Over the past several years, "the American in Tuscany" has become a literary subgenre. Launched by the phenomenal success of Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun, this sub-genre is now counter-balanced by another side of the story: that of a native Tuscan, a guide who combines wit, charm and charisma with a passionate love for his land and all of its traditions. With the tongue-in-cheek title Too Much Tuscan Sun, this primer on Tuscany, its delights and its culture quickly became an international best-seller. Its handsome young author, Dario Castagno, structures his tale around a typical Tuscan year, taking the reader through the sights, smells and sounds of Chianti during each of the twelve months and featuring the festivities and pageantry that accord with each season. The most notable of these is the Palio, a medieval pageant and bareback horse race which consumes the social energies of the people of Siena for all of July and August.


Dario also intersperses the book with an account of his own life and times – that of a transplanted British "lording" who learns to live in the wilds of Chianti; of his discovery and adoption of abandoned peasant farmhouses; of his apprenticeship in the wine industry; and of his arduous transformation from bohemian layabout to thriving Tuscan guide.

If you plan to drive through the magical atmosphere of the Chianti hills, why not stop by and meet Dario at a classic Tuscan country estate? He will be happy to greet you and show you around the 1000-year-old property, which is now a superb resort in the heart of the Chianti. During your visit with Dario, he will share with you his uniquely entertaining way of teaching the history and the traditions of the region he loves so much. Believe us, Dario’s Tuscany 101 is as fascinating as it is fun, ranging from the culture of the Chianti to its peculiar traditions and endless age-old rivalries.

Dario is also a proud member of Siena’s Noble Contrada of the Caterpillar. He will be honored to show you some wonderful pictures and films of this world-renowned ancient pageant and breathtaking horse race, as well as explain its countless foibles and folkways.

At this point you and Dario will sit down to a memorable Tuscan lunch, served in the estate’s exclusive restaurant and prepared by their world-famous chef. As you savor course after course, washed down by local vintages, you will learn all about the delicious cuisine and enology of Tuscany.

For this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, plan to arrive at the property (an hour from Florence or Siena – we will provide excellent instructions) around 11 am and stay until about 3 pm. Price includes lunch with unlimited local wines.

2008	Prices
2 people	500.00 Euro/group
3 people	630.00 Euro/group
4 people	630.00 Euro/group
5 people	695.00 Euro/group
6 people	695.00 Euro/group
Each Additional Person	115.00 Euro/person

THE WONDERS OF CHIANTI

Depart 8:30 am from any hotel in Siena or Florence.

Transfer with Dario’s close associate Franco by private air-conditioned mini-van to Chianti, where you will travel on paved and unpaved roads to experience a little of everything this area has to offer.

First you will venture into a remote cypress forest to explore a group of secret Etruscan tombs. Dating from 700BC, they were unknown until recently, when Dario helped dig them out.

The next stop is the Brolio estate. An authentic castle which has been owned for more than 700 years by the Ricasoli family, it has served as the stronghold of the Florentines against the Sienese, and as the headquarters of the Nazis during World War II. From its hilltop garden you will have spectacular views across the valley, and you'll also visit the tiny chapel. If you have seen Bertolucci's film, "Stealing Beauty," you will recognize the house at the foot of the castle, where the movie was made.

Lunch is served in a tiny medieval village inhabited by only 45 people. Truly off the beaten path and unknown, and is one of the most characteristic examples of a Chianti hilltop village, unchanged over many, many centuries. Lunch here is always a surprise, as there is no menu, but it is always great and never includes less than five courses.

In the afternoon you will visit a winery which is a one-man operation set atop a hill overlooking one of the most beautiful valleys in Chianti. The cellars are located underneath the owner's house, which dates back to the 15th century. Here you will taste some award winning wine. Afterwards, time permitting, you can stop in Castellina in Chianti for some shopping.

Return to your hotel at about 5 pm. Price includes transportation, guide and lunch.

2008	Price including Lunch
2 people	610.00 Euro/group
3 people	730.00 Euro/group
4 people	730.00 Euro/group
5 people	880.00 Euro/group
6 people	880.00 Euro/group

If you prefer, instead of having lunch in the village you can share a memorable Tuscan meal with Dario at the exclusive restaurant of a historic Chianti estate. As you savor course after course prepared by their world-famous chef and washed down by local vintages, Dario will teach you all about the delicious cuisine and enology of Tuscany.

2008	Price including Lunch with Dario
2 people	805.00 Euro/group
3 people	935.00 Euro/group
4 people	935.00 Euro/group
5 people	1065.00 Euro/group
6 people	1065.00 Euro/group

CRETE: THE SOUTHERN PART OF SIENA PROVINCE

Depart at 9 am from any hotel in Siena.

With Franco, you will travel by air-conditioned mini-van to southern Tuscany. The spectacular panoramic roads make it possible to marvel at the amazing landscape, which could not be more different than the landscape in Chianti.

You will star the day by visiting one of Italy's jewels, the Monte Oliveto Maggiore monastery, where Franco will explain each of the 21 sixteenth-century frescoes painted around the cloister by Luca Signorelli and Sodoma.



Your next stop is delightful Montalcino. After exploring the town, there is a pause for lunch at a winery where they produce the world-famed Brunello wine. This is one of the best restaurants in town, and the menu is a la carte. Franco is driving, so enjoy all the wine you want! As an alternative you can choose a more simple lunch based on local cold cuts and cheese in a typical local enoteca.


After lunch you will travel even farther back, all the way to the 8th century. Your destination is a haunting countryside abbey, allegedly built by Charlemagne. The atmosphere is straight out of Name of the Rose, and if you're lucky you'll hear the monks singing Gregorian chants as they have done for hundreds of years.

Your last stop of the day is to visit one of the most prestigious producers of Brunello wine.


Return to your hotel in the evening. Price includes transportation and guide. Lunch is not included.

2008	Prices
2 people	445.00 Euro/group
3 people	470.00 Euro/group
4 people	470.00 Euro/group
5 people	490.00 Euro/group
6 people	490.00 Euro/group