Welcome to the Castello di Gargonza which lies in the densely wooded hills just to the west of Arezzo. The castle and its surrounding village have been in the possession of the Guiccardini family since the 1600s. Count Roberto Guiccardini and his family have meticulously restored the property. Today it offers the unique opportunity to step back in time and live as noble families did in centuries past.

Upon your arrival, you will be met by the Count’s son, Neri, and shown to your suite within the village walls. This evening, we will gather in the residence gardens, get to know one another, and enjoy an exquisite dinner.

This morning, the woods give way to olive groves and vineyards as we approach the neighboring Calcione estate. The Calcione estate has been in existence since the 10th century. Today the della Stufa family opens its home to us and paints a rich picture of the life of Italian nobility from the time of the Medici to the present day.

After our visit, we continue on to the gates of Lucignano, one of Italy’s first examples of medieval urban design. The village was designed and built in the 1200s as a series of concentric circles with daily life emanating from the lovely cathedral on the hill at the village center. Unlike more frequented tourist destinations, Lucignano retains a bustling daily life that emphasizes the vibrancy of modern day Italy.

This evening, we venture out of our village walls to join the locals at a country kitchen where meats are expertly but simply prepared on a large wood-burning grill.

From our verdant surroundings in Gargonza, we venture out into the eerie environment of the Crete Senese, one of Tuscany’s most primal landscapes. These bleached hills of clay and Jura limestone have eroded over the centuries to form a unique skyline of rounded hills and jagged cliffs. Our walk begins at the pinnacle of the Crete and winds slowly down into its depths and the sleepy village of Asciano.

The farming community of Asciano is one of Tuscany’s oldest. The arid soil led early on to a specialization in poor grains and beans. In turn, the inhabitants of the Crete Senese have subsisted on one of Tuscany’s healthiest diets. Using spices sparingly, the dishes that reach the table here emphasize the simple earthy flavors of our surroundings.

Back in Gargonza this evening, our host will take us on a historical tour of the village before a special private dinner in the castle’s oldest and most elegant dining room.

The highlight of our days in the Crete Senese is certainly our visit to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, founded by a group of Sienese merchants in 1313. This marvelous medieval structure looms above us like a lighthouse during our morning walk. The current abbey was built in the 15th century. To this day, the monks of the Oliveto order live, pray and work on the premises, and the Great Cloister beside the church has a magnificent series of frescos depicting the life of St. Benedict.

Lunch in a local enoteca takes on a more modern flare with dishes such as lemon ravioli and zucchini carpacio. Afterward take time to explore all of the Abbey’s secrets before continuing on to our new home: the exotic Adler Thermae Spa.

Bagno Vignoni lies nestled amidst the volcanic hills at the heart of the Val d’Orica. Leaving directly from the hotel, we wander among the many farms that dot the area. These farms give way to arid and isolated canyons where some of the fiercest partisan fighting took place in World War II.

Following the Orcia river, we return to Bagno Vignoni and enjoy lunch on the shady terrace of the village trattoria. This afternoon, take off those boots and steep your feet in the same mineral baths enjoyed by the Romans before returning to the Adler Thermae.

Dinner this evening is beside the “piazza d’aqua,” the large pool that has served as Bagno Vignoni’s main square for centuries.

This morning, we journey westward to the hilltop village of Montalcino, which is surrounded by some of the richest vineyard country in Italy. It is here that the Sangiovesi grape is aged to perfection to create the famous Super Tuscan Brunello, a rich, red and velvety delight. Our walk through these vineyards takes us to the historic Barbi winery, one of Montalcino’s oldest and most traditional.

After an in-depth tour of the Barbi cellars, we retire to the adjacent Fattoria di Barbi for a festive lunch prepared with care in the kitchen of the winery itself.

The evening vista from the Adler Thermae is as classic as any in Tuscany. Our final meal here will seal all of these sights and tastes in our memory.

This morning, we have arranged for private transportation to Chiusi-Chianciano. From there, you may easily make connections to Rome or Florence.

Whatever your travel plans, we will go over them with you and make sure that your continuing journey is as easy and effortless as possible.