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The Food
& Wine Lover's
Southern Tuscany
Itinerary |
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Day One, Saturday
- Arrive in Chiusi, a stop on all train routes between Rome and Florence, about
one hour from each. Group transfer to Palazzo Bandino at 2 pm.
- Afternoon on your own to settle in, relax, take a walk on the estate, or meet your fellow adventurers.
- Welcome cocktail, followed by your first traditional Tuscan dinner, prepared using ingredients from the estate and accompanied by fine local wines.
- Overnight at Palazzo Bandino.
Day Two, Sunday
- Breakfast.
- Your host Gabriele will tell you a little about the history of the estate and about the wines of Tuscany. You'll follow this by strolling down the hill to the cantina to see just how those wines are produced.
- The culmination of your introduction to Tuscan wines is a hearty degustation lunch with local salamis, cheese, breads and of course, DOCG wines, served at the Palazzo.
- In the afternoon, your first excursion takes you to Cortona, the quintessential Tuscan hill town, where Frances Mayes renovated the old house that is the true star of Under
the Tuscan Sun.
- Dinner tonight is at a typical Tuscan restaurant.
- Overnight at Palazzo Bandino.
Day Three, Monday
- Breakfast.
- This morning you will visit a typical cheesemaker, who will show you how the famed local pecorino is made. You’ll also see sheep’s ricotta being produced, and of course you’ll be treated to a tasting to whet your appetite for lunch.
Now you’re off for a lovely drive through the beautiful Val D’Orcia to a rustic agriturismo where you will enjoy a full lunch in an ancient setting.
In the afternoon, transfer back to Palazzo Bandino for Gabriele’s introduction to balsamic vinegar.
Dinner tonight is at Palazzo Bandino, and it’s based entirely on dishes made with aged balsamic vinegar!
- Overnight at Palazzo Bandino.
Day Four, Tuesday
- Breakfast.
- Today is a wonderful day of local gems and hidden treasures. Your morning begins in Bagni Vignone, a tiny town whose entire main square is actually a thermal pool. You'll dip your toes in the warm water of a secret hillside spring.
- Next it's off to Pienza, the only pure Renaissance town in the world, home to some of the best food shops in Italy.
- Our third stop is Montepulciano, home of the renowned nobile wine. After enjoying a delicious degustazione lunch, you'll stroll through the charming streets of this town, which somehow manages to be quite monumental, despite its small size. Then you'll visit a very unique winery whose cellars have been set into the side of the hill itself for centuries, like a very unique enological catacomb.
- Dinner and overnight at Palazzo Bandino.
Day Five, Wednesday
- Breakfast.
- The day begins with a visit to Chianciano's open air market. One of the liveliest in the area, it includes everything from the tiniest espresso pot to the most praised truffles.
- Now it's on to Chianciano's groundbreaking Sensorial Spa. Unique
in Italy, it offers a healthy experience that will entertain even those who have
never been interested in spas, while seasoned spa lovers will get a kick out
of this revolutionary way to indulge. Choose one of six itineraries (toning,
relaxing, energizing, detoxifying, remodeling or rebalancing), pick up your robe,
towels and slippers, and you are off on a self-guided tour through some of the
oldest and newest spa experiences on earth. Click here to find out more.
- At noontime you'll visit the local frantoio, where farmers bring their olives to be pressed. In November and December you'll actually witness the fruit becoming golden green oil (at other times you'll see an excellent English-language video demonstrating how the process works).
- By now you will welcome a light lunch, served at the frantoio and featuring an array of local specialties made with olio
extra vergine d'oliva.
- This afternoon you can choose to relax at Palazzo Bandino, or walk back home from the oil mill, across the lovely countryside.
- Homemade dinner using the farm's own products, served with local wines.
- Overnight at Palazzo Bandino.
Day Six, Thursday
- Breakfast.
- Full-day excursion to Siena. On the way you'll drive past San Gimignano to see its world-famous skyline, dubbed "The Manhattan of Tuscany." You'll be on your own in Siena, to wander among the medieval streets, visit the exquisite cathedral or the wonderful Town Hall, do some shopping or just relax at a cafe.
- You'll all meet again in the late afternoon for your transfer back to Palazzo Bandino for your farewell dinner.
- Overnight at Palazzo Bandino.
Day Seven, Friday
- Breakfast.
- Group transfer at 10 am to Chiusi, where you'll say your arrivederci until next time.
Click here to view our
accommodations
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photos
Included in the Price
Six nights accommodations at Palazzo Bandino
in an air-conditioned room with private bathroom or an air-conditioned apartment
(based on double occupancy)
Private mini-van transfers for all excursions
Half-day excursion to Cortona
Full-day excursion to Bagni Vignone, Montepulciano and Pienza
Full-day excursion to Siena
Sensorial Spa treatments
Six breakfasts
Six dinners with local wines
Lunch at the frantoio
Two winery visits with degustazione lunches
Group transfer to and from Chiusi train station
Taxes and VAT
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PRICE PER PERSON IN 2008
1245.00 Euro/person
Single Supplement 230.00 Euro
Guaranteed upgrade to
one-bedroom apartment:
115.00 Euro/person per week
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2008 TOUR DATES
March 1-7
March 8-14
March 26-April 1
April 5-11 (guaranteed for even one person)
April 12-18
April 19-25 (guaranteed for even one person)
April 26-May 2
May 3-9
May 10-16 (guaranteed for even one person)
May 17-23
May 24-30
May 31-June 6 (guaranteed for even one person)
June 7-13
June 14-20
June 21-27
September 6-12 (guaranteed for even one person)
September 20-26
(guaranteed for even one person)
October 4-10
October 11-17
October 18-24
October 25-31
November 1-7
November 8-14
November 15-21
November 22-28
Other dates are available on request for a
minimum of 4 people
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Minimum number of participants: 2
Click here if you'd like to purchase Palazzo Bandino's wine in the USA
Tour operated by Palazzo Bandino
