This wonderful excursion takes you to the heart of Tuscany, to the celebrated wine estate of Castello Banfi, a family owned vineyard and winery in the Brunello region of Tuscany. Enjoy the highest expression of Tuscan cuisine at a five-course tasting dinner paired with outstanding wines in the shadow of a medieval castle dating to the 9th century. Stay at the Estate's Castello Banfi Il Borgo, a small luxury hotel created in the 17th century hamlet that grew alongside the castle walls. Tour the countryside with your private car and driver; visit a picturesque abbey to hear Gregorian chant; enjoy an authentic Tuscan lunch in a local trattoria; taste the famous Pecorino cheese at the farm of a local cheese producer; enjoy a tasting of the Estate's award winning wines.
Day 1: Arrival at hotel. Enjoy a five-course wine pairing dinner at the Estate's La Taverna restaurant, featuring the highest expression of authentic Tuscan cuisine.
Day 2: Savor a leisurely Tuscan breakfast. The morning and early afternoon are free to enjoy the Estate: take a trek through the vineyards; relax by the pool, in the terraced garden or in the well appointed reading room; visit the Estate's museum to view its collection of ancient glass and Etruscan pottery. Take a guided tour of the Banfi winery and enjoy a tasting of three of the Estate's Sangiovese wines. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3: After breakfast, depart for a tour with your private English speaking driver that includes the charming town of Montalcino; a tasting of Pecorino cheese, cold meats and wine; and the 12th century Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a beautiful Romanesque church in a picture-perfect setting, where the resident monks sing the Gregorian chant each day. Then enjoy a three-course lunch in a typical Tuscan trattoria before returning to the hotel. The balance of the afternoon and evening are free.
Day 4: Breakfast and departure.
