Day Trips in Chianti Tuscany

Florence

9 Hour Tour

A Day of Culture, Art, History and Shopping…

A leisurely drive from the beautiful Chianti Region will take you through the Tuscan Hills to the beautiful city of Florence where your local expert guide awaits you to give you a taste of just what this amazing city has to offer…..

From the heart of Chianti our English speaking driver will take us for a leisurely drive north through the Tuscan Hills over to the regions principle city and one of the most beautiful in Italy, Florence. On arrival in Florence we will meet our local expert guide and enjoy an introduction to Highlights, History and Hidden Corners of the city that she so proudly calls home.. The guide’s flexibility allows for adaptation to your areas of interest. While those who have visited Florence before may have special requests for which we will do all possible to satisfy, we suggest the following for a first visit to this city:

•Piazza della Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, with its open-air display of masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque sculpture. The backdrop is the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, the city’s seat of government for over 700 years. Together with your guide, explore the fascinating history of Florence, as the heroes from the Old Testament or Greek mythology, depicted here in marble and bronze, served as political messages for the ruler of the moment.

•Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral square, where from the outside we can admire the graceful Gothic bell-tower and the Romanesque baptistery with its beautiful gilded bronze doors. The most famous of the doors are the “Gates of Paradise” by Lorenzo Ghiberti, with their stories from the Old Testament, a masterpiece of the early Renaissance. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is crowned with its imposing dome, an amazing challenge of engineering to be solved only by the genius of Brunelleschi. We discuss how the difficulties were to be overcome in the most imaginative of ways.

•The Ponte Vecchio, or “old bridge” and its tantalizing jewellery shops. Beautiful hand-made gold jewellery is a “centuries-long” tradition in this city, dating back to the pre-Roman era of the Etruscans. This medieval bridge is the oldest spanning the Arno River, offering lovely views of the city and the hills beyond.

•We also strongly recommend a visit to the Franciscan church of Santa Croce and its neighbourhood. This is the perfect setting for further discussion of the artistic and political history of this great city. The church serves as a pantheon to Italian genius with monuments to such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo. There are also fine examples of the work of artists such as Giotto, Donatello and Brunelleschi. The Franciscans’ Leather School still operates in the rooms of the old convent behind the church: here classes are conducted and fine leather articles are produced and sold. It is possible to observe the master craftsmen and their students at work.

•You will also discover lesser-known corners of the city, quiet back streets of the neighbourhood, craftsmen’s workshops and curiosities of life in Florence, both present-day and medieval. Here is located one of the city’s most fascinating of workshops where it is possible to watch the masters creating

beautiful pieces in semi-precious inlaid stone with the same tools and techniques of the past.

The city is so seeped in history, the quality of its artists and craftsmen is so superlative, there are so many delights to discover, you will be left, wanting always more!

Following tour with local expert guide (4 hours), enjoy time at leisure to explore Florence on your own before meeting your driver and returning to Chianti.

Lines can be extremely long to enter the Cathedral most mornings in high season you and your guide may opt to spend your time more efficiently. In any case, Brunelleschi’s cupola and Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise, the real treasures here, are viewed from outside.

Costs:

• Guide for 4 hours - Euro 370.00
• Normal Sedan Car with ESD (Return Transfer) - Euro 357.00
• Mercedes Sedan Car with ESD (Return Transfer) - Euro 390.00
• Deluxe Minivan with ESD (Max 8 persons / Return Transfer) - Euro 407.00
• Entrance to the Santa Croce Church per person - Euro 10.00
• Opera del Duomo - Euro 10.00
• Accademia Gallery Entrances Cost per person - Euro 23.00
• Battistero (Optional) - Euro 7.00

Radio Systems for groups up to 10 persons:

• Cost for up to 3 hours (forfait half day) - Euro 39.00
• Cost over 3 hours (forfait full day) - Euro 55.00

Radio Systems for groups of 10 to 20 persons:

• Cost per person for up to 3 hours - Euro 5.00
• Cost per person over 3 hours - Euro 7.00

Radio Systems for groups over 20 persons:

• Cost per person for up to 3 hours Euro 4.00
• Cost per person over 3 hours Euro 5.00

The Complete Tour of Florence

9 Hour Tour

Today we will enjoy a ‘Complete’ Introduction to the Highlights of Florence with our local expert guide and English Speaking Driver.

The best way to see Florence in a day! Our leisurely drive will take us from the heart of the Chianti Region heading North to the beautiful City of Florence where our local expert guide awaits us. Our Florentine experience begins with an overview of the highlights of the city which includes The Academy of Fine Arts, with The David and other sculptures by Michelangelo. We will visit Santa Croce, the Franciscan church where Michelangelo is buried, along with Galileo, Rossini and Macchiavelli. Here are also splendid works of Giotto, Donatello and Brunelleschi. We will also enjoy the splendid views from the hills above town as we stop up at San Miniato al Monte, a lovely Romanesque church.

Our stroll through the historical centre of Florence begins from the Signoria Square following a short gelato break… No tour of Florence of course would be complete without a special visit to the Uffizi Gallery to see the highlights of Renaissance masterpieces in painting in a setting that once served as the offices, or administrative headquarters, for the Medici, when they ruled Tuscany as the Grand- dukes. There will also be time to enjoy a short break for lunch in a characteristic spot recommended by your guide. From the Uffizi Galley we bid our fond farewell’s to our guide who so proudly calls this city home before we return with our trusted driver back to Chianti in the heart of this beautiful region. (Total tour duration with guide: 6 hours – duration touring with car/driver service: 9 hours)

• Guide Service for 6 hours - Euro 554.00
• Uffizi Gallery Entrance cost per person - Euro 23.00
• Accademia Gallery Entrances Cost per person - Euro 23.00
• Entrance to the Santa Croce Church per person - Euro 10.00

Radio Systems for groups up to 10 persons:

• Cost for up to 3 hours (forfait half day) - Euro 39.00
• Cost over 3 hours (forfait full day) - Euro 55.00

Radio Systems for groups of 10 to 20 persons:

• Cost per person for up to 3 hours - Euro 5.00
• Cost per person over 3 hours - Euro 7.00

Radio Systems for groups over 20 persons:

• Cost per person for up to 3 hours - Euro 4.00
• Cost per person over 3 hours - Euro 5.00

Transportation & Guides:

• Normal Sedan Car/Driver (ESD) for 2 persons + guide - Euro 609.00
• Mercedes Sedan Car/Driver (ESD) for 2 persons + guide - Euro 669.00
• Deluxe Minivan/Driver (ESD) for 7 persons + guide - Euro 694.00

Not available on Sunday Mornings.

Visit to a Winery - Production & Tasting

4 Hour Tour

Being in the land of ‘Chiantishire’ – this experience is definitely one that we cannot miss…

Today we will enjoy a special guided visit to 1 winery where we will not only enjoy tasting some of the finest Tuscany Wines but we will also learn much about the wines, from their origins to today. Our local expert guide will take us on an amazing journey to discover the Chianti Classico wines and Tuscan oils. First, we will enjoy a visit to one of the most famous wineries and here we will taste 3 wines. Our next stop is what we call a ‘boutique winery’ which is a small family run estate where we can enjoy wine and oil tasting in the family’s garden accompanied by bruschetta, pecorino cheese, Salami, Tuscan breads and homemade cake. Accompanied by our favourite guide who is more than willing to share their knowledge and passion for their native land, and with them in the driver’s seat, you never have to worry about which is the right turn to take, no matter how much wine you have sampled…

Starting time: 10:00am or 3:00pm – All Year Round

Departure/Meet: Podere le Rose (Welcome Tuscany located in Chianti) or clients accommodation in Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti or Castellina in Chianti

Number of participants: Minimum 2 persons – Maximum 8 persons

Tour Guide/Tour Manager: Simonetta or Paola

Clothing Suggestions: Walking Shoes and Light pullover

Tour includes: Visit to 1 winery with wine tasting of their wines and Vin Santo, personal driver for touring in the area, meal at their home, English speaking tour manager, snacks and drinks, written notes

Costs:

• Cost per person - Euro 224.00

A Day Of Biking in Chianti

8 Hour Tour

Today we will enjoy the most amazing introduction to some of the most beautiful areas of Chianti with our local expert guide as we head out on our bike adventure...

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a wonderful bike-adventure off the beaten path, close to nature, history and traditions of Tuscany. Our day-bike-tour will take us on a discovery of the most beautiful, evocative, and culturally rich places, immersed in natural wilderness, amidst some of the most prestigious wines of Chianti, travelling through centuries-old olive trees and beautiful ancient forests of oak and chestnuts.

Our guide will meet us at the hotel at 9am and the tour begins with a short ride by van to Castellina in Chianti. Following our visit here, we will take a leisurely bike ride (12 Km) down the regional road 429, to the quaint little town of Radda in Chianti. After exploring in Radda, we will continue on (15 km) to Panzano in Chianti where we will stop for a coffee break, then we will jump on our bicycles again and work off our snack as we head in the direction of Greve in Chianti (a final 13 km). Here, in the beautiful and famous piazza di Verrazzano of Greve, we will enjoy visiting the Macellaria Falorni (tasting some of their best cold cuts) and then, after a short time to explore the piazza, we will continue our journey to Azienda Agricola Altiero where we will taste some fine Tuscan Wines and enjoy a light late lunch. Following lunch and time to explore here we will return to our Hotel by Minivan. The tour is 37 kilometers long (approx. 23 miles), 30kms of which are on paved roads, 7 kms on “white roads,” the local expression for gravel. The trip is considered leisurely; it does not require any special physical preparation (other than the ability to ride a bicycle!) and indeed much of the trip is primarily on plain and flat surfaces, therefore it is perfectly adaptable for people of all ages, including children.

Minimum number of participants: 4

Tour includes:

Round trip transportation from Firenze or Chianti)
Mountain bike (currently updated models with quality fabrication and technology)Ultralight indestructible helmets
Water bottles throughout your journey
A light lunch and wine tastings
A local, English-speaking nature excursion guide (1 guide per 8 person).
A minivan at disposal throughout the journeyAll basic insurance as required by law, including additional bicycle insurance.

Costs:

• Cost per person (from 4 to 8 persons) - Euro 217.00

Tuscany from the Sky…On a Hot Air Balloon

This morning we will enjoy one of the most amazing experiences – enjoying the beautiful hillsides, towns and villages of Tuscany from the skies.

Enjoy a very special Tuscany experience which begins at sunrise with an early morning departure from your hotel. On arrival at the site, your experience begins assisting the pilot in the balloons’ preparation then its onwards and upwards as we head up into the Tuscan Skies to enjoy a very special unique and enchanting experience. The flight, whose duration is approximately 50 minutes, will take us through the heart of the Chianti Region allowing us to enjoy the famous rolling hills of Chianti, the vineyards, olive groves, farm houses and characteristic hillside towns. Our Balloon will land in Chianti where, accompanied by our pilot, we will enjoy a pleasant Chianti Picnic Breakfast before returning with our driver to the hotel.

Min. 2 person – Max 4 person

Departure time from the chosen field at 6:00 am sharp in Summer. Departure time can vary in Winter.

Duration of flight approx 50 minutes

Costs:

For departures from Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and Colle Val D’Elsa - Mensanello (Hot Air Ballon Ride Only)

• Exclusive Hot Air Ballon “Honeymooners” for 2 persons - Euro 862.00
• Exclusive Hot Air Ballon ride for 3 persons - Euro 1015.00
• Exclusive Hot Air Ballon ride for 4 persons - Euro 1354.00

For departures from Siena (Hot Air Ballon Ride Only):

• Exclusive Hot Air Ballon “Honeymooners” for 2 persons - Euro 948,00
• Exclusive Hot Air Ballon ride for 3 person - Euro 1117.00
• Exclusive Hot Air Ballon ride for 4 person - Euro 1489.00

Costs for Car & Driver Service at disposal for up to six hours to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa:

• Sedan / Driver Service - Euro 390.00
• E-Class / Driver Service - Euro 432.00
• Deluxe Minivan / Driver Service - Euro 449.00

Important: Wear comfortable clothes (pants and flat shoes) since during the duration of the flight you will be standing.

Full-day Carrara Marble Tour with sculptor Neal Barab

10 Hour Tour

Michelangelo brought to life his David from the milky white stone of the Carrara marble quarry; The ancient Romans constructed masterpieces including the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column in Rome from it, and moving farther afield London’s Marble Arch is also a product of this versatile and beautiful resource found in the Apuan Alps just a few kilometers from the Versilian coast in Tuscany. This beautiful area has become home to artists and artisans, many of whom have set up studios in the vicinity of the white-capped Apuan alps that a lot of visitors to the area mistake for snow but that is in fact the precious white marble from these working quarries – it is quite a spectacular sight! Not only is the area home to some of the most historically important towns for sculptors and artists, but is also home to a thriving modern-day artistic community, and to really appreciate the beauty of this raw material we will take behind the scenes into a working studio, where sculptors from all over the world set about creating their internationally-acclaimed works displayed from Italy to China, Israel and America. Neal Barab is one of these sculptors and he will be your host today as he takes you on a journey to explore the quarries, the towns of Colonnata, Carrara and Pietrasanta and the inside of his own studio. Neal has lived and worked in Pietrasanta since 1987 and rightly refers to the town as a sculptor’s paradise, not only for the readily available pure white marble, but as he points out, also some of the best marble and granite from all over the world, in all colours imaginable, from green to red to black. Today you’ll meet Neal at his studio where you’ll not only get to see the artist himself in action, but also have your very own work-stand set up to try your hand at some of the techniques involved in creating stone sculptures. This is perfect not only for adults but for kids too, to get a first-hand taste of what goes in to creating a sculpture. For the very little ones Neal will prepare a piece of Alabaster and some files or else a piece of marble and a sculptor’s hammer and chisel - we assure you you’ll leave with a new appreciation for this art form! The area around Neal’s studio is also just waiting to be explored, and we suggest you let him take you down to the river, where you might just find some interesting remnants and marble fragments. From here we then head out towards the quarries of Colonnata and Carrara while Neal gives you his take on the area, it’s history and current day activity. You’ll have the chance not only to enjoy the panoramic views from the mountain town of Colonnata, peer down into the open quarry but also to see the famous marble portals of the houses here. A stop in the town of Pietrasanta is also a must, with its charming central Piazza del Duomo that leads out on to a series of alleyways lined with artist’s studios, small shops and buildings with those lovely soft ochre-coloured walls that Tuscany is so well-known for. Our day also makes time for a lunch with Neal, in one of his favourite local restaurants, Colonnata is also known for the delicious Colonnata Lard, After a day exploring this fascinating, and surprising area with Neal, he will leave you to enjoy some time at leisure in Pietrasanta before it’s then time to head back to your hotel with your driver. (Payment for Lunch not Included)

To enjoy extended time in Neal’s studio, he would be delighted to prepare a simple light lunch for you there, before heading out to the quarries. Price Available Upon Request.

Costs:

• Tour with Neal Barab (6 hours) - Euro 554.00
• Sedan at disposal for 10 hours with English Speaking Driver - Euro 797.00
• Mercedes E class Sedan at disposal for 10 hours with English Speaking Driver - Euro 882.00
• Minivan at disposal for 10 hours with English Speaking Driver - Euro 932.00

Alla Famiglia!

It’s your Perfect Tuscan Day - The Ercolani’s offer you a great selection of experiences all stunningly set on their family-run farm in Montepulciano, to create something really special for the whole family.

The Ercolani Family is a bustle of talented, passionate and in a word, extraordinary people living in an extraordinary setting. Sergio and Gabriella began their adventures with the Tuscan countryside more than fifty years ago and now watch lovingly over their large family that have all become immersed in this family’s many interests. Sons Carlo and Marco have a hand in everything from wine ( Vino Nobile, Chianti and Brunello to name a few), olive oil, Pecorino cheese and cured meats production, to a beautifully located restaurant, where their sister Cecilia dreams up the delectable menu. Her sister Angela taking care of the family’s own production of organic products from honeys to Saffron, also heads the kitchen staff. Stella a third sister is the face you’ll see on the restaurant terrace, with its views of the rolling hills of Montepulciano, accompanied by her mother. Stella is also a self -taught artist adding an extra flair to this already colourful family!.... and we haven’t even mentioned their grandchildren who you’ll see in the pictures below and maybe even around the farm if you’re lucky!

What better way to step into the real Tuscan lifestyle, than to be embraced by this family, personally awaiting your arrival with a genuine hospitality and enthusiasm to share not only their talents, but their way of life… blended with an exceptionally smooth red wine and good wholesome country cooking.

Full Day Vineyards and Vino

Making your way to Montepulciano, let the Ercolani’s take you on a private tour of the ‘Vino Nobile’ vineyards today, tasting their wines and enjoying a meal in their restaurant.

The hot Tuscan sun brings alive the aromatic scent of the earth where age old vines strive- producing some of the best wine in the world from plump grapes hanging in heavy bunches on row upon row of vines. Enjoy a wine tasting with a member of the family who will also give you an insight into the production of the wine in the farm’s ancient wine cellar. While you are enjoying a wine tasting we have some experiences especially for the kids, all set around the Ercolani property to make for a fun ‘day in the life of’ a Tuscan family. After the wine tasting, it’s then time to sit down and enjoy a four course meal in the family restaurant. (Tour Duration: 4 Hours including 2 Hours meal; Estimated Driving Time: 3 Hours; Total tour duration: 7 Hours)

Cost: 

Tour includes Transportation, English Speaking Guide, Private Vineyard tour, Instruction of Wine production, Private Wine tasting, 4 Course Lunch or dinner

• Price per person (maximum 8 persons) - Euro 362.00
• Sedan at disposal - Euro 534.00
• 6 Seater Minivan at disposal - Euro 609.00

And for the Kids… Either

Etruscan Drawing lesson on the Ercolani Farm

4 Hour Tour

Draw an Etruscan Bird to life with our local artist… in the authentic setting of the Ercolani’s Property.

The ideal accompaniment to the Parents vineyard tour and wine tasting! While you are learning about wine production the children are learning to draw ‘Etruscan style’ on the Ercolani’s fabulous terrace or in their ancient cellar where they'll find the family's Etruscan mask of stone - the symbol of the farm. Kids will also love the tour of the family’s museum before they start experimenting with the art supplies that will be provided for them.. They will be drawing together with our local English-speaking artist also an expert in art history, who knows just how to make these fascinating subjects come alive for children in the most engaging way possible- through their pencils, colours, and some new techniques! And their artwork is a memory of their trip that will last a lifetime! Our tour is supervised by an adult activity leader and is all in the name of fun and experimentation and will be tailored to children’s ages. Children and parents will then enjoy a meal together after the experiences, in the Ercolani family restaurant. (limit 6 children - Tour Duration: 4 Hours including 2 Hours meal)

Or

Marvellously Medieval- Designing a Coat of Arms

4 Hour Tour

Medieval Italy is an intriguing world for children and what better way than to personalise this with a visit to the Ercolani Family Museum where they can trace the present day family to their roots, while learning the history of Medieval Italy. After studying various medieval symbols (and having a peek at the family’s 200BC Etruscan mask of Baccus!) children will have the chance to make their own coat of arms from clay all under the expert guidance and supervision of our local English-speaking artist who is also an expert of art history. Medieval History doesn’t get much more hands-on than this! And their artwork is a memory of their trip that will last a lifetime! Our tour is supervised by an adult activity leader and is all in the name of fun and experimentation and will be tailored to children’s ages. Children and parents will then enjoy a meal together after the experiences, in the Ercolani family restaurant. (limit 6 children - Tour Duration: 4 Hours including 2 Hours meal)

Or

Outdoor Tuscan Drawing Lesson

4 Hour Tour

The Ercolani farm is a children’s paradise and we have the perfect way to bring the landscape to life.

The typical Tuscan architecture of its many farm buildings, outhouses, and even an old family monastery, all nestled in the soft hills of the Montepulciano region, is the perfect spot to sit outside in the fresh air with some pencils, and paper and learn how to capture this evocative landscape in a picture that you can keep with you for life! Take a stroll on the farm, pick a spot, and with the art supplies all ready for you, have some fun with our local English-speaking artist. And their artwork is a memory of their trip that will last a lifetime! Our tour is supervised by an adult activity leader and is all in the name of fun and experimentation and will be tailored to children’s ages. Children and parents will then enjoy a meal together after the experiences, in the Ercolani family restaurant. (limit 6 children - Tour Duration: 4 Hours including 2 Hours meal)

Costs:

Costs for either Etruscan Drawing, Marvellously Medieval, or Outdoor Drawing Includes:  2-hour hands-on art activity with pencils, paints or clay/Guidance with techniques /Historical significance of the activity (taught in a child-friendly way – always light and fun). All supplies, Adult activity leader plus one or more assistant(s) and Lunch or dinner.

• Cost per child - Euro 378.00
• Cost per child for 2 children - Euro 255.00
• Cost per child for 3-4 children - Euro 209.00
• Cost per child for 5-6 children - Euro 178.00

Art Experiences - Fiori di Carta (Paper Flowers) Experience

4 Hour Tour

Created and hosted by Stella Ercolani, a self-taught artist, enjoy a private hands-on lesson that is a favourite with groups of girls, and mothers and daughters, and which can be combined with a number of complimentary activities at the farm for the rest of the family. Stella teaches participants how to design and make amazingly realistic paper flowers out of a variety of beautiful materials– all this in a fabulous Tuscan setting. Begin your experience with Stella in a quiet corner of their estate, before heading to the farm restaurant to enjoy a special four course meal of Tuscan specialities with a view that literally transports you into the very heart of the Tuscan landscape. (Tour duration 4 Hours including 2 Hours meal)

Costs: 

Class includes 2-hour paper flower workshop/Guidance with techniques/All supplies/Adult activity leader plus one or more assistant(s)/Lunch or dinner).

• Cost each for 1 person - Euro 439.00
• Cost each for 2-3 person - Euro 302.00
• Cost each for 4-6 persons - Euro 262.00
• Sedan at disposal - Euro 534.00
• 6 Seater Minivan at disposal - Euro 609.00

*All pricing is in Euros, and is subject to change. Prices listed are based upon clients staying in the Chianti region only. For clients staying outside of this region, additional charges may apply.