A Taste of Tuscany
Detailed Itinerary

But first, a little about how we will begin each day at the Villa with a locally sourced breakfast.

Breakfast is prepared every morning with fresh ingredients from Guardastelle’s local certified production. The abundant international buffet is set up on the large table in the central hall, however when the weather permits and the outside temperature is pleasant, guests can take advantage of breakfast on the terrace with an exquisite view of the towers of San Gimignano. For those who prefer savoury flavours, there is a vast selection of cold cuts, cheeses, including fontina and ricotta, tomatoes, Tuscan, wholemeal and white toast, eggs cooked to your liking, and bacon. For those who instead prefer a sweet breakfast, there are all varieties of yoghurt, cereals, fruit salad, fresh fruit and pastries straight out of the oven. All accompanied by fruit juice, milk, tea, cappuccino, American and espresso coffee.

Day 1, October 18

Upon arrival in Florence, transfer from the airport to Guardastelle Villa in San Gimignano by coach.  Upon your arrival, settle in and familiarize yourself with the grounds and/or follow the path for a stroll into San Gimignano for a tuscan lunch or cappuccino at one of the many quaint cafes. Later that afternoon we will meet for a welcome circle followed by a tour of the property, a 4-course Tuscan dinner and wine tasting while enjoying spectacular views of the Tuscan hills and San Gimignano.

Day 2, October 19

Wake up and breathe in the breath-taking views of the rolling tuscan hills during an outdoor yoga practice. Enjoy breakfast at your leisure on the outdoor terrace followed by some R&R - choose to go for a swim or spend some time reading.  After lunch we will take our first walk to nearby San Gimignano. Once we arrive we will enjoy a 3 hour walking tour of this spectacular walled village. San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena. Known as the Town of Five Towers, San Gimignano is famous for its medieval architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, situated on a hilltop setting with encircling walls, forming an unforgettable skyline. Feel free to explore this ancient medieval village, enjoy dinner here, taste one of the many delicious gelato flavors, and stroll back to the villa at your leisure.

Day 3, October 20

Rise & Shine with a yoga class overlooking the rolling hills and vineyards, followed by breakfast at the villa. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing siesta or dip in the pool before our first cooking class! Roll up your sleeves, and learn from the best! We will all partake in making lunch and then enjoy the fruits of our labor:) Spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish. Options to walk to San Gimignano or relax at the villa.  Dinner on own.

Day 4, October 21

Rise & Shine with a yoga class overlooking the vineyard followed by breakfast. After breakfast, we will depart for Siena. Once we arrive in Siena we will meet up with our local guide for a half day city tour. Enjoy a 3-hour walk through the main streets and hidden alleys, to understand Siena, its birth, its golden age and its traditions. During the walk, we will learn about the incredible personality of Santa Caterina, we will talk about the deep roots of the Palio and the districts and we will dwell on the never-finished history of the Cathedral. This and much more awaits you on the tour of "Siena: a story of pride." Enjoy some time on your own in Siena to have lunch or dinner or try another one of your favorite gelato's:) The bus back to our villa will leave Siena at 7PM.

Day 5, October 22

After yoga and breakfast we will suit up and jump on our e-bikes for a cycle through the Tuscan countryside! We will be accompanied by 2 local guides that will take us through the rolling hills and tell us about the land.  We will stop half way, enjoying a picnic lunch with a view. After lunch we will head back to the villa for a much needed rest and maybe some poolside R&R. Later this evening we will roll up our sleeves and prepare for another cooking class.  This evening we will learn to cook from the best, and sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labor.  Enjoy your evening as you wish.

Day 6, October 23

Today is our last day to enjoy this beautiful location and setting so please make sure to spend today as YOU wish.  We will start the day with yoga followed by breakfast.  After breakfast, choose to spend your time relaxing at the villa, walking to town, taking a swim, or whatever you choose.  Perhaps you wish to book an excursion to another nearby village and explore on your own.  Later this evening we will commence for one last dinner on the terrace before we say "Ciao" to Guardastelle Villa and make our way to Florence.... We will surely miss this place!

Day 7, October 24

Today we will rise & shine for one last yoga class and breakfast and say "Ciao for now" to Guardastelle. Our transfer will pick us up at 10AM and we will make our journey to Florence (1 hour). Upon arrival in Florence and check-into the hotel, we will enjoy a 3 hrs city sightseeing tour with our guide. On our tour we will admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria with its beautiful white and green marble and its iconic red Dome. We will cross over the famous medieval stone bridge, Ponte Vecchio, and stroll past the Palazzo Vecchio, a striking fortified 13th century palace and home to Michelangelo’s “The David.” After our tour and time exploring the city, you will have time to get ready for dinner and then we will meet for our farewell dinner and enjoy a traditional Florentine dinner!

Day 8, October 25

Wake up in Florence, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and make your way to the airport for your departure home. Airport transfers will be at your own discretion and at your own expense. Safe travels! Until next time…..