CIT - Europe with the best of Italy & France

Arrival in Siena
Independent arrival at your hotel in Siena.  This ancient Gothic town is World Heritage listed.  Join the Sienese for an enchanting stroll through the old streets to the original marketplace before dining in the 'Campo', the main square of Siena. (D)

Day 2

Siena - San Gimignano & Monteriggioni
Visit San Gimignano in the morning - famous for its medieval towers that still dominate the skyline.  You can explore the old fortress, climb one of the towers or view the famous frescoes in the Collegiata.  Later visit the 13th century fortress 'borgo' of Monteriggioni and taste a glass of Vernaccia, the delicious San Gimignano white wine.  In the afternoon tour Siena on foot stopping at a traditional bakery.  Enjoy an aperitif before dinner this evening in Siena. (B,D)

Day 3

Monte Oliveto Maggiore & transfer to Pienza
Today take the back roads to the monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore before doing a walk along the 'crete' (the clay hills).  Visit Buonconvento, a delightful walled town once an important stopping place for pilgrims from all parts of Europe to Rome and Jerusalem.  For the next 4 days you will stay in an old olive-pressing house in Pienza.  This tiny early Renaissance town is famous for its pecorino cheeses.  This evening's dinner will feature local specialities. (B,D)

                                       
                                                       Pienza                                  Montepulciano Market                    Petroio terracotta pottery

Bagno Vignoni Thermal Pool
Pack your togs for a visit to tiny Bagno Vignoni and the ancient spa pool used by the Etruscans and the Romans.  You will be doing a 4 hour circuit walk so perhaps take a picnic lunch and find a quiet spot with beautiful views.  After the walk relax in the spa waters before returning to Pienza. (B)

Day 5

Montepulciano & its market
Join the locals at the colourful market in Montepulciano before commencing the picturesque walk to Montefollonico, a hilltop village of Etruscan origin.  After you return to Montepulciano to the Gattavecchi (Old Cat) Winery for lunch and tasting of the famous Vino Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano.  Time to explore this famous hilltop town and then relax over afternoon tea with lovely views over the lakes of Montepulciano, Chiusi and Trasimeno. (B,L)

Day 6

Farmhouse Cooking Lesson & Terracotta Museum
Travelling from Peinza to a local farmhouse to visit the ancient church of La Pieve di Corsignano and then Sant'Anna di Camprena.  Today you will learn to make the local pasta 'pici' at a traditional farm lunch.  After lunch visit the tiny nearby town of Petroio which proudly calls itself 'the capital of terracotta'.  At the museum see how local potters create the giant garden vases which are exported all over the world. (B,L)

Day 7

Abbey of Sant'Antimo, Montalcino and Chiusi
From Montalcino walk through the surrounding countryside to the ancient monastery of Sant'Antimo.  Here's your chance to learn something of these people whose civilisation lasted from the 9th to the 2nd century BC.  From Sant'Antimo you return by local bus to Montalcino where you have time to explore the home of the famous Brunello wine.  Transfer to Chiusi-Chianciano.  Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Departure
Independent departure from Chiusi.  Chiusi has direct trains to Rome and Florence.

• Fully guided each day by Ugo or Barbara Mariotti
• Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Charming hotels and pensions with private facilities
• Italian continental breakfast (B) daily
• Meals as indicated including wine. (L) lunch and (D) dinner
• Cooking lesson at local farmhouse
• Entries as indicated in itinerary
• Wine tasting in Montepulciano and Montaicino
• Afternoon tea at Cafe Poliziano

• Portage