Italy Vacation: Tuscany
7 Days / 6 Nights
Florence & the Chianti region of Tuscany
From its natural beauty to its evocative medieval villages and centuries
as the world's foremost gastronomic center, the Tuscany region of Italy
has come to embody the timeless soul of the country. As you dig into
the vivid and rustic cuisine, learn the secrets of Tuscan cooking, and
walk along the ancient stone footpaths, you'll come to know the rich
heart d'Italia.
Trip Highlights Include:
- "Truffles in Tuscany" Walk & Lunch
Seek out this elusive delicacy with an expert truffle-hunter and
his truffle-hunting hounds, and then taste the fruits of your labors
during a truffle-centric lunch.
- Wine Blending and Olive Oil Infusion Adventure at Castello Vicchiomaggio
At this 15th-century castle—home to Leonardo da Vinci when he
painted the Mona Lisa—you'll learn the fine art of winemaking. Learn
from expert vintners at how complex flavors and aromas are created.
Junior Adventurers get to create their own cantucci and infused olive
oils.
- Culinary Arts Adventures
Authentic (and delicious) culinary experiences are woven through
your journey. Try your hand at making classic Tuscan dishes the
traditional way. At San Pignano, experience hand-thrown pizza making at
an ancient outdoor Tuscan wood-fired pizza oven, make your own
bruschetta and dine al fresco under the star-filled Tuscan night sky. At
San Donato, you'll learn the ancient art of making pasta.
- Stay 2 Nights at the Magical Castel Monastero
Stay at this historic former monastery set high on a hill and
protected by thick walls. Within these cloisters lies a spacious, modern
resort featuring beautiful décor and a revitalizing spa. Enjoy a
gourmet adult-exclusive dinner at a superb restaurant. Junior
Adventurers get to enjoy their own dinner and a movie.
- Experience Farm Life at Borgo di Cortefreda
Discover the charming traditions of Tuscan life at Borgo di
Cortefreda, a charming rural hotel nestled in the hills of the Chianti
region. Learn the ancient art of honeycomb candle making, taste local
cheeses and meet some of the resident sheep and their shepherd. Dine on a
locally sourced farm-inspired lunch and make your own focaccia.
Adventure Dates
- 2015
- June 21-June 27, 2015
- June 28-July 4, 2015: Disney Vacation Club Exclusive Date
- July 5-July 11, 2015: Disney Vacation Club Exclusive Date
- July 19-July 25, 2015
- July 26-Aug 1, 2015
- Aug 2-Aug 8, 2015
- Aug 9-Aug 15, 2015: Adult Exclusive (18 and older)
- Oct 18-Oct 24, 2015: Adult Exclusive (18 and older)
Adventure Daily Itinerary
Day One
Transport to Hotel Brunelleschi
Welcome to Tuscany! Take some time to get settled in this historic hotel
recovered from the structures of the ancient tower “Pagliazza” and the
medieval church of San Michele in Palchetto. Enjoy the stunning views of
the famous Duomo from the hotel.
Welcome
Reception & Dinner at Hotel
Steeped in the incredible history of your new surroundings, get to know
your fellow Adventurers with a private reception along with a delectable
welcome dinner.
Meal Included: Dinner
Day Two
Breakfast at Your Hotel
Enjoy your included breakfast at the hotel before embarking for Castello Vicchiomaggio.
Winery Tour & Wine Blending at Castello Vicchiomaggio
Take a stroll through the rows of the gorgeous Tuscan vineyards and
behold the splendor of Castello Vicchiomaggio. This ancient castle
serves as your school in a bevy of hands-on culinary explorations.
You’ll start with a wine-blending lesson for the adults—learn from
expert vintners how complex flavors and aromas are built by combining
perfectly balanced and complemented wines. During your lesson, Junior
Adventurers enjoy their own culinary activity.
Junior Adventurer Cantucci-Making Activity &
Olive Oil Infusion Activity
Younger chefs learn the sweet secrets to baking biscotti, or cantucci.
Junior Adventurers will get to prepare their own crisp, rich
biscuits—and try their hand at an olive oil infusion that they’ll
present to you to enjoy during lunch after your wine lesson!
Lunch at Castello Vicchiomaggio
Sit down for a delicious lunch amid the gorgeous vistas of Castello
Vicchiomaggio. Adults will be able to enjoy their own custom-blended
wine to complement their meal.
Shopping in Greve-in-Chianti
Take a short trip to the town of Greve-in-Chianti—enjoy some time on
your own to explore this lovely country village and sample its many
mouthwatering culinary options.
Private Dinner at
La Cantina
Enjoy a private dinner at a restaurant by a world-famous chef. Set
inside an incredible medieval wine cellar, you'll dine on impeccable
dishes inspired by centuries of Italian tradition.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Three
Breakfast at Your Hotel
Rise and shine at Castel Monastero! Enjoy an open-air breakfast in the main "piazza" of this former medieval hamlet.
Walking tour from Brolio Castle to Borgo San Felice
Explore the village as you take a stroll from the Brolio Castle to Borgo
San Felice. Behold the enduring beauty of a classic Italian village
untouched by the passage of time with original and intact stone
buildings going back to the village’s founding sometime in the 8th century.
Classic Tuscan Country Picnic at Borgo San Felice
At the end of your stroll, relax at a pastoral picnic feast amid the rolling hills and vineyards of Borgo San Felice.
On Your Own Afternoon at Castel Monastero
Rest, relax and enjoy the amenities at your hotel. Indulge in a spa
treatment*, work out at the gym or take a dip in the spectacular black
basalt pool.
Adult Dinner at a Restaurant by an Acclaimed Chef
Grown-up adventurers will be treated to a world-class dining experience
at a restaurant by a world-renowned chef, featuring elegant Tuscan
cuisine crafted with fresh, local ingredients.
Junior Adventurer Dinner & Movie Night
For Junior Adventurers, a night of fun kicks off with a pizza party dinner followed by a Disney movie to enjoy with new friends.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Four
Breakfast at Leisure at Hotel
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before beginning your day.
Fattoria San Donato Visit & Pasta-Making Lesson
The historically preserved medieval village of San Donato remains as
idyllic and beautiful as ever. At the charming Fattoria San Donato, a
local agriturismo—an Italian bed & breakfast with a small working farm—you’ll discover the secrets to making perfect handmade pasta.
Lunch at Fattoria San Donato
At lunch, feast on dishes made with the fresh pasta you created.
On Your Own in San Gimignano
After a short drive to San Gimignano, you'll get a chance to explore
this famous hill town on your own. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage
site for its cultural significance, San Gimignano stands as a living
monument to Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with 14 of its original
towers still standing.
Plus, don't miss your chance to sample San Gimignano's award-winning gelato—renowned for being some of the best in the world.
Guided Visit of Borgo Pignano with
Bruschetta- and Pizza-Making Activities
Take a walk through the gorgeous gardens of Borgo Pignano and peek out
over the bucolic Tuscan countryside. Once you've gotten acquainted, it's
time for a cooking activity where you'll put together your own
delicious bruschetta appetizer.
Once you've worked up an appetite, enjoy a hands-on lesson in
pizza-making. Roll it out and throw it, then create the perfectly topped
pizza of your dreams. And once you've finished with your pizza
creations, dinner awaits!
Check in to Castello Di Spaltenna
Travel to Castello Di Spaltenna and check in for your evening’s stay.
Nestled among lush forests and vineyards, Castello di Spaltenna is a
luxury resort hotel built from the original structure of a medieval
parish church.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Five
Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy breakfast on the hotel’s picturesque terrace before beginning the day’s activities.
Walk along Ancient Roman Path in Gaiole-in-Chianti
Feel history move beneath your feet as you take a walk down an ancient
Roman path in lovely Gaiole-in-Chianti. The road was constructed with
such incredible engineering that it remains intact today. Listen along
the way to fascinating stories about how farmers would transport food
from village to village.
Borgo di Cortefreda Activities & Lunch
Welcome to the Borgo di Cortefreda, where you'll enjoy a full docket of
fun local activities. Meet the local sheep, make honeycomb candles,
taste regional cheeses and make fresh focaccia bread. It's all part of
the rustic and wondrous old world of Tuscany.
On Your Own at Castello di Spaltenna
Go ahead and take some time to relax and familiarize yourself with your
breathtaking resort. Visit the wellness center and spa*, the gym, the
heated swimming pool or simply rest and stroll the lovely grounds.
Aperitivo at a Local Café in Vertine and Dinner On Your Own
Enjoy a delicious Negroni cocktail—an aperitivo that is a local
specialty—and awaken your appetite at this hosted event in the magical
hilltop village of Vertine. And once you've piqued your senses, you may
dine on your own at the hotel or in the charming nearby town of Gaiole
in Chianti.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day Six
Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy a morning meal at the hotel before heading out for your day’s adventures.
"Truffles in Tuscany" Walk & Lunch
Take to the trails in a hunt for one of the finest flavors that nature
has to offer—the elusive truffle. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the
woods while an expert truffle-hunter and his dogs help you track down
this hidden delicacy. After your walk, prepare to experience what
gourmets have long called "the diamond of the kitchen" in a very special
lunch.
Ceramic Painting at Castello di Spaltenna & Afternoon On Your Own
Let the Italian countryside be your inspiration as you paint ceramics
for a truly unique souvenir of your journey into the heart of Tuscany.
And as the paint is setting on your creation, take some more time to
yourself to relax and enjoy these last moments among the vines.
Farewell Tuscan BBQ Dinner in Garden
Celebrate your adventure and wish fond farewells to your fellow
adventurers with an incredible BBQ Dinner Tuscany-style, right there
among the blossoms of the hotel’s garden.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day Seven
Breakfast at Hotel before Leaving for Airport
Say “Ciao” for now as you enjoy your final breakfast on your
Adventures By Disney Tuscany experience. Once you're ready, you'll
receive group transportation to the airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast
|
