CHIANTI

More than a wine named

 
The first definition of a wine-area called Chianti was made in 1716. It described the area near the villages of Gaiole, Castellina and Radda; the so-called Lega del Chianti and later Provincia del Chianti (Chianti province). In 1932 the Chianti area was completely re-drawn and divided in seven sub-areas: Classico, Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colline Pisane, Colli Senesi, Montalbano and Rùfina. Most of the villages that in 1932 were suddenly included in the new Chianti Classico area added in Chianti to their name-such as Greve in Chianti , famous for had being the oldest market of the area and for had giving birth to Giovanni Da Verrazzano, the explorer famous for the discovery of USA . The Chianti Classico region covers an area of approximate 100 square miles (259 square kilometers) between the city of Florence to the north and Siena to the south. The soil and geography of this region can be quite varied, with altitudes ranging from 820 feet (250 meters) to 2000 feet (610 meters), and rolling hills producing differing macroclimates. The soil in the north is richer and more fertile and gradually becoming harder and stonier in the south, all these things make the differecences between the producers but he high-level requested maintain the quality at the highest level of Italy’s wine production. The black rooster (gallo nero in Italian) that appears on the neck labels of many Chianti Classico is the symbol of the Consorzio Chianti Classico, a foundation of producers in the Chianti Classico region. The foundation was founded with the aim of promoting the wines of the region, improving quality and preventing wine fraud.

PISA

 One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Worldwide known for  the leaning tower and its wonderful Cathedral square, better known as Miracle square.The origins of Pisa are really very ancient, some archeological finds testify the existence of Eneolithic settlements. The Etruscan presence date back between the 6th and 3rd centuries B.C. In that time Pisa overlooked the sea. Later, it was Romanized, and the Romans built an important naval base for its fleet, the "Portus Pisanus", the Port of Pisa, exactly between the mouth of the river, where nowadays is situated San Pietro a Grado, and a part of the cost now occupied by Livorno. With the fall of the Roman Empire, Pisa grew in importance and in the 11th century it became one of the strongest Italian Maritime Republics, together with Genoa, Amalfi and Venice. Pisa had the control and the supremacy of the western part of the Mediterranean sea. Still nowadays Pisa organizes the Historical Regatta of the Maritima Republics to remind that period. In the past Pisa was an important university center, and still nowadays it’s one of the most important university center of Italy. In Cavalieri square, heart of the town, there is the prestigious "Normale " university, renowed all over the world.Pisa is also the birthplace of Galileo Galilei, astronomer, physicist, mathematician.

SAN GIMIGNANO

"City of the Beautiful Towers"

San Gimignano rises on a beautiful Senese hill 334 meters above the sea level and, its towers, which make the town "unique" in the world, dominates the Elsa Valley. Its origins date back to the Etruscan period and it takes the name "Gimignano" from the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who saved the village from the Barbarians. The Middle Ages was the most important period for the development of the town, thanks to its strategic position. San Gimignano was run through by the ancient "Via Francigena", a pilgrim’s route in the direction of Rome. During this period there was a flowering of works of art, adorning churches, palaces and monasteries. But, the town was also situated between two enemy cities, Florence and Siena, so theatre of several wars. The fight between Guelphs and Ghibellines and the Black Death Plague, where more than half of the population died, signed the decline of the town, obliged to live for years crystallized, in isolation. Nowadays fortunately it has been rediscovered and it is a marvellous tourist stopping place that you can’t miss. The 72 tower-houses built in the town symbolized the wealth and the power of the families living in there. Today only 14 of them have survived, such us the famous "Torre Grossa" (The Big Tower).

SAN MINIATO
 
"The town of truffle"

Little village between the Pisan hills, thirteen centuries of history, still nowadays called "noble town", for the personalities who lived in and those who spoke about it in their works. San Miniato is situated in a strategic position, along the ancient Via Francigena which connected the north Europe to Rome during the Middle Ages. The town is also in the heart of the Valdarno area, trade place for big cities such as Florence, Siena, Lucca and Pisa. It was the favorite town for a lot of Emperors, Popes and poets, even Michelangelo declared to have met Pope Clemente VII here in San Miniato. Also Napoleon lived in this town, period that the writer Luigi Mascilli Migliorini remembers in the book "Napoleon and San Miniato: the return of the hero", published on the occasion of the bicentenary of the his visit in San Miniato, the 29th June 1796. Today San Miniato is also very famous to be "the town of Truffle" .
 You can recognize the smell of the White truffle of San Miniato on the tables of the best restaurants in the world. Tradition which dates back to the Middle Ages handed down through generations. This tradition can be discovered, every years since 1969, during the "National White truffle of San Miniato Show". And remember…"The truffle makes woman more tender and men more amiable". (Brillat Savarin).

LEONARDO DA VINCI
the immortal Genius

Vinci is immersed in the vineyards and olive trees on one of the most charming hill of Montalbano, a tower raises to dominate the lower valley right over to the mountains. The tower was built by the Guidi counts during the twelfth century, it’s the oldest part of the village and nowadays symbol of Vinci. The castle around the tower has been extended during the thirteenth century, period in which Vinci passed under the control of the Republic of Florence. The castle houses a part of the Leonardiano Museum since the 15th April 1953, fifth century anniversary of Leonardo’s death. Inside the museum, besides the interesting Leonardo’s inventions, there are frescos, coats of arms of ancient families and a beautiful terracotta sculpture by Giovanni della Robbia. Nearby the tower, in the main square of the historical center, there is since 1987, the wooden sculpture by the artist Mario Ceroli which represents the Leonardo’s "Vitruvian Man". Very interesting is also the parish church of Santa Croce that still contains the baptismal font where Leonardo da Vinci is said to have been baptized. In the main square of the modern center of Vinci, Piazza della Libertà, there is the equestrian monument by Nina Akamu. About three Km from Vinci, in Anchiano, it’s situated the House of Leonardo, where is still possible to admire the same landscape that Leonardo gazed at as a child.

SIENA
Cor magis tibi Sena pandit ( Siena opens its heart to you)

Historical signs: Siena is the city which best represents the essence of Tuscany, with its colours, flavours, its perfect symbiosis with the surrounding nature, its art and history. Situated 322 metres above the sea level, Siena has kept its typical medieval appearance untouched, with narrow alleys and noble palaces. The site of Siena was originally an Etruscan settlement that later become the Roman city of Sena Julia. With the fall of the Roman Empire, it developed flourished under the Lombard kings, to became, in the 12th century, a self-governing commune. In the 13th century Siena became an important banking centre, but, in the early 14th century, because of  political events and the Black Death which devastated the whole city, Siena lost its strong power. After a series of governments changing, Siena was sold to Cosimo I de' Medici, becoming part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. In 1861, together with the rest of Tuscany, Siena was absorbed into the new Kingdom of Italy. The heart of Siena is its Campo square, where, twice a year, since 1147, the 2nd of July and the 16th of Augost, the square gets covered with people, anxious to see the famous Palio. The Palio itself is a horse race, but it begins with an elegant procession in the square. The race is three times around the Piazza del Campo, and each jockeys, or fantini, represent a contrade of the city.

MONTERIGGIONI

The invincible fortress

 
The castle was founded in the second decade of the thirteenth century by the Republic of Siena, with the purpose of creating a defence outpost against its rival Florence. For centuries the settlement carried out the function for which it was created, repelling a multitude of attacks. Inhabited by soldiers and many civilian families, from the middle of the sixteenth century its military function ceased when the entire Sienese state, to which our village belonged, was annexed to the Florentine state. Much of the XIII century structure remains which makes Monteriggioni utterly unique in the panorama of medieval Tuscan villages. Its more or less circular walls, which hug the peak of the hill, are constructed over roughly 570 metres and crowned with fourteen towers that rise up from the external surface. Their majesty must have been so impressive in the Middle Ages that Dante used the turrets as the famous simile for the giants encircling the infernal abyss in his Divine Comedy . The village sheltered within the walls can be accessed through two gates and centres around a large rectangular square looked over by the parish of S. Maria Assunta. This building is the best example of the preservation of medieval features, even if in the entire area with its characteristic alley ways, there are many houses that exhibit their ancient origin.Monteriggioni, as well as the unique nature of the town, has a museum and access to the walkway that runs around the summits of the walls.

VOLTERRA

 "City of the Alabaster"

On more then 500 meters above the sea level, between Cecina and Era valley, Volterra began to be inhabited by the Etruscans from the 8^th century BC, becoming absolutely one of the most important city called "Velhtri". The Etruscan transformed Volterra in a vast and rich territory, basing the economy not just on the forests and agriculture, but above all on the mineral deposit’s richness of the metalliferous hills around. During the V /VI centuries BC Volterra had 25.000 inhabitants, twice the number of the modern population. Even during the Roman Empire it was an important "metropolis", to pass later under the control of the Lombards. The castle, today "Rocca Vecchia"(Old Fortress), was built in 1343, but, the entire complex of the fortress, considered the first fortress built in Tuscany, it was a will of Lourence the Magnificence after his military conquest of the town. The fortress is still intact and represent the importance that Volterra had during the past, and it is possible to see it from every part of the town you arrive. A tradition that Volterra still maintain from the Etruscan period, is the handwork of the Alabaster, considered the most valuable of Europe for its characteristics of compactness, transparency, veined and hardness. This stone is the symbol of the town, and you will be impressed by the "alabaster’s sculptures" that enriched the typical shops along the streets of the historical centre.

MONTALCINO

"The town of the Brunello"

Montalcino is like an "island" in the heart of Tuscany, on a hilltop 564 meters height above sea level, immersed in the green environment that is still intact and wild, where you will be involved in that magical and spontaneous relation between man and nature. Reaching the town from the valley you can admire the imposing Fourteenth-century Fortress, theater of several wars between Siena and Florence. But also Montalcino have enjoyed its moment of proud glory, in the sixteenth-century, when it resisted for a long time the besieging armies of Spain and France.Today, undoubtedly,  the image of Montalcino is revealed by that of the "Brunello", one of the most vintage wine of Italy, a DOCG wine that borns thanks to the soil and the favourable climatic conditions of this Tuscan "island". The Brunello of Montalcino has a limpid, brilliant and garnet colour and an intense and persistent odour, it’s excellent with red meat, mushrooms, truffles, cheese, with more complex and complicated dishes, and, in addition, it’s called the "meditation wine".In 1967 was created the “Consortium of the Brunello of Montalcino”, in order to protect and preserve the high quality of this wine.

MONTEPULCIANO
Land of Noble wine

It is a medieval and Renaissance hill town and comune in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany. Montepulciano is a major producer of food and drink. Renown for its pork, cheese, "pici" pasta, lentils, and honey, it is known world-wide for its wine. Connoisseurs consider its Vino Nobile, which should not be confused with varietal wine merely made from the Montepulciano grape, among Italy's best. According to legend, it was founded by the Etruscan King Porsenna of Chiusi; recent findings prove that a settlement was already in existence in the 4th-3rd centuries BC. In Roman times it was the seat of a garrison guarding the main roads of the area. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it developed as a religious center under the Lombards. In the 12th century it was repeatedly attacked by the Republic of Siena, which the Poliziani faced with the help of the Perugia and Orvieto, and sometimes Florence, communes. The 14th century was characterized by constant struggles between the local noble families, until the Del Pecora family became rulers of the town. From 1390, Montepulciano was a loyal possession of Florence and, until the mid-16th century, lived a period of splendour with architects such as Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola, Baldassarre Peruzzi, Ippolito Scalza and others, building luxurious residences and other edifices here. In 1559, when Siena was conquered by Florence and Montepulciano lost its strategic role, its importance declined and it became more important as agricultural centre.The main street of Montepulciano stretches for 1.5 kilometers till the top of the hill. The city is renowned for its walkable, car-free nature. The main landmarks include: The Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Tarugi, The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and impossible to miss, The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio, just outside the walls.

PIENZA
the land of the pecorino cheese

Pienza was rebuilt in the 15 century ( from a village called Corsignano) as an ideal Renaissance town by the Pope Piccolimini, impossible to miss visiting his palace. It represents the first application of humanist urban planning concepts, creating a trend for planning that was adopted in other Italian towns and cities and eventually spread to other European centers. Pienza is also famous for the excellent sheep's milk cheese, or more correctly, ewes' milk cheese, pecorino, produced in the area.

Taste of Chianti Classico

9 Am: Pick up from your location and departure for Chianti’s area, land of one of the best worldwide wine the Chianti Classico. Here,  along the "Chiantigiana" the famous wine route , hills of vineyards and olive trees are perfect guests of the journey as the tiny hilltop towns those add in Chianti to their name-such as Greve in Chianti, famous for had being the oldest market of the area and for had giving birth to Giovanni Da Verrazzano, the explorer famous for the discovery of USA. Crossing beautiful little villages and unforgettable landscapes we stop for a visit to a typical farmhouse for wine tasting of Chianti’s best products.

12 Am: Departure for the client’s location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, wine tasting (3 wines) and appetizers.

Not Included:  Everything not written under "Included".

On request: Other languages speaking driver and all needs must be requested in advance.

Leaning Leonardo

9 Am: Pick up from your location and departure to Pisa, where you can discover the beauty of its  well-known monuments in the Miracle Square, as the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and Cemetery.

11:30 Am: Departure to Vinci. First we stop at Montalbano oil mill for the extra virgin olive oil tasting and local food typical of Leonardo’s land. Here experienced workers will explain you the oil processing methods.  The "Oleificio Montalbano" mill offers to its clients only high quality products, result of a precise selection of the olives that, according to a secular tradition, the workers have to pick directly from the trees to select them very carefully. After driving along the beautiful street between the olives trees of Montalbano mountain, you arrive at the foot of Leonardo’s house, typical ancient colonial house of Anchiano area. Free time to visit the house from the inside and where is possible to admire the "Renaissance lands".  Going on to the historical center of Vinci you could visit the Leonardiano museum where you can see the most beautiful invention of the genius. Among the most famous machines: the Motor Carriage, the Articulated Wings (intuition of the modern hang-glider), the Revolving Crane, the Crank-Operated Cart, the Diver, and so on.
3:30 Pm: Departure for the client’s location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver,   tools, parking, luggage handling,  water on board, guided visit of the oil mill,  olive oil tasting (Typical wild range of different bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil/and local products, "brigidini and cantucci" biscuits and "vin santo " dessert wine, wine and water included).

Not Included: everything not written under "Included".

On request: Other languages speaking driver and all needs must be requested in advance. Guided walking tour Pisa, approximately 2 hours

Invitation at the Castle

5 Pm: Pick up from your location and departure for Chianti’s area,  land of one of the best worldwide wine the Chianti Classico.

Here, along the "Chiantigiana" the famous wine route , hills of vineyards and olive trees are perfect guests of the journey as the tiny hilltop towns those add in Chianti to their name-such as Greve in Chianti , famous for had being the oldest market of the area and for had giving birth to Giovanni Da Verrazzano, the explorer famous for the discovery of USA . Crossing beautiful little villages and unforgettable landscapes we stop for a visit to a typical farmhouse for wine tasting of Chianti’s best products.

6.15 Pm: Meet in the garden of the Castle for a wine cellar tour .

After the visit, enjoy a selection of simple dishes that are enhanced by the use of quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Menù:
Start with delicious " Fusilli alla Carne Secca", pasta with a simple condiment of diced air dried meat and Extra Virgin Oil (no sauces or tomato), the warm pasta releases all the oil's flavor and intensity combined with a glass of our IGT Toscana.
Maialino Chiantigiano with truffle oil,  roast fillet of piglet with truffle oil,  the fruitiness of the oil is enhanced by the aroma of truffle which is absorbed by the soft texture of the meat combined with a glass of superb Chianti Classico wine.
Conclude with an Extra Virgin Oil Ice Cream!!!

10 Pm: Departure for the client’s location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, guided tour of the castle and wine tour of its cellars, Extra Virgin Olive Oil dinner (3 courses).

Not Included:  Everything not written under "Included".

Note: Available on  each Thursday evening from April till October included. Reduction: Juniors under 10 smaller portions of the meal less € 20,00 per pax.

Meat & Wine lovers tour

 

5:30 Pm Pick up from your location and departure for Chianti’s area,  land of one of the best worldwide wine the Chianti Classico. Here, along the "Chiantigiana" the famous wine route , hills of vineyards and olive trees are perfect guests of the journey as the tiny hilltop towns those add in Chianti to their name-such as Greve in Chianti , famous for had being the oldest market of the area and for had giving birth to Giovanni Da Verrazzano, the explorer famous for the discovery of USA . Crossing beautiful little villages and unforgettable landscapes we stop for a visit to a typical farmhouse for wine tasting of Chianti’s best products.

7 Pm: Dinner at Macelleria Cecchini with " Solo Ciccia" menu: Muzzle and Broth, Spicy meat sauce on toast, Batter fried meats and vegetables, Rosemary up your bum, Fresh, raw garden vegetables, Garbanzo and white beans, Beef roasts, Boiled beef and vegetable salad, Braised meats, Homemade focaccia and Tuscan bread, Olive oil cake, Coffee, Grappa Cecchini. House wine and water included. Our menus are all naturally dairy-free (unless you like cream in your coffee) and perfectly adapted to a lactose intolerant diet.

9 Pm: journey back to Florence, short break to appreciate the town from the hilltop and drop off at your location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, T-bone steak dinner.

Not Included:  Everything not written under "Includes".

Note: Available on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm.

On request: on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 9:00 pm or Sunday at 1 pm. Other languages speaking driver and all needs must be requested in advance.

Banquet at the Castle

5 Pm: Pick up from your location and departure for Chianti’s area,  land of one of the best worldwide wine the Chianti Classico. Here, along the "Chiantigiana" the famous wine route , hills of vineyards and olive trees are perfect guests of the journey as the tiny hilltop towns those add in Chianti to their name-such as Greve in Chianti , famous for had being the oldest market of the area and for had giving birth to Giovanni Da Verrazzano, the explorer famous for the discovery of USA . Crossing beautiful little villages and unforgettable landscapes we stop for a visit to a typical farmhouse for wine tasting of Chianti’s best products.

6.15 Pm: Meet in the garden for a wine cellar tour followed by a refreshing glass of our rosé or white wine according to availability.

7.45 Pm: (approximately) Enjoy a four course dinner of seasonal Tuscan recipes. A glass of five prize winning wines and Il Santo dessert wine will accompany the meal.

10 Pm: Departure for a client’s location

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, guided tour of the castle and wine tour of its cellars, Extra Virgin Olive Oil dinner (4 courses) ,  wine tasting (5 wines).

Not Included:  Everything not written under "Included".

Note: Available on  each Monday evening from April till October included. Reduction: Juniors under 10 smaller portions of the meal

Medici Villas and Florence Landscapes

3 pm: Departure from your location for this special tour where you can enjoy you can walking along the characteristic streets and dedicate a day to the "Lands of Renaissance" discovering the historical center of the marvelous landscapes and panoramic views of Florence and its hills where you can visit the Etruscan town of Fiesole and De Medici Villas, unique Unesco heritage sights and unforgettable spots of Tuscany. 

After departure to Florence outskirts where it is possible to visit a villa owned by De’ Medici family, the dynasty who ruled Florence in its best period.

After a little journey to Michelangelo’s square for the best view of the town and then we lead you till the historical path to an enchanting terrace where you can enjoy a nice "aperitivo" , admiring  " Ponte Vecchio" bridge and the streets of the old center, the religious center composed by the Giotto’s bell tower, the Cathedral and its majestic Cupola of Brunelleschi and Florence, in its eternal beauty.

8 pm: Transfer Back to your location or to a restaurant for a special dinner.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board.

Not Included:  Everything not written under "Included".

On request: Guide service in Florence (3 hours) in clients language (price on request). Restaurant reservation ( free of charge).

Black Rooster Landscapes

9 Am: Pick up from your location and departure for Chianti’s area, land of one of the best worldwide wine the Chianti Classico.

Here, along the "Chiantigiana" the famous wine route , hills of vineyards and olive trees are perfect guests of the journey as the tiny hilltop towns those add in Chianti to their name-such as Greve in Chianti , famous for had being the oldest market of the area and for had giving birth to Giovanni Da Verrazzano, the Florentine explorer famous for his travels to the east coast of USA .

For lunch we stop at  an organic farmhouse, famous for handmade products, where is possible to taste the balsamic vinegar , a unique thing in Chianti area. After that crossing beautiful little villages and unforgettable landscapes we stop for a visit to a typical farmhouse for wine tasting of Chianti’s best products.

4 Pm: Departure for the client’s location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver,  tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, tasting lunch (Typical Tuscan starters, first course, dessert, 3 wines and water) , wine tasting and appetizers.

Not Included: Everything not written under "Included”.

 Etruscans, Towers and Truffles

 
9 Am: Pick up from your location to Pisa, where you can discover the beauty of its well-known monuments in the Miracle Square, as the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and Cemetery.

11:30 Am: Departure from Pisa for a tasting lunch of Truffles in a real truffle factory, where is possible to understand better why this incredible product of the Earth is called the " White Gold" and taste a wonderful lunch of local food based on truffle ingredients.

2 Pm: Departure to Volterra, where admire the rests of the old city. During the visit you can see a handcraft Alabaster shop to discover the methods of working of the stone, symbol of the town.
 4 Pm: Departure to San Gimignano.

Driving throughout the delightful Tuscan’ s hills you reach the town famous for its original towers, followed by a nice walk in the historical center and free time.
 6 Pm: Departure for your location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, truffle tasting lunch (Typical Tuscan and truffle starters, first course with truffle, dessert, wine and water included).

Not Included: Everything not written under "Included".

On request: Other languages speaking driver and all needs must be requested in advance.

Medieval Skyscrapers

9 Am: Pick up from your location and departure to Pisa, where you can discover the beauty of its  well-known monuments in the Miracle Square, as the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and Cemetery.

11:30 Am: Departure from Pisa for a tasting lunch of Truffles in a real truffle factory, where is possible to understand better why this incredible product of the Earth is called the " White Gold" and taste a wonderful lunch of local food based on truffle ingredients.

2 Pm: Departure to the medieval Manhattan, the town famous for its original towers.

Driving throughout the delightful Tuscan’s hills you reach San Gimignano, this incredible town rises on a beautiful "Senese" hill 334 meters above the sea level , it dominates the surrounded valley and its architecture makes it unique in the world, here enjoy a nice walk in the historical center and free time.

4 Pm: Departure for the client’s location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, truffle tasting lunch (Typical Tuscan and truffle starters, first course with truffle, dessert, wine and water included).

Not Included: everything not written under “Included”.

On request: Guided walking tour Pisa, approximately 2 hours (price on request). Wine tasting and appetizers in an enoteca of San Gimignano.

Montalcino & Siena

9 Am: Departure from your location. After a beautiful journey through the wonderful villages and countryside of the Chianti and Orcia Valley, you will arrive in Montalcino. First stop is a Brunello wine maker, where is possible to appreciate the worldwide known wines of this are and the working methods, after we leave to Montalcino. Here, free time to  walk up at the foot of the Fourteenth-century Fortress, to go on till the historical center, where you will have some free time to discover the "secrets" of the village and coming back with one of the most beautiful memories that this land can give you. A typical lunch includes local food well combined with the  taste of the famous wines of Montalcino.

2 Pm: A comfortable journey thought the countryside will take you till Siena, where between narrow alleys and noble palaces, over the highest hill of the three hills of Siena, you will arrive at the majestic Cathedral and moreover, the heart of the city, Piazza del Campo, one of the most famous square in the world for its artistic and architectural beauty. Free time.

5 Pm: Departure for the client’s location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, guided visit of a Brunello farmhouse and wine tasting (3 wines), Tuscan tasting light lunch (Tuscan starters, first course, coffee and water included).

Not Included: everything not written under "Included".

On request: Other languages speaking driver and all needs must be requested in advance. Guided walking tour Siena, approximately 2 hours.

The Golden White and The Genius

9 Am: Pick up from your location (Florence center) departure for the part of the Excursion dedicated to "Searching Truffle" an expert Truffle-gatherers of the San Miniato hills, and his inseparable dog, you will lead for a walk in the wood with them.

It’s the opportunity to discover this “treasure” hidden in the woods of San Miniato and the dog’s training methods. 

After the walk, some experts will explain you the working processes and the use of the truffle then a wonderful tasting lunch of Truffles in a real truffle factory, where is possible to understand better why this incredible product of the Earth is called the " White Gold" and taste a wonderful lunch of local food based on truffle ingredients.

2 Pm: Departure to Vinci.

Driving along the beautiful street between the olives trees of Montalbano mountain, you arrive at the foot of Leonardo’s house, typical ancient colonial house of Anchiano area. Free time to visit the house from the inside and where is possible to admire the “Renaissance lands”. 

Going on to the historical center of Vinci you could visit the Leonardiano museum where you can see the most beautiful invention of the genius. 

Among the most famous machines: the Motor Carriage, the Articulated Wings (intuition of the modern hang-glider), the Revolving Crane, the Crank-Operated Cart, the Diver, and so on. On the way back we stop at Montalbano oil mill for the extra virgin olive oil tasting, typical of Leonardo’s land. Experienced workers will explain you the oil processing methods.

The “Oleificio Montalbano” mill offers to its clients only high quality products, result of a precise selection of the olives that, according to a secular tradition, the workers have to pick directly from the trees to select them very carefully.

4:30 Pm: Departure for  your location

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling,  water on board, truffle tasting lunch (Typical Tuscan and truffle starters, first course with truffle, dessert, wine and water included), extra virgin olive oil tasting and visit of the oil mill.

Not Included: everything not written under “Included”.

Meet the families

9 Am: Departure for Chianti’s area,  land of one of the best worldwide wine the Chianti Classico. Here, along the "Chiantigiana" the famous wine route, hills of vineyards and olive trees are perfect guests of the journey as the tiny hilltop towns those add in Chianti to their name-such as Castellina or Greve in Chianti, where this little farmhouse owned by a family

Visit of Chianti Farm house with wine cellar.

Driving from the green hills of Florence to Montalcino, in one of the most suggestive Tuscan landscape, you will reach the heart of the area famous for the production of Brunello wine. Here

the estate’s selection of prestigious and selected wines will be accompanied by the friendly company of the family that own this little and enchanting farmhouse.

4 pm After lunch and relaxing time departure for  your location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, a wine tour and lunch in a families farmhousse.

Not Included:  Everything not written under "Included.

Truffles & Towers

9 Am: Departure for the part of the Excursion dedicated to "Searching Truffle" an expert Truffle-gatherers of the San Miniato hills, and his inseparable dog, you will go for a walk in the wood with them. It’s the opportunity to discover this "treasure" hidden in the woods of San Miniato and the dog’s training methods. After the walk, some experts will explain you the working processes and the use of the truffle. Follow tasting lunch of Truffles in a real truffle factory, where is possible to understand better why this incredible product of the Earth is called the "White Gold" and taste a wonderful lunch of local food based on truffle ingredients.

2 Pm: Driving through the delightful Tuscan’s hills you will reach the town of San Gimignano, where is possible to admire its original towers, followed by a nice walk in the historical center and free time for shopping in its outdoor mall.

4 Pm: Departure for a client’s location

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, walking truffle tor, truffle tasting lunch (Typical Tuscan and truffle starters, first course with truffle, dessert, wine and water included).

Not Included: everything not written under "Included".

On request: Other languages speaking driver and all needs must be requested in advance.

Val D’Orcia Journey

9 Am: Departure from your location to Montepulciano, a former Roman Settlement, risen on "Mons Politianus" owen its present appearance not just to the middle ages but also to the Renaissance, as we see from numerous churches and palaces built by Antonio da Sangallo and by Michelozzo. You will participate to a guided tour of an historical farmhouse cellars with a delightful tasting of the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and extra virgin olive oil tasting during the visit of the town. After that let’s go to Pienza thet is famous for its Pecorino cheese but it has been the first renaissance town in Europe, a model of perfect illuminate architecture for Florence, Paris ect…..

Art lovers, however, will associate this small south Tuscan town with Enea Silvio Piccolomini, later Pope Pius II, who asked Bernardo Rossellino to transform his birthplace into an ideal city of the Renaissance. Enjoy here a tasting lunch of local products. At last you admire Montalcino that is like an "island" in the heart of Tuscany, on a hilltop 564 meters height above sea level, immersed in the green environment that is still intact and wild, its symbol is the imposing Fourteenth-century Fortress, theater of several wars between Siena and Florence. But also Montalcino have enjoyed its moment of proud glory, in the sixteen-century, when it resisted for a long time the besieging armies of Spain and France. Today, undoubtedly, the image of Montalcino is revealed by that of the "Brunello", one of the most vintage wine of Italy, a DOCG wine that born thanks to the soil and favorable climatic conditions of this Tuscan “island”. Visit and tasting of a Brunello farmhouse.

5 Pm: Departure for the client’s location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling,  water on board, guided visit of a “Nobile di Montepulciano”  farmhouse and wine tasting (3 wines),  guided visit of a “ Brunello di Montalcino “ farmhouse and wine tasting (3 wines), Pienza tasting light lunch (Tuscan starters, first course, dessert, wine and water included).

Not Included: everything not written under “Includes”.

On request: Other languages speaking driver and all needs must be requested in advance.

Cooking with the family  

9 Am: Departure for a day dedicated to the good cuisine of Tuscany, across enchanting hills of vineyards and olive trees whom are perfect guests of the journey as the tiny hilltop towns you will arrive to a tiny family farmhouse.

After a vist of the house with its amazing wine cellars let’s begin the cooking class for the best and traditional Tuscan recipes, and much more. 

The house’s speciality is the famous fresh pasta: pappardelle, tagliatelle or tagliolini etc…

Visitors also get to prepare special breads, in addition to pizzas and ciaccini (a very special kind of bread pasta): all this will be tasted together with different varieties of honey, pecorino and cinta senese salami,

The cooking class continues with the main courses: meat dishes, vegetable pies and various flans. All these flavorful recipes are accompanied by the estate’s selection of prestigious wines, from the fresh aperitivo to the exquisite dessert wine.  A nice gift will leave you with the memory of our cooking class and the friendly and familiar company, all accompanied by excellent wines.

4 pm After lunch and relaxing time departure for  your location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, family cooking class, lunch and  wine tour of its cellars, wine tasting of the home wines.

Not Included:  Everything not written under "Included".

Chianti Cooking Class

9 Am: Departure for Chianti area,  land of one of the best worldwide wine the Chianti Classico. Here, along the "Chiantigiana” the famous wine route, hills of vineyards and olive trees are perfect guests of the journey as the tiny hilltop towns those add in Chianti to their name-such as Castellina or Greve in Chianti, where is the fantastic farmhouse, our guests in this journey to discover the real cuisine of Tuscany. First a visit of Chianti Farmhouse with its wine cellars.

After begin the cooking class presented by the owners introducing the clients into the most antique and traditional recipes, and much more. 

The house’s specialty is the famous fresh pasta: pappardelle, tagliatelle or tagliolini, or the typical ravioli of Maremma, stuffed with fresh ricotta and herbs, as well as potato gnocchi seasoned with traditional sauces.

Visitors also get to prepare special breads, in addition to pizzas and ciaccini (a very special kind of bread pasta): all this will be tasted together with different varieties of honey, pecorino and cinta senese salami, accompanied by excellent Chianti Classico wines.

The cooking class continues with the main courses: meat dishes, vegetable pies and various flans. And then the delicious fruit tarts (crostate), grandmother's traditional cookies, gelato, and Rita's famous tiramisu. Finally, the 30 year old balsamic vinegars of Acetaia, are splashed over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique tasting experience. All these flavorful recipes are accompanied by the estate’s selection of prestigious wines, from the fresh aperitivo to the exquisite dessert wine.  A nice gift will leave you with the memory of our cooking class and the friendly and familiar company.

4 pm After lunch and relaxing time departure for  your location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, guided tour of the farmhouse, wine tasting and cooking lunch, lunch with beverage and a special gifts for each one.

Not Included:  Everything not written under "Included”.

Truffle special cooking class

9:30 am: Pick up from your location. Departure for the part of the Excursion dedicated to " Searching Truffle" an expert Truffle-gatherers of the San Miniato hills, and his inseparable dog, you will lead for a walk in the wood with them. It’s the opportunity to discover this "treasure" hidden in the woods of San Miniato and the dog’s training methods. After the walk, some experts will explain you the working processes and the use of the truffle by  an expert chef in a real truffle factory, where is possible to understand better why this incredible product of the Earth is called the " White Gold" and taste a wonderful lunch of local food based on truffle ingredients. The cooking class is based on truffles flavorful recipes and all of those are accompanied by the estate’s selection of prestigious wines, from the fresh aperitivo to the exquisite dessert wine.
A nice gift will leave you with the memory of our cooking class and the friendly and familiar company of Luca and his staff.

3 pm: After lunch, at your choice, drive back to Florence or for a short visit of one of the following locations:

1.      San Gimignano, where is possible to admire its original towers, followed by a nice walk in the historical centre and free time for shopping in its outdoor mall.

2.      Pisa, where you can discover the beauty of its  well known monuments in the Miracle Square, as the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and Cemetery.

3.      Vinci, for visiting Leonardo’s house, where is possible to admire the "Renaissance lands". Going on to the historical centre of Vinci you could visit the Leonardiano museum where you can see the most beautiful invention of the genius. Among the most famous machines: the Motor Carriage, the Articulated Wings (intuition of the modern hang-glider), the Revolving Crane, the Crank-Operated Cart, the Diver, and so on.

6 pm: Drop of at client’s location.

Included: Private vehicle, English speaking driver, tools, parking, luggage handling, water on board, wine tour of the cellars, cooking class and lunch.

Not Included:  Everything not written under "Included".

Note: Available from Monday to Friday.