An Insider’ s View of Tuscany

T his experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate the structure that a planned itinerary can provide, but want a more personalized experience with a greater degree of customization and flexibility.

We’ll introduce you to a region that is rich in art, architecture, culture, history, and of course ... food and wine. You’ll enjoy accommodations at an elegant Tuscan farmhouse overlooking the rolling hills of Chianti. Private guides will personally accompany you on tours of Siena and Florence, including stops at some venues that are not readily available to the general public. And unlike many pre-packaged “itineraries”, our private guides are able to respond to your individual needs and preferences.

A unique travel plan that offers convenience, amenities, and personalized service.

Highlights

• Seven night stay at a beautifully restored farmhouse in Chianti
• Privately guided tour of Siena, with visits to the underground Bottini, the Piazza del Campo, the Duomo of Siena, and a wine tasting emporium
• Gourmet dinner at a superb family-owned restaurant in Siena
• Day in Florence with privately guided visits to the Pitti Palace, Palazzo Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Bargello
• Renaissance theatre performance at your home featuring actors in period costume
• Authentic Renaissance dinner, served at home
• Private tour of a boutique winery, with tastings
• Catered dinner at a renowned restaurant with menu created specifically for you by a Michelin-star chef, accompanied by a superb selection of wines
• Mid-week home cooked meal, prepared by a professional chef, including cheese and wine tasting with a professional sommelier
• Home cooked departure dinner on the night before you leave

Inside Siena

Your Insider’s Experience will begin with a privately guided tour of Siena. First, you’ll explore the underground Bottini, a maze of ancient aqueducts forming a subterranean reservoir beneath the city — a site not normally open to the public. Once above ground, you'll visit the famous ‘Piazza del Campo’ and ‘Fonte Gaia’ (Joyous Fountain), which was constructed to celebrate the completion of the bottini. You’ll also learn about the history of Siena’s 17 ‘contrade’ (districts), and the ‘Palio di Siena’, the city's biannual horse race. After a visit to the famed Duomo of Siena, you'll enjoy wine-tasting at the ‘Enoteca Italiana’, a fascinating wine emporium located inside an ancient Medici fortress. Your day will conclude with an evening ‘passeggiata’ (stroll) with the locals, followed by a gourmet dinner at ‘Cane e Gatto’, a superb family-owned restaurant.

Meet the Medicis

The ‘Medici’ name is enveloped by an aura of mystery and intrigue. Allow us to introduce you to this royal family as you experience a day in their world. We’ll begin with chauffeured transport to Florence where you will be met by your private guide and escorted to two of the Medici’s finest historical residences – the Pitti Palace (including the Boboli Gardens) and the Palazzo Vecchio. Then, onto the Bargello Museum, which holds an array of Medici family artifacts, and the extraordinary Uffizi Gallery — created in 1559 by Cosimo de Medici to house government offices, and now home to one of the world’s finest collections of art. Upon your return home, you’ll receive a theatrical performance depicting members of the Medici family, followed by an authentic Renaissance feast, ‘a la famiglia’! A truly unforgettable day in the life of the Medici's.

The Mysteries of Brunello

Have you ever wondered why the word ‘Brunello’ is often uttered with hushed reverence by true wine-lovers? Step into the wondrous world of wine, and the especially enigmatic Brunello. On this day you will be personally welcomed by the owner of a world-renowned boutique winery located in the heart of Montalcino. You’ll be treated to a private tour covering every aspect of wine production, followed by wine-tasting. Later, you'll enjoy dinner at the adjacent restaurant overlooking the stunning vineyards and countryside of the Val d’Orcia. The Michelin-star chef will personally introduce the meal he has created especially for you, featuring regional specialties and a selection of complementary wines.

Customize this experience

If you prefer, we can custom design a unique Experience for you and your group, incorporating some of the activities in this Experience as a starting point. We’ll be happy to suggest alternate activities that reflect your personal tastes and preferences. Please call or email us — let us know what special touches would make this vacation one that you’ll always cherish and remember. We’ll work with you to combine unique, one-of-a-kind moments (some that take place right at your home!) with thoughtfully coordinated excursions to ensure that you have a joyful, enriching experience.

Guests will stay at Casale d’Arbia, a private farm in Chianti that produces olive oil, wine and grain. Other villa options are available for this Experience (price varies with choice of villa).

The Duomo of Siena contains sculpture by Michelangelo, and is one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Italy.

This bronze statue of Cosimo de Medici, stands on guard in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

View of the Palazzo Vecchio (foreground), and the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo), in Florence.

These grapes are approaching full color at a wine-producing vineyard in Tuscany.