Treasures of Tuscany -Sept. 2012

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Sept. 28 to Oct. 07 2012
10 days/ 9 nights
Price CA $4500, per person based on double occupancy -
Single supplement CA $450

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In the heart of the Tuscan countryside dotted with Cypress trees, small villages and ancient castles you will discover more wines than there are days in the year and taste indigenous foods that are steeped in the history of the ages. This small group trip takes in all the great sites of this most beautiful part of the world.   Stay in a charming hotel in the heart of the Tuscan countryside – no packing and unpacking required – just settle in and enjoy the sights, tastes and sounds of this fabled region.

Day 01 – Toronto – Florence

Overnight flight from Toronto to Florence (In flight meals)

Day 02 – Florence/Chianti

Arrive in Florence airport to begin a week of immersion in Tuscany. Drive south into the Tuscan hills to your hotel located in Radda in Chianti where you will spend the next 6 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.   (D)

Day 03 – San Gimignano and Siena

After breakfast we depart to San Gimignano the medieval town famous for its ancient towers. After a tour of the town we will enjoy a wine tasting and a light lunch in a local wine producing estate. In the afternoon we will continue to the magnificent city of Siena, rich in culture, history and art. It is also famous for the Palio, a great festival that features traditional culture. Free time in the afternoon to stroll, shop and bask in the medieval atmosphere of the town. This evening we enjoy dinner in a local in a restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 04 -Cortona, Arezzo

After breakfast we depart for the charming town of Cortona. Its claim to famous was gained through the popular movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, browse the shops for local treasures and take time out during afternoon siesta to enjoy a leisurely lunch. This afternoon we visit the charming town of Arezzo. Our walking tour will take us through the historical city centre and include a visit of the Chapel of Piero della Franscesco. The walls of the Gothic chapel have some of the most modern and advanced frescoes created in the 15th century. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.  (B,D)

Day 05 – Chianti

After breakfast we depart for a drive through the Chianti region to enjoy a visit of a local wine cellar and wine tasting.  Our next stop is the charming town of Greve to enjoy lunch at Panzano in Chianti with Mac Dori, a famous Tuscan butcher and host of a popular TV show.   This afternoon we’ll visit a medieval wine cellar for a tour and wine tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 06 – Cooking Class

After breakfast we depart to Castellina in Chianti, where we will meet our cooking instructor. After shopping at the local market for fresh vegetables and meats, we will head to the farmhouse where we will begin the cooking class. You will learn how to prepare several courses of the typical Tuscan cuisine including an appetizer, pasta course, main course with vegetables and a dessert. Afterward you will enjoy the lunch that you just learned to prepare (drinks included). Motor through the Chianti hills in the afternoon and visit the market town of Radda in Chianti.  Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 07 – Pienza, Montalcino

Today we begin our adventure in the historical Pienza, home town of Pope Pius II. A beautiful example of true renaissance style. Enjoy a cheese tasting at Podere Il Casale, a producer of the famed local ‘pecorino’ sheep cheese. After a stroll through the quaint village of Pienza we will have free time to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Our journey continues into the wine region to visit the cellars of Altesino where we will be treated to a sampling of their wines. We continue along the winding roads to the ancient town of Montalcino. Here you will have time to explore the medieval fort or stroll through the town to search for local handicrafts.  Dinner will be in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 08 – Florence

After breakfast we depart for one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Florence beckons with the charm and grace of the Renaissance. The morning is free time to enjoy strolling the open-air markets and winding your way through the enchanting streets. This afternoon our guide takes us on a private walking tour through the magnificent streets of Florence to take in the historical sites. Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, Santa Croce Church, Piazza Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo to name a few. This evening we will enjoy a memorable farewell dinner! (B,D)

Day 09 – Florence

Enjoy the entire day at your leisure. Shop, stroll, relax in a café.
Discover the piazzas and restaurants. Don’t miss the lively San Lorenzo leather market, and the bronze statue “Porcellino”. Visit the local shops where you can purchase Italian specialties or a unique piece of jewelry and pickup last minute souvenirs. Optional guided tours are available to visit the Uffizi Gallery to admire the rich collection of Italian art – every painting a masterpiece. Or to visit the Accademia gallery which houses Michelango’s “David”. (B)

Day 10 – Return

Transfer to Florence airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Florence, Rome or Venice.

Itinerary subject to change to take advantage of local events

What’s Included:

• Roundtrip airfare from
  Toronto
  * (*for other cities please advise and a separate quote will be provided)
• Tuscany, 6 nights accommodation at a Tuscan country inn Hotel Palazzo Leopoldo in Radda 4* (or similar)
• Florence, 2 nights accommodation in the historic centre of Florence Hotel Balestri 3* (or similar)
• Transportation throughout by private motorcoach
• Services of an English speaking guide
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Breakfast daily
• 7 dinners
• 1 Cooking Class with lunch
• 3 Wine tasting with snacks
• 1 cheese tasting
• Guided city tours as described
• Entrance fees to all sites visited with the group

Not Included:

• Air Departure taxes (approx. $450.00pp)
• Meals other than those mentioned above
• Arrival and departure transfers if not traveling on group flights
• Weekend and/or fuel surcharges if applicable
• Cancellation and medical insurance
• Any item not mentioned above

Reservations and Deposit Information:

• A deposit of C$500.00 per person is required to confirm the booking.
• For information please check our Travel Policies and Cancellation Terms and Conditions.
• Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.  A quotation will be given based on each individuals needs.
• Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure
  TBA
  .

Important!

Airfare is based on current rates at time of publishing, rates are subject to change

Note: Tour is based on a minimum of 10 participants.

To confirm your spot on “Treasures of
Tuscany
” trip contact:

The Womens Travel Network via Phone: 905-771-8338

or toll free at 1-888-419-0118

Or click here to send your request electronically.