Discover Tuscany: Culture, Food & Wine

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Settle into our family-run albergo in the hills of Tuscany to immerse yourself in this ever-evocative Italian region. Over the week, we sip wine at renowned chianti producers, discover age-old traditions, and learn all about the region from local experts. Of course, we have guided tours in the iconic cities of Siena and Florence – they’re unmissable – but als...
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$4,253
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Live the quintessential Tuscan life: vineyard hills, great wine and culture-rich cities
    • Sip chianti with the experts in two renowned wineries
    • Get to know Siena like a local, visiting a closed-to-the-public museum
    • Discover the ancient ‘wine windows’ of Florence
    • Learn the secrets of pasta-making from local chef and author, Federica Continanza
    • Feel like one of the family with a stay in the Tuscan hills at Hotel Le Renaie

What's this trip about?

    Settle into our family-run albergo in the hills of Tuscany to immerse yourself in this ever-evocative Italian region. Over the week, we sip wine at renowned chianti producers, discover age-old traditions, and learn all about the region from local experts. Of course, we have guided tours in the iconic cities of Siena and Florence – they’re unmissable – but also visit lesser-known medieval towns for a more intimate experience. Embrace the Tuscan lifestyle with wine tastings at celebrated vineyards and learn the secrets of pasta-making in a cooking class led by local chef and author Federica Continanza.Join expert guides, wine makers and our welcoming hosts to explore this intoxicating region of Italy with the local people

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityPancole
End CityPancole

Destinations

Attractions

  • Florence
  • Tuscany

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 5

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All accommodation
    • Welcome drink
    • All breakfasts
    • Four dinners
    • Two wine tastings with nibbles
    • Cooking class
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout

Itinerary

Day 1 Start at Hotel Le Renaie in Pancole

We start at Hotel Le Renaie, our welcoming family-run hotel in the village of Pancole, just 4mi (6.5km) from the medieval town of San Gimignano. In the evening, our tour leader hosts a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer...

Day 2 Visit Colle Val d'Elsa and enjoy an organic wine tasting

We begin our exploration of Tuscany by visiting Colle Val d’Elsa, a medieval town well off the normal tourist track and, surprisingly, a world hub for crystal production. After an introduction to the town from our tour leader, enjoy free time to stroll through the enc...

Day 3 Travel to Siena and explore the historic centre

After breakfast, we head to Certaldo station and catch a train to Siena (approximately 45 minutes). This medieval city is dominated by impressive gothic monuments and is divided into 17 contrade (districts), each of which goes head-to-head in the twice-annual Palio, a...

Day 4 Castellina in Chianti and optional wine tasting; pasta-making class

This morning, we drive for approximately one hour along the Chiantigiana, a picturesque route that winds through Chianti vineyards and olive groves. Our destination is Castellina in Chianti, one of the original Chianti Classico villages. Enjoy free time to wander, exp...

Day 5 Free day to explore San Gimignano, relax by the pool or visit other Chianti villages

Today is free to enjoy Tuscany at your own pace. If you feel like relaxing, simply stay at the albergo and enjoy the hospitality of our hosts, taking dips in the pool. Alternatively, head to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano, which is wrapped in 13th-century wa...

Day 6 Discover the magnificent city of Florence and enjoy a pizza night

Our destination today is Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. We reach Florence from Certaldo by train, approximately a one-hour journey. A local guide meets us upon arrival, leading a one-hour exploration of the city, delving into the captivating trad...

Day 7 Visit Volterra; afternoon wine tasting and farewell dinner

A 45-minute drive takes us to Volterra: perched on a hill, it is wonderfully picturesque with medieval ramparts, Etruscan roots, and panoramic views of the countryside. Take the opportunity to visit landmarks such as the first-century BCE Roman theatre or the Cathedra...

Day 8 End in Pancole

The trip ends after breakfast. Bid Hotel Le Renaie a fond farewell and begin your return journey home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,150
Price per day$394
Last Updated: 11/20/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
26 Apr 2025
03 May 2025
$3,150
$3,825
17 May 2025
24 May 2025
$3,225
$3,870
07 Jun 2025
14 Jun 2025
$3,150
$3,825
06 Sep 2025
13 Sep 2025
$3,225
$3,870
04 Oct 2025
11 Oct 2025
$3,150
$3,825

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Local taxes (approximately €10 per person, see Trip Notes)
    • Pre & Post Package
    • Extension Package

Accommodation

Surrounded by Tuscan hills, Le Renaie occupies a privileged spot in the little village of Pancole, just 4mi (6.5km) from San Gimignano. Here, the Sabatini family has created an intimate, friendly retreat with 25 air-conditioned rooms and plenty of places to mingle. Under the beautiful Italian summer sun, the swimming pool area (which has a separate hot tub) is the perfect place to cool down; alternatively, find a shady spot in the flower-filled gardens to sit, chat or read a book. Come evening, gather in the bar-restaurant for delicious Tuscan cuisine and a glass or two of excellent local wine. It’s a popular stop for Pancole residents, so you know it’s good. There are also games tables to keep the entertainment going or you can take your drinks onto the bar terrace for views over the garden, which is filled with hydrangeas and citrus plants. Amenities Swimming pool (usually open May to mid-October) Restaurant serving traditional Tuscan meals Bar/cafeteria for light snacks and lunches (open every day) Games tables Worth knowing A limited number of rooms have a balcony (facing the pool or garden) and these are assigned by the hotel Pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements; cooler months may not be suitable for swimming
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Your package includes all breakfasts, four dinners and two wine tastings. Breakfast is typically a continental buffet. Two of your included dinners are at Hotel Le Renaie and consist of three courses with dessert and a glass of wine. On Thursday, enjoy a special pizza feast at the hotel. All meals are homemade, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, and follow traditional Tuscan recipes. For this reason, the menu doesn't include fish-based options. Dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, can be accommodated – please inform us of any dietary requirements when booking.
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hotel Le Renaie)
  • Sightseeing on foot
  • Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader
  • Travel by private minibus and train
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure
  • Option to book an extension package
Trip ID
exodus-ADC

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