"Svetlana’s Super Tuscan Trip 2024"

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey to Tuscany, organized by Svetlana Yanushkevich, a distinguished Diplomat of Wine and Spirits certified by WSET in London. Svetlana, the visionary behind WineNot Boutique, an award-winning wine shop in New Hampshire, has been leading extraordinary wine and gastronomy tours of prestigious wine regions around the world since 2013.

Join 'Svetlana’s Super Tuscan Trip 2024' for a unique culinary journey in Tuscany, where you'll discover the finest Tuscan wines, authentic Italian delicacies, and gain insider insights into traditional production methods. This exceptional week includes private excursions to captivating cities and villages in the region.

We've carefully curated this experience, selecting the best activities from our previous Tuscany trips: a cooking class at Poggio Alloro organic farm with renowned chef and AIS-certified Sommelier, Sarah Fiorini; a Brunello wine tasting at Poggio Antico winery in Montalcino, and a memorable farewell dinner at Castello di Nippozano, an 11th-century castle built by the illustrious Frescobaldi family, one of Italy's renowned wine producers.

May is a very special time to visit Tuscany, as the region undergoes a magical transformation with the arrival of spring. The Tuscan countryside becomes a lush carpet of green, adorned with the brilliant hues of wildflowers of every hue, creating a visually stunning contrast against the deep blue sky. The weather in May is sunny and pleasantly warm when you can enjoy the outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer.

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival in Florence - Transfer to Siena - Welcome Dinner (D)

• Begin your journey with a group transfer from the airport to the 4-star hotel in Siena, strategically located near the historic center with a splendid panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

• Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the charms of Siena.

• In the evening, delight in a welcome 4-course wine dinner at the legendary restaurant, The Tavern of San Giuseppe, in Siena.

Day 2 (Sunday): Chianti Classico Region (B, L)

• Embark on a private minibus adventure, winding through the picturesque landscapes of Chianti.

• Your first stop is the Palagio di Panzano boutique winery, where you will indulge in a tasting of four wines, Passito wine, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

• Relish a gourmet lunch at Il Palagio.

• Continue your journey with a visit to the 14th-century Villa a Sesta winery, where you'll have the opportunity to taste four wines and Vin Santo dessert wine.

• The evening is yours to immerse yourself in the charm of Siena.

Day 3 (Monday): Visit to San Gimignano; Wine Tasting, Cooking Class with Dinner (B, D)

• Explore the remarkable medieval town of San Gimignano.

• Depart to the Poggio Alloro organic farm near San Gimignano, where you'll partake in a cooking class led by Sarah Fiorini, author of "A Family Farm in Tuscany," a renowned Italian chef, and an AIS-certified Sommelier.

• Savor a gourmet dinner on the terrace, complete with grappa and limoncello, for a perfect end to a memorable day.

Day 4 (Tuesday): Guided Tour of Siena; Gourmet Lunch (B, L)

• Embark on a guided walking tour of Siena, which includes visits to the Cathedral, Campo Square, and other notable landmarks.

• Continue your journey to Cortona, famously represented in "Under the Tuscan Sun."

• Check into your 4-star Cortona hotel, where a warm welcome awaits.

• Enjoy a gourmet lunch in the heart of Cortona.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Montalcino; Visits to 2 Wineries: Lunch and Tastings (B, L)

• Set forth on a journey to the Montalcino area of Tuscany.

• Poggio Antico winery invites you to indulge in a delightful tasting of four exquisite wines.

• Take a leisurely stroll through the charming Montalcino village and enjoy a lunch featuring the finest Pici pasta.

• Discover the prestigious Agriano wine estate, steeped in 500 years of history, and sample four more wines.

Day 6 (Thursday): Cheese Maker and Olive Oil Tour; Walking Tour of Florence (B, Light Lunch)

• Depart for Florence, making a delightful stop at a local cheese farm in Greve.

• Savor certified organic cheese, olive oil, and honey during a light lunch.

• Settle into your luxurious 4-star Florence hotel, boasting one of the best views of the iconic Florence skyline from the rooftop terrace and offering a rare amenity in the heart of Florence—a seasonal outdoor pool.

• Join a 2-hour walking tour of Florence's historic treasures, led by a local guide.

• Enjoy a free evening in Florence and the option to dine at your leisure.

Day 7 (Friday): Florence; Farewell Dinner (B, D)

• Revel in a free afternoon to explore the enchanting city of Florence.

• Conclude your journey with a spectacular farewell 4-course wine dinner at Castello di Nippozzano, an 11th-century defensive fortress originally built by the powerful Frescobaldi family, one of Italy's most prominent wine-producing families.

Day 8 (Saturday) Arrivederci (B)

• Breakfast and Group departures to Florence Airport.

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$4,495 (per person, double occupancy); 5,495 (per person, single occupancy) when paid by cash or check. *3% extra costs will apply to credit card payments

Included

• 4-star hotels, 7-night accommodation, superior rooms, all breakfasts.

• Meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners. Wine included for lunches and dinners.

• Private transfers and excursions as per program by private bus.

• Private Guide will be with the group: Day 2 (Chianti), Day 4 (Siena and Cortona), Day 5 (Montalcino), Day 6 (Florence).

• Tickets for the visit of the Cathedral, the Baptistery and Torre del Mangia in Siena.

• 6 winery visits/tastings.

• 1 cooking class.

• 1 visit to the cheese farm, olive oil tasting and light lunch.

• Mineral water on the bus.

• Gratuities for the tour guide and bus driver.

• City tax for the hotels.

Not included:

• Airfare. • Meals or snacks not listed above. • Private travel insurance.

Host or Publisher WineNot Boutique