9 Night Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Florence!

You’ll arrive into the Florence, Firenze, Florentia, the capital of Firenze provincia, and of the Toscana region where you’ll be greeted by private transport that will take you to you 4 or 5 star hotel. On this day of arrival you’ll have the chance to settle in, take a nap, take in the view of the city before the next days of eating and drinking the some of the most delicious foods and wines in the world.

Day 4

Food Tour

A food tour that leads you into Florentine traditions, to taste food that almost just the locals know. Explore the true historical "botteghe" and the Central Market to discover foods as lampredotto. schiacciata fiorentina, cheese, gelato and more. Of course, all accompanied by a glass (or more) of Chianti red wine. Learn all about Florentine's food history and meet the local charismatic vendors that often own their own "bottega" for generations: a tour designed for true food lovers, definitely off the beaten track but, at the same time, in the beautiful city center of Florence.

Day 5

Chianti

A full day in Chianti is just what you need! Your driver will bring you to discover the inner life of a leading Chianti estate. Witness the vinification plant, the ageing cellars, the village of Ama with its ancient chapels, the 18th-century Pianigiani and Ricucci villas and their historic gardens. Of course, they’ll be a tasting of these exquisite wines by a certified sommelier of the top estate CRU wines in the incredible formal dining room that was once the heart of the Ricasoli family for centuries.

Day 6

Badia di Passignano

The tale of Badia a Passignano is hidden in the maze of its precious vineyards, in the serene shadows of its olive groves, in the spirituality of its ancient Abbey, in the warmth of the hospitality and generous affability of the people and the beauty of the countryside

Visit to the vineyards with an introduction to Vine-growing and production, to the historical Abbey cellars, followed by lunch or dinner at Osteria di Passignano restaurant with a menu accompanied by the prestigious Antinori signature wines. Montalcino, preceded by extra-virgin olive oil tasting.

Day 7

Velvet landscape

Drive through the velvet-like countryside of the Val D’Orcia arriving at Pienza. Following a leisurely unguided stroll through this very lovely village you’ll continue the short distance to Podere il Casale for a visit, wine-tasting and lunch.

The companiable owners Sandro and Ulisse produce a variety of products including olive oil, wine and lots of cheeses. You’ll continue to Montepulciano and the nearby winery where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the estate’s notable wines.

End your day with a striking hilltop town and the fulcrum of the agricultural activities which take place in the surrounding valleys.

Day 8

wine & gourmet

2 hour wine tasting and private visit at a winery owned by a single family for 700 year along with a gourmet lunch. This is a more casual day with the option for a helicopter tour (not included).

Day 9

Truffle hunting

Meet your trifulau or truffle hunter with his trusted dog and begin your walk into the forest. Your trifulau will lead the walk explaining how they grow, their unique biology, the varieties of black and white truffles in Tuscany and how they are found. We then move onto a local restaurant to continue our investigation into all things Tuscan truffles including why dogs are now used instead of pigs, how they are trained, truffle classification and conservation techniques. Their unmistakable flavour is best savoured with a cooking class with truffle and through delicate shavings dressed over a Tuscan lunch – an apt finale to a morning of Tuscan truffle discoveries. Following lunch we return to your hotel.

Day 10

VIP FIRST ACCESS: THE VATICAN AT DAYBREAK

What can be more remarkable than being one of a very few standing under the most famed ceiling in the greatest room ever painted? Following a brief introduction to the Vatican City before entry we escort our guests to the Sistine Chapel for this very exclusive experience!

Our walk takes us from the museums via a secret walkway directly into St Peter’s Basilica. Every major Italian artist of the sixteenth century and early seventeenth century had a hand in its completion.

During your tour you will be guided by some of the Best Foodies who have a true passion and love for food and wine. 

You will start your journey in Campo de Fiori with traditional Italian homemade pizza, continuing through the Jewish Ghetto well known for their famous artichokes and finally, you will cross the River Tiber via the famous Tiber Island. 

There is a common misconception that Rome is a Christian city. Roman Jews have even preserved their own dialect. There are more Jewishsights in Rome than one would imagine. The tour offers the opportunity to discover this special and historical place, the Jewish Ghetto, famous for its complex variety of history, architecture, and tradition. Your guide will take you to different areas of Central Rome and show you the Jewish museum, the two main Synagogues and some of Rome’s best kosher food and wine.

Once into the backstreets of Trastevere, you will taste biscotti, which are typical Italian style cookies, savory cheeses, porchetta, salami, and supplì. Finishing the tour, you will have the chance to try some typical Italian pasta dishes and finishing it up with gelato and a café. 

Day 11

VIP CULINARY EXPERIENCE AT GANDOLFO CASTLE & THE POPE’S FARM

Travel south of Rome into the beautiful Alban Hills and experience the splendor of the Papal Palace and a cooking class at the Pope’s farm. 

Castel Gandolfo is where Romans escape to the countryside to enjoy the beautiful landscape that inspired the construction of the Papal Palace. The exquisite spot gazes out over a fantastically blue volcanic lake. 

Come and indulge in a cooking class and lunch at the Pope’s farm, tour the Papal Palace and soak up the charming atmosphere of this classic Italian hilltop town. 

Inside the summer residence of the Popo you will see the stunning classical drawing room and the private living spaces, admire the extensive collection of art and satisfy your curiosity with a step inside the Pope’s bedroom. View the vast grounds from the comfort of a minivan or golfcart, gently transporting you to the roman amphitheatre, the antiquarium and the crypto portico, as fabulous vistas over the lake surround you on all sides. You will arrive at the Pope’s Farm where your culinary adventure begins. The organic farm covers 50 acres and is home to cows, free range chickens, bees, and a sprawling vegetable garden. The farm also produces its own olive oil and dairy products. Here you meet your professional chef with whom you will practice the traditional method of making authentic fresh pasta by hand, as well as a dessert from scratch, using all the fresh ingredients from the Pope’s farm itself.

Day 12 - Depart

car amenities

Vehicles are of the latest model and specification and come equipped with the following complimentary features:

• Wi-Fi in all categories of vehicle

• Refreshment Tissues

• Bottled Water

• Mobile phone multi charger

• All cars are registered and licensed

• All cars are fully maintained to our exacting standards

• All cars are fully valeted before every assignment