Taste of Tuscany Sept 18 – 24 2023 :
Live like a local in Southern Tuscany
Dates September 18 – 24 2023
The tour begins in Rome and ends in Chianciano-Terme, Tuscany
Tour includes:
-6 nights at the lovely 3.5 star Agriturismo La Pietriccia
-6 breakfasts with local organic choices
-6 gourmet four-course local organic dinners
-Guided tours through Tuscany’s stunning Val D’Orcia Valley
-Wine, Olive Oil and Pecorino cheese tasting at Bradi Tuscani in the Old Town on Chianciano
-Guided tour through the incredible city of Siena
-Day trip of Montepulciano
-Winery visit and tasting with our wine host Jeff Hovell
-Olive Oil Instruction with our villa owner chef Stefano
-Cooking class
-Visit to the Terme Sensorali Water/Hydro Spa
-1st class train ticket from Rome to Chuisi
-Private transfers between the train station in Chuisi and the Agriturismo
At the end of the tour you have a choice to return to Rome or venture on and discover Florence or Venice.
Non refundable deposit of $500 per person required to confirm you seat.
Final balance due 90 days prior to travel
Taste of Tuscany $1995 per person
September 18 – Depart for Tuscany
After a free morning in Rome we will meet at the Rome Termini train station at 1pm to take a fun train ride to our home for the next six nights, the Agriturismo La Pietriccia. This Villa is located in the historic village of Chianciano-Terme. The area is considered among the finest health resorts in Italy with its parks, numerous hotels and it’s therapeutic water which is reputed to cleanse the soul and help various medical issues.
We will be met by Stefano, the Villa Owner, whose family has owned the property for generations. After check-in, we’ll sit back with welcome drink on the terrace to enjoy the panoramic view of this area.
A four course dinner with homemade organic products will be served at 8pm.
September 19– Day 2 Val D’Orcia
Breakfast with homemade organic products start at 8:30am
Depart the Villa at 10am for a lovely day of private touring with our local Italian guide.
The Val D’Orcia is a region of Tuscany that extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata. In 2004 the entire valley was included on the list of UNESCO’S World Cultural Landscapes.
First we visit Pienza, known as the perfect town and for its Renaissance-Era town planning. We’ll travel along a route that winds through a scenic landscape checkered with vineyards, cypress tress and Medieval Villages.
At Pienza, take in the view of the beautiful architecture as you stroll the cobblestone streets. While here enjoy a sample of the world renowned Pecorino cheese unique to this village. Snap a cute photo of one of the special “Love Lanes” known only to the locals. Oddly enough there’s not a single postcard or souvenir that mentions the site. Start with the “Lane of Attraction”, then a few steps to the “Lane of the Kiss” and finally the “Lane of Love”. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful pictures of Pienza and its surroundings.
Next we head to Montalcino, a hilltop town and commune. The town is located a short drive to the west of Pienza. There’ll be free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch and some shopping.
After our break, we’ll gather to hear the history of the town with our guide.
We’ll also be visiting a local winery for a tour and wine tasting.
A four course dinner with homemade organic products will be served at 8pm.
September 20– Day 3 Local Living
Breakfast with homemade organic products start at 8:30am
Join our host and amazing chef Stefano for for a fun cooking class using local organic produce, afterwards we’ll savour our creations with a delightful lunch.
This afternoon will be at leisure to relax by the pool with a glass of wine or take a stroll up the steep hill into the old town of Chianciano for a gelato or visit Bradi Tuscany for a late afternoon wine tasting and Pecorino Cheese tasting.
Optional Excursion $$ : Theia Thermal Pools Nature and Spa Wellness
Theia “she who shines far away” the mother of Selene in Etruscan mythology, the thermal pools of Chianciano Terme are dedicated to her. 900 square meters of indoor and outdoor pools, all fed by the Sillene thermal spring, whose beneficial and curative properties were already known in Etruscan and Roman times. Water jets, whirlpools, wellness center with sauna, turkish bath, emotional showers, rasul, wellness area, children’s area with dry grotto and wet grotto.
A four course dinner with organic products will be served at 8pm.
September 21 – Day 4 Siena
Breakfast with homemade organic products start at 8:30am
Today will be a full sightseeing day in Siena with our lovely, local guide.
This historic town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the nation’s most visited tourist attractions. Siena is famous for its food, museums, artwork, medieval architecture and cityscapes. Siena is also famous for the Palio, a horse race held twice a year in July and August. Our guide will explain about the 17 Contrades or Sections of the city and how they have shaped its unique culture for hundreds of years.
Located in the Piazzo Del Campo is the stunning Cathedral of Siena. If you choose to go inside you’ll find breathtaking artwork by Donatello, Bernini, Michaelangleo and Pisano.
While in Siena there will be free time to stroll the winding streets, take in a leisurely lunch or go shopping. Another recommendation would be a gelato in the Piazzo Del Campo.
Siena is approximately 75 minutes drive from our Villa.
A four course dinner with organic local products will be served at 8pm.
September 22 – Day 5 Orvieto
Breakfast with homemade organic products start at 8:30am
Depart the Villa at 10am and visit the ancient beautiful hill town of Orvieto and take in the sites on your own at your leisure. Orvieto is one of the most striking, memorable, and enjoyable hill towns in central Italy. This delightful little town is perfectly preserved, and virtually traffic-free. The colorful cathedral is a great visit after a relaxing lunch with some of Italy’s best wine.
Tour it’s stunning Gothic cathedral, experience the famous Well of St Patrick and the amazing underground cave system that lies beneath the city.
A four course dinner with organic local products will be served at 8pm.
September 23 – Day 6 Montepulciano
Breakfast with homemade products.
Depart the Villa at 10am for a quick 20 minute transfer to Montepulciano. The Medieval and Renaissance Hill-town is a gem. Wander through the winding narrow streets on your own or hop on the mini trolley for a ride and tour.
Don’t miss the shopping opportunity while you wander.
At 1pm we’ll visit a local Winery Cantina De Ricci , where we’ll enjoy some wine tasting and tips from our Host Jeff Hovell.
Cantina De Ricci winery, Here, you will descend into the stone cavern where they have been making Vino Nobile for over 800 years. The vaulted-stone ceilings with the large stacked wood barrels and dim lights create a cathedral of wine! Enjoy a brief tour of the cave and hear about what makes the wine so special, then sit and enjoy a tasting if you feel so inclined
You wine connoisseurs won’t want to miss an optional visit to the Enoliteca Vino Nobile with Jeff where you can taste the best wine Tuscany has to offer.
Afterward we’ll return to our villa by private transfer for our final night at the Villa.
A four course dinner with organic local products will be served at 8pm.
September 24 – Day 7 Goodbye to Tuscany
Breakfast with homemade organic products,
Today we say goodbye to our hosts and the beautiful villa. We depart at 10am by private transfer to the train station in Chiusi. Here you will take the train to your next Italian adventure at 11am.
Meet your hosts : 
This tour will be hosted by the Niche Travel Group’s Europe Specialist Monique Van der Linden and local wine guide Jeff Hovel.
This is Monique’s second time hosting this amazing Tuscany Tour.
To book please contact Monique
902 4994298 or monique@nichetravelgroup.ca or your existing Niche Travel Group agent
Jeff Hovell : Jeff is an avid wine drinker, especially of Old World wines. He has passed the wine courses required of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. Jeff has formed and leads a local wine tasting group that has been active for over 8 years. He has travelled to the Tuscany region before and is looking forward to sampling another Brunello di Montalcino.
Double rates is $1995
Solo rate is $2495
Non-Refundable Deposit of $500 per person required to confirm space
Final Balance due 90 days before travel
Maximum Group size is 22 Guests
Additional Expenses
• Optional Excursions
• Travel Insurance
• International flight
• Suggested Gratuities of $100 CAD per person