Ultimate Tuscan Getaway!

Transcription

1 Immersion Journeys Italy, France & Beyond Ultimate Tuscan Getaway! Day-by-Day Itinerary: June 8 to June 15, 2013 We are basing this trip at Villa Giusterna, located in the heart of the Chianti hills. Villa Giusterna is an agriturismo. An agriturismo is a restored Villa or farmhouse in the countryside and is the favorite kind of vacation lodging for Italians because it s in nature, there is a pool and the food is amazing! We have chosen this agriturismo because of the beauty of its surroundings and the wonderful family who live on site. Agriturismos do not usually have air-conditioning and this one does not either. But the villa is on a hill with beautiful breezes and you may even need a sweater at night! We ll be able to eat most of our meals outside!!

2 We will be hosted by Alessandra and Auro HERE S THE ITINERARY! Saturday June 8th - Green Chianti Hills Arrive Florence and transfer to Villa Giusterna Hiking in the Chianti Hills out your back door swimming settling in Welcome Dinner at Villa Giusterna Sunday June 9th - Lunch at the Castle sleep in, swim, read a book on the porch Pick up by your private bus to travel to Sunday lunch at Salvatore's Castle Followed by visits to small unknown (to the world but well-known to your hosts!) charming hill towns. Back at the villa pasta making workshop with Chef Auro then pasta dinner!

3 Monday June 10 th Siena Private Bus and driver to take us to Siena Tour of Siena with Chiara Lunch on your own in Siena shopping and wondering around Siena Pizza night at Villa Giusterna Tuesday June 11 th Under the Tuscan Sun in Cortona sleep in, swim, read a book on the porch Bus picks us up to go to Cortona Shopping the wonderful little streets of Cortona lunch on your own and walking in the park Tour Cortona with the inimitable Giovanni Drinks and reception in an art gallery with a 2000 year old well in the floor it s covered, you can t fall in! Jewelry Tasting with Sebastian (third generation artisan jeweler) Dinner at Preludio shine like a star Wednesday June 12th - Market Day and Cooking School Travel to your cooking school Today is the local market day and you'll shop for the fresh ingredients Then you'll travel to the beautiful cooking school of Giusepinna and Simone where you will make an entire Tuscan meal - from antipasto to pasta to secondo to dolce (dessert!) Travel back to the villa with a quick stop in San Gimignano Anti-pasta and Salad night at Villa Giusterna

4 Thursday June 13th - Outlet Shopping and Lunch in the winery of an Italian Family Prada and other outlet shopping or spend the morning reading at the villa Alba and Claudio's for lunch on their family owned wine estate Walking in the vineyards Light dinner at the Villa Friday June 14th - St. Francis Day (Assisi) and Spello Assisi and Spello Travel to the beautiful medieval village of Spello Shop for linens and pottery Lunch on your own in Spello Visit to the Basicialla of St. Francis of Assisi Free time to shop in Assisi Farewell Dinner at the Villa Saturday June 15th - Journey On Travel on to Florence for departures home or for an extended stay in the beautiful Renaissance City of Florence!

5 Trip Dates: June 8 to 15th, 2013 This tour requires a minimum of 14 people. Please sign up and once we have 14 people we'll notify you to make your deposit. The maximum number of people is 16. Cost: The land cost of the tour is $2,190, per person, based on double occupancy. Cash discount cost is $2,140 per person for payment by check or wire transfer. *Because we are basing this tour at a villa (although everyone has their own room and bathroom) we must have a minimum of 14 people for the tour to go. Once we have 14 people who want to attend, you may make your registration deposit using PayPal and/or your credit card and still be eligible for the cash discount cost if your final balance is paid by check or wire transfer. Single rooms are available for a supplementary charge of $500. Airfare is not included. INCLUDED: Accommodations: 7 nights lodging at Villa Giusterna. Villa Giusterna sits atop a hill and has sweeping views of the beautiful Tuscan hills, covered with olive trees and vineyards. There is no airconditioning in the rooms, but the breeze should keep us all cool and the pool will be perfect in the afternoons and on our free morning. Each room has its own bathroom. Meals: All breakfasts and all other meals are included, except for 3 lunches during our excursions to Cortona, Siena and Assisi. We will take some of our meals on-site and others at restaurants in the towns we visit. All meals after breakfast! include regional wines. We carefully choose the restaurants based on ambiance and quality of cuisine. Transfers: All ground transportation during the tour. Wine Tastings of various Tuscan varieties (including small local producers and famous well known producers) Admissions: Entrance fee for all planned visits to monuments, galleries and museums are included. Local Italian Guides: This tour is escorted by Pam and Sam and you'll also meet local Italian guides who are wonderful story tellers and ambassadors of their cities! Small, Intimate Group: We will be limiting the number of participants to a maximum of 16. Early Arrival/ Late Stay Options: Depending on hotel availability you may be able to arrive early or stay after the end of the tour. We'll be happy to help you make these arrangements. Pick Up and Drop Off: We'll pick you up in Florence at the airport and drop you off in Florence at the train station, central hotel or airport. Experienced Tour Leaders: Pam Mercer and Sam Hilt have been leading tours in Tuscany since 1997.