Soggiorno in Tuscany
TOUR OVERVIEW
If the idea of a prolonged stay in Tuscany for no less than 2 weeks appeals to you, then this is the tour that you’ve been looking for. Referred to as a Soggiorno in Italian, our 14 day tour is as exciting as it is authentic. You’ll have the option to visit local landmarks, explore stunning surroundings, immerse yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle – and that’s just after a few days of being here. Our guests often comment on just how incredibly diverse this tour is – and for good reason. It can be ideal for couples looking for a romantic retreat, as well as small families and groups of friends that want nothing more than to experience the local cuisine, engage with artisans and interact with locals first-hand.
You’ll get to explore iconic scenery, traverse vineyards, partake in wine tasting, learn how to prepare and cook an authentic 4 course meal and much, much more in between. With a variety of towns, including Cortona, just a short journey from your accommodation; you’ll have plenty to see and do. Every day, you’ll have the opportunity to eat freshly produced food, drink locally made wine, listen to traditional music, learn about the unique way of life and even meet with local crafts-people that have been plying their trade for decades. Tours are available between the 28th of March through to October the 24th and you’ll be pleased to hear that they commence every other Saturday, allowing you 2 weeks of our traditional villa apartments, options to explore the medieval villages, and capture memorable moments on camera and in person.
Day 1 - Arrival
You will be personally met at our local train station Camucia-Cortona and transferred to your accommodation. Once at the villa you will have the opportunity to unwind and settle in and familiarise yourself with your new ‘home’. Your first Tuscan dining experience this evening will be either at the villa or at a restaurant in the historical centre of Cortona.
Day 2 -Cortona
To get the first full day of your tour off to an exciting start, we’ll head to the nearby historical centre of Cortona where there is much for you to see and do! Our enthusiastic tour guide will take you on an enjoyable walk of the town all the while providing rich and interesting information with a coffee stop in the main piazza included. You will then have free time to explore and reconnect with your guide at approximately 1pm at a local trattoria where you will enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch. In the afternoon we will have a mystery encounter with a local artisan after which time you can further explore or choose to return to the villa. Dinner will be in Cortona and for those who choose to remain in Cortona for the afternoon we will arrange a meeting place in the square to meet for dinner.
Day 3 - Siena & San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a treasured medieval town which is the first location on the itinerary today. Upon arrival we will have a brief coffee break and provide you with an overview of the town as we stroll the medieval street which leads to the main square. Shortly after your introduction, you will have free time to explore, ingratiate yourself with the locals and partake in activities at your own leisure. Approximately 1.30pm we will travel to Siena, where you will meet your tour guide who will provide local knowledge and allow you to get to get to know the city first-hand. You will have the opporutnity to visit iconic monuments/museums, shop or simply stroll and get a real feel of the city.
Departure from Siena will be approximately 6pm. Dinner at the villa.
Day 4 - Tour Free Day
With so much to see and do, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate the option to spend the day exploring the area, taking up one of our additional activities, sitting by the pool or relaxing in your own way! Dinner will be around 7pm and you’ll be ingratiated further into the idyllic lifestyle of the Tuscan people, with a dining experience guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds, as well as wine to savour.
Day 5 - Florence
Independent train travel to Florence (8:12am train departure – arrive into Florence 9:30am); train tickets, map, and transfer to and from our local train station on the day is included. Should you wish to visit any galleries/monuments, pre-purchase of tickets should be arranged prior to your tour commencement to avoid long waiting periods upon your arrival. Visit www.tickitaly.com to familiarise yourself with the various monuments in Florence. This evening dinner will be at the villa or in Cortona.
Day 6 - Chianti
Today you will enjoy the wine growing area of Chianti. The first stop is the tiny village of Castellina in Chianti for a coffee and the exhilarating opportunity to explore the town and all it has to offer. Around midday we will travel a short 15 minute drive to an exquisite organic vineyard set in spectacular countryside, where you will enjoy a tour of the wine making facilities and then an extended lunch and wine tasting with the opportunity to meet the winemakers and chat to them about ‘all things vino’.
Return to the villa late afternoon. Dinner in Cortona or the villa.
Day 7 - Cheese Making
To truly ingratiate yourself in the Tuscan lifestyle today will be dedicated to the making of various types of Pecorino sheep milk cheese. Departure will be 10am to a local farm a short drive from the villa. You will learn and participate in the cheese making process and then enjoy a delicious lunch of typical delicacies, including wine. Dinner in Cortona.
Day 8 - Arezzo
Today you will travel independently to the city of Arezzo which is a 20 minute train journey. Easily visited on foot, Arezzo shares the new city nearby the train station with a walk along the main street leading up to the beautiful historical centre. Shopping, musuems and lunch at a local trattoria on Piazza Grande, (the main square) are some of what is to be enjoyed in Arezzo.
Included is transfer to the local train station for a 9.15am train departure including a map of Arezzo and local information. Return transfer from the train station to the villa is also included. Dinner in Cortona.
Day 9 - Pienza & Montepulciano
Today is a step into the Val d’Orcia a UNESCO world heritage area. Featuring 15th Century architecture, Pienza is the first town on the itinerary today, a true gem; stunning as it is traditional. Beautiful buildings and of course shopping. We’ll have a quick coffee on arrival before exploring the town in detail. At 12:30pm, we will move onto Montepulciano a short 15 minute drive where you will enjoy lunch and wine tasting in a traditional underground cellar. You will then have time to enjoy the town as you prefer, shopping, visiting monuments, museums and much more.
Return to the villa late afternoon. Dinner in Cortona
Day 10 - Tour Free Day
To celebrate the week, you’ll have the option to take part in an additional activity, or alternatively you might choose to explore the local area at your own pace.
Departure for dinner around 7pm to one of the local trattorias in Cortona where you will enjoy fine dining and a taste of locally produced wines.
Day 11 - Cooking Class
You will have a leisurely morning at the villa today. Mid afternoon you will be introduced to the art of Italian cuisine and enhance your culinary skills with a traditional Tuscan Cooking Class. Four courses will be prepared with home made fresh pasta included and you will then enjoy dining as a group in the beautiful dining room on site.
Day 12 - Orvieto
This morning we drive through Umbria to Orvieto. On arrival we enjoy a Caffè after which there is ample opportunity to visit Il Duomo, Saint Patricks Well – 1537 which is 62 metres deep with double spiral staircase or tour the underground city/ caves. Orvieto has a great selection of stores, ranging from leatherware to ceramics and boutiques. Regroup for lunch at a local trattoria. Return to villa late afternoon before stepping out to dinner in Cortona.
Day 13 - Lucignano
This morning we visit Lucignano, elliptical in shape, it is known as the ‘pearl of Val di Chiana’. We enjoy a Caffè after which you will free time to visit the local market and the village. We will regroup for a lovely lunch at a trattoria and make our way back to the villa early afternoon. Dinner in Cortona.
Day 14 - Tour Free Day
As your journey slowly comes to a close, we allocate this time for you to choose the type of activity you would like to participate in – from exploring the nearby area, to relaxing by the pool. Whatever you choose to do, we’ll ensure that you’re back in time for a farewell dinner to mark your visit. Dinner in Cortona.
Day 15 - Departure
We’ll take you directly to the station, so that you can begin your journey home; hopefully with a huge collection of photos, memories and even new friends.
Departure Days 2025 | Availability |
|---|---|
10th May | min 4 pax |
31st May | min 4 pax |
14th June 2025 | min 4 pax |
5th July 2025 | min 4 pax |
4th October 2025 | New Dates |
Departure Days 2026 | Availability |
|---|---|
16th May 2026 | New Dates |
13th June 2026 | New Dates |
11th July 2026 | New Dates |
29th August 2026 | New Dates |
19th September 2026 | New Dates |
3rd October 2026 | New Dates |
WHERE YOU WILL STAY
Rosa Dei Venti, Creti
Rosa dei Venti dates back to the 18th Century and is located in the hamlet of Creti in the valley ‘Val di Chiana’ nearby the historical centre of Cortona.
The 25 hectare estate comprises a vineyard, olive groves and two farm houses which are beautifully maintained and include a swimming pool offering spectacular views of the valley.
The various buildings on these grounds have been restored in keeping with old traditions and the six apartments comprise all modern facilities including air conditioning and WI-FI.
Set in a quiet location but close enough to the main roads which connect to all the well-known historical cities and villages this property is a gem of the Tuscan landscape.
Accommodation is subject to availability at time of booking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make changes to my itinerary before or during the trip?
Itineraries are provided in order to ensure all our guests have the utmost travelling experience and we therefore do not amend itineraries once your tour has commenced.
What can I do on a Tour Free Day?
You can choose from a variety of additional activities that we have on offer, these range from cheese making, cooking classes, horse riding, cycling tours, E-Bike tours and many more.
Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend you have travel insurance. You are required to purchase your own travel insurance to cover cancellation coverage, airline tickets, trip delay, lost luggage or any potential medical expenses.
How are the meals provided?
Breakfast will be served each morning at your accommodation which will be a large selection of fish local products. Lunches are generally at a Caffe or restaurant where you choose one course from the menu, this is generally a light lunch. All dinners are either catered for at the accommodation or at a local restaurant. Dinner is 2 courses chosen from an a-la-carte menu. Local wine is included with dinner.
