Tuscan Villa Family Adventure Podere Panico

Transcription

1 Tuscan Villa Family Adventure Podere Panico Start: Podere Panico, Monteroni d'arbia Finish: Podere Panico, Monteroni d'arbia Trip Length: 7 nights / 8 days Price from: US$7,995 per person (group of 12) Designed by Courtney Mundy When it comes to local immersion, no one can top veteran Trip Designer Courtney Mundy. Pennsylvania-born, she lives in Tuscany (such a hardship, we know), where she s so entrenched that the locals consider her one of their own. Courtney has led trips in Ireland, Holland, Belize and New Zealand, but Italy is her first and truest love; she's at home wherever the Chianti and olive oil flow freely. This is one of our Private Ready-to-Book trips. Think of B&R s Ready-to-Book collection of carefully crafted itineraries as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer. These trips showcase the essential highlights of each destination, and because they are set to go, booking your private trip couldn t be easier. Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip, customizing your experience to match your interests and tastes. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations

2 Your Journey With lush rolling hills, medieval towns and meandering roads, Tuscany is a biker s idyll. There is something eminently peaceful in riding through hilltop towns that have stood watch here since the Middle Ages, passing vines tended by generations of winemakers and savouring traditional cuisine made from the freshest and tastiest local ingredients. This is the region you imagine when you think of Italy; home to olive groves and cypress trees, Roman battlefields and Renaissance churches, and a who s who of charming villages from tiny Asciano to Siena, Pienza and Montalcino. Day 1 Monteroni d Arbia You ll arrive at Podere Panico in the afternoon and will likely want plenty of time to unpack, get settled in, test the waters of the Jacuzzi and infinity pool, and take in the astonishing views of the crete senesi, the clay hills that surround the villa. Your B&R guide will meet you late this afternoon and has a warm-up walk prepared for those of you looking to stretch your legs after a long day of travel. You ll head right out of the villa s gate and embark on a loop in the middle of the countryside, taking in views of small villages and majestic Siena off in the distance. Tonight we ve planned a welcome dinner for you at the villa so you can sit back, sip a glass of prosecco and start to acclimate to local time. Welcome! Meals: Dinner Transfers: None Activity: Approximately 10 km (6 mi) easygoing warm-up walk on country roads.

3 Day 2 This morning we ll drive just a few minutes down the road to Monteroni d Arbia, where we ll embark on our warm-up ride, traversing fields of wheat and barley. Our destination is Casciano di Murlo, where we ll stop for a casual lunch in a family-run trattoria. The afternoon ride continues along quiet country roads before looping back to Monteroni and our quick shuttle up the hill to the villa. Tonight we ve got a pizza evening planned for you under the guidance of our friend Manuela, the whole family can help out as we roll out the dough and add our favourite toppings before cooking them to perfection in the villa s own wood-burning oven. Buon Appetito! Meals: Lunch, Dinner Transfers: 5 minutes each way Activity: Moderate 37 km (22 mi) warm-up ride with a few small hills. Today you ll head to the heart of the Chianti Classico region. Your ride starts at the Brolio Castle, still home to the descendants of the Baron Ricasoli, inventor of the blend of grape varietals that make up the now-famous Chianti Classico appellation. You ll tour the Baron s private apartments and the Renaissance gardens, with their typical geometric-shaped bushes, before mounting your bikes for an idyllic ride. Day 3 Chianti Classico The route passes through beautiful vineyards in the surrounding countryside, and you ll finish at the estate s osteria, where you ll have the chance to sample some of the region s famous reds while partaking in a delicious lunch. After lunch, those inspired to continue pedalling can tackle the long option southbound to our pick-up spot, where they can hop in the shuttle for the last leg back to the villa.

4 Meals: Lunch Transfers: Roughly 45 min each way Activity: Moderate morning route on rolling hills approximately 18 km (11 mi). Afternoon long option is a challenging ride of circa 25 km (15 mi). Day 4 Pasta-making This morning you ll meet Andrea and Manuela as you head to the local weekly farmer s market, where you ll navigate the colourful stalls, sampling fresh ingredients as you go and picking up a few things for lunch. Next stop is the local butcher, followed by a visit to the forno, or bakery, where you can grab some freshly baked bread and enjoy a mid-morning cappuccino before heading back to the villa. Gathered around the island in the spacious kitchen, you ll take part in a hands-on demonstration on the best technique for making homemade pasta. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch with plenty of wine before retiring pool-side to relax. This evening, as the sun starts to set and the lights in the distance begin to twinkle, you ll head to nearby Montalcino for an aperitivo (perhaps a Campari soda or spritz, as the locals do) before exploring the many trattorie for dinner on your own. We ll be sure you have our top recommendations. Meals: Lunch Transfers: 30 min each way to Montalcino Activity: Walking through the village of Monteroni. Those who didn t do it the first day may enjoy the 10 km loop walk out of the villa this afternoon.

5 Day 5 Spectacular Siena This morning begins with a 30-minute drive north to Siena, where we ll meet Serena, our first-rate local guide, who will illuminate us with details of the town s infamous Palio horserace and share insights of Siena s turbulent history. You ll visit the stunning Duomo and also take a peek inside a contrada museum, where the passion the Senese feel for the Palio is apparent in the centuries-old banners and costumes. You ll have time to explore the artisan shops and boutiques in the historic center before sitting down to lunch at B&R s favourite enoteca. Following lunch, those who are up for some beautiful but challenging biking will be driven to a nearby organic winery, from which you can pedal through the crete (pronounced cray-tay), the clay hills leading southeast from Siena. Those who prefer to spend more time exploring Siena are welcome to do so before being driven back to the villa. Meals: Lunch Transfer: 30 minutes each way Activity: A fairly challenging 23 km (14 mi) ride with scenery that justifies the effort. An additional 10 km and a challenging climb take you to the magnificent Mt. Oliveto Abbey. Day 6 Tenuta La Fratta This morning, avid cyclists can get an early start and head out on a long option departing from just outside the villa. Those who prefer the regular ride will take a short drive before meeting up with the bikes. Either way, you ll pedal through one of Tuscany s most picturesque agricultural regions where wheat, sunflowers, olive groves and vineyards paint the backdrop with verdant rolling countryside. Your destination is the impressive Tenuta La Fratta, a farm dating to the 1300s that still operates today. You ll tour the facilities, including a 15thC villa where noble families once lived, and visit many animals including the famed Chianina cattle, donkeys, goats, sheep, turkeys and geese. An abundant lunch featuring fresh ingredients grown on site will be served.

6 This afternoon you ll have some time to relax back at the villa before you re joined by our friend Michele, who will lead an informative tasting with some of our favourite wines from the region. Meals: Lunch Transfers: Morning: 30 minutes, Afternoon: 45 minutes Activity: A 15 km (9 mi) ride for everyone with moderately rolling hills. The challenging ride adds 35 km (21 mi). Day 7 Montepulciano & Pienza This morning we ll drive southeast to a hilltop town famous for its fine wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. While perhaps not as celebrated as Montalcino s Brunello, vino nobile was already receiving praise during the Renaissance and was one of the first four wines to have received the high acclaim of the appellation DOCG guaranteed from controlled origins from the Italian government. Here you ll meet up with Serena once again, who will introduce you to artisans and specialty food shops as you meander through town. After the tour, you ll embark on our walk through the picture-perfect Val d Orcia, ending up in the tiny hamlet of Monticchiello for a memorable lunch with breathtaking views over the countryside. After lunch, the walk continues to Renaissance Pienza, one of the great architectural and urban gems in all of Tuscany. You ll enjoy strolling through this charming town, popping into the various pecorino cheese shops and galleries, and be certain to head over to our favourite gelateria to sample some of the curious varieties (pecorino cheese and fig and walnuts are our favourite) before heading back home. This evening will feature a medieval theme as a local troupe in costume demonstrate their skills in the art of flag throwing while accompanied by drummers. We encourage you to join them and learn their trade. While you are being entertained in your medieval world, your chef will be in the kitchen preparing your evening repast.

7 Meals: Lunch, Dinner Transfers: Morning: 60 min, Afternoon: 45 min Activity: A 12.7 km countryside walk with a good number of ups, downs, and gorgeous views! Hotel Podere Panico Sitting proudly on a hilltop in the Tuscan countryside, Podere Panico is surrounded by sweeping vistas, rolling medieval hills and rows of beautiful cypress trees. Restored to perfection, the 16thC Paníco has been brought back to life from the original structure. The generous kitchen, original forno oven, and traditional Tuscan fireplace make this farmhouse ideal for culinary adventures, while the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect location to relax and soak up the stunning landscapes. Day 8 Farewells Your guides will stop by the villa to collect the bikes and bid you farewell this morning. Arrivederci

8 The Details Start: Finish: Podere Panico, Monteroni d'arbia Podere Panico, Monteroni d'arbia Price from: US$7,995 per person (group of 12) LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Enthusiast This trip includes a moderate amount of activity. We cover hilly terrain, but we have kept the average daily distance to a moderate 23 km (14 miles). As much as possible, we avoid the steepest climbs, but please be aware that Tuscany is hilly. We ve included various long options for avid riders. The activities on this trip are geared for children 12 years old and up. WHAT S INCLUDED 6 lunches, 3 dinners including regional wine Services of 1 B&R guide, a support guide and van All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees Use of a customized Bianchi bike: a hybrid, a racing bike with drop bars, or a racing bike with flat bars, equipped with handlebar bag and helmet. As well as children s equipment. (E-Assist bikes by request) Detailed maps, GPS route suggestions based on daily routes on trip All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off All gratuities for restaurants, transfer drivers, and villa staff WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights Cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuity for your B&R guide(s) Pick-up or drop-off from Florence or Rome

9 About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R s known for great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, pack your bags, and go. How it Works 1. Get Inspired. Go to to browse our Private Trip Collection and find a flavour of adventure that suits your palate. 2. Get in Touch. Found a trip that s caught your eye? Call our Private Travel Advisors at Just give them a few details about your group and your preferred dates, and they ll spring into action. 3. Have it Tailored. Our ready-to-book Private Trips are designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack, but there is room for minor adjustments to fit the trip to your needs. Looking for something totally customized? One of our expert Private Trip Designers will take on your request and tailormake a Bespoke trip for you from scratch. 4. Pack your Prada. Once the date and the price is finalized, we ll take care of the rest, confirming hotels, finalizing events and mobilizing our expertly trained local partners. All you have to do is prepare to be transported 5. Bon Voyage! Next Steps READY TO BOOK? Contact us at or bespoke@butterfield.com with any remaining questions or consult your travel professional. Note that a $500 deposit is required in order to reserve dates. After you ve booked, you will receive a confirmation package containing detailed information to help you prepare for your trip.

10 Podere Panico Tuscany Casual Luxury Experience Tuscany Welcome to the pinnacle of genuine Italian luxury. Sitting proudly on a hilltop in the Tuscan countryside, Podere Panico is surrounded by sweeping vistas, rolling medieval hills and rows of beautiful cypress trees. Restored to perfection, each cotto floor tile, clay roof tile, stone, brick, and wooden beam in Paníco has been saved and brought back to life from the original structure. The generous kitchen, original forno oven, and traditional Tuscan fireplace make this farmhouse ideal for culinary adventures, while the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect location to relax and soak up the stunning landscapes. YOUR VILLA STAY WITH B&R B&R s accommodation choices are always unique expressions of the region. In every case, this means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we always have a friend or two in region. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) Here, you will get acquainted with the Italian way of life with your own gorgeous Tuscan home serving as the hub for your adventure. Pure paradise.

11 Podere Panico 2 Your Next Steps FIND US ON FACEBOOK Like B&R on Facebook and get the latest news and photos from the road, updates from guides and more. the details READY TO BOOK? Contact us at or bespoke@butterfield.com with any remaining questions or consult your travel professional. Note that a $500 deposit is required in order to reserve dates. After you ve booked, you will receive a confirmation package containing detailed information to help you prepare for your trip. FEATURES 7,000+ ft2 (700 m2) of living space Sleeps up to 16 people (12 adults) Five acres of land with over 200 olive trees Large infinity pool (seasonally heated from May to October) Hot tub (heated year-round) Pool house with sauna and workout facility Multiple outdoor dining areas Beautiful 360-degree views Located just 1km from Monteroni d Arbia and 12km from Siena (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) Spacious open concept kitchen and dining room, includes traditional Tuscan fireplace Large, open living room with adjacent viewing room Forno room with original brick oven Interior courtyard with pergola-covered dining area 4 hours of cleaning per day Private caretaker s suite is on property Weather: Tuscany month high low Jan/Feb Mar/Apr May/Jun Jul/Aug Sep/Oct Nov/Dec 59 38