Gems of Tuscany

SAT, Oct 24: Arrive Florence • Transfer to Greve in the Chianti; Welcome Dinner at Terre di Baccio

Arrive in Florence. Transfer to Greve, in the heart of Chianti, about a 40-minute drive south of Florence. Take time to unpack and settle in at Terre di Baccio. It is located in an idyllic country setting immersed in the fairytale-like scenery of vineyards, olive groves and unspoiled nature. Later, enjoy a gourmet Welcome Dinner at Terre di Baccio. Breathe in and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views!

Meals: D
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

SUN, Oct 25: Introduction to the Chianti Region, Greve, Castello di Verrazzano Tour with Tastings & Lunch, Free Evening

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Then, join your guide for an introduction to the Chianti Region. Take in the rolling landscapes of the region and learn the history of the area. Discover Chianti Classico wines at Castello di Verrazzano. Built in the 7th century, the castle is one of the most picturesque estates in the heart of Chianti. Today, it is a working winery and preserved castle estate. Visit their Renaissance gardens and the historic cellars. Enjoy tastings of their wines and lunch. The evening is at leisure.

Meals: B, L 
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

MON, Oct 26: Free Day at Terre di Baccio, Farm & Winery Tour, Montefioralle, Altiero Winery, Visit Panzano, Dinner at Officina della Bistecca

Enjoy a free day at Terre di Baccio. Take time to sleep in. In the later morning, enjoy a tour of the farm and vineyards with a tasting of their wines and olive oils. In the later afternoon, head to the nearby medieval hamlet of Montefioralle. It is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval villages in the Chianti region.  Taste at Aliero Winery in Montefioralle. Later, arrive in Panzano, wander the town and spend the evening at Dario Cecchini’s restaurant, Officina della Bistecca. He is known as the 'famous butcher of Panzano' and has been featured on The Food Network, Chef's Table and other programs. Dario is described as ‘…a personality, a celebrity and a butcher extraordinaire. He is a theatrical host, a show stopper and an artist.” - Enjoy Dario’s Florentine Bistecca (alternative options available to meat). Mostly, laugh and take in the authentic local atmosphere!

Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

TUES, Oct 27: Historical Walking Tour of Siena, Lunch, Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm, Free Evening

Today, you’ll head to Siena to learn about the history, piazza, architecture and art of this beautiful city. The Siena Cathedral/Duomo lies above the heart of Siena – the Piazza del Campo. The Cathedral and Duomo are one of the most outstanding examples of Romanesque-Gothic churches in Italy. The architecture of the exterior and interior is unique and outstanding. The cathedral is filled with treasures by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Pisano and frescos by Pinturicchio. Learn about the history of the Piazza del Campo - regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. After lunch in Siena, head back toward Greve. On the way, stop at Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm. Walk the farm, meet the owner & the goats and shop for handmade products made from cashmere goat yarn. The evening will be at leisure.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

WED, Oct 28: Badia al Passignano Abbey, La Macina di San Cresci Artist Studios, Free Time, Dinner

Today, tour Badia al Passignano Abbey set in the landscape of classic Chianti scenery with a long avenue of cypress trees and vineyards in every direction. The abbey has been a Benedictine monastery since the 9th century and became a center for culture, faith, learning and art for centuries. The abbey remains a religious institution today with the monks still living in its cloisters. Then, visit the contemporary art resident of La Macina di Cresci Studios. It is an enclave of working artist studios for painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, filmmakers and musicians. Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of Greve's best-loved restaurants.

Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

THURS, Oct 29: Hands-on Pasta Cooking Class with Lunch, San Gimignano Walking Tour, Free Evening

Today, head to San Gimignano to cook with Mauro in his kitchen. Learn about Tuscan traditions and dishes prepared with local products and vegetables from his garden. Make handmade pasta, ravioli, ribollita and other dishes. Enjoy the views of San Gimignano and its towers from the outdoor patio. After lunch, take a guided walking tour of the walled village of San Gimignano. San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for medieval architecture.  Learn about the history and the architecture of its 14 Gothic towers.  San Gimignano is set on a hilltop with panoramic views of the vineyards and Tuscan countryside.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

FRI, Oct 30: Depart Greve, Arrive in San Miniato, Truffle Hunt with Lunch, Free Evening

Today, bid farewell to Terre di Baccio and head to San Miniato. It is one of the most celebrated truffle regions in Italy and is famous for its prized white truffles. Meet a truffle hunter and walk through the woods foraging for truffles with her dog as it digs for truffles. Learn about truffle ecology, harvesting techniques and the kinds of truffles in the area. Afterward, enjoy lunch in her home featuring truffles dishes paired with local wines. The evening is at leisure.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Hotel San Miniato

SAT, Oct 31:  San Miniato, Depart for Florence, Lunch, Accademia Gallery, Free Evening

This morning, take time to visit the charming hilltop town of San Miniato. Take in panoramic views of the fertile Arno Valley carved by the Arno River that runs between Florence and Pisa. Its historic center features narrow streets, ancient palaces, churches and towers. Then, head to Florence. After lunch, visit the Accademia Gallery (with an audio headset). Without a doubt, Michelangelo’s marble masterpiece, the David, is what first attracts visitors to the Accademia Gallery. You’ll also view works by artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo and other greats from the 13th - 16th centuries. Visit at your own pace. The evening is at leisure

Meals: B, L
Accommodations:  Hotel Calzaiuoli or similar

SUN, Nov 1: Depart Florence & Fly Home (Tour Option A)

Transfer to the Florence airport and fly home.

OR

SUN, Nov 1: Continue in Florence (Tour Option B) Florence Highlights Walking Tour with Entrance to the Duomo, Free Afternoon, Dinner in Florence

Today, enjoy a guided walking tour through Florence taking in the shimmering city that is the cradle of the Renaissance. Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it is romantic, surprising and enchanting. This is where geniuses such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Brunelleschi and Donatello thrived and created some of the world’s more important works of art. You will see Florence’s main landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore/Duomo (with entry), Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River. The afternoon will be free time in Florence to do as you like.  This evening, enjoy dinner at a select Florence restaurant.

Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Hotel Calzaiuoli or similar

MON, Nov 2: Oltrarno Artisans Workshop Tour, Etching/Printmaking Experience, Mercato Centrale, Lunch, Free Evening

Today, cross the Arno River to Oltrarno (the name literally means 'beyond the Arno'). This is the trendy Florence neighborhood filled with artisan workshops, boutiques, cafes and lively wine bars. Florentine artisans practice centuries-old techniques in Oltrarno such as leatherworking, hand-marbelized papermaking, sculpture, wood carving, ironwork and goldsmithing.  Enjoy a walking tour of Oltrarno. Stop in and create an original print from an original etching at a printmaking shop.  After the tour, walk to Mercato Centrale. Located inside San Lorenzo Market, it is Florence's marketplace and one of the best ways to experience Tuscan food culture. After lunch, take time to explore the market and shop on your own.  The evening will be at leisure.

Meals: B
Accommodations: Hotel Calzaiuoli or similar

COST:

Option A: $6893 per person based on single occupancy; ask us about double occupancy rooms (room with one bed or two beds available)

Option B: $ 7553 per person based on single occupancy; ask us about double occupancy 

INCLUDED:

OPTION A: 9-DAY TOUR (Oct 14 - Nov 1)

• 9 days of a private guided tour of the best of these locations: Greve, Panzano, Montefioralle, San Gimignano, Siena, San Miniato + one night in Florence
• 6 nights accommodations at Terre di Baccio in Greve  +  1 night at a select Florence hotel
• Service of a certified Italy guide/driver/sommelier
• Breakfast in the hotel daily
• Gourmet meals in select restaurants, trattorias, Castello di Verrazzano, Terre di Baccio, Officina della Bistecca and in Florence, per the Daily Itinerary
• Private transportation
• Airport transfers
• All activities & excursions: guided walking tours, winery tours & tastings, the cooking class, truffle hunt, etc
• Admission to the Accademia Gallery (with audio headset)
• Free time built into the itinerary to relax, shop or go out on your own or with others from the tour group

OPTION B: 11-DAY TOUR  with FLORENCE EXTENSION (Oct 14 - Nov 3)

• 11-day guided tour of the best of these locations: Greve, Panzano, Montefioralle, San Gimignano, Siena, San Miniato & + 3 nights in Florence
• 6 nights accommodations at Terre di Baccio in Greve  +  3 nights at a select Florence hotel
• Airport transfers
• Service of a certified Italy guide/driver/sommelier
• Breakfast in the hotel daily
• Gourmet meals in select restaurants, trattorias, Castello di Verrazzano, Terre di Baccio, Officina della Bistecca and in Florence, per the Daily Itinerary
• Private transportation
• All activities & excursions: guided walking tours, winery tours & tastings, the cooking class, truffle hunt, etc
• Admission fee to the Accademia Gallery (with audio headset)
• Admission fee to the Florence Duomo
• Florence Walking Tour to include the important highlights of the city
• Oltrarno Walking Tour to include traditional Florentine artisans' workshops
• Etching Workshop in Oltrarno
• Visit to Mercato Centrale for lunch & shopping
• Free time built into the itinerary to relax, shop or go out on your own or with others from the tour group

NOT INCLUDED:

• International airfare
• Third meal of the day
• Gratuities for the guide/driver
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic drinks (wine included during tastings)

TOUR REGISTRATION:

Register on the website.  Click on the red Register Now! tab to complete the registration paperwork.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:   July 15, 2026

GROUP SIZE: This tour is planned for a small group of 7 guests + a tour leader and local guide/driver.

TOUR PAYMENT:

You will be asked for a deposit of $2500 as part of the registration process. This can be paid by an electronic bank transfer/Zelle preferred. Please contact the office.

FINAL PAYMENT:

The final payment is due July 15, 2026.  Tour payment can be made by electronic bank transfer/Zelle preferred.

TOUR CANCELLATION:

If you cancel the tour before the final payment, you will receive a refund less a $500 service charge per person. If you cancel the tour after the final payment, the payment is non-refundable. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to offset tour cancellation costs. If Pack A Fork cancels the tour, a full refund will be sent.

AIR RESERVATIONS:

Pack A Fork! has partnered with Exito Travel for air reservations. Our agent is Leanne Reuss, International Airfare Specialist. She can be contacted at 800-655-4053, x8528 -OR - leanne@exitotravel.com. Alternatively, you can book your own airline reservations. Please forward a copy of your airline reservation to the office.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Travel insurance will help protect you from trip cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruptions and lost or damaged baggage. Travel insurance may also give you medical protection during your trip. Recommended companies include: Travel Guard, Allianz and World Nomads (if under 70).  Or, visit the website Square Mouth or InsureMyTrip to compare policies. It is important to purchase travel insurance at the time of tour payment for more comprehensive coverage.