Gems of Tuscany

DAY 1: 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

DAY 2: Introduction to the Chianti Region, Visit 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

Day 3: 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, relax at the pool or take a walk. Then, enjoy a tour of the grounds and vineyards ending 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 Ceccini’s restaurant, Officina della Bistecca. He is known as the 'famous butcher of Panzano' and has been featured on The Food Network. 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

Day 4: Historical Walking Tour of Siena, Siena Cathedral, Piazza del Campo, 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. 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 to visit a cashmere goat farm to meet a woman who cares for her goats and creates cashmere hand-made products. The evening will be at leisure back at the villa.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

 

Day 5: Hands-on Pasta Cooking Class with Lunch, San Gimignano Walking Tour, Free Evening

Cook with Mauro in his kitchen while enjoying the countryside views of San Gimignano. Learn about Tuscan cooking traditions, foods and special flavors which are prepared with the best local products and vegetables from his garden. Make handmade pasta, ravioli, ribollita and other recipes from the area. After lunch, take a guided walking tour of the walled medieval village of San Gimignano. Learn about its history and the architecture of this walled medieval town with 14 Gothic tower houses. San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for medieval architecture within its encircling walls set on a hilltop.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

Day 7: Depart Greve, Olive Oil Grove & Tasting, Florence Walking Tour, Free Evening

This morning bid farewell to Terre di Baccio and head to Florence. On the way, stop at an olive oil grove to walk between the trees, learn about the olive oil process and taste their oils.  Then, arrive in Florence and check in to your centrally located hotel.  After lunch, enjoy a walking tour through Florence with your guide 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 evenng is at leisure.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Select 4* Hotel

 

Today, cross the Arno River to Oltrarno (the name means 'beyond the Arno'). This is the trendy Florence neighborhood full of artisan workshops, boutique shops, cafes and lively wine bars. Local 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 and drop into a workshop to make an original print from an etching.  After lunch, visit Boboli Gardens, one of the most historic parks in Italy located behind the Pitti Palace. Created in the 16th century for the Medici faily, they are considered a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance garden design. The evening will be at leisure.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations:  Select 4* hotel

 

 

 

 

Meals: B, L
Accommodations:  Select 4* hotel

Day 10: Accademia Gallery (unguided), Mercato Centrale, Free Evening

Visit the Accaemia Gallery on your own today 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 see works by artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo and other greats from the 13th to 16th centuries. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Mercato Centrale. It is the city's most vibrant food market and a great place to pick up last-minute gifts before you go home. Afterward, you’ll have free time to wander the streets of Florence or relax at the hotel.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Select 4* Hotel

Day 11:  Fly Home
Today, you will be transferred to the Florence airport for your flight home. We trust you will have had a wonderful journey!

Meals: B

COST:  Private tours are priced based on the size of the group (size can be 1+) and your dates of travel; the itinerary is customizable based on your interests and budget. Contact the office for pricing.

INCLUDES:

• 11-day private tour experiencing the best of Tuscany
• 10 nights accommodations in Greve & Florence
• Service of a certified Italian private guide + specialist guides
• Private transportation in a van or coach
• Breakfast in the hotel daily
• Airport transfers
• Gourmet meals:  select lunches & dinners showcasing artisan foods and Tuscan dishes, per Daily Itinerary
• Estate and winery tours with tastings and meals
• Visits to the towns of Greve, Montefioralle, Panzano, Radda, San Gimignano, Siena and San Miniato
• Guided introduction to the Chianti region and its wineries
• Hands-on Tuscan cooking class in San Gimignano
• Guided walking tour of Siena
• Visit to a cashmere goat farm in Radda
• Truffle hunt in San Miniato with lunch
• Florence Walking Tour
• Entrance to the Accademia Gallery
• Walking Tour of the Oltararno neighborhood of Florence
• Etching workshop in Oltararno
• Entrance to the Pitti Palace
• All site admission fees
• Free time to relax, take walks or go out on your own

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare
• Third meal
• Alcoholic beverages (some wine included at tastings)
• Gratuities for guide
• Travel Insurance

REGISTRATION: 

Registration for this tour can be done online via the Registration page of this website.

TOUR DEPOSIT:

A deposit of $2500 is required to plan your private tour. You can pay the deposit online as part of the registration process. It can be paid by e-Check, credit card or bank transfer. Please contact the office if paying by bank transfer.

TOUR PAYMENT:

You will receive an invoice for the balance of the tour which will be due 90 days out from departure. This can be paid by bank transfer or personal check.

TOUR CANCELLATION:

This tour can be canceled before 120 days out from departure. A refund will be given less a $500 per person service charge.  After final payment, refunds cannot be given.

If Pack A Fork cancels the tour, all monies will be refunded.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to offset tour cancellation, airline and other travel-related fees.  Consider a 'Cancel for Any Reason' ryder which may offer more complete coverage.

AIR RESERVATIONS:

Pack A Fork has partnered with Exito Travel for air reservations. Please contact Leanne Reuss, International Airfare Specialist at 800-655-4053, ext 8528. Alternatively, you can make your own airline reservations but this is a good place to start looking at flight scenarios. Flights will be roundtrip to/from Florence.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is important to purchase travel insurance at the time of tour deposit for more comprehensive coverage. Travel insurance will help protect you from trip cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruptions, lost or damaged baggage.

We recommend the website SquareMouth or InsureMyTrip for comparing policies. For those under age 70, we recommend World Nomads travel insurance.