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The Best of Tuscany: Palio Time
The Best of Tuscany: Palio Time is a nine-day Tuscany adventure that begins with Siena’s famous horserace - Palio, continues on through Tuscany’s lovely Chianti countryside, and then concludes in the heart of Florence. Our adventure begins in the city of Siena in the days leading up to its annual mystical horserace on July 2nd. The horserace has been run in its present form for many centuries, and its origins go all the way back to the late Middle Ages. The city’s 17 neighborhoods, known as "Contradas", compete fiercely against one another to win the race and carry off the painted banner known as the "Palio". We’ve timed this tour to so as to enjoy the rivalry, pageantry, and processions of the Contradas in the days leading up to the first horserace on July 2nd in Siena. This is the period when the Contradas are gearing up to compete against one another for the glory of winning the race: the horses are being taken into the neighborhood churches to be blessed by the priest, and the Contrada faithful are wearing their scarves and singing, drumming and twirling banners into the wee hours of the morning.
The excitement that surrounds the race every year in Siena is something that can only be compared to the moment when the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan show! In deference to the Sienese, we’ll depart Siena on the morning of the horserace and transfer to our quiet Villa in the Chianti countryside. There we’ll be able to enjoy the televised horserace from Siena, as well as the occasional mayhem afterwards, in comfort and safety.
During the next portion of our tour we’ll explore some of the most beautiful towns and villages of central Tuscany. We’ll visit the town of Cortona, built on a mountaintop high above the Valdichiana plains, which was already ancient when Rome was still a gleam in Jove’s eye. You’ll have a chance to explore Cortona’s Etruscan past, wander along its intriguing side-streets, and enjoy its marvelous parks and museums. (You may remember Cortona as the setting of the book and movie, “Under the Tuscan Sun”.)
During our explorations of the Chianti region we’ll go wine-tasting and touring at the famous Castle Brolio, site of many pitched battles between the Sienese and the Florentines, and today the home of one of Tuscany’s great vintages. We’ll also visit several small villages in Chianti that are well off the beaten path where you’ll enjoy some of the greatest food, wine and scenery that Chianti and Tuscany has to offer.
The final portion of the tour takes us right in the heart of Renaissance Florence. We’ll be staying at a marvelous historic hotel located only moments away from Florence’s most important museums and monuments. Daily slide presentations will help you better appreciate some of the amazing works of art that we will be seeing. We’ll also be enjoying the pleasures of Tuscan food and wine in several of Florence’s best restaurants.
What Sets This Tour Apart?Group size is limited to only 16 participants. You’ll have a rare chance to experience the magic of Siena at Palio time, the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, and the incomparable richness of Florence and its artistic treasures. You’ll also have ample free time for you to explore on your own, or just relax and enjoy. Our tours attract people who are interested in acquiring new knowledge, who appreciate fine food, have the sense of humor required for traveling, and enjoy having all the details of travel taken care of for them. To request a detailed itinerary for this tour, click here and the itinerary will be emailed to you immediately. Tour Specifics:Dates: June 28, 2010 to July 06, 2010 Cost: The land cost of the tour is $3490, per person, based on double occupancy. Cash discount cost is $3400 per person for payment by check or wire transfer. You may make your registration deposit using PayPal and/or your credit card and still be eligible for the cash discount cost if your final balance is paid by check or wire transfer. Single rooms are available for a supplementary charge of $695. Airfare is not included. 
Accommodations: 8 nights lodging in carefully restored, historic properties; (3 nights in a Florence hotel, 2 nights in a hotel in Siena, and 3 nights at a villa in the Chianti region). All rooms have private baths. Meals: All breakfasts, one full-course meal daily, additional meals as scheduled. All meals—after breakfast!—include regional wines. We carefully choose the restaurants based on ambiance and quality of cuisine. Transfers: All ground transportation during the tour. Wine tastings: Scheduled tastings of various Tuscan wines (including small local producers and famous well known producers). Workshops and Presentations: We include slideshows and presentations that provide essential background information to enhance your visits. Admissions: Entrance fees for all planned visits to monuments, galleries and museums are included. Small, Intimate Group: We will be limiting the number of participants to a maximum of 16. Early Arrival/ Late Stay Options: Depending on hotel availability you may be able to arrive early or stay after the end of the tour. We’ll be happy to help you make these arrangements. Pick Up and Drop Off: The tour begins at our hotel in Siena, and we can help you with the logistics of getting there. The tour ends at our hotel in Florence permitting easy access to Florence’s airport or train station Pick-ups or drop-offs at other locations can be arranged through our travel partners for an additional fee. Experienced Tour Leaders: Pam Mercer and Sam Hilt of Tuscany Tours have been leading tours in Tuscany since 1997. Registration:To reserve your place and register for this tour, please click the button below to jump to the Registration Page:
Please feel free to contact us via email or call us at (800) 634-3460 with any questions you may have about the tour or about traveling to Tuscany. |
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Here are some convienent links to other tours we are offering this season... |
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