Italian Connection Tailor Made Bespoke Holidays In Italy

Day 1: 

The time for your Italian honeymoon has arrived and it is time to head to MANCHESTER AIRPORT. Please find your lounge access voucher and boarding passes attached with all your other vouchers.  Customers reserving EasyJet Plus Extra Legroom/ Up Front seats also benefit from dedicated bag drop, EasyJet Plus Speedy Boarding, and are allowed to bring ONE cabin bag no bigger than 56 x 45 x 25cm (including handles and wheels). In addition, you can bring ONE small under seat bag (handbag/laptop) which must be placed under the seat in front. Overhead locker space is limited so use EasyJet Plus Speedy Boarding and board first to secure your space.

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Please ensure that you are at the gates at the time indicated and that you have your passports and boarding passes handy. Easyjet does not provide meals and drinks on board for free however they are available at a charge.

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.Once you get to Venice airport (Marco Polo), our assistant will be waiting for you outside and will have a sign with your name. If for any reason you cannot locate your transfer, please call the number as indicated on the voucher. Andrew speaks perfect English. There is the possibility that you will be taken by car first and then by boat, this is just to ensure a swift journey into the city of Venice. 

 

Please note: Venice airport is very small and quite busy so keep your eyes peeled for your name. Also, make sure that you keep an eye on your bags.  

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You will now be taken to central Venice or to the closest point as on occasions it is not possible for our boat to go any further into the canal in case of high waters and tides. Once you get to the hotel, please provide your vouchers and your passports to process check-in. You will now be provided with the keys to your room. You are staying in a Deluxe Double room inclusive of breakfast. 

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What to Expect from the Hotel when you are here:

• Deluxe rooms combine the elegance of the old aristocratic house with an extremely high level of comfort. Generous in size, about 30 sqm, they are all decorated in elegant 18th-century Venetian style, with antique textiles on the walls, ancient wooden flooring, or the typical "Venetian terrace", which can be found in the most elegant aristocratic palaces. All rooms are equipped with a living area, desk, mini-bar, laptop-size safe, direct phone line, Internet, state-of-the-art flat-screen TV, wireless connection. All polychrome marble bathrooms are equipped with a shower or bathtub.

• With an outdoor garden

• Fitness Room open to hotel guests from 0730-2230

• Spa on the top floor providing a range of treatments - click here for details

• Restaurant Alle Corone 

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Day 2

It is time for your tour. Please ensure that you follow the instructions as per your voucher and make sure that you are here on time...Do not forget to bring your vouchers with you. 

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Venice Travel Essentials….

Travelling Around:

It may be wise to purchase a pass for the water buses to allow you access to them throughout your stay. You do not then have to pay over the odds to move around.  It can get very expensive without a pass. The first time you use your ticket you must validate it before travel by inserting it to be date-stamped in one of the yellow machines on the jetty, or by touching it to a sensor, depending on the type of ticket.
Single ticket valid for 60 minutes - € 7
24-hour travel card - €20
48-hour travel card - €30
72-hour travel card - €40
7-day travel card - € 60

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Hours start when the card is validated (not when it's bought) so it can be bought ahead of time. Be sure to validate it in the machine before boarding the water bus. The price of a ticket or travel card includes one piece of luggage up to 150 cm (total sum of its three dimensions). The Travel Cards are the most economical solution for people who want to get around Venice and its surroundings on Actv’s land and water services. They allow unlimited travel and can be used on all the services - both waterborne (except those of routes Alilaguna, and Actv routes no. 16, 19, 21, and Casinò) and on land - that provide urban services within the municipality ("Comune") of Venice (land services on the Lido and in Mestre except land-bus routes for journeys having Venice Marco Polo Airport as departure or arrival point).  Validity can be 1, 2, 3, or 7 days from stamping, depending on the chosen tariff solution. Included in the price is the transport of one luggage item of up to 150 cm as the sum of its three dimensions. Can be purchased from the Venezia Unica ticket desks, the self-service ticket machines of Piazzale Roma S.Chiara, Ferrovia Scalzi, Ferrovia S.Lucia, S.Marcuola, Ca' d'Oro, Rialto, S.Tomà, Zattere, S.Marco Vallaresso, and Giardinetti, S.Zaccaria Danieli and Pietà, Arsenale, Lido S.M. Elisabetta, Burano, Punta Sabbioni, Marco Polo airport, municipal Carpark in Piazzale Roma, Ospedale dell'Angelo, and the authorized resellers.). For an extra charge of € 4,00 for one-way journeys only, or of € 8,00 for return journeys, all tourist travel cards (12, 24, 36, 48, 72 hours and 7 days) may be used on the land-bus routes for journeys having Venice Marco Polo Airport as departure or arrival point, otherwise, be excluded OR…. I would go and buy a Venice Discount Pass. You can buy these at Vaporetto ticket kiosks bearing the “helloVenezia” or “Venice connected” logos or online at the Venice Connected site before you leave home (there’s usually a good discount if you do this), and they do range in price.

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Some Ideas and Things to Do.....

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• There are quite a few markets in Venice which make for some great photos…Rialto Fruit and Vegetables Market San Polo, Casaria - Campo de la Pescheria When: Every day from 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The Rialto Fish Market San Polo, Campo de le Becarie - Loggia Grande and Loggia Piccola. When: Every day from 7.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Rio Terà San Leonardo Market, from Monday to Saturday (shops opening hours). Rio Terà San Leonardo. Via Garibaldi Market, Campo Pescheria Every day from 7.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

• Get up really early, at about 0430 subject to sunrise as there needs to be light and head to St Mark’s Square…. It is truly magical and you will be the only one there!

• See Titian’s glorious ‘Assumption’ above the high altar at I Frari, Tintoretto’s epic masterpiece ‘Crucifixion’ at Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and Tiepolo’s monumental frescoes at the Pieta and the Ca Rezzonico.  Venice’s Scuole merit some study. Scuole – a blend of art-treasure house and social institution – are uniquely Venetian establishments. Essentially, they were devotional lay brotherhoods, subject to the state rather than the church. In Venice’s complicated system of social checks and balances they gave citizens of wealth – but no hope of ever entering the ruling elite – a place to feel they exerted some influence. The earliest was founded in the 13th century; by the 15th century, there were six Scuole Grandi and as many as 400 minor Scuole. Scuola Grande di San Rocco, recently restored and reopened Scuola Grande di San Marco and Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista – were mainly drawn from the wealthier professional classes, the humbler Scuole Piccole were exclusively devotional groups, trade guilds or confraternities of foreign communities (such as the Scuola di San Giorgio Degli Schiavoni). These buildings are essential viewing for anyone interested in the works of these artists.

• You may want to take a day trip to Chioggia….and visit the indoor market which is colourful and exciting.

• Get a bird's-eye view of Venice - At almost 99m (325ft), the Campanile is the city’s tallest building, originally built between 888 and 912 (in July 1902 it collapsed, imploding in a neat pyramid of rubble. It was rebuilt exactly 'as it was, where it was', as the town council of the day promised). Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III rode a horse to the top of the original in 1451; these days visitors take the lift. The view is superb, taking in the Lido, the whole lagoon, and (on a clear day) the Dolomites in the distance. The thing is that there are queues everywhere in Venice so it may just be a good idea to get the tickets where you jump the queues.

• The city’s best gelato is served in Boutique del Gelato on the busy Salizzada San Lio. There is usually a queue.  At Alaska Gelateria-Sorbetteria, Carlo Pistacchi is passionate about making ice-cream and experimenting with new flavours using only the freshest natural ingredients. Stick to hazelnut or yogurt, or be adventurous and sample seasonally changing exotic flavours, artichoke, fennel, asparagus, or even ginger.

• Eat seafood you've never seen before - The lagoon city has a long and glorious culinary tradition based on fresh seafood. A writhing, glistening variety of sea creatures swims from the stalls of the Rialto and Chioggia markets into local kitchens. Going with the flow of la Cucina Veneta. Be open-minded. Not everybody has eaten Granseola (spider crab) or Garusoli (sea snails) or Canoce (mantis shrimps), but Venice is definitely the place to try these marine curios.

• Try traditional dishes from the Veneto – like oca in onto (goose in its own fat) or freshwater lagoon fish done in saor at Antica Adelaide, get the best polpette (meatballs) in Venice at Ca d’Oro (Alla Vedova), and a strong selection of Venetian antipasti, including raw sea-food, at Vini da Gigio.

• Ride a traghetto or gondola ferry across the Grand Canal. The trip is quick, but it costs almost nothing, and it's the best transportation deal in Venice. (Traghetti cross the canal at half a dozen points, and the routes are marked on most good maps.) So make sure you get yourself a good map for Venice.

• Check out the Gallerie dell’Accademia (€15), which has an enormous collection of artworks by the Venetian greats – Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto, Tiepolo. The Accademia’s 20-plus rooms can be a little overwhelming, so make sure you don’t miss Giorgione’s heartbreaking Old Woman in room four. The gallery opens at 8.15 am – get there early to beat the crowds.

• The Peggy Guggenheim Collection (€14) is Venice’s major modern art gallery, with a piece or two by most 20th-centuries masters; Jackson Pollock gets a whole room. Marino Marini’s Angel of the Citadel will make you smile (it’s a man on a horse with arms widespread and a huge erection), and is on a lovely terrace backing on to the Grand Canal. The Guggenheim also has great temporary exhibitions.

• You can’t go to Venice without visiting at least one palazzo museum, and Ca’ Rezzonico (€8) is much more manageable than the more famous Palazzo Ducale or Museo Correr in San Marco. The splendid marble-fronted building houses the city’s 18th-century artifacts, including paintings and frescoes by Tiepolo, antique furniture, and Venetian glass.

• You are similarly spoiled for choice when it comes to churches. Head to Dorsoduro and check out San Sebastiano, the parish church of Veronese. His paintings adorn the sacristy and nave ceilings, the walls, the organ shutters, and around the altar.

• Visit San Rocco in San Polo, which is famous for its Tintoretto. The church of San Zaccaria and Inside the church, a sarcophagus containing the body of Saint Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist.  Giovanni Bellini's Madonna and Child with Saints Peter, Catherine, Jerome, and Lucy, one of Venice's masterpieces, is on a left altar.  Only one ray of the sun can enter the church through the clerestory windows across the nave, but as the sun moves the ray picks out each of the stunning robes of the saints and the Madonna in turn.

• After soaking up the city, head to this gelateria for some ice-cream. Gelateria Nico opened in 1937. You must try their praline with cream. Eat it as you stroll along the Fondamenta Zattere, and stop for a prosecco at Laguna, next to the Vaporetto stop. not cheap but a great place for people-watching, as is Al Chioschetto, a little pavement kiosk that often has a live band, and whose outdoor tables are always packed with people drinking the ubiquitous orange spritz aperitifs. From Zattere you can take a free shuttle boat to the Hilton Molino Stucky which has a rooftop bar and was converted from a huge flour mill.

• There are some fun tours available from learning how to be a gondolier to standup paddling and kayaking, it is all up to you….

• There are always lots of people in Venice, The main part of the tourist track runs from the train station along the Lista di Spagna, and continues on as the road changes names a few times, before arriving at the bottleneck that is the Rialto Bridge. It doesn’t cross the bridge, however, because the cheese at the end of the proverbial maze is still to come. From the Rialto, the path isn’t as clearly defined, but there are still dominant pathways you’ll notice people following to make their way to St Marks which is really a sight to behold.

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Restaurants & Bars Worth a Visit 

• Ristorante Marco Polo is quite close to you...Salisada Castello San Lio, 5571, 30122 Venezia.  

• For something simple try out Osteria Ae Sconte which provides a classic menu. Castello 5533, Corte Perini - S. Lio, 30122 Venezia 

• Across the water is Antico Calice - Calle dei Stagneri, 5228, 30124 San Marc

• Ristorante Da Fiore in San Polo - http://www.dafiore.net/restaurant/

• Ai Mercanti in Calle dei Fuseri - http://www.aimercanti.it/en/

• Definitely Ristorante Quadri Piazza San Marco, 12 https://www.alajmo.it/en/sezione/ristorante-quadri/ristorante-quadri

• Amo - https://www.alajmo.it/en/sezione/amo/amo T Fondaco dei Tedeschi

• Head to the Ca Sagredo Hotel one of my favourite hotels which apart from having a sculpture worth a view.. their restaurant is also pretty good. Campo Santa Sofia, 4. They also have a beautiful piano nobile with frescoes…. You would need to ask to see if they will allow you a quick preview.

• Definitely Locanda Cipriani on the island of Torcello… perhaps do this for lunch? Another place I love….!

• Osteria Alba Nova, quiet, cosy and casual....(osteriaalbanova.it)

• Osteria Alla Bifora is the ideal location. Address: Dorsoduro 2930, Venice, Italy, +39 041 523 6119. Classy chandeliers, beautiful candlelight, and a rustic feel give this bar an aura of romanticism that sets it aside from most of the others on this list. It is quite a small establishment, so it is usually very full since locals know it to be a great place to go-to for hearty servings, tantalizing snacks, and incredible drinks.

• Cantina del Vino Già Schiavi: Address: Dorsoduro 992, Venice, Italy, +39 041 523 0034. Not only is this one of the best bars in Dorsoduro. It is also one of the 10 best bars in the entire city of Venice. Cantinone Già Schiavi, or Al Bottegon, as it is also known, is a picturesque bar situated by a canal, and it is the perfect place in which to enjoy a delicious glass of wine whilst people-watching. Their cicchetti (bar snacks) are to die for, ranging from a spectacular bruschetta to cod purée or a tasty tuna with leek.

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FANCY TAKING SOMETHING BACK HOME WHICH SAYS VENICE: 

Founded in 1946, Ars Cenedese Murano, thanks to the high quality and exclusivity of its production, has soon established itself internationally as one of the most prestigious glass factories on the island of Murano, the world’s capital of artistic mouth-blown glassworks. Though remaining closely bound to the ancient tradition of classical Murano glass (dating back from the 12th century) through the production of exquisite and refined pieces, Ars Cenedese Murano is constantly open to the suggestions of contemporary art, setting itself on the forefront of artistic glassmaking. For its marked artistic sensibility and calling to excellence, thanks to the skills and capabilities of the glass masters, each and every item is unique and special, a true image of the love for glass and Beauty. For further details: https://www.arscenedese.com 

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Day 3

It is now time to leave and to say goodbye to Venice and our meet and greet service will meet you at the hotel and will accompany you to the water taxi and then to the train station. Please be ready to leave at the designated time. Your train leaves at 1225. Locate your train which is the Frecciarossa 9427 and it should tell you on the board the platform it leaves from (Binario). Then all you need to do is to locate the coach - number 9 and then your seats 7 and 8a. Your tickets are attached and just make sure that you have your passports close by together with your tickets just in case you need to show them. 

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Some General Information to help you on Your Trip

Departures and arrivals are often given equal priority on display boards: partenze means departures and arrivi means arrivals. As well as their final destination, trains are identified by a number - if you check this on your ticket it will help you to identify your train. Binario means platform. Usually, trains have a regular platform which is listed on the timetables displayed at stations. But this may change so check display boards and listen for announcements (sometimes these are made in English, but if not, listen out for the word binario, learn a few Italian numbers, ask for assistance if you're not sure where you may be going

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• Most trains are air-conditioned (note that Italians don't like windows being opened leading to dreaded draughts). Blinds are generally provided, and can be pulled down to keep out the hot sun - you might not see the view but you'll be much more comfortable.
  Train toilets are usually (not always) quite decent and well-stocked with FS-branded toilet tissue, although long journeys take their toll. However, there is a great cleaning service available so it is actually quite good!

• If you want to be standing on the correct section of the platform, have a look around for a plan of train layouts. Sometimes these are displayed on the platform and they'll indicate the formation of regular trains so you can work out where your carriage will stop.

• Don't be afraid to ask passengers to move if they're sitting in your seats. Show your reservation details. Prenotato means 'booked'.

• The telephone number for rail travel inquiries is 892021 from within Italy. From overseas call 0039 06 68475475; there are English-speaking operators who are very helpful.

• Booking online, on station machines, or over the phone is efficient and much more convenient than queuing at ticket desks. You can change reservations over the phone, subject to seat availability and ticket type

• If your train is delayed you may be entitled to a partial refund. Ask for a form to fill in at the station. It may take a bit of time.

• Have your passports or some form of identity close to you as you may be required to show your passport with some of the trains booked for you.
   

Useful Train Vocabulary

treno - train
carrozza – carriage
posto – seat
compartimento – compartment
capotreno – train conductor
partenze - departures
arrivi - arrivals
binario - platform
biglietto - ticket (plural: biglietti)
biglietto di andata - single
andata e ritorno - return

 

When you get to Florence station and take note that this is a very busy station, our driver will be waiting for you at the end of the platform and will have a sign with your name. You will now be taken to your hotel ANTICA TORRE where you will be staying in a Grand Deluxe Room. Again please provide your vouchers and your passports.

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What to Expect from the Hotel when you are here:

• The exclusive jasmine-perfumed private terraces and sweeping views of Monte Morello and the Apennines characterise these splendid rooms in the Medieval Tower. These extremely bright and quiet rooms range in size from 20 to 25 square metres..  Rooms are available either with king-size bed or twin beds and offer marble bathroom with bathtub, finely appointed wardrobe, parquet floor, large-screen LCD television, DVD player, telephone with direct-dial external access, mini-bar, electronic safe.  All of the rooms offer heat and air conditioning, complimentary WiFi access, shoehorn, slippers, and hairdryer. 

• Enjoy the restaurant in the tower

• You really need to enjoy the terraces here as you get a view over Florence which is unique so do not forget to spend some time on their panoramic bar... this is a must!!!

 

Day 4

It is Uffizi Day today. Please ensure that you follow the instructions as per your voucher regarding the time and meeting point. Again do not forget to bring your voucher with you.

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You do not have much time available in Florence…. But here are some ideas/suggestions…

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1. Come face to face with the Duomo this is a must. The huge Gothic duomo was begun in 1296, consecrated in 1436, and holds 20,000 people. Inside, Brunelleschi's Dome is a masterpiece of construction. Buy a ticket to climb the 463 steps to its top and get the best views over Florence possible. It is always so busy here but this is such a great work of art.

2. Pay homage to Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in Italy which holds the tombs of several important Florentines including Michelangelo and Dante. One of Brunelleschi's most important works, the Cappella Dei Pazzi, is in Santa Croce. Admission includes the museum and tours given by volunteers when available. Audio tours are extra. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30-5:30 and Sunday, 1-5:30. Also available here are frescoes by Gaddi, Giotto, and even a relief by Donatello.

3. Take a walk in Piazza Della Signoria…… and if you do this in the evening or early morning, it makes it far more magical and romantic.

4. Experience Piazzale Michelangelo and enjoy a spectacular view of Florence. Do this in the late afternoon (there maybe traffic leading to it especially if it is rush-hour) but make a night of it and stop off for dinner at la Loggia Ask for a table outside. Then take a look at Florence by night.

5. If your view of Florence is not enough, then take a trip by bus to Fiesole which will give you a higher view over Florence.

6. The Medici Chapels…are a must, only because Michelangelo contributed to it but also for the Chapel of the Prince’s ceiling…which is just touching.

7. The Ferragamo Museum. This is one for shoe lovers. You will simply adore this museum. Located in Palazzo Spini Feroni, the museum contains over 10,000 pairs of shoes worn by such star divas as Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth. http://www.ferragamo.com/museo/it/ita You could even go to the Gucci museum if you are into fashion. . http://www.guccimuseo.com/en

8. Vivoli Ice Cream: Be sure to stop by Vivoli to enjoy the most famous Florentine ice cream, made by the Vivoli family since 1930. Via dell’Isola Delle Stinche, 7/r, 50122 Firenze. Vivoli is closed Mondays, but otherwise stays open until 11 pm in winter, midnight or later in summer, and is always crowded—even though it is a bit hard to find, hidden in the twist of alleys west of Santa Croce, just north of Via Ghibellina. Another ice cream haven is Grom, which is located just a few steps from the Duomo on Via Del Campanile. Try the dark chocolate and coconut, Sicilian granite, fresh fruit sorbets, endless ice cream flavours…. I would suggest just staying here for the whole time you are in Florence!

9. Museo del'Opificio di Pietra Dure - An amazing museum. If you are unlucky there might be 10 to 15 people in there with you. Pietre Dure is the art of making pictures from semi-precious stones that the de Medici loved. This museum has so much incredible art to see that it is a little overwhelming, but for 2 Euro or so, it is one of the great bargains of all time!  I know I said 10 but here is 1 extra….  Via Degli Alfani, 78, 50122 Firenze.

10. Wander from the Palazzo Pitti to Santo Spirito and enjoy the artist’s shops. In the neighborhood from the Pitti to Santo Spirito are hundreds of shops where you can see the traditional crafts being still performed today. You can see Pietre Dure being made ("paintings" made from semi-precious stones). There are so many different kinds of art being made. Much of it is expensive but it costs nothing to stop and watch. But even the expensive stuff seems much more reasonably priced when you see the work that goes into it.

11. Walk…. And walk and walk…there is so much to take in when you walk. Then join the locals at dusk for their cool evening stroll/passeggiata. Amble hand-in-hand past street performers and shop fronts on the wide Via Dei Calzaiuoli Avenue which links the Duomo and the grand Piazza Della Signoria. Or watch the sunset over the River Arno from Ponte Vecchio Bridge.

12. You may want to go and visit the SAN LORENZO market famous for its food delicatessen.  You will need to go out in the morning. Housed inside a huge iron and glass building, built-in 1874. Even though it is now a tourist attraction, the market has preserved a part of its charm. On the ground floor, there are several delicatessens, selling Florentine and Tuscan delicacies, where it is possible to stop for a bite to eat. On the first floor, there are flower stalls and fruit and vegetable stalls where all the local seasonal produce is displayed.  

13. Take a quick look at the OFFICINA PROFUMO di Santa Maria Novella. one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, where it is possible to buy essences and perfumes made to formulas that were created in the sixteenth century for Caterina de' Medici, and liqueurs which are still made today following the antique formula used by the Dominican monks. Via Della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze.

14. Try il Mercato Delle Pulci – Flea market located in PIAZZA DEI CIOMPI and open every day from 0900-1930.

15. In Florence, Fashion is a type of art that is part of the city's cultural heritage. Only in Florence can you find stores and boutiques of the most important Florentine designers: Ferragamo, Cavalli, Gucci, Prada, Enrico Coveri, Patrizia Pepe, Emilio Pucci, who represent Italian fashion in the world. Through your interest in fashion, Florentine shopping will bring you to the Ponte Vecchio that, thanks to its precious jewellery, represents the heart of artisan Florence. Goldsmith art is famous all around the world and still, today preserves the original characteristics.

16. The Antiquarians are one of Florence’s treasures.  The street for antiques is Via Maggio: some of the furnishings and objets d’art that you find here are from the 16th century. Also, check out Via Tornabuoni….

17. The New Market, where one can acquire leather goods and souvenirs, is sheltered under the sixteenth-century Loggia del Porcellino. At the Flea Market, near Piazza Santa Croce, one can make good deals on small antique items. The last Sunday of every month except July, the market expands into the adjacent streets.

18. I would like to share some of my favourite shops in Florence and they are: Beltrami Via de' Tornabuoni 48r, Florence: Beautifully crafted luggage sets, bags, briefcases, shoes, and boots are featured in this store. Prices are extremely reasonable. Bottega Artigiana del Libro Lungarno Corsini 38R, Florence 50123: Hand-decorated stationery, diaries, and photo albums are featured in this boutique. The unique selections would make great invitations or gifts for any occasion. Casadei Via de Tornabuni 33, Florence: Those who want to show off their sense of style shop in this elegant lady's shoe store. The trends these days are bright, multicolored shoes with intricate designs. High heels and sharp toes are the way to go, and Casadei provides a wide selection. Farmaceutica De Santa Maria Novella Via Della Scall 16B, Florence: This "pharmacy" provides a wide selection of herbal remedies. The beautiful building that houses this store contains vaulted ceilings, carved wood and stained glass decorations, and frescoed ceilings. Various herbs are on display in glass-paneled cabinets, enticing customers to leave with more than they originally intended. Gianmaria Buccellati Ponte Vecchio, at Lungarno Acciaiuoli, Florence: Surprise your significant other with a gift from this charming store. Candleholders, jewelry, and elaborate tea services are waiting to be wrapped. For something out of the ordinary, look at the unique Collectable silver pumpkins, cabbages, and shells. Madova Gloves Via Guicciardini 1r, Florence: Located just over the Ponte Vecchio sits a tiny shop which specialises in leather gloves. Many of the gloves are lined with silk or cashmere, and some are made without lining. The numerous colours and styles will suit any occasion, and the quality will suit any shopping connoisseur. Tanino Crisci Via de Tornabouni, Florence: Top-quality, in-style leather products are a must for shoppers in Italy, and Tanino Crisci can satisfy any leather aficionado. Men and women alike can take advantage of the trendiest shoes, jackets, and handbags on display in this store.

 

I think that may be enough for now?.............

 

Where & What to Eat

What you have to eat when in Florence is: LA FIORENTINA a T-bone steak which is what Florence is all about. A cut of meat from the Chianina cow, famous worldwide. You cannot leave Florence without having tried La Fiorentina. And if you really want to get Florentine, then you actually eat it half rare! Other famous Tuscan dishes: Fagioli All'Uccelletto (beans) which are boiled and then fried in oil and tomato sauce; Trippa Alla Fiorentina, (tripe) covered in tomato and grated parmesan cheese; Lampredotto, the darkest part of tripe, used for soups and risottos, but also liked by many locals as a filling for a sandwich; Crostini Toscani with liver paté.

 

Regarding wine: There are 4 different types of Chianti that are produced from the vines on the flourishing Florentine hills. Chianti “Classico” is produced between Florence and Siena, while the others, come from Chianti "Colli Fiorentini", Chianti "Rufina" and Chianti "Montespertoli".  Other wines are Pomino which has been appreciated since the beginning of the 1700s, and which owes its name to one of the smallest DOC vineyards in the world, and Vin Santo, which was already known in the fourteenth century, and which is linked to Florentine hospitality. The people offered it to guests accompanied by the traditional Cantuccini biscuits.

 

And now for the best part…..restaurants, we have selected for you.

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Trattoria 4 Leoni: Florentine restaurant in the Oltrarno part of the city which is just outside the main tourist area, with indoor and outdoor seating. There is tripe, but plenty more local specialties, such as tomato soup and Panzanella, which is old bread soaked in water and vinegar, crumbed and served with cucumber, red onion, tomato, and oil. Piazza Della Passera  Via Della Vellutini  00 39 055 218562.

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Osteria del Porcellino: The locals would choose this place if they were eating in the centre. . The food is more delicate and varied than typical Florentine food. This is also one of the best restaurants in the city for vegetarians. There is seating inside and out, the latter in a cool alleyway. Via Val di Lamona  00 39 055 264 148.

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Ristorante Orcagna: Around Piazza Della Signoria, arguably with the best view. It has outside seating looking across to Michelangelo's David. From pizzas and pastas, to grilled meats and veal. Piazza Della Signoria 00 39 055 292 188.

 

Share a bottle of Chianti at Gustavino: Full-bodied Tuscan wines – Chianti and Brunello – are the ideal drinks for a romantic toast. A wine-tasting evening in the old part of town makes a great date. Quaff local wines from the cellar at Gustavino’s wine bar just north of Piazza Della Signoria – they have over 800 wines to choose from. Via Della Condotta 37R, Florence

 

Boccadama in Piazza Santa Croce 25/26r Florence – Located on the ground floor of a Renaissance palazzo and the food here is pretty authentic.  Nice people and good food.  Try their Rigatoni al sugo di salsiccia & tartufo or their paccheri al ragu di cinghiale….

 

Enoteca Pinchiorri in Via Ghibellina 87 Florence – super expensive….and you need to book in super advance as they are always full.  This is cuisine gone super detailed… dishes like Pigeon cooked in two different ways: the leg candied in duck fats, and in contrast, the breast grilled simply and then marinated.  For that special evening highly suggested. Tel: +39 055 242757.

 

Il Francescano in Largo Bargellini 16 (Piazza Croce) Tel: +39 055241605.  This is a trattoria serving traditional and modern dishes. Simple and good, intimate, and rustic.

 

During the day the piazza is filled with people young and old admiring the basilica and enjoying the bustle of the square, while at night it becomes a meeting place for Florentines and tourists and a centre for nightlife. The steps of the basilica and the benches of the piazza become saturated with young people talking and drinking beer, while the nearby bars add their overflow to the revellers. For coffee or aperitif check out the chic bar Oibo.

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Day 5

It is time now to pick up your car. You need to head to VIA DI SANTA LUCIA, 16/R FLORENCE and we have you picking up the car at approximately 1200 hours. When picking up the car please ensure that you have your voucher, driver's license and a credit card as this will be required. Take note that you have incurred a drop off fee as you are leaving the car at the airport and these monies will be authorised on your credit card. Please ensure that you read your voucher and here are some pointers for you...

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• When you arrive there may be a queue so you may have to wait.  We apologise for any delays this may cause but this is totally outside our control. Keep your eyes on all your belongings.

• Car hire companies are not usually that friendly, so just smile as it will soon be over.

• Make sure that before driving off into the sunset you know how everything works… is there a mobiliser, does your car take unleaded or diesel, is the tank full as this is how it has to be provided and returned, if there are any issues with the car who do you call etc. 

• When you finally get the car, make sure that when you are shown to your car that you check and ensure that there are no dents, marks, damage or scratches or other and if there are, make sure that you advise them of this and that it is included within the paperwork. Make sure that your alloys are not scratched….Also take pictures with your mobile. DO NOT leave without the details being entered into the paperwork. If this is problematic ensure that you take photos with your mobile on the day of the damage and that there is a way of confirming the dates on the photos. If there should be any issues afterwards you will have proof available

• Make sure that the tank is full and you will need to return the car with a full tank and do take the time to do this as if you are just slightly under they will charge you…..

• Make sure that you read the details as indicated on your car voucher

• When returning the car make sure that the car is signed off and that they check the car fully and that they give you the paperwork to confirm that all is in order and when you get back to the UK keep the paperwork with you for up to 3 months if not longer in case at a later stage you find that monies have been deducted from the card you left as guarantee

• Ensure that you have enough euro coins and some cash as you may be required to pay some tolls on the way….

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And after all that you will now drive to your destination.  Once you get to your hotel, please hand over your voucher at reception and your passports to process check in and you will now be given the keys to your accommodation.  You will be staying here for a total of 3 nights. Please be advised that check in is at 1500 hours but if you arrive early do not worry as there is luggage storage and if your rooms are ready they will be only too happy to check you in.

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What to Expect from the Hotel when you are here....

• Garage Guarded: although Campo Regio Relais is located inside the historical centre of Siena in an area with traffic restriction (ZTL), it is possible to temporarily enter with the car from San Domenico church to load and unload your luggage. Afterwards, you can park your car in the nearby parking area inside the Stadium (which is close when there is a soccer match) or around the medieval Fortress (which is unavailable on Wednesdays because of the outdoor city market). Or, as an alternative, on request and upon payment you can park your car in a Garage, only a few minutes walk far from Campo Regio Relais. If you are interested in this service, please send us an e-mail to ask about the cost.

• Honesty bar: feel at home, enjoy our unattended bar you will find in the lounge of our property.

• Internet Connection:wi-fi.

• Laundry service: except on Saturday and holidays.

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Some Ideas for you in Siena.....

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• Check out Ristorante Santa Caterina at Via della Galluzza, 26, is the perfect place to try out local cuisine. Themed around the city's contrada, with coats of arms and memorabilia covering the walls, this is the perfect place to experience Siennese life, with a bit of atmosphere. The menu is varied, suiting all tastes (I'd recommend the pheasant), but leave room for the delightfully sweet deserts and don't miss a glass (or two) of the region's specialty rich-red Chianti wine.

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• Along with conservation of the city's medieval landscape, the proud residents of Siena have conserved other aspects of ancient life. Stroll down to il Magnifico (Via dei Pellegrini, 27) - a bakery serving wonderfully more-ish biscuits, sweets and cakes similar to what would have been eaten centuries ago. Owner Lorenzo will let you nibble away for free until you find your favourites... To keep in with tradition, pick up a box of ricciarelli - small, sweet and chewy biscuits made predominantly from almonds. Be warned: once you pick up one, you'll be wanting more.

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• For a sit-down treat, head to Nannini (Via Banchi di Spora, 24) - the best place in the city for coffee. Try rich, dark espressos or a creamy cappuchino for a caffeine kick, or chomp down on the cafe's huge range of tempting pastries, cakes and cookies.It's a fact: Italians love their ice cream, and travelling is all about experiencing other cultures, right? So dive in and lick up as much of the local stuff as you can!

 

• Head for Gelateria Brivido on Via del Pellegrini, 1, for mound upon mound of the creamy stuff. As you enter the palour you'll be greeted by a huge see-through counter filled with various flavours flamboyantly decorated: mango - dotted with flakes of the fruit, coconut - with coconut shells dug in, coffee - yep, you guessed it, with coffee beans sprinkled over - the old favourites are all there. Adventurous couples mights try the luminous pistachio, tempting chocolate-hazelnut or the tangy very-berry flavours

 

• Well you can't actually bathe in this fountain but that's what residents would have done here centuries ago. Located below the San Domenico church, the Fontebranda acted as a bathroom for thousands of city dwellers. Locals claim they'd still drink the water here so it's a refreshing stop on a city tour. Built in 1193 the fountain proved to be an important meeting point for city dwellers - made up from three basins: one for washing, another for extracting water and one for animals - sit back and imagine what city life was like centuries ago. The fountain also marks a major point on the city's complex network of underground tunnels, which once supplied the entire city with water. The bottini worms its way beneath the city for a staggering 25km - all of which were dug by hand using rudimentary tools hundreds of years ago.

 

• San Domenico -  This impressive Gothic structure stands tall on one of the city's many hill tops. Dominican monks first founded their monastery in 1125, with construction on the church beginning in 1226. Free entry to the church, a treasury of art work and frescos to explore, and tip-top views of Siena outside make this a place worth stopping by. Head for the church in the early evening - sunsets aren't visable from here but cast a bewitching orange glow across the city's centuries-old rooftops and cathedral. The crowds tend to disperse around this time too, so it will be just the two of you. Take a walk around the cathedral to soak it all in, before entering it and seeing the spectacular marble mosaic flooring, alongside works by Donatello and a young Michelangelo. Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am-5pm, Sun 1:30pm-5pm. Watch out for: The exterior gargoyles.

 

• Biblioteca Piccolomini: This library is housed inside Siena Cathedral, built by Pope Pius III for his uncle, the eponymous Piccolomini (better known as Pope Pius II). It was built to preserve the rich heritage of the tomes, but now all that remains are choral books. However, despite the fact the books are mostly gone, the library itself is a work of art. The walls are decorated with frescoes by Pinturicchio, depicting the life and death of Piccolomini. Likewise, there is a sculpture in the centre of the space, a copy of an earlier Hellenistic work depicting the Three Graces. Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am-5pm, Sun 1:30pm-5pm. Watch out for: The ceiling

 

• Italy, and in particular Tuscany, is world-famous for its wine. Where better to explore the intricacies of this region's specialty than in an exhibition housing more than 1,600 bottles? Entocea Italiana is home to wines from across the country and visitors can explore the wide range on offer, and try a glass or two (for a fee). For wine-lovers this exhibition reflects both big businesses and tiny vine-yards, painting a balanced view of the country's complex wine industry. Housed inside the bastions of the 16th century Medici Fortress, with grand arches and elaborate features, it makes for an interesting setting too. Entocea Italiana is on the Fortezza di Santa Barbara - close to the city's main bus station - and serves lunch and dinner in a cool, cave-like restaurant. OR… The Tuscan Wine School classroom is located in an old palazzo in the very most historical part of Siena,  in Via Stalloreggi 26, just a few minutes walk from the famous Piazza del Campo and the Duomo.  We are in the "Contrada della Pantera" (the Panther Neighborhood) of Siena, in fact, we are located just in front of the Panther Fountain. So if you are staying in Siena, you can easily walk to our location.  Learn to taste olive oils and learn to distinguish between the different qualities. What vinegars do Tuscany produce and what's the process of balsamic?the secrects of the recipe of Siena's fruitcake, how truffles are found, the cheese making process, the curious Italian coffee culture and at the local butcher you'll  with the Siennese pig, the so-called Cinta Senese... and much more...

 

• Make sure that you have comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking….and the streets in Siena are very cobbled.

 

• Few dishes are more Tuscan than bistecca Fiorentina, the succulent grilled steak from the prized Chianina breed. At Enoteca I Terzi (Via dei Termini, 7; 39-0577-443-29; enotecaiterzi.it; entrees from 9 euros), the juicy meat is carved on the restaurant’s marble counter before being taken to the table with daily pastas. The wine list is also a huge draw with classics from Tuscany as well as an excellent selection from all over the world. Housed in a former pharmacy (with a beautiful open kitchen), Osteria le Logge (Via del Porrione, 33; 39-0577-480-13; giannibrunelli.it; entrees from 22 euros) sits just off the campo and epitomizes a seasonal and local approach, with daily specials like porcini mushroom salad, taglierini al tartufo and pumpkin-stuffed ravioli among the autumnal treats. Be sure to ask for a table in the ground-floor sala with its painted ceilings and armoires lined with wine bottles.

 

• Check out the AMAZING…Piazza del Campo is the ideal Italian piazza, a huge, gorgeous space reached by winding streets that suddenly converge in front of the city’s exquisite town hall. The tables at Bar Il Palio (Piazza del Campo, 47; 39-0577-282-055) have one of the best views of the piazza; try an after-dinner drink like a grappa or vin santo. This is the ideal place for PEOPLE WATCHING. Remember also that the historical centre was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.  You may want to check out the Tower Torre della Mangia.

 

• Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala - A former hospital, parts of this building date back as far as the 13th century. Nowadays, it’s no longer in use as a house of medicine, but houses three museums. The best of the three is the archaeological museum, an atmospheric journey in the tunnels below the hospital. There are more frescoes to be seen above ground, dripping with history as they depict scenes of good work by the hospital and its patrons. Opening Hours: Wed-Mon 10:30am-6:30pm (10:30am-4:30pm in winter). Watch out for: The medieval hayloft

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Siena’s Best Local Bars

• Un Tubo. Jazz pilgrimage. It’s cozy, dimly lit and has soul. If you think jazz music and wine are linked to boring people, this venue will make you reconsider. Un Tubo is where you can enjoy an exhibition of contemporary art and listen to jazzy melodies played by talented musicians with a glass of excellent wine. Leave the world behind you and take a multi-sensory journey for a magical night to remember. Price: Mid-range Opening hours: Tue-Sun 6pm-1am. Watch out for: the jazz nights and weekly events. Address & telephone number: Via del Luparello 2, Siena, +39 0577271312

 

• Tea Room. A hidden gem. As the name reveals, this comfortable place offers an amazing variety of tea flavors from all over the world. At night, Tea Room’s pots are replaced by an intriguing list of cocktails, rum and rare spirits accompanied by delicious snacks and homemade desserts to die for. Who can resist a journey back to the 1920s through vintage furniture and mellow jazz tunes? Price: Mid-range. Watch out for: the retro-style décor and the live music. Address & telephone number: Via di Porta Giustizia 1, Siena, +39 577 222 753

 

• Al Cambio. Siena’s hottest dance spot.  As you may already know or have realized after a few hours in the city, Siena is a college town, and where there are students, there are also student hangouts. One of the most popular, Al Cambio is a modern club situated just a few steps from the historical center which gets lively during the late hours and especially on weekends serving all kind of drinks. Whatever your age, feel young again and party like there’s no tomorrow. Price: Budget. Watch out for: the evenings of live rock music. Address & telephone number: Via Pantaneto 48, Siena, +39 3398177044

 

• Bar Il Palio. Lively and lovely. Perfectly located in the heart of the city, this casual bar overlooks Piazza del Campo. The location is just one of the reasons Il Palio is always crowded by locals and visitors alike. Whether you want to sip a cocktail or enjoy a cold beer while people watching, there is no better place to immerse in Siena’s medieval glory, take your time to relax and toast to a beautiful sunset. Price: Mid-range. Watch out for: the food options. Address & telephone number: Piazza del Campo 46-9, Siena, +39 577282055

 

 

Eating Out In Siena

La Taverna di San Giuseppe: A journey into Siena’s local gastronomy should start at La Taverna di San Giuseppe. The menu presents the city’s most authentic and traditional recipes, such as the pici, a type of home-made pasta similar to spaghetti, and bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick, succulent steak prepared from locally grown beef. The restaurant also has a wonderful wine list and boasts the best of local and national wines, including the worldwide famous Brunello di Montalcino. Finally, the restaurant takes pride in its selection of simple but tasty sweets, better enjoyed if paired with passiti, muffati and moscati wines. The tiramisu is as heavenly as its name suggests (tira mi su means ‘lift me up’ in Italian). The unpretentious atmosphere and friendly staff make this gem one of the best restaurants in the city.

Via Giovanni Duprè 132, Siena, Italy, +39 0577 42286

 

Tre Cristi: Tre Cristi (Three Christs) takes its name from a painting of Christ and the two thieves crucified, which can be found on a public wall near the restaurant. Located in a 15th-century building, the interior is a mix of 1920s furnishings and boiserieswith medieval-inspired paintings on the walls. This creates a captivating and refined atmosphere, making Tre Cristi an excellent choice for an elegant or romantic dinner in the historic centre. The kitchen prepares exquisite Mediterranean food, and is particularly renowned for its fish dishes.

 

Customers can choose a wine from an extensive and carefully curated list of bottles, stored in the restaurant’s rustic basements. The intimate Secret Room awaits those looking for more privacy and special service. Via Salvani Provenzano 1, Siena, Italy, +39 0577 280608

 

La Bottega dei Sapori Antichi: For a quick but filling and palate-pleasing snack, visitors should make their way to La Bottega dei Sapori Antichi. This small eatery offers irresistible paninis prepared with Tuscan bread and a large selection of traditional, mouth-watering cold cuts, cheeses and oil-preserved vegetables. Among the best are the paninis with either boar prosciutto or finocchiona, a typically Tuscan pork sausage flavoured with fennel seeds. La Bottega also offers a selection of local wines to pair with the panini, as well as Siena’s best-known sweets: the panforte and almond cookies called cantucci. La Bottega dei Sapori Antichi is conveniently located close to the sloping Piazza del Campo, the large, central square which is home to Siena’s annual horserace. Via delle Terme, Siena, Italy, +39 0577 2855001

 

Osteria Da Divo: Historic tuff-stone vaults criss-cross above the heads of customers at Osteria Da Divo, a homely and unique inn that’s very popular among locals and tourists alike. The inn’s ambience is strongly connected to the city’s past: tuff was widely used by the population that inhabited Tuscany in ancient times, the Etruscans. Da Divo’s owners have even adapted a few niches in the walls as smaller, more intimate spaces for customers to enjoy their meal in unrivalled privacy.

 

The menu presents typical dishes from Tuscany’s gastronomy, prepared with quality local produce and changed seasonally to make use of the freshest ingredients. Mushroom fans will be surprised by a special menu which offers a range of dishes with a common ingredient, a typical Italian (although not typically Tuscan) delicacy, the white truffle. Via Franciosa 25, Siena, Italy, +39 0577 286054

 

Numero Unico: Restaurant Numero Unico is named after the publication issued by the winning contrada (team) of the Palio, Siena’s beloved, historical horserace that represents an integral part of its culture. The luminous venue features a modern, sleek design, quite uncommon among the city’s restaurants. Also unique are the graphic design works and photographs on the white walls recalling the Palio. Numero Unico stands out with its eccentric menu. The chefs use local, exquisite culinary specialties, including Colonnata’s lard and Pienza’s Pecorino, for the preparation of untraditional, surprising dishes, presented in inviting and eye-catching arrangements. Via di Città 125, Siena, Italy, +39 0577 287909

 

Cava de’ Noveschi: In central Siena, next to the city’s awe-inspiring, Romanesque Cathedral, is a treasure trove called Cava de’ Noveschi. This is a champagnerie, offering an outstanding selection of French and Italian champagnes and wines, the perfect place to sparkle up the night with a few drinks in a convivial atmosphere. The small but upscale venue, which sports mirrors and Chesterfield-style panels covered with green velvet, is a fitting match to the enticing champagne. Cava de’ Noveschi is equally worthwhile if enjoyed as a fine dining restaurant, where refined and surprising creations, many of which use champagne-soaked ingredients, await the customers. Those in doubt on what to order can ask the friendly chef Filippo Niccoli for advice. Piaggia della Morte 8, Siena, Italy, +39 0577 274878

 

Il Pomodorino: Despite Naples being the go-to destination for Italy’s best pizza, excellent pizzerias can certainly be found Siena too. Il Pomodorino stands out as one of the best pizzerias in the Tuscan city. The pizza here is prepared according to the traditional Neapolitan recipe, with top-quality ingredients such as the exquisite buffalo mozzarella and baked in wood ovens. The rich selection of Il Pomodorino’s delicious pizzas won’t leave anyone disappointed. The restaurant also boasts another striking feature: in the distance, a picturesque cluster of antique houses with the characteristic green windows can be seen, above which Siena’s Cathedral, Mangia Tower, and St. Dominic’s Basilica rise. Via Camporegio 13, Siena, Italy, +39 0577 286811

 

Sorry as I just get carried away….. !

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Day 6

You will now be heading to your last hotel, Il Falconiere and the journey will take you approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes or so. Once you get to the hotel, please hand over your voucher and your passports to process check in. You will be staying here for a total of 3 nights and you will be will be very busy as you have a range of services....Welcome Aperitif with sparkling Rosè Baracchi, Visit  of vineyards, cellar and ‘champagnerie’ followed by  a Tasting menu dinner 3 courses in the 1 Michelin starred restaurant-  with paired wines from the Baracchi Winery and access to the Thesan  Etruscan Spa and Circuit Aqua&Vapori: sauna, Turkish bath, chromo emotional shower, vitality pool, relax area, discuss the timings and the details with the hotel reception after you have checked in.

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Some Suggestions....

• Head out to Cortona for the afternoon. Cortona is one of the oldest hill towns in Tuscany and is featured in Francis Mayes book Under the Tuscan Sun, later made into a movie.

• Le Celle di Cortona, a Franciscan convent, holds the spartan cell where St. Francis stayed when he preached there in 1211. It's about a 45 minute walk through the woods outside the walls. The church and gardens can be visited for free.

• Monte San Savino, 28km north-west of Cortona, was the birthplace of High Renaissance sculptor and architect, Andrea Sansovino—the town's Loggia dei Mercanti (1520) is attributed to its native son. Sansovino also designed part of the town's layout, including Piazza di Monte, and fellow Renaissance architect Antonio da Sangallo helped shape the town's handsome streets and palaces.
  The first thing you will notice about Lucignano, 32km west of Cortona, is its unusual layout, a series of concentric ellipses with the Museo Comunale at the heart. Prize exhibit at this town museum is the 'Tree of Lucignano', an impossibly elaborate gold reliquary that Sienese goldsmiths took over a century to create, between 1350 and around 1470. The 8km stretch of road between Lucignano and Monte San Savino is one of Tuscany's prettiest drives.

• Castiglio Fiorentino, 11km north-west of Cortona, is visible for miles around, with its distinctive tower, the Cassero or fortress, sticking above its rooftops. The town's painting gallery, the Pinacoteca Comunale, is inside the deconsecrated shell of Sant'Angelo al Cassero church (where you can explore the crypt). Inside are several Medieval panels, plus a couple of paintings by Florentine Renaissance artist Bartolomeo della Gatta. 

• Arezzo, 30km north of Cortona, is the provincial capital, a former home of architect and art historian Giorgio Vasari, and where you will find one of Italy's great art treasures, the Legend of the True Cross fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca.

• If you feel like a bit of water.... check out Lake Trasimeno...

 

Where to Eat...

You really need to head into Cortona...and here we suggest...

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• Opened in 1994 by chef Emiliano Rossi, Osteria del Teatro is a romantic restaurant located in a beautifully restored 6th-century building, offering a modern reinterpretation of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Combine antipasti like venison tartare with orange, fennel and black olives with dishes such as yellow squash gnocchi with a sweet-and-sour wild boar ragu. Follow this with a second courses of codfish with pureed chickpeas, capers and anchovies. To finish, try a Tuscan cheese plate or go for indulgent desserts like homemade gelato. Osteria del Teatro, Via Giuseppe Maffei 2, Cortona, Italy, +39 0575 630 556

• Ristorante Preludio has maintained its reputation as one of Cortona’s best loved dining destinations since first opening almost 20 years ago. Traditional Tuscan cuisine updated for the modern palate and crafted in accordance with the seasons is the focus. On offer is ravioli stuffed with pumpkin and Cinta Senese pork, served with mascarpone and salmon roe, or snail-stuffed pigeon served on a bed of leeks with spicy herbs and a polenta flan. All complemented by an extensive list of Tuscan and international wines. Ristorante Preludio, Via Guelfa, 11, Cortona, Italy, +39 0575 630104

• Bottega Baracchi is a truly local dining experience from its interior crafted from Tuscan-sourced materials, to its tempting cuisine focusing on Tuscan culinary traditions. Guests can opt for mouthwatering dishes like homemade pici pasta with traditional hot green tomato sauce or duck breast baked with spices and honey and served with shallots and spinach. Truly dedicated foodies can take part in Bottega Baracchi’s regular cooking lessons and demonstrations to learn the secrets behind the delicious cuisine. Bottega Baracchi, Via Nazionale 78, Cortona, Italy, +39 0575 613 874

• La Loggetta great location and great food....Piazza di Pescheria, 3, 52044 Cortona 

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Day 7

It is time to leave. Make sure that you leave with ample time as you will need to drop the car off and close your contract with the car rental company and then check into your flight.. Please ensure that you are at the airport before gates shut. 

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End Of Service

And We Wish You A Safe Journey and look forward to your feedback on your return

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