A 13th-century village respectfully turned into a relais where the fascination of olden days merges with up-to-date comforts

Self-drive tour available from 01 April to 15 November 2023.

DAY 1: Florence/Borgo di Vescine (approx. 55 km), Rome/Borgo di Vescine (approx. 265 km)
Collect your vehicle and make your way to Borgo di Vescine, a 7th-century fortified hamlet that, thanks to the labor of the monks, became a fully functional village. An attentive restoration preserved the historic atmosphere, and nowadays staying at the borgo means to forget haste and enjoy simple life surrounded by Chianti’s unique scenery.

Dinner at the hotel.

Today’s recommended activities:
Arriving from Florence: private 3-hour walking tour of Florence.
Arriving from Rome: stop at a wine estate in Orvieto’s countryside.
Visit of the premises, wine tasting and lunch.

DAY 2: Borgo di Vescine/Panzano/Greve/Badia a Passignano/Castellina/Borgo di Vescine (approx. 54 km)
Drive pleasantly on gently rolling hills and along vineyards, glance at hilltop castles, and then reach Panzano, coiled around a medieval castle, a stronghold on the route of Chianti. Continue to Greve, a delightful village on whose main square you will find one of the most renowned butchers’ of Tuscany. A short drive from there sits Badia a Passignano, where in the 11th century was built a fortified abbey dedicated to St Michael. Admire its ramparts, and stroll leisurely through the estate, before making your way to Castellina, a village founded by the Etruscans, home to the Cinta Senese. This native swine breed ranges free, feeding on acorns, chestnuts, and aromatic herbs, and is functional to the equilibrium of the surrounding environment. All Cinta Senese breeders follow strict guidelines, and a visit to one of them is an excellent way to get acknowledged with this area’s real life.

Dinner at leisure.

Today’s recommended activities:
Wine tasting in a family-run winery around Greve in Chianti.
Visit to a Cinta Senese farmstead with lunch and wine tasting.

DAY 3: Borgo di Vescine/Radda/Siena/Borgo di Vescine (approx. 64 km)
Sangiovese grapes are everywhere, in Chianti, and the little villages scattered among them, like Radda, only add to the general charm. The regular rows of the vineyards are a soothing sight, and invite to further explore this beautiful countryside. Siena is a must-see, with the awe-inspiring Duomo with its unique floor and pulpit, the streets fragrant with almond and truffles, and the iconic Piazza del Campo where, twice a year, the Contrade compete in the controversial but fascinating Palio.

Dinner at the hotel.

Today’s recommended activities:
Wine safari between Radda and Siena, including wine tasting and charcuterie board.
Private 3-hour walking tour of Siena.
Truffle degustation in Siena.

DAY 4

Check-out: Check out and make your way to drop off your vehicle, or continue your self-drive experience to Villa Cicolina (approx. 84 km) or Massimago Wine Relais (approx. 289 km).

Inclusions:
• 4 days car rental 
• Pick up and drop off of the vehicle at Florence airport/city center or Rome Fiumicino airport/city center.
• 3 nights in double deluxe room at Borgo di Vescine.
• 3 buffet breakfasts.
• 2 four-course dinners, beverages excluded.
• 1 wine tasting at Borgo di Vescine, including 3 wines and appetizers.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES
• Arriving from Florence: private 3-hour walking tour of Florence. Upon request at the moment of booking the tour may include a visit to Academy or Uffizi Gallery. 
• Arriving from Rome: stop at a wine estate in Orvieto’s countryside, visit of the vineyards and cellar, with 3-course lunch paired with 4 wines.
• Wine tasting at a family-run winery in Greve in Chianti area, including 4 different wines and local appetizers
• Visit to a Cinta Senese farmstead in Castellina, with light lunch accompanied by wine tasting including three wines, olive oil, Tuscan cured meat, bruschetta, pasta with Cinta Senese sauce, season vegetables, balsamic vinegar, Tuscan bread and dessert.
• Wine Safari between Radda and Siena, including jeep tour of the vineyards, visit of the cellars, tasting of 7 different wines, paired with olive oil, bread and focaccia, local cheese and cold cuts.
• Private 3-hour walking tour of Siena. Optional entrance tickets to Duomo or Palazzo Pubblico to be purchased on the spot.
• Truffle degustation in Siena including truffle-based condiments and foods, Tuscan bread and 1 glass of wine per person.

Contact Us at 800-621-2259 or info@tourcrafters.com to book today!

*Package descriptions and pricing are subject to change without notice.