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Tuscany Walking: The Heart of the Renaissance (w/ optional
cooking class)
Tour Duration : 7 Days
Tour Category : Walking Tour, Cooking School Tour, Hiking Tour
Day
1:
Day 1 & 2: Chianti Classico Farm;, Making of Wine, Olive Oil &
Honey : After meeting you in Firenze we transfer to what we think is the
most authentic farmstays in the Chianti Classico region. This 150 acre
winery/farm is over 900 years old and was once the home of a 16th century
bishop. You enjoy incredible vast vistas of the entire region at this
farm and partake in some of Italy's finest cuisine. If you like fresh
truffles you may not want to eat anywhere else again. Our hikes explore
the soft colorful landscapes of fine lines formed by the numerous vineyards,
gently rolling hills and fields of sunflowers--simply unforgettable.
Day 2:
We tour one of the oldest Abbeys in Italy where they still produce fine wine,
oil and honey. Our trail leads us to some of the charming wine making towns
Chianti is renowned and allows us many opportunities to sample the products
of the region.
Day 3:
Day 3-4: Etruscans & Medieval Towers: Before leaving the Chianti Classico
region we enjoy one last hike that leads us to the fascinating tombs of the
Etruscans--considered by many the first Italians. After a gourmet picnic lunch
we enjoy a private tour of a small winery that emphasizes quality. Valerio's
wonderful presentation is only surpassed by the quality of the wine Then a
short hike brings us up to the "medieval skyscrapers" of San Gimingano, most
recently used as the setting for the movie "Tea with Mussolini". Here we enjoy
a tour of the town and climb the ancient towers before dining in the ancient
town center.
Day 4:
You hike along the trails of ancient Etruscan salt road to a medieval fortress
town surrounded by towers as well as through a region of small hamlets rich
in castles ancient villas and medieval remnants. An optional visit to Voltera
and a tour of what many think is Italy's finest Etruscan museum
Day 5:
Day 5: Crete Landscape: We walk within the strange landscape known as
Crete, a bare, ash gray soil of deeply fissured hills and vast views and
finish up in the land of Brunello wines, one of Italy's most prestigious.
An extensive tasting is scheduled at the end of our day. Along our path
we visit the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore--a "must-see". Here the significant
frescoes of Sodoma & Signorelli are on displayed. We then walk along
the original stone path of medieval & ancient Rome, farm tracks through
rolling hills filled with black cypress & scattered oak as well as
along the"strada bianca", often seen as Mary's pathway in Medieval religious
art. Our route eventually leads us to the cloister of Sant'Anna di Camprena--the
location for the filming of the "English Patient" before a tasting of
the "king of Red Wines"--Brunello
Day
6:
Day 6 & 7 (optional): Tuscan Cooking Class and Transfers: Imagine
cooking lavish Tuscan fare in the heart of Florence at a magnificent 16th
century Palazzo . Enjoy an intimate hands-on experience of how to cook
in the traditional Tuscan style. Using the basic simple ingredients of
Tuscan cuisine you learn how to create a grand contemporary feast. Before
transfering to the kitchen we all enjoy a private walking tour of Siena,
then transfer those who are finishing their tour a day early to either
the Siena train station or for those that wish to stay in this wonderful
town--to your hotel.
Day 7:
Transfer for those taht stayed for the extra day at the cooking school
Note: Tour and Tour Information are subject to change.
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