Tuscany is like a great bottle of wine; lovingly created and carefully aged. The longer you spend contemplating its rich hues, the better it gets.
Co-hosted by Mark Hoerrner, The Wine Bar at Tim's Wine Market Avalon Park It is fitting that this region’s undulating hills house some of Italy’s best known appellations, including Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, as well as Vernaccia di san Gimignano and Carmignano. Our wine-centric journey is not a five-minute tasting at a roadside wine bar. It is an immersive experience into the region’s fabric and history, from the ruins of medieval churches to landscapes that inspired Leonardo da Vinci. Food, naturally, is a big part of the wine tasting culture here, so expect to do some first-hand research on Tuscan wine and food pairings.
One recurring theme on our villa-centric journeys is the authenticity of our experiences and the warmth of the friendships it contributes to creating. Be it at a local trattoria or at home with our chef and his local counterparts. Take part in the making of pasta, tiramisu or just enjoy watching our chef do his magic, prosecco on hand.
Let's admit it, this has to be one of the main reasons for journey-ing to Tuscany and tour incredible wine regions, not the least being Chianti, Montepulciano and Brunello. We will certainly make sure to introduce you to some of these fine producers by picking small and less known estates which we have established great relations with, all offering true Italian hospitality (and incredible wines) along the way
Discovering Italy also means understanding the local culture and the country's history. Both are quite essential components of the food and wine traditions as well when you think about it. Yet, we also know that too much of it can be..well, too much of it. So we have created a balanced itinerary, inviting you to discover, without excess, Tuscany's traditions, culture and history through the eyes of our local historian-guides.
As for many of our journeys, we have taken some of the worries related to planning and budgeting out, so you may fully enjoy your experience. To that effect, all our tours and excursions as listed on the itinerary are included, as well as most meals, while leaving room for a romantic outing or two. All you have to do now is just show up and let yourself be pampered without worrying about breaking the bank once there.
This morning, you are picked up at the airport and whisked away to Orvieto where we have organized our first wine tasting and a light lunch. You are then taken away to our property located in the countryside of Montalcino. After settling down and enjoy some of the amenities and grounds, we gather for our welcome dinner, prepared by our local Chef, and paired with wines carefully picked by Mark.
Today we pay a visit to Florence's rival sister, Siena. Complete with a private walking tour led by a local historian, we uncover its deepest secrets, and most fascinating culture. After lunch at leisure, Mark takes us to one of his favorite wineries of Montepulciano, a mere 30 minutes away. There, we indulge in a private visit of the cellars and a tasting. Tonight is at leisure. Our hosts are at your disposal to take you to local towns for dinner, with our recommendations. Or enjoy the comfort of the property where private dinners may be arranged.
Today, we make it a Montalcino day. After a late morning, we depart for the winery where we have a private visit of the cellars organized, followed by tasting and a lovely Tuscan lunch prepared by our hosts. After this lovely experience, we head to the town of Montalcino where guests have a chance to wander on their own before we return to the property. Tonight, we are expected at the Relais Borgo San Pietro (a Michelin starred restaurant) for a tasting dinner, with wine pairings.
This morning is at leisure, Take advantage of the property's amenities or have one of your host take you to local traditional markets. Then join our friends at Tancredi for an hour or so of harvesting. Learn about their techniques and approach to sustainable harvest. For lunch, we have prepared a picnic to be enjoyed in the vineyard, Italian style! Later this afternoon, Marks takes us to another ones of his favorite estates for a visit, and tasting. Tonight's dinner is prepared by our Chef, at the castle
After a traditional breakfast, we are being enrolled by the locals for a traditional truffle hunting experience. It is followed by a low key/laid back cooking class at their farm before lunch is served. On the way back to the castle, we are expected by another wine estate for a private visit and tasting. Tonight's dinner is at leisure, with our recommendations. Our hosts will be on standby to drive you to town, or a private dinner at the property can be organized.
This morning, we make our way to Florence where Paolo and his team of historians are wait for a private walking tour of the Renaissance capital, including a guided visit to the Accademia where The David can be admired. While lunch is at leisure, we will be making a reservation at our favorite traditional hang-out, away from the touristy areas. On the way back to the property, we stop and spend some time at one of the traditional Chianti wine estates, for a private tour and tasting. Tonight, dinner is at leisure, with our recommendations.
Your last day at the castle can be enjoyed on property, or by having us organize for you some really incredible experiences around the area. Whether it is a sunrise hot air balloon ride or a day driving one of our vintage cars around hilltop towns and villages, let us know what we can do to enhance your last day in Tuscany. For those interested to join, Mark will be having another winery visit and tasting. Tonight, our farewell dinner is held at another one of our favorite Michelin-starred restaurant, with wines carefully picked by their master Sommelier.
This morning, you are transferred to the airport to catch your flight home, or to the nearest train station should you extend. Our experts are at your disposal to assist in connecting post-journey plans for a stress and hassle free experience. Let us go Beyond Travel for you.
The aristocratic Castle and Estate of Castelnuovo Tancredi encompasses over 600 hectares of the surrounding hillside of Montalcino in the region of Siena, dominating over the Orcia Valley, a UNESCO recognized historical landmark site. Many illustrious Italian families had previously owned this property such as the Guglieschi, the Borghese, and the Tancredi families, from whom the property was named after, prior to the acquisition of the estate by the current owners, the Venturini Del Greco family. Priority has always been to uphold the flavor and tradition of the estate itself while making modern improvements where necessary.
The Castle offers 9 beautifully appointed ensuite bedrooms. A magnificent suite at the top of the tower boasts a 360° view of the surrounding valley. A country-style kitchen with all modern comforts, a dining room, 2 large living-rooms with original painted beams, 2 smaller rooms with frescoed ceilings, and a selection of intimate seating areas in the garden complete the wonderful residence. In the park there are a large inground pool, a tennis court, a Wellness Spa with sauna, and a gym for the exclusive use of those residing in the Castle.
Rates displayed are per person, based on double occupancy. Solo travelers are welcome for a small single supplement fee of $1599 per single traveler.
Thank you so much for our amazing trip to Umbria! Your team truly catered to our personal preferences on every level; with both of us being foodies, it made a difference! Our favorites were the fantastic dinners by Chef Jennifer and her AIV touches? Her culinary creations were arts themselves! The truffle hunt with Bruno was a wonderful experience as well as the visits to the various local towns! Looking through the pictures they were each different and very charming! Memories for a lifetime for sure!
All listed retreats (hotels, villas and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. If replaced, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
A refundable deposit of $1500 per person is due at the time of your reservation. In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
Solo travelers welcome for a small single supplement of $1599.
Your final balance is due 90 days prior to departure, at which point your journey becomes non-refundable.
NEW! Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $500 per person administrative fee.