12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
16
Meals
Travel with us on a custom journey to Tuscany and experience first hand the traditions and gastronomy of this fabled region. From medieval hill towns to historic farms and terraced vineyards, delve into the history, culture, and wine of this rich part of Italy, including a day in the adjacent hills of Umbria. The highlight of our exploration will be exclusive visits to three estates owned by the esteemed Antinori family, concluding with their state-of-the-art Chianti Classico winery, where we will discover the traditions and innovations that have established this family as premier producers of Italian wine for more than 600 years.
Explore
the charming hilltowns of San Gimignano, Orvieto, Montalcino, and Montepulciano
Learn
about the Antinori family's winemaking traditions, pioneering spirit, and ongoing commitment to quality
Savor
the freshly prepared local foods and premium red and white wines for which Tuscany is celebrated
Day 1
WELCOME TO TUSCANY
Welcome to Tuscany! Your driver will meet you at the airport in Florence and transport you to our accommodations in the Tuscan countryside. Check in and settle into your new surroundings. Tonight, gather for welcome reception and dinner on the property as we toast to our upcoming journey.
Day 2
CHIANTI
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relaxing start to the day as we gather late morning for a private hands-on cooking class followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we'll head south through the quintessential Tuscan landscape of Val d’Orcia, stopping at Caparzo Winery for a tour and tasting of their high-quality Brunello di Montalcino, produced from the local Sangiovese grapes. Afterward, we'll visit the medieval hilltop village of Montalcino, known for its imposing fortress, and stroll through the town’s narrow stone streets with our expert guide before returning to the property for dinner.
Day 3
TENUTA LA BRACCESCA
This morning, we drive southeast toward Montepulciano. Our first stop is Villa Sant’Anna winery for a guided cellar tour and tasting. Learn about the production process, the family history of the winemaker, and the characteristics of the local wines. Continue onto the town of Montepulciano, known for its Renaissance art, architecture, and above all, its wine. We’ll have free time for a stroll in town and lunch in one of the local restaurants. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Antinori family's La Braccesca estate for an exclusive tour and tasting of four wines that include the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. Dinner tonight will be back at the property.
Day 4
ORVIETO & CASTELLO DELLA SALA
We’ll get an early start this morning, venturing south into the verdant region of Umbria where our first stop will be the beautiful walled hill town of Orvieto. We will share stories of the history, architecture, and art of this tucked-away town as we visit the gothic cathedral and peek into the ancient labyrinth of caves, tunnels, and hidden passageways that lie underground. We’ll have free time for lunch and to wander around the town’s historic piazzas before continuing on to Castello della Sala, the Antinori family’s medieval manor perched on an Umbrian hilltop. Dating back to the 14th century, the estate, originally built as a military fortress, is now surrounded by rolling vineyards taking advantage of an ideal microclimate for the production of Antinori’s distinguished white wines. Enjoy a cellar tour and tasting and then return to the property for dinner.
Day 5
SAN GIMIGNANO
Today offers another opportunity to step back in time with a visit to the walled hilltop village of San Gimignano. Known for its striking skyline of medieval towers, the UNESCO World Heritage Site retains its feudal appearance and atmosphere. After a guided tour of the town’s charming historic center, we’ll have free time for lunch. Next, we visit a local winery for a tour and tasting of their wines before returning to the property with some time to relax. This evening, we will enjoy dinner together at a restaurant in Siena.
Day 6
VAL D'ORCIA
Take a morning to relax and enjoy the activities offered at our countryside retreat. In the afternoon, we’ll venture into the green heart of Tuscany, visiting the medieval hilltop town of Radda in Chianti and the adjacent town of Gaiole, which served as a market center for nearby castles and villages. Our final stop of the afternoon will be the historic estate of Badia a Coltibuono. Founded by Vallombrosan monks in the 11th century, the Romanesque abbey turned 19th-century villa is now a family-run winery known for its excellent wines and olive oil. Enjoy a guided cellar tour, tasting, and wine-paired dinner featuring Tuscan cuisine.
Day 7
ANTINORI NEL CHIANTI CLASSICO
For our last full day in Tuscany, we recognize the commitment of the Antinori family to quality Italian winemaking with a visit to their state-of-the-art facility in Bargino. We’ll learn about the family’s history, experience the winemaking process, view their prized art collection, and taste their wines. Enjoy lunch in the winery’s rooftop restaurant overlooking the surrounding hills and vineyards before returning to the property for an open afternoon. This evening, we gather to share a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8
DEPART
Check out after breakfast and transfer to Florence airport for flights home. Arrivederci! If you would like to continue the adventure, join us as we head west toward the Etruscan Coast of Tuscany.
Day 8
Bolgheri
We extend our exploration of Tuscan culture and wine, journeying west toward the Etruscan Coast, known for its natural beauty, seaside resorts, archaeological sites, and good food and wine. Enjoy a seafood lunch near the sparkling waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea before arriving at our idyllic countryside accommodations. The remainder of the day is free to relax and unwind at the property.
Day 9
TENUTA GUADO AL TASSO
Today we visit Antinori’s Tenuta Guado al Tasso estate located in the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC, birthplace of the Super Tuscan movement. The estate sits in the “Bolgheri amphitheater,” a series of gently rolling hills surrounding a coastal plain that slopes gently toward the sea and provides a unique microclimate. Discover the historic vineyards of the estate and enjoy a memorable lunch at the Osteria del Tasso, overlooking the Via Bolgherese “wine road.” Afterward, we’ll stop for a stroll in the lovely village of Bolgheri before returning to the property.
Day 10
Elba Island
Drive south this morning to the coastal town of Piombino where we’ll board a 1-hour ferry for Portoferraio on the island of Elba. Situated between the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea, the island is a natural paradise with a rich history dating back to the Etruscans and Romans. Traversing to the southeast part of the island, we’ll visit the winery at Tenuta delle Ripalte for a tour of the facilities, tasting, and lunch overlooking the sparkling Bay of Pareti. Enjoy time to stroll in Portoferraio, where Napoleon was notoriously exiled in 1814, before boarding the ferry for the return trip to the mainland.
Day 11
DEPART
After breakfast, a transfer will take you to Florence Airport for flights home. Arrivederci!
Accommodations
Hotel Borgo Casabianca
Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, Borgo Casabianca was once an 18th century village, which was abandoned and later restored to create this boutique property, surrounded by olive groves, gardens, and views of the Tuscan countryside. The property features a pool and Jacuzzi, a tennis court (with balls and rackets available for loan), and restaurant. Mountain bikes are available to explore the estate. Rooms offer air conditioning, free WiFi, mini bar, flat-screen TV, hair dryer, and toiletries.
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Borgo Pignano
Situated an hour west of Borgo Casabianca, this elegant 18th-century Tuscan estate features expansive grounds, spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, and an infinity pool built into the original quarry stone. The property has an organic farm, restaurant specializing in regional cuisine, bar, spa and wellness center, and free WiFi. Rooms include air conditioning, safe, hair dryer, bathrobe, and toiletries.
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Relais Sant'Elena (Bolgheri Extension)
Spend three nights in this elegant and historic residence surrounded by the Tuscan countryside. Located just 15 minutes from the sea, this olive-oil producing estate offers visitors beautiful gardens, panoramic views, and rustic charm. The property features an outdoor pool, bar and restaurant, and free WiFi. Rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TV, hair dryers, and toiletries.
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The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Details
DATES
Program: October 14 - 21, 2022
Extension: October 21 - 24, 2022
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that can range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.) which can leave some areas inaccessible — if you require any walking assistance, please inquire with our guest services team. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. Please contact us at guestservices@experi.com if you have questions.
Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/agreement.
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 7 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Rates*
Club Member Rates
Deluxe: $6,995
Deluxe Upgrade (Days 5 - 8 only): $7,395
Single: $8,295
Non-Member Rates
Deluxe: $7,295
Deluxe Upgrade (Days 5 - 8 only): $7,695
Single: $8,595
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,995
Single: $3,995
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars. Guests of club members also enjoy club member rates. Call to discuss availability and rates for triple accommodations.