Trip Details

This enchanting Italy stay will start Saturday, October 13th, 2012 and run through Saturday, October 20th, 2012.

Check in is no earlier than 4:00 pm on the 13th and checkout is no later than 10 am on the 20th.

We will provide transportation from the Florence, Italy airport on the 13th, and back to the Florence airport on the 20th.

Other than airfare, which will be your responsibility, this trip will be all inclusive---all travel, food, drink, housing, and day trip costs are included in the one price listed.

Day trips may include the following:

• Chianti Wine Salute: Embark on a delicious journey in time honored wine making! Visit the vineyards and ancient cellars of a premiere Tuscan winery near Radda in Chianti. Meet a Chianti enologist whose profound passion for wine is matched only by his commitment to preserve Tuscany's age old wine making techniques. Even the estate's olive oil mill has foregone most modern means.
• Montepulciano Wines: Tuscany's Significant Other: Spend a morning discovering Tuscany's most "noble" wine at the estate of a top ranked Vino Nobile di Montepulciano producer. With an English speaking sommelier at your side, the tour begins among the vines and follows the entire process to the tasting room. Sample four wines pared with local salumi and Pecorino cheese from nearby Pienza.
• Fast Footing In Florence: Spend a morning getting acquainted with Italy's most walkable city. This walking tour of the city's most noted sights with a private guide unveils the history of Florence as it blossomed from an obscure Roman military camp into the spark that lit the Renaissance. Along the way, pick up tips on where to find the best espresso!
• Wine Country Ceramics: Within the walled medieval citadel of Montefollonico, sculpt, decorate and glaze a Tuscan ceramic plate under the guidance of a well-known local artist in her workshop and gallery.
• Afternoon Cooking Class: At our Villa Florentine, we will have one or two afternoon cooking classes, featuring local gourmet chefs unlocking the secrets to Italian cuisine.
• Driving Excursions into the surrounding countryside and villages: We will have van transportation available the entire stay and can plan excursions through the local countryside and surrounding villages, based on the interests of our guests.
  We plan on offering a total of at least five day trips during our time at Villa Florentine, including at least one cooking class at the Villa. Exact trips offered will be finalized in January, but the above trips are very representative of what will be offered. If you are interested in a day trip excursion that is not part of our official offerings, then let us know, and, if possible, we will make it happen.
  

Other details:

Meals: Meals will be prepared by Italian chefs.

• Breakfast will consist of an expanded continental breakfast
• Lunches to go will be available for those on day trips and in Villa simple lunches will be available for those at the Villa.
• Dinners will be multi-course extravaganzas served for all those present in the Villa's beautiful dining room, with ample room to seat all guests.
• Snacks and drinks will be available for guests at all times in between official meal times.

Temperature: Normal temperatures for mid October in this region are highs in the mid 70's with lows in the mid 50's.

Maximum Guests: In addition to our four hosts, there is room for a total of twenty guests for this week. There are ten bedrooms available for guests. Each bedroom can be for a married couple, or, four bedrooms can optionally be fitted with two single beds each, if you wish to attend as a single and bring a single friend with you. Pricing will be per couple. So, if you, as a single wish to come, your commitment will be for a full bedroom, and it is up to you as to whether you attend as a single or bring a friend.

Pricing:
The Cost, per couple, is $4,950, (excluding flight) all inclusive. Registrations will be granted on a first come, first served basis. Registrations are non-refundable. However, we do have a source for you purchasing trip insurance should you desire that. Payment in full will be required upon reservation. An early payment discounted price of $4,450 is available for all those who register prior to April 1st, 2012.

To pay prior to the April 1st deadline, click on the Paypal button below.

The Invitation:
Come join us for the trip of a lifetime. Our total commitment will be to serve you and fellowship with you, deepening connections, and enjoying the joy of being together in such a beautiful environment.

Register Now!