Tuscany, Italy 

The unique rolling landscape of vineyards are truly Tuscan and an unforgettable sight. Only Tuscany’s warm hill sides produce the finest Sangiovese grapes. A wine tasting tour will open your senses: look, smell and taste.

Markets and medieval fairs dotted across the region add charm to the picturesque scenery. For art lovers, it could’t get better. The region gathers more art than many countries together. The capital, Florence, is an essential stop.

Florence

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is renowned for its art and architecture. Most sights lie north of the River Arno: the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, the Giotto's tower, and the baptistery with its magnificent bronze doors. Another cluster of sites is formed by the Bargello Museum with its collection of Renaissance sculpture, the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, and the statue-adorned church of Orsanmichele.

Siena

Immerse yourself in enchanting Siena’s vibrant culture, with its beautiful buildings, fine art and rich history. Its medieval centre boasts the magnificent Piazza del Campo, including the Palazzo Comunale, and is riddled with churches and museums

San Gimignano

The region has so many villages to explore. For its unique medieval atmosphere, San Gimignano deserves a visit. The village keeps 14 of the 72 impressive tower-houses that Patrician families built as symbols of their wealth and power.

Wine tasting in a medieval castle

General Conditions  
  
Group size: from 10 to 200 persons
Operating dates: all year round
Assistance: Available in several languages
Location: Florence, Siena and Chianti Classico area.
DMC: Kuoni Destination Management Destination Rome

With the grape harvesting season finishing in September, it is now the best time to enjoy the new Chianti wine. Kuoni Destination Management in Italy offers you a guided Chianti wine tasting tour at one of the Tuscany’s oldest and most exclusive venues: the Castello di Verrazzano. Located on a hilltop in the Chianti Classico area, it is the first grape growing and wine producing area in the world.
 
Departure in the morning from the hotel in Florence in a deluxe 50 seats coach and drive through the worldwide known Chianti region in direction of Siena. Meet with the local guide and start the visit in the San Domenico church. Its medieval centre boasts the magnificent  Piazza del Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico, Mangia Tower and the cathedral.

Once at the Castello di Verrazzano, a guide introduces you to the beautiful gardens and the wine cellar. A professional Sommelier will accompany you tasting the Chianti Classico wines. You will discover different varieties, years, grapes and will taste the delicious  local specialities.

At lunch, try the traditional Tuscan recipes in a relaxed and familiar atmosphere. In the afternoon, before sunset, transfer back to Siena at your hotel.

Pappa al Pomodoro

Servings: 4
Ingredients:

• 500 g (about 2 cups) peeled tomatoes, chopped
• 250 g (about 1/2 lb) stale bread (preferably Tuscan bread), cut into smallish pieces
• 1 liter (about 4 cups) vegetable broth, warmed
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• basil, chopped coarsely
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (you can also use seasoned or spicy oil) 
• salt and pepper

1. Place the stale bread in a large bowl and pour the warm broth over it, cover and set aside for at least 1 hour.

2. Over medium heat and in a wide pot, pour the oil and sauté the garlic. Add the tomatoes and a dash of salt and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes.

3. Go back to your bread, which should have absorbed most of the broth. Add the bread to the pot, squeezing it a bit with your hand as you do so to eliminate any excess broth. Cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring every so often with a wooden spoon.

4. Serve warm, adding a bit of fresh cut basil and a swirl of good olive oil on top. And remember, always cut fresh basil with your hands, not with a knife or scissors!

Buon appetito!