Itinerary
Saturday, October 15th
Hilly landscapes, great Italian cuisine, a Tuscan cooking class, authentic Tuscan wineries, fantastic shopping, stunning architecture, and the world’s greatest collection of art all await you on this 9-day Tour in Tuscany presented by August Hill Winery. We will travel roads that are off-the-beaten path, enjoy leisurely-paced walking tours, participate in an amazing Tuscan cooking class taught by a world-renowned executive Italian chef, visit magnificent historical sites, and enjoy four incredible wineries to learn how they operate and about the wine they produce. Our adventure begins with an overnight flight from CHICAGO. Dinner will be served onboard the plane. D
Sunday, October 16th
This morning, a light breakfast snack will be served onboard the plane before we make a stop and then continue on to the historic town of PISA. Upon arrival at the Pisa Airport, we will be met by our driver and motor coach. We will stop for a photo opportunity on our way to our hotel, to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. We will arrive at our first-class hotel, the Tuscany Inn, located in the heart of the charming resort town of MONTECATINI TERME. Once we settle in, we will take a leisurely stroll through the streets of the town, and learn what makes this place one of the most attractive resort-spa towns in all of Italy. Tonight we will enjoy a “welcome dinner” at our hotel. B, D
Monday, October 17th
Today, following breakfast, we will drive through the picturesque hills of Toscana to the hillside town of SAN GIMIGNANO, which is famous for its ceramics and leather goods. Here we can shop, relax in one of the local wine bars and enjoy the views of the Tuscan valley below. This is a relaxing morning you are sure to enjoy in this picturesque, medieval town. Midday, we will drive a short distance to the family-owned FATTORIA di SAN DONATO. Here we will learn how Tuscan wines are produced in this region. A late lunch will be served along with the wine tasting. There will be an opportunity to purchase wine and olive oil in their tiny shop at the winery before we stagger; I mean return back to our hotel later that afternoon. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. B, L
Tuesday, October 18th
After breakfast, the morning is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. For those that are interested, we are offering an “optional tour” to the Etruscan town of LUCCA. This optional tour will include a leisurely walking tour of the town with a local guide as we learn more about the history of this ancient, walled-city. For the rest of the morning, you will be free to investigate the quaint, family-owned shops of Lucca and enjoy lunch on your own. In the afternoon, our entire group will participate in a very special, private cooking class and create a four-course meal under the direction of the highly-decorated executive chef, Gianluca Pardini. Gianluca is a delightful entertainer and speaks excellent English. He has recently been awarded “Master of Cuisine” by the Italian Cooks Federation, an honor bestowed to only three other chefs in Tuscany. After enjoying an early dinner of our delectable creations, with wine of course, we will return back to our hotel where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. B, D
Wednesday, October 19th
This morning following breakfast, we will travel to the town of GREVE, in the CHIANTI REGION. Here we will have the opportunity to walk around and enjoy a great local, non-touristy, Italian village that will offer a wonderful small cheese and sausage shop, art galleries, and a quaint little square to relax and enjoy a cappuccino. We’ll stay a couple of hours before continuing our drive to the famous Verrazzano Castle, famous for producing the Chianti Classico wine. We’ll enjoy a delicious wine tasting with a fabulous late lunch, surrounded by the spectacular rolling, green hills of Chianti. It is truly a glorious day that will take up a small piece of your heart for years to come. In the early evening, we’ll arrive back at our hotel where the remainder of the night is at your leisure. B, L
Thursday, October 20th
Today, following an early breakfast, we will journey to the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance,” the beautiful city of FLORENCE. Our local, expert guide Christina will meet us for a leisurely walking tour of the city, including walking past the Accademia Gallery which houses Michelangelo’s monumental figure of David. We will then proceed to Piazza del Duomo, the center of religious life in medieval Florence, and see the impressive façade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the masterfully, crafted bronze doors of the Baptistery. We make our way from piazza to piazza, passing family-owned boutique shops that will beckon us to step inside and discover the treasures they hold. We will finish our tour outside of the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. Once we decide on a meeting time, you will have an opportunity to enjoy Florence at your leisure. We will drive back to our hotel later in the afternoon and the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. B
Friday, October 21st
This morning following breakfast, we will pack an overnight bag and travel south through the Tuscan countryside until we arrive in the renaissance town of MONTEPULCIANO. There will be time for exploring and lunch on your own before we enjoy a great wine tasting at a unique, local winery where we will learn about the world famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. After our tasting, we will check into a charming hotel, and the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to experience the local nightlife and cuisine of Montepulciano on your own. B
Saturday, October 22nd
This morning following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive back to Montecatini Terme. Along the way we will stop at a fantastic little winery where we will enjoy one, final wine tasting amidst the glorious Tuscan countryside! After the tasting, we will make our way back to Montecatini Terme where the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Tonight, a very special “farewell dinner” will take place at our hotel, where we will bring our special wine and cooking tour to a close. B, D
Sunday, October 23rd
This morning we will pack our luggage and depart for the airport for our flight back to CHICAGO. A light lunch snack will be served onboard the plane. As we leave Italy, we know in our hearts that something wonderful has happened to us. We have been touched by the magic and charm of Tuscany - the food, the people, the history, the art, and the remarkable wine have created lasting memories that will remain in your heart and soul forever. B, L
This itinerary is subject to change. Space is limited to 40 people and on a first come-first served basis. Terms and Conditions apply once first deposit is made. Gratuities of 78 Euros not included in this price and will be collected in advance with the final payment. This will pay for your waiters, porterage at the hotel, your guides and the bus driver.
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