Dinner over looking our Tuscan valley

Cascom Group Travel/TuscanHoliday

June 30  - July 7, 2012

     It’s time to think about returning again to the Villa La Gigliola in the heart of Chianti. We have had such a wonderful time in past years that we intend to again offer this casual travel adventure to the most beautiful region of  Italy…Tuscany. By maintaining a home base at Villa La Gigliola in Montespertoli, (located about half way between Firenza andSiena) we will have the ability to branch out and enjoy the scenes, food, wine, and shopping in both villages as well as cities. Each day there will be a planned outing to a local town or village for exploring local wineries, olive oil producers, shopping, museums, or churches.

      For those who would like to just sit around by the pool, read a book and enjoy the beautiful vistas, we have a great place to call home. We’ll start each day with fresh pastries from the local town, fruit, cereal and coffee, discuss our plans, then head off by car for a day adventure. There is never any pressure to tour with the group, however IF you wish to tag along, we’ll have some great places to visit.  Because each day we may not be all together, lunch expenses are not included. Each day we will return to Villa La Gigliola  to relax, enjoy the pristine pool, some local wine, and trade tales. Each evening at the villa, dinner will be included, prepared by local chefs at our own estate. We have tried to include most expenses (including tips) in the price per couple. However, additional expenses (that we can’t control) such as transportation to /from airports, rental cars, lunches away, museum fees, or dinners away from the villa are not included.

    Our accommodations are in the beautiful Villa La Gigliola.  This 750 acre estate (owned by Anna Piazzini ) dates back to the 1300s and is located near the picturesquevillageofMontespertoli. Villa La Gigliola is a working winery and we will have access to the grounds. The Villa is approached through an electronic wrought iron gate, and surrounded by beautiful views of the Tuscan valleys with views of hill town towers in the distance. The rooms are tastefully furnished. There are seven bedrooms with a private bath in each room. The Villa is equipped with stereos and even satellite TV.

    Updated “Snap-shot” tentative Itinerary  June 30- July 7

Sat June 30.    Arrive in the afternoon at Villa La Gigliola,  explore the grounds, later enjoy meeting each other over antipasti and local wine.  Then off  to our first Italian dinner at C’ Era Una Volta (“Once Upon a Time”) in the town ofLucardo.  We’ll dine on the terrace overlooking our lovely valley.

Sun July 1  Enjoy breakfast of coffee/juice/fruit/delicious local pastries.  We’ll head out along a beautiful drive to San Gimignano (35 km south)  local town where “Life is Beautiful” was filmed, lots of shops, restaurants, and a 12^th century basilica with very interesting frescos, plus Italy’s “most famous gelateria”  This town has been called one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. Lunch at one of two tiny restaurants in town.   Return to Villa for swim in our private pool, relax and dinner prepared by chef Doug and anyone else that would enjoy helping in our Italian cucina.

Mon  July 2.  Early breakfast, then hit the road for Volterra, a beautiful walled town, carved out of volcanic rock.  This high town was founded by the mysterious Etruscans, and has one of the best Etruscan museums in Italy.  Volterra is also the center of alabaster craftsmanship. You will love the many shops. Lunch outside the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci at the Pizzeria il Rifugio.  After lunch we’ll visit the Roman amphitheatre then head back to the villa. Tonight we are invited by Anna  Piazzini to a special estate tasting  The estate’s sommelier will present her  Tuscan Chiantis, olive oil and grappa, We will also enjoy antipasti and a light pasta meal prepared by Chef Renato and his crew. 

Tues July 3  Early breakfast, then head down the A-1 toward Siena. We will make a short side visit to Monteriggioni (tiny walled hill town) perhaps some cappuccino, then off to Siena. Siena will have just had the famous Palio horse race, so there will be much to see. We’ll probably park at the soccer stadium (top of the town), visit St. Catherine (at least her head and finger) have lunch at La Pizzeria di Nonna Mede, then meet Elena Sardelli. Our beautiful guide will show us the sights and treasures of Siena, the Duomo,  and explain all about the Palio.  Then we’ll head back to our villa for a five course dinner by  Chef Renato.

Wed July 4.  Firenza.  Early quick breakfast, then take local express bus from town toFirenze bus station. Since there are so many sights to see, we will probably break up. We can visit San Lorenzo, central straw market, lots of shops. Perhaps pick up tickets and see the Ufizzi Galleries, lunch at local trattoria.  We’ll be exhausted and return by same bus to the villa. Then a dip in the pool, followed by antipasti time before dinner by Chef Renato.           

Thurs July 5.    Chianti   Early breakfast then car pool off to visit a couple of  beautiful villages in the heart of Chianti region. First we’ll visit Greve in Chianti, to tour their world famous butcher shop (Pazanno) and grab a quick cappuccino. Then off to the Montecalve winery for a personal tour with owner Jacqueline Boli and lunch in a quaint spot along the way. Return to Villa to write postcards by the pool. Tonight we return as Anna’s guests again for a sumptuous Italian festa. We’ll dine at long tables with music, dancing, entertainment, and treasured memories.                .

Fri  July 6    Friday is a flexible day, perhaps we will travel to Colle val d’ Elsa, shop the special crystal stores, have lunch at a beautiful ristorante over looking the valley, then visit the Florence Monument/Graveyard where over 6000 American soldiers are resting (very moving experience) Or, you may wish to return to Firenze or just hang around the pool. Anitpasti and dinner in the villa, prepared by chef Doug and his sous chefs.

Sat July 7     Sorry to say goodbye as we get packed up & vacate the villa by noon.    Many travelers choose to spend Saturday night in Firenze.  We have a beautiful hotel (Palazzo Benci) located near the central market in the heart of Firenze. http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-382161-palazzo_benci_hotel-i   our favorite trattoria “I Due G” Via Cennini or Trattoria Antichi Cancelli, (73R Via Faenza) are nearby  

As you can see, our tour package is very personal (only 12 couples) Our fee of $3900 PER COUPLE     (which is almost half of other tours by comparison).    This itinerary is tentative and may change when we get closer to the event. Your suggestions are always welcome. We look forward to your participation.  Doug & Mary Beth Cordier. Grosse Pointe Farms, MI48236. 313-881-6699, fax 313-881-6519  cascomgrp@aol.net