Driving Tour in Tuscany
Discover the Culture and Gastronomy on this private self drive holiday around the charming Tuscan country side with its famous rolling hills, vineyards, castles and small art towns Figline Val d”Arno (Florence) – San Gimignano -Chianti area
5 Days – 4 Nights prices on request
Itinerary
DAY 01: Arrival
Arrive at Rome or Florence Airport , pick your car up and depart to your Hotel Villa near Florence.
Time at leisure and the welcome dinner with featuring local cuisine. Overnight.
DAY 02: Florence
Morning departure for Florence to join a morning regular sightseeing tour consisting in the romantic Viale dei Colli to Piazzale Michelangelo: where we stop to admire the breathtaking view of the city. The tour continues by coach down into the centre of the oldest part of the town proceeding on a guided visit on foot of the Santa Maria del Fiore or Duomo complex: the Baptistery with its gilded bronze doors including the famous Doors of Paradise and a walk around the exterior of the Cathedral with the magnificent Brunelleschi Dome and Giotto’s Belfry with its fascinating marble statues and reliefs.
Then visit the Gallery of the Accademia to admire the famous David by Michelangelo and other works by the great artist.
Afternoon is free to discover the beauties of the city on your own. Florence offers the largest number of historical buildings and works of art in Italy, as well as several world-class museums. You might like to do a little leather, gold or clothing shopping near Ponte Vecchio. Return to the Villa and overnight.
DAY 03: Siena & San Gimignano
This morning we suggest to visit Siena to take a walk in the main streets, squares and buildings hosting ancient houses of a medieval noble families. Visit the main square Piazza del Camp, considered one of the most beautiful of Europe, commanded by the Cathedral, one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture of Tuscany. Don’t miss to sample some delicious traditional desserts like the Panforte in one of the many famous pastry shops in town.
In the afternoon visit on your own San Gimignano. This tiny walled town is located on a hill-top, intact through the centuries and famous for its numerous tall towers, frescoes and other valuable works of art. Moreover, you will be able to watch how skilled craftsmen produce handmade objects according to a long standing tradition of excellence.
On the way to San Gimignano along the ancient Via Francigena you will have a wine tasting in a wonderful winery in San Gimignano , a unique experience that will make unforgettable your trip in Italy. Different types of wines will be served with knowledge, charme and typical Tuscan sympathy, and explained through the passion, the energy and contagious enthusiasm. Overnight.
DAY 04: Greve in Chianti & Gaiole in Chianti
We suggest an entire day dedicated to the discovery of the Chianti hills along the Via Chiantigena (an ancient road connecting Siena to Florence crossing the Chianti hills). Stop in Greve to visit the little historical town centre and then head for a farm dairy where there will be some sampling of organic cheeses (including baby goats cheese and fresh ricotta).
A stop in Gaiole is recommended for a short walk and the towards its attractions: the surroundings which include beautiful castles and parish churches.
Among the most beautiful is the Parish Church of Spaltenna, displaying a valuable 15th century crucifix, the Castle of Vertine which is a small medieval walled village and the Abbey of Coltibuono former monastery now turned into a wine estate.
Return to the Villa and overnight.
DAY 05
Breakfast and end of the services.
INCLUDED:
* 4nights at Hotel Villa Casagrande or Villa Il Palagio
* Buffet breakfast daily
* 1 welcome dinner – drinks included (1/2 water, ¼ wine)
* Florence public tour – coach and walking (guide and Accademia admission included)
* Wine tasting in San Gimignano with appetizers (salami and cheese).
* Cheese tasting in Greve in Chianti
Not included: Guides / Admissions / City taxes / Porterage / all that is not clearly mentioned above
POSITION: In the nice town of Figline Valdarno, only 25 km from Florence and 40 km from San Gimignano.VILLA CASAGRANDE – Figline Valdarno (Firenze)
DESCRIPTION: Formerly a residence of artistic heritage frequented by kings, queens and popes, has been recently restored and is now an elegant Hotel. In the Villa there is still a little museum in which are shown masterpieces of painting and sculpture, but also ancient furniture and armors.
FACILITIES: indoor and outdoor swimming pool (not warmed), sauna and gym. Possibility of cooking, painting and ceramics courses.
ROOMS: restored and furnished taking care not to spoil the charm of this XIV century building. They are all provided with telephone and TV color.
APARTMENTS: are wide and comfortable.
Type A: living room, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom
Type B: kitchen, living room with double sofa bed, double bedroom and bathroom.
GASTRONOMY: The restaurant is situated in the ancient weaponry room in winter and in the shade of the courtyard in summer. It offers refined dishes of Tuscan cuisine accompanied with the excellent Chianti wines produced by the Farm.
WELLNESS CENTER : In the wellness area in the hotel you will be able to fully relax. Villa Casagrande offers many different types of massages including antistress, anticellulite .
VILLA IL PALAGIO – Rignano sull’ Arno (Firenze)
Villa Il Palagio is at the same time an historical palace and a modern-style apart hotel.
The structure includes over 30 apartments which combine all the comforts and amenities of a luxury home with the discreet professional services and facilities of a world-class hotel.
Villa Il Palagio consists of several buildings of different periods, such as, the Villa, the Oratory and the barn, nowadays converted into stylished apartments.
Villa Il Palagio offers our guests a wide choice of luxurious two, three and four rooms independent apartments, with contemporary furnishing (for example two rooms apartments are about 80 sq.mt.). Kitchenette is supplied with electric cooker, fridge, dishwashing machine and oven.
A wide green park with an amazing outdoor swimming pool & bar enhance the enjoyment of Villa Il Palagio guests.
Car rental prices price for 5 days and for on request:
Car Rental includes:
· Unlimited mileage for 7 days ,
· Theft Protection, PAI CDW TP insurance
· local government taxes , pick up and drop off at Florence Airport (other locations on request)
Economy Manual Car (Ford Ka or similar) Euro 308 per week
Compact Manual Car ( Ford Focus or similar) Euro 380 per week
Economy automatic Car ( Ford Fiesta or similar) Euro 617 per week
Intermediate automatic car (Alfa Romeo 159) Euro 1132 per week