This is our most popular tour. It starts in Rome and works thru Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany. Florence is our destination. Visit vineyards and small medieval cities along the way. Wake up over looking the Duomo in Florence in a 16th century Medici Estate.
Lazio, Umbria & Tuscany
This VIP Winery adventure starts in Rome and finishes in Florence. Covering Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany. If you have never been to Italy you will discover why everyone loves this country. Jamie and Marcus take you to their favorite cities, restaurants, hotels and of course wineries.
This trip is classic Italy and always sells out fast.
This trip is classic Italy and always sells out fast.
Cities
Rome
Rome is a must see!
Rome, the “Eternal City,” brims with ancient history, from the Colosseum to the port of Ostia Antica to majestic Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. Because of its history, art, architecture, and beauty – and perhaps its gelato and pasta! – Rome is one of our most popular cities.
Experience Rome with us.
Rome, the “Eternal City,” brims with ancient history, from the Colosseum to the port of Ostia Antica to majestic Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. Because of its history, art, architecture, and beauty – and perhaps its gelato and pasta! – Rome is one of our most popular cities.
Experience Rome with us.
Orvietto
The city of Orvieto is located in the central region of Italy called Umbria, which is most commonly known as The Green Heart of Italy because it does not touch the sea. Orvieto is a city that has a tremendous amount of character and is one of the most attractive cities in Italy to visit! It is conveniently located half way between Rome and Florence.
As we work our way into wine country, this is our view of Orvieto from Alta Roca Wine Resort. This is our hub for a few days and that's right outside our window.
Of course we set time aside to visit Orvieto!
As we work our way into wine country, this is our view of Orvieto from Alta Roca Wine Resort. This is our hub for a few days and that's right outside our window.
Of course we set time aside to visit Orvieto!
Civita di Bagnoregio
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Nicknamed Italy's dying city. Population is about 20, but a local once told us that only 7 people live here year round. Perched on a plateau, there are no cars here and you have to walk across a half mile pedestrian bridge.
It's only four or so blocks big, but has amazing restaurants, gift shop and hotels. It's a city that you will never forget! |
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Siena
Siena, a city in central Italy's Tuscany region, is distinguished by its medieval brick
buildings. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the
Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century
tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown. The city's 17 historic
"contra de" (districts) extend outward from the piazza.
buildings. The fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, is the site of the
Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century
tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown. The city's 17 historic
"contra de" (districts) extend outward from the piazza.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano, known as the "city of beautiful towers," had 72 towers in its heyday. Now 14 remain, and, rising above Tuscany's Elsa Valley, they make the town look like a medieval dreamscape. Take in the fresco-covered Collegiate Church, the Civic Museum and the views from atop 177-foot Torre Grossa.
Of and it's home to the Best Gelato in Itay!
This Luigi's, our tour guides', hometown. The vineyard he works at is just minutes down the road.
Of and it's home to the Best Gelato in Itay!
This Luigi's, our tour guides', hometown. The vineyard he works at is just minutes down the road.
Florence
Explore Florence with a tour guide to help you visit a selection of the city's best attractions and sights, making sure you do not miss the best of the Cradle of Renaissance! Don't miss Ponte Vecchio, the Old Bridge. Ponte Vecchio is a very romantic spot in Florence, with its magnificent views over the river and of the bridge itself.
Wineries
Falesco Winery
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Falesco is a winery and vineyard established in Montefiascone, Italy in 1979. Falesco has been described as a "state-of-the-art winery" and its production facilities are now located in Montecchio. It is a "family affair" run by Riccardo Cotarella, his brother Renzo and his daughter Dominga.
Mottura Sergio winery
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A pioneer of the “rediscovery” of indigenous grape varieties, Sergio Mottura has dedicated a lifetime to research and experimentation with traditional techniques and new technology, studying the DNA of the most promising local varieties, and optimizing pruning methods, soil and land management, and the winemaking process itself – all in the aim of exploiting the potential of a terroir that finds its fullest expression in one particular grape: Grechetto. His Latour a Civitella, a monovarietal grechetto fermented in French oak barriques, was the first white wine from Lazio ever awarded “tre bicchieri” (the maximum “three glasses”) by Italy’s most prestigious wine guide, the Gambero Rosso/Slow Food ‘Guida ai Vini d’Italia’, who have called it “one of Italy’s greatest whites”.
Corte PavoneLocated in Tuscany, Corte Pavone extends for 16 hectares across the scenic Montalcino hillsides at an altitude of 500 meters, the vineyards surrounded by fields and thick Mediterranean scrub. This unique landscape and climate along with the light, clayey soil contribute greatly to the wine’s character.
The estate has belonged to the Loacker family since 1996, established by Rainer Loacker who for 20 years worked in the chocolate wafer business before making the plunge into the wine business. Rainer was an organic pioneer when he first started out, opting to use more natural treatments instead of pesticides on his vines. Gradually he made the transition to biodynamic farming. Today, Loacker only uses homeopathic treatments on their vines, and 3 years ago, a new bio-architectural cellar was constructed at the heart of the winery. Franz Josef, Rainer’s son, oversees commercial aspects of the 4 Loacker vineyards (Schwarhof in Alto Adige, 2 in Tuscany, and 1 in Austria). His brother, Hayo, who trained in France, South Africa, and the US, manages the vines and wine making. This winery is part of the Italian Organic Wine Route. 
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MontenidoliSergio and Elisabetta came to Montenidoli in 1965, the abandoned lands remained, waiting to be brought back to life. For the farmers had abandoned the hill in the early 1900s, drawn by the two Great Wars and the promise of industry. The vines were overgrown by brambles, while the olive trees had gone wild.
But Elisabetta had the land in her blood, thanks to her family, which had cultivated vines and olive trees in Custozza, not far from Verona, since the 1700s, and also thanks to her childhood, spent wandering the vineyards of Valpolicella. Following her family traditions, they respected the land, cultivating it with exclusively organic methods. Sulfur and copper are the only substances used to fig parasithtes, and only if absolutely necessary, because they believe sunlight and clean air to be the best medicine to make the vines healthy, strong, and resistant to disease and bad weather. The vineyards multiplied, planted to the indigenous varietals: Vernaccia, san Gimignano's historic white grape, Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano Gentile, and Malvasia Bianca -- The traditional grapes of Chianti. The first wine was born in a great vintage -- 1971. It enjoyed the honor of being one of the first wines commented upon by Luigi Veronelli. 
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Truffle HuntPart of the experience at Tenuta Torciano is a Truffle Hunt. Of course the weather has to cooperate. Last trip is was a bit rainy, but none the less we went out and got truffles!
Walk the Oak forest bordering Torciano with a Truffle Hunter and his dog. In this private truffle land within Tenuta Torciano, you will discover precious white and black truffles. You will be taught how to identify the various species of trees and the ideal habitat for truffle growth. The Truffle experience is followed by lots of truffles, food and lots of wine! BTW, that's Maria with all those truffles! |
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Hotels
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UNA Hotel Deco RomaLocated just 350 feet from Termini Train Station UNA HOTELS Decò Roma offers contemporary design and bright interiors, and air-conditioned rooms with wood floors. Each room greats you with impressive wood and leather doors.
Upon arrival at this hotel they roll out the welcome drinks and small bites that is a meal itself. |
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Located in the Tuscan countryside 2.5 mi from San Gimignano, the Mormoraia features an outdoor pool with hot tub, a sauna, and a Turkish bath. Free parking spaces are provided on site, and free WiFi is available in the Tuscan-style rooms.
Accommodations at the Mormoraia includes views of the garden or San Gimignano, handmade terracotta floors, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests can enjoy homemade cakes, bread, ham and cheese at the buffet breakfast. The property produces its own extra virgin olive oil and wine, and tasting sessions can be arranged. During the day you can order light lunches, drinks and snacks. The on-site restaurant is open for dinner and serves traditional Tuscan cuisine, accompanied by the Mormoraia's own wines. In summer, dinner can also be enjoyed on the terrace with panoramic views of San Gimignano. The garden is furnished with chairs, sunbeds and parasols, while the terrace has a relaxation area with armchairs and tables. |
Tenuta MormoraiaThe Mormoraia is a 50-minute drive from both Siena and Florence. The property is not serviced by public transport, but a taxi service can be organized on request. |
AltaRoca Wine Resort
Surrounded by countryside at the borders of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio, Altarocca Wine Resort overlooks the town of Orvieto, which is 4.3 miles away. The estate is an organic farm of 10 hectares, and offers 2 outdoor swimming pools and a spa.
All accommodation at the Altarocca features a patio with vineyard views and amazing bathrooms.
The spa features a sauna, a steam bath, an indoor pool with
All accommodation at the Altarocca features a patio with vineyard views and amazing bathrooms.
The spa features a sauna, a steam bath, an indoor pool with
Villa Medicia di LilanoThis happens to be one of our favorite wineries as well. Housed in a 16th Century Medici Estate. The wines are superb and we have personally been here several times on our own. We were super happy when we found out that were renovating some of the buildings into villas.
As a general rule, hotels have to pass the bathroom test with us. Well these villas far exceeded our expectations. We usually spend a few nights here as it it so close to Florence. Walk out your door into olive groves and vineyards! |
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