolling hills, with their famous albarese and galestro soil, are a sanctuary for vines and olive trees. Here both grand estates and small farms co-exist creating a beautiful tapestry of agricultural splendour. Today we’ll visit two estates, including having lunch at one of them before we settle into our new villa outside of the town of San Gimignano. After a long day, tonight’s dinner will be simple. Featuring salads, cheese and cured meats.

Breakfast, two wine tastings, visits to Chianti, San Gimignano, dinner with wine

Today we’ll embark on a picturesque day trip from San Gimignano to Lucca, enjoying the scenic Tuscan countryside along the way. While there you’ll have time to explore Lucca's well-preserved Renaissance walls, charming piazzas, and historic towers. Indulge in local cuisine and soak in the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting city before we return to San Gimignano, for a visit of this famed city of towers.

Breakfast, visits to Lucca, San Gimignano, dinner with wine

We’ll make our way to Poggibonsi train station. From there we will train to Florence. Today you’ll enjoy Florence – a city brimming with passion and culture. The wine lovers may opt to enjoy a Master Class on Tuscan wine but others may simply choose to revel in the culture of Florence, and there’s lot as may choose to visit one of many museums such as the Accademia (where David resides) or the famous Uffizi Museum.  Or you may want to join your host as he peruses Florence's market for ingredients for dinner. Please be advised advance booking of tickets for Accademia and Uffizi are highly recommended. Foodies visit the amazing food market. After exploring Florence, we’ll have a fantastic final dinner, recounting the tales of the past 8 days.

Breakfast, time in Florence, dinner

Transfer to Rome Airport. Please do not book flights prior to 11:00 am departure from Rome.