TASTE Tours Tuscany at Casali di Bibbiano

A magnificent Italian Country Estate and Winery in the heart of Tuscany, guided by JoAnn Actis-Grande, Wine Editor

April 28 – May 5, 2012

Day 1 Saturday 
Morning arrival in Rome
Travel on our luxury bus through coastal towns to Casali di Bibbiano
Orientation-tour the estate grounds and winery
Lunch on the patio overlooking the vineyards
Relax at the villa
Wine and olive oil tasting
Welcome Dinner at Casali di Bibbiano 

Day 2 Sunday 
Breakfast 
Visit Abbazia di Monte Oliveto, a beautifully located abbey with majestic frescos by Sodoma & Signorelli picturing the life of St. Benedict
On to Bagno Vignoni for lunch, a mid-evil town renowned for its thermal waters and spas (luxury treatments available by request) 
Aperitif & Dinner at Casali di Bibbiano - BBQ featuring Florentine Steak
Live Music

Day 3 Monday 
Breakfast 
Siena, travel through the lush landscapes of Tuscany to one of the regions’ most beautiful cities. Visit the Duomo, renowned for its spectacular use of colored marble & Piazza del Campo, famous for the Palio festival
Aperitif & Dinner at Casali di Bibbiano

Day 4 Tuesday 
Breakfast 
Florence-journey to the city of art and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Guided tour of the Uffizzi Gallery & Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia
Lunch on your own
Aperitif & Dinner at Casali di Bibbiano

Day 5 Wednesday  
Breakfast
Relax at Casali di Bibbiano
A cooking class with Alberto & staff chef will be available in the morning for those who are interested Lunch at Pecorino cheese factory then visit Pienza, birthplace of Pope Pius II in 1405 and Montepulciano, a small walled city lined with splendid Renaissance palaces and churches 
Stop at one of our favorite leather factories on the way home  
Aperitif & Dinner at Casali di Bibbiano

Day 6 Thursday 
Breakfast
Visit Assisi-motor through the Umbrian hills to the spectacular Basilica of St. Francis with its beautiful frescos by many famous artists, including Giotto & Cimabue
Lunch at Lake Trasimeno
Afternoon in Cortona home of “Under the Tuscan Sun”  
Aperitif & Dinner at Casali di Bibbiano

Day 7 Friday 
Breakfast
Explore Montelcino-a hilltop city with breathtaking views of Tuscany and famous for its Brunello di Montelcino
Winery tour and tasting at Castello Banfi
Lunch at Castello Banfi
Winery tour and wine tasting at Altesino and Mozart.  
Farewell dinner at Casali di Bibbiano

Day 8 Saturday
Depart for Rome

Cost is $3,600 for 7 day itinerary (airfare not included). 

Optional: Additional cooking classes and wine tastings, golf, tennis, horseback riding, and shopping available upon request.

For more information or to book your trip contact JoAnn at 603.674.8991 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it