Day 1 - Arrive Florence

Upon arrival, you will check-in to your hotel. 

After lunch you will be met by an expert local guide for an orientation tour taking in the city’s major highlights such as the Galleria Accademia, Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.

In the evening you will be met at your hotel by a procession of horse drawn carriages for a short ride to the Palazzo Borghese. The Palazzo Borghese stands in the heart of Florence, beneath the shadows of the tower of the Bargello Gallery. Palazzo Borghese’s origins date back to 1400, when it belonged to the Salviati Family. It was inherited by the Borghese family during the 19th century and their family coat of arms still dominates the main façade.

A flag pageantry display and drum players will greet you at the palace before you are led into the Mirrors Room for a champagne reception. The evening will include a Renaissance show with traditional music, singers, dancers and court jester and four course dinner followed by an operatic performance.

Overnight: Grand Hotel

Meal Plan: D

Day 2 - Florence

Optional activities:

1) An active hike with private villa visits

Hike from Gamberaia to Fonte Lucente, through the cheerful village of Settignano, then on marked trails uphill to Poggio al Vento, offering outstanding views of Florence, passing by the historical castles of Vincigliata and Castel di Poggio, across the woods of Vincigliata, the Florentines’ favorite natural environment close to town. You will have the chance to see beautiful private noble villas such as the 18th century Villa Gamberaia and the Villa Medici in Fiesole. A hearty two course lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

2) Learn the secrets of Tuscan cooking

Enjoy a hands-on lesson at a renowned cookery school with an English-speaking tutor who will teach you some of the secrets of the local and national cuisine. Lunch will be the culmination of your efforts this lesson. Dishes may include aubergine stew, linguine with lemon sauce, or pork fillet with parmesan followed by orange and chocolate cake.

A private dinner will be served at Montebuoni Restaurant, located in the peaceful hillside surrounding Florence on the edge of the Chianti region. The menu is typically Tuscan, with the changing of seasons reflected in the menu.

Overnight: Grand Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3 - Florence

Optional activities:

1) The Badia a Passignano Abbey and Tuscan wine tasting with cellar visit

Travel into the stunning Tuscan countryside to visit the Badia a Passignano Abbey and its winery where an expert will give a fascinating introduction to viticulture and wine production. Enjoy lunch with appropriately paired wines at the Osteria preceded by a tasting of extra virgin olive oils. The following wines will be tasted: Cervaro della Sala, Guado al Tasso, Tignanello and Solaia. During the meal there will be a short introduction by our knowledgeable sommelier on the correct way to serve wine, including decanting and pairing wine to dishes. 

2) Full day Italian designer outlet shopping

Today you will be met at your hotel for a full day excursion to visit the various outlet stores, the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself into Italian haute couture. At The Mall, you can find famous names such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Emanuel Ungaro, Ermenegildo Zegna, Giorgio Armani, Marni, Salvatore Ferragamo and Yves Saint Laurent. Only five kilometres from The Mall, visit the Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana outlets. Then on to the Prada village SPACE, where you’ll also find designers Helmut Lang, Miu Miu and Jil Sander.

Tonight's farwell dinner will be held at Villa di Maiano. This aristocratic house is situated just five kilometres from Florence, close to Fiesole, and enjoys stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Upon arrival, a cocktail reception will be served with the Chianti landscape as the backdrop. Musical accompaniment is provided by a string quartet.

Following the cocktail reception, continue to the Sala da Pranzo for a four course Tuscan banquet. The room is richly decorated with antique paintings, a huge stone fireplace and Murano glass chandeliers, which shimmer in the candlelight. Dancing will follow dinner with a jazz band.

Overnight: Grand Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4 - Depart Florence

After breakfast, depart Florence.

Meal Plan: B