2008 Tours:
Tour Description | What's Included | Itinerary

Ca' di Pesa villa is featured on the cover of the June 2006 issue of Conde Nast Traveler!

Day 0: Depart USA
Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA. You may want to consider arriving a day or two prior to the tour, or stay a day or two at the end of the tour to enjoy more time on your own in the area, or to visit another region.

Day 1: Welcome to Panzano in Chianti
You'll be greeted at Florence Airport or Train Station by our friendly Dream Italia concierge and drive along the winding Chianti roads to Panzano in Chianti, about 18 miles south of Florence, to our elegant, country villa. Time to settle in, explore the historic villa and grounds. Tonight we will enjoy pizza baked in the wood-fire oven in the courtyard, and enjoy some of the estate's own production of Chianti Classico.
Walking: light            Meals: D

Day 2: Panzano in Chianti - Chianti Classico & Super Tuscan Tasting
This morning we will visit the nearby medieval town of Panzano in Chianti where the bustling Sunday market takes place. We will visit a lovely Chianti Classico estate for a cellar tour and wine tasting, followed by lunch in a superb trattoria overlooking the Tuscan hills. Later we will proceed to Castellina in Chianti where you will have free time to enjoy a stroll through the quaint fortified village, or for a snack or light dinner. See the castle and the underground walkway that was once the fortress walls, now lined with shops and restaurants.
Walking: moderate            Meals: B & L

Day 3: Hill towns of Southern Tuscany - Vino Nobile and Brunello country
Today will be a full day as we visit two famous wine producing regions next door to each other geographically, but whose wines are unique and delicious. We will start early for a drive to the lovely Val d'Orcia area of Tuscany where the landscape changes to the sun washed images of a painting. Today we will visit Montepulciano, for its prized Vino Nobile red wine, Pienza, famous for the production of pecorino cheese, and Montalcino, home of the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino. There will be time for shopping and we'll enjoy lunch in a local trattoria. We will return to our villa at the end of the day.
Walking: moderate            Meals: B & L

Day 4: Free day at the villa
You have the option to either enjoy a morning of shopping in Greve in Chianti followed by a visit to a Chianti Classico vineyard, or stay at the villa and enjoy the day. The time is yours to swim or take a hike, get together a game of pool or bocce or simply relax and read or write in your journal. Those going for shopping and wine tasting will return in the afternoon. We have planned a special afternoon activity for those who wish, we'll have an optional cooking class by our villa chef, Anna, one of the best chefs in the region. Those who participate in the cooking lesson will receive a special gift to remember the class. Those who do not wish to participate in the class will join us for the meal that we have prepared together.
Walking: light to moderate            Meals: B & D

Day5: San Gimignano - Vernaccia white wine
This morning we will visit the celebrated medieval walled town of San Gimignano, nicknamed the "medieval Manhattan" for its ancient towers that spear the skyline, about 14 of the original 72 remain. Free time to shop and explore this charming little town. Lunch in a local farmhouse nearby with tasting of the local Vernaccia di San Gimignano, one of Italy's highest quality white wines. We will then enjoy a visit to Monteriggioni Except for some work done in the 1500s, very little work has been done to Monteriggioni's walls or buildings since they were first erected. So, Monteriggioni's walls and the buildings that comprise the town within are the best preserved example of their kind in all of Italy, so it is not surprising that it attracts tourists, but also architects, medieval historians and archaeologists. We'll return to the villa to freshen up before heading to a local trattoria for dinner.
Walking: moderate            Meals: B & L

Day 6: Florence
We will depart from our villa in medieval Tuscany for a free day in Florence, the heart of the XVth century Renaissance. You will see a very different world in Florence, whose narrow streets are lined with elegant shops and splendid palaces. We will get an overview of the city and a short walking tour to see some of the most famous landmarks in the world. Since there are many discoveries to make, you will have free time to explore some of the many wonders of this magnificent Renaissance center and for lunch at your leisure. Don't expect to "see it all" in one day. Florence is a vast monument to art and culture and must be taken in small doses and savored. We will return to our villa for a very special dinner prepared by our Chef Anna.
Walking: moderate to strenuous            Meals: B & D

Day 7: Siena - Chianti Classico
Morning departure for Siena, one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Italy, and centuries-old rival to Florence. Some rivalries still exist today! We will enjoy a guided visit of the town in the morning. Free time for a snack, shopping or to explore the artistic and architectural treasures. Roam the maze of streets, enjoy a cafe in Il Campo, the main piazza surrounded by medieval palaces and home of the famous Palio horse race, or climb the 503 steps of the Torre del Mangia for a spectacular view of the ancient "burnt sienna" buildings of the city. We then proceed to the elegant Paneretta Castle where we will have a tour of the castle grounds and cellars. This magnificent private residence is a hidden gem. We are back in Chianti Classico country for our final wine tasting of the trip. Salute! Back to the villa. Tonight we will celebrate new friendships with a farewell dinner at a popular restaurant in Panzano.
Walking: moderate            Meals: B & D

Day 8: Arrivederci!
After breakfast we will return to Florence Airport or Train Station. Those continuing on Dream Italia's A Weekend in Florence will be taken to our hotel in central Florence.
Walking: light            Meals: B

Tour Ends

Itinerary specifics subject to change due to weather, holidays, special events and circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Your tour guides:

Elizabeth

Elena

Giovanni

Niccola

2008 Tours:
Tour Description | What's Included | Itinerary