Butch's Tuscan Tour Autumn 2010
An Italian Food and Wine Adventure

October 4-10, 2010

Monday, October 4 • L,D
Florence-Gaiole

Transfer from your hotel in Florence to Badia a Coltibuono. Enjoy a private cooking course and wine tasting with the delicious Tuscan lunch you helped prepare. After lunch, tour the aging cellars and explore the stunning grounds of the Abbey. Welcome dinner at the Ristorante Badia a Coltibuono.

Tuesday, October 5 • B,L,D
Gaiole-Impruneta-Panzano-Gaiole

Today we start out by visiting Castello di Cafaggio to visit with the Baron Benci and his charming wife Gabriella for a tour of an ancient olive oil facility. After the tour we will sit down to a lovely lunch and enjoy some of region’s best olive oil and traditional Tuscan fare. After lunch we make our way back to the Abbey to relax and enjoy the garden, pool or acres of walking trails. Dinner tonight is at Dario Cecchini’s Officina della Bistecca, a cooking school for grilling steaks. Come with an appetite and bring a bottle to share.

Wednesday, October 6 • B
Gaiole-Siena

This morning we explore Siena, one of Italy’s prettiest medieval cities. We will wind our way into this impressive walled city as we enjoy in Siena’s weekly outdoor market. Once we find ourselves inside the walls you can explore the many shops and museums; or just grab a drink at a café and people watch at the Piazza del Campo. On our way back we will stop off at Rocca di Montigrossi for a winery tour and tasting with Marco Ricasoli. Dinner tonight is on your own while you explore Radda, one of the most picturesque hill towns in Chianti.

Thursday, October 7 • B,S,D
Radda-San Gimignano-Radda

Today we head to San Gimignano known for its white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano and its numerous towers. Today is market day in San Gimignano so enjoy the local color, explore, shop and eat. On our way back we will make a short stop at agriturismo Casafrassi and do a combination tasting of wines, olive oil and salumi. Later that evening, we'll travel to one of the finest restaurants in the Chianti Classico district.

Friday, October 8 • B,L
Radda-Pienza-Montalcino

Today we will transfer to Montalcino. On the way we will make a stop at Uccelliera, one of the top producers of Brunello di Montalcino. After our tasting and tour we will head to the village of Pienza. Here you can explore the renaissance architecture, shop, and meet up for lunch at a café and do a cheese tasting of different Pecorino cheeses. After lunch we will transfer to our next hotel the Hotel Vecchia Oliviera. Dine on your own in Montalcino, one of the great destinations of Tuscany.

Saturday, October 9 • B,L,D
Montalcino

Today we will visit Teresa Galli, a local chef, at her third story apartment overlooking the city of Montalcino, for a cooking class and lunch. After lunch, take the afternoon to relax, explore, and get ready for our finale dinner at one of Montalcino's best restaurants.

Sunday, October 10
Montalcino-Florence

Transfer to Florence to stay on, or head home.