Taste of Tuscany Tour
By Sweet Life Italy (aka Alecia
Caine)
Friday,
Oct 21 - Day 1 Montalcino Wine
Excursion
Drive
through the beautiful Siena province to Montalcino where we will stay for 2
nights at Paradiso
di Caruci https://paradisodicacuci.com/, a
family owned Winery and Bed & Breakfast that produces a small quantity of
exceptional Brunello. Tour the vineyard
and winery with Francisco followed by a Wine Paring Lunch. In the evening, wander around the historical
town of Montelcino during the Sagra del Tordo, taste the famous white truffles,
chestnuts, mushrooms, fresh pressed olive oils, salumi and wines, of course.
For
transportation from anywhere in Florence, train station or airport, contact
Marco Modesti at info@tuscanytopdrivers.com
Saturday,
Oct 22 - Day 2 Tuscany Tour, Montalcino
Medieval Nights.
Drive
to Pienza, a beautiful medieval village that was completely renovated during
the Renaissance. Enjoy the views and
also try the Pecorino cheese this town is famous for. Then drive through the famous rolling hills
of Val d’Orcia on the way to visit the town of Montepulciano. Then back to Montalcino for a special dinner
during the Medieval Palio di Arcieri or Archery competition hosted by Francesco
Ditta from Paradiso di Caruci.
Sunday,
Oct. 23 - Day 3 Tuscany Tour, Florence
After
breakfast, we are on our way to Siena, a beautiful terra cotta medieval
town. See the famous Duomo, climb to the
top to see spectacular views. Walk the
quaint circular streets stopping in the specialty shops for regional delicacies,
panforte or biscotti. Make your way down
to the Piazza del Campo where the famous Palio di Siena, the horse race that takes
place twice a year. Enjoy a coffee in
the Piazza. Drive through the Chianti region, enjoy lunch
at Dario's Antica Macelleria. https://www.dariocecchini.com/ On to Florence and check into your hotel. The
Calimala https://www.hotelcalimala.com/ (or Hotel Bonifacio is a budget conscious
option https://www.hotelbonifacio.it/en/home-en-3/)
Monday,
Oct. 24 - Day 4 Florence, the Birthplace
of the Renaissance
The
morning light is amazing in Florence and has inspired artists and art lovers
for centuries. It’s no wonder Florence is at the heart of the Italian
Renaissance. The scent of cappuccino and fresh baked Cornetti will gently
signal it’s time to awaken to your own personal Renaissance. Begin on to
the rooftop bar/terrace of your hotel, to enjoy the most amazing breakfast you
will ever eat in Italy while taking in the breathtaking views of Florence. After breakfast, your guide will meet you downstairs
for a private walking tour of the Duomo, Giotto’s tower Brunelleshci's dome, MichelAngelo’s David and
my favorite Botticelli, The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Museum. After a long day of sight seeing, it’s time
for a siesta to refresh and be ready for an aperativo at Enoteca Alessi https://www.enotecaalessi.it/. With a huge selection of Italian and
international wines as well as whiskeys, spirits and liqueurs from all over the
world, you can enjoy a bottle or 2 among friends with a tagliere of Italian
cured meats and cheeses.
Dinner
at Ribeo, https://www.facebook.com/OsteriaRibeo/ the
hand cut Chianina tartare will not disappoint.
On the walk back to the hotel stop by My Sugar Gelato Artiginale https://my-sugar.business.site/. The Black Sesame and salty caramel are my
favorites.
For tour guide in
English contact Carol Ann Sicbaldi https://carolsmoveablefeast.com/ or Christina’s Florence christinasflorence@gmail.com
Heliania Vogli at https://www.florenceconnection.net/
Tuesday,
Oct. 25 - Day 5 Central Market and Cooking Class
Our
chef will meet us after breakfast and take us on a tasting tour of the Central
Market to indulge in regional delicacies such as truffles, Pecorino or Sheep
Cheese, olive oil, prosciutto, salamis and wines. We will gather ingredients for a cooking
class followed by lunch. https://divinacucina.com/divine-days-with-divina-cucina/ After
a siesta, visit the tiny but packed art and leather studio of Daniela Baldini http://pitturantica.it/ for ancient style
paintings and leather objects. Shop at
Melrose Vintage https://www.instagram.com/melrosevintagestorefirenze/?hl=it and for leather goods. Enjoy an aperativo at
La Menagere https://www.lamenagere.it/
Wednesday,
Oct. 26 - Day 6 Foodie and Artisan Tour
of the Oltrarno
After
breakfast, finish shopping to bring some goodies back home, stroll around, sit
in a café and just enjoy with all your senses. In the afternoon meet up with Lorenzo Marchi
for a fantastic food and wine tour of the other side of the Arno, known as the Oltrarno
infoLorenzoMarchi@gmail.com. You will visit the quaint authentic
neighborhoods where the Florentines hang out tasting all the best from the
Tuscan region. Stroll around after your
tour and check out the artisan studios in the cradle of the Renaissance. You will see small workshops of Goldsmiths,
bookbinding, handmade leather and paper products, crystal, bronze and musical
instruments
Thursday,
Oct 27 - Day 7 Last Day in Florence.
After
breakfast, enjoy the day, take a stroll, shop, have lunch.
Contact: Alecia Caine abccpa@sbcglobal.net Instagram : Sweet Life Italy Facebook : My Sweet Life Italy
https://sweetlifeitaly.blogspot.com/
