Villa Tavernaccia

Your Chianti adventure begins on your arrival in Florence, where your Guardian Angel is the first to welcome you to Italy. Drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to your Private Estate, your up-close introduction to the spectacular region you’re about to explore. On arriving, your local host greets you with drinks, snacks and a refrigerator already packed with your favorites, and then introduces you to all the outstanding features and amenities of your new home. Following a leisurely afternoon of settling in, gather around the table for a chef-prepared welcome dinner.

Following a hearty continental breakfast, stretch out and get to know your Private Estate, lounging poolside or gathering for a game on the lawns. The flavors of last night’s dinner still lingering on the palate, tonight is a great opportunity for your private cooking class, held right in your villa’s kitchen. Armed with fresh produce, local cheeses and other delectable ingredients, your personal chef guides you through the preparation of several Italian specialties, with each course and recipe tailored to your group’s experience and tastes. Feast on the fruits of your labors for another outstanding night of dining.

Each day of your stay is yours to spend as you please, and our local experts have prepared several enticing options for exploring the area around your Private Estate. You can set out on a walking tour of Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Begin at the storied Uffizi Gallery, home to admire celebrated works such as Caravaggio's Medusa, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and the Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael. You then stroll through Florence’s historic Mercato Centrale to sample Tuscan street foods at its artisanal stalls. Alternately, get behind the wheel of a vintage roadster for a self-drive tour through the enchanting landscapes of the Chianti region, accompanied by a local expert. Head to Siena to explore its historic center and then stop for a gourmet lunch with each dish perfectly prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Today is an excellent opportunity for a sunrise balloon flight over Chianti. On this optional excursion, the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany unroll before you, bathed in the early morning right as you soar high above them. Touch ground again to find an elegant continental breakfast laid out for you, complete with sparkling wine to toast this unforgettable moment. Return to the villa for a relaxing day. The evening’s highlight is a wine tasting, led by an expert in local viticulture and held right on the grounds of your Private Estate. Sample a hand-picked variety of local reds and whites as the late afternoon sun casts your surroundings in a warm, golden glow.

Today may find you setting out on an optional hike or a scenic e-bike tour through the rolling hills of Chianti, guided by a local expert who knows the region intimately. Wander through lush vineyards, olive groves and quaint villages, taking in the stunning Tuscan landscape. Midway, pause at a local winery for a leisurely lunch of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients artfully paired with the winery's best wines. Continue your adventure on foot or by e-bike, soaking in the serene beauty and panoramic views before returning to your Private Estate.

For another unique perspective on Tuscany, consider an optional excursion such as a deep dive into Tuscany’s art and history with a visit to the Abbey of Passignano, where the monks open the monastery exclusively for you. After the visit, indulge your senses at a Michelin-starred culinary haven, where each dish is a masterpiece celebrating the rich terroir of the region, including a wine pairing that perfectly complements your meal.

As your time in Chianti winds down, there’s still time for an optional excursion — you might choose a horseback ride through the enchanting landscapes between Volterra and San Gimignano. Accompanied by expert guides, trace your way through ancient woods, verdant fields and timeless olive groves, experiencing an intimate connection with nature and the true soul of Tuscany. Return to your villa for your personal photo session with a professional photographer, who works with you to capture the best vacation pictures you’ve ever seen. The evening concludes with a spectacular farewell dinner, prepared in your own kitchen by a professional chef and served in the cozy surroundings of your Private Estate.

Depart your Private Estate on your private transfer to the airport, where you meet your homebound flight.