the alternative tuscany

Would You Like To Enjoy
Tuscany Getting Away From
The Beaten Tracks?
Take A Look At Our Daily
Excursions in
Tuscany
Booking the tour trough your hotel
THE ALTERNATIVE TUSCANY
ALTERNATIVE DAILY ACTIVITIES IN TUSCANY
Looking for a different day out, away from the usual tourist routs?......then read on.
We promote daily excursions to the less publicized Tuscany where as well as seeing
towns and countryside that most never see, you will also have the pleasure of
meeting people who are not part of the tourist trade, but local folk going about their
daily lives.
AN UNFORGETTABLE LOOK INTO THE TUSCAN WAY OF LIFE
*The excursions proposed, run on a weekly basis with a different outing each day of
the week.
*Trips last from three to eight hours and have morning or afternoon pick up times.
*The maximum number of people on each outing is eight: these are not bus tours
*Your driver/host speaks perfect English and French and is a state licensed chauffer
*The vehicle is spacious, comfortable and fully air conditioned
*If you wish to be completely on your own, you may also book privately
You may book your chosen excursion either directly through your hotel reception or
through our guest office at the number and address on the front page which is also the
official meeting point.
For those staying in Figline Valdarno, pick up and drop off are free of charge directly
from the hotel, while a transfer service is available for all other locations.
The earlier you make your reservation the better, as we cannot accept more than eight
persons per trip. Our confirmation will be given immediately.
For information contact Sabrina. Enquiries are not binding.
Sabrina – Tour Director
Activity Calendar
The daily calendar runs from April 7th to October 7th and must be
booked the preceding day. You will be part of small group of no more than eight
people, plus your own personal host driver. You may even book individual or
private group excursions.
For excursions outside the seasonal dates listed above, and private excursions
call Sabrina. Enquiries are not binding.
Day
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Activity
Duration
Pick up
Morning
Experience at a local olive oil mill with tasting and short
lesson on the basics of olive oil.
Afternoon
Truffle Hunting and truffle tasting
4h - 9.30
Afternoon
Guided tour of Florence and typical Florentine dinner.
Morning
Horse riding followed by a refreshing snack at the ranch
6h -15.00
Morning
Excursion to the chianti wine district visiting wineries and
wine tasting.
Afternoon
Experience in a mountainside dairy ranch; visit of the dairy
to see cheese being made and evening barbecue dinner
5h -9.30
Afternoon
Mini lesson with Sommelier and dinner with accompanying
wines.
Morning
Golfing & fashion outlet shopping
5h -18.30
Morning
Bike tour along the Chianti and wine tour .
Afternoon
Outlet Shopping tour and Barbecue under the stars.
4h -9.30
Morning
Italian cooking experience and cooking class with our chef.
Afternoon
Wine tasting and Tuscan dinner at a local winery
4h -11.00
Experience in Chianti visit the International contemporary
park of the Sculpure of Chianti, visit the art laboratory and
lunch
5h -10.30
4h -15.30
5h -14.00
5h -9.00
4h -16.30
8h – 9.30
7h -16.00
4h -16.30
Alternative tuscany
MONDAY
Morning excursion – half day
VISIT AT LOCAL OLIVE OIL MILL WITH TASTING AND SHORT
LESSON ON THE BASICS OF OLIVE OIL
9.30 am Departure from the Hotel With Driver/host
Tuscany. A landscape of olives, vines and forest sculpted by man
with wisdom and respect. Here, in every small ancient village we
feel this atmosphere .An occasion to discover all secret of the
“yellow gold” from Tuscany : the olive oil An interesting route
passing the natural development of the journey made by the Tuscan
man, who since every time has produced the Olive’s Oil with attention
and respect for the work of olive tree by cold pressing in a traditional
oil press (a crushing press), by careful selection of the olives, by
harvesting at the correct time and by filtering only through cotton, toe
are able to produce oils which retain all the character of the original
fruit
At the local mill you will have the chance to taste The Tuscan olive oil,
together with a short lesson on the basics, so to learn more about our
“yellow gold”.
Return to your hotel .
Duration : 4 hours
Plus transfer from /to hotel
Price for person:
50.00€
INCLUSIONS:
- private transfer with driver/ host
- mill visit and olive oil tasting with short lesson on the basics of the olive oil
Alternative tuscany
MONDAY
Afternoon Excursion - half day
TRUFFLE HUNTING AND TASTING
2.00pm departure With Driver /host and Head to San Miniato
Area. We are in the truffles region! Their search and use in local
gourmet restaurants has a long tradition. Here, the white truffle
embodies rural and social micro-history. In the San Miniato area
and in hilly Volterra, fairs and village banquets celebrate the
maturing of this tasty parasite, which thrives under oak trees and
poplars. During our guided tour, you will accompany a licensed
truffle hunter and his trained truffle-sniffing dog in an exciting
hunt for truffles. But… our excursion is not finished! We will visit
a truffle factory where the owners will explain us how they work
on truffles and will offer us a nice tasting of their produces before
tasting some typical dishes .Then to discover S.Miniato the small
village famous for the Truffle in Tuscany
Duration: 5 hours
Plus transfer from /back to hotel
Price per person
60.00€
INCLUSIONS:
- private transfer with driver/host
- private guided tour with truffle hunting
truffle tasting
Alternative tuscany
TUESDAY
afternoon half day excursion
Horse riding followed by a refreshing snack at the
ranch.
9.00 am meet your driver at the hotel and transfer into the ranch.
Another very interesting activity is about to begin !! Once you will get
the ranch you will be met by your expert horse rider that will
introduce you the set course .. Make sure to be properly dressed,
with comfort trekking shoes that you may find useful in order to face
the tiny paths where you will have to get of f your hors. when the
rides begin, Relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature that surrounds
you. At the end of the course, you will return at the ranch where you
will enjoy the taste of the local wine together a well deserved sneak.
Duration 4hours
Price per person:
85.00€
INCLUSIONS:
- private transfer with driver /host
- private lesson of horse back riding with a professional trainer
- private snack at the ranch
Alternative tuscany
TUESDAY
Afternoon excursion – full day
Guided tour of Florence and typical Florentine
dinner.
3.00pm transfer to Florence for a guided Tour. Meet your guide to
start a charming walking tour of Florence an unforgettable guided
walk, discovering some of the most suggestive and important places
in Florence the magic atmosphere of Ponte Vecchio, the "bridge of
jewellers", Piazzale degli Uffizi, Piazza della Signoria, a spectacular
outdoor museum of sculpture; Piazza San Firenze, with its
magnificent Palazzo Gondi, Palazzo del Bargello, the oldest medieval
building in Florence, the house and places of Dante Alighieri, and
Piazza del Duomo, splendid view of the illuminated religious centre.
We will finally arrive in a typical Tuscany restaurant where while
comfortably seated, you will have the typical Florentine restaurant
with rich menu and excellent Chianti wine
Duration: 5 hours
Plus transfer from /back to hotel
Price per person
120.00€
INCLUSION:
- private transfer with driver/host
- private guided walking tour of Florence
- dinner at local Florentine Restaurant
Alternative tuscany
Wednesday
Full day excursion
Golfing & fashion outlet shopping
10.00 am departure with your driver to the Val Di Chiana Area
The Val Di Chiana Golf club is situated just a few steps from the
highway exit. Here you could enjoy a nice and intimate atmosphere.
The club only has a 9 holes course where is possible to let play people
of every kind : from the ones that are already used to that sport, to
the ones that wants to have a nice experience, thanks to the passion
of the Master who will be glad to teach you the basics , so to let you
enjoy better your first try.In here you will be able to rent everything
you need to play.. the only thing you need to bring with you is the
willing to have fun! After the Golf Club we will climb in to the car
again, just a few minutes to reach the Outlet village!
The Val Di chiana Outlet Village is Considered the “Tuscan suburb of
fashion” and this is not a casualty. The Village have In its inside 90
shops among which people could find the most famous and popular
fashion griffe, anything has been left behind, the visitor could find
satisfaction for every need, for Clothes are not the only attraction
there , among the many shops it will be possible to find every kind of
goodies.The village has 4 bars, 3 Restaurant, a huge playground
where kids can play in absolute safety. Its shape reminds of the
Tuscan ancient suburbs and this surely make the place even more
interesting to visit in its whole, the 4 entrances lead all to the main
square where people meet to talk and just to take a coffee a rest for
some minutes. Are you Ready??? Wild shopping is about to start.
Duration 8 h.
Price per person
80.00€
INCLUSIONS:
- private transfer with driver / host
- Val di chiana Golf Club Entrance
- Val di Chiana Outlet villane excursion
Alternative Tuscany
Wednesday
Afternoon excursion
Mini lesson with Sommelier and dinner with
accompanying wines.
6.30 pm Departure with your driver to the nice town of Figline
Valdarno. TORRE GUELFA RESTAURANT the private
caveau
Departure with your driver and assistant to the Florence countryside
for a unique dinner We will arrive at the renowned Torre Guelfa
restaurant, where we will be dining in the refined but strictly private
wine cellar. The table service is highly personalized and the cellar is
hidden from the rest of the restaurant, ensuring us the most intimate
and reserved of surroundings. The table can be set for two to eight
people, and only the finest linen, silver and crystal glassware are good
enough. The “a la carte” menu offers you a wide selection of meat or
fish dishes and of course our private wine list with it’s vast choice of
wines from all over the world, as well as the best in Tuscan
wines.Claudio the patron chef of Torre Guelfa Restaurant, will cook
your meal in front of you and will give you his expert advice, on the
best accompanying wine for each course. The bottle will be taken from
it’s resting place in front of your eyes, in the very cellar where you are
dining. Considering the highly exclusive nature of the cellar, advance
booking of at least 24 hours is required.
12.00pm - return to your hotel
Duration : 5 hours
Price per person
100.00€
INCLUSIONS:
- private transfer with driver host
- private dinner with typical dishes and combined wines inside the exclusive
caveau of the Restaurant
Alternative Tuscany
Thursday
Morning half day excursion
Excursion to the chianti wine district visiting
wineries and wine tasting.
9.30 am Departure with your Driver host for the Chianti.
Chianti is the first name that comes to mind when talking of wine in
Tuscany. Situated between Florence and Siena, the Chianti region
offers a rare and breathtaking example of how it’s possible to cultivate
land in complete harmony with nature. Wherever you cast your eyes,
vineyards, olive orchards and Cyprus trees are blended into the
surrounding woodland with the same aesthetic sense of a renaissance
painting. Though it’s less known, the renaissance ideals of beauty
not only regarded the traditional arts, but were also extended to the
natural environment, and the Chianti region is a wonderful testimony
of this concept. Here we can a chance to visit the a balsamic vinegar
laboratory and a small winery where you will have your chance to
taste the chianti wine and let yourself get enchanted by visiting the
wine cellars.During the excursion we will visit the ancient hamlet of
Radda and stop in the Ceramic laboratory
After the tour your host will drive you back to your hotel
Duration: 5 hours
Plus transfer from /back to hotel
Price per person
40.00€
INCLUSION
- private transfer with driver /host
- chianti wine tasting and balsamic vinegar cellars visit.
- Pottery laboratory
Alternative Tuscany
Thursday
Afternoon half day excursion
Experience in a mountainside dairy ranch; visit of
the dairy to see cheese being made and evening
barbecue dinner
3.30 pm. Departure with driver to the upper side of the Arno Valley.
Passing through the old Cassia Vetus Road the first thing that will amaze you will
be the incredible view of the natural landscapes.
In a few time you will get the ranch where a wonderful experience will dive you in
a timeless ancient world. You will be met by the owner of the dairy, a person that
still preserves the passion for his work and the respect of nature, then , with a
special car, you will be touring the entire property of the ranch, and mostly, you
will be a part of the natural process of the making of the cheese, which follows
the natural circle. The first step will lead you in the room where little cows born,
since , it’s from life itself that the circle begins, after that, you will visit the room
where the calves are feed .. here the atmosphere is surely breath-taking ,
something that seems to be centuries far away from us, where the breath of life is
the only protagonist. Still amazed by such beauty, the tour continues bringing
you to admire how the animals live in total safety and freedom.
After that you will see another very special experience, the cow’s milking! But our
visit doesn’t end here of course, after having seen the process that leads to the
milk.. here the more interesting part of the visit starts!! You will see the entire
making of process of the cheese, step by step, smelling the typical flavour of the
warm milk, seeing how the whey is naturally drained out of the milk to produce
the wonderful ricotta cheese [it’s so soft that it even reminds of ice cream!] ..to
witness how the cheese are aged and how they are chosen to become fresh or
aged cheeses. After this incredibly interesting lesson, the only thing left do to
is,…have a taste of it! you will taste both fresh and aged cheese, learning how to
distinguish the differences and the flavours. After this beautiful experience you
will be driven back to your hotel
Duration: 5 hours
Price per person
80.00€
INCLUSIONS:
- private transfer with driver/host
- visit the entire dairy ranch and cheese tasting
Alternative Tuscany
FRIDAY
Morning tour half day excursion.
Bike tour along the vineyard of the chianti and
chianti wine tasting .
9.00 am.your driver Will come and pick you up at your hotel to drive
you in the chianti Area . Chianti Wine Region offers a rare and
breathtaking example of how it’s possible to cultivate land in complete
harmony with nature. Wherever you cast your eyes, vineyards, olive
orchards and Cyprus trees are blended into the surrounding
woodland with the same aesthetic sense of a renaissance painting
forming a unique tapestry effect. Arrived in the Medieval Castellina we
will take the bike for the tour . During the exciting excursion trough
the vineyard we’ll complete our day with an extra special experience
visiting one of the oldest and historical wineries in Chianti along with
the adjacent village of Fonterutoli. Both are part of the same estate
owned since ancient times by the Noble Mazzei family. You’ll be
guided through the beautifully preserved medieval village, the noble
villas and antique cellars and the still remaining renaissance garden.
Then to complete the day in style we’ll have a professionally guided
wine tasting after which we’ll take a seat at the winery’s “Osteria” for
dinner. The atmosphere is refined warm and friendly, and Antonio will
help you in your choice from the day’s menu, expertly advising you on
the best accompanying wines of the Fonterutoli Castle. .
Duration 5 hours [plus transfer from/to hotel]
Price per person
60.00€
INCLUSIONS:
- private transfer with driver/host
- bikes rental
- private tour with a professional biker
Alternative Tuscany
FRIDAY
Afternoon half day excursion
Outlet Shopping tour and Barbecue under the
stars.
4.00 pm Departure with driver and
assistant shopper and
...shopping, shopping, shopping .We know where all the discount
designer outlets are hidden away as well as where all the best
specialised markets are to be found. We can bring you to places
that are off the tourist track which only Italians know about We'll
spend the morning showing you our favourite tuscan shops whatever you're looking for; we'll make sure you find it. We can
also visit one of the markets that are held on particular days
throughout the week.
But ... You can decide if you want to change location and spend the
morning visiting the designer outlets, ranging from Gucci, Fendi,
Armani, Prada and many more After the tour you will be driven to
torre Guelfa Relais, where in the summertime you can enjoy a
delightful evening along the borders of the swimming pool, something
unique and romantic..under the tuscan…stars!
After the dinner return to your hotel.
Duration: 7 hours
Price per person
75.00€
INCLUSIONS:
- private transfer with guide/host
- private shopping tour either at the local outlet or local market and shops
- private dinner at Relais Torre Guelfa
Alternative Tuscany
Saturday
Half day morning excursion
Italian cooking experience and cooking class with
our chef.
9.30 pm: your driver will come and pick you up to lead you into the
tuscan Flavours
Departure with your private driver, to the medieval town of Figline
Valdarno, where you will greeted personally by Claudio Piantini, for a
unique cooking experience.The course is spread over a period of three
hours and together with Claudio you will discover the secrets that will
make your next Italian dish just that little more authentic.Together
with Claudio and his staff, you will prepare a complete menu, from
starters to dessert. You’ll be given tips on choosing the ingredients
but above you will get an insight on the preparation methods that
only a famous cook like Claudio would know. You will also have the
pleasure of “being put to work” by Claudio taking active part in the
preparation of the meal.
To end the lesson you will present the dishes you have prepared and
then take a well earned rest. The evening then continues with a
sumptuous banquet with accompanying wines. If you did a good job
in the kitchen, you may even get to taste some of your own cooking.
Duration: 5hours + transfer
Price per person
90.00€
INCLUSIONS:
- pirvate transfer with driver host
- private cooking lesson
- lunch at the restaurant
Alternative Tuscany
Saturday
Afternoon excursion - half day
WINE TASTING AND TUSCAN DINNER AT LOCAL WINERY
4.30 pm Departure with driver /host for the Chianti Area
Driving trough the Chianti area in the beautiful scenery of the
vineyard . First stop in one of the most big winery for the guided tour
of the cellar and wine tasting . Continuing the excursion arrive in a
local winery where you will meet the winemaker for a Oenological
introduction lesson .Like professional a long table with more wine and
glasses, together the wine maker, we’ll discover the fashioned wine
world. We learn the wine area of Tuscany, the principal characteristic
of the different wine through the guided wine Tasting. Then, the
Dinner all together! A interesting trip along the flavour to discover the
correct accompany of the wine and the Tuscan dishes after dinner
you will be driven to your hotel for the overnight stay
duration: 5 hours
plus transfer from /to hotel
Price per person
70.00€
INCLUSIONS:
- half day chianti excursion with driver / host
- guided visit of the cellar and wine tasting
- Wine tasting and dinner with the wine maker
- Short lesson on the basics of the chianti wine
Alternative Tuscany
Sunday
Half day morning excursion
Experience
visit the International Park of the
contemporary park of the Sculpure of the chianti .
Lunch in a small village
10.00 am Departure with driver/host for a half
day excursion. Guided trekking trough the
Chianti hill
We leave to go to the Chianti area, we will walk
along one of the most important park of the
contemporary art in the world to admire all
sculpture by 25 international artist . After a
unique visit you will take the opportunity to
visit a paint laboratory to feel a special
atmosphere . Than a nice lunch in a small
trattoria in the charming village of San Sano .
Duration :5 hours
Price per person
70.00 €
Inclusions:
- private transfer with driver/host
- trekking in the park of the sculture
visit of the art laboratory
typical lunch
Alternative Tuscany
Sunday
afternoon half day excursion
Experience
visit the International Park of the
contemporary park of the Sculpure of the chianti .
Lunch in a small village
3.30 pm Departure with driver/host for a half
day excursion. Guided trekking trough the
Chianti hill
We leave to go to the Chianti area, we will walk
along one of the most important park of the
contemporary art in the world to admire all
sculpture by 25 international artist . After a
unique visit you will take the opportunity to
visit a paint laboratory to feel a special
atmosphere .
.
Duration :4 hours
55.00€
Price per person
Inclusions:
- private transfer with driver/host
- trekking in the park of the sculture
visit of the art laboratory
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR
YOUR OVERINGHT STAY IN TUSCANY
The suggested guided excursions are in small group of 8 people maximum
And to be included the transportation with comfortable minivan
The meeting point for the departure are from the main square of Figline Valdarno at
the time confirmed our voucher
For the hotel of Figline Valdarno free charge with pick up in your hotel
(on your request in the booking form)
For the other hotel, we can arrange the transfer with driver with pick up in your hotel,
please ask the supplement price at the reception or at our office
Booking directly in your Hotel 1 day before trough the draw up the BOOKING
FORM , our office provide to confirm the service write your paid voucher
Payment with add your Visa or Mastercard credit card
Inclusions and price are per person
All excursions are availability with private reservation too
For prices and information please contact our office
Office :
office@torreguelfa.it, tel 055951112 fax 0559507727
from 9.00am to 12pm
……BUON DIVERTIMENTO !!!!! Enjoy the day!
www.torreguelfa.it
BOOKING FORM to draw up
First Name
Company
Profession
Postocode
Addess
Town
Country
Tel
Fax
E-mail
I would like to book:
For the period
Number of the guest
For the Total rate of Euro
Extra information and eventually disclaim for the excursions
TOTAL WEIGHT of the Guest (Kg)
Number of the luggage
INFORMATION/ DISCLAIM TO CONVALIDATE THE EXCURSION
I will pay the amount as follows:
Deposit = EURO
10%
The rest = EURO
At the booking
At the arrival
I pay through:
 Credit card ( VISA, MASTERCARD)
I herewith authorise Colline Toscane srl to charge the above mentioned amounts on my credit card
number
expiration date
Entitled to
After the booking you received from I Viaggi del Gusto your prepaied voucer with all details of your
\1service
Cancellation fees:
In the event that the client cancels his or her stay, the following cancellation penalties will be applied:
10% of the total price for cancellations made
50% of the total price for cancellations made 1 days prior to the date of the tour
100% of the total price for cancellations made at the booking date of the tour .
If you want to change the itinerary we will cannot apply the penalties .For change the date is necessary to received the
confirmation by fax from I Viaggi del Gusto . If you have a confirmation of the change we will cannot apply the
penalties .
I authorise herewith the Torre Guelfa Group to use my personal data for the booking following the italian
Law D.L. 196 of 30/6/2003. (Privacy protection)
Signature
I Viaggi del Gusto Tour Operator
Florence-Tuscany-Italy
www.torreguelfa .it