Tuscan Gourmet
Tour Data
A luxury 7 night holiday following the some of the classic race routes and "Strade dei Vini" through this historic and rich environment.
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7 Nights of luxury following the tastes and flavours of “la Cucina Toscana” |
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Max km allowance 1350km (extra KM rates apply if you exceed this limit) |
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The itinerary is a ‘summer’ season itinerary and can be booked from the start of May through to the end of October |
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Platinum upgrade option available to access the best suites available! |
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For prices please click on the booking tab above |
Day 1
Your personal driver meets you at Pisa or Florence airports (other airports available on request) and transports you to our starting base at Lucca where you will be shown around your chosen vehicle, have the route and navigation system explained and any questions answered by the CDT member of staff.
The afternoon drive takes you north into the Apennines with a general heading for Bologna. Before arriving in Bologna however we will be turning through 170º in order to reach the famous Raticosa and Futa passes, some of the roads of the old Mille Miglia race. You will revel in the 60km of truly stunning roads, and you will certainly understand why this has been a favourite amongst drivers for decades.
The destination is a hotel is an old Medici Villa that has been extensively restored and then furnished in a style that blends the ancient structure with a contemporary style.
For people taking our Platinum package we will be reserving one of the hotel's suites.
Estimated driving distance today: 150km
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Day 2
Today is another driver’s delight with some of the most exciting roads and wildest countryside Tuscany has to offer. The day starts with an ascent up the Passo del Muraglione and its accompanying descent on the far side. The (slightly narrow) ‘Cento Forche’ then links you over to the gradual ascent leading to the Passo del Calla, a road with two very distinct characters. The final ascent contains tight hairpin bends and large drops whereas once you have traversed the forested summit stretch, the descent is a riot of smooth loops (still often turning about 180 degrees) and brief straighter sections.
But the day isn’t going to end there! After the Calla you still have to climb and pass over the Passo della Consuma before making your way south of Florence to tonight’s selected hotel.
The hotel is in fact a fully restored 15 th century villa originally of the family Machiavelli.
Dinner is booked for you in the hotel’s exclusive restaurant.
Normally we book tables for 8pm but please let our staff know if you would prefer earlier or later dining.
Estimated driving distance today: 100-250km
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Day 3
After the last coupe of days of hard-core driving we have built an easier day into the schedule today. You will be staying two nights in the same hotel so today presents a number of choices.
The day can be filled with driving, using the hotel Spa facilities, or we can organise one of a number of optional special activities such as a helicopter ride over Chianti, a hot air balloon ride, cooking lessons etc (to enquire about booking these activities please email ClassicDreamTour). Or you may mix and match the above options.
If you want to drive, our roadbook details a couple of possible routes that will take you through the heart of Tuscany and of course give you the chance to stop off at the most interesting locations. From the hotel you are just a few KM south of Florence and so that may also become a destination. If you decide to visit Florence, please follow our GPS directions to our secure parking garage in the centre of this historic city.
Dinner may again be taken at the hotel or we will make a reservation at one of our favourite restaurants in the local area for you. Please let CDT know before lunchtime if you need a reservation making.
Estimated driving distance today: 100-200km
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Day 4
This morning brings a southerly heading to the plan, with a visit of the historic medieval city of Siena having first threaded you way along the SS222 Chiantigiana through the heart of the Chianti Classico area, then other Monte San Savino and accress the Chiana valley and on to the hill town of Cortona.
The morning drive along the 222 takes you along one of the most typical and picturesque areas of Italy. There are a number of small towns worth a quick look such as Panzano, Castellina and Greve. You may stop and purchase bottle of the infamous local wines in any number of “vendita diretta” stalls, not to ignore the olive oil. At Siena you may choose to stop for a quick look around the city or just continue with the route. The route itself heads away from the town in a north easterly direction before turning southwards and a rendezvous with the SS73
We suggest a lunch stop is taken in the picturesque village of Palazzuolo at the Trattoria “La Scuderia”, but Sunday lunch reservations are advised so please let CDT know in the morning if you would like a reservation.
Palazzuolo is located on the SS73 which is one of the greatest driving roads (although quite short) in the area, The curves link forest, vineyard and olive grove with some breathtaking views with a good surface and lots of carriage width.
The evening destination is just south of the historic Etruscan town of Cortona where you will be welcomed by our selected hotel.
The hotel is a historic residence dating from 1464, once the hunting manor of Cardinal Passerini who enjoyed position as the bishop of Cortona and the treasurer of the Vatican! We have reserved a suite for your stay and dinner in the hotel’s stylish restaurant. The owners will be more than happy to advise over the choice of wine to compliment your meal.
Estimated driving distance today: 150km
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Day 5
The last full day of driving takes you on a loop of southern Tuscany passing Montepulciano, Pienza, Buonconvento and south of Siena
The morning drive covers the area of southern Tuscany/Northern Umbria with its gentle, rolling hills before becoming the more typical Tuscan landscape again around Pienza. Pienza is well worth a look with its 15th century (partial) transformation ordered by the then pope, Pius II, who was native of this small town.
The afternoon takes in a loop of Monte Amiata in the southern most part of Tuscany before heading to our next overnight stop just south of Montalcino (of the famous 'vino nobile' Brunello). Your destination is one of the most famous wine estate of the area and their sumptuous 'Borgo'.
The estate provides a chance to visit the cellars and sample their high quality product. There is a choice of restaurants but as guest of the estate you can avail yourselves of the exclusive Taverna restaurant. The Enoteca provides a social location and access to the estate's vintages and the on-site fitness and pool will help you work of some of the last 24 hours of Cucina Italiana.
The Platinum option brings an upgrade from a 'Riserva' double to the highest level suite available.
Estimated driving distance today: 100-200km
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Day 6
Todays ‘giro’ around south western Tuscany is a relatively easy day, but will still be full of sights and flavours of Italy.
You head out of Montalcino towards Siena, but will soon be diverted left on to yet another amazing stretch of road. Along the way there are some places to visit, including the famous Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Buonconvento and the ruined abbey of San Galgano, on your way to our suggested lunch stop at The “Griglieria La Boccia” just outside Massa Marittima.
Depending on how many courses you have consumed over lunch, the afternoon drive will either allow for an early arrival at the next hotel, or perhaps just give you time to get over lunch in readiness for dinner!
The hotel (the word hotel really does not do justice to this jewel of Tuscany) dates from Medieval times having been a castle and stronghold before becoming a papal villa. You cannot help but feel part of history during your stay here.
The hotel also has Spa facilities (a full list of available treatments can be sent on request) which we are happy to reserve for you before your arrival. Dinner will be taken in the hotel's own restaurant either out on the terraces or in the stylish dining room.
For people taking our Platinum package we will be reserving one of the hotel's suites (the 'standard' qualifies for a very large double room with king size bed!).
Estimated driving distance today: 150km
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Day 7
The last full day of driving takes us back into a more familiar face of Tuscany as we skirt the lower corner of Chianti. We suggest a few minutes are spent looking around the fortress town of Monteriggioni before moving on to San Gimignano where you certainly will not be on your own in peak season, but it is still worth a look (if you are ordering the ‘personal assistant’ service, you will be able to drive up to the city gates where you will be met and the car parked for you)
From San Gimignano you follow the sinuous SR68 to Volterra for a final halt before heading back up to Lucca (the same parking service is available if you have the ‘personal assistant’)
The final hotel is the location where your trip started just a few days ago, just a couple km south of Lucca.
Dinner is booked in the hotel’s restaurant.
Estimated driving distance today: 150-200km
Day 8 - AM
You will be driven back by your private driver to your selected airport.
Whats included
The tour includes the following:
- 7 Nights of luxury 5 star accommodation
- Hire of classic car or modern supercar (unless own vehicle option selected) for entire trip
- 1350km of driving allowance
- Chauffeur driven airport transfers
- GPS navigation system with predefined routes
- Bound personalised road book
- 24 hour concierge line
- Personalised reminder of your trip
- Restaurant reservations service
- Any special tickets (depending on itinerary)
- Optional on site 'Personal Assistant' service to arrange refuelling, car washing for each morning, baggage transport and on site support
