Florence – Chianti: Culture & Shopping

Highlights

• Greve, the main market town in the heart of the Chianti region.
• Guided walking tour of Florence, from Italian Gothic architecture to Renaissance gems.
• See Michelangelo’s David, the Florence Duomo and more.
• Sip a glass of perfect wine at the Villa del Cigliano.
• Designer outlet shopping in the heart of Tuscany.
• Quintessential Tuscan landscapes.

PLAN A TRIP

DAY 1

Upon your arrival at the Florence airport you will be greeted by our driver and have a private transfer to your hotel in Florence. There is time to freshen up and get your bearings in the exceptional Renaissance city of Florence. We can provide you with a number of options for dinner.

Accommodations Luxury: Golden Tower Hotel
Accommodations Deluxe and First Class: Hotel Tornabuoni or equivalent

DAY 2

After a typical Italian breakfast our guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel for a 3-hour guided tour of Florence. Florence, the renowned city of art and the capital of the Renaissance, is one or the most important centers of literary and scientific culture.

Included today is the Galleria dell’accademia that houses the masterpieces of Michelangelo. There is a visit to the Florence Duomo showing off typical Italian Gothic architecture, the Piazza della Signoria – known as the city’s political heart as far back as the Middle Ages, and the famed Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge crossing the Arno River. In the afternoon you are free to wander on your own through some of the most interesting streets and piazzas of this city or, if you are staying at the Golden Tower Hotel, you can take advantage of the most incredible spa facilities and Italian spa treatments. (B)

Accommodations Luxury: Golden Tower Hotel
Accommodations Deluxe and First Class: Hotel Tornabuoni or equivalent

DAY 3

Greve in Chianti, Villa del Cigliano and The Mall Outlet Full Day – 8 hrs

Prepare to be amazed with the Chianti countryside, perfect Chianti wines, and some outstanding outlet shopping. Once again, our guide will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel for the drive to Greve in Chianti.

The Chianti area is one of the greenest landscapes dotted with farmhouses, villas and castles. Greve in Chianti is named for the river that runs through the town and is the principle town of the Chianti Classico wine zone. You will have some free time to walk around the market square, check out some village shops, and visit the largest wine tasting enoteca in the region before continuing with your guide to the Villa del Cigliano for a visit and a light lunch. The Villa del Cigliano has been in the Antinori family since 1500 and is located in what is commonly known as the Chianti Classico area of the Tuscan countryside. Built in the second half of the 1400 on existing medieval buildings and purchased by Alessandro di Niccolò Antinori that century, it still belongs to the descendants of Eleonora Antinori.

The courtyard of the Villa is adorned with the coat of arms of the Antinori and the Tornabuoni families, commemorating the wedding between Alessandro Antinori and Giovanna Tornabuoni in 1513. You’ll feel like Italian nobility at this ornate villa and bucolic estate. In true Italian fasion, the current owner Anna Maccaferri and her daughter will make guests feel like part of an extended family. Included is a visit to the cellars and the estate, followed by wine tasting and light lunch.

With stomachs full, you continue to the Mall Outlet in Reggello (a 40 minutes drive from the Villa del Cigliano). Here you will have time for some exceptional shopping (see below for alternate afternoon activity if shopping just isn’t your thing).** The Mall offers the unique opportunity to combine an exclusive shopping experience with a journey into the culture and history of the Florence and Valdarno areas.

Located in one of the most beautiful Italian regions, The Mall is the preferred destination to shop for top – quality luxury brands at the best possible prices, with exclusive luxury brands.

The brands offer men’s, women’s and children’s clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories, fragrances, jewellery as well as gifts and home accessories. The most prestigious brands are: Gucci, Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Dior, Pucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Hogan, Tod’s, Ermenegildo Zegna. (B, wine tasting, L)

Accommodations Luxury: Golden Tower Hotel
Accommodations Deluxe and First Class: Hotel Tornabuoni or equivalent

DAY 4

The trip ends after breakfast. You may want to add on our Skinny and immerse yourself in the Tuscany countryside, idyllic landscape and partake in a cooking class. Or, you may prefer to let us help you plan an extension to Rome or the Amalfi Cost. Whatever your choice, you are in for an amazing experience. (B)

INCLUDED: A certified local guide for your tour of Florence, Greve, the wine visit, and the Chianti countryside, all transportation as indicated, airport transfer upon arrival, luggage transportation, 3 nights accommodations at our Boutique Luxury Hotel or at our 4 star first-class hotel, hotel tips and taxes, all breakfasts, one lunch, 1 wine tasting, shopping excursion, and more. Prices are based on double occupancy.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare, airport taxes, FICAV contribution, travel insurance (mandatory), pre and post trip arrangements, personal purchases, mini-bar services, alcohol unless specifically included, gratuities for the guides and drivers.

B= breakfast included, L=lunch included, PicL=picnic lunch included, D=Dinner included
All bookings through Garth Allen Marksted Travel, Quebec Licensee.

PLAN A TRIP

* This trip can only be arranged as a personalized departure date, according to your preferred dates of travel, and based on the hotel availability. Some special groups dates may be advertised. The Golden Tower Hotel accommodation listed represents our Luxury Boutique Hotel category. The Hotel Turnobuoni represents our deluxe and first class Hotel category. Published prices are based on the advertised hotel and/or its equivalent. Prices for other hotel categories such as comfort or uber luxury are available upon request. Or, if you prefer, we can price this trip without the tours and book hotels only.

**For those who prefer not to shop, the afternoon part of Day 3 can be modified to include a guided visit to San Gimignano instead.