An exclusive wine & food journey with
Tuscan Traditions:
Celebrating the Antinori Legacy
April 12 - 19, 2026
12-24
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
13
Meals
Join Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars on a journey that celebrates the winemaking legacy of the Antinori family, one of the most prestigious and influential in Italy. Established in 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Winemakers’ Guild, the family’s identity has been deeply tied to Tuscany— through winemaking as well as its culture, art, agriculture, and heritage. Throughout the week, we’ll explore a selection of renowned Antinori estates and the historic towns surrounding them, gaining a deeper understanding of the tradition, legacy, and innovation that define Antinori winemaking.
Visit
La Braccesca, Badia a Passignano, and the state-of-the-art Antinori nel Chianti Classico winery, indulging in guided tastings of exceptional Antinori wines at each estate
Taste
the essence of Tuscany in a hands-on cooking workshop, where we'll craft authentic local dishes under expert guidance
Discover
the architectural gems of Renaissance Florence including Palazzo Antinori, the family’s historic residence, offering a rare glimpse into their centuries-old legacy
Day 1
ARRIVE CORTONA
Land in the Florence Airport and take a private transfer to our accommodations in a renovated 17th-century monastery situated in the ancient hilltop town of Cortona. Settle in and take time to explore your new surroundings.
This evening, we'll gather for introductions and a Welcome Dinner featuring local flavors.
Day 2
LA BRACCESCA
This morning begins with a visit to the Antinori family's La Braccesca estate, set amidst the rolling hills of Montepulciano. Take a private tour of the meticulously tended vineyards that produce the region’s celebrated Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines and explore the underground aging cellars. After the tour, enjoy a hands-on cooking class to prepare locally-inspired dishes, culminating in a delicious meal paired with the estate’s exceptional wines. From here, we’ll head to Montepulciano, a quintessential Tuscan hill town known for its dramatic hilltop setting and stunning Renaissance architecture. After some free time to explore at your own pace, we’ll return to Cortona for an open evening.
Day 3
ARTISAN PRODUCERS
After breakfast, we’ll take a short drive north to visit an expert Italian cheesemaker. Learn the art of tasting, cutting, and smelling a variety of cheeses, experience his man-made cheese caves, and gain insight into traditional Italian cheesemaking techniques. Following our visit, enjoy lunch at a quaint local restaurant.
This afternoon, stop at a traditional olive mill to discover the process of Tuscan olive oil production. Explore its history and cultural significance and sample freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil. Upon returning to the hotel, take some time to relax, or perhaps stroll into town for shopping and sightseeing. Dinner this evening is on your own. Our Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations.
Day 4
Siena
Today, we’ll make our way to the historic city of Siena. Our visit begins with a guided walking tour led by a local expert, who will bring to life the city’s rich history, traditions, and cultural significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the famed Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena and home to the legendary Palio horse race, and admire the Gothic cathedral, which houses masterpieces by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists.
After the tour, enjoy free time to wander through Siena’s charming streets, browse local shops, and find a spot for lunch before returning to the property for an open evening.
Day 5
ANTINORI NEL CHIANTI CLASSICO
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out and venturing northwest through the rolling Tuscan countryside. Our first stop is the charming town of Greve in Chianti, where we’ll take a stroll through the historic center and have free time for lunch.
We will continue to our accommodations in a historic Tuscan villa and have some time to relax and get settled. This evening, we have the privilege of an exclusive closed-door visit to the Antinori family’s state-of-the-art winery in Bargino— an architectural masterpiece that reflects their deep commitment to sustainability, tradition, and innovation. Enjoy a guided tour of the winery, that highlights it striking design and distinctive spaces.
At the end of the visit, we’ll have an aperitif before heading to Rinuccio 1180, the estate’s panoramic restaurant, where a specially curated tasting menu awaits, perfectly paired with select Antinori wines, presented by their expert wine educator.
Day 6
FLORENCE & PALAZZO ANTINORI
This morning, we set out for Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s most breathtaking cities. Join our local guide for a walking tour of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Duomo di Firenze, the Ponte Vecchio, and more. Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch and experience Florence at your own pace.
Later, we’ll gather for an exclusive visit to Palazzo Antinori, a stunning Renaissance landmark in the heart of Florence and home to the Antinori family since the 16th century. Following a private tour of the first floor (normally closed to the public), we’ll enjoy an aperitif before sitting down for dinner at Cantinetta Antinori, the family’s historic restaurant located on the ground floor of the palazzo.
Day 7
BADIA A PASSIGNANO
After breakfast, we’ll visit Badia a Passignano, a historic Benedictine monastery and winery closely tied to the Antinori family. Dominating the medieval village of Passignano in the heart of Chianti Classico, this site has played a central role in the region’s history. Upon arrival, we’ll be welcomed with a drink in the abbey garden before embarking on a guided tour led by a Benedictine monk. Inside, we’ll see Domenico Ghirlandaio’s 15th-century fresco of The Last Supper, a Renaissance masterpiece hidden within the monastery’s ancient walls. The tour continues into the abbey’s millenary wine cellars, where some of Antinori’s most prestigious wines are aged.
We’ll conclude this experience with a festive Farewell Lunch at the Michelin-starred Osteria di Passignano, indulging in a specially curated menu paired with a selection of five exceptional Antinori wines. Return to the property afterward to relax and enjoy your last evening at your leisure.
Day 8
VOLTERRA
We extend our exploration of Tuscan culture and Antinori wine as we head west toward the Etruscan Coast. Our first stop will be the medieval town of Volterra, known for its alabaster craftsmanship. After a demonstration by local artisans, we’ll sit down to lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing to our accommodations overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The remainder of the day is free to relax and unwind at the property.
Day 9
ELBA ISLAND
Depart for the coastal town of Piombino, where we’ll board a ferry to the island of Elba. Situated between the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas, Elba is a natural paradise with a rich history dating back to the Etruscans and Romans. Upon arrival, we’ll make our way to Porto Azzurro, a seaside town known for its picturesque waterfront, lively piazza, and Spanish fortifications. Take time to stroll along the harbor, browse artisan shops, or relax in a cafe overlooking the bay before we sit down for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll board the ferry to return to the mainland.
Day 10
BOLGHERI
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time to explore the offerings at the property. This afternoon, we’ll head to the lovely medieval village of Bolgheri, where we’ll have time for a stroll before continuing to the small but prestigious Bolgheri DOC, known as the birthplace of the Super Tuscan movement. Under the leadership of Marchese Piero Antinori, the family played a pioneering role in the Super Tuscan movement, redefining Italian winemaking in the 1970s. Visit Antinori’s Tenuta Guado al Tasso estate to discover the historic vineyards, learn about the unique microclimate, and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Osteria del Tasso.
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.
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.
The Sense Experience Resort
Situated in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, this resort property is nestled in a pine forest with beautiful views overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The property features multiple dining options, bar/lounge, private beach club, seasonal heated pool, walking trails, complimentary bicycles, and fitness classes. Spacious rooms offer a terrace with sea view, air conditioning, coffee/tea maker, complimentary WiFi, and bathroom equipped with bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, and hairdryer.
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