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Florence, Siena, Chianti Walking Tour
Not Included: International airline ticket, transfer from and to the hotel, drinks and personal items. ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE: Hall of the Florence Hotel Relais delle Arti by 10.30 a.m. / Hall of the Siena Hotel Palazzo Ravizza after breakfast. Shuttles to and from the hotels can be arranged on requestDAY 1 - Arrival in Florence - by 10.30 a.m. Walk tour with historic guide. Transfer to our lodging Hotel Relais delle Arti, a little hotel in a the historical center of Florence, walking distance from the major beauties of the city. After a rest and a welcome lunch we will tour Florence starting from Santa Maria del Fiore, the Cathedral of Florence, which dominates the city with its enormous dome built by Brunelleschi. On the ceiling the dome you can admire the Last Judgment frescoes by Vasari. The sheer size of the cathedral was typical of Florentine determination to lead in all things, and to this day, no other building stands taller in the city. The Duomo is elegantly partnered by Giotto's Campanile and the Baptistery. The Campanile (bell tower) is 276 ft, 20 ft shorter than the dome.The Baptistery is one of the oldest building, dating perhaps to the 4th century. Moving towards the Arno river will then visit the Orsanmichele church and window shop in the many boutiques in via dei Calzaiuoli. Reaching the Piazza della Signoria you will see the famous copy of Michelangelo's David (the original is in the Museum of the Accademia) guarding the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio with its Florentine trademark Campanile (Bell Tower). It is the most recognizable building and square in Florence. A longtime center of all Florence's human activity. We will take a seat at one of the outdoor cafes of the Piazza della Signoria, and enjoy espresso or other Tuscan treat. Sculptures adorn the square, among them are Neptune's Fountain, which the Florentine called "Biancone', the Rape of the Sabine Women and Perseus. Close by is the Uffizi gallery. Leonardo, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Giotto, among other masters, all have paintings exhibited here. Stroll along the Arno River and back to the hotel. Some time to shop. Day 2 - Walk to San Miniato al Monte - 12 km This walk takes you from the center of Florence to the exquisitely decorated church of San Miniato al Monte, high on a hill in the south of the city. The route follows quiet lanes along the city walls, and then takes in the bustling Piazzale Michelangelo. We will be picked up here to be shuttle toward the countryside south of Florence. Visit of the Guicciardini-Strozzi Estate wine cellars with taste of the Vernaccia wine and buffet lunch at the main Villa. After lunch walk to La Collegiata, ancient convent outside San Gimignano, now beautiful hotel, where we will spend the night. DAY 3 - Loop around San Gimignano - via San Donato - We'll follow narrow farm roads past beautifully terraced hillsides still planted in the old manner of mixing grapevines, fruit and olive trees. We'll walk through old hidden farm settlements, along scenic pathways, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and villages. Finally, we'll reach our destination, the tiny village perched above the valley called San Donato. In 1348 San Gimignano was put under Florentine authority and fell into a kind of "Sleeping Beauty" causing the preservation of the town's old buildings. Nowadays it's a quaint country village: you can cross it in fifteen minutes and travel around the outside walls in an hour. Dinner in San Gimignano and then back to La Collegiata. DAY 4 - Chianti Classico Walk (Badia a Passignano) - We'll then be transfer to the "Chianti Classico" region. Our walks encircle the beautiful Chianti countryside, stunning historical monuments, and the picturesque villages that we have come to know and love so much. We'll enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch before the walk along cypress - lined drives past magnificent villas and rustic farmhouses to Badia A Passignano. There we will a visit the Antinori cellars; then a transfer to the hotel Palazzo Leopoldo in the center of Radda in Chianti. Pizza Dinner (real Italian pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven) in the lively village of Radda in Chianti. DAY 5 - Radda / Volpaia Walk and Specialty Food - Walk to the medieval village of Volpaia with its imposing 13th century tower that overlooks the valley, and a stroll through the perfectly preserved back streets. We'll stop for a country lunch including typical Tuscan crostini and young Chianti wine. Now it's time to hit the trail as we walk the last miles through the famous vineyards of Chianti Classico up to Volpaia. Dinner at Le Vigne back in Radda. Day 6 - Villages of Chianti - Radda / Vagliagli - Departure form the center of Radda for excursion of the panoramic hills of Chianti, walking through grapevines and olive trees. We will visit stunning hill top villages as San Polo, San Sano and the suggestive church of San Giusto. Arrival to Vagliagli and lunch with wine tasting in the famous estate of Villa Dievole. Shuttle to the city of Siena where we will visit the city with an historical guide. We will spend the night at Palazzo Ravizza and dinner at Nello La Taverna in Siena. DAY 7 - Hiking through the Sienese Crete - Shuttle to Buonconvento. We'll cross through the famous Crete region, the clay landscape south of Siena, which consists of bare hillocks and ravines to arrive to Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Lunch at the restaurant La Torre. Guided visit to the Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey founded in 1313 by Bernardo Tolomei, and still functioning today. The cloister walls are decorated with a cycle of frescos depicting the life of Saint Benedict by Luca Signorelli. Back to Palazzo Ravizza in Siena and dinner at a local restaurant. DAY 8 - End of tour after breakfast Shuttle to Florence and assistance with your travel plans can be provided on request. |
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Cost: $2,990; single room supplement $280
