An exclusive wine & food journey with
Tuscany
April 11 - 18, 2023
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
14
Meals
Join Bella Grace Vineyards in raising a glass to the irresistible heart of Tuscany. With its world-class wines, cultural treasures, and rolling countryside dotted with olive groves, cypress trees, and vineyards, Tuscany captivates the senses of all who visit. During our week together, meet proud artisan creators and savor their superb wines and regional specialties, discover medieval towns and marvel at the seamless blending of past and present, and learn the fascinating history of the region known as the cradle of the Renaissance.
Learn
the traditions of Tuscan cooking during a hands-on workshop
Explore
Chianti, Siena, Pienza, and more, tasting local specialties and wines along the way
Discover
ancient cathedrals and works of art while discovering beautiful Florence
Day 1
Cortona
Land in the Florence Airport and take a private transfer to our accommodations in a renovated 17th-century monastery situated in the heart of the ancient hilltop town of Cortona.
Unwind at the property and take time to explore your new surroundings. This evening, we'll gather for a Welcome Dinner featuring local flavors.
Day 2
Cortona Secrets and Tuscan Culinary Class
Day 3
Val d’Orcia
This morning, head to the beautiful medieval and Renaissance town of Montepulciano. After a stroll in the town, a very special winery visit awaits where we'll have the opportunity to taste one of the most sought-after Tuscan wines: Nobile di Montepulciano. Enjoy lunch at the winery followed by a short drive to the picturesque hillside village of Pienza. This UNESCO World Heritage town is famous - among other things - for the production of pecorino. Enjoy free time to shop around Pienza’s gourmet and petite boutiques before returning to the property to relax. Dinner is on your own tonight. Our Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations.
Day 4
Siena
Discover the medieval city of Siena on a guided walking tour with a local expert. Visit the Siena Duomo and the art-filled Casa di Santa Caterina. Take time to explore at your own pace and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Later in the afternoon, we'll head back toward Cortona, stopping at a small winery on the way for a guided visit, tasting, and light dinner.
Day 5
Castiglion Fiorentino
Drive to the small, walled city of Castiglion Fiorentino and spend the morning with our Italian cheese expert at his workshop featuring two cheese caves. Learn techniques to taste, cut, and smell different cheese varieties. After, enjoy lunch at a quaint restaurant. Next, we'll visit an olive oil mill — one of the few remaining mills to operate a traditional, cold-stone milling process. We’ll meet the family and taste fragrant, freshly pressed oils over wood-fired grilled bruschetta.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Spend time at the hotel or perhaps walk to the downtown area of Cortona for additional shopping and sightseeing. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 6
Chianti
After breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and take a private transfer to Florence. En route, we’ll stop at a historic wine estate in Chianti and enjoy a guided visit, tour, tasting, and wine-paired lunch. After, we'll continue north into Florence. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Accademia di Belle Arti, an art academy founded by Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1563 that now hosts the original statue of Michelangelo’s famous David.
Day 7
Historic Florence
This morning, join our local guide for a walking tour of Florence’s famous sites, like the Duomo di Firenze, San Lorenzo Market, Ponte Vecchio, and more. After the tour, enjoy free time to wander at your own pace, get a bite, shop, and pack for your departure.
We'll gather this evening to toast our journey during a farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant serving delicious Florentine dishes.
Day 8
Depart the city this morning and head west to the charming seaside village of Portovenere, nestled between the famous Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets on the beautiful Ligurian coast. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a walking tour of the highlights of this town: the church of San Pietro, which sits atop a cliff jutting out on the sea, the Doria Castle, and the carrugi — the iconic narrow alleys of eastern Liguria.
Later, have some time to unwind and settle into your accommodations, located in the heart of Portovenere’s historic center with the evening open for your exploration.
Day 9
After breakfast, board the ferry that runs to the Cinque Terre— a UNESCO World Heritage group of remote villages perched dramatically on the cliffs. Stop in the lovely town of Monterosso to visit a winery nestled among the vineyards and lemon groves. Savor the local cuisine during a wine-paired lunch and let your palate be surprised by the deliciousness of the Sciacchetra — one of the best passito wines of Italy that hardly ever leaves the boot.
Afterward, return to Portovenere for an open evening.
Day 10
Accommodations
Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa
Monastero di Cortona Hotel & Spa is a renovated 17th-century monastery situated inside the ancient walls of the town of Cortona. The location of the property provides easy access to the shops and restaurants in the historic town and a lovely setting with views of the Tuscan countryside. Hotel amenities include a terrace and garden, bar, complimentary WiFi, and health & wellness facilities. Distinctive and charming guest rooms feature minibar, safe, toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobe, and slippers.
Hotel Santa Maria Novella
Enjoy one night in this boutique hotel in the center of Florence. Located in a picturesque square, this hotel offers luxury accommodations and breathtaking views of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella from its rooftop terrace. Rest in one of the property’s 71 rooms, decorated with marble lacquered woodworking in the traditional Florentine style.
Grand Hotel Portovenere (Cinque Terre Extension)
Grand Hotel Portovenere is nestled between the famous Cinque Terre and the inspirational Gulf of Poets in eastern Liguria. Once upon a time, the building hosted the XVII-century Convent of San Francesco. This boutique hotel overlooks the marina and the historic center of Porto Venere. It is just steps away from the boats that take you to the Cinque Terre and the Bay of La Spezia, which inspired poets such as Lord Byron and Mary and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Details
Dates
Flight Information
Activity Level
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that 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. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. If your mobility is limited in any way, or if you have questions, please contact our Guest Services team at guestservices@experi.com.
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, 4 lunches, and 3 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*
Classic: $5,495
Deluxe: $5,995
Jr. Suite: $6,395 SOLD OUT
Suite: $6,995 SOLD OUT
Single Occupancy: $6,695
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,195
Single: $2,995
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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