Chianti Region: the Most Famous Italian Wine Country
7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1
Arrival in Chianti region. Accomodation to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight.
Day 2
Breakfast to the Hotel. Departure to Greve, a city of great historic presence
and once the administrative center for wine in the region. From there several
stops to get closer to the region, castle Montefioralle, and Verrazzano are
nearby. A stop for lunch in Panzano, after a visit one of most populaire and
famous Italian butchers of Mr. Dario. He'll provide an assortment of Tuscan
foods and wine accompanied by chamber music for your listening pleasure. Castellina
in Chianti. Visit one of the most important Chianti winery. Return to the hotel
through the Chianti route. Welcome aperitif/wine tasting in one typical Tuscan
restaurant, to be followed by the first of many Tuscan dinners.
Day 3
Breakfast to the Hotel. Departure to the main castles and villages of the region.
Chianti wine producers banded together in 1924 to further qualify and promote
their product and is probably why Chianti is more widely known or associated
with Tuscany than other Italian wines. Ever since this coalition, the chosen
logo, Gallo Nero "the black rooster", has become a recognized symbol
and a point of distinction for the members. First, stop, Radda in Chianti, which
with its fortifications offers a look into medieval Chianti. Its location offers
magnificent views over the countryside, in particular the Parco Naturale della
Virglia. Some time for walking and shopping before a light lunch in restaurant.
Onward to a series of wineries nearby before a final stop in Castellina, which
offers a visit to the Enoteca Vini Gallo Nero, a showcase for the regions wines.
Later dinner at one of the town's favorite restaurants before a enchanting walk
ride back to your hotel.
Day 4
Breakfast and the morning at your leisure, then a late morning departure for
another opportunity to take in the pleasures of the Chianti wine region. First
stop and not to be overlooked, we will introduce you to the "other"
agricultural product of the region, extra virgin olive oil. While visiting a
local oil producing farm you'll snack on crostini toscani, slices of tuscan
bread brushed with olive oil and topped with percorino cheese. Of course you'll
wash these tasty items down with a glass of Chianti. Next we will visit one
of the great wineries of the region. Here you'll tour the wine cellars and get
a close look at the silent production of Chianti, so important to the final
product. From there we will go onto a smaller, family owned winery for a final
tasting before we enjoy a fabulous dinner in a famous typical restaurant. Return
to hotel.
Day 5
Breakfast to the Hotel. Departure to the city of "beautiful towers".
With its distinctive skyline, San Gimignano was a beacon for travelers in medieval
times, given its location on the main route from northern Europe to Rome. Tall
towers (14 of the original 76 remain) were built to serve both as private fortresses
and symbols of their owners' wealth. One of the best preserved medieval towns
in the region, you will be able to stroll the streets and indulge in the art
galleries, jewelry or wine shops. A pause for a group lunch in one of the fine
local restaurants, where we will enjoy San Gimignano's special white wine, Vernaccia.
In the afternoon we will depart to Siena. Will visit Piazza del Campo in the
heart of this preserved, but lively city. This shell shaped 12th-century piazza
is surrounded by elegant palazzi of the great Sienese families. Time to shop
on via di Sopra and take in the special feeling of the city. Several areas and
historical sites will be explored before a final visit to the Duomo, one of
the most spectacular in Italy, to complete the tour. Back to the campo to relax
with a welcome drink or refreshment. Accomodation to the Hotel. Dinner at one
of typica restaurant, with Tuscan speciality. Return to the Hotel. Overnight.
Day 6
Breakfast to the Hotel. Depart to Montalcino, a historical hillside village,
which became the last strong hold for the Sienese in their battles with the
city of Florence. A town of timeless character, the streets in Montalcino are
narrow, winding and steep. Well known for its Brunello wine, the town also offers
great views of the Tuscan surroundings and the local wine producing vineyards.
Shortly after arriving and a brief stroll through the city, you'll visit the
Municipal and Diocesan Museum of the Sacred Art, which houses one of the most
important collections of medieval wood sculptures and Sienese art. Also included
is a visit to the Fortezza, the city fortress used by the Sienese after Florence
conquered Siena in 1555. You will have a chance to walk the great walls of this
small but impressive structure. Light Lunch in restaurant and winetasting the
magnificent Brunello. In the afternoon vist one of the most important winery
of Brunello di Montalcino. return to the Hotel. The evening will be celebrated
with a dinner at one of Siena's best and well known restaurants.
Day 7
Breakfast. Departure. End of our services.
|
