Tuscany & Cinque Terre

October 4 - 15, 2023

Wed, Oct 4: Arrive Florence • Transfer to Greve in the Chianti Region of Tuscany  

Travel from your home city to Florence. Arrive in Florence the next day. Welcome to the capital city of Tuscany! Transfer to Greve, in the heart of Chianti, a 40-minute drive south of Florence. Take time to unpack and settle into your Tuscan villa in Greve. Later, you will enjoy dinner at the villa. Rest, relax and take in the panoramic views!

Meals: D
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

Thur, Oct 5: Introduction to the Chianti Region, Wine Tour & Tastings, Lunch, Greve, 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, learn the history of the area, taste local foods and visit select Chianti wineries. Enjoy a wine tasting with lunch a select winery.  Wander the boutiques, wine stores and artisan shops of Greve and get to know your home base while in the countryside. The evening will be at leisure at the villa.

Meals: B, L 
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

 

Fri, Oct 6: Chianti Classico E-bike Tour with Lunch, Free Evening

Join your biking guide for an E-bike tour through the Chianti vineyards and hillsides. Spend a day in the open air amid the Chianti hills with breathtaking views. Discover one of the most beautiful places in Italy - the slow way. Ride through the towns of Greve and  Montefioralle. Visit Badia Passignano, a historic Benedictine abbey built in 890. Then, loop back to Greve and stop at Pieve di San Cresci, an artist-in-residence program. View artists at work and take in the medieval setting of their studios. (Note: An alternate activity will be available for those who do not want to ride.)

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

Sat, Oct 7: Hands-on Tuscan 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 its 14 medieval towers. San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers guests a chance to step back in time.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Terre di Baccio

Sun, Oct 8: Free Morning, Castello di Montefioralle Tour & Tasting, ‘Butcher of Panano’ Restaurant/Officina della Bistecca Dinner

Sleep in today! You will have the morning at leisure to relax on the grounds of the villa or take a short walk into Greve through the vineyards. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the nearby village of Montefioralle for a tour and tastings of Chianti Classico wines at a small family-owned vineyard. Afterward, you’ll head to Panzano, a medieval town located a short distance from Greve. Wander the town and then spend the evening at Dario Ceccini’s (the ‘Butcher of Panzano’ as featured on The Food Network) popular restaurant, Officina della Bistecca. Dario has been 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

Mon, Oct 9: Walking Tour of Siena, visit to the Siena Cathedral/Duomo, Piazza del Campo, Lunch, Radda 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

Tues, Oct 10: Depart Greve, Truffle Hunt in San Miniato with Lunch, Arrive Florence, Evening at Leisure

You will be up early to depart Greve and drive to San Miniato – one of the undisputed capitals of the white truffle (Tuer Magnatum Pico). Meet Massimo, a 3rd generation truffle hunter, and his dog. Truffles, called ‘Diamonds of the Land’ and are coveted by gourmands from around the world. Into the woods, you’ll follow Massimo and his dog to learn about the tradition of truffle hunting, the history, legends and the varieties of truffles. You’ll search for the truffle of the season. Afterward, enjoy lunch in his home – featuring truffles, of course! Afterward, take a walking tour in the medieval town of San Miniato – it's on a hilltop and has important history due to its location overlooking the valley where two rivers meet. In the late afternoon, arrive in Florence and have the rest of the evening at leisure.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Gallery Hotel Art or similar

Wed, Oct 11: Florence Walking Tour, Academia Museum

Today, take a walking tour through Florence with your guide taking in this 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 and major sites such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore/Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River. The guide will also show you his/her favorite spots. Bring your camera and get ready to learn about Florence’s eventful history, heritage, legends and colorful traditions that still live today. In the afternoon, tour the Academia Gallery. Without a doubt, Michelangelo’s marble masterpiece, the David, is what first attracts visitors to the Accademia Gallery. What is the story that inspired this sculpture?  You’ll tour the Accademia with a guide who will cover Michelangelo and the David, but will also show you works of art by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo and other greats from the 13th to 16th centuries. Enjoy lunch at a select cafe. After lunch, you’ll have free time to wander, shop and experience the Florentine culture.

Meals: B, L

Accommodations: Gallery Hotel Art or similar

Thurs, Oct 12: Oltrarno, the Pitti Palace, Free Afternoon

Wander to Oltrarno, Florence’s trendy neighborhood, filled with artisanal boutiques, art galleries, parks, gardens and eateries. This part of Florence is best explored on foot. Get lost in the picturesque alleyways and enjoy the neighborhood’s unique mix of historic venues and Renaissance architecture. Drop into artisan workshops. Then, continue on to Palazzo Pitti, the home of the Medici family for centuries. The Pitti Palace was, in its day, the largest residence in Florence and also the most magnificent. Its fresco ceilings, famous paintings, sculptures and secret corners are amazing. Artists such as Raffael, Caravaggio and Rubens adorn the walls. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a favorite trattoria followed by a stop for a luscious gelato. The later afternoon is free to wander, shop or even visit Bobbli Gardens (or other sites) on your own.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Gallery Hotel Art or similar

Fri, Oct 13: Cinque Terre Day Trip (with optional hiking)

Discover some of Italy’s most beautiful coastal towns and landscapes on a day trip to Cinque Terre. Explore the local villages of Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso and Riomaggiore boasting beautiful scenery and architecture. You will have the option to hike between the villages of Corniglia and Vernazza (about 2.5 miles). In Monterosso, relax on the beach, take a swim, or shop. Then, take a boat ride back from Monterosso to Riomaggiore (weather/seas permitting). You will undoubtedly be reaching for your camera to capture the town’s quintessential Cinque Terre beauty from the water! This day combines travel by coach, train, boat and on foot. Hiking is optional.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Gallery Hotel Art or similar

Sat, Oct 14: Free Day in Florence, Tour Farewell Dinner

Today will be at leisure. Visit the Ufizzi Gallery, Mercato Centrale or shop and pick up souvenirs to take home. Alternatively, you can pack, relax at the hotel and have lunch - it’s up to you. Tonight, enjoy a 'progressive dinner crawl' led by a culinary expert. Enjoy an Italian apertivo, fresh handmade pasta, sommelier-selected wine and social feating on Tuscan main dishes that will create a moveable feast. Dine at three restaurants with casual sightseeing between guided tastings. End the tour experiencing Florence's dining scene like a local. No tourist traps, we promise!

Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Gallery Hotel Art or similar

Sun, Oct 15:  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

PRICE:  $6823 based on double occupancy;  $ 7323 single occupancy

INCLUDES:

• 12 days experiencing the best of Chianti in Tuscany, Florence & Cinque Terre
• 11 nights accommodations in Greve & Florence
• Service of a local guides
• Private transportation coach; taxis for short transfers
• Gourmet meals: breakfasts, tastings, lunches & dinners showcasing artisan foods and Tuscan dishes, per Daily Itinerary
• Estate and winery tours with tastings and meals, per Daily Itinerary
• Breakfast in the villa and hotel daily
• Visits to the hilltop towns of Greve, Montefioralle, Panzano, Radda, San Gimignano, Siena and San Miniato
• Guided introduction to the Chianti Classico region and its wineries
• Chianti E-bike tour ending at Castello di Verrazzano
• 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
• Accademia Gallery Tour
• Walking Tour of the Oltararno neighborhood of Florence
• Pitti Palace Tour
• All site admission fees
• Airport transfers
• Restaurant gratuities
• Plenty of free time to relax, walk or go out on your own

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare
• Third meal
• Alcoholic beverages (some wine included)
• Gratuities for guides/drivers
• Travel Insurance

 

REGISTRATION: 

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

 

TOUR DEPOSIT:

A deposit of $1500 is required to hold your spot.  The balance will be due 90 days out from departure or  July 6, 2023.  After July 6, 2023, full tour payment is required at registration.

 

TOUR PAYMENT: You will receive an invoice for the balance of the tour. It can be paid by eCheck, credit card or bank transfer.

 

TOUR CANCELLATION:

This tour can be canceled through July 6, 2023.  A refund will be given less a $250 service charge.  After July 6, 2023, refunds cannot be given.

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

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to offset tour cancellation, airline and other travel-related fees. We also recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes coverage related to  COVID-19.

 

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS: 

For the safety and health of all guests, we require the full COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to departure. We no longer require a booster shot. However, if the country being visited changes its entry requirements, you will be notified in advance.  We will request a copy of your vaccination card at registration.

 

AIR RESERVATIONS:
Pack A Fork has partnered with Exito Travel for air reservations. 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 payment 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.

The website Square Mouth or InsureMyTrip will assist you in comparing travel insurance policies. Be sure to understand the policy for COVID-19 and the terms of coverage.

How to Register for the Tuscany & Cinque Terre Group Tour:

Click on the link below to begin your registration.

Register Now!

A deposit of $1500 per person is required at the time of tour registration.

The balance will be due 90 days out from departure. You will receive a final invoice which can be paid online by eCheck or credit card.