For seven nights, you can have the exclusive opportunity to be hosted in the most magical parts of Tuscany and Umbria by Castle delle Serre owners, the Gangale family. We invite you to join this intimate collaboration and cultural experience as we share the most influential perspectives of the food, wine and history of their native country of Italy. Based on over forty years of experience, we assure that you will relish in the most authentic meals and local experiences during this stay, effectively capturing the essence of la dolce vita only as a true Italian could.
Day 1 Arrive Florence and transfer to Hotel.
Day 2 Chianti
Meet your private guide in Florence in the lobby of the Hotel River at 9:00 am. At 9:30 am our group will depart on board our deluxe air-conditioned private motor coach and head south exploring some of the hidden treasures of the enchanting Chianti countryside. We will drive through Chianti’s rugged hills of unspoiled forests, beautiful vineyards, castles, stone churches, monasteries, and farmhouses to visit the quaint village of Greve and Radda in Chianti. Next, we’ll be visiting the top Super Tuscan winery to the south of us. At the winery we will have a private vineyard and cellar tour followed by lunch and a tasting on the premises. Meet Castle owner Gangale family at Castello delle Serre, our home for the next 7 nights. A welcome dinner and music will complete the first day of our tour.
Day 3 San Gimignano
Today we will traverse the Chianti region on our way to San Gimignano. “Delle Torri” (of the beautiful towers). This is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Tuscany, where 16 of the 70 original towers of San Gimignano remain today. The towers were originally used to watch for invading enemies and later became a symbol of power for many of the richest families. If you choose, you may want to climb up one of them to get a sense of history and to enjoy the beautiful view.
We will then taste some of the best local Vernaccia (white wine) with a light lunch and get our first taste of the sweet life with the best gelato in Tuscany. We’ll return in time for a Castle tour explaining the restoration of this Historic Registry Building before enjoying a local dinner.
Day 4 Siena
After enjoying our morning espresso, we will then depart with a local guide for the medieval city of Siena, most famous for its horse race, the Palio. Our tour guide will lead us through this charming city unspoiled by time. We will visit the Medici town hall, the magnificent Piazza del Campo (town square), the spectacular sculpture-studded Duomo (church) and its museum with works by Pinturicchio, Pisano, and Michelangelo, and visit the most important parts of the city. We will then lunch in one of the most authentic local restaurants in Siena, eating as the contra’s (riveling neighborhood factions) of Siena do just before their traditional Palio horse race. After lunch we will be on our own to shop and explore the city of Siena, we will return to Castello delle Serre for a casual dinner with wine.
Day 5 Montalcino and Pienza
We will travel to “Picture Perfect Pienza”. This little gem of a city was created by Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini, who became the Pope Pius II. He transformed the farming village where he was born into his personal renaissance utopia. We will have lunch at the local Pecarina di Pienza Cheese producer before proceeding to the fortified town of Montalcino for a tasting of the famous Brunello di Montalcino wine (“the king of Italian reds”). Montalcino is situated on the “little mountain” with a 14th-century castle. It was a retreat for the Sienese when the Emperor Charles V captured their city. We will enjoy a fine dinner at a local restaurant on the way back to the Castello.
Day 6 Montepulciano
Today we will tour the unknown countryside of Tuscany. We’ll explore the byroads and quaint villages not in the tourist books; the places that are still unspoiled. Our first stop will be a new facility of one of the Montepulciano’s most historic wine producers with a unique sensory experience. You will enhance your wine knowledge and sharpen your sensory skills in a fun, interactive wine education and lunch. After this wine tasting of Vino Nobile, we will venture in the beautiful town of Montepulciano to visit the historic center including one of the most ancient wine caves of Italy. This will be followed with time to shop. Later we’ll return to Castello delle Serre for a casual pizza night with the Castello family.
Day 7 Assisi
After breakfast, we depart for Assisi. With an authorized local guide, we will tour this beautiful medieval town, with lovely views and fountain splashed piazzas. We will visit the Basilica di San Francesco with its beautiful frescoes, the Temple of Minerva, The Basilica Santa Chiara and stroll through the streets where St. Francis walked. We will shop at our leisure with a light lunch. We will return back to the Castello for another great local dinner.
Day 8 Florence to depart by air or Optional extension
Early departure from Castello delle Serre. The first drop-off will be at the airport around 10:30 am.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.