ITALY
Orvieto
Southern Tuscany Sights & Delights
Known for its breath-taking rolling landscapes, glorious towns and amazing culinary experiences, idyllic Tuscany is a truly delightful destination for a memorable tour. The southern part of the region is a medieval treasure trove; we include visits to a trio of beautiful towns famed for their great wines and fabulous food, as well as a trip to the stunning city of Siena. Our superb hotel offers a wonderful base from which to explore, together with a free bar package each evening. Salute! PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Montepulciano & Pienza This morning we travel to Montepulciano, famous for its excellent wines. The small town is packed with charm and its winding main street, the Corso, climbs up to the main square on top of the hill. The town is encircled by walls and fortifications and, inside, the streets are crammed with Renaissance-style palatial buildings and churches. In the afternoon we visit nearby Pienza, surrounded by the wonderful hills of the Val d’Orcia. The town, constructed in the 1450s, has remained practically unchanged over the centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pienza is considered to be the capital of Pecorino cheese and even holds a festival in September each year to celebrate its famous product, so we may wish to take the opportunity to sample this local delicacy with a glass of wine! Day 3 Orvieto & Wine Tasting Today we visit the medieval grand hill town of Orvieto in Umbria, set above fields streaked with vines, olive groves and cypress trees and home to one of Italy’s best loved white wines. Its austere medieval centre is a classic of its kind, with weaving lanes, brown stone houses and cobbled piazzas. This lovely town has an impressive Gothic cathedral and a labyrinth of once secret caves and tunnels. In the afternoon we head back to our hotel, stopping at the nearby historic Fattoria Pulcino for a wonderful wine tasting session with a selection of wines and accompaniments. Day 4 Chianciano Terme Driver’s Day Off We spend today at leisure. We can make the most of the facilities and surroundings of our hotel, perhaps visiting the thermal baths or one of the museums, or simply enjoy strolling around the town. Day 5 Siena This morning we travel to Siena, possibly Italy’s loveliest medieval city. Here we have a guided walking tour to help us explore the central piazza, Il Campo, with its fountain, the Fonte Gaia, Palazzo Comunale (the city’s Town Hall) and the Torre del Mangia. We then enjoy free time at leisure to explore the many attractions – a visit to the impressive Gothic Cathedral is recommended. The Duomo lies in a piazza above the Piazza del Campo and is filled with treasures by Pisano, Donatello and Michelangelo as well as frescoes by Pinturicchio, and has distinctive striped marble pillars and walls. Despite having an incredible collection of unmissable art works within these ancient walls, Siena is no museum; this vibrant city buzzes with characterful restaurants, divine pastry shops and colourful boutiques. Day 6 Departure After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
Piazza del Campo, Siena
Pienza, Val d’Orcia
Chianciano Terme
Grand Hotel Excelsior Chianciano Terme, Tuscany
The 4 star Grand Hotel Excelsior is situated close to the Piazza Italia, in the heart of the new town. Although very grand, it is a privately owned and family- run hotel. Elegance is a word that can be used throughout the hotel, from the spacious reception area to the lounge with its elegant furnishings. The restaurant is light and airy and offers superb cuisine. All 72 bedrooms are traditionally furnished with modern marble bathrooms and are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and air-conditioning. There is also a fabulous rooftop pool and terrace which customers will love. • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Inclusions • Return short sea crossing • Porterage • Welcome glass of wine • Tuscan set menu on arrival night • Choice of menu on 4 nights • Tea/coffee after dinner • Unlimited wine with dinner Free bar 18:30-22:30 each night (selected drinks) • Wine tasting at Fattoria Pulcino • 90 minute guided walking tour of Siena
FREE Bar
5 Nights Half Board Based on Tuesday arrivals
114
Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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