FOOD FOCUSED INCREDIBLE TOUR OF ITALY
September 13 - 20, 2026 (8 Days)
$2249 per person*
GOURMET TUSCANY
On this affordable Italy tour small group discovery package,
the town of Montecatini serves as your home base from
which to venture out to explore the surrounding landscapes of
breathtaking Tuscany and getting to know its culinary and wine traditions.
You’ll indulge in picturesque scenery, world-class local wines, traditional cuisine, and cultural discoveries.
From the rolling hills of Montalbano to Vinci and beyond,
we’ll take you through bountiful vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut trees.
You’ll even visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci to experience the Renaissance master’s life and art.
Traveling through some of the most stunning and lush natural landscapes in Italy,
you’ll embark to visit idyllic spots, including the gorgeous Chianti Valley and the Etruscan Coast.
As you visit quaint wine shops, cafes, historic estates, and museums,
you’ll feel immersed in the history and traditions of each destination.
In addition to sampling the local gourmet Tuscan fare, you’ll also be treated to an Italian cooking lesson.
You’ll prepare an authentic Italian dish inside a rustic Tuscan farmhouse where you and your travel companions
will enjoy your culinary creations—complete with master-chef prizes.
You’ll also learn the art of Italian dessert making at your hotel and get to taste
some of the celebrated Chianti and Super Tuscan wines right where they are produced.
You’ll revel in the beauty of becoming familiar with a single destination of Montecatini
while making priceless discoveries of locales that are off the beaten path
perfect for the smart, creative, and budget-minded travel lover.
$2249 per person*
(Double occupancy)
(Single occupancy - contact us to inquire)
Airfare Not Included
ONLY 5 SPACES AVAILABLE!
September 13 - 20, 2026
DEPOSIT
A $250pp refundable deposit*
due at time of booking
(*Refundable until final payment)
FINAL PAYMENT
Final payment due July 15, 2026
Day 1 - ARRIVE IN MONTECATINI, ITALY
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a special welcome dinner.
Hotel - Settentrionale Esplanade (Dinner)
Day 2 - MONTECATINI. EXCURSION TO VINCI
This morning, head out into the lush, rolling landscape of the Montalbano hills. Pass terraced grape vineyards, olive
groves, and chestnut trees on your way to the quaint village of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, learn all
about the Renaissance master at the museum dedicated to his life and many areas of interest from painting, sculpting,
and inventing, to anatomy, music, and cartography! Round up the morning with the visit of a local bakery. Learn
how bread is made and enjoy a light lunch with an opportunity to sample local products such as focaccia bread,
sandwiches, wine, cheese, cold cuts, and olive oil.
Today’s Distance: 25 mi/ 40 km (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3 - MONTECATINI. EXCURSION TO THE CHIANTI VALLEY
Cradled between the provinces of Florence and Siena, the Chianti Valley is the heart of Tuscany, and has been hailed
for its exceptional wines since the 13th century. Your journey today takes you to Greve, with time to visit the village
and to enjoy lunch at a charming wine shop. Complete the day with the visit of a historic Tuscan estate known for
its Chianti wine production.
Today’s Distance: 96 mi/ 155 km (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 4 - MONTECATINI
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Montecatini. Maybe go for a walk in the Parco delle Terme with its tall shady trees. Most
of the afternoon is dedicated to the Italian cooking lesson at a rustic farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside. Once
you arrive at the farm, enjoy a welcome drink, explore the orchard to pick some fresh ingredients, learn about Italy’s
most famous delicacies, and then roll up your sleeves for a fun, hands-on cooking experience. This evening, relax with
your traveling companions and taste the delectable dinner you prepared—maybe your team will win the master chef
prize! (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 - MONTECATINI. EXCURSION TO LUCCA
Visit Lucca, a stunning showcase of medieval architecture and layer upon layer of rich history and culture. Marvel at
the beautiful art and tapestry collections at the baroque Palazzo Mansi National Museum, then take a guided walking
tour around the Old Town with its fine, intact Renaissance-era wall, cobblestone streets, and café-lined piazzas. A
lively café-crawl snack brunch is included, followed by a main course at a local restaurant. Then, your Local Guide will
introduce you to the stunning ornamental gardens and grand arched ceilings of Palazzo Pfanner.
Today’s Distance: 39 mi/ 62 km (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 6 - MONTECATINI. EXCURSION TO BOLGHERI
Travel through the vineyard-dotted countryside and along cypress tree-lined Viale dei Cipressi for your grand entrance
into enchanting Bolgheri. With its red-brick castle and atmospheric Old Town, it’s not hard to imagine that Bolgheri
jumped right off the pages of a storybook. There’s time here to visit one of the wine cellars and taste Bolgheri’s
celebrated Super Tuscan reds. First created in the 1980s, many wine experts believe these now rival French Bordeaux.
Later, stop at nearby Castagneto Carducci, known for its splendid panoramic views of the Etruscan Coast. Enjoy
lunch at a local restaurant and the chance to sample the local liqueur.
Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - MONTECATINI
This morning is yours to do as you please. You could choose to explore more of the city on your own, to relax and
shop for souvenirs, or to join an exciting optional excursion. This afternoon is dedicated to a baking class at your hotel,
focusing on the creation of cakes and desserts. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8 - MONTECATINI
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
**Please note - Round Trip Air to Florence Italy is NOT included
We are happy to help with arrangements as well as additional pre or post nights
and anything else to help make your trip to Italy seamless**
We also HIGHLY RECOMMEND Travel Insurance and are happy to provide quotes
