Siena and the Tuscan Hilltowns

This year's adventure begins in the marvelous medieval town of Siena, Tuscany. We'll get acquainted over wine and cheese and then Sam and Pamela will offer a slide-show introduction to some of the amazing sites that we'll be seeing during the coming week. We'll be visiting Siena's fairytale Gothic cathedral, and we'll climb up to the ramparts over its unfinished façade to see an unforgettable, bird's-eye-view of the town and countryside of Tuscany. We'll have a walking tour to introduce us to the city of Siena, and lots of free time to explore on our own. And you'll learn all about Siena's famous mystical horserace—the "Palio"—which is has been run since the 15th century in Siena!

The next segment of our tour takes us to the ancient Etruscan hilltown of Cortona, best known today to many travelers as the setting for the book (and the movie), "Under the Tuscan Sun". We'll be staying in a plush four-star hotel located in a Renaissance palazzo in the heart of Cortona with commanding views of the Valdichiana valley below. We'll spend a couple of days exploring Cortona's present natural beauty as well as the surviving monuments of its Renaissance and Etruscan past.

The final portion of the trip in Tuscany takes us to our luxurious Villa in the Chianti countryside where we'll be based for the remainder of the week. We feast at a family-owned Chianti winery down a scenic, country road that makes some of the best new "Super-Tuscan" wines on the market. And we'll visit the Chianti region's most famous castle where we'll have a private tour of the cantinas at one of Tuscany's oldest and most sophisticated wineries. Along the way, we'll be taking you to tiny villages that you've probably never heard of, but will certainly never forget.

What Sets This Tour of Siena and Cortona Apart?

Group size is limited to only 16 participants. You will experience a deep immersion in the variety and richness of Tuscan traditions in art, wine and cuisine. Based on our experience of leading similar tours over these last ten years in Tuscany, we've developed a keen sense of what people find interesting and memorable. We carefully combine structured activities along with ample free time for you to explore on your own, or just relax and enjoy. Our tours of Siena, Cortona, Chianti and Tuscany attract people who are interested in acquiring new knowledge, who appreciate fine food, have the sense of humor required for traveling, and enjoy having the details of travel arranged for them.

To request a detailed itinerary for this tour of Siena and Cortona, click here and the itinerary will be emailed to you immediately.

Tour Specifics:

Dates: May 05, 2010 to May 11, 2010

Cost: The land cost of the tour is $2730, per person, based on double occupancy. Cash discount cost is $2650 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 $525. Airfare is not included.

Accommodations: 6 nights lodging in elegantly restored, historic properties; (2 nights in a Siena hotel, 2 nights in a Cortona hotel, 2 nights in a villa in the Chianti region). Rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished, and all rooms have private baths.

Meals: All breakfasts, one full-course meal daily, additional meals as scheduled. We will take some of our meals on-site and others at restaurants in the towns we visit. 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 of various Tuscan varieties (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 fee 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.

Ground Transportation: The tour cost includes all transportation subsequent to your arrival at the hotel in Siena. Also, we take you back to Siena on the final morning of the tour. Pick-ups or drop-offs at other locations can be arranged through our travel partners for an additional fee.

Pick Up and Drop Off: The tour begins at our hotel in Siena and we can help you with the logistics of gettings there; we take you back to Siena on the final morning of the tour. Alternatively, we can arrange a return transfer to Florence for 45 Euro per person. 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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