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MONDAY, MAY 22nd
I will greet you personally at the airport in Florence. Upon arrival, we will travel by van to our first home in Barberino Val D'elsa, Tuscany. This ancient stone farmhouse will be our home for the first 5 nights of our trip. The house has 5 bedrooms, 6 beds and 4 baths. We will spend our first day relaxing at home while our private chef prepares a wonderful dinner for us. (Meals: L,D)
SUNDAY, MAY 21st
Most U.S. travelers will want to fly out the evening of May 21st to arrive by mid-day of the 22nd. The trip begins in Florence on May 22nd and ends in Milan on June 5th.
TUESDAY, MAY 23rd
We'll start the day with a 3-hour private tour of Sienna, with a local guide who will show us the hidden spots far from tourist crowds. After lunch in Sienna, we'll head south to three lovely, lesser known, small towns of Castelmuzio, Petroio, and Montisi. Castelmuzio is a mesmerizing medieval hamlet and precious treasure of the real Tuscany. Petroio is a picturesque cone-like village perched on a hill, which spirals around a single narrow road.
(Meals: B,L,D)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 24th
Today we will explore the medievil towns of San Gimignano and Volterra. San Gimignano is a small hill-top town encircled by a 13th century wall, with a skyline of medieval towers. Volterra is also walled with history that dates back to before the 8th century. We'll explore each town on foot, soaking up the culture and dining on authentic Tuscan cuisine.
(Meals: B,L,D)
THURSDAY, MAY 25th
We'll head into Florence for the day. We will start with a 3-hour private walking tour to see some of the main attractions and get an over-view of the city. This tour will include skip-the-line entrance to the Galleria dell'Accademia where we'll see Michelangelo’s original David. After stopping for lunch, we will explore on our own and have dinner in the city.
(Meals: B,L,D)
FRIDAY, MAY 26th
We'll have a relaxing morning at home before heading out to explore the Chiante area along Chiantgiana Road, one of the most magnificent roads in Tuscany with it's rolling hills and silvery olive groves. We'll stop for lunch and participate in two wine tastings.
(Meals: B,L,D)
SATURDAY, MAY 27th
ROAD TRIP! Although we may be leaving our hearts behind, we bid farewell to Tuscany to continue our tour heading north to the Emilio Romagna region. We will visit Bologna, the capital city of the region, and enjoy a private 2-hour tour of the city. We'll grab some lunch and explore for a bit on our own before driving to our next home in Campora di Neviano Degli Arduini where dinner will be prepared by a private chef. (Meals: B,L,D)
SUNDAY, MAY 28th
Our home for the next few days is in Campora, a beautiful, quiet country town in the Appenines mountains. This 18th century house will be our home for the next 4 nights of our trip. Here, we will be immersed in local Italian life. The house has 5 bedrooms, 7 beds and 3 baths. We'll have a relaxing day, exploring the area, hiking if you are up to it, visiting the local parmesan cheese factory, etc. (Meals: B,L,D)
MONDAY, MAY 29th
We'll drive up to the city of Parma, the capital of the region. We'll have an authentic cooking experience at the home of a native Italian, preparing simple dishes typical of the Emilian tradition. Following the cooking class, and eating what we have cooked, we'll have a 2hr private tour of Parma.
(Meals: B,L,D)
TUESDAY, MAY 30th
Today we will visit Torrechiara, explore the area and tour the Castello di Torrechiara, a fifteenth-century castle with medieval and Renaissance traits, located on the top of a panoramic rocky hill on the outskirts of Val Parma. This castle is one of the best preserved castles in northern Italy.
(Meals: B,L,D)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31ST
ROAD TRIP! After breakfast, we'll move on to our next and final destination of our trip. The house is in the town Menaggio, overlooking Lake Como. This house has 6 bedrooms, 9 beds and 4 bathrooms. We'll break up the drive by stopping in Melegnano, having lunch and touring Castello Mediceo.
(Meals: B,L,D)
THURSDAY, JUNE 1ST
We will travel by ferry and water taxi during our stay on Lake Como, exploring several villages along the lake. On our first day, we will work our way north to Villa Carlotta and Bellagio, often referred to as the Pearl of Lake Como. Bellagio is considered the most beautiful place in the Lombardy region.
(Meals: B,L,D)
SATURDAY, JUNE 3RD
We'll head south today to the beautiful city of Como at the southern point of the lake. We'll participate in a pizza making class with a local bread/pizza maker. After enjoying the delicious, authentic Italian pizza, we'll enjoy the wonderful little streets of the town center, including the Como Cathedral. We'll have dinner in Como before heading home.
(Meals: B,L,D)
MONDAY, JUNE 5TH
As much as we hate to leave, our trip is now coming to an end. After breakfast, we will drive to Milan where we say goodbye to our new-found friends, hoping that, someday, we can travel together again.
(Meals: B)
FRIDAY, JUNE 2ND
The picturesque small village of Varenna is our destination today. Varenna boasts beautiful villas with amazing botanical gardens, the Castle of Vesio and lovely walking paths. Our private guide will give us a tour in the morning. The afternoon will be free time to explore on our own.
(Meals: B,L,D)
SUNDAY, JUNE 4TH
Our last day in this beautiful country and we are free as a bird. This day has been reserved to do whatever you want to do. We can travel by boat or by car, to see whatever the group wants to do. You are also free to head out on your own if you discover something that no one else is interested in. The choice is yours.
(Meals: B)
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