|
|
Chianti—and Florence!
September
18-29, 2011
In a
remote corner of central Tuscany, an enchanting, iconic
landscape awaits exploration by a small group of active,
discerning travelers in search of pristine countryside,
stunning architecture, artisanal food, great wine and utter
tranquility.
|
Il
Chianti - [the] Chianti - is remarkable
for many reasons, not the least of which how little
the appearance of the countryside has changed over the
centuries since the area was first mentioned in
documents of the Middle Ages.
Uncontaminated
by urban development, the Monti del Chianti,
or "Chianti Hills", comprise a virtual wonderland.
Literally dozens of castles, perched on hill tops or ridges,
reflect the historic rivalry between Florence and Siena
throughout the Middle Ages. Below, as far as the eye can
see, is a gently rolling landscape where woodlands alternate
with an intensely cultivated patchwork quilt of silvery
|
|
 |
olive
orchards and vineyards, punctuated with vertical dark green
cypress and isolated clusters of stone farmhouses, the iconic
case coloniche, or former tenant farms.
It's
no wonder that this area, so famous for its wine and delicious
cuisine based on local, seasonal products, is also a paradise
for individuals who enjoy easy walking in beautiful settings.
|
|
During
our sojourn in the "sublime heart of Tuscany",
we'll explore castles and villages, and drink in some of
the loveliest countryside in Europe on a series of leisurely
excursions on foot and by minibus.
We'll
spend a day in the amazing medieval town of Siena
with its soaring campanile, on the via Francigena,
the pilgrimage route to Rome that cuts through central Tuscany.
We'll
also go behind the scene to learn first hand about new developments
in the production of fine organic wines.
To accommodate
individual air travel schedules and arrivals, our exclusive
journey will begin in Florence on September 19,
where we will get acquainted over a Welcome glass of Prosecco
at our top first-class hotel, near the Cathedral.
|
|
 |
The
next morning, we'll drive south along the old road to Siena,
through ancient market towns and an enchanting landscape,
to our residence for the next six nights: a prestigious,
privately-owned wine estate in the Monti del Chianti.
It was founded as a monastery nearly a millennium ago.
In addition
to the ancient cellars, a sunny courtyard, a peaceful cloister,
and a frescoed vaulted refectory, a splendid Renaissance
garden is hidden from view behind the walls of the former
abbey.
|
|
Each
evening during this part of the trip we will dine together
in an attractive, cozy restaurant on the estate. Here we
will relax in the intimacy of the setting and savor a variety
of regional specialties prepared with only the best of local,
seasonal ingredients—all marvelous!
Each
day we will pause at an interesting location for lunch,
in a village, a private vineyard, or on the property of
a private castle. And, of course, throughout our distinc-tive
sojourn there will be many opportunities to sample the celebrated
red wine of the region!
|
|
 |
Capping
our series of off-the-beaten-path strolls and visits will
be a return to Florence for four nights, at
our top first-class hotel between the Duomo and the
Piazza della Signoria. During our stay in Firenze,
we'll enjoy the expertise of one of the city's most accomplished
local guides and the convenience of an appointment to
enter the Uffizi Galleries.
We'll
also take a day to go up to Fiesole to roam hidden
private gardens. There will be ample time for individual
pursuits, and three evenings will be at leisure to explore
a great variety of Florentine ristoranti and trattorie.
On our
last evening, we'll celebrate our Tuscan sojourn with a
festive Farewell aperitivo and elegant dinner.
|
|
The
tour will end on the morning of September 29, after
breakfast, with individual departures for the airport or
train station.
Because
of a finite number of guest rooms at the private wine estate,
the group size for this exclusive trip must be limited
to a maximum of 10-12 participants. For
detailed tour information, contact Travel Designs.
Note:
Participants in the Chianti—and Florence!
tour should be in good physical condition. This is not a
hiking trip, per se, but there will be countryside
walks every day, of an easy-moderate nature and of usually
not more than 1-2 hours in length. On some days there will
be both morning and afternoon walks. Most of our walks will
be on country lanes or paths. The rolling landscape of Chianti
extends right into the historic center of Siena, which is
built on three hills, converging on a valley in the center.
Other walks will be in the medieval hill towns of the Chianti.
The historic center of Florence is on level ground; Fiesole
is made up of hills. The itinerary has a certain amount
of inherent elasticity, and we will be more than happy to
discuss individual concerns with you. Please
call us at 607-587-8324 or send us and e-mail at
info@travel-designs.com.
|
|
|
