Tuscan Indulgence Tour
7 nights in luxury villa, San Gimignano, Tuscany
Day 1
You will be met at Malpensa Airport, Milan and transferred to your luxury villa accommodation in the heart of Tuscany which will be our base for the next seven nights. Here we will stay in self contained apartments in a fully restored ancient villa with views across the vine covered hills of the Tuscan countryside. Following our mid afternoon arrival, relax and settle in to your beautiful apartment or by the pool.
Dinner: Join us for pre-dinner welcome drinks in the villa courtyard before sharing a "Welcome to Tuscany" 4 course traditional dinner at the Villa prepared by Signora Bimbi. (D)
Day 2
After a sleep in, we will enjoy a relaxing day with a trip to the local hilltop medieval town of San Gimignano. Here you will have time to meander through the narrow streets, climb the tower with magnificent views of the countryside, admire the beautiful shops and maybe purchase some leather goods or other souvenirs. Alternatively, simply relax with a beer or gelato in one of the many piazzas.
Dinner: Tonight we recommend that you dine at a local trattoria well known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine. Tempt your taste buds with wild boar, stuffed rabbit or wonderful home made pasta.
Day 3
We depart early today to head to the beautiful walled Tuscan town of Lucca where we will do a leisurely 4 kilometre bike ride around the top of the wall overlooking the towns lovely towers and broad, calm piazzas on one side and parks on the other. We will then meander through the medieval streets and piazzas and enjoy lunch at a trattoria famous for its local specialties, including the traditional tortelli lucchese pasta.
We will return to our villa via Pisa with a short stop to allow time to take the mandatory photos of the Leaning Tower and wonder at the beautiful marble Cathedral and see the ornate Baptistry in the Square of Miracles.
Dinner: Own arrangements with transport to and from San Gimignano if required. (L)
Day 4
We depart our Villa at 9am for a leisurely drive through the magnificent wine region of Chianti arriving at an ancient monastery, now a winery, for a tour and wine tasting. We will then drive to another nearby winery where we will enjoy lunch with further tastings of the local wine, before returning to the villa.
Dinner: Own arrangements with transport to and from San Gimignano if required. (L)
Day 5
We depart early today for the weekly market in Siena, which sells everything from kitchen utensils to leather shoes and local produce. It is a vibrant and atmospheric market attended by all the locals.
After buying a bargain or two, we will take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Siena to the famous Piazza del Campo, scene of the Palio horse race, and enjoy the ambience of this exciting Tuscan city.
On our return trip to the Villa, we will visit another small hilltop village, where you can enjoy a stroll and a drink in one of the piazzas.
Dinner: We venture into San Gimignano in the early evening and enjoy dinner sitting on the balcony of a local restaurant watching the sun set over the nearby hills and towns. (D)
Day 6
Depart early for Renaissance Florence. Here we will wander through the famous Florence markets renowned for its leather goods before visiting the famous museum, Accademia, where you will see the recently restored David of Michelangelo and other famous sculptures as well as Piazza Signoria and the multi-coloured marble Duomo.
Lunch nearby at a typical restaurant followed by a stroll through several of Florence's beautiful piazzas on the way to Ponte Vecchio. Admire or buy jewellery on this famous bridge.
The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or to perhaps visit some of the other fine museums Florence has to offer.
We return to our Villa before dinner.
Dinner: Own arrangements with transport to and from San Gimignano if required. (L)
Day 7
Spend a day of relaxation at the villa, by the pool or catch up with some last minute shopping in San Gimignano.
Dinner: Join us in sharing a "Farewell Tuscany" 4 course traditional dinner at the Villa prepared by Signora Bimbi. This evening we celebrate your last night of your Tuscan experience - memories will last forever!! (D)
Day 8
Depart San Gimignano for transfer back to Malpensa Airport, Milan for your onward journey.
(L)=lunch, (D)=dinner included in tour price.
Note: Breakfast is self catering in your own fully equipped apartment.
