Itinerary


Day 1 - Arrival

• Meet group on arrival at Florence airport and transfer by private coach to the 4 star Hotel Palazzo Ogni Santi, located in the heart of the historic centre of Florence.
• During the "Welcome Drink" your tour escort will talk about the week program and suggest some good restaurants in Florence to enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Day 2 - Marlia - Camigliano - Segromigno

• This morning we will travel to Marlia for a tour of the splendid gardens of the Villa Reale, the former home of Napoleon’s sister.
• We proceed to the magnificent Villa Mansi in Segromigno and we will have lunch in a delightful restaurant "I diavoletti" near the villa itself.
• The last visit of the day will be the stunning Villa Torrigiani in Camigliano.
• Back to the hotel for dinner at your leisure.

Day 3 - Castello Villa Reale - Artimino - Castello Villa Petraia

• Today our journey will take us to Castello to visit the Villa of Castello, which was one of the country houses of the Medici, and then the Lorraine with a visit of its fantastic garden.
• After the visit we will proceed to Artimino where we will stop for lunch in the attached structure of the 16th century Villa Fernanda, well known as the "Villa of the hundred chimneys".
• In the afternoon we visit the famous Villa La Petraia in Castello, which was the summer residence of the Italian Royal Family "The Savoia".
• Dinner at leisure in a romantic restaurant in Florence.

Day 4 - Settignano - Maiano

• This morning we will drive north of Florence to the elegant gardens of villa Gamberaia in Settignano.
• After the visit we will enjoy a leisurely Tuscan lunch together in the Farm near Villa Maiano, an expansive 15th century Villa with a beautiful scenic garden.
• Free afternoon.
• Dinner at own leisure.

Day 5 - Florence - Day At Leisure

• Today spend the entire day at own leisure to explore Florence’s treasures: from the Uffizi's marvellous art collection to Brunelleschi’s Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio.
• Dinner at own leisure.

Day 6 - Collodi - Buggiano

• We will begin our day with a visit of the spectacular 18th century gardens of the Villa Garzoni, located in Collodi.
• We proceed for lunch in the beautiful "Agriturismo Fattoria Il Poggio".
• After the break we will proceed to visit Villa Bellavista at Buggiano, one of the best examples of 17th century Tuscan architecture.
• Back to the hotel and dinner at own leisure.

Day 7 - Florence

• We will cap off this fabulous week with a tour of the grandiose Pitti Palace and its adjoining Boboli Gardens, created in 1550 by the Medici in Florence, just across the Arno River.
• The afternoon is free for last minute sightseeing and shopping. In the evening your tour leader will tell you all the details for your departure.
• Dinner at own leisure.

Day 8 - Florence Departures

• After breakfast, escorted by your tour leader, transfer by private minibus to Florence airport. We will say our farewells to Florence and Italy and make our departures.

Tour Includes

• 1 welcome drink in Hotel
• 8 days English speaking tour escort
• 7 nights Hotel **** Florence on Bed & Breakfast basis
• Private Minibus, transfer services as per programme
• All entrance fees to the villas as per programme
• Italian Botanic expert + interpreter (English speaking guide on day 3rd) at Villa in Castello
• Full day English guided tour on day 2nd, day 3rd, day 6th
• Half day English guided tour on day 7th
• 1 lunch on day 2nd at restaurant "I diavoletti" in Torrigiani drinks incl. 1/4vine + ½ water
• 1 lunch on day 3rd in the restaurant belonging to Villa Fernanda in Artimino (they produce their own vine) drinks incl.1/4 vine + ½ water
• 1 lunch on day 4th farm Villa Maiano drinks incl ¼ vine + ½ water
• 1 lunch on day 6th at Agriturismo Fattoria Il Poggio (drinks incl. ¼ vine + ½ water)

Not Included

• Flights to/from Florence
• Personal travel insurance
• Drinks where not specified
• Tips
• Any personal expenses incurred not specified in "the price includes"

2005 Rates Based on Double

• Euros 2000.00--Min 10 pax
• Euro 52.00--Single Supplement
• Tour Dates: June 25 to July 2, 2005; Sept 17-24, 2005; Oct. 1-8 2005