Location and Transportation

Transcription

1 Location and Transportation How do I get to Il Borgo? From Florence, your transfers are included! The estate of Il Borgo di Villa Bossi Pucci is located in the town of Montagnana just 16 miles south of Florence in the wine growing region of Chianti, Tuscany. The closest airport to Il Borgo is Florence Peretola Airport FLR (also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport) the main airport of the region of Tuscany. Transfer time is approximately 30 minutes by car. The closest Train Station is Florence s main station Santa Maria Novella (SMN) is approximately 30 minutes by car. Transfers from Florence Airport, Train Station and even hotels if you are already staying in Florence before arriving to Il Borgo are included in the Special, Classic and Deluxe Programs. Transfers from other cities such as Pisa, Rome, Venice and Milan can be arranged at additional costs if desired. Vehicles are deluxe air conditioned 8-passenger vans or deluxe air conditioned 4-door sedans for smaller parties. Can I rent a car at Il Borgo? If you prefer to rent a car, the closest rental companies are in Florence. But with all the transportation included, a car is not necessary. Is there a town within walking distance? The little town of Montagnana is located just a short walk away down a lighted path thought the olive grove. Here you can find a small market, post office, gas station, cafe, fine dining restaurant and a popular family pizzeria. Operating times vary so always please check before planning your visit. Most businesses are closed in August. Other towns just a short drive away are Montespertoli, Cerbaia, and San Casciano Val di Pesa which has a wonderful historical center. Accommodations Is there a full kitchen where we can cook our own meals? Every casa has what is referred to as a breakfast kitchen equipped with mini refrigerator, small stove and oven, sink, and basic flatware, glasses, cups and plates. Since you are out during the day usually for lunch, and dinners are included each night at local restaurants on most programs, cooking would not be necessary. However, light meals or snacks can be prepared. The seating is typically a small breakfast bar or small patio table for light meals. Do all the rooms have private baths? The accommodations at Il Borgo are fully equipped one and two bedroom apartments. All rooms have their own bathroom and some two-story apartments also have an additional half- bath on the ground floor. Towels, all linens and general toiletries are included. Daily housekeeping is included. Hairdryers are provided. Iron and ironing boards are available upon request. Each casa has direct dial phones and Satellite TV with CNN and other English stations. Please just ask if there is anything you need.

2 Is there air conditioning? There is no air conditioning - the property is perched high upon a hill which affords comfortable breezes - and cool nights. (Portable fans are provided in the summer.) Room darkening shutters and thick brick construction help to keep the indoors cool. There are also working fireplaces for cooler seasons. What about mosquitoes? Mosquitoes can be present in all parts of Italy during the summer months. With no screens to obstruct the views also providing access to the shutters, each casa is equipped with a device which plugs into the wall and repels mosquitoes quite effectively. Is there a place to do laundry? Laundry service is available for hire at Il Borgo and usually takes approximately 24 hours. There is no self-service laundry. For those guests with a car, there are self-service Laundromats in nearby towns. Is there internet access? There is Wi-Fi throughout the estate and also DSL hard wire connections available for you to connect with your own device such as laptop or smart phone free of charge. There is also a computer available for guests to use in the library; however, the keyboard is set up for the Italian language. We suggest having your own device to connect online if desired. Smoking Policy No smoking is allowed in any of the apartments. Ashtrays are provided for use outside only on the terrace or balcony. Please consider other guests if smoking in the pool area. We ask for your courtesy of other guests in this respect. Pool Policy The beautiful pool is open typically from May 15 th Sept 15 th or longer if the weather insists! There is no lifeguard on duty. Children are allowed only when accompanied by an adult. There is a shower on the patio for use before entering and upon exiting the pool. No glass allowed in the pool area. The depth is approximately 4.5 feet. No diving please. Pet Policy Pets are generally not allowed however, service animals are most welcomed. information. Please contact us directly for more Is Tipping Included? Taxes and service charges are included in your stay. If you find services to be worthy of an additional compliment, additional gratuities are optional and can be paid directly to the housekeeping staff, driver and guides. If so desired, a general guideline is 1 euro per person per day for housekeeping and 2 euro per person per day for drivers or guides.

3 Tours What Tours are included? There are 6 daily suggested tours included in our Classic Program (final itinerary provided upon arrival) o Florence including a visit to the Academia to view Michelangelo s David o Siena See the Piazza del Campo, Duomo, and learn about the neighborhoods the fascinating historical Palio o Lucca and Pisa a perfect pair from the charming quiet shop-lined streets of Lucca to the grand Field of Miracles of Pisa including the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, and Cathedral. o San Gimignano the most well-preserved medieval city of towers. o Chianti Wine Country with vineyard visits and tastings o Volterra Ancient Etruscan and Roman ruins abound on the quiet hilltop town of alabaster. Schedules are finalized the time of your visit to accommodate museum hours, special exhibits, and festivals which can pop up everywhere in Chianti during all seasons. TOUR DISCLAIMER: For parties of 5 or more, local guides escort the group in each of the larger cities for a walking tour. In the event there are 4 guests or less on any tour, we offer maps, suggested sites and places for lunch and shopping and of course, all transfers. Our transfers take you into the heart of the towns and cities. If you wish to substitute a tour for a private driver for the day - (for example to go to the Cinque Terre) the cost is between euro for the day - depending on how far (or how long) you wish to go for a car for 4 passengers. Is there a guide with you the whole time? For our Deluxe Program, a private driver/guide are with you each day. For our Classic and Special programs, please see the tour disclaimer above. Dinners Where are the dinners? With Inclusive Tuscany, dinners are included at local family-owned restaurants including appetizers, main entrees, dessert, coffee, and house wine offering well-balanced options at each venue. Most restaurants are within about 10 kilometers of Il Borgo and include van transfers so you can enjoy the wine without worry. Some are located in the historical town centers, some are out in the country, while others are even within walking distance! Can I order special meals? Please do let us know in advance of any special dietary needs. We will communicate to each dinner location your requests. It is a good idea to have your dietary needs written in Italian to also present to your wait staff upon arrival. Is Wine Included? House wine is included with all dinners which in Chianti is quite good! If you would like to order a special bottle, you can pay the additional separately and enjoy with your included dinner.

4 What is the Dress Code? A stay in the countryside means a more relaxed dress code than when in the city. Depending on the season, khakis, polo shirts, light t-shirts or sweaters for men, and capris, skirts, shorts, and light t-shirts or sweaters for women. Comfortable shoes are important for the excursions. Shorts are fine during the summer months, however, appropriate dress must be worn when entering structures of worship knees, shoulders, and cleavage should be covered. A light scarf can prove to be an indispensable accessory. A light raincoat or windbreaker will also come in handy. Shorts are generally not worn to dinner however, do plan on casual attire when touring and dining in the Tuscan countryside. Optional Classes Are Classes included? Classes are offered as an additional enhancement to your immersion into the Tuscan culture and beauty during your stay at Il Borgo. There are 7 classes which are can be arranged in advance based on availability and taught by local English-speaking instructors: Tuscan Cooking Lesson followed by a wonderful feast! Ceramic Painting Class 2 or 4 lessons, 2 hours each. Design and paint your own terra cotta piece for the ultimate memento. Photographing the Tuscan Landscape 2 or 4 lessons 2 hours each field classes with local professional instructor The Art of Watercolor - 2 or 4 lessons 2 hours each plein air painting with local professional instructor Art History of the Renaissance insightful overview of the artistic period of the region. Chianti Wine Production and Appreciation the process and the tasting. Italian Language Lessons classes 2 hours each. Fundamental words and expressions of the melody of Italiano. Where do the classes take place, how long are they, and how much do they cost? Most classes are 2 hours long and many meet two times during your stay such as the ceramic painting, watercolor, and photography classes. Most take place on the estate of Il Borgo although with some such as the photography; the student goes out into the fields with their instructor. Pricing varies depending on number of students and the length and type of class. Please inquire for more information. Classes should be reserved at least 60 days in advance. Lessons of Tuscany provide you with not only an enhanced knowledge for your passions, but also wonderful souvenirs of your journey! What is there to do on free days at Il Borgo? Relax by the beautiful pool overlooking groves, vineyards and distant castles Enjoy the library full of great pool side reads as well as a wide array of references on Tuscany, Italy and her amazing history. Take walks down the country roads to explore ancient castles and churches Visit the nearby vineyards and winery of Frescobaldi and Poppiano Visit the nearby market where local products are proudly sold - a very short distance by foot Activities for additional charge advance reservations required: Enjoy a Cooking Lesson, photography, ceramic painting, or Chianti Wine Classes, see more class options above. Enjoy and early morning hot air balloon flight Go Horseback Riding through the fields of Tuscany Visit the Designer Outlet Mall Spend the day at a Spa and indulge in a variety of treatments

5 Can you stay more or less than a week? Longer or shorter stays can be arranged based on availability, please inquire. Can you request to go to other places? Private transfers or driver can be arranged for other locations at additional costs. For instance, a day trip to the Cinque Terre in the region of Liguria can be requested in place or in addition to other excursions. What is included in the week-long Classic Inclusive Tuscany? Round Trip transfers from and to Florence Train Station (SMN) or Florence Airport. 7 nights accommodations in lovely, large, Tuscan residences with living room, breakfast kitchen, terraces and spectacular valley views of olive groves and vineyards o Hairdryers, SAT TV, High-speed internet access, mini-bars, daily housekeeping 7 breakfasts served each morning delivered to your room 7 dinners at local family-owned restaurants including wine 6 daily suggested tours (final itinerary provided upon arrival) o Florence o Siena o Lucca and Pisa o San Gimignano o Chianti Wine Country with vineyard visits and tastings o Volterra Deluxe air conditioned transportation to all off-site events and dinner locations. All taxes and service fees Deluxe Program includes all features of the Classic Program with a private driver and guide for each day s excursion. Special Program includes 5 dinners and 4 tours (selected for you.) How do I book reservations? Deposit required is $250 per person accompanied by a completed reservation form which can be sent to you by or downloaded from the website. Final Balance is due 60 days prior to your arrival. Group terms differ please inquire. In U.S. and Canada call toll free From Elsewhere Please inquire for more information and helpful documents such as our packing suggestions and general know-before-you-go Italy info. We suggest a good guide book for the region of Tuscany to help you make the most of your stay. The library at Il Borgo also has many available for use during your visit. We are excited to offer this unforgettable vacation where guests can experience the treasures of Tuscany in a personal and authentic setting.