Tuscany Honeymoons

Fly into Rome airport, and upon arrival your elegant driver guide will be waiting for you in arrivals. You will transfer to the Maremma, about an hour and 45 minutes drive. Stop enroute at Niki de Saint Phalle´s (the late French-American artist) fantastic mosaic and sculpture garden, Il Giardino dei Tarrocchi. You´ll have lunch on your own in charming Capalbio, a medieval “Borgo” (hamlet) with stone walls, flowered covered balconies, ancient brick archways and narrow lanes. After lunch, have a look around the darling town and check out the Renaissance Palazzo Collacchioni, the majestic “Rocca” (Fortress), the Arco Santo (Holy Arch), etc.

In the afternoon, arrive to your fabulous seafront hotel and check in. Rest of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy a swim, a walk or just relax. Tonight we have a special candle lit dinner planned for you at the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant, complete with a serenade. Welcome to Tuscany!

Overnight:

5* Luxury Seafront hotel

Meals Included in Price:

Welcome lunch with paired wines, Michelin starred dinner, gourmet gift, wine in room, flowers in room

Transfers:

Rome airport- Capalbio, Porto Ercole

Today is all about exploring the pristine coastline, islands, and the Maremma national park with its breathtaking coastline. Your driver will drop you off in the port where your private captain will lead you on an unforgettable day. Begin with a visit to Isola del Giglio, and enjoy the views over the sparkling, turquoise sea so similar to Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. Hike along the walls of the castle in Giglio and take in the amazing views, enjoy the beaches of Cannelle or Arenella, and try fresh seafood in Giglio´s picturesque little port.

Sail along the Monte Argentario peninsula, making as many stops as you like. You can visit Porto Santo Stefano, a glamorous small resort town that still retains the charm of a fishing village. You could also visit beautiful Orbetello and its wonderful lagoon, and Talamone (a picture perfect seafront village complete with castle and pretty port). Before sunset you have a unique and unforgettable experience in store- you will be led on your own private horseback riding tour of the Parco della Maremma by Butteri (Tuscan cowboys). Ride “Maremmano” style (similar to Western) through lush forestlands and along beaches. Finally, after a full and exciting day, you´ll head back to your hotel and enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel or in Porto Ercole (by taxi).

Overnight:

5* Luxury Seafront hotel

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast

Transfers:

Porto Ercole- Private boat tour- horseride- Porto Ercole

Wine tasting and an exquisite gourmet lunch are planned for today. From the seaside you will drive north to the ultra modern Rocca di Frassinello, designed by internationally renowned architect Renzo Piano (whose many projects include Renzo Piano Tower I & II in San Francisco, Trans National Place in Boston, Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, and the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas). Rocca di Frassinello is a newly formed joint venture between the prestigious Italian Castellare Estate and the French Domaines Barons de Rothschild. You´ll have a private tour of the grounds and winery followed by a special private tasting of their premium Super Tuscans like Poggio alla Guardia, Le Sughere di Frassinello and Rocca di Frassinello.

Lunch is next and quite a treat, a gourmet tasting menu paired with wines at Alain Ducasse´s L´Andana near Castiglione della Pescaia. After an outstanding lunch, enjoy a digestive walk around this gorgeous property (which looks over sunflower fields, olive groves and vines), then carry on to the last winery of the day to a stellar estate such as the up and coming Poggio Argentiera. You´ll have a vineyard tour first and learn all about these Scansano wines, followed by a winery tour and tasting with the owner himself. In the late afternoon, head back to your hotel for a free evening to relax.

Overnight:

5* Luxury Seafront hotel

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Gourmet lunch paired with wines

Transfers:

Porto Ercole- Maremma wine touring- Porto Ercole

Today will be a relaxed gourmet day focused on a bit of spa time, charming little villages and a superb Michelin starred lunch. Check out of your luxurious hotel, and head east (about one hour and 15 minutes) to the ancient Roman spa town of Saturnia where you will spend the morning relaxing at the Terme di Saturnia. You´ll have free time to enjoy the natural thermal pool, as well as an hour-long heavenly massage. Saturnia is considered to be one of the best spa towns in Europe, have fun! Head to the nearby tiny village of Montemerano, where a monumental gastronomic lunch awaits.

The tasting menu at Michelin starred Da Caino is a once in a lifetime experience and you´ll taste the “best of” of chef Valeria Piccini´s dishes paired with the mythical Sassicaia wine as well as a surprise white wine selected from their 20,000 plus bottle cellar. While the food is extremely elegant, the atmosphere of this restaurant is cozy, with wood beamed ceilings and a fireplace, very warm and inviting. After a relaxed, long lunch carry on to the striking town of Pitigliano for a visit. Called the “Città del Tufo” (Tufa city), Pitigliano is a hilltop town carved out of the rockface. The town has a fascinating history, and is known as “Little Jerusalem” as it had a vibrant Jewish population in medieval times. This legacy can be appreciated by visiting the 16th century synagogue, the Ghetto and the Forno delle Azzime (kosher bakery).

Enjoy free time here and don’t forget the camera as Pitigliano is one of southern Tuscany’s most beautiful towns. In the early evening, you will transfer to Montalcino (about an hour and 45 minutes), your base for the next few nights. You´ll sleep at a luxury hotel located onsite at one of the region’s most famous wineries. Free evening to dine at the excellent restaurant on your own (if you are hungry) or order in romantic room service.

Overnight:

Luxury winery hotel, Montalcino

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Michelin starred lunch paired with wines

Transfers:

Porto Ercole- Saturnia- Montemerano- Pitigliano- Montalcino

Enjoy breakfast in bed today if you like and sleep in. Later this morning your driver will take you on a wonderful day of sightseeing and wine tasting in this sensational corner of Tuscany. Begin with an extremely beautiful drive to San Quirico D’ Orcia, a historic small hamlet. Have a peek, and perhaps enjoy an aperitif before moving on to Pienza. Pienza is a splendid Renaissance town, designed by Florentine architect Bernardo Rossellino in the 15th century on Pope Pius II´s instructions (he was born there and wanted to make it an important, noble town). You´ll have a lovely, traditional lunch near Pienza and then enjoy some free time to explore this handsome town on your own. See the Palazzo Piccolomini (once the Pope’s residence) and the Duomo.

In the late afternoon you will taste some fine examples of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano at one of the flagship estates like Avignonesi, Valdipiatta or Poliziano. After a private VIP winery tour and tasting, stretch your legs in Montepulciano town, one of our favorite medieval villages in Italy. And in the late afternoon, at your leisure, head back to your romantic hotel. The evening is yours to have dinner at the estate’s Michelin starred restaurant, in their less formal taverna or in Montalcino town (by taxi).

Overnight:

Luxury winery hotel, Montalcino

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Traditional lunch paired with wines

Transfers:

Montalcino- San Quirico D’ Orcia- Pienza- Montepulciano- Montalcino

Before leaving Montalcino, you have to taste the famous Brunello wines! And today you can expect a visit to one of Montalcino´s most important estates such as Casanova di Neri (Wine Spectator’s best wine in the world winner) or Altesino, another preferred cellar. You´ll have a super premium tasting of five estate wines including Crus, as well as a vineyard tour. After wine tasting, you´ll have a convivial lunch in the ancient village of Montalcino.

Indulge in a four course traditional lunch that will include dishes like baked ricotta cheese, handmade tagliatelle with Chianina sauce, lamb chops in aromatic herbs crust paired with Brunello di Montalcino and Pannacotta with wild cherries paired with Vin Santo. Molto buono! Digest your feast by having a stroll around Montalcino. You can visit the fortress, with its Enoteca (wine shop) and many narrow cobblestoned streets lined with antique shops and cafés. Before heading back to your hotel, change the pace today and spend half an hour at the magnificent Sant Antimo Abbey, a few miles from your hotel, located in an absolutely stunning natural setting. Free evening tonight.

Overnight:

Luxury winery hotel, Montalcino

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Traditional lunch paired with wines

Transfers:

Montalcino hotel- wine country- hotel

Take a break from wine tours and enjoy some sightseeing today. Wear comfortable shoes! Check out of your hotel and your driver will take you to the magical town of Siena. With your own private art guide, you´ll tour this enchanting town by foot. You´ll learn all about the famed medieval jousting event, the Palio, which takes place in Siena’s shell-shaped Campo square. Your guide will take you to the graceful Duomo, one of the most impressive churches in the world. The Duomo itself took over 100 years to complete and the collection of artwork inside is stunning, from Donatello´s bronze statue of Saint John to Nicola Pisano´s marble pulpit.

After a morning of taking in the sights and listening to your entertaining guide’s stories of popes, tricksters, artists, love affairs, and jousts, you´ll settle into lunch at one of our treasured little restaurants- Le Logge. We’ll have a chef’s menu organized for you, paired with non-Tuscan Italian wines for a change, as the wine list here is legendary. Begin with a white from Friuli for example, followed by a red such as Amarone from the Veneto (perhaps to accompany a risotto). Sit back, relax and enjoy the great food and great service.

Tonight you sleep in a very charming luxurious hotel-cum-hamlet, Borgo San Felice. But you have one last stop today- the fairy take village of Monteriggioni. Located just a few miles outside of Siena, Monteriggioni is exactly how one imagines a medieval village. Perched peacefully at the top of a hill, it is enclosed by an ancient wall, punctuated by 14 medieval towers. Olives and vineyards surround Monteriggioni outside the wall and in autumn when the vineyards turn bright red and gold, the setting is bewitching. The hamlet is a maze of winding, cobblestoned streets with ceramic shops, cafés and ice cream shops. Very cute and very romantic! After some free time to explore on your own, you will head to the ultimate honeymooner hotel. Relax and enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner in the inviting ristorante.

Overnight:

4* Relais & Chateaux Historic hotel, Chianti

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Regional lunch with wines

Transfers:

Montalcino- Siena- Monteriggioni - Chianti

The towns of Volterra and San Gimignano are on the program today with private guided art tours, and another spot of wine tasting of the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano. From your glorious little hotel, your driver will first take you west to alluring Volterra. Famous for its alabaster production (since even pre-Christian times!), Volterra is a fascinating hodge-podge of architectural styles. Originally Etruscan, it was later inhabited by Ancient Romans (you´ll see the remains of a Roman amphitheatre set in an idyllic meadow below the town), and came to great prominence and wealth in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Volterra is built up the side of an unusual hill with rocky, crumbling cliffs called “Balze”. With a private art guide you´ll enjoy a walking tour, taking in the main sights like the 13th century Piazza dei Priori and the Museo Etrusco Garnacci (even if you are not a history buff, a tour of the Etruscan museum is well worth it and extremely interesting). After the walking tour, take some free time for shopping, photos, etc. Then on to San Gimignano, coined the “Medieval Manhattan”. You´ll sit down to a fabulous lunch with Tuscan cuisine given a creative twist. Following lunch you´ll have some free time to explore this charming town on your own. A good purchase here is saffron, which San Gimignano is famous for.

On the way back to your romantic hotel, you will stop in a winery just outside San Gimignano. The Tenute Guicciardini Strozzi wine estate is one of the oldest and most prestigious Vernaccia producers. Vernaccia is a delicate white wine praised since the middle ages (Dante even mentions Vernaccia in the Divine Comdedy). You´ll receive a VIP private tour of this beautiful estate followed by a tasting of their flagship wines like Vernaccia Titolato, Vernaccia Cusona, Ocra and Millanni (translated as 100 years and a tribute to the fact that Vernaccia celebrated its 1000th year, in 1994). In the evening after a full day of sightseeing and tasting wonderful wines, relax back at your hotel.

Overnight:

4* Relais & Chateaux Historic hotel, Chianti

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, Regional lunch with wines

Transfers:

Chianti- Volterra- San Gimignano- Chianti

Ever wondered how to make homemade pasta? Today, you will learn how on your own private cooking class at a spectacular venue in Chianti, attached to an ancient abbey and one of Antinori´s wineries at Badia Passignano. With your own private chef in a professional kitchen, you will create a traditional Tuscan three course lunch followed by a sit down meal in the beautiful dining room. Taste the superstar wines here like Guado al Tasso, Tignanello, and Solaia. After lunch, Florence awaits! Check into your luxurious and romantic palazzo hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

You could take a stroll through the Boboli gardens (which belonged to the Medici), buy a handmade golden theater mask in front of Palazzo Pitti and fancy soaps at the unique and wonderful Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, enjoy a glass of vino at a sidewalk café…. Florence is a treat to the eyes and all the senses. We suggest Cibrèo for dinner tonight, our favorite restaurant in Florence.

Overnight:

5* Palazzo hotel, Florence

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, cooking class lunch with wines

Transfers:

Chianti- Florence

Today is yours to enjoy Florence as after so much touring and tasting, you´ll be ready to chill out and explore at a relaxed pace. You could enjoy a tour of Florence’s markets like the fantastic Mercato Centrale (also called San Lorenzo market) and the Mercato di Sant´ Ambrogio and for lunch hit one of Florence’s many quaint winebars. Florence is itself an outdoor museum, but if you would like to discover its breathtaking amount of artistic patrimony, then you could begin with a visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo´s David. The Uffizi is a also a “must” for art lovers, with its spectacular collection that includes Botticelli, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, Tiziano, Brueghel and soooo many more. Rest of day at leisure.

Tonight we have a major treat for you: at sunset you will drive into Fiesole by classic car, and have dinner at the mythical Villa San Michele, a luxurious hotel with a refined and elegant restaurant, whose façade was designed by Michelangelo! You will wine and dine outside on the gorgeous Loggia, on a terrace that overlooks Florence and the hills. There could be no more romantic way to conclude your honeymoon tour of Tuscany than this! Enjoy.

Overnight:

5* Palazzo hotel, Florence

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast, farewell dinner with wines

Transfers:

Florence- classic car transfers to and from Fiesole- Florence

Transfer to Florence airport or Rome airport (a three hour transfer), depending on your outbound flight.

And this concludes your unforgettable luxurious food and wine honeymoon in Tuscany. We plan on seeing you again!

Meals Included in Price:

Full breakfast

Transfers:

Florence hotel- Florence or Rome airport

What's Included:

What's Not Included:

Prices:

This is a SAMPLE TOUR ITINERARY. Please note that our chauffeured luxury tours have the following starting prices:

• Final price depends on chosen style of accommodation and dining. Please contact us with your group size (minimum 2 guests, no maximum group size), travel dates and preferences and we will send you custom pricing.
• Discounts available for larger groups
• Please note that our tours are available upon demand for PRIVATE GROUPS and are not scheduled tours for mixed groups.

More Information on Luxury Tuscany Honeymoons:

If you are interested in this package, contact us today for more information. This tour can also be adapted for bigger groups with a substantial discount. All of our tours are available year round upon request for your private group of minimum 2 people. If you would like us to customize a luxury gourmet tour for you, contact us with your requirements, and we can send you a free itinerary and quote with no obligations. We organize cooking packages and wine tours from 1 day, to weekends to longer food and wine discoveries throughout Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Spain.

Email us at: info@cellartours.com