Name: Discover Tuscany: Culture, Food & Wine
Brand: Exodus Travels
SKU: ADC
Price: 3150 USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.7 (17510 reviews)

Overview

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

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights

Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max

Age range65+, 50 - 64, 36 - 49, 18 - 35

Flights and transportN/A

Start CityPancole

End CityPancole

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.

Dates & Availability

Price from

$3,150

Price per day

$394

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Details

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

Group size:

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum number of people in group:

16

Trip Excludes:

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

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.

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Overview

Highlights

What's this trip about?

Trip includes

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