OCTOBER 2024
oCTOBER 6 - octoBER 13
tHIS IS A 7 DAY TRIP, flights should depart 10/5 to arrive on 10/6.
*Note that itinerary is subject to change
Day 1
Arrive in Florence and drive through the scenic rolling hills of Tuscany to our home, award winning organic vineyard Fattoria Lavacchio where we will have an abundant lunch waiting for us poolside. Introduction to the Lottero Family, including grandeur host, Faye Lottero who will take us on a tour of the special estate that includes an extensive tasting of their wine and fantastic olive oil. Relax and shake off jet-lag while taking in the 360 views of Toscana.
Day 2
We will have a delicious farm-fresh breakfast on the ground floor of Casabella where the eggs, milk, cheese, bacon, you name it - comes from their farm or farms nearby. This mornings first activity will be spent around the heart of all vineyards: the cellar! We will have an in-depth tour of the cellar and their aging rooms while smelling the fermentation of this years vintage in action. Then, we will do a special activity: blend our own bottles of wine to bring home!
Lunch will follow poolside, then there will be free time to experience reserved excursions that will take place at the vineyard (Massage, horseback riding, Ceramics).
Another abundant dinner will be held at Casabella
Day 3
Firenze! We will leave in the morning for an unforgettable day in Florence. We begin our day here with a walking tour by our friends who are born & raised in Firenze. The tour highlights all the main landmarks starting at Santa Croce, passing the Duomo, and ending at the famous Mercato Centrale. Lunch will be on your own this day where you can rest your feet at a trattoria or bistro of your choice. We cannot bring you to Florence without allowing time to roam the cobblestone streets with your loved ones, so there will be a good amount of free time (or shall I say, SHOPPING time!) before we meet again. Wandering around this famous Renaissance city builds up an appetite for fine wine & food - we will join once again for dinner in a secret Firenze Palazzo owned by an historic Florentine family who gained their nobility by Charlemange in year 805.
Day 4
Depart in the morning for Siena! We depart in the morning to visit Carli's favorite estate that is rich in history, the arts, and cute dogs. The Estate has been in the same Sienese Noble family for 500 years and produces excellent Chianti Classico wines. The family has a very rich history including popes, nobility, and artists. Hosted by the owner we visit the estate and villa that preserves its 18th century noble charm. We will dine with the family for a typical Tuscan lunch paired with their wines. Then, we leave for Siena where we will have an optional guided tour through the city that will end at a private rooftop overlooking the Piazza del Campo hosted by a friend where we will be welcomed with an aperitif as we take in the view.
Day 5
Today we stay local! We walk down to a cheese farm to see some adorable animals then tasted their amazing products paired with local wine. After another great poolside lunch, we venture out to a local legendary castle where our wine tasting is in a special room. After much time in the sipping wine in the luscious sun we head to a grande dinner at our friends restaurant in town, along the old Medici Bridge, where we were truly spoiled by their hospitality.
Day 6
We will live Under the Tuscan Sun in Cortona! After our farm fresh breakfast at Lavacchio, our group will head out to the famed small town in Tuscany that influenced the book and movie where we will have a private walking tour. Our lunch will be one you may never forget: a luxurious meal centered around the famous Tuscan Chianina Beef, seasonal delicacies prepared by our friend, a famous world-class chef. After lunch we will drive through the Tuscan hills to a unique vineyard that produces organic Syrah for a tour of their cellars and of course, a tasting with a breathtaking view.
Our dinner be back home at Fattoria Lavacchio.
Day 7
On our last full day (already depressed about this) we will head out to hunt for the famous black truffles in the woods at the vineyard, guided by two adorable truffle hunting dogs, Ginger & Roger. Once we find our gold, we will head out to our cooking class! This class will be held at a beautiful part of the estate where they host their wedding receptions. After we eat our creations, we will have free time for more activities at Fattoria Lavacchio. Our farewell dinner will be held at the vineyard.
PRICING
The cost is $5,200 per person for double occupancy - for single occupancy it is $5,600.
Price includes:
-7 nights in a room at an award-winning agriturismo Fattoria Lavacchio
-20 meals while in Tuscany (with wine) including a white glove dinner held in private palace (a meal only for royals!)
-Private transportation in Italy including all fees for excursions
-Cooking class by renowned chef
-Specialty tours in several cities
-Endless tastings at several estates, all guided by the family.
-A private event at Cafe Capriccio that we will have a month before our departure to serve as a meet & greet that includes an abundant meal prepared by Jim and Franco Rua paired with Tuscan wines
Once you sign up Cafe Capriccio will invoice you, note to hold your reservation we will require a minimum of one third of total payment. You may pay by credit card though personal check is preferred. We strive to be very accommodating with the financial aspect of this trip and can set up a personalized payment plan to suit your needs.