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For traveller’s keen to indulge their passion for authentic Italian food, Renaissance treasures and a deliciously relaxing stay in a 15th century villa in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, the Tuscan Experience is ‘La Dolce Vita’ personified. Not only will this holiday be the most relaxing 15 days ever, there’s opportunity to learn more about Italian food combined with a discovery of the riches of this extraordinary region with genial host – Renato Di Stefano.

The setting: Nestled in the Chianti hills, overlooking valleys rich in history, is the 15th century manor house - Castellare de’ Sernigi. Once owned by wealthy merchants and patrons of the arts – the Sernigi family, It’s enviable location in the heart of Tuscany in the thousand-year-old hamlet of Palazzuolo, a stone’s throw from Siena, San Gimignano and Florence, makes Castellare de’ Sernigi an idyllic base. Lovingly restored, the finely appointed and fully air-conditioned 7-bedroom villa each with Tuscan views and en suite bathroom is furnished with antiques, two large upstairs sitting rooms with picturesque views, spacious dining and living room, well-equipped kitchen and cellar. Surrounding the villa, in the lovely gardens are furnished seating areas, a large stone terrace with arbour covered al fresco dining area, and swimming pool with surrounding stone deck.

Your Host: Renato has a passion for Italy, Italian food and the romantic Italian language. From an early age, under his Nonna’s guidance, Renato learned the correlation between choice, fresh ingredients often gathered at local markets and delicious meals. His childhood experiences together with the repertoire of tips and tricks learned while helping Nonna prepare family meals laid the foundations for Renato’s love of good food and traditional Italian cooking.

Departure dates:

• 07 September - 21 September 2019
• 05 September - 19 September 2020

Tour costs:

Twin share per person      $7,899*
Single supplement            $1,500*

• 13 nights accommodation - Villa Castellare de’ Sernigi
• 1 night accommodation - Pensione Sorriso, Vernazza, Cinque Terre
• Travel by coach, train and boat per itinerary
• Sightseeing per itinerary with entry fees
• Culinary art sessions (optional) including fresh pasta making
• 30 meals including a help-yourself breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 11 traditional dinners prepared by local cook with limited wine*
• Services of professional guides at selected locations
• One-way home to airport transfer
• Pre-departure function with antipasti and wine, tour notes and booklet

*Additional wine can be purchased

PLUS receive a Beginners Italian Language Course for 1 person or an Italian Lunch for 2 people

Day 1:  Florence to Castellare de’ Sernigi

Arrive at Florence Santa Maria Novella rail station, for the transfer at 1.00pm to villa Castellare de’ Sernigi. Enjoy a delicious welcome lunch at the villa. Later, join Renato for an estate tour then relax before a light dinner.

(L,D)

Day 2: Tavarnelle Val di Pesa

Stroll to Tavarnelle for coffee, pastries and time to explore. Later, join Renato in the kitchen as he prepares a delicious lunch. Rest of day at leisure. Dinner (not included) is at a local restaurant. (B,L)

Day 3: San Gimignano and Volterra

Visit San Gimignano. Dominating the Val d’Elsa, it is one of Europe’s best-preserved hill top medieval towns. Continue to medieval Volterra, known for its Etruscan museum and Roman theatre. (B,D)

Day 4: Castellare de’ Sernigi

At leisure. Later, partake in a culinary art session with Renato and help prepare lunch. This afternoon, visit the convent and church of Santa Maria del Carmine al Morrocco founded in 1459 by a former owner of our villa! (B,L,D)

Day 5: Florence

In Piazza Della Repubblica in the heart of Florence, savour a coffee at Bar Gilli.  Stroll through Piazza Della Signoria to Galleria Degli Uffizi for a guided tour of the Renaissance treasures. Later, visit the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Croce, festooned with frescoes by Giotto. (B,D)

Day 6: Tavarnelle

Enjoy a walk to Tavarnelle and the atmospheric open market in the piazza. Lunch is at a local taverna (not included) and the afternoon is at leisure (B,D)

Day 7: Vernazza and Le Cinque Terre

Journey by mini bus to La Spezia – gateway to the legendary Cinque Terre – five villages that straddle a picturesque serrated coastline. Take a boat trip (weather permitting) or a train trip to Vernazza. This afternoon, consider taking the local train to Rio Maggiore to walk the Via dell’Amore then visit Manarola and Corniglia before returning to Vernazza. Perhaps join Renato for dinner (not included) at a seaside restaurant, then a nightcap at the Blue Marlin bar.

Stay Pensione Sorriso, Vernazza – 1 night (B) 

Day 8: Lucca and  Pisa

Travel by train to La Spezia then by mini bus to medieval Lucca – birthplace of composer Puccini and surrounded by imposing Renaissance walls and beautiful gardens. Continuing to Pisa, see the Piazza Del Duomo with the famous leaning tower.

Stay Castellare de’ Sernigi – 7 nights (B,D)

Day 9: Castellare de’ Sernigi

Enjoy Sunday morning at leisure. Later, visit Antinory winery for a degustation of fine wines and lunch (not included). Tonight, enjoy a dinner of wood fired pizza at a local pizzeria. (B,D)

Day 10: Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino

Discover the hilltop medieval and Renaissance town of Montepulciano and 15th century Pienza - capital of Pecorino cheese. Wine tasting and lunch is at a boutique Brunello winery, before a visit to medieval Montalcino, famed for Brunello di Montalcino wine. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Barberino

Walk to medieval Barberino. Enjoy a light lunch (not included) then return to Tavarnelle for a gelato. Culinary art session for dinner at the villa with Renato and our resident cook. (B,D)

Day 12: Florence

Travelling to Florence embark on a guided visit of the galleria dell’Accademia to marvel at  Michaelangelo’s ‘David’. Also see the Renaissance Treasures at Bargello Museum.  (B,D)

Day 13: Tavarnelle

Walking to Tavarnelle, stroll through the open market square as Renato selects ingredients for a hands-on culinary art session and delicious villa lunch. Dine tonight at a restaurant (not included).  (B,L)

Day 14:  Siena

Travel to Siena and explore this medieval masterpiece - Italy before the Renaissance, magically transported to the modern day. Tonight, enjoy a farewell villa dinner. (B,D)

 Day 15: Castellare de’ Sernigi to Florence

Farewell Castellare de’ Sernigi today with a 9:00 am transfer to the Florence train station (B)