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Italy Travel - Villa Review

Italy Travel - Villa Review

Lombardi's Fabulous Family and Friends Gourmet Food and Wine Tour of Italy

Lombardi's Fabulous Family and Friends Gourmet Food and Wine Tour of Italy

Join Lombardi's Neighborhood Italian Restaurants for an intimate trip to savor and enjoy Tuscany and Emilia Romagna with the owners of Lombardi's and Italy 4 Real in May 2011. About Lombardi's:Founded in 1987 by veteran restaurateur Diane Symms, Lombardi’s was launched with a vision of serving memorable, full flavored, yet simple and affordable Italian food. The name “Lombardi’s” was chosen because “Lombardy” is a region in Italy. Lombardi’s is a family owned business with Diane’s daughter, Kerri Lonergan, an integral member of the ownership and management team. When: MAY 14 - 26, 2011 Taking Reservations Now Limited Space Available Where: Central Italy - SIENA - SAN GIMIGNANO - CHIANTI - PARMA - MONTALCINO - PIENZA - MONTEPULCIANO - FLORENCE - BOLOGNA - MODENA Cost: Click to see price Get on the waiting list now : 425-355-3711 orinfo@italy4real.com - Click and complete first. Place your deposit using PayPal: $350 per person non refundable - Place your deposit with personal check or over the phone using a major credit card. The Program MAY 14 - Depart USA Today's Events: Day 0 Today you will depart from the United States for your fligth to Italy. Italy 4 Real will assist you with your flight reservations. Flights are not included in this program. Important Airfare Note: you must depart USA on May 14th to arrive on the 15th of May in Italy. - Italy 4 Real will be happy to research and book your airfare for this trip. Everyone must arrvie to Florence airport between 8-10 am on May 15th for the single airport transfer. MAY 15 - Arrival to Italy - Florence Airport to Siena Included today: airport transfer, 3 star hotel, welcome drink, multi course welcome dinner. Today's Events: Day 1 Arrival of the group at the Florence airport. Pick up by private driver and departure for Siena. Arrival and check in at the 3 -Star Superior Hotel in the center of Siena. Check in and relax. Tonight we will have a welcome reception with drinks and a great welcome dinner with mutiple courses of the local foods. About the Hotel : The hotel is a new 3 star hotel located in the beautiful Tuscany town of Siena. Just a few steps away from the main square. The building dates back to the year 1600 and has been recently renovated and rooms are spacious and decorated in soft colors with an attention to detail. About Siena:The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation's most visited tourist attractions. Siena is also home of the famous Palio horse race. MAY 16 - Siena, Wine and San Gimignano! Included today: Breakfast, transfers, wine estate visit and private tasting unch, private guided tour of Siena city centre, visit to San Gimignano, 3 star hotel. Today's Events: Day 2 In the morning enjoy a buffet breakfast featuring fruits, cheeses, juices, pastries and of course the best Italian espresso! After breakfast you will meet our local guide for a 3 hour walking tour of Siena. No matter if you have been there before; our guides will show you a side of the city only the locals know. Visit the Duomo (church) the main square and learn about the famous Palio horse race! After the tour you are ready for lunch. You will enjoy a light tasting lunch in an organic wine estate that produces the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano, extra virgin olive oil and saffron! The estate owner will give us a short presentaion of the estate and you will taste the homemade products and wines! In the afternoon you will travel to the town of San Gimignano for a visit of the town on your own during free time. Here you will see the famous towers, quaint shops and meet the locals that make this town famous! Private transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon for dinner on your own and overnight stay. About San Gimignano: San Gimignano rises on a hill (334m high) dominating the Elsa Valley with its towers. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena" the trading and pilgrim's route that crossed it. Such prosperity lead to the flourishing of works of art to adorn the churches and monasteries. In 1199 it became a free municipality and fought against the Bishops of Volterra and the surrounding municipalities. Due to internal power struggles it eventually divided into two factions one headed by the Ardinghelli family (Guelphs) and the other by the Salvucci family (Ghibellines). In 1348 San Gimignano's population was drastically reduced by the Black Death Plague throwing the city into a serious crisis which eventually led to its submission to Florence in 1353. In the following centuries San Gimignano overcame its decline and isolation when its beauty and cultural importance together with its agricultural heritage were rediscovered. The construction of the towers dates back to the 11th and 13th centuries. The architecture of the city was influenced by Pisa, Siena and Florence. There are 14th century paintings of the Sienese School to be seen and 15th century paintings of the Florentine School. MAY 17 - Free Day Siena Included today: Breakfast, 3 star hotel. Today's Events: Day 3 Today is the day to explore Siena on your own. Get to know the city and all its charm. Find a shop, sit and people watch, the choice is yours. Lunch & Dinner on your own with overnight in Siena. MAY 18 - Montalcino, Abbey Of Sant Antimo GREGORIAN CHANTS Included today: Breakfast, private transfer, visit to Montalcino, visit to Castelnuovo dell'Abate, visit to Sant' Angelo in Colle, 3 star hotel. Today's Events Day 4 Wake up to the smell of fresh espresso at your buffet breakfast. Departure by private minivan with Italy 4 Real tour director for a full day excursion to Montalcino. On the road we will stop at the enchanting hamlet of Bagno Vignoni, where you can admire the medieval spa where Lorenzo il Magnifico and St Catherine from Siena use to bath. The village was built around this pool made of rock and the atmosphere is very romantic and unique. Arrival in Montalcino and you will have free time to visit the beautiful centre of this Medieval town. A visit to the Fortress for a pleasant walk on the walls and a visit to the inside Enoteca Regionale del Brunello. Time on your own for lunch. After lunch, transfer to Castelnuovo dell’Abate to visit the famous Abbey Of Sant Antimo where you can listen to the GREGORIAN CHANTS by the Augustinian Monks affiliated to the order founded in the 12th Century by St. Norbert in Premontre. This will be followed by a mass celebrated in this 9th. Century abbey. The view of this abbey and the sound of the Gregorian chant will remain your memory for many years. About the Abby: the nearby Abbey of Sant’Antimo welcomes all who wish to marvel at its unadorned early Romanesque architecture, contemplate in its peaceful, prayerful silence, or be mesmerized by the monks daily vespers sung in Gregorian chant. The abbot offers in-depth tours of the property and a glimpse into the daily lives of the monks who inhabit it. Standing strikingly alone in a pasture at the foot of a hill, the abbey’s origins are said to be connected to Holy Roman Emporer Charlemagne. Legend has it that he knelt on the very spot and vowed to God that he would dedicate an abbey on the site if he and his troops would be spared from plague sweeping the area. About Montalcino: Montalcino has been known for its red wines since the 15th century. However the inventor of Brunello was Ferruccio Biondi Santi who first decided to abandon Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino vine species and concentrate on Sangiovese His bottle dated 1888 is probably the absolute first in history. In 1966 and 1980 respectively, Brunello was among the first Italian wines to be granted the titles DOC (Controlled Denomination of Origin) and DOCG (Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin). Private tranfer back to you hotel dinner on your own and overnight stay. MAY 19 - Pienza, Montepulciano & Pecorino Cheese! Included today: Breakfast, private transfer, guided tour of Montepulciano, winery visit and tasting, light lunch, private guided tour of Pecorino cheese factory, 3 star hotel. Today's Events: Day 5 Buffet Breakfast at our Hotel. Depart with your Italy 4 Real tour director for Montepulciano. This splendid little town – whose artistic and architectural heritage led it to be called the Pearl of the Cinquecento – has preserved its beauty. We will meet our local Italy 4 Real guide and head up the steep streets of the outlying districts of the city. You will discover beautiful palazzos and churches imbued with the unparalleled art of foremost Renaissance architects. The splendidPiazza Grande, must be seen: the Duomo with its uncompleted façade and the Town Hall, surrounded by Renaissance palazzos. The valley below is an unforgettable view with the outstanding and elegant mass of the Tempio di S. Biagio. After the guided walking tour of the center, after the visit we will transfer to visit one of the oldest cellars of Italy; Avignonesi, walking along its renaissance stairs down to the Etruscan grotto, where now precious bottles of wine age. Guided wine tasting of the great Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and other wines of the grotto. You will then depart to a local important wine producer, Le Capezzine, where you can enjoy a tasting light lunch with their best wines. In the early afternoon transfer to Pienza and time on your own to enjoy this enchanting little town. In the late afternoon transfer to one of the best local cheese factory where you will discover the many flavours of the Pecorino di Pienza cheese through a guided presentation and tasting. Back to your Hotel. Dinner on your own and overnight stay. About Pienza and Montepulciano: In 1458 Enea Silvio Piccolomini decided to transform the villageof his birth, Pienza, into a symbol-town of the Italian Renaissance. Over the three years from 1459 to 1462 the new Pienza saw the creation of the luminous Cathedral of the Assuntawhich contains works by major Sienese artists of the day and is flanked by the imposing Palazzo Piccolomini whose loggia offers a celebrated panoramic view over Val d’Orcia; then there is the Town Hall and the Bishop’s Pal ace with its museum. The church of San Francesco (13th century), the walls and the austere parish church of Corsignano are mediaeval, the latter mentioned for the first time in 714. MAY 20 - Florence Included today: Breakfast, private transfer, private guided tour of Florence, Artisan Tour, 3 star hotel Today's Events Day 6 Buffet Breakfast. Today you travel to Florence where our local guide will meet you for a full day of exploring Florence by foot. In the morning you will have a panoramic tour of the centre including the Boboli Garden where you will end the first part of your tour. Lunch is on your own. After lunch your will have the “artisan tour” in the Oltrarno area and some time for a coffee and some shopping. Late in the afternoon return to your Siena hotel for dinner on your own and overnight in Siena. MAY 21- Bologna Cooking School - Tortellini's Passion Included today: Breakfast, private transfer, private guided tour of Bologna, cooking class, lunch, visit to chocolate factory, 3 star hotel. Today's Events Day 7 Buffet Breakfast at our Hotel. Check out and transfer to Bologna. Upon arrival we will continue to the oldest cooking school in Bologna. Today you are going to prepare the true “Tortellini” in one of the oldest school of Bologna. So, after a nice welcome coffee break where you will be introduced to the “operations” and to the history of the school, you will take your place and start to prepare your handmade tortellini from the making of the dough, use of the roll, preparation of the filling and final creation of the so called “Venus’ navel” (3 hours class), followed by a delicious tasting of your masterpiece. In the afternoon meeting with your Italy 4 Real guide for a the tour of the town visiting the historical “botteghe” (food shops) of the centre, where you can taste many traditional delicacies and have some time for shopping: the “drogheria “ (the spice shop), the “salsamentario” (sauces shop), the “sfogline” (the ladies who makes hand made pasta), the chocolate factory and final the medieval outdoor market. Back to your hotel for dinner on your own and overnight About the Hotel: This very friendly family-run hotel is situated in a quiet corner of Bologna's historic centre. The hotel is surrounded by history with one of the most prominent churches nearby and only a few steps away from the main square. It is also one of the most prestigious areas of the town with the Law courts, elegant designer shops and city gardens.With a 360° view of Bologna overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the centre, the view stretches from the famous medieval towers to the hills surrounding the town. In summer you can sunbathe while relaxing in the rooftop jacuzzi. You can sit and marvel the view or relax in this comfortable intimate hotel in a peaceful corner, right in the heart of 4one Italy's most medieval and About Bologna: The history of Bologna is so closely woven into its architectural structure that the monuments on the average tourist itinerary don’t even begin to tell the whole story. Visiting Bologna means losing yourself among the porticos and alleys, discovering stately old palazzi, and, yes, also visiting those monuments that have become the symbols of the city. The one real monument to Bologna is Bologna itself. MAY 22 - Modena and Ferrari! Included today: Breakfast, private transfer, balsamic vinegar tour and tasting, lunch, guided visit to Modena, visit to Ferrari museum in Maranello, 3 star hotel. Today's Events Day 8 Buffet Breakfast at Hotel. Today departure for a full day excursion in the area of Modena. In the morning visiting the beautiful center of the town with your Italy 4 Real local guide, its impressive cathedral and the elegant streets. After the visit transfer to the surroundings of Modena by an ancient “Acetaia” producing the renowned Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP – There you will meet the owner who will introduce you to the world of Basamic Vinegar and its secrets. Enjoy a tasting lunch based on Aceto balsamico matched with traditional dishes. The rest of the afternoon will be spent visiting one of the myths of the Italian creativity and excellence, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello where you will discover part of the history that made this car a status symbol for many generations. Back to Bologna, dinner on your own and overnight stay. MAY 23- Culatello Experience! Included today: Breakfast, private transfer, Cultatello ham factory tour and tasting lunch, 3 star hotel. Today's Events Day 9 Breakfast in hotel. Transfer to a local ham factory producing the famous “culatello” in the area of Fontabellato (Parma). Here the group will have a private tasting educational tour as following: Introduction meet and greet with the “Norcino”: Presentation of the sectioning of pork’ haunch that, once salted, tied and put inside the pork bladder and bind fast in it, is ready to become a Culatello Private visit to the maturing factory: During the visit to the maturing factory where you will learn that winter mist and humid cellars are essential elements for a good maturing process Preparation of Culatello with wine: Culatello, after 12/15 months of maturing it can be taken out of the cellars, but before consumption it is necessary to soften it. During the tasting educational tour you will learn the “culatello treatment”: the strings are taken out, a rag is wound round Culatello that is then plunged in a pot full of wine. Judging of the Culatello – Competition among 3 culatello: The competition among culatello is the most amazing part of the tour. you will be given technical voting papers to judge 3 culatello slices on the basis of their color, taste in the mouth and fragrance. After the visit and the tasting competition, you will have the opportunity to taste all kind of salted meats produced by the factory. It is possible to taste the difference between Culatello, Culaccia and Fiocco di Prosciutto and understand how the same meat, processed in different ways, can result so many different flavors. In the afternoon, returning back to Bologna. Dinner on your own and overnight stay. MAY 24 - The King of Cheeses! Included today: Breakfast, private transfer, guided tour of Parmigiano Reggiano factory, tasting of cheeses, guided tour of Parma, 3 star hotel. Today's Events Day 10 Buffet Breakfast at our Hotel. After breakfast, early departure by private transfer for a cheese factory, Consorzio of Parmigiano Reggiano in order to see the entire process. The visit will be extremely interesting: from the delivering of milk to the working and transformation of the traditional forms, to the salting and aging phase. This visit will last almost the entire morning and will conclude with a taste of this delicious cheese, famous in the whole world. After the visit transfer to Parma where you will meet your Italy 4 Real guide and walking tour of this elegant city, little known for its artistic importance, although loved for its excellent food. You will visit the Palazzo Ducale, the Palazzo della Pilotta, the Teatro Regio and Teatro Farnese, the enchanting Cathedral and Baptistery, etc. The itinerary led by guide will explain artistic highlights, as well as eno-gastronomic details. Lunch on your own. Afternoon in Parma on your own to explore the city and do some shopping. Parma deserves time since it is one of the best town of Emilia Romagna. Back to Bologna late in the afternoon. Dinner on you own and overnight. MAY 25 - Free Day Bologna & Farwell Dinner Included today: Breakfast, farewell dinner, 3 star hotel Today's Events Day 11 Today is your time to explore Bologna on your own and visit that last shop, eatery and photo spot. Spend your day soaking up the sun and people watching in a city square. Tonight a grand farwell dinner in centre to have the first close encounter with the “Fat Bologna" an experience your taste buds will never forget. Overnight stay. MAY 26 - Arrivederci Italia! Included today: Breakfast, airport transfer Today's Events Day 12 Buffett breakfast at the hotel and check out. Private transfer to the airport for the trip home. End of services. Airfare Booking Notes: Depart USA: May 14 Arrival Date: May 15, Arrival Airport: Florence (FLR) Departure Date: May 26, Departure Airport: Florence (FLR) Italy 4 Real will assist you with booking your air for this tour because of required timing of arrival to Italy. If you choose to book your own air please contact us for arrival and departure guidelines to insure you can take the included pick up and return airport transfer. If you would like us to book your air, submit your request onlinehere Questions about this tour or booking? call 425-355-3711 Monday - Friday 9am -5pm PST or info@italy4real.com The 2011 Program Includes: 6 nights at a 3 star centrally located hotel in Siena – in double superior rooms 6 nights at a 3 star sup. hotel centrally located in Bologna – in double superior rooms Buffer breakfast daily Welcome drink and dinner at the Hotel in Siena Dinner in a traditional osteria in Siena. HD guided visits to: Siena – Montepulciano –Parma – Bologna – Modena 1 FD Visit to Florence including the Artisan tour guided visit and wine tasting at the Antica Cantina di Montepulciano Guided visit and tasting lightlunch at Le Capezzine in Montepulciano Visit and cheese tasting at Caseificio Cugusi in Pienza Tasting lightlunch at the Fattoria S.Donato in S. Gimignano Guided visit and lunch at the Acetaia Pedroni in Modena Culatello Experience with tasting lunch at La Fattoria di Fontanellato Cooking class Tortellini with lunch in Bologna Guided visit and tasting in a cheese factory of Consorzio Parmigiano Reggiano Welcome drink and farewell dinner in Bologna The quote does not include: Drinks during lunches/dinners where not indicated Entrance tickets Baggage handeling Tips Airfare Everything not listed above $350 per person non refundable To use PayPal click Pay Now to place your deposit using a major credit card or personal check cl

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Maxin at the Maxwell

There is a new style of hotel in Seattle, one with no breakfast, no bar and a small pool but lots of class. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing The Maxwell in Seattle, Washington.

At first the thought of no breakfast or bar at a modern hotel made me apprehensive and I must admit I went to the Maxwell with a slightly raised brow wondering what’s up? I was expecting to feel the cut to the bottom line during my stay but I was pleasantly surprised.

When I got to the Maxwell, the light bulb went on and I got it. The new style is not to take more away from your experience but make your stay more enjoyable by focusing on the time spent in the room.

The Maxwell provides the maximum room experience with at home comforts. Upon arrival there was no official bell person but the lobby felt like a well designed European boutique hotel. The furniture had style; there were cool patterns in the carpets and chairs. The lobby had plenty of places to sit and relax, with most feeling like a corner of a fashionable home.

The hotel is eclectic but in a modern way. I was impressed with the use of color, mod-retro furniture with high end touches such as fine wood, tile and rich fabrics. The Maxwell does not disappoint with in- room amenities such as the latest model of Keurig® pod coffee maker, a 42 inch flat screen with DVD set up, microwave, mini-fridge and cool Sony bedside clocks.

The beds are wonderful, not only are they good looking with bright splashes of color and great pillows but they feature pillow top mattresses and nice heavy comforters…its stuff like this which will keep you in the room and happy.

When you do decide to leave your “lux cave” you are right in the center of Seattle’s action and just a stone’s throw away from Seattle Center, Pacific Science Center and the Space Needle. The Maxwell’s prime location on lower Queen Anne gives the urban tourist plenty of pubs, retro movie theaters and the best under two buck greasy burgers you have ever had at Dicks. All-in all the Maxwell Hotel’s location is better than a smack dab downtown one because you are on the edge of a neighborhood with easy city access without the parking, homeless or noise you experience in metro centered properties.

I’m all about the old adage “only need a place to rest my head, “ but as a professional in the travel industry, I know that there are more hotels than you would ever want to stay in any major city so when one comes along with an easy style, a room you’ll never want to leave and damn good lobby cupcakes; I’m checking in.

Book your own stay at the Seattle Maxwell hotel with Travel 4 Real 800-554-5170 toll free or 425-355-3711

A Week in Tuscany & Umbria

A Week in Tuscany & Umbria

This self guided week long tour you will discover some smaller jewels of the two sister regions; Tuscany and Umbria. Visit some of the more unique and off the beaten path villages and towns. Add a few days to make it a longer tour. Departure Date : All Year Valid till : 31 December 2011 Days / Nights : 8 Days/ 7 Nights Hotels : 3 Star Bed and Breakfast Accommodations Price: see price in USD, CAD, GBP, EURO and YEN* Countries : Italy Cities : Bettona, Torgiano, Deruta, Perugia, Montefalco, Assisi, Montepulciano, Pienza, Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti, Montalcino

Itinerary

Customer Experience:		(5 out of 5)
Customer Reviews:		"What a great route and design. Italy 4 Real gave us the route, on the ground support, the accommodations were just what we were looking for” - Terry;. Boston. " see more reviews
Day 1 Highlights: Arrival to Rome, Bettona, Relax & Unpack!
		DAY 1: Arrival to Rome – Welcome to Italy! + Included: B&B Accommodations, Multi Course Dinner This tour begins in Rome Welcome to Italy! Arrival in Rome. Pick up your rental car (not included) and travel to the Umbria Region. Arrival in Bettona, lovely medieval village in the heart of the region of Umbria. Accomodation in a lovely bed and breakfast you will love your room and multi course welcome dinner in the characteristic restaurant of the Relais. Overnight stay. Today is your day to arrive, get over the long flight and just enjoy the fact that you have just begun your well needed vacation to Italy. Stroll the streets around your hotel for a cocktail, find a local artist studio to look over the latest art or just find a piazza and people watch; the choice is yours! You will need a rental car for this program, take a look at the options here
Day 2 Highlights: Torgiano, Deruta, Perugia
		DAY 2 – Umbria to Tuscany + Included: Buffet Breakfast Wine tasting Sightseeing Route to follow Fuel your full day of sightseeing with pastries, juice, authentic italian espresso and more at your hotel’s included continental breakfast. After breakfast depart for the hilltop town of Torgiano, not far from Bettona to visit at leisure the Wine Museum that will delight both the connoisseur as well as the merely curious. You'll have the chance to taste the singular wines of Umbria′s most illustrious wine house Cantine Giorgio Lungarotti which lies just outside Torgiano. The rest of the afternoon can be spent in Deruta, renown for its beautiful ceramic and pottery. Here we suggest you to visit the National Museum of the Pottery, located just in the village centre. You will also have time to a stop to Perugia, elegant town rich in important monuments and renown for its production of Chocolate (the world famous "Bacio" candy was born here). Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Day 3 Highlights: Montefalco, Assisi
		Day 3 – The Cradle of Umbria + Included: Buffet Breakfast Olive Oil and Food Tasting Today’s sightseeing tour is dedicated to exploring Umbria, the cradle of the Renaissance. After breakfast departure for Montefalco, gorgeous medieval town called "the terrace of Umbria" for its incredible panoramic location. Here you will visit an ancient olive oil mill run by a nice woman and her family, for a tasting of traditional local food and olive oil. Typical Italian snacks will be served. The rest of the day is dedicated to visiting Assisi at your leisure. Dinner on your own. Back to the Hotel and overnight stay.
Day 4 Highlights: Montepulciano, Pienza, Siena
		Day 4 – Tuscany Heartland + Included: Buffet Breakfast Wine Tasting Enjoy your breakfast and prepare for a full day of exploring. After breakfast departure for Tuscany. First stop at the Renaissance town of Montepulciano. The town is the birthplace of the humanist poet Poliziano and host to works of some of Italy′s greatest architects. Quench your thirst with a bit of wine with a tasting and tour with snacks in an ancient wine cellar in the city center. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon you will have the chance to stop in the lovely town of Pienza and take your time to get lost in the narrow and characteristic streets of the town, which names as "la Via dell′Amore", are so romantic. Arrival in your Hotel in Siena area. Dinner on you own and overnight stay
Day 5 Highlights: Cooking Class, San Gimignano
		Day 5 – Italian Cooking Class! San Gimignano + Included: Buffet Breakfast Italian Cooking Class Good morning! As you rise and shine, the smell of fresh espresso and pastries fill the air. Today you get to learn about Siena and have a great cooking class! After breakfast at the Hotel drive into the Sienese countryside to attend a cooking class in a farmhouse. You′ll learn the principle secrets of Italian cuisine, such as the art of making a delicious pasta. Enjoy for lunch what you created during the cooking class. The reminder of the afternoon can be spent in San Gimignano, wandering among the towers and shops of this timeless medieval town. Dinner on your own in San Gimignano. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 Highlights: Chianti, Winery Tour, Siena
		Day 6 – Tuscan Wine Country + Included: Buffet Breakfast Winery Tour and Tasting Enjoy your breakfast and prepare for your departure to the heart of Tuscany’s wine country. First stop of the day is the Chianti region. After breakfast departure for the Chianti region, located between Siena and Florence known around the world for fine wines. Enjoy a bit of culture with a tasting and tour of winery, complete with tasting. In the afternoon you’ll have chance to wander the medieval streets of Siena and have time for shopping and relax. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Day 7 Highlights: Montalcino, Brunello Wine Estate, Lunch
		Day 7 – The King of Wine + Included: Buffet Breakfast Wine Estate Tour and Tasting Lunch Sip your espresso, take another bit of the fresh fruit and enjoy your breakfast because today you will walk taste and learn about the amazing Brunello wine. After breakfast departure for Montalcino, where you will enjoy a winery tour and tasting in a Brunello wine estate. Lunch in a central trattoria and the afternoon, we suggest you a visit to the intimate 11 century Romanesque church of St. Antimo. Returning back to Siena, have a stop to the impressive Benedictin Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, one of the finest holy place of Tuscany region. Dinner on your own and overnight stay.
Day 8 Highlights: Private Airport Transfer
		Day 8 – Farewell Tuscany + Included: Buffet Breakfast After breakfast, Last day of your tour. We suggest you to spend the morning in Florence on your own, for visiting this wonderful art city. Possibility to extend the stay with one or two overnight stay in town. End of our services. No matter what your travel plans, the experts at Italy 4 Real can help you with the arrangements.
Departure Dates 2011: A week in Tuscany and Umbira STATUS : GUARANTEED DEPARTURE! ALL DATES AVAILABLE -BOOKING NOW This tour departs on your schedule, any day any time!
Important notes about this Tour This tour is SELF GUIDED which means that you travel on your own at your own schedule with the following inclusions. 3 nights - 1 HB + 2 b&b accomodation in Umbria 4 nights b&b accomodation in Tuscany Wine tasting at Lungarotti in Torgiano Light lunch at a traditional olive oil mill in Montefalco Visit and wine tasting in an ancient cellar in Montepulciano Visit and wine tasting in a traditional cellar in Montalcino Visit and wine tasting in a cellar in Chianti Lunch in a local trattoria in Montalcino 3 hour cooking class in a villa with lunch and drinks included Our assistance on the spot LocalAssist™ - Local assistance 24 hours from Italy 4 Real TripPak™ - Free travel maps, guide books and information CRS System™ - 24 hour travel support hotline during your trip Taxes and Service Fees included The tour does not include: airfare, tips, rental car All tours are governed by the Terms & Conditions *Travelling alone? Single supplements available for this trip. Contact US. Discounts apply to Low Season Travel, Inquire when booking
This tour includes the following extras at no charge!
Our Exclusive TRIP PAK that contains over $50 in maps, local and regional travel guides, travel tips, city information, dining suggestions, sightseeing suggestions and more all developed by our staff of Travel Experts and guides to make your trip more enjoyable.
Access to our 24 hour CRS System (Client Response System) where you will have access to your personal Travel Expert for questions or assistance during your trip
This program includes our Local-Assist™ local assistance service. You will have access to our local representative in Italy by phone or in person for any assistance needed. Only Italy 4 Real offers a real person at your destination for help or questions!
Have a question or want this tour quoted with airfare, info@italy4real.com
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