SPECIAL ITINERARIES

Departing from the centre of Florence, avoiding the most crowded streets, reach the countryside enjoying a day discovering the wonderful Chianti region, riding along the hills of Tuscany with stops at lovely vineyards, olive groves, quiet small country roads, and lots more….. The tour is with a professional English speaking guide and includes the bike rental, waterbottle, water, helmet, full time assistance, liability insurance. The pace of the tour is very relaxed with some stops to rest, drink and to enjoy the great views of Tuscany.

Join and discover the traditional and simple Tuscan cuisine enjoying the magic atmosphere of the countryside. The cooking lesson is held by a professional English speaking chef and you will learn how to prepare Tuscan dishes such as antipasti, pasta, main dishes and desserts. At the end of the lesson, which is at a magnificent agriturismo with where great views, enjoy the meal you have cooked with tasting of local wines, typical products and Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil.

Morning private visit of Villa Puccini in Torre del Lago overlooking the small square near the Lake of Massaciuccoli. Inside, in a room converted into a chapel, are preserved forever the mortal remains of the Maestro, his wife Elvira and his son Antonio. It’s possible to admire the piano where Giacomo Puccini worked on by night. Next to the chapel, designed personally by the composer, there is the entrance to the open air theatre, with its stage, that seems to be built directly on the water of the lake.
Lunch at nearby restaurant “Butterfly”. The visit of the villa and also lunch will be with the niece of the famous operas composer.
Then drive to Lucca, Puccini’s birthplace, for a brief visit of the city.

Operating every day EXCEPT on Monday (when the Villa is closed), on Thursday (when the restaurant Butterfly is closed), from July 15 to August 20 (due to the Puccini Festival), January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.

Enjoy guided horse riding through scenic countryside to hidden castles and ancient ruins. There are few ways to better enjoy the Tuscan countryside than a leisurely horseback ride.
Departure is from the hotel with car and English speaking driver to reach the place where the horse riding starts. The itinerary is provided as a guideline only and may vary slightly. It can also be tailored to suit Clients’ requirements. The English speaking driver (driver and not guide!!) will give Clients instructions about the history and culture of Tuscany and recommend the best sights to see. At the end of the trip, return back to hotel with car and driver.

Operating every day from March to December. The tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance, it is subject to availability and it is guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. No riding experience is required. Bookings cancelled within 20 days of travel date attract 100% cancellation penalties.

Enjoy a day at the “Mall outlet center”, located near Reggello, at about 40 kms from Florence. Here we can find the most famous designers’ fashion shops such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Loro Piana, Giorgio Armani, Sergio Rossi, Bottega Veneta, Emanuel Ungaro, Ferragamo, Ermenegildo Zegna, Valentino, La Perla.
Departure and return is at the hotel with car and English speaking driver.

The famous Palio horse race is held twice a year: July 2nd in honor of the local Madonna of Provenzano and August 16th in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin. Arrive in Siena in the early afternoon to admire the many feasts and processions, held in the narrow streets of the city centre, featuring spectacular flag-waving. Enjoy the race (three times around the Piazza del Campo) from a private terrace overlooking the Piazza, or simply from a pre-reserved seat. Once the race is over, live the atmosphere of the local people enjoying for the victory or despair for the defeat.

A day to admire the Palladian Villas.
Drive to Villa Valmarana “ai Nani”, that dates from the 17th century and was adorned in 1757 with splendid frescoes by Gian Domenico Tiepolo, the son. He portrays, with plenty of verve and vigour, the different aspects of daily life in the province and in particular, carnival scenes.
Afternoon proceed to Villa La Rotonda, located in Vicenza. The Rotonda is one of Palladio’s most famous creations and the plan of Chiswick House in London was inspired by it. It is an original example of villa of the prelate. The gracefully–proportioned square building is roofed with a dome and fronted on each side by a pedimented portico, making it look like an ancient temple.

Operating every day from April 15 to end of October. The interior of La Rotonda is open only on Wednesday, EXCEPT January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.

Start the day and transfer to a private palace in Florence.
Visit of the private art Gallery of the palace guided by a member of the family.
Late morning proceed to Fiesole and lunch at Villa San Michele. Villa San Michele is an ancient monastery of unsurpassed beauty designed by Michelangelo. Situated in the serene tranquillity of Fiesole, an antique Tuscan Etruscan colony founded in the 7th century B.C., the Villa is sourrounded by magnificent gardens and many acres of woodland.
After lunch return to Florence and visit the garden and private house of a noble Florentine family, followed by a cocktail with a family member. End the day returning to the departure point.