Our ‘Soggiorno in Tuscany’ tour spans 14 days and is for travellers who have the time to truly indulge in this wonderful region. Our Tuscan tour will delight and inspire you; indulging in Tuscany for 14 days gives you the opportunity to really connect with the region in a special way, whilst not touring you will have the opportunity to relax by the pool and also learn how to cook traditional Tuscan dishes by one of our local chefs.
Tour Experience
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Quality of Amenities
Dining Experience
Quality of Accommodation & Grounds
Tour Locations
Our ‘Soggiorno in Tuscany’ tour spans 14 days and is for visitors who have the time to indulge in this wonderful region. A touch of Umbria is also included in this tour. Our Tuscan tour will delight and inspire you; Cortona, the atmosphere and beauty of timeless Cortona make it one of the pearls of Tuscany; visit the world-famous Museo dell Accademia Etrusca. Experience the beautiful city of Siena, famous for ‘Il Palio’ bareback horse race, enjoy lunch in the spectacular Piazza del Campo whilst watching the passing parade of tourists and locals going about their daily lives. San Gimignano, famous for its towers and excellent white wine ‘Vernaccia di San Gimignano’. Florence, it’s imbibing arts and culture, shopping and the famous Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River. Chianti, the spectacular countryside in this world famous wine growing area, with vineyards, olive groves, farm houses and castles, will leave you breathless. Montepulciano famous for it’s Vino Nobile (Noble Wine) and wonderful Pecorino cheese, indulge in these delicacies. Lucca, the home of the composer ‘Puccini’, a compact and beautiful city with many wonderful sites. A hands on cooking class will have you experience true Tuscan cuisine. Orvieto, a visit to St Patricks well and it’s world famous Duomo will have you spellbound. A visit to Lucignano a tiny gem located in the Val di Chiana followed by lunch and wine tasting at a local vineyard.
We transfer you to your accommodation and allow you to settle in and familiarise yourself with your new surroundings which will be “home” for the next 14 days. Dinner in Cortona.
Today we spend the day in the local Medieval township of Cortona, the setting for the movie and book “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Il Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca in the town centre is a very popular location. Visit the many boutiques, art galleries, stroll to the “high point” and visit Chiesa di Santa Margherita, where the Saint’s remains are encased high on the altar. Return to the villa mid to late afternoon for a little relaxation by the pool. Dinner in Cortona.
We travel to Siena, a visit to the spectacular Piazza del Campo, where the famous bareback horserace is held. Visit Il Duomo and The Mangia Tower or simply stroll the streets and enjoy the ambience and the various delights Siena has to offer, from the little food stores which offer lots of tempting treats to the beautiful stores offering hand painted ceramics and leatherware. From there we visit San Gimignano for the afternoon. This is a beautiful medieval township which really is a step back in time. This township houses many stores which offer a very broad range of painted ceramics as well as leatherware and alabaster. Two wonderful piazzas where you can simply stroll, visit a museum or climb a tower for a breathtaking view of the Val d’Elsa, or simply sit and enjoy a delicious gelato. Dinner in Cortona
You may choose to “stay in” enjoy the pool and relax. Alternatively you may choose to visit a local township where you can spend the day “exploring”. We will arrange transportation to and from our local train station. Dinner in Cortona.
Independent train travel to Florence; train ticket, maps, and transfer to and from our local train station on the day is included in the tour cost. Should you wish to visit the Uffizi/L’Accademia or other galleries/monuments, pre purchase of tickets should be arranged prior to your tour commencement to avoid long waiting periods upon your arrival. Visit www.tickitaly.com and familiarise yourself with the various monuments in Florence. Dinner at the villa by the pool or in Cortona.
A leisurely day of taking in the most amazing views, whilst driving through this most famous wine growing area of Tuscany. During the morning we will visit the village of Castellina prior to visiting a vineyard, interact with the winemakers and enjoy lunch and a wine tasting whilst taking in spectacular views of vineyards and olive groves. Dinner in Cortona
You may choose to “stay in” enjoy the pool and relax. Alternatively you may choose to visit a local township where you can spend the day “exploring”. We will arrange transportation to and from our local train station. Dinner in Cortona.
Arezzo (independent train travel to Arezzo; train ticket, maps, and transfer to and from our local train station on the day is included in the tour cost) Dinner in Cortona.
We travel to Pienza in the Val d’Orcia the birth place of Pope Pius II, a small township situated not too far from Montepulciano famous also for the Pecorino cheese. We then travel to Montepulciano, also located in the Val d’Orcia; this township is a true gem, great shopping, wonderful Trattoria’s, Cantina’s and Sulumeria’s for wine and cheese tastings. Location of dinner will be decided on the day.
A wellness package, including half hour massage, Turkish bath, Finnish Sauna, Salt Room, pool area. Lunch included. Dinner in Cortona
Hands on Cooking Experience. Depart villa at 10 am. for the short drive into the valley. Experience will involve hands-on preparation of various dishes including pasta, main course, side dishes, dessert. Meal is then enjoyed together with the Chef, accompanied by local wine, dessert and sweet wine. Return to villa at approximately 2.30pm .Vehicle transfers included. Dinner in Cortona.
Orvieto. Visit Il Duomo (Cathedral), Saint Patricks Well dating back to 1537, 62 metres deep with double spiral staircase; a tour of the underground city/caves; wonderful shopping. Location of dinner will be decided on the day.
Today we visit Lucignano a small medieval village not far from the villa and the setting for the movie ‘Certified Copy’. We will enjoy lunch at a local trattoria prior to returning to the villa mid-afternoon. Dinner in Cortona.
You may choose to “stay in” enjoy the pool and relax. Alternatively you may choose to visit a local township where you can spend the day “exploring”. We will arrange transportation to and from our local train station. Dinner in Cortona.
After a leisurely breakfast we transfer you to the local train station for your departure.
INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS
Tour Cost: USD $4,800 per person, twin share.
Single Occupancy : USD $300
TOUR SCHEDULE
2018 TOUR DATES
Available for commencement every Saturday through to 6th October 2018.
2019 TOUR DATES
Available for commencement every Saturday from 30th March through to 26th October
Chat to us more if you are looking for a tour outside these dates.
Tour cost includes:
What is not included in tour cost:
TOUR BEGINS – CORTONA
We are located near Cortona; 2.5 hours by regional train from the main train station in Rome (Roma Termini) and 1.5 hours by regional train from the main train station in Florence (Santa Maria Novella).
PRIVATE TRANSFERS TO AND FROM THE VILLA:
Please contact us for prices.
TRAIN TRAVEL TO THE VILLA:
If you are already in Italy connection to either Roma Termini or Firenze Santa Maria Novella train stations is easily accessible via other train stations.
Either of these two major cities are a good option for your arrival into Italy and then travel to our location. We will meet you at our local train station Camucia-Cortona and will transfer you, via vehicle to the villa, which is a short drive into the countryside.
Arrival from Rome Airport:
Arrival from Florence Airport:
Located in the valley, near the historical centre of Cortona (approx. 10km), the accommodation, a Tuscan villa with old world rustic charm, is your home base for the duration of the tour. Unpack, settle in to your own private apartment and commence your Tuscan experience.
Set on wonderful grounds with a spectacular pool and all modern facilities, including laundry, it overlooks the Val di Chiana and the historical centre of Cortona. On your tour free days take advantage of the country setting, pick fruit from the trees, stroll through the lush Italian countryside or simply enjoy reading a book by the pool under the Tuscan sun.
The tour of Tuscany exceeded my expectations. From the initial point of contact with Ines Fabris through the entire trip. She was responsive, flexible, knowledgeable, approachable and warm. The landscape and beauty of the Tuscan culture created a week of peacefulness and serenity that was much needed. I recommend this trip for all looking for history and culture, the warmth of the Italians and top notch customer service from Ines and Monique Fabris.
- Jennifer - Westport - USA
Our ‘Taste of Tuscany’ was a wonderful, unforgettable experience. Amazing locations, stunning scenery, superb restaurants and great shopping. The small tour group ensured that you made new friends and our hosts, Ines and Monique, went out of their way to guarantee that we were well looked after and got the most from our holiday.
- Veronica & Peter - Australia