WINE TOUR Full day, from CORTONA daily WHY NOT COMBINE THE DISCOVERY OF CORTONA WITH WINE TASTING AND LOCAL PRODUCE? CORTONA-MONTEPULCIANO-MONTALCINO from Vino Nobile of Montepulciano to the Brunello Wines of M... больше
CHIANTI WINE TOUR, among Vineyards, small 'Borghi', and Castles in the CHIANTI REGION A full day Tour, to the discovery of the Chianti region, where Vineyards, small 'Borghi' and Castles give life to a landscape of Tuscany you will not forget. An ideal Terroir for CHIANTI WINE one of the best known wines in the world A bit of HISTORY of CHIANTI Production: The grape composition for Chianti has changed dramatically over the years. The earliest examples of Chianti were a white wine but gradually evolved into a red. Baron Bettino Ricasoli, the future Prime Minister in the Kingdom of Italy created the first known "Chianti recipe" in 1872, recommending 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia bianca. In 1967. The 'Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC)' regulation set by the Italian government firmly established the "Ricasoli formula" of a Sangiovese-based blend with 10-30% Malvasia and Trebbiano. However some producers desired to make Chianti that did not conform to these standards-such as a 100% varietal Sangiovese wine, or all red wine grape varieties and perhaps with allowance for French grape varieties such as Cabernet, Sauvignon or Merlot to be used. A few producers went ahead and made their "Chianti" as they desired but, prohibited from labeling, sold them as simple 'vino da tavola' Despite their low level classifications, these "super Chiantis" became internationally recognized by critics and consumers and were coined as Super Tuscans. The success of these wines encouraged government officials to reconsider the DOCG regulations with many changes made to allow some of these 'vino da tavola' to be labelled as Chiantis. The present rules for the production of Chianti Classico wine provide for a minimum ratio of 80% for Sangiovese, the typical red variety of the zone. Along with the Sangiovese, other red grapes of the area can be used in a maximum percentage of 20%. These grapes include natives like Canaiolo and Colorino as well as “international” varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, all recommended and/or authorized for the production zone. Today the name "Chianti" is a guarantee of noble wine, produced according to strict laws that protect the quality standard and with it, the sensory characteristics. The characteristics of the climate, terrains and altitudes, which are unfavorable for most crops, have made Chianti Classico a region that excels in the production of premium wines. The DOCG Chianti is produced in the area between the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena. It is hilly area with large terraces and river valleys. This territory has been producing wine since the time of the Etruscans, but only in 1800 has obtained the Denomination of Controlled Origin - DOC A bit of LEGEND AND MYSTERY about CHIANTI (from the Legend of the Black Rooster, published by 'Consortium Chianti Classico') The trademark always found on bottles of Chianti Classico is the Black rooster, historic symbol of the Chianti Military League and among other things depicted by the famous artist Giorgio Vasari on the ceiling of the Salone dei Cinquecento at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. The history of this symbol also includes a curious legend from medieval times recounting an event that in actual fact led to the definition of the political boundaries of the Chianti territory, with a black rooster’s behavior ostensibly decisive. As the legend has it, in medieval times when the Republics of Florence and Siena were bitterly fighting for dominance, Chianti territory – because it lies between the two cities – was constantly fought over. To end the dispute and establish definitive borders of dominion, a very odd method was chosen. It was agreed that two knights would depart from their respective cities and fix the boundary point at where they met. Departure was to be at dawn and the signal to ride given by rooster crow, quite logical for an epoch when daily routines were paced by natural rhythm. In preparing for the event, more importance was given to the choice of the rooster than of the rider or the horse. The Sieneses chose a white rooster, and the Florentines a black one, which they kept in a small, dark chicken coop and practically starved for so many days that it was desperate. On the fatal day, as soon as it was freed from the coop the rooster began to crow, although dawn was still far away. His loud crowing allowed the Florentine knight to set off posthaste and much ahead of his Sienese counterpart who had to wait for daybreak for his rooster to crow. And since the Florentine horseman had such a head start he met up with the Sienese knight at Fonterutoli, a mere 12 kilometers from the latter’s departure point. And so nearly all of Chianti was brought under the power of the Republic of Florence, much earlier than the defeat of Siena itself.
Via FRANCIGENA, The 'OTHER TUSCANY' Along ancient Pilgrims' Roads and small Tuscan 'Borghi' An itinerary of about 7 hours , to discover 'The other Tuscany', done of 'Borghi', small ancient villages, following a part of the journey done by Sigerico, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 990 a.C., from Canterbury to Rome. Can you imagine, walking from Canterbury to Rome in those times up and down the hills of Tuscany, away from big towns where there could be enemies? Sigerico wrote a diary of all the places where he stopped, the ones he liked, the difficulties he had... We will re-discover with him, not only some of the most scenic parts of Tuscany but also the most intimate and unknown secrets of our special region, Tuscany A bit of HISTORY: The Via Francigena was not a single road, like a Roman road, paved with stone blocks. Rather, it comprised several possible routes that changed over the centuries as trade and pilgrimage developed . Depending on the time of the year, political situation, and relative popularity of the shrines of saints along the route, travellers may have used any of three or four crossings of the Alps and the Apennines. Actually Sigerico's journey followed the Lombards Routes which joined the territories to the north of the Alps with Pavia and the Duchies beyond the Appeninnes. Unlike Roman roads, the Via Francigena did not connect cities, but relied more on abbeys. An itinerary following small ancient TUSCAN 'BORGHI' (Small villages) , a chance to discover a time which belongs to the past, between MYSTICISM and LOVE FOR NATURE , through the CONTACT with the territory and the people, whether you are a pilgrim or a simple tourist Price base 2/3 people: 149 euro per person Price base 4 people: 120 euro per person. The tour takes place every day Other languages supplements: -Эти туры доступны так же на русском языке С доплатой к группе: 150 eur - Estes tours são disponíveis com Intérprete brasileiro, suplemento ao grupo: 100 euro
Click the title to see more... A FULL DAY TOUR to the discovery of SIENA AND SAN GIMIGNANO. FROM CORTONA. Discover with us SIENA, famous for its splendid examples of Gothic architecture and the Palio horse race..Follow our guide to the main Palaces and Squares of this Medieval town, to the suggestive Piazza del Campo, where the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico stands,. Visit the precious interiors of the Duomo, one of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Italy. Come with us to to SAN GIMIGNANO, important town along the old Pilgrimage road, Via Francigena. Famous for its White Wine, the world renowned Vernaccia, and its Towers, symbol, in the Middle Ages, of the power of its well-off families.This town is still today noted mainly for its 13th century towers that dominate the skyline. Fd ‘SIENA AND S. GIMIGNANO' TOUR’ is a tour to let you discover two Highlights of Medieval and also Renaissance Tuscany, where old traditions are still alive Estes Tours são disponíveis com Intérprete brasileiro, suplemento ao grupo: 120 euro Price base 4 people: 108 euro per person Price base 2/3 people: 158 euro per person The tour takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Other days on request
Click the title to see more... A HALF - DAY TOUR to the discovery of ISLAND MAGGIORE, CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO on LAKE TRASIMENO. FROM CORTONA. Discover with us ISLAND MAGGIORE, ancient settlement of fishermen, inhabited by humans since the beginning of the Roman era. A small abandoned island full of artistic jewels, We will visit the famous Lace Museum, the house of the ' Capitano del Popolo' and the Medieval church of San Michele Arcangelo, with beautiful frescoes We will drive to CASTIGLIONE DEL LAGO. A beautiful town , dating back to the Etruscans, built on a limestone cliff cape on the east side of theTrasimeno Lake. The town has a Castle which is without any doubt one of the most remarkable examples of military art in Umbria.We will enjoy an ice cream while strolling around in town, feeling as if we were living in other times A day to relax in the quiet atmosphere of lake Trasimeno, walking around island Maggiore and Castiglione del Lago, far away from the noisy traffic of our towns Tour takes place on: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday Minimum 2 people Price per person, base 4 people: 68 euro per person Price per person, base 2/3 people: 95 euro per person
Click the title to see more.... A HALF DAY TOUR. TRUFFLE HUNTING with LUNCH based on TRUFFLE RECIPES, for a ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE Click the title to see more.... You will search for truffles with a truffle-hunting dog through the woods, in some of the wildest parts of Tuscany. You will follow the dog hurriedly through the forest as he sniffs about and experience the surge of excitement as he starts digging for this edible treasure (white truffles go for nearly $14,000 per kg). Once it is found, you will be be taught how truffles are cleaned to be cooked in restaurants and homes. And you will enjoy eating a meal, prepared by a local cook, based on truffle recipes Hd ‘Truffle hunting Tour on Tuscan back roads' is a tour designed to re-discover this food-treasure, known since the 4th Century a.c, for its aromatic qualities, its rich and delicate flavor – and for its 'supposed' abilities as an aphrodisiac. A little bit of history!..... Eating truffles has always been a treat, Once it was a delicay that only the ruling class could afford and it was reserved for special occasions. During the Roman days there were a number of mushrooms cultivated and used as truffles, including the mushroom that is today known as the “desert truffle.”, coming from Asia. The enjoyment of truffles declined a great deal during the Middle Ages, but their popularity quickly rebounded during the Renaissance period. During that time , truffles were highly favored by royalty. These magnificent culinary delights remained a personal favorite of many European kings, as well as members of their courts and members of their families. One of the things that has made truffles so highly prized and so valuable throughout history is the fact that these unique and delicate mushrooms have typically eluded full scale cultivation. The original truffles were discovered growing wild, and those who picked them quickly discovered how wonderfully aromatic and fragrant they were. After those wild truffles were discovered to be such culinary delights, repeated attempts at agricultural cultivation were made, but for the most part those attempts were a failure. This has helped to create a certain mystique around the truffle, with visions of truffle hunters accompanied by boars out hunting truffles on a foggy morning. WITH US, YOU WILL LEARN not HOW TO CULTIVATE TRUFFLES, BUT HOW to FIND THEM ENJOYING THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE AT THE SAME TIME AND HAVE LOTS OF FUN!!! Price base 2/4 people: 145 euro per person Price base 5/8 people: 130 euro per person Period September-November Price base 2/4 people: 115 euro per person Price base 5/8 people: 105 euro per person Other periods The tour is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays Minimum 2 people/Maximum 8 x group
Click the title to see more... A HALF DAY WINE TOUR FROM CORTONA, TO MONTEPULCIANO AND PIENZA. At the time of Etruscan civilization, vines were trained to grow up trees and wine was exported from the Tyrrenian Sea south to Sicily and north to southern Wales. Hd ‘TUSCAN WINE TOUR’ is an itinerary intended to re-discover our tradition in a land where WINE-MAKING has become an ART recognized around the world. We will have some free time to visit Montepulciano, a medieval town of rare beauty, with breathtaking panoramas all over Val D'Orcia and Valdichiana, valleys that surround it We will do Wine tasting and visit 2 wineries in town, with Vino Nobile of Montepulciano accompanied by. Bruschette, Salumi, Cheese, Olive-Oil. We will do cheese tasting in Pienza and have free time to visit this beautiful Renaissance town, The Ideal town as wanted by Pope Pius II in 1458, who was born here..The town has become famous also for the production of Pecorino cheese,prepared in a traditional way A day to learn our traditions and have fun. Click the title to see more. Price base 4 people: 76 euro per person Price base 2/3 people: 98 euro per person Price base 9/14 people: 86 per person, all in one bus Other languages supplements: -Эти туры доступны так же на русском языке. С доплатой к группе: 150 eur - Estes tours são disponíveis com Intérprete brasileiro, suplemento ao grupo: 100 euro
