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In Tuscany, there is a passion for living well and enjoying what locals call the "dolce vita." A charming, country house nestled into the hills looking onto the staggering beauty of the Chianti countryside, bountiful meals in the Tuscan tradition, storied wines, history and the rustic charm of Tuscany all await. Walk the streets of the ancient Etruscan hill towns of Siena and Volterra with an expert local guide and discover profound art from the past, living side by side with the stunning works of present-day artisans. Visit Montalcino and Castelnouvo Berardenga, and enjoy tastings of the famous Brunello and Chianti by top producers who coax world-class wines from the ubiquitous Sangiovese grape. Relax and drink in the beauty of our country house Locanda Le Piazze. Relish the bounty and generosity of the Tuscan countryside, with MARTIN KEEGAN TOURS' romantic and unforgettable tour of Tuscany.

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SUNDAY, Day 1 (Welcome to Tuscany!) - Guests will be picked up at Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) and transferred by coach to our country home for the next six nights, the villa Locanda Le Piazze in Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany. Locanda Le Piazze is a beautiful and intimate small hotel, nestled amongst a sea of vines, and once we've had time to settle in, we'll gather in the common area to review our itinerary for the week, and to enjoy an introduction to the wines of Tuscany accompanied by local cheeses and salumi. Afterwards we'll enjoy the hospitality of Taverna Squarcialupi in nearby Castellina, with its terrace overlooking the green Chianti hills; its peaceful and friendly ambience coupled with the wide variety of the traditional Tuscan dishes and wine, interpreted by Chef Francesco Costagli.

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MONDAY, Day 2 (A Day of Brunello di Montalcino) - After a hearty breakfast, we'll take a meandering drive approximately one hour south to the town of Montalcino, home to one of Italy's grandest wines, its Brunello, and our first tasting of the day at Azienda Agraria Costanti. We'll take a break midday for a light lunch at the bustling Ristorante Pizzaria Il Grifo on Via Mazzini in the heart of Montalcino. After lunch guests will have a little time to walk the narrow streets of Montalcino—possibly to acquire a bottle of Diego Molonari's elusive Brunello di Montalcino in one of the town's many enoteche—before we head to our next tasting visit at the innovative Caparzo SRL Societa Agricola about 15 minutes north of Montalcino. Then, after making our way back to Locanda Le Piazze in the afternoon, we’ll have time to relax before gathering in the evening for a fine meal and wines prepared by Antica Trattoria La Torre, another of Castellina in Chianti’s fine restaurants.

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TUESDAY, Day 3 (Siena and Chianti) - After a wonderful breakfast at Loconda Le Piazze, we'll travel south for a guided tour of Siena led by our professional guide. We'll visit the Museo Civico at the piazza del Campo, and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo di Siena, before enjoying lunch at La Taverna di San Giuseppe in the heart of Siena, serving local specialties such as ricotta gnocchi with melted pecorino cheese from Pienza and fresh truffles. After lunch we'll take a short drive to Castelnuovo Berardenga to visit one of Chianti's most acclaimed producers, Fattoria di Fèlsina. From Castelnuovo, it’s about an hour’s drive back to our villa in Castellina where we can enjoy its bucolic surroundings before we enjoy the renowned table of Tavola di Guido.

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WEDNESDAY, Day 4 (Volterra and Panzano) – After breakfast, we’ll drive west from Castellina to the ancient and well-preserved walled city of Volterra. Etruscan foundations and many old architectural features of the town date back to as far back as 1,500 BC. The central Palazzo dei Priori has medieval frescoes and a bell tower with expansive views. Volterra Cathedral has a marble entrance and a gilded coffered ceiling. Nearby are the remains of the Etruscan Acropolis. The Guarnacci Etruscan Museum has a rich collection of archaeological artifacts. The Roman Theater complex includes the ruins of Third Century baths. We’ll tour this hilltop city accompanied by a professional guide, then enjoy a light lunch at one of the local establishments such as the cheerful Enoteca del Duca, Panineria Al Vicolino or La Sosta del Priori, before returning to our villa in Castellina. Dinner tonight is in Panzano in Chianti, and on the way, we’ll be making a slight detour to Greve where we will visit Fontodi Winery. There, we’ll be doing some serious wine shopping for bold wines to accompany red meat, for tonight we will be in the hands of a butcher . . . Dario Cecchini to be exact! Dinner tonight is at Dario Cecchini’s signature restaurant Officina della Bistecca. Internationally known, Cecchini is an eighth-generation Italian butcher. His Officina della Bistecca is his way of answering the difficult question of the perfect way of cooking ‘Her Majesty’ the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, and ‘Her Sisters’, the Costata and the Panzanese steak. The Cecchini’s await customers with grill lit, to enjoy together good food, good wine, friendship and lots of beautiful steaks to devour!

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THURSDAY, Day 5 (Bolgheri Detour) – After an early breakfast our group will travel approximately two hours west to the Tuscan coast where we will spend the day exploring everything “Super Tuscan.” Our first winery visit will be at Azienda Agricola Le Macchiole. Dating back to the beginning of the 1980s, Le Macchiole is one of the historic wineries in Bolgheri, and over the years, it has become a reference point for quality Tuscan wine. Founders Eugenio Campolmi and Cinzia Merli were among the region’s pioneers, and they contributed in a significant way to Bolgheri’s growing fame thanks to their work in creating wines full of character and personality that have become a symbol of the region. Lunch today is at Osteria Magona in Bolgheri. “You are certain to fall for the charm of this rural restaurant . . . situated among olive groves and vineyards.” ViaMichelin 2019 After lunch we will visit the excellent Podere Grattamacco. Founded in 1977, and acquired by the Tipa Bertarelli Family in 2002, Grattamacco was one of first the two wineries in Bolgheri. A region typically known for Cabernet and Merlot, Grattamacco sets itself apart from surrounding wineries with its winemaking practices using 15% Sangiovese to impart quality and elegance in its wines. Grattamacco was not only the first winery in Bolgheri to use Sangiovese because of its high altitude despite its proximity to the coast, but also the first to plant vermentino. Grattamacco wines are known for both their power, elegance and complexity that evolves with time. Our evening meal will once again be among the gentle surroundings of Locanda Le Piazze at Tavola di Guido.

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FRIDAY, Day 6 (Chianti and More Chianti) - After a leisurely breakfast, we will set out for visits and tastings at two of the Chianti region’s finest producers beginning with Isole e Olena only a short drive to the north. The name “isole e Olena” came about in the 1950s when the De Marchi family purchased and combined two adjoining estates, Isole and Olena, each of which dated back hundreds of years. The estate is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region at the midway point between Siena and Florence and is run by fourth-generation winemaker Paolo De Marchi. Lunch today is at AlbergacciOsteria in Castellina in Chianti, and features tasty and genuine dishes of strong Tuscan personality. After lunch we will visit the excellent Castellare in Castellina. The Castellare estate is one of the best examples of tradition in the area. The winery’s owner, Paolo Panerai, has closely studied the world’s best wineries and applied this understanding and experience to viticulture in Italy. Our farewell meal tonight will be at La Casina di Lilliano, an authentic beautiful Tuscan farmhouse located among the villages of Radda in Chianti, Gaiole and Castellina formerly part of the Florentine League of Chianti.

 

SATURDAY, Day 7 - After an early breakfast, guests will be transferred by shuttle to Florence Peretola Airport (FLR) for departures home or onward travel.