Escape to Florence, Montepulciano & Chianti

Feel the romance of Florence's exquisite architecture, welcoming restaurants and cobblestone streets as you take a romantic stroll through this Renaissance capital of Tuscany. In keeping with the historic feel of Florence you will spend two nights at the 15th-century villa of Il Salviatino, on the hillside of Fiesole overlooking the city and the rolling hills of Tuscany, which has vaulted ceilings and beautifully-preserved mosaics.

After a day of admiring canvases by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo's David, to name just a few, unwind in the tiered pool while taking in the Tuscan views. As well as its history, food is very important in Florence so we recommend exploring the city on an extensive "Eat Your Way Through Florence" walking tour and taking a cooking class using ingredients you have selected from the local market with the chef. 

Collecting your car in Florence, you’ll drive south to Montepulciano, a medieval and Renaissance hilltop town in the Tuscan province of Siena, to spend two nights in the beautiful Lupaia. A stone farmhouse converted into a cosy hotel with charming hand-painted walls and antique furnishings, the romantic hotel is an ideal gateway to the famed Tuscan countryside. From your room, look southeast and you’ll see Montepulciano’s historic centre or look north to be rewarded with views of the quiet town of Montefollonico.

Drive to the nearby quaint town of Pienza, gaze at the architectural masterpiece that is the San Biagio church and then treat yourself to a glass or two of the famous red vino nobile, as you lounge amongst the wine cantinas at the lower end of Montepulciano.

Surrounded by historic villages, rolling green valleys, olive groves and vineyards, drive to the classically stunning Chianti wine region for a two-night stay at the blissful 12th-century Castello del Nero. Once home to the noble families of del Nero and Torrigiani, admire the loving restoration that has taken place to restore it back to its former decadent self while preserving its historic architecture. With over 300 hectares of private reserve and a Michelin-starred restaurant, it is once again the epitome of indulgence.

To experience 'la dolce vita' head to the towns of Greve, Castellina and Gaiole to sample some of the region's best wines, learn to cook authentic Tuscan food with the executive chef, using fresh seasonal produce, or explore the estate with a romantic picnic in the middle of the vineyard.