Italy’s Old World wine region is studded with miles of grapevines, all ripe for enjoyment. With the warm coastal Mediterranean climate and the cool, gentle ocean breezes, Tuscany is Italy’s top wine producing region with eleven designated wine zones. This customizable vacation lets you sample many of its finest vintages on four half-day excursions by private car with an English-speaking guide. Begin in Florence where you’ll see timeless wonders around every corner: Giotto’s Bell tower, the Gates of Paradise, the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Renaissance masterpiece, Michelangelo’s David. Then enjoy a wine tasting in the heart of the Chianti Rufina at Castle Nipozzano, where you’ll sample three wines complemented by locally made Tuscan cheese and salami. Wine grapesVisit San Gimignano, a walled hilltop town with well-preserved, medieval towers and known for its white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Following a tasting of this local favorite, continue on to Siena for three nights. Explore Siena’s many attractions at your own pace, including the city’s historic center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then journey to the hill-topped village of Montalcino, originally founded by the ancient Etruscans and famed for its homegrown Brunello di Montalcino wine. Conclude your adventure with a wine tasting in the quaint town of Greve, located in Chianti. Price includes: • 6 nights accommodations in 4-star hotels: 3 nights in Florence and 3 nights in Siena • Breakfast daily • Transportation by private car with English-speaking guide for all wine tasting excursions • Half-day excursion to Pelago for wine tasting at Nipozzano Castle in Chianti • Half-day excursion to San Gimignano with wine tasting of its local vintage • Half-day wine tasting excursions to Montalcino and Greve • Round-trip private airport/hotel transfers in Florence Thirsty for More? A world of wine extends beyond Europe. With AAA Sojourns, you can cross the International Date Line for two New Zealand Wine Experiences. Or, cross the equator for the rich reds of Chile – a country sure to capture your heart. Ask your AAA Vacation Specialist for details.

Note: Additional nights can be requested for Florence. You may also customize your trip with additional nights in other cities and wine regions in Italy.

Day 1 - Depart U.S.
Depart the U.S. on a flight to Italy.

Day 2 - Arrive in Florence
Welcome to Italy! After your arrival into Florence, gather your luggage and meet your escort who will transfer you via private sedan from the airport to your 4-star hotel. Located in the heart of the historic city center, your hotel is just a stone’s throw away from famous sites such as the Ponte Vecchio and the city Duomo. This afternoon, we suggest taking to the streets of Florence for sightseeing, where you may visit such famous sites as the Accademia Museum, home to Michelangelo’s signature work, the statue of David, Giotto’s Bell Tower, The Gates of Paradise, and the beautiful Piazza Signoria.
Accommodation: Centrally-located Florence hotel - 2 nights

Day 3 - Pelago & Wine Tasting
You will be met by a private driver who will escort you on a wine tasting to Pelago and the Nipozzano Castle. Pelago, located just 12 miles east of Florence, is found in the heart of the Chianti Rufina. Here, the Castle Nipozzano was constructed around 1000 B.C. as a defensive stronghold, and the villa’s cellars became a local center of wine production for the region in the 1400s. Your visit will include a taste of three wines complemented by locally made Tuscan cheese and salami. Upon completion of your tour, return to Florence for the duration of the day.

Day 4 - Tour of San Gimignano / Siena
Meet your personal guide in your hotel lobby for a half-day excursion to San Gimignano. San Gimignano is a small, fortified hill town located within close proximity to Siena. Mainly famous for its medieval architecture, especially its towers, the town is also well-known for its white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano which is grown in the area. Following your winery visit, continue on to Siena, one of Italy’s most captivating cities. Located in Tuscany one hour south of Florence, Siena offers a treasure trove of art and architecture for the culture enthusiast, along with fabulous food and wine for the gourmet traveler.

Once you arrive in Siena, check in to your 4-star hotel, conveniently situated near the Piazza del Campo, Siena’s main square. The hotel’s welcoming atmosphere is evident in the lobby area which is comprised of a spacious foyer, restaurant and bar where you can relax and enjoy spectacular Sienese and Tuscan food and wine specialties daily.
Accommodation: Centrally-located Siena hotel – 3 nights

Day 5 - Siena at Leisure The entire day is yours to enjoy, exploring some of the Siena’s magnificent sites.The center of Siena is accessible only by foot, and the attractions away from the Piazza and Duomo area are spread out on three steep hills, so walking is a necessity. This evening, find one of Siena’s charming restaurants for a leisurely dinner. Be sure to try one of the local wines!

Day 6 - Tour of Montalcino
Today, your private guide will meet and escort you to Montalcino to enjoy a wine tasting. One of the most captivating wine villages in Italy, Montalcino is also home to a prodigious Tuscan vineyard, Brunello di Montalcino. Brunello, roughly translated in local dialect as "nice, dark one,” is the unofficial name of the clone of the Sangiovese grape which is grown in this region. The hill-topped village of Montalcino was erected by the ancient Etruscans, and its medieval walls were fortified in the 13th century by architects from Siena. Wine has been made here for hundreds of years and records of commercial wine production date back to the 1400s. Following your day of wine touring, your private guide will transfer you back to Siena.

Day 7 - Tour of Greve / Florence
This morning you will meet your driver in the lobby, who will escort you back to Florence to enjoy one additional night prior to your return to the United States tomorrow. En route, make a stop in the quaint town of Greve, located in Chianti, where you’ll visit a local winery. Tour the winery’s production facility and enjoy a sampling of their best wines, all accompanied by local gourmet specialties: ham, wild boar salami, roast loin of pork, pecorino and Parmagiano cheeses, and homemade almond biscuits.

Upon completion of your tour, return to your Florence hotel to enjoy the rest of the day on your own. This evening, dinner recommendations can be made at your request, or consult with your local guide for their expert opinion. As this is your final night in Italy, be sure to make it a memorable one!
Accommodation: Centrally-located Florence hotel - 1 night

Day 8 - Depart Florence
After check-out from your hotel, meet your guide in the lobby who will escort you to the airport in preparation of your flight back to the United States. Buon Giornio Italia!