Guided tour Siena and San Gimignano A beautiful excursion through the delightful hills of the Chianti countryside, with an ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees.Upon arrival in Siena, a guided tour of the old city centre: walking along the small medieval streets, admiring the splendid palaces and ending up at the Cathedral where you can visit the splendid interior including the Libreria Piccolomini and the adjacent Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana. The guided tour will conclude in the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful in the world, where you will find the Palazzo del Comune (exterior). Free time for lunch (not included). Departure for San Gimignano a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries; situated on a hilltop, it is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures; free time to discover this fascinating city. On the way you will be able to admire the ancient medieval hamlet of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls, still intact. (around Euro 50,00 per person) Guided tour Pisa and Lucca A splendid excursion through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside to the historic university city of Pisa, famous for its architectural beauty. Upon arrival in Pisa, guided walking tour of Piazza dei Miracoli, with the celebrated Leaning Tower (exterior), the Baptistery (exterior) and other important monuments. This is followed by a visit to the interior of the Cathedral, an unrivalled masterpiece of Romanesque art constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries. Free time at your disposal. Those who are interested can take a pleasant walk with our tour escort and reach Piazza dei Cavalieri, where you can admire the historic Scuola Normale, one of the most famous universities in the world. The tour will continue to Lucca, where the suggestive city walls of this ancient town, admirable not only for its architectural masterpieces, but also for its roads, building and squares. (Around Euro 80,00 per person) Guided tour Chianti area This tour is one of the best popular and most enchanting tours we have . Chianti attracts visitors from all over the world for the landscapes, people, small hamlets, food and great wines. An mixture to admire and taste under the guidance of our driving guide. The guide will drive you to the heart of this region located on the hills between Siena and Florence and will illustrate the history secrets and legends of this land and wines. You will be hosted at one winery to enjoy a wine tasting-lunch and wine cellar visit. (Around Euro 50,00 per person) Guided Tour Montelupo and Vinci The ceramic of Montelupo in their bright greens, blues and yellow have been famous since the Renaissance and while those manufactured today can be found in the many little stores, the ceramics of bygone centuries can be admired in a little museum in Montelupo. Beyond Montelupo and Empoli is the delighful little village of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo . The house where he was born is a museum today and some of his avant-garde designs are exhibited here. Closeby is located San Miniato. This medieval hill top town is famous as a centre forblack and white truffles. (Around Euro 50,00 per person) Florence guided city tour Drive along the romantic Viale dei Colli up to Piazzale Michelangelo: a stop to admire the wonderful panorama of the city, one of the most beautiful in the world. The tour will proceed by coach through the old city centre. Then walking guided visit of the outdoor Duomo complex: the Baptistery with its bronze doors including the famous Porta del Paradiso and the visit of the Cathedral with the magnificent Cupola del Brunelleschi and Giotto’s bell tower. A short walk through the historic streets of the heart of Florence brings you to the renowned Galleria dell’Accademia where you can admire the famous David by Michelangelo and other works by the great artist. End of the tour inside the museum. (Aound Euro 40,00 per person) Wine tasting tour in the heart of Chianti Wine and olive oil tasting is one of the highlight of the area, while cheese, Tuscan cold cuts and other local specialities are available in farms and food shops for tasting and buying. Osteria di Passignano is located in the enchanting hamlet of Badia a Passignano at the foot of a 13th century abbey, around 15 minutes from the hotel. It belongs to the famous Marchesi Antinori Wine Firm: you will taste excellent wines and flavorsome olive-oil. The historical cellar is located in the Abbey undergrounds and it can be visited. 25,00 euro per person. Castello di Verrazzano , an impressive castle birth place of Giovanni da Verrazzano, is located one mile outside Greve in Chianti and at twenty minutes from Villa Il Poggiale. It offers wine tasting with savoury snacks for around Euro 25,00 per person. Villa Vignamaggio where the movie “Much ado about nothing” was made, is also located in the heart of Chianti at 30 minutes from our Villa. Activities/Sports We can organize a wide range of activities to suit everyone. We rent mountain bikes to those who would like to explore some of the idyllic country roads away from traffic. Horse riding at 2 different locations close to the Villa opened every day for excursion and lessons. Tennis at only 10 minutes away. Maps of short or longer walks close to the villa are available at reception. You can enjoy the experience of passing over the patchwork Chianti countryside with its olive groves and vineyards in a hot air balloon but not before you have helped in the preparation for take off! The Ugolino Golf Course, one of the best golf clubs in Italy, is not more than 25 minutes. Tee times at special rates for our guests. Outlets : We are within easy reach of the outlets of the most prestigious designer labels in the Italian Fashion, renowned throughout the world as expression of style, refinement, and luxury. The outlets will allow you to buy shoes, clothing, bags and accessories with solid 30% to 50% discounts. During a comfortable trip on luxury, air-conditioned coaches, you will enjoy the beautiful landscape offered by the Arno Valley. (23/30 euros per person)