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Join your Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards friends for a private tour of Tuscany for 9 glorious days in the spring as we explore the wine, the food, the vineyards, the history, and the cuisine of this revered region of the world.

The weather in Tuscany during May is generally mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to mid-70s. In May, the countryside is at its most beautiful. The rolling hills are covered in lush greenery and the fields are blooming with wildflowers, creating a picturesque and romantic backdrop. While Tuscany is a popular tourist destination year-round, May is considered shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds and shorter lines at popular sites, allowing for a more relaxed pace. May is the start of the harvest season in Tuscany, when we can partake in the abundance of fresh produce like asparagus, strawberries, and cherries, if we can make time between all the tasting of the local wines that we will be doing! Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano will be our guides to the wines of Tuscany.

This exclusive curated tour will include nearly everything and the best of Tuscany:

• 8 nights accommodation in three bespoke luxurious hotels.
• Guided transport in 2 small motor coaches.
• Two dedicated local hosts who will accompany us throughout the experience.
• All tours, wine tastings, food tastings, cooking classes, truffle hunt, all breakfast, lunch, and dinners. A local wine or two served with most lunches and all dinners.

Itinerary includes:

Day 1 (May 14th) – Arrival and night in Florence on your own, or at the hotel where we will be staying.
Day 2 (May 15th) Tour begins - Half the group – Pick-up at Piazza dell'Independenza and transfer to the esteemed Antinori winery in Chianti where we will tour and participate in a wine tasting followed by lunch at the winery. The Antinori winery has been producing Chianti in the area for over six centuries in the same family, spanning 26 generations. Their long history points the way to the future in the striking architecture of their modern winery. In the afternoon, transfer to our first hotel, Borgo San Luig, half way between Florence and Siena. After check in those interested can visit Monteriggioni, the 13th century fortress (10mn away by car and even possible walk) and marvel at its perfectly round walls. Built in the 13th century as a defensive fortress, the walls of Monteriggioni stretch for almost 600 meters, forming a circular embrace around the village. Their sturdy construction and imposing height serve as a reminder of the strategic importance this fortress once held. As one explores the village, the 14 towers that punctuate the skyline become a defining feature of Monteriggioni. These towers, originally used for surveillance and defense, offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and provide a glimpse into the village's historical significance. The other half of the group will invert with Day 3.
Day 2 - Half the group - Pick-up at "Piazza dell'Independenza" and ride to Poggio Torselli winery for a visit and wine tasting, followed by lunch. In complete contrast with the very modern Antinori winery, Poggio Torselli will take us back in time as it is a historical villa dating back to 15th century that produces wine and olive oil. In the afternoon, ride back to Borgo San Luig, halfway between Florence and Siena. Those interested can visit Monteriggioni, the 13th century fortress. Dinner follows back at hotel.
Day 3 - (May 16th) Inverted program. Half the group goes to Poggio Torselli winery for a visit and wine tasting, followed by lunch. Half group goes to the Antinori winery for a visit and wine tasting followed by lunch. After a rest, those interested can visit Abbadia Isola A 13th century Abbey and then return to the hotel to relax before dinner.
Day 4 – (May 17th) Both groups visit San Gimignano, "the town of the towers", a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination in Tuscany. Its enchanting skyline, adorned with 13 towering medieval towers, transports you back in time, offering a glimpse into the rich history, art, and culture of the region in a uniquely preserved setting. Guests may participate in a guided tour or just explore on their own. The shopping and sight-seeing here is great and free time is recommended.
Half of the group will enjoy wine tasting and lunch at Torraccia di Chiusi a small agriturismo with an Etruscan tomb for a cellar.
Half of the group will enjoy wine tasting and lunch at Tenuta Torciano.
Return to hotel for dinner and relaxation.
Day 5 – (May 18th) Transfer to Siena for a “Taste Siena” tour, a walking tour of town with 6 stops for typical food while visiting the main Siena attractions, followed by free time in Siena when those who wish can do a more complete visit of town like entering the Duomo or the communal palace.
Check in at Fattoria del Colle a winery owned by Donatelli Cinelli Colombini known as the Brunello lady https://www.cinellicolombini.it/. Depending on how long we stay in Siena, we may stop at Monte Oliveto Maggiore monastery an imposing building with a cloister frescoed by Luca Signorelli. Supper on the premises.
Day 6 (May 19th) – Half the group will stay at the farm for a visit and a cooking class. Half the group can go to Valdichiana for a truffle hunting experience, followed by a truffle lunch and a stop in Montepulciano for free time. Dinner at Fattoria del colle.
Day 7 (May 20th) - Inverted program when the other half of the group will stay at the farm for a visit and a cooking class, while the other half the group goes to Valdichiana for a truffle hunting experience, followed by a truffle lunch and a stop in Montepulciano for free time. Dinner at Fattoria del colle.
Day 8 – (May 21st) Leisurely departure for Montalcino. Visit and lunch at 2 different Brunello producing farms with wine tasting cheeses and bruchette. Transfer to Perugia(1h30) and check in at your accommodation – Brufani Palace 5* in the very center of town. https://www.sinahotels.com/it/h/sina-brufani-perugia/
Stop at a very popular place that makes “Torta al Testo” the most typical Umbria food. It is not an elegant polished place but makes the best torta.
After check in transfer to Bevagna for wine tasting and supper at Dionigi winery (Sagrantino).
Day 9 (May 22nd) – Half of the group will visit a traditional textile workshop set in an ancient church (1h30) while half of the group walk the center of Perugia with a chocolate tasting. Then invert. (1h30).
Transfer to Assisi for lunch then visit the basilica. On the way back we will make a stop in Deruta to visit a ceramic factory.
Dinner will be paired to Lucas & Lewellen's Toccata wines and hand made by our Umbrian host in her private garden, within walking distance from our hotel. We might be a bit tight if we have to move inside due to rain.
Day 10 (May 23rd) - Check out of Brufani and make your way home. Some of the group are moving on, some are flying out of Rome, and others out of Florence.

We have room for 40 guests maximum on this tour. It will be available exclusively to Lucas & Lewellen, Toccata, and Owners Select Wine Club members and their friends.

Priced at $4,950 per person, double occupancy. Pricing does not include airfare, insurance, customized pre and post extensions or hotel in Florence, taxi to the initial meeting spot, gratuities (encouraged for guides and driver, as you wish at other locations but the guides say they are not expected).

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