DREAMING OF ITALY

From ancient Roman celebrities to contemporary Hollywood stars, no one has been able to resist the allure of Lake Como. A timeless tourist destination, after 2,000 years this heavenly spot keeps luring prominent visitors to its shores with a one-of-a-kind combination of architectural marvels, artistic treasures and fabulous landscapes. Set at the foot of the Rhaetian Alps, Lake Como is the third largest Italian lake, the deepest and unarguably the most spectacular. Its shoreline is studded with a succession of charming sights: dark green forested slopes rising against a backdrop of majestic snow-covered peaks, lush terraced gardens cascading right down to the waters, pretty towns sprinkled with pastel-hued buildings, lakeshore restaurants shaded by blooming pergolas. Soak up the beauties of Lake Como on this full-day excursion. In the morning you will enjoy a boat ride followed by visits to the two lakeside towns of Varenna and Bellagio. In the afternoon you will explore a historic villa surrounded by splendid botanical gardens.

After breakfast meet your private guide in your hotel lobby and together join your skipper down on the dock. Sit back and relax as he takes the helm and unveils some of Lake Como’s famous addresses. Poet Percy Shelley navigated these waters, enjoying the very same sights you admire today, while he cruised from Como to Tremezzina: “The union of culture and the untameable profusion and loveliness of nature is here so close that the line where they are divided can hardly be discovered”, he noted in a letter dated 1818. Here natural beauty, botanical rarities and elegant architecture merge perfectly, creating one of Italy’s finest scenes. You will glide past the tiny Comacina Island, sail by the privately owned exclusive Villa La Cassinella, glimpse views of Villa del Balbianello’s marvellous gardens and dock at Varenna.

A leisurely stroll through this beguiling town will follow. You will weave your way up steep stone stairways lined with shops, cosy cafes and flowering balconies, step inside the 14th century Church of San Giorgio to see its precious frescoes, and take in stunning views by the waterfront promenade, romantically named passeggiata degli innamorati – lover’s walk.

Later, cruise towards Bellagio, also known as the “pearl of the lake”. After some free time for lunch you will be led up to the heart of the old town and discover its history and major landmarks on a pleasant walk with your guide.

The final stop on your tour will bring you to Villa Carlotta. Built between 1690 and 1743 for the pleasure-seeking marquis Giorgio Clerici, the villa now houses an exquisite museum. Sculpted masterpieces by Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen are on display together with a fine collection of paintings, cameos, furniture and decorative pieces from the mid-19th century. The eight-hectare neighbouring garden is a triumph of colour and variety and provides a magnificent backdrop to the palazzo. Five hundred different botanical species, including azaleas, rhododendrons, palms, tropical plants and aromatic herbs flourish in this romantic oasis, rated among Italy’s most beautiful gardens by prestigious local and international magazines.

After visiting the villa and grounds return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Have you ever wondered which wine George Clooney likes to drink on Lake Como? Discover it along a special biking itinerary! You will have the opportunity to visit a one-of-a-kind agriturismo on Lake Como, one of the very few places that produces wine in the area, and it’s family owned and managed!

Great food, the local elixir, a friendly environment and a fabulous panorama… what could be better than savouring all of this after an energising bike ride?

After breakfast you will meet your guide at your hotel, hop on your bike and start cycling toward the northern tip of the lake for a 28 kilometre one-way ride on traffic-free roads and paths. The terrain is mixed between bike paths, old mule tracks and lakeside trails, with a continuous up and down elevation and constant lake views as you pass through old villages and hidden streets.

The bike ride will end at an agriturismo, set in an enchanting hillside location offering superb views of the lake below. Founded in 1997 by a dedicated husband-and-wife team, this farm aims at promoting the heritage and flavours of this idyllic corner of Lombardy by reviving native grape varieties of Verdesa and Rosseia. Ubiquitous and international Sangiovese and Merlot are also cultivated to please the palate of a satisfied and ever-growing clientele. Here IGT designated red, white and rosé wines are created along with extra virgin olive oil, grappa and blueberry liqueur.

Upon arrival take a seat on the outdoor patio and lap up the wonderful panorama while you enjoy a delicious meal accompanied with the estate’s wines.

In the early afternoon your chauffeur will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel where you may spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast and check out meet your driver outside your accommodation on Lake Como and relax on the ride to your hotel in Milan. En route, stop to enjoy a private tour of Como. Your guide will be waiting at the meeting point ready to lead you on a trail through Como’s elegant streets, across charming piazzas, inside splendid churches, while filling you in on the history of this lakeside town. From its early days as an ancient Roman colony, through its rise in the Renaissance as a prosperous trading hub and major silk production centre, to today’s glamorous role as Italy’s prime tourist destination… you’ll have 2,000 years to cover.

You begin your day with a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the pride of Como, boasting a brilliant blend of different artistic styles, stretching from the Middles Ages through to the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Construction work started in 1396 and ended more than three hundred years later, in 1740, when architect Filippo Juvarra crowned the queen of Como’s churches with an imposing dome. The 14th century facade is a Gothic marvel featuring elaborately sculpted portals, pinnacles, stone carvings and a rose window. Before stepping inside don’t forget to pay homage to two prominent ancient Roman residents of Como, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, who surprise visitors with their welcome from either side of the main entrance, a gesture traditionally performed by saints. The interior proudly safeguards 16th and 17th century tapestries made in Ferrara, Florence and Antwerp, together with paintings by masters Bernardino Luini and Gaudenzio Ferrari, a precious wooden altar from the 1500s and 19th century stained glass windows.

Another of Como’s landmarks, the polychromatic Broletto, has been sitting sedately in the same square of Piazza Duomo ever since 1215. Formerly the seat of Como’s town hall, this building is situated right next to the grandiose cathedral, material evidence of the close connection between religious and political power in the Middle Ages. In 1477 the unfortunate Broletto suffered a reduction in size in order to make room for an enlargement of the cathedral – a heartfelt blow for lay institutions.

From here make your way through Como’s alleys, taking in the sights of handsome palazzi, on a quest for some of the town’s most striking monuments. You will certainly come across the Church of San Fedele, whose simple Romanesque facade conceals a graciously decorated interior, the 40-metre-high Porta Torre erected in 1192 as a defence against enemy attacks, and the extraordinarily well preserved portions of medieval walls. Not to be missed are also the Neoclassical-style facade of the Teatro Sociale and the Casa del Fascio, an example of 1930s rationalist architecture.

After some free time for lunch rejoin your driver and reach your hotel in Milan where you will be staying for 2 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Known the world over as Italy’s stylish fashion capital and thriving business centre, Milan boasts a fascinating, thousand-year-old history and is home to an impressive wealth of archaeological, artistic and architectural treasures. See the very best of this northern gem on a private tour of the city centre.

First founded in the 6th century BC by a Celtic tribe, the ancient village of Medhelan was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC and named Mediolanum, meaning “in the midst of the plain”. Capital of the Western Roman Empire from 286 to 402 AD, in its long history Milan has played a critical role in a host of social and political dramas. In medieval times the city’s fortunes waxed and waned: dark times of conquest and invasion were interspersed with fruitful periods of peace and prosperity. The city reached extraordinary artistic heights in the 15th century, when the enlightened patrons of the ruling Sforza family hired masterful Renaissance artists, including Leonardo Da Vinci and Donato Bramante, and sprinkled the city with astounding works of art. Your guide will lead you past Milan’s main attractions and highlight the key moments in the city’s past, from its early beginnings up to the latest urban projects, allowing you to gain an overview of Milan’s development throughout the ages.

You will begin your day exploring the remarkable Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic workmanship and the 6th largest Christian Church in the world. Construction work began in 1386 and, since its completion – which took almost six centuries – it has entranced visitors from far and wide. One very impressed 19th century tourist was Mark Twain: “What a wonder it is! So grand, so solemn, so vast! And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful! […] a miracle! – an anthem sung in stone, a poem wrought in marble!” Look up at the cathedral’s magnificent facade, brimming with statues of saints, monstrous gargoyles, pinnacles and buttresses while your guide retraces the history behind this architectural marvel and points out its most striking features. You will get to know the names of the illustrious patrons who gave impulse to this enterprise and the triumphs of the talented craftsmen whose priceless works still grace its walls. From the visionary projects of 14th century Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti to the royal coronation of Napoleon as King of Italy in 1805, the Duomo has witnessed – and embodied – hundreds of years of Milanese ambitions.

After admiring the splendid interior, housing precious stained glass windows, paintings and sculptures, climb down the time-travel staircase and find yourself hurtled into a bygone era. Indeed, hidden almost four metres beneath the Duomo’s floor lie the subterranean remains of a 1,600-year-old baptistery where Milan’s patron Saint Ambrose is said to have baptised Saint Augustine in 387 AD. Your all-round exploration of the cathedral will end on the panoramic rooftop terraces, offering unparalleled views of the Milanese skyline. From here you will also gain a closer look at the myriad of fantastic marble creatures that populate the Duomo’s spires as well as the much-loved gleaming Madonnina, bestowing her blessings on the city since 1774.

A leisurely stroll through the city centre will allow you to discover many of Milan’s picture postcard landmarks. Your guide will certainly show you around the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th century glass vaulted arcade lined with voguish boutiques and cafes, which can honestly claim to be one of the oldest shopping centres on earth – a noteworthy record for the capital of glamour. You will also discover the significant contribution of Milan to the world of music as you amble past the legendary 18th century La Scala theatre, a milestone in the history of opera, where innumerable premieres by Italy’s greatest composers were staged. No less astounding are the city’s triumphs in the development of military engineering and its past and ongoing reputation for fostering the most brilliant talents on the art scene, as you will learn as you gaze out on the 15th century red-brick Sforza Castle, once the residence of the powerful ruling family.

After the tour spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast and check out meet your private driver at your accommodation and set off for your hotel on the Ligurian Riviera. En route stop to enjoy a food tour in Genoa. You will find out about the culinary traditions and gastronomic heritage of this lively port city, once a powerful maritime republic and major trade centre in the Mediterranean area. Follow your guide on a tasty route through the city’s maze of narrow alleys and discover hidden corners and historic shops where authentic Italian delights are still created the way they were generations ago.

From the arcades of Sottoripa you will venture into the medieval Vicoli, the very heart of the city, peppered with grocery stores, coffee bars and sciamadde where typical Genoese street food has been served for centuries. Here sailors once came to refuel with fried seafood, friscieu (fried croquettes filled with herbs), farinate (chickpea flour pancakes) and panisse (fried chickpea flour cakes) and visitors today may still savour those same age-old delicacies. You will drop in at a bakery, visit a spice shop and discover the city’s most famous confectionery where sugary treats, including chocolates, candied fruits, jellies and marron glacés, have been lovingly made since 1780. You will then explore the Macelli district, the ancient butchers’ neighbourhood, and take in the sights, scents and sounds of the Mercato Orientale, the bustling food market housed in an 18th century convent cloister. Here you will see where locals buy their supplies and feast your eyes on the array of fresh and seasonal products on display such as meat, fish, charcuterie, cheese, fruit and vegetables. Along the way your guide will reveal the history and secrets behind the tempting treats you will taste. Scrumptious highlights of your tour might include local focaccia bread, canestrelli biscuits, panera (fresh cream and coffee powder), gelato, chocolate and, of course, celebrated pesto sauce, Genoa’s signature flavour.

We know Ancient Romans used to prepare moretum, a green paste obtained from cheese, oil and herbs, but the most ancient reference to Genoese pesto as we know it today dates back to 1863 when gastronomist Giovanni Battista Ratto published his compendium La Cucinera Genovese. This is his recipe, should you like to try it out: “Take a clove of garlic, basil or, when that is lacking, marjoram and parsley, grated Dutch and Parmigiano cheese and mix them with pine nuts and crush it all together in a mortar with a little butter until reduced to a paste. Then dissolve it with good and abundant oil. Lasagne and trofie are dressed with this mash, made more liquid by adding a little hot water without salt”.

Top off your tour with a refreshing glass of Ligurian wine, then rejoin your driver and reach your hotel in Liguria where you will be staying for 3 nights. After check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Discover one of Italy’s most spectacular destinations on this full-day excursion to the Cinque Terre. This rugged, scenic portion of coastline on the Ligurian Riviera, stretching for eighteen kilometres to the west of the city of La Spezia, comprises five enchanting seaside villages. Along the sharply rising cliffs lie Riomaggiore, a jumble of narrow alleys flanked by pastel-hued tower-houses; Manarola, a splash of colour clinging to a rocky headland; Corniglia, perched precariously on the edge of a 100-metre-high promontory; Vernazza, with its tiny port dominated by the ruins of a medieval castle; Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five fabulous jewels, graced by a sandy bay and famed for its lemon orchards and anchovies. Breathtaking views, crystal blue waters, gastronomic delicacies and a unique historic and artistic heritage have all contributed to the worldwide popularity of the Cinque Terre since the 1970s when they became a much sought-after vacation hub.

The earliest core of these towns dates back to the 11th century when the tribes that had settled on the hills further inland were prompted to move towards the shore as a consequence of their growing numbers and because Saracen incursions were no longer a threat. It is at this point in history that the heroic populations of the Cinque Terre began erecting dry stone walls, planting vineyards and transforming the rough, unpromising, steep slopes into bountiful cultivated terraces, thus forging the stunning scenery we can still admire today. Thanks to their gargantuan efforts this splendid corner of Liguria earned its World Heritage status in 1997 as an expression of “the harmonious interaction between people and nature to produce a landscape of exceptional scenic quality that illustrates a traditional way of life that has existed for a thousand years and continues to play an important socio-economic role in the life of the community”.

While exploring these fishing and farming villages, visitors may gain a feel for the difficulties and challenges of living in this still unspoiled, once remote pocket of land. Can you imagine how life must have been here before the late 1800s when the railway was first built? Dramatically strung between sea and rock, the Cinque Terre are today linked by trains, ferries and panoramic coastal and hillside hiking trails and are mostly inaccessible to vehicles. These circumstances have helped to preserve their distinctive atmosphere and timeless, magical appeal.

Your chauffeur will pick you up at your accommodation and drive you to the train station in Levanto. Here your private guide will be waiting ready to lead you on an unforgettable tour of three of the Cinque Terre’s villages. Depending on weather, sea conditions and the number of visitors present, you may travel either by train or public ferry boat – or both. You will gain an overview of the region’s fascinating history, from its beginnings in the Middle Ages up to the present day, when the pressing need to protect this precious but geologically fragile heritage site from the onslaughts of extreme or inclement weather are felt with particular urgency. Your guide will be ready to show and tell you all you could wish to know about the fabulous five – from the unparalleled seascapes to culinary delicacies, from local legends to documented facts – ensuring a truly enlightening, enjoyable visit.

After the tour your chauffeur will drive you back to your hotel on the Ligurian Riviera.

Jump aboard your private boat and enjoy a memorable day at sea. Your skipper will meet you at the port and lead you on a boat excursion along the Gulf of Paradise. Sit back, relax and watch the glorious spectacle of the Riviera as it unfolds before your eyes. You will bathe in crystal-clear waters, explore a quaint coastal town and soak up fabulous views of the Ligurian landscape.

Weigh your anchor and reach your first port of call, Camogli, stopping en route for a refreshing dip in Punta Chiappa. In olden times a thriving harbour, boasting a fleet of almost seven hundred ships at the peak of its glory, today Camogli is a charming fishing village and a popular summer resort. The town’s history is inextricably linked to the sea. According to a local belief, its etymology derives from the shortened words Casa delle mogli, meaning house of the wives, which is thought to be a reference to the women who guarded the town while their husbands – fishermen, sailors or captains – were away at sea. Rows of houses painted in shades of red, pink, apricot and amber once helped sea workers find their way back to the port and today provide a delightful pastime for visitors who enjoy spotting the illusions that decorate their facades. Lifelike inhabitants peer out of the windows, a graceful cat perches perilously on the window sill… and are those real shutters casting shadows on the wall?

After a leisurely stroll through town, set sail for the secluded – though much sought-after – bay of San Fruttuoso. This inlet, tucked away between the sea and woodland slopes, can only be accessed by boat or by descending a steep trail from the mountain above. As far back as the 700s this isolated corner was chosen as the ideal location for a church. According to legend Saint Fructuosus himself, martyred in the 3rd century, indicated this spot as his final resting place. He is said to have appeared in a dream to 8th century Archbishop of Tarragon Prospero who had fled from Spain and the Moors in search of a site on which to preserve the ashes of the saint. The church was rebuilt by the Benedictine monks in the 11th century and from the 13th century to 1983 the noble Genoese Doria dynasty patronized the abbey, renovating its design and transferring the family’s burial ground here. Also located in this cove are a handful of restaurants, a 16th century watchtower and an underwater bronze statue of Christ of the Abyss, protector of all those who venture out to sea.

After some free time for lunch and a healthy dose of “vitamin sea”, rejoin your skipper and cruise back to the port.

After breakfast and check out meet your driver outside your accommodation on the Ligurian Riviera and relax on the ride to your hotel in Tuscany. En route, stop to enjoy a private tour of Pisa.

Pisa, with its 3,000 years of history, record-breaking academic and scientific achievements, culinary feats and artistic wonders is an obligatory stop on every trip to Tuscany. Your guide will be waiting for you in the city centre ready to lead you back down the centuries on an exciting discovery journey of this once powerful maritime republic, feared ruler of the Mediterranean Sea and Italian trade routes. You will retrace the history of Pisa, from its Etruscan origins, through its development and growth as a Roman port, to the city’s rise and expansion in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, when many of its striking, much praised monuments were built and the city’s commercial and military might reached an unprecedented pinnacle.

As you wander through the UNESCO-listed Field of Miracles, your guide will paint a vivid scene of life in Pisa in medieval times and explain to which gifted artists and enlightened patrons the city owes this celebrated complex. You will take a peek inside the 11th century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta to admire the precious mosaic of Saint John the Evangelist by Cimabue and Giovanni Pisano’s skilfully carved pulpit, a true masterpiece of Gothic sculpture. You will also explore the grandiose Baptistery of St. John, the largest in Italy, housing Bigarelli’s splendid baptismal font and Nicola Pisano’s proto-Renaissance pulpit.

But what draws thousands of enthusiasts to Pisa every year is the 12th century Leaning Tower, the town’s most cherished jewel, one of Italy’s most iconic monuments and an authentic miracle of statics known worldwide for its extraordinary tilt. Who’s up for a climb to the top of its 251 spiralling steps? From here, 55 metres above the ground, you’ll have earned a privileged 360-degree view over this remarkable city which has itself become a monument to human genius and creativity.

After the tour and some free time for lunch rejoin your driver and reach your hotel in Tuscany where you will be staying for 4 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Raise your glass to Tuscany’s triumphs on this full-day excursion to Chianti and Siena. You will learn all about the production of one of Italy’s most iconic wines and explore the charms of a UNESCO-listed town.

You may not know that the word Chianti originates from the Latin term clangor meaning “clamour”, which refers to the noise produced by the blasts of trumpets, rolling drums and clashing swords that resonated throughout the countless battles that shook the area. As a border territory between the two rival cities of Florence and Siena, Chianti often found itself at the centre of tumultuous events and was far from being the peaceful Eden you can admire today!

Beautiful landscapes, charming towns and fine red wines have made Chianti a must-see for visitors to Tuscany. The region boasts an age-old tradition of vine cultivation that dates back to Etruscan times but it was only in 1716 that Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo III de’ Medici officially established the boundaries of the Chianti wine area. Today, a true Chianti must contain at least 80% Sangiovese grapes and can be recognised by its distinctive label, the black rooster – a symbol steeped in a curious legend. Florence and Siena agreed to put an end to their long quarrel over the borders of their territories by each sending out a knight on horseback when the rooster crowed, at daybreak on a given date. The place they met would become the new border between them. The two cities both did their best to outwit their rival. In Siena, the white rooster was treated to a lavish meal in the hope that a full stomach would produce a vigorous morning crow, while in Florence, the black rooster was left hungry so that it would rise earlier, allowing their knight a head start. The latter strategy proved to be the right one for the Florentine knight set off long before his opposite number in Siena and successfully claimed most of Chianti for Florence. Since then the black rooster has been the emblem of the region.

You begin your day with a scenic ride, through the gently rolling Tuscan hills, to a Chianti wine estate. Here, on a tour of the property, you will get to know about wine-making and ageing methods, become familiar with the particular features and regulations that define Chianti Classico and discover the unique characteristics of the terroir and climate that make wines produced here so special. After the visit sit down to a delicious Tuscan meal made with prime quality ingredients and accompanied with the estate’s wines.

Later, rejoin your driver and set off for one of central Italy’s most enchanting medieval towns. Your private guide will be waiting at the meeting point and make sure no fascinating detail eludes you as you follow a stirring trail. No doubt you will notice the symbol of Siena, the she-wolf and twins, which links the town with its Roman origins, though it was not until rather later that this centre bloomed into the glorious gem you see today. Legend has it that Remus’ sons escaped to safety here after the murder of their father by the children’s uncle Romulus, the founder of Rome. Siena is indeed immersed in legends, steeped in ancient traditions and replete with true stories of battles and bravery. The town is also richly peppered with wondrously preserved monuments, churches and architectural marvels, attesting to its extraordinarily rich and riveting past. Between the 13th and 16th centuries the town revelled in a golden age becoming one of the most powerful banking centres on the continent. A number of great artists were called upon to embellish its piazze and buildings securing its lasting fame.

Your guide will certainly show you around the 13th century Church of San Domenico, one of Siena’s best-loved landmarks, and explain why this site is closely associated with the life and miracles of beloved Saint Catherine. A collection of priceless works of art, including what is believed to be the only existing portrait of the saint, embellish the walls of the church but what draws thousands of visitors and pilgrims here is the much venerated relic of Saint Catherine’s holy head, carefully safeguarded in a chapel surrounded by master Sodoma’s remarkable frescoes.

Countless treasures await you inside the black-and-white striped Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: the wonderfully inlaid marble flooring, the rose window by Duccio di Buoninsegna, the marble pulpit by Nicola Pisano, Donatello’s statue of St. John the Baptist and the gorgeous Piccolomini Library. Well-known for its illustrated hymn books and beautifully preserved Renaissance paintings by Perugian painter Pinturicchio, the library was built at the request of Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini, Archbishop of Siena, to honour the memory and manuscript collection of his uncle Pope Pius II. A radiant fresco cycle depicts a glorified version of the life of the pope as well as mythological scenes and ornate decorative motifs, all rendered with the greatest skill and painstaking attention to detail.

No tour of Siena would be complete without exploring the shell-shaped Piazza Del Campo, for centuries the pulsing heart of the town’s social and political life and known the world over as the atmospheric setting of the Palio. Your guide will elucidate the origins of this famous horse race that still takes place regularly twice a year in July and August and help you understand why the event continues to play a significant role in fostering a Siennese sense of belonging, re-evoking the rivalry that flourished among its seventeen contrade and its legacy of ward-centric culture.

The looming Torre del Mangia, the elegant red-brick buildings and the medieval aura of the city’s narrow winding streets are among the unforgettable impressions to be savoured in this delightful wellspring of wonders.

In the afternoon your private chauffeur will drive you back to your accommodation where you will spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast meet your private driver at your accommodation and relax on the ride to Florence. Here your guide will be waiting ready to lead you on an unforgettable Segway tour.

What a glorious way to get a close look at the squares and bridges, the monuments and magnificent facades of the city’s favourite buildings as you sail along smoothly and silently on your own personal transporter! You will enjoy the best of Florence’s iconic attractions together with a tailor-made commentary from your expert guide while cruising around aboard the very latest and greenest motorized vehicle. This carefully planned tour will lead you past picture-perfect piazze, down fashionable streets and hidden alleys, allowing you to gain a real feel for the texture of life in Florence, past and present, in record time. There’ll be ample opportunities for snapping shots of the city’s major landmarks as well as everyday scenes and bustle that take your fancy.

You begin your day with a brief orientation session on how to manoeuvre this 2-wheeled, easy-to-handle, electric vehicle. Once you’re ready, hop on your Segway and begin your exciting ride back down the centuries. You’ll roll across charming squares, beside the River Arno, past glorious churches and noble palazzi, while learning about the most significant events in the history of the city. From its early days as an ancient Roman military settlement, through its rise in the Renaissance as a prosperous trading centre and thriving artistic hub, to today’s prestigious role as one of Italy’s major travel destinations… you’ll have 2,000 years to cover.

Make your way to Piazza del Duomo, the city’s religious heart, graced by three striking monuments: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence’s best-known landmark and an astonishing feat of engineering; Giotto’s Bell Tower, a fine example of Gothic architecture; the Baptistery, the city’s oldest religious site where poet Dante Alighieri himself was baptized. As you lap up views of the square, you will discover how architect Filippo Brunelleschi, back in the 15th century, built the largest masonry dome still in existence and hear about the competition for the creation of a bronze door that, according to tradition, marked the beginning of the Renaissance era in 1401.

Gripping tales of capture, conspiracy and coups await you in Piazza della Signoria. The square is dominated by the towering Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of political power and intrigue for over seven hundred years. Here, in the out-door sculpture gallery of the Loggia dei Lanzi, you will come face to face with Greek heroes Hercules and Perseus, brought vividly to life on the cusp of their triumphs by Giambologna and Benvenuto Cellini.

Highlights of your tour also include Piazza San Lorenzo with its imposing basilica, once the ruling family’s private place of worship and mausoleum; the popular shopping street of Via Tornabuoni; the superbly decorated exterior of the Church of Orsanmichele… And don’t forget to rub the boar’s snout as you wheel through the Porcellino Market so that you will – as legend has it – one day return to Florence.

After some free time for lunch it’s time to learn more about the exceptional life, extraordinary career and priceless legacy of art history’s leading light on a visit to one of Florence’s most remarkable collections.

Founded in 1784 by the enlightened Grand Duke of Tuscany Pietro Leopoldo, the Accademia has been home to the statue of David since 1873. Michelangelo was only 26 years old when he carved this exquisite work of craftsmanship out of a massive block of marble. The sculpture was originally intended to adorn the buttresses of the cathedral but when David was unveiled in 1504, it became clear that the grandeur and intensity of the masterpiece demanded the more prestigious setting of Piazza della Signoria where a copy stands today. Your guide will throw light on the history behind this colossal 5.17 metre marble statue and explain how David embodies Renaissance criteria of perfection and was immediately reputed by the artist’s contemporaries to be a symbol of strength and heroism – an emblem of the city of Florence itself.

The Accademia also preserves Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners and the statue of Saint Matthew along with a fabulous collection of paintings from the 13th through to the 16th centuries.

After the tour rejoin your driver and return to your accommodation in Tuscany.

Touch the clouds on this exclusive, once-in-a-life-time experience. You will feast your eyes on splendid views of Tuscany while floating on air.

In the early morning, when the other guests of the hotel are still asleep, you will meet your driver outside your accommodation and set off for the hot-air balloon launch point. Here, your expert captain and qualified crew will be waiting, ready to lift you up in the air, 2,000 feet above the ground. You will see the last phases of set up and inflation followed by a brief safety demonstration. You will then hop aboard the basket and start sailing heavenwards. Relish the crisp morning breeze and enjoy Chiantiland from cloud nine as you gaze down at the countryside below. Rolling hills dotted with castles and quaint medieval villages, a green patchwork of olive groves and vineyards crossed by ribbons of country roads: you’ll feel the thrill of inspecting this life-size canvas from your privileged perspective.

Although the invention of hot air balloons is attributed to 18th century French brothers Montgolfier, Tuscany prides itself on being the homeland of Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci who was perhaps the first to foresee the lifting properties of hot air. His passion for flight and elevation was visionary as evidenced by his drawings and writings on this subject. After five hundred years his famous statement still rings true: “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return”.

After about an hour you will begin your descent back to the ground. Part of the magic of this adventure is that you never know exactly where you will land. A balloon cannot be steered and drifts with the wind so you might touch down in a field or, if you’re lucky, in the grounds of a castle. Back on earth top off your experience with a refreshing glass of Prosecco and a toast… cheers to enchanting Chianti!

After a morning spent in heaven it’s time to taste the fruits of this unique territory on a private cooking lesson. Under the guidance of an expert instructor you will discover regional recipes and culinary traditions, put some infallible cooking techniques to the test and pick up tips you can use to impress your friends back home at the dinner table.

Language and proverbs reflect the customs, culture and tastes of a territory. It may come as no surprise that many traditional Tuscan expressions are inspired by gastronomy, culinary habits and the act of eating or sharing food, revealing the age-old origins of the region’s food-focused way of life. Here are three sayings that are evidence of how food has always been central to the hearts and minds of Tuscans and is an essential component of the territory’s culture. Né amico riconciliato, né pietanza due volte cucinata conveys Tuscans’ belief that once your trust in a friend has been broken, your relationship will never be the same again – just like a dish never tastes the same after it has been reheated. Più vale un pan con amore che un cappone con dolore means that a simple piece of bread made with love is better than a succulent capon made with anger, as love is the best of ingredients. A tavola non si invecchia – translating as “one never grows old at the table” – is a tribute to the dinner table and to long-lasting Sunday lunches. An unbroken flow of wine, food and good conversation enlivens spirits, raises energy levels and increases pleasure for all dining companions.

By teaching you how to prepare traditional dishes this cooking lesson will allow you to delve further into Tuscan culture and give you a key to understanding the local food-centred lifestyle. Although we can’t promise eternal youth, we can indeed guarantee a delectable, enjoyable and educational experience.

Your instructor will meet you at the location of your cooking class and guide you through the preparation of a delicious meal in true Tuscan style. The aim of the course is not only to teach participants how to create a dish by following a recipe but to provide a culturally enriching experience. In addition to explaining the technical aspects of cooking, your chef will share his culinary knowledge and passion for food by unveiling the secrets behind the ingredients used. You will savour local flavours, learn how to recognize healthy, prime quality raw materials and enhance your awareness of the environment and eating seasonally.

After the cooking lesson, enjoy the meal you just prepared, washed down with Chianti wine… Buon appetito!

After breakfast and check out, which will take place before 10:00 or 11:00 AM, meet your private driver outside your accommodation and head for the airport or your next travel destination.