....and can you think of anything more delightful than 7 days in this famed region of Italy? On this adventure, limited to 8 guests, we spend 4 nights in Florence followed by three nights in the pastoral hills of Tuscany. In Florence you will stay in a four star hotel next to the Ponte Vecchio while your stay in Chianti is in a gorgeous 16th century Tuscan villa (don't worry, it has all of the modern amenities!). Be treated to guided visits of Florence, Pisa and Siena, wine tasting in the famed Chianti region, a cooking class in a family villa. Experience all this and more with us this year. Groups are limited to 10 people each so as to enable us the most complete experience possible. There is nothing like Italy in the fall ~ join us!

Day to Day Itinerary

Day One - Arrive in Italy

Pickup at the Florence airport and transfer to the Hotel degli Orafi in the heart of the historic center of Flornence. Settle in with a light lunch at a nearby wine bar. In the afternoon take a stroll around the center of the city followed by a dinnerat a local trattoria. Turn in early to prepare for a busy week.

Day Two - Inside Florence

Accompanied by our local guide, we explore this magnificent jewel city. In the morning we will have a guided visit of the historic center which will culminate in theviewing of Michelangelo's masterpiece David. Following the visit you will be on your own to shop at the leather markets, enjoy a cappuccino or a glass of wine in one of Florence's elegant squares or just wander the streets and take in its beauty. Later in the afternoon we gather for the obligatory aperitivo followed by dinner at a local trattoria.

Day Three - Cooking class at Villa di Riboia

In the morning take a coach to Villa di Riboia, a family home outside of Florence in a little hamlet called Impruneta where the mamma of the family will teach some of the secrets of true Tuscan cooking. Feast on your labors in the absolutely splendid setting of the Renzoni family home. After lunch we return to Florence and in the late afternoon those who choose to do so will venture up to the Piazzale Michelangelo and will be greeted to a most spectacular view of the city. Stop to listen to Gregorian Chant at the church of Sant'Antimo before returning to the center.

Day Four - Pisa ~ Free time in Florence

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Florence and visit this national treasure. Pisa needs little introduction - its Tower is truly a most see on anyone's Italian itinerary and your guide gives you interesting and comical insights into this ancient maritime power. After the visit to Pisa, return to Florence. Optional visit to the one of Florence's hidden gems - the Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella. Share a final meal together in Florence before heading out to the idyllic countryside of Chianti.

Day Five - Transfer to Chianti

The morning is free for last minute shopping and visits in Florence. In the afternoon head to Chianti and the beautiful Villa Bordoni. Late afternoon is at leisure at the villa to enjoy this magnificent setting. Gather together in the evening for cocktails and dinner in the dining room of the villa.

Day Six- Siena

Siena is one of the principal cities of Tuscany, known throughout the world for its famous horse race, Il Palio. Accompanied by the colorful Donatella Grilli, a local guide, we will visit the Campo, the Duomo and the center of town. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. Return to Villa Bordoni in the early evening for supper.

Day Seven - Winetasting and Vineyard Tour

Travel from Villa Bordoni to the nearby wine producer of Vignamaggio. Following a tour of the property (where the film "Much Ado About Nothing" was filmed) have a guided wine tasting with one of the producer's experts. After learning about the wines partake in a buffet created to pair beautifully with the wines about which we have learned. Return to the villa for al ast afternoon of leisure and a final evening of good friends, good food and good wine.

Day Eight - Departure

As the saying goes, "all good things must come to an end" so it is time to say Arrivederci! But don't worry - you'll be back. We just know it! Transfers will be provided to the Florence Peretola airport.