An exclusive wine & food journey with
Tuscany
April 13 - 20, 2024
SOLD OUT
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
15
Meals
Join Rutherford Ranch Winery and raise 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 join a transfer to our accommodations, a 17th-century monastery situated inside the ancient walls of the town of Cortona. The historic property has been transformed into a charming hotel, overlooking the beauty of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Unwind at the property, stroll through the grounds, and meet our Travel Director this evening for introductions and a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Tuscan Pasta Workshop
Roll up your sleeves this morning for a hands-on culinary class to learn the art of Tuscan cooking. When the food is ready, sit down and savor the prepared fare paired with a selection of Tuscan wines.
In the afternoon, visit an olive oil mill in Cortona — 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-fire grilled bruschetta. After, explore the treasures of Cortona on a privately guided tour. Discover the city’s amazing Etruscan history and visit some of its most important sites. Enjoy dinner on your own in Cortona for dinner this evening. Your Travel Director would be happy to provide recommendations.
Day 3
Val d’Orcia
This morning, head to the beautiful medieval and Renaissance town of Montepulciano for a very special winery visit. Taste one of the most sought-after Tuscan wines: Nobile di Montepulciano. Enjoy a light lunch and take a stroll among the cobblestone streets of this charming village located between the Valdichiana and Val d’Orcia.
After a short drive with breathtaking views of the Val d’Orcia, we’ll arrive in the picturesque hillside village of Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walking tour of this Tuscan gem, famous - among other things - for the production of pecorino. Enjoy some free time to shop around Pienza’s gourmet and petite boutiques. Return to the property and unwind. Dinner is on your own tonight.
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. Back at the villa, we’ll have time to relax before heading out to a wine estate for a tasting followed by a wine-paired 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.
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 one of the charming hilltop villages of Chianti for a stroll. Enjoy a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting at an organic wine estate in Chianti.
Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our hotel— situated in the cultural heart of Florence. The remainder of the day is open to begin exploring the cobblestone streets and historical piazzas of the city. Your Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations for dinner.
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. At the end of our tour, 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. Enjoy some free time to wander on your own, get a bite, shop, and pack for your departure.
Our farewell dinner this evening is at a favorite 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 quaint restaurant that will treat you to a traditional pasta al pesto — the iconic dish of the area.
Afterward, meet a local guide for 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
Join a local guide this morning and board the ferry that runs to the Cinque Terre— a UNESCO World Heritage group of remote villages perched dramatically on the cliffs. Stop first in the small fishing village of Vernazza for a cappuccino or a piece focaccia. Continue on to the lovely town of Monterosso for a wine-paired lunch.
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.
Brunelleschi Hotel
Enjoy two nights in this boutique hotel located on a small square in the heart of medieval Florence, just steps away from the city’s most celebrated sights. Surrounded by popular shops and cafes, the hotel occupies a restored 6th-century tower, an ancient church, and several townhouses, and features 2 restaurants, a bar, fitness center, and complimentary WiFi. Contemporary rooms offer air conditioning, electric kettle, minibar, and bathrooms equipped with toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, and hair dryer.
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. 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, 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
- 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: $5,995
Deluxe: $6,495
Jr. Suite: $6,795 SOLD OUT
Suite: $7,495 SOLD OUT
Single Occupancy: $7,395
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,995 SOLD OUT
Superior: $3,595
Jr. Suite - $4,595 SOLD OUT
Single Occupancy: $3,995 SOLD OUT
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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