An exclusive wine & food journey with
WINES OF TUSCANY
June 16 - 23, 2024
12 - 16
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
15
Meals
We invite you to join us on a captivating journey through the heart of Tuscany, where ancient vineyards and time-honored winemaking traditions have produced wines that are famous around the world. During this exclusive trip, discover the vinicultural gems of Montalcino, Cortona, Montepulciano, and the renowned Chianti Classico region, savor local culinary traditions passed down through generations, and stroll historic cobblestone streets of medieval villages scattered throughout the postcard-worthy rolling green hills.
Explore
acclaimed wineries that have made history, like Antinori and Barone Ricasoli
Taste
Brunello di Montalcino, Super Tuscan, Chianti, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Discover
the picturesque Tuscan villages of San Quirico d’Orcia, Montalcino, and Pienza
Day 1
ARRIVE FLORENCE
Welcome to Italy! An Experi driver will greet you at the Florence airport and transport you south 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 aperitivo followed by a Welcome Dinner at the property.
Day 2
CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG
This morning, we’ll begin our exploration of Tuscan wines with a visit to one of the oldest estates in Italy where we’ll learn about the history of Chianti Classico wines and visit the modern wine-making facilities. Sit down for lunch expertly prepared using local seasonal ingredients. This afternoon, visit another acclaimed wine estate growing the traditional varieties of the Chianti area. Learn about their production methods and taste their high quality wines. Return to the property in the late afternoon for an open evening.
Day 3
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG & SAN QUIRICO
Today we head toward the hills near Montalcino to visit a winery producing renowned Brunello di Montalcino wines from their selection of Sangiovese grapes. Enjoy a tour, cellar visit, and guided tasting with light bites. In the afternoon, a short scenic drive through the heart of the Val d’Orcia countryside takes us to the picturesque hilltop village of San Quirico— an important stop on the pilgrimage routes during ancient times. Check in to our accommodations set just inside the town walls and have free time to stroll, pop into a wine bar for a tasting, and find a spot for dinner in this quintessential Tuscan town. Our Travel Director can provide recommendations.
Day 4
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG & MONTALCINO
We’ll delve further into the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG today, starting with a pioneer winery in the production of Brunello that continues to produce top quality wines. Learn about their history and winemaking traditions and taste their wines before continuing up the road to the hilltop town of Montalcino for some free time. This afternoon, stop briefly at the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, before continuing to another winery that was one of the early leaders in biodynamic wine production. Return to San Quirico this evening where we’ll gather for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 5
PIENZA & VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG
This morning, start with a visit to the 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. Next we’ll head to Montepulciano where we’ll indulge in one of the most sought-after Tuscan wines: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. Our first stop will be a small family-run winery where we’ll learn about the production process and the characteristics of the local wines followed by a tasting and light lunch. Continue to a second estate straddling the border of Montepulciano DOCG and Cortona DOC and experience the unique profile of their wines in a modern elegant setting. Return to the property afterward for an open evening.
Day 6
CORTONA DOC & CHIANTI RUFINA DOCG
Today’s adventures bring us to wineries in Cortona and the Chianti Rufina subzone. We’ll begin at another small family-run winery that specializes in growing the Syrah and Merlot grapes of the Cortona DOC. Tour the winery, and enjoy a light Tuscan lunch paired with their wines. Next we’ll travel north to our new accommodations at a wine estate outside Florence. Check in and have some time to relax before we venture back out to the mountain slopes of the Chianti Rufina area. Here we’ll visit a prestigious family estate with a long winemaking history and a reputation for sustainable cultivation of the land and fine wines that represent the diversity of Tuscany. Enjoy a tour, tasting, and wine paired dinner before returning to the property.
Day 7
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. Return to the property for some free time. This afternoon, take part in the ancient tradition of a truffle hunt at the estate. In the evening, we’ll gather to toast our journey during a gala farewell dinner.
Day 8
PORTOVENERE
Depart 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 in town. Afterward, meet a local guide for a walking tour of the highlights of the town. 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
CINQUE TERRE
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 of focaccia. Continue on to 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. Afterward, return to Portovenere for an open evening.
Day 10
PORTOVENERE
On your last day in the region, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Take a stroll along the harbor and the narrow pedestrian shopping street, Via Capellini, or check out one of the beautiful swimming spots near the hotel. If you feel like venturing further afield, you could return by boat or ferry to one of the Cinque Terre villages or travel by boat or kayak to nearby Palmaria Island where hiking trails, caves, and secluded beaches are waiting to be discovered
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.
RELAIS PALAZZO DEL CAPITANO
This boutique hotel situated inside the walls of the charming medieval town of San Quirico occupies a restored 14th century building that provides an authentic and charming sense of place. The property is surrounded by olive groves and gardens and features a wellness center, outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, minibar, and bathrooms containing toiletries and hair dryers.
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.
Grand Hotel Portovenere (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 4 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: $8,395
Suite: $9,495
Single Occupancy: $10,395
Extension Rates*
Classic: $2,995
Jr. Suite: $4,595
Single Occupancy: $3,995
*Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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