Itinerary

Day 1: Thursday, April 8, Depart the U.S.A. for Italy
Fly non-stop from U.S. to Pisa.

Day 2: Friday, April 9, Pisa, Lucca and Castellina
Our group flight arrives this morning in Pisa. We board our private motor coach for a short transfer to the Piazza de Miracoli and a guided walk by the Tower. Next, it is off to Lucca, a beautiful little Tuscan town protected by massively thick 16th-century walls, featuring some of Italy's finest medieval and Renaissance architecture. We will have a light lunch and a guided tour of the old town.

After lunch we continue on to Castellina in Chianti, our home for the next six nights. Tonight enjoy a Tuscan welcome dinner with wines produced from the vineyards of our hotel.

Hotel: Palazzo Squarcialupi.
Situated in the heart of the historical center of Castellina in Chianti, you will find the 15th century Palazzo Squarcialupi. In the past, the Palace was a noble residence with agricultural activity and has recently been restored to become a full service hotel.

Underneath the hotel, in the ancient vaults with its suggestive stone structures, are the antique wine-cellars where wine to this day is produced, fruit of the prestigious vine-yards which extend around the village. (L, D)

Day 3: Saturday, April 10, Greve & Impruneta
Today starts with a short drive through the hilly countryside to the market town of Greve, in the Chianti region. Enjoy a brief walk around the old historic town of Monteforalle on the hillside above Greve, before we enter the modern market square. There is time to wander the stores on your own, before we set off for a wine tasting of local Chianti Classico

We will visit the olive oil estate of La Querce for a private tasting. Then we conclude our day at the farm and vineyards of Corzano e Paterno near San Casciano where exquisite local cheeses are produced. Late this afternoon we return to our village. Dinner tonight is on your own at one of the local restaurants within walking distance of our hotel. (B, L)

Day 4: Sunday, April 11, Sienna and Montalcino
Following breakfast we board our private motor coach for the drive to Sienna, spectacularly situated atop three converging hills, Siena has changed little over the centuries. Stunning bas-reliefs adorn its Gaia Fountain, the Mangia Tower stands 300 feet tall and the Duomo de Sienna is regarded as one of Italy's greatest.

Lunch is on your own in Sienna, with dozens of lovely restaurants to choose from in and around the main square. This afternoon we visit the beautiful fortress town of Montalcino before heading back to our lovely village in Castellini. Tonight we will practice our cooking skills with a demonstration of pizza making at our hotel. (B, D)

Day 5: Monday, April 12, Prato and Panzanno
After breakfast we are off to Panzano, and L'Antica Macelleria Cecchini, the butcher shop of Dario Cecchini, the singing butcher of Tuscany. Words cannot fully prepare you for the spectacle of the singing butcher.

Next we continue on to Prato, site of Italy’s only museum devoted to textiles. The museum houses displays of textile manufacturing dating back to the Middle Ages, and up to current production techniques. This is a must-see stop in Italy, for anyone with an appreciation for the history and beauty of Italian textiles. (B,L)

Day 6: Tuesday, April 13, Arrezzo and Cortona
After breakfast we are off to the medieval towns of Arezzo and Cortona. One of Italy’s greatest fresco cycles, Piero della Francesca’s masterpiece ‘Leggenda della Vera Croce’ (Legend of the True Cross), is housed in the extraordinary 11th-century basilica in Arezzo. The city has also built a thriving industry for jewelers and goldsmiths.

In nearby Cortona we visit the design studio and factory of Busatti, founded by the Busatti-Sassolini family in 1842. Busatti is renowned worldwide for antique weaving and textile manufacturing techniques and remains one of Italy’s most famous textile firms.

This afternoon we return to our hotel where we will take part in complete Tuscan cooking lesson. For our farewell dinner tonight, we enjoy the foods prepared by our fellow travelers and our award-winning chef. (B,D)

Day 7: Wednesday, April 14th
Following an early breakfast, we depart for the Pisa Airport and our return flight to the U.S.


PRE TRIP EXTENSION
Join us in Florence for 2 full days of sightseeing

Depart U.S.A. – Tuesday, April 6
Arrive Pisa – Wednesday, April 7

Wednesday, April 7th
After arrival in Pisa we drive to the Piazza dei Miracoli for a guided walking tour of the square around the Tower. Then it’s off to Florence with our first stop, the Piazzale Michelangelo, for stunning views of the city. Today we visit the Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio, il Ponte Vecchio, the finally the Academia Gallery and Michelangelo’s David. Lunch today will be at a traditional Tuscan trattoria.

During our two day visit to Florence we have chosen the family run, Hotel Silla, across the River Arno from the center city. (L)

Thursday, April 8th
Following breakfast we visit the nearby Museco de Capucci in the Villa Bardini, as well as the private Bardini Gardens. Nearby, we continue through the Boboli Gardens and then on to the Palazzo Pitti. We will pay special attention to the Galleria del Costume in the Palazzo. Lunch today is included. The afternoon is we complete our tour of Florence with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world. (B, L)

Friday, April 9th
This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our hotel and perhaps a final stroll to the nearby Ponte Vecchio. We leave mid-morning for Lucca, and meet the remainder of our group arriving today from the U.S.A. (B)


Trip Includes

• Transfer from Pisa to Florence
• 2 nights in Florence at Hotel Silla (or similar)
• 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches
• Local guides, and all entry fees to events described in the itinerary

*THIS ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE