Experience this breathtaking region with our small-group custom adventure and enjoy Tuscany without the crowds.
This incredible tour is priced at $2199 per person based on double occupancy.
Unpack for 6 nights in a beautiful Agri Turismo Villa, tucked in a quaint village in the Tuscan countryside. Enjoy home-made organic food and explore the nearby villages and local wineries.
Travel with Niche Travel Group host Monique Van der Linden and find out what makes this region one of the ‘must-do’s’ of Italy.
Tour Includes:
Lovely 3.5-star villa accommodation in southern Tuscany
First Class train ticket from Rome to Tuscany and private group transfer to the Villa
6 full breakfasts with organic local choices
5 gourmet 4-course dinners with organic local choices
Private guided group tours to the towns of Pienza, Montalcino and Siena
Wine, local meats and Pecorino cheese tasting at Bradi Toscani in the picturesque village of Chianciano
Day trip to Orvieto with Well of San Patrizio Tour and private transfer
Day trip to Montepulciano with wine tasting and private transfer
Winery visit and tastings
Olive Oil instruction and tasting
Cooking Class
Private transfer to train station Chiusi-Chianciano Terme at the end of tour. You can then return to Rome or venture on to Florence/Venice/Milan or the Amalfi Coast with our assistance and advice.
$ – Optional visit to the famous Thermal Spa in Chianciano
Double rate is $2199 per person with all taxes
Solo rate is $2699 per person with all taxes
Non-Refundable Deposit of $500 per person required to confirm space
Final Balance due 90 days before travel
Maximum Group size is 18 Guests
Additional Expenses
• Optional Excursions
• Travel Insurance
• International flight
• Suggested Gratuities of $100 CAD per person
TASTE OF TUSCANY
September 29 – October 5, 2024
September 29 : Day 1 – Depart for Tuscany
Board your afternoon train at Rome’s Termini station and relax in the first-class car. The train will arrive in Chiusi-Chianciano Terme station in about 90 minutes where a private shuttle will whisk you to our home for the next 6 nights.
Meet the owner, Stefano, whose family has owned this land for decades, and enjoy a welcome drink on the panoramic terrace while he tells us about his organic farm and the slow-food movement.
4-course dinner with homemade organic products at 8PM
September 30 : Day 2 – The Val D’Orcia Region
Breakfast with homemade organic products starts at 8:30 AM
Depart the Villa at 10:00am for a lovely day of touring the The Val d’Orcia region with our local Italian tour guide. This region of Tuscany extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata and in 2004 the entire valley was included on the list of UNESCO’s World Cultural Landscapes.
First, we visit Pienza, known as the “touchstone of Renaissance urbanism” It is a picturesque 35-minute drive to this quaint village. Make sure to sample the well-known pecorino cheese for which the village is famous. Snap a cute photo on the ‘love’ and ‘kissing’ lanes for a great memento.
Next, we will head to Montalcino, a hill town and commune famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. The town is located a short drive to the West of Pienza. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, do a little shopping, or find a terrace and sip some Brunello wine while overlooking the valley.
On the way back, we will visit a local winery for a tour and wine tasting.
4-course dinner with local homemade products at 8 PM
October 1 : Day 3 – Local Living
Breakfast with homemade organic products 8:30am- 9:30am
Join our Villa owner Stefano for a cooking class. You’ll be preparing a 4-course lunch with local products. Then sit back and enjoy the wonderful dishes you have prepared.
Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool and enjoying your local wine on the terrace. Or choose to work off your lunch by walking to the hilltop town of Chianciano. Visit the Etruscan Museum, stroll the streets, check out the local shops and take in the beautiful views.
Early evening, we will meet at Bradi Toscani for a wine tasting and light meal with local cheeses, meats, and other delicacies.
May 25 : Day 4 : Siena
Breakfast with homemade organic product 8:30am- 9:30am
Private Tour of Siena with private local guide
The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation’s most visited tourist attractions. Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year. Our local Guide will tell you all about the 17 contrades of the city and how they have shaped its unique culture for hundreds of years.
The Stunning Cathedral of Siena is not to be missed – with art by Donatello, Bernini, Michelangelo, and Pisano (to name just a few!) It will take your breath away, inside and out.
There will be plenty of free time for strolling through the winding streets, a leisurely lunch, shopping and gelato in the Piazza del Campo. Siena is about a 75 minute drive, great time to edit your photos or catch a nap on the way home.
Take a late afternoon dip in the villa’s pool and enjoy your local wine on the terrace before dinner.
Four course dinner with homemade organic products at 8 PM
Oct 3 :Day 5 – Montepulciano
Breakfast with homemade organic products 8:30am- 9:30am
Depart for a 30-minute drive to Montepulciano. This medieval and Renaissance hill town is a true gem. Wander through the winding, narrow streets on your own or hop on the mini trolley for a ride and tour.
Meet at the famous 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 wine tasting.
Spend the day at your leisure trying out various gelato or shopping at the fabulous stores in town. Or visit either the Consorzio de Vino Nobile di Montepulciano or Enoliteca Vino Nobile to try more of the regional wines
Return to the Villa by private transfer at 5 pm
Take a late afternoon dip in the villa’s pool and enjoy your local wine on the terrace before dinner.
4-course dinner with homemade organic products at 8:00pm
Oct 4 : Day 6 – Orvieto
Breakfast with homemade organic products 8:30am- 9:30am
Visit the beautiful ancient hill town of Orvieto today. 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 the stunning Gothic cathedral, experience the famous Well of San Patrizio and the amazing underground cave system that lies beneath the city.
OPTIONAL excursion $$: Theia Thermal Spa instead of Orvieto
Olive oil instruction and tasting with Stefano when we return.
4-course dinner with homemade organic products at 8:00pm
Oct 5 : Day 7 – Arrivederci!
Breakfast with homemade organic products 8:30am- 9:30am
Say goodbye to our hosts and depart at 10:00 am by private transfer to train station Chiusi – Chianciano Terme. Trains are available to Rome, Florence, Venice, or your next Italian adventure.
This tour will be hosted by the Niche Travel Group’s Europe and Adventure Specialist Monique Van Der Linden
This is her 3rd time hosting a Tuscany tour.
To book please contact Monique
902 499 4298
monique@nichetravelgroup.ca or your existing Niche Travel Group agent.
Tour dates: September 29- October 5, 2024
