An exclusive wine & food journey with
CHIANTI
APRIL 14 - 21, 2024
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
16
Meals
Join Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Executive Chef Travis Westrope for an unforgettable journey to the ancient Chianti region of Tuscany. Famous for its wine, traditional cuisine, medieval hilltowns, and rolling green countryside dotted with vineyards, Chianti offers a rich history and culture waiting to be discovered on this food and wine-focused adventure.
Explore
the striking medieval hilltowns of Siena and San Gimignano and the rich culture and history of Florence
Taste
the acclaimed wine of estates in the Chianti Classico DOCG appellation
Discover
local artisan food producers and traditional Tuscan cooking techniques
Day 1
Arrive Tuscany
Welcome to Italy! An Experi driver will greet you at the Florence Airport and transport you to your accommodations in the Tuscan hills of Chianti Classico.
Take some time to relax and get settled before gathering this evening for introductions and an aperitif followed by a Welcome Dinner at the property.
Day 2
Chianti Classico
After a leisurely morning, we’ll drive north to Badia a Coltibuono, an ancient monastery and farm set in the Chianti hills. We’ll learn the techniques to prepare special Tuscan dishes during a hands-on cooking class, followed by a wine-paired lunch, and a guided tour of the abbey and vineyards.
Return to the property with some free time to relax before heading back out this evening for a tour, tasting, and light dinner at a nearby wine estate.
Day 3
Siena
This morning, we’ll start with a visit to the Podere Sant’Anna dairy to learn about the production of their high quality handcrafted cheeses and observe the cheesemaking process firsthand. Our tour will be followed with a light lunch including tastes of the fresh cheeses produced onsite.
After, we’ll continue on to the medieval city of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the highlights of the historic city center with an expert local guide followed by free time to explore at your own pace and have dinner.
Day 4
Panzano & San Gimignano
After a relaxing morning, our first stop today is the shop of celebrity butcher Dario Cecchini in the town of Panzano. We’ll learn about the history and traditions of Tuscany’s meat culture and enjoy a special culinary experience during lunch at his restaurant. From here, we’ll have an 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. A guided tour of the town’s historic center will include tastings of local specialties including gelato and the local wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
After, we’ll have free time to wander the town at our own pace and find a place for dinner. Our Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations.
Day 5
Albola
We’ll check out this morning after a leisurely breakfast and make our way north to the Castello d’Albola estate in the Chianti Classico DOCG appellation where grape cultivation has a legacy dating back to the time of the Etruscans. During our visit, take a private guided tour of the vineyards, the ancient Borgo, and the historic cellars followed by a classic tasting of 4 estate wines paired with typical Tuscan dishes.
After lunch, continue north to our accommodations in another idyllic corner of the Tuscan countryside where we’ll have free time to relax and get settled in our new surroundings. Enjoy a wine-paired dinner at the property this evening, featuring their award-winning estate wines and vin santo.
Day 6
Florence
This morning we’ll head to the Renaissance city of Florence where we'll join a local guide for a walking tour of the city’s historic highlights, including the Duomo di Firenze, San Lorenzo Market, Ponte Vecchio, and more. Our tour will be followed by free time to wander the city’s narrow streets and picturesque neighborhoods, passing old palaces, workshops, and studios. Enjoy time to shop, have lunch, and explore the artistic treasures of the city at our own pace.
Returning to the property in the afternoon, we’ll have time to relax before gathering together in the evening for a casual dinner at a local venue.
Day 7
Chianti Countryside
This morning we have a special treat— weather permitting, we’ll begin the day with a hot air balloon ride over the Chianti countryside, providing unforgettable views over the vineyards, olive groves, and lush rolling hills of Tuscany. Afterward, return to the hotel with time to relax before experiencing a traditional truffle hunt on the grounds of the Torre a Cona estate.
Tonight, we’ll gather one last time to toast our journey with new friends and enjoy a festive farewell dinner at the property.
Day 8
Palazzo di Varignana
We’ll say farewell to Tuscany this morning and make our way north to the Emilia Romagna region, known for its elegant medieval cities, luxury sports cars, and rich gastronomic and wine-making traditions.
Check into our accommodations on the outskirts of Bologna and have the remainder of the day free to relax, enjoy the spa, and perhaps check out one of the restaurants on site featuring freshly prepared local favorites.
Day 9
Bologna & Cooking Class
Mid-morning, head to the medieval university town of Bologna where we’ll take part in a hands-on cooking class featuring the sumptuous meat sauces for which the city is known. We’ll sit down afterward to enjoy lasagna and bolognese ragu paired with a glass of wine.
In the afternoon, join an expert local guide for a tour of Bologna’s preserved medieval city center, including the massive Basilican of San Petronio, the 5th largest church in the world. With deep roots in academia and cultural institutions, Bologna has over 50 museums and art galleries to explore. At the conclusion of the tour, we’ll have free time for shopping and dinner on our own before returning to the property.
Day 10
Modena
After a leisurely morning, head out this afternoon to the small ancient town of Modena, known by gourmets for regional specialties such as balsamico di Modena (balsamic vinegar) and by car enthusiasts as for Ferrari, Maserati, Bugatti, and Lamborghini based nearby. First,we’ll visit Italy’s oldest balsamic vinegar producer and learn about the ancient craftsmanship involved in maintaining this family art through the generations. Continuing into Piazza Grande in Modena’s city center, a local guide will share the stories and highlights of this city that dates back to Romans.
We’ll have an open evening in Modena to stroll in the city center and find a spot for dinner before returning to our accommodations.
Accommodations
Relais Borgo Scopeto
Located in the heart of Tuscany’s Chianti wine region, Borgo Scopeto Relais offers elegant accommodations in a stylishly converted historic hamlet. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, terraced gardens, and wooded hills the property features two pools, a fitness room, spa, restaurant, and bar. Rooms and bathrooms feature modern conveniences including air conditioning, complimentary WiFi, toiletries, bathrobe, slippers, and hair dryer.
Torre a Cona Wine Estate
This historic villa in the Tuscan countryside is also a working wine estate, surrounded by picturesque vineyards, olive groves, and gardens. The property features a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, and complimentary WiFi. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, electric kettle, minibar, toiletries, bathrobe, and hairdryer.
Palazzo di Varignana (Extension)
Located outside Bologna, this sprawling rural retreat is surrounded by views of green hills and offers a variety of activities on site as well as extensive spa services. The property features a fine dining and more rustic restaurant, bar, outdoor and indoor pools, spa, terrace and garden, tennis court, and fitness center while rooms offer air conditioning, complimentary WiFi, minibar, coffee maker, toiletries, bathrobe, and hair dryer.
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 5 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:
Classic: $6,995
Superior: $7,295
Jr. Suite: $7,595
Suite: $7,995
Single Occupancy: $8,495
NON-MEMBER RATES:
Classic: $7,295
Superior: $7,595
Jr. Suite: $7,895
Suite: $8,295
Single Occupancy: $8,795
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,695
Single Occupancy: $3,699
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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