Day 1 Arrive in Florence, rendez-vous before noon in the centre. Transfer south through the historic towns of Greve and Panzano. Arrive in the medieval hilltop hamlet of Volpaia, now a world class wine and olive oil producer, and take a short tour of their wine and olive oil facilities. For your first lunch in the Tuscan hills, be the guest of Giovannella Stianti-Mascheroni, Volpaia’s owner and relax under the pergolas of her spectacularily panoramic garden. After this decadent welcome lunch, continue on to Hotel San Niccolo in Radda where you can check in and make yourself at home. This evening: Settle in your room at the hotel, relax with a glass of wine by the pool and take in the magnificent scenery. This evening: enjoy your first Tuscan dinner al fresco overlooking the hills at a local restaurant.

Day 2 Siena This morning: After a leisurely breakfast, drive about 30 minutes south through the heart of Chianti to the medieval city of Siena. Meet your guide for a walking tour of this fascinating city and then enjoy lunch at leisure in one of Siena’s many trattorie. Take your time this afternoon to stroll the main streets of Siena, give in to temptation in the array of good shops and join the locals in their evening “passegiata”, the stroll into the main piazza del Campo and enjoy a glass of wine against the dramatic rose coloured stones. Return this evening by way of the Castello di Brolio and have a meal in the shadow of the 14th Century castle.

Day 3 Podere le Rose This morning: take a scenic hike approximately 8 km, through wooded hillsides and rolling terrain to the tiny hamlet of San Polo. On arrival at this lovely stone farmhouse you will be greeted by the de Mari family with a warm smile and an apron, so be prepared to get your hands dirty! In this rustic kitchen learn how to prepare some Tuscan family fare: bruschetta over the open hearth, fresh ravioli, pesto al basilico and their famous Tiramisu. After the riotous preparations in the kitchen relax and enjoy your creations as you gaze across the panorama of vines and Cyprus trees. Return to Radda with time to relax, shop and have dinner at your leisure.

Day 4 Montalcino & Pienza This morning: Drive south into the heart of the Val d’Orcia, across the open rolling countryside of the Creti Senesi through the cherished brunello vines to Montalcino. Take some time to explore the picturesque Medieval centre perched above the valley and enjoy a wine tasting in the local enoteca. Carry on to lunch at Camigliano, a small vineyard in the shadow of the Castello di Banfi and sample fine food and their own vintage, overlooking the spectacular striped hills. This afternoon carry on to the Renaissance hilltown of Pienza, just across the valley. Film buffs may recognise this town from some poignant scenes in “The English Patient” but it has long been known for its ideal renaissance proportions and its delicious local pecorino cheese. This evening: return home in time for a late dip in the pool and a relaxed dinner at your leisure.

Day 5 Certaldo & Vinci After breakfast, drive across the valley to the charming Medieval village of Certaldo, the birthplace of Boccaccio. Wednesday is market day here and today's challenge is to explore the array of food stalls to purchase ingredients for tonight's dinner. Certaldo is a gem of a town overlooked by many travelers, but well worth visiting. The market here is a favorite and you will likely find yourselves to be the only foreigners elbowing your way to the front of the "line" for your produce. This afternoon: After time on your own to discover the city and have some lunch return to Impruneta by way of the tiny hilltown of Vinci. Explore the ancient castle that is now a museum for Leonardo’s machines. Walk up the hill to the humble homestead where the young Leonardo lived with his family. This evening: Return to Radda in time to divide up and take over the kitchen preparing tonight’s meal.

Day 6 Volterra This morning: take a spectacular drive West across the Elsa Valley to the lofty town of Volterra. Once a vast and powerful Etruscan city, then a Roman stronghold it’s architectural stamp is now largely reflective of it’s medieval heyday, and the historic streets are fascinating to explore. It is so high up that as you walk the western walls on a clear day you can see the sparkling Mediterranean. Discover the layers of Volterra with your guide and then spend some time wandering through the many shops, alabaster and artist studios. Return to Radda by way of the small but prestigious wine estate Isole e Olena. Spend some time with Paolo and Marta de Marchi, pioneers of the SuperTuscan vintages and learn the process of making fine, internationally prized wines. See also their olive oil facilities and have the chance to taste all of the fine products made here on this tucked away hillside. This evening: Relaxed dinner in a local trattoria in Radda.

Day 7 Villa Nozzole This morning: Spend your morning at leisure taking in the town of Radda and its surroundings one final time. After lunch, drive into Panzano and Greve for a wander through the shops and stop into some of the local markets along the way. Make your way up to the magnificent 17th century Villa Nozzole, home of the illustrious winemakers, the Folonari Family. Relax and enjoy an amazingly warm welcome during an interactive cooking demonstration with the elegant Giovanna Folonari. As you learn some of Giovanna’s signature dishes, sample the fine wines made by her husband Ambrogio and son Giovanni. Be their guest and dine al fresco for your final dinner in Chianti overlooking the vines or in their opulent dining room, savoring a meal fit for royalty.

Day 8 Florence Departures This morning transfer to Florence for the flight home or, better yet, spend a few more days with us in Florence.