LOVER’S ROAD MAP

Take a trip back in time and explore two of central Italy’s most beguiling medieval towns, both recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Your expert guide will meet you in Siena and make sure no fascinating detail eludes you as you follow this 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 centuries elapsed before 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.

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 intricately bound up 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 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 winding alleys are among the unforgettable impressions to be savoured in this delightful wellspring of wonders.

After some free time for lunch, a 50-minute drive through the lovely Tuscan countryside brings you to the charming walled town of San Gimignano. Set high atop a hill, it looks out over silver green olive groves and lush vineyards in the Val d’Elsa below. Folktales claim the town was founded in 63 BC when two patrician brothers, Muzio and Silvio, fled Rome for Tuscany after their incrimination in the conspiracy of Catiline and built two castles on this very site. We know, however, that San Gimignano has been inhabited since Etruscan times but it was only much later, during the Middle Ages, that the town thrived due to its location along the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage route that linked Rome to Canterbury.

Here you can saunter through the two central squares, Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo, wander along enchanting narrow streets and gaze up at a number of sturdy medieval towers that still dominate the skyline, pronouncing the wealth and ambitions of the families who built them centuries ago. Several outstanding Renaissance masterpieces can be admired here in their original locations, including Benozzo Gozzoli’s celebrated decorative fresco cycle of St. Augustine, located in a chapel of the Church of Sant’Agostino. Don’t forget to take a peek inside the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, the city’s cathedral. Behind its bare Romanesque facade, this church conceals a precious Last Judgement by Taddeo di Bartolo, Benozzo Gozzoli’s Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and Ghirlandaio’s fresco cycle depicting the legendary Life and miracles of Santa Fina who spent all her days lying on a wooden pallet deep in prayer.

While you weave your way through this remarkably beautiful town, pause for a moment to breathe in traces of a feudal air that still linger here. It only takes a tiny step of the imagination to picture the scene – not so very different from today – as it appeared to the nobles, knights and dames who must have taken this same route hundreds of years ago.

But San Gimignano also boasts some modern delights… before returning to your hotel you might want to taste the local Vernaccia wine or savour the much acclaimed, award-winning ice cream lovingly created by Gelateria Dondoli.

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 meet your private driver outside your accommodation and set off for your hotel in Florence. En route learn all about the production of one of the world’s most famous wines on visits to two Chianti estates.

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, however 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.

On visits to two renowned Chianti estates 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. Guided tastings and a light lunch are also included in the experience.

In the afternoon your private chauffeur will drive you to your accommodation in Florence where you will be staying for 3 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Explore the colourful Oltrarno neighbourhood and gain behind-the-scenes insight into Florence’s bustling, creative craft scene. Lying “beyond the Arno” – as its etymology explains – Oltrarno is the repository of the city’s age-old traditions and unique manufacturing heritage. Here you won’t find chain stores or haute couture boutiques but you’ll get a real feel for the texture of life in Florence and discover some of the city’s long-hoarded secrets. As you roam through the neighbourhood you’ll come across typical family-run botteghe selling all sorts of masterly crafted mirabilia, including musical instruments, wooden items, leather shoes, jewellery, marbled paper and bespoke clothing – all lovingly hand-made, hand-carved, hand-painted and hand-sewn by talented artisans.

This tour will be led by an artisan expert and can be tailored to suit the needs and interests of all guests. Send us your wish list and we’ll create a customised “Made in Florence” itinerary just for you. From handbags to old manuscripts, from pottery to perfume, the Oltrarno district will fulfil your every desire. With an innate passion for scouting and twenty years of experience in the field of fashion and tourism, your artisan expert is unbeatable when it comes to locating hard-to-find items. She also keeps up to date with new workshop openings and artisanal-related events both in town and in the region. Meet her at your hotel and follow her on a trail through the streets of this 500-year-old district. You will be led past a variety of hand-picked botteghe tucked away on the Arno’s southern bank and discover to whom Florence owes its enduring fame as a centre of excellence for the production of ultra-quality crafts. There will be ample opportunity to find out more about the trades, traditions and production methods in personal exchanges with the artisans themselves.

Depending on your interests and the day of the week, you might visit furniture restorers, leather workers, shoemakers, wood carvers, goldsmiths, silversmiths, mosaic artists, tailors, milliners, custom jewellery designers, potters, book binders and antiquarians… the very best talents in every sphere. Your local expert will enrich your experience by recounting stories and curiosities regarding past and present-day protagonists of Florence’s magnificent world of arts and crafts.

After the tour and free time for lunch cap off the day by climbing the cathedral’s 463 steps up to Brunelleschi’s majestic cupola. The ascent is fairly arduous but the perks at the finishing line make the effort well worthwhile. Along the way you’ll gain a closer look at Vasari’s frescoes of the Last Judgement depicted on the interior of the dome. Once at the top you’ll be treated to unbeatable panoramic views over the city and enjoy the priceless photo opportunities.

After breakfast and check out meet your driver outside your accommodation in Florence and relax on the ride to Verona. En route, discover Bologna’s rich cultural legacy on a private tour of the city.

Bologna’s origins date back to the Etruscan era but this centre grew and flourished in the Middle Ages when a burgeoning economy led to a steady expansion and a series of towers, erected by wealthy families wishing to make a show of their prestige, sprouted across the city. Approximately one hundred of them looked out on Bologna in the 13th century and twenty-two still stand guard today. Your guide will lead you on a carefully planned trail past arcaded walkways, basilicas, palazzi and case-torri that together make up one of the country’s finest medieval cityscapes.

A multifaceted city, Bologna has earned many epithets: “la Rossa” (The Red) refers to the red terracotta bricks of its buildings and to the city’s left-wing political stance; “la Dotta” (The Learned) as it is home to the world’s oldest university, founded in 1088, which boasts a long list of famous students and professors; “la Grassa” (The Well-Fed), a nod to the city’s celebrated cuisine, internationally-renowned for its tortellini, ragu sauce and charcuterie. Popular song lyrics have nicknamed the city “la Vecchia Signora” (The Old Lady) since Bologna sags with history from every corner and one may still feel, see and touch its ancient texture.

The imposing 16th century bronze statue of Neptune welcomes visitors to Piazza Nettuno and the adjoining Piazza Maggiore, the very heart of Bologna, where the most important events in the history of the city unfolded over the last eight hundred years. Your guide will point out the amazingly well-preserved medieval structures which were once the seat of government, city hall, notaries’ guild and banking centre. This square was witness to a series of happenings, both glorious and gory – from an imperial incoronation to public executions – about which you will learn as you pause here.

The majestic Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to the city’s patron saint and one of the world’s largest Christian churches, dominates the piazza. Construction began in the late 1300s and, although it took three centuries to gain its present appearance, it is still – beautifully – incomplete, as evidenced by its facade, half marble and half brick. Don’t miss the bas-reliefs that frame the main portal, representing prophets and biblical stories, as well as a lunette with a Madonna and Child, Saint Ambrose and Saint Petronius, all the work of Renaissance sculptor Jacopo della Quercia. Step inside to admire the church’s richly decorated chapels and marvel at the achievements of astronomer Giovanni Cassini who designed the longest indoor sundial in the world. This 67-metre-long time device, created in the mid-17th century, still indicates the solar noon throughout the year with astounding accuracy.

A leisurely stroll through the centro storico will allow you to discover many of Bologna’s iconic landmarks, including the Archiginnasio, the former seat of the university, and the monumental monastic complex of Santo Stefano, famous for its labyrinth of intercommunicating churches, originally designed to symbolically reproduce a journey through the sites of Christ’s passion. Not to be missed are also the stunning leaning Towers of Asinelli and Garisenda, which have been looming over the city since the 12th century.

As you make your way through the city’s maze of streets you will certainly notice a famous feature of Bologna’s cityscape – its porticoes. Thirty-eight kilometres of covered sidewalks shelter visitors on rainy days and were originally built with the aim of allowing extra room to be added to the buildings’ second storeys without having to occupy public outdoor spaces.

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

After breakfast meet your private guide in your hotel lobby and enjoy a morning walking tour of Verona’s delightful centro storico. Well known as the setting for three of Shakespeare’s plays, most importantly for the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, the city offers so much more than a romantic retreat. Here your heart may well miss a beat as you catch a glimpse of its Roman amphitheatre and gaze up at the magnificent palazzi. You may find yourself falling in love with Verona’s pretty courtyards and charming squares. Beyond the well-known fiction, there is a bustling, culturally thriving city and genuine history waiting to be explored.

Verona’s early beginnings remain a mystery but we know the area was inhabited in the 4th century BC and, thanks to its strategic geographic position as a suitable spot for northern border control, became a Roman municipium in the 1st century BC. Evidence of the city’s ancient past can still be seen in the existing street pattern that traces the Roman chess-board layout and in archaeological remains scattered throughout the city. Verona flourished under the rule of the Scaliger dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries and continued to prosper during the almost four hundred years of Venetian domination, up until the 1700s. The surviving architectural masterpieces and urban fabric reflecting Verona’s development over 2,000 years have earned the city its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A meticulously assembled collage of fine buildings and decorative elements from several historic epochs makes up the attractive historic centre. Roman ruins, Gothic monuments, medieval towers, Renaissance facades and modern-day shop windows all jostle for your attention.

Your guide will lead you through the centuries and point out the city’s best-loved landmarks. The grandiose, remarkably well-preserved Arena in Piazza Bra is one of Verona’s most impressive sights. Built in the 1st century AD, it is Italy’s third largest Roman amphitheatre and could seat up to 25,000 impassioned spectators who once gathered here to watch gladiator games and executions. The Arena, with its excellent acoustics, still draws crowds today as an entertainment venue hosting theatre performances, concerts and the internationally-renowned summer opera festival.

Another of Verona’s major attractions is located on Via Cappello. Here, according to legend, you can find the very house where Romeo swore his eternal love to Juliet. Visitors from all over the world line up to touch her bronze statue’s breast, hoping to get lucky in love, and to snap shots of the iconic balcony. Although Shakespeare is extremely unlikely ever to have set foot in this city and his characters are fictional, Verona’s fame is inextricably tied up with the destiny of the protagonists of this world-famous tragedy. The 14th century palazzo actually belonged to the Dal Cappello family, a name that sparked a link with the Shakespearian Capulet, thus lending a semblance of veracity to the legend.

A short walk will take you to picturesque Piazza Erbe, the city’s trading hub. People have assembled here since ancient Roman times, when the area was occupied by a forum. Today the square is the site of the fruit and vegetable market as well as a favourite meeting spot with young Veronesi who gather here for ritual evening aperitivi. Listen as your guide gives you details about the striking structures that surround the piazza: the arcaded portico of the medieval Casa dei Mercanti, the Mazzanti Houses, adorned with beautiful frescoes, the elaborate Baroque facade of Palazzo Maffei and the 84-metre-tall Lamberti Tower looming over the city. Not to be missed on your stroll about town are also the nearby Piazza dei Signori, the centre of Verona’s political life for hundreds of years, and the Arche Scaligere, the monumental tombs of the Lords of Verona.

After the tour your private chauffeur will pick you up and drive you to the Valpolicella wine region. The Latin etymology Val polis cellae, meaning “the valley with many cellars”, attests to Valpolicella’s ancient viticultural tradition. Extending for 240 square kilometres across the foothills of the Lessini mountains, between Verona and Lake Garda, this is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine-producing regions. Wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to visit a highly-esteemed estate, located in an enchanting setting on the grounds of a Renaissance villa. Built at the request of humanist and landowner Giulio Della Torre in 1560, the mansion perfectly fulfilled its functions as a working farm, from which to supervise the estate’s agricultural activities, and a peaceful luxury retreat, where the owner and his privileged guests could come to meditate, relax and idle the summers away. Accompanied by a member of staff, you will explore this truly marvellous country house and learn all about the history and refined symbolism behind its construction. Highlights include the central courtyard, blending references to the design of an ancient Roman domus with a typically Mannerist taste, the hall of mirrors, decorated with original medallion portraits of poets of antiquity, and the awe-inspiring zoomorphic fireplaces featuring a lion, a sea monster and a devil. After the visit sit down inside the mansion’s dining room to be served a delicious lunch paired with the estate’s wines.

In the afternoon rejoin your chauffeur and return to your accommodation in Verona.

After breakfast and check out, meet your driver outside your hotel in Verona and relax on the ride to your hotel on Lake Garda. En route stop in the lakeside town of Sirmione. Here your private guide will be waiting ready to lead you on an unforgettable tour of Lake Garda’s “pearl of the islands and peninsulas”, as celebrated by ancient Roman poet Catullus.

As you access the town over a bridge you will certainly notice the remarkably well-preserved 13th century castle, strategically perched at the edge of the lake from where it safeguards the only entrance to the old town. This rare instance of a medieval port fortification, complete with crenellated turrets and towers, was originally built by the Lords of Verona as a defence against enemy attacks and uprisings. Once a sturdy fortress designed to fend off intruders with its impenetrable walls and surrounding moat, the Castello Scaligero now beckons the visitor to step into the charming streets of Sirmione.

The area is known to have been a fashionable summer hideout since the 1st century BC, when wealthy ancient Romans retreated here, drawn by the glorious climate and healing properties of Sirmione’s thermal springs. More than 2,000 years have gone by but this timeless tourist haven keeps luring guests to its shores with a unique blend of archaeological treasures, glorious landscapes and limpid, refreshing lake waters. While you weave your way through the town’s medieval alleys, lined with tempting eateries and quaint shops, your guide will point out Sirmione’s most noteworthy features, including the late-15th century Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and its precious frescoes.

Not to be missed are the so-called Grottoes of Catullus, the most extensive and striking example of a private Roman villa in northern Italy. Today only a maze of crumbling walls and teetering stone arches survive at the tip of the peninsula, but you are invited to pause and conjure up a stirring image of the luxurious villa that must have stood on this very spot. The mansion, whose construction definitely required sophisticated engineering expertise, once featured long porticoes and terraces overlooking the lake, lavish mosaic decorations, wall paintings and even a private spa.

After the tour a gourmet meal will be served at one of Sirmione’s finest addresses, famous for its marvellous lakeside setting and exquisite fish-based tasting menus. Depending on the season, you might be treated to crispy scampi and seabass seasoned with lemon and chive, tortelli with gorgonzola, Breton lobster and walnuts, baked Morone fish dressed with roast meat sauce… Buon appetito!

In the early afternoon rejoin your driver and set off for your hotel on Lake Garda where you will be staying for 3 nights. Following check in spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast your private chauffeur will meet you at your hotel and drive you to a riding establishment located on the hills above Lake Garda. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your instructor and venture out on an unforgettable half-day trek. Appropriate for participants with experience at any level, from beginners to seasoned cowboys, this ride is led by a professional instructor who can customise treks to suit different ages, needs and skills. Most tracks are not accessible with traditional means of transport ensuring guests an off-the-beaten path experience which is also sustainable, responsible and eco-friendly. Enjoy the unparalleled views Italy has to offer from the saddle as you trot along a scenic route through unspoilt nature.

After the ride your chauffeur will drive you back to your hotel where you may enjoy some free time for lunch.

In the afternoon your chauffeur will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the port of Maderno. Here your skipper will be waiting ready to take you on a 20-minute boat ride to a privately owned island, dominated by an elegant palazzo, still the home of an aristocratic family. Hop aboard and set sail for Isola del Garda. Upon arrival, a member of the family will welcome you to this true corner of heaven. One hundred and thirty Gallic-Roman tombstones unearthed here attest to the island’s use as a burial ground in ancient Roman times. In its long history Isola del Garda served as a hideout for pirates, a game reserve, a hermitage, a Franciscan monastery, a school of philosophy and theology and, finally, a splendid residential mansion. Today, the gorgeous Neogothic-Venetian style villa, built between 1890 and 1903, is inhabited by Lady Charlotte Cavazza, three of her seven children and their families, descendants of the Roman Borghese dynasty. Since 2001 the owners have opened portions of the island to the public with the aim of sharing a slice of their compelling family history and way of life with visitors. Your host will show you around the family chapel, two of the villa’s rooms and the magnificently landscaped gardens, blooming with fruit trees, roses, bougainvillea and an array of exotic flowers and plants. Before cruising back to Maderno enjoy a refreshing aperitivo on a terrace overlooking the lake… raise a glass to the island!

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

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