Join FAMTrips.travel and Journeys Connect for a six night culinary and wine Tuscany itinerary that includes the fabulous cities of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti, Pienza, and Montepulciano! Agents can also take advantage of one group arrival transfer from Florence airport to our Italian “home base” of in the village of Figline Valdarno, and back to Florence at the end of the fam. We will stay at lovely Villa Casa Grande in the heart of Figline Valdarno. The villa, which belonged to a noble family, was transformed a few decades ago into a hotel that perfectly preserves the fine features of this historic residence while offering all the modern amenities including a wellness center.
After checking in, we will have an extra day to enjoy the final day of the local 26th annual Autumnia Festival. Just outside of our hotel, this festival will be in full swing for our group to explore and enjoy! During the next six days you will visit some of Tuscany’s most lovely medieval villages and ancient cities! If your air schedule does not work best with our group transfers, we can assist with individual transfers from Florence to Figline Valdarno or returning from Figline Valdarno to Florence.
NOVEMBER 8 – ARRIVE IN ITALY:
Welcome to Italy. Group arrival transfer from Florence airport to Villa Casagrande in Figline Valdarno. Villa Casagrande, thanks to its enviable location surrounded by the greenery of its gardens and its historic walls, yet within walking distance of the town center, it is the perfect choice both for those with a relaxing stay in mind and for those who wish to explore Tuscany independently. The villa, which belonged to a noble family, was transformed a few decades ago into a hotel that perfectly preserves the fine features of a historic residence while offering all the modern amenities including a wellness center. Enjoy free to rest. Later this afternoon, take a short stroll into the town center and independently explore the Autumnia Festival.
NOVEMBER 9 – DAY AT LESIURE / AUTUMNIA FESTIVAL:
After breakfast, enjoy your morning at leisure, or join an optional cooking class with Mama Chef in Villa Casagrande (limited to a maximum of 20 participants). Your afternoon and evening are free to explore the Autumnia Festival in Figline Valdarno. The event “AUTUMNIA”, now in its 26th edition, is dedicated to agriculture, food and the environment and takes place just a few steps from Villa Casagrande. Seize the perfect opportunity to capture the essence of Tuscany and hop around the various regions of Italy: the fair hosts exhibition pavilions where you can taste the genuine specialties from all over Italy, freshly prepared. Alternatively, you might prefer to take the train into Florene for the day. The train station is 5 minutes’ walk from the Villa and the journey takes only 30 minutes to reach the center of Florence. Overnight in Villa Casagrande. (B)
NOVEMBER 10 – EXCURSION TO SIENA & SAN GIMIGNANO:
After breakfast, depart on a full day excursion into Tuscany. While the ambitious city of Florence was launching the Renaissance, Siena was her “laid back” country cousin. Just 30 miles south of Florence, she is considered the best-preserved medieval city in Italy. Your guided tour will include the elaborately carved Gothic cathedral, Town Hall, and Piazza del Campo-site of the famous Palio horse race. You’ll have time for shopping and a little more exploration. This afternoon you will visit a typical Tuscan winery to learn about the grape, the “nose,” food pairings and more importantly which glass to use! We’ll enjoy a wine tasting with these special wines, accompanied by a light lunch. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in charming San Gimignano, world famous walled town located on a hilltop, which remained intact through the centuries, renowned for its tall towers, wonderful frescoes, and many other valuable works of art. Then return to Villa Casagrande for overnight. (B/L).
NOVEMBER 11 – EXCURSION TO CHIANTI:
After breakfast, depart on a half-day tour of the Chianti region. Chianti is known for its wine production. In the mid-late 19th century, Baron Bettino Ricasoli helped establish Sangiovese as the blend’s dominant variety, creating the blueprint for today’s Chianti wines. Once in Greve, visit Castello di Verrazzano. There is a great tradition of winemaking here. Take a guided tour of the historic, but still working cellars, and walk around the Renaissance gardens of the Villa. Your tour is followed by a guided tasting of a selection of the best wines from organic farming. Then on to Greve for a pleasant walk in the square and some food shopping at Falorni butcher, charcuterie artisans since 1806, where you can experience some of the true flavors of this land. Afterwards, return to the Villa and enjoy some time at leisure before enjoying a delicious Tuscan dinner featuring local cuisine and wine. (B/D)
NOVEMBER 12 – EXCURSION TO PIENZA & MONTEPULCIANO:
Enjoy breakfast. Afterwards, depart on a full day excursion to Pienza and Montepulciano. In the delightful town of Pienza, enjoy gorgeous architecture and even better views. You will have some free time to wander around Pienza before making your way to Montepulciano, one of Tuscany’s stunning medieval towns. Enjoy the view of the elegant Renaissance palaces, churches, and squares, and learn about the local wine “Nobile di Montepulciano”, one of Italy’s oldest reds. Enjoy a light lunch and wine tasting at a renowned winery, Talosa Winery. Later, return to the Villa for overnight. (B/L)
NOVEMBER 13 – FLORENCE:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, depart for Florence for a morning guided walking tour. Stroll down cobblestone lanes, through majestic squares and across ancient bridges, pausing along the way to visit and learn about Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the cathedral with Brunelleschi Cupola and Giotto’s bell tower. Visit the Academia to see many sculpture masterpieces, including the magnificent David by Michelangelo. Enjoy some free time in the Renaissance city before returning to Villa Casagrande. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with local wines. (B/D)
Package Includes:
- English-speaking tour guide during the entire tour
- Luxury motorcoach for all group transfers and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
- Breakfast daily, except for day of arrival
- Two – three-course dinners with local wines in Villa Casagrande
- Full day excursion to Siena and San Gimignano
- Walking tour in Siena with local English-speaking guide (2-hours)
- Visit Tenute Torciano winery in San Gimignano for wine tasting and a light lunch
- Full day excursion to Chianti
- Visit Castello di Verrazzano for a guided tour followed by wine tasting
- Full day excursion to Pienza and Montepulciano
- Visit a Talosa winery in Montepulciano for wine tasting and a light lunch
- Walking tour in Florence with local English-speaking guide (3-hours)
- Visit Academia Gallery in Florence
- Portfolio of electronic travel documents sent in PDF format
- 24-hour emergency customer service while in Italy
Price per agent based on double occupancy:
Agent Rate: $1995.00
Non Industry Guest Add $100.00
Single Supplement Add $800.00
Local city taxes of 3-5 euros per night are not included and must be paid directly to Villa Casagrande on departure.
You can reach FAMTrips.travel at 941-322-1800 with any questions or by email at melody@famtrips.travel. This fam is based on double occupancy and agents may bring a non industry guest in the same stateroom. Also special attribution to Raimond Spekking for the photo of Piazza del Duomo in Siena.
To Book This FAM…
www.FAMTrips.travel | 888 909 FAMS or 941 322 1800 | Email: info@famtrips.travel