VILLA TORREMOZZA - ITINERARY

THE 5 NIGHT/6 DAY TRIP INCLUDES:

• 5 nights accommodations at the country estate of Villa Torremozza—located approximately 20 miles East of Florence.
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Small groups: 4 to 12 people.
• 2 hands-on cooking courses in “La Cucina Povera Toscana” – Tuscan country cooking
• 1 wine tasting: Chianti Classico.
• 4 days of guided excursions to the enchanting Vallomrosa Monastery, Chianti Classico wine region, Florence, Casentino region and Siena.
• All transportation (including transfers to and from Florence).

SAMPLE ITINERARY: The tours listed are not in chronological order to be followed on a day-to-day basis. However, all tours listed will be conducted throughout the week. *Note: all Villa Torremozza programs begin on Saturdays!

• ARRIVAL: DAY 1 (SAT) - Pick up in Florence and arrival at Villa Torremozza
  Meet your Tour Leader in Florence. You will be accompanied and transferred to Villa Torremozza. After settling in, you will be shown around the entire estate which will be your home for the week. You will have time to relax and unwind in your comfortable apartments before enjoying a welcome drink with the friendly staff at the Villa. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner on the Estate where you will meet owners Susanna and Francesco. Francesco, your chef for the week, will prepare your first Tuscan Meal.
   
• A perfect morning in the Vallombrosa – Lunch at a ‘Nobile’ Estate
  In the morning, after having breakfast, you will meet your trip leader to discover the surrounding towns and wine estates. You will visit the impressive Vallombrosa Monastery situated in one of the most important national parks in Italy. We will then transfer to the Frescobaldi Estate and Castello di Nipozzano: producers of Chianti wines since 1760. Enjoy a tour of the property and wine tasting followed by a light lunch. Return to Villa Torremozza for a rest before your hands-on cooking class with Francesco.
   
• A Full day in Florence
  After breakfast, you will meet your tour leader for this transfer to Florence. You will enjoy a drive up to the famous look out point, Piazzale Michelangelo, and enjoy beautiful views of the Valley and the Arno River. You will enjoy an orientation walk with your guide. Experience Florence for a full day shopping or visiting museums. You will be given recommendations for lunch and any other information you may need to sight see in the Historical Centre. Meet your guide in the late afternoon for a transfer back to the villa. You will stop at a local market to pick up some traditional Tuscan cheeses, salami and some wine for the evening.
   
• A series of Noble Dwellings
  After breakfast, you will go to one of the most interesting and picturesque towns of the Casentino called Poppi, which dates back to the early Medieval Period. Visit its 12th century Castle built by the Conti Guidi Family and Stia with its beautiful arched square. You will have time to explore these beautiful town centers and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before going back to Villa Torremozza. This evening you will participate in a cooking class followed by dinner.
   
• Chianti Classico and Siena
  Today, you will enjoy the morning on the estate to relax and have breakfast at your leisure. You will be picked up in the afternoon for a drive through Chianti Classico. Visit the picturesque towns in Chianti Classico stopping in a quaint village for lunch. Arrive in Siena, known as one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. Your trip leader will take you on an orientation walk before leaving you in the main square called ‘Piazza del Campo’. You will have time to shop and sightsee before enjoying dinner in town. Transfer to the property late evening.
   
• DEPARTURE: DAY 6 (THR) - Farewell Villa Torremozza and friends
  After Breakfast and good-byes, you will be taken to the train station or the airport in Florence.