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Combining breakfast, lunch and chef-inspired evening meals plus an amazing array of sightseeing, here's a chance to spoil yourself in Italy's colourful Spring scenes. Departs 3 May 2025.
Enjoy 11 days under the Tuscan sun in a 15th century villa
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 holiday 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.
Tour Departs
3 May 2025
Tour costs 2025:
Twin share $8,995pp* Single $10,995pp*
Click to read more about the Tuscan Experience here.
*Advertised price is for land only & does not include flights.
Inclusions
7 nights accommodation in Villa Castellare de’ Sernigi
3 nights accommodation - Relais Piazza Signoria
Travel by mini coach as per itinerary
Sightseeing as per itinerary with entry fees
Culinary art sessions including fresh pasta making
25 meals including a help-yourself breakfast daily at the villa, welcome lunch and traditional dinners prepared by local cook with limited wine*
Hosted from Florence (day 1-10) including transfers to/from Florence
Services of professional guides at selected locations
Pre-departure lunch and meet and greet
* Additional wine is at own expense
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday 03 May - Florence To Villa Castellare
Meet at Florence Santa Maria Novella rail station at 12:00pm for a group transfer to villa Castellare de’ Sernigi. Enjoy a delicious welcome lunch at the villa. Later, join Renato for an estate tour and aperitivo before dinner. (L, D)
Stay at Villa Castellare de’ Sernigi 7 nights
Day 2 - Sunday 04 May - Bargino – Antinori Winery
Enjoy Sunday morning at leisure. Later, visit the famous Antinory winery in Bargino for a delicious lunch at the Rinuccio 1180 restaurant followed by a guided tour of the avant-garde winery and a degustation of fine wines. Tonight, enjoy a dinner of wood fired pizza at a local pizzeria. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Monday 05 May - Siena
Travel to Siena and explore this medieval masterpiece. See Piazza del Campo, the largest medieval piazza in the world and the Torre del Mangia. Visit the Cathedral with its magnificent inlaid marble floors and works by Michelangelo. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the villa. (B, D)
Day 4 - Tuesday 06 May - Castellare De’ Sernigi
At leisure. Later, partake in a culinary art session with Renato and help prepare lunch. Following a long and relaxed lunch, the afternoon is at leisure to just lounge on the large deck adjoining the villa. Aperitivo at sunset is followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Wednesday 07 May - Pienza And Montalcino
Discover the hilltop Renaissance town of 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. Dinner is at the villa (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Thursday 08 May - Tavarnelle Val Di Pesa
Walking to Tavarnelle, stroll through the open market square as Renato selects ingredients for a hands-on culinary art session and delicious villa lunch. The afternoon is at leisure and dinner is at the villa (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Friday 09 May - San Gimignano & Volterra
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Gimignano. Dominating the Val d’Elsa, it is one of Europe’s best-preserved hilltop medieval towns famous for its architecture and the unique preservation of its tower houses. Meander through the streets and explore this enchanting town. Continue to medieval Volterra, known for its Etruscan origins and Roman Theatre. Dinner is at the villa. (B, D)
Day 8 - Saturday 10 May - Florence
Farewell Castellare de Sernigi this morning with a 9:00 am transfer to Florence. After a brief stop at Piazzale Michelangelo to marvel at the spectacular views of the city of Florence we make our way to our hotel in the heart of the city ‘Relais Piazza Signoria’. After securing our luggage at the hotel we embark on a guided visit of the Galleria dell’Accademia to marvel at Michelangelo’s David followed by a guided orientation walking tour of Florence and then enjoy lunch at a typical restaurant. The afternoon and evening is at leisure. (B, L)
Stay at Relais Piazza Signoria 3 nights
Day 9 - Sunday 11 May - Lucca And Pisa
Travel to medieval Lucca – birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini surrounded by Renaissance walls and beautiful gardens. Lunch in a typical Restaurant. Continuing to Pisa, see the Piazza Del Duomo with the leaning tower then return to Florence. (B, L)
Day 10 - Monday 12 May - Florence
In Piazza Della Signoria savour a coffee and pastry at the famous Caffe Rivoire followed by a visit of the Galleria Degli Uffizi for a guided tour of the magnificent Renaissance treasures. Afternoon at leisure and farewell dinner out (B, D)
Day 11 - Tuesday 13 May - Florence To Santa Maria Novella
Following breakfast at Caffe Rivoire, farewell Florence today with a 10:00 am transfer to the Santa Maria Novella train station. (B)
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
