Being Diane Lane
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Highlights:
After reading the book “Under the Tuscan Sun” and then becoming absorbed in the movie starring Diane Lane it is only natural to daydream of what it would be like to leave your job and relationships and head for Cortona and some new adventure. That’s when reality sets in and you realize you like your job and you like your life but just need a break with a few female companions with whom it would be great to have an adventure.
Let us take you to Cortona, not to renovate a farmhouse but to stay in a luxury boutique hotel where you can indulge yourselves in the spa, visit the wine areas of Chianti and Montalcino and even learn the Etruscan way of cooking and the Tuscan way with cheese. Gather up a few close friends and head off for a week in the Tuscan countryside.
After reading the book “Under the Tuscan Sun” and then becoming absorbed in the movie starring Diane Lane it is only natural to daydream of what it would be like to leave your job and relationships and head for Cortona and some new adventure. That’s when reality sets in and you realize you like your job and you like your life but just need a break with a few female companions with whom it would be great to have an adventure.
Let us take you to Cortona, not to renovate a farmhouse but to stay in a luxury boutique hotel where you can indulge yourselves in the spa, visit the wine areas of Chianti and Montalcino and even learn the Etruscan way of cooking and the Tuscan way with cheese. Gather up a few close friends and head off for a week in the Tuscan countryside.
SKU:
Explore: Tuscany
Customizable Itinerary - 8 Days (from $7,369 per person)
Day 1: Depart USA
Today, you and your carefully selected traveling companions, board your aircraft for the overnight flight to Italy and the chance, at least for a week, to channel your inner Diane Lane.
Day 2: Welcome to Tuscany
Upon arrival you are met by your Ultitude guide who will handle the transfer of your luggage and then take you on an introductory walking tour of Florence which will also include lunch. You will visit the Piazza del Duomo and learn the history of the dome created by Brunelleschi and the nearby bell tower by Giotto. A visit to the Ponte Vecchio will be followed by a tour of Franciscan Santa Croce church and its masterpieces by Giotto, Donatello and Brunelleschi. Within its walls are the burial sites of the Renaissance greats, Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. You complete your tour in the Piazza della Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. You then head to your Relais et Chateaux property located in the charming town of Cortona. After a chance to freshen up you join your hosts Silvia and Riccardo Baracchi for a welcome aperitif followed by a delicious tasting menu of Tuscan cuisine with matching wines.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Discovering Cortona and a Little Massage Therapy
Today you are taken into Cortona for an exploration of this charming Tuscan town. Despite the popularity of the book and the movie, the town still retains its rustic charm which your guide will open up for you. After some free time in the town you have lunch before returning to the hotel where the afternoon is devoted to the restorative powers of a world class spa. It also helps to banish the last of the jet lag. This evening you dine out at Locanda Del Molino a charming restaurant conveniently close to your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Arezzo and the Art of Tuscan Cheese Making
After breakfast your guide will take you to Arezzo which sits on a hilltop that rises from the Arno River valley. The city is noted for its Piazza Grande which is considered one of the best examples of a medieval square in Italy. The town was a major city state in Etruscan times and later (much later) served as the location for Roberto Benigni’s film “Life is Beautiful”. After a tour of the square you head a little out of town to a vineyard owned by the Counts Borghini Baldovinetti de Bacci who have lived in this area for centuries and create exquisite wine which you will get a chance to taste. After the visit you return to the Piazza Grande for lunch at Logge Vasari, an atmospheric restaurant located on the square. After returning to the hotel you join the chef for a lesson in cheese making before joining Silvia for a private kitchen dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Chianti and at Leisure in Florence
Today you will visit the town of Greve which is located in the Chianti region where you will get the chance to sample various wines of the region and also the noted olive oils. You will also visit a couple of vineyards for further tasting. You then head into Florence where you have the rest of the day and evening to explore on your own. You may want to spend time at the Uffizi or the Accademia Galleries. If you like we can arrange a private showing at Pomellato Jewelry Boutique located on Tornabuoni Street. We can also make recommendations on various restaurants lunch and dinner. At a pre-arranged time in the evening your driver will be waiting to return you to the hotel. Breakfast
Day 6: Day at Leisure and an Etruscan Cooking Class
We have left this day open for you to design your own day. You can return to Florence or spend more time in Cortona. You can enjoy all the amenities of the spa or relax by the pool. If you like, the Barrachis would be happy to host you for a tour of the nearby winery that they own and the chance to sample their vintages. In the late afternoon you will meet in the kitchen to prepare a meal based on ancient Etruscan recipes including Traditional wild herb pie with parmesan fondue, zuppa di faro, local lamb in crust of Tuscan bread and fruit cake with mascarpone cheese mousse. You get to enjoy the fruits of your labor along with some “Super Tuscans” from nearby vineyards.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: The Wines of Montalcino and the Fish of Tuscany
In the morning your guide will be waiting to take you to Montalcino which provides some of the best reds in Tuscany and possibly in Italy. Your first stop will be Casanova di Neri where you will sample some of their superb Brunello di Montalcino. You next visit will be to Le Potazzine where you not only taste the wine but also enjoy lunch. Returning to the hotel you have the chance to enjoy the spa before your farewell teaching moment in the kitchen. Today you will focus on fish, fresh from the Tuscan coast. The menu will depends on what the catch is but could include basic fish broth, bacon wrapped scallops with potato puree and bay leaves, ricotta gnocchi with seafood and saffron sauce, casserole of monkfish and scampi and, for dessert, napoleon of custard and pears with melted chocolate and pignoli. This will also be a good time to try out some Tuscan whites with the meal.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Return to USA
Even a movie has an end and so do vacations. As you enter the car for the ride to the airport you have the comfort of knowing that just for a while you were part of the Tuscan lifestyle enjoying her food, her wine, her history and her people. Hopefully you also came to get a better understanding of your traveling companions. So wipe away the tears and start planning the next trip together.
Breakfast
Today, you and your carefully selected traveling companions, board your aircraft for the overnight flight to Italy and the chance, at least for a week, to channel your inner Diane Lane.
Day 2: Welcome to Tuscany
Upon arrival you are met by your Ultitude guide who will handle the transfer of your luggage and then take you on an introductory walking tour of Florence which will also include lunch. You will visit the Piazza del Duomo and learn the history of the dome created by Brunelleschi and the nearby bell tower by Giotto. A visit to the Ponte Vecchio will be followed by a tour of Franciscan Santa Croce church and its masterpieces by Giotto, Donatello and Brunelleschi. Within its walls are the burial sites of the Renaissance greats, Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. You complete your tour in the Piazza della Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. You then head to your Relais et Chateaux property located in the charming town of Cortona. After a chance to freshen up you join your hosts Silvia and Riccardo Baracchi for a welcome aperitif followed by a delicious tasting menu of Tuscan cuisine with matching wines.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Discovering Cortona and a Little Massage Therapy
Today you are taken into Cortona for an exploration of this charming Tuscan town. Despite the popularity of the book and the movie, the town still retains its rustic charm which your guide will open up for you. After some free time in the town you have lunch before returning to the hotel where the afternoon is devoted to the restorative powers of a world class spa. It also helps to banish the last of the jet lag. This evening you dine out at Locanda Del Molino a charming restaurant conveniently close to your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Arezzo and the Art of Tuscan Cheese Making
After breakfast your guide will take you to Arezzo which sits on a hilltop that rises from the Arno River valley. The city is noted for its Piazza Grande which is considered one of the best examples of a medieval square in Italy. The town was a major city state in Etruscan times and later (much later) served as the location for Roberto Benigni’s film “Life is Beautiful”. After a tour of the square you head a little out of town to a vineyard owned by the Counts Borghini Baldovinetti de Bacci who have lived in this area for centuries and create exquisite wine which you will get a chance to taste. After the visit you return to the Piazza Grande for lunch at Logge Vasari, an atmospheric restaurant located on the square. After returning to the hotel you join the chef for a lesson in cheese making before joining Silvia for a private kitchen dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Chianti and at Leisure in Florence
Today you will visit the town of Greve which is located in the Chianti region where you will get the chance to sample various wines of the region and also the noted olive oils. You will also visit a couple of vineyards for further tasting. You then head into Florence where you have the rest of the day and evening to explore on your own. You may want to spend time at the Uffizi or the Accademia Galleries. If you like we can arrange a private showing at Pomellato Jewelry Boutique located on Tornabuoni Street. We can also make recommendations on various restaurants lunch and dinner. At a pre-arranged time in the evening your driver will be waiting to return you to the hotel. Breakfast
Day 6: Day at Leisure and an Etruscan Cooking Class
We have left this day open for you to design your own day. You can return to Florence or spend more time in Cortona. You can enjoy all the amenities of the spa or relax by the pool. If you like, the Barrachis would be happy to host you for a tour of the nearby winery that they own and the chance to sample their vintages. In the late afternoon you will meet in the kitchen to prepare a meal based on ancient Etruscan recipes including Traditional wild herb pie with parmesan fondue, zuppa di faro, local lamb in crust of Tuscan bread and fruit cake with mascarpone cheese mousse. You get to enjoy the fruits of your labor along with some “Super Tuscans” from nearby vineyards.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: The Wines of Montalcino and the Fish of Tuscany
In the morning your guide will be waiting to take you to Montalcino which provides some of the best reds in Tuscany and possibly in Italy. Your first stop will be Casanova di Neri where you will sample some of their superb Brunello di Montalcino. You next visit will be to Le Potazzine where you not only taste the wine but also enjoy lunch. Returning to the hotel you have the chance to enjoy the spa before your farewell teaching moment in the kitchen. Today you will focus on fish, fresh from the Tuscan coast. The menu will depends on what the catch is but could include basic fish broth, bacon wrapped scallops with potato puree and bay leaves, ricotta gnocchi with seafood and saffron sauce, casserole of monkfish and scampi and, for dessert, napoleon of custard and pears with melted chocolate and pignoli. This will also be a good time to try out some Tuscan whites with the meal.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Return to USA
Even a movie has an end and so do vacations. As you enter the car for the ride to the airport you have the comfort of knowing that just for a while you were part of the Tuscan lifestyle enjoying her food, her wine, her history and her people. Hopefully you also came to get a better understanding of your traveling companions. So wipe away the tears and start planning the next trip together.
Breakfast
