Recently, I had the pleasure of accompanying a group of amazing clients on a carefully planned adventure that started in Amalfi, passed through the Eternal City of Rome and the tranquil beauty of Tuscany, and ended in the Renaissance City of Florence. If you missed the first 2 articles about amalfi coast and Rome, Click on the hyperlink 👈🏻.
After a stop in Rome we headed into the countryside towards Tuscany. Tuscany is famous for its tall cypress trees and delicious wines such as Montepulciano Nobile and Brunello di Montalcino.
Our first stop was Pienza, a charming town in the Val d'Orcia known for its picturesque cypress tree-lined streets and amazing Pecorino cheese. We had the opportunity to visit a local cheese maker and taste a range of freshly made cheeses. Tasting freshly made Pecorino cheese in the center of Pienza was a real experience and really gave us a taste of the region.
After visiting Pienza we headed to Montepulciano where we ended up exploring a really cool underground winery. It was a great experience going into the wine cellar and we learned a lot about how Tuscan wine is made. While the wine tasting was average, it allowed us to try some local wines from Montepulciano.
Originally a medieval monastery dating back to the 11th century, Castel Monastero was transformed into a luxury resort and still retains its historical charm and rich cultural heritage. This was our home for three nights and had beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
Afterwards we spent some time exploring the medieval walled cities of Siena and San Gimignano. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, especially the iconic Siena Cathedral and its distinctive black-and-white striped facade.
There is also a Palio horse racing event in Siena! This is a really cool tradition that has been going on for centuries. They are held twice a year in Piazza del Campo, where all the historic districts known as “contrade” compete against each other.
San Gimignano is often called “Medieval Manhattan” for its impressive skyline of historic towers. Of the original 72 towers, 14 are still standing today. You'll enjoy one of the most impressive views in Tuscany from the ramparts.
We ended our time in Tuscany with a delicious lunch at a fine winery in Chianti before heading to Florence. Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is home to incredible art and architecture of the time. The Duomo is stunning with its famous dome by Brunelleschi, and the Uffizi Gallery houses some stunning paintings by Botticelli, Raphael, and Michelangelo. At the Accademia Gallery we were struck by the grandeur of Michelangelo’s David. Florence is basically a gold mine of Renaissance masterpieces.
Florence is famous for its amazing cuisine, which is deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition. We enjoyed classic Florentine dishes such as the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina (a thick grilled T-bone steak), handmade pasta (my favorite was the cacio e pepe sauce using pici pasta) and the The region's famous Chianti wine.
Florence has always been a place where talented craftsmen have flourished, renowned for their expertise in leather goods, jewelry, ceramics and textile making. If you get the chance, be sure to visit the city's old workshops and watch these master craftsmen at work. It's so cool to see them using techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
As we concluded our trip, two couples headed to Venice while the rest of us began our journey back to the United States. We all left feeling a little nostalgic about the trip.
This adventure is a testament to the elegance of travel – a harmonious blend of discovery, culture and gastronomy. It makes perfect sense to create such a custom adventure for my valued clients. Next time, continue to explore, taste and cherish the fun of travel! and Click here Start your next vacation with us!
