Itinerary
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Day 1
Fiesole Fiesole is a town and comune of the province of Florence in the Italian region of Tuscany, on a famously scenic height above Florence, 8 km (5 mi) NE of that city. Be picked up at the airport by a professional Driver and be whisked off to the centre of Florence to get an initial feel for the city and its beauty before being brought to your hotel. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like a licensed Guide to accompany you on your panoramic tour. A welcome package with your itinerary, vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. Enjoy dinner at leisure in the Il Salviatino villa. Developed by acclaimed Florentine Chef Saverio Sbaragli, Grappolo is a unique vision of gastronomy in hospitality. Based on the roots of Tuscan cuisine and the authenticity of ingredients, you will be able to enjoy multiple interpretations of the same menu as well as the possibility to dine virtually anywhere on property at any time. Like the living-room of a private home, any of the intimate and cosy lounge areas located in the villa is the perfect spot to enjoy any favorite drink before or after your dinner. Tuscan classics, as taught by local grandmothers, can be tasted on "La Terrazza", while admiring the magnificent views of the Dome. Located in the secluded greenhouse area, "Le Serre" serves traditional dishes in a modern key, enriched by a series of international experiences in some of Europe's finest restaurants. Il Salviatino (5*) is a perfectly refurbished Renaissance villa nestled on the hillside of Fiesole, a location that affords some of the most spectacular views of Florence and of Fiesole's landscape. Surrounded by an idyllic 12 acre private park and located a mere 15 minutes from Florence airport, and 10 minutes from the city centre, there is not a more ideal location in all of Florence! Close to the city and complete with a panoramic view, the villa enjoys the charm of Fiesole while giving the feeling of being lost in the purest Tuscan countryside. Recreational amenities at Il Salviatino include an outdoor pool, a health club, and a spa tub as well as a full-service health spa, a fitness facility, and complimentary wireless Internet access. Guestrooms have LCD televisions, high-definition televisions, and complimentary wireless Internet access; rooms also include coffee/tea makers, separate bathtubs and showers, and bathrobes. Overnight at Il Salviatino (5*). |
 Fiesole |
 Florence |
 Il Salviatino |
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Day 2
Fiesole Olive trees are an ever-present part of the Tuscan landscape. Some trees are 300 years old and have silently followed the history of mankind. Spend the day in the company of a private Driver/Guide as you are initiated into the world of olive oil. The 6 hour excursion will take you to the heart of the Tuscan oil kingdom - the hills around Impruneta, San Casciano, and Tavarnelle. Here the olives are still collected by hand with the help of tall wood ladders leaning against the olive branches. The oil is still stored in enormous terracotta brick jars manufactured in Impruneta. After a morning departure, you will be given a guided tour of the main square and handmade terracotta factory in Impruneta, followed by a visit to the oil cellar and the terracotta jars in Torre Rossa farm. Enjoy lunch in Osteria Antica Sosta in Impruneta before being brought on a guided visit to La Querce farm. At days end, with a better understanding of olive oil and its production, you will be brought back to your accommodation. Overnight at Il Salviatino (5*). |
 Handmade terracotta factory in Impruneta |
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Day 3
Fiesole Enjoy time at leisure in the beautiful surroundings of Il Salviatino villa. Using local artisans to painstakingly wash and replace centuries-old mosaics, repanel the old library, and carefully restore the glass houses which had been empty for decades, the villa has now emerged as a perfectly restored piece of history. Highly acclaimed Italian architect Luciano Colombo searched the world for impeccable art and pieces of furniture, with a dedication usually reserved for ones own home. Simply relax in the peaceful surroundings indoors or out, and luxuriate in the peace and quiet. Of course, if you feel like a little pampering, there is aways the full service on-site spa which you may find tempting! Spend an evening in genuine Italian style, devoted to discovering Tuscan cuisine and the most celebrated Italian opera arias and famous Neapolitan songs. Your Assistant will take you into an ancient and fascinating neighbourhood in the old city centre. In a characteristic restaurant, you will be served a typical Tuscan dinner with excellent Chianti wine. Talented singers will be awaiting you after dinner in an intimate, old setting (the Anglican church), to perform the most beautiful arias from the operas of Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and other renowned Italian composers, in addition to world famous Neapolitan songs. You will be reserved front row seats so you can fully enjoy this absorbing spectacle. Overnight at Il Salviatino (5*). |
 View to Florence |
 Classic Tuscan Pasta, Ribollita |
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Day 4
Fiesole In Florence, the expression "to go to the workshop" has always meant learning the art of artisan craftsmanship. The apprentice would enter the artisan's workshop and get direct experience in the workshop. He worked and learned, considering the artisan a master and the workshop a school. Most Renaissance artists were trained in this manner. In the historic center of Florence, some very important artisan activities still go on that are capable of resisting industrial production and commercial competition. This is the result of the artisan treasuring and conserving what the machine cannot copy-his manual skill and ability to create unique objects. You will begin with a late morning metting with your Guide at the hotel and depart for a nice walking tour taking a number of artisans’ shops along the way. See first hand the skill involved in marbling paper, jewellery design and production, and experience a leather laboratory producing bags and accessorises. Enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant with Tuscan cuisine to round out your morning. (Transfer from and to Fiesole is not included - please let your Kensingotn Tours Sales Advisor know if you would like to have this included in your tour). Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Overnight at Il Salviatino (5*). |
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Day 5
Fiesole Join Barbara, your english speaking chef at 10am at the Sant'Ambrogio market. Next, you will travel to her kitchen for your hands-on cooking lesson, followed by your lunch with wine. You also have the option to return with Barbara to her country home after the market instead, for a country experience. Located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, it provides you with a well-equipped kitchen and a garden with olive trees and roses. If you choose this, Barbara will take you from the market to her home by her car (4 extra people). You will return to Florence via taxi, after the class (about €20-€25). Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Overnight at Il Salviatino (5*). |
 Sant'Ambrogio Market |
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Day 6
Fiesole Enjoy time at leisure in the beautiful surroundings of Il Salviatino villa. Using local artisans to painstakingly wash and replace centuries-old mosaics, repanel the old library, and carefully restore the glass houses which had been empty for decades, the villa has now emerged as a perfectly restored piece of history. Highly acclaimed Italian architect Luciano Colombo searched the world for impeccable art and pieces of furniture, with a dedication usually reserved for ones own home. Simply relax in the peaceful surroundings indoors or out, and luxuriate in the peace and quiet. Of course, if you feel like a little pampering, there is aways the full service on-site spa which you may find tempting! Overnight at Il Salviatino (5*). |
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Day 7
Florence Airport transfer with private vehicle and English speaking driver. (Extra surcharge will be applied if after 8pm or before 7am). Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard). |
 Florence skyline |
 Kensington Cares |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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