Tuscany Incentive Programme

Tuscany Incentive Programme
Day 1
ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL
WELCOME DRINKS AT THE HOTEL
Tba according to hotel and timing
Day 1 PM – Visit to Siena and Dinner
…the famous shell-shaped square called Il Campo, where twice a year Palio horse race
takes place, the Palazzo Pubblico, with its tall slender Mangia Tower, the Renaissance
Palazzo Piccolomini, the Gothic Cathedral with the enchanting Libreria Piccolomini
entirely frescoed by il Pinturicchio and the Baptistery.
The contrade of Palio
After the visit to the main monuments, a “special visit” will be arranged in one “Museo
della contrada”. In Siena there are 17 “Contrade” that every year try to win thePalio in
the horse race, in the unique scenery of the shell-shaped piazza del Campo.
The museums of the Contradas are reach in precious gold and silversmith works,
fascinating archives, old letters, accounts, minutes of meetings, valuable statues and
paintings, old standards, small habits stored from the XVI century onwards. Here we can
arrange medieval banquets. A drink will be offered in this evocative ambience with
frescoes, flags and historical rests.
Possibility to have aperitif and/or lunch or dinner and music. Walking distance from the
Museum, the Società of the Contrada opens the door for lunch forlarge groups
DAY 2
FULL DAY ACTIVITY – YOUR CHIANTI EXPERIENCE
Chianti Day – Option 1 by bus
Chianti is a region of Italy of unique charm. Travelling around enjoying the sweet romantic
hill covered by vineyards and olive groves is a unique experience.
We suggest to dedicate a full day travelling in these amazing hills. Chianti sweet
landscape with the tender green of the hills and the magic blue of the sky is enriched by
the unspoilt ancient quaint towns; everywhere appear castles, farms, towers, and many
modern and traditional wine cellars.
Stop in Greve in Chianti
Greve in Chianti, which is named after the river that runs through it, is the chief town of the
Chianti Classico wine zone, home to Chianti's largest wine fair, held every September. It is
the shopping centre of the Chianti farm house holidays area that surrounds it.
At the end of the Dark Ages, Greve developed on the flat ground of the Greve valley as
the market for the fortified villages, castles and farm houses on the surrounding hilltops. In
1325 it was burned to the ground by Castruccio Castracani, the Duke of Lucca.
Nevertheless, Greve expanded considerably during the 14th and 15th centuries, and,
after the unification of Italy, became the most important centre of Chianti. The rebuilt
church of Santa Croce, which houses some beautiful paintings of the school of Fra
Angelico, stands at the top of the asymmetrical main piazza, Piazza Matteotti.
The original piazza is shown as square in old documents but the construction of buildings,
porticoes and loggias has encroached on it over the years so that it is now triangular,
pointing to the neoclassical facade of Santa Croce. On one side of the piazza is a statue
of the explorer Giovanni da Verrazano (also spelt Verrazzano) who discovered New York
Harbor. A house associated with the family of Amerigo Vespucci is located in nearby
Montefioralle.
Castello Wine Estate
Here a full immersion experience in the Tuscany gastronomy. This is a estate producing
wine, oil and other genuine products. The castle is located on the top of the hill offering a
unique breathtaking view. When the group arrives guided visit to the wine cellar, where
the wines are aged and then the lunch. At the end a delicious farewell !!
A rich lunch will be served into the courtyard or inside.
A tasteful menu based on Typical Tuscan cuisine: Pasta, Cheeses, Salami, pizzas, canapé
Possible Activities:
1. Pasta lesson (morning)
2. Plant the grape-wine, (morning)
3. Visit the wine cellar and wine & oil tasting
Plant your grape-wine!
As a nice memory of this day guests could join the initiative “plant your own grape-vine”
participating to the realization of a vineyard in the Chianti. Guests will receive a diploma
and a regularly newsletter to tell them the status of their “vineyard in Chianti”.
A never-ending memory of a truly Italian experience.
Chianti Day – Option 2 by vintage cars
(self driving and ideal for couples – up to 40 cars available for a group of 80 people)
Each car will be provided with a road book in order to let everyone follow the steps of this
amazing journey
Stop in Greve in Chianti
Lunch and activities at Castello Wine Estate – 1 Michelin star
The Badia di Passignano (The Abbey of Passignano), located in the Chianti Classico
region, is an ancient monastery dating back to 395, when it was established by the
archbishop of Florence.
From ceiling to vault, the old wine cellars of the abbey, today host about 2000 wooden
barrels where Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Riserva is aged; produced from the
vineyards surrounding the monastery.
Visiting these historic and evocative sites completes the wine tasting experience with an
immersion into the “heart of the Chianti”.
Program (sample):
09.00 Cars available at the hotel and briefing
09.30 Estimated time of departure from hotel
11.00 Meet in Greve for stop
12.00 Arrival and visit to cellars with tasting (in case of Castello activities available)
13.00 Lunch
15.00 Return to hotel (no alcohol for drivers otherwise a transfer by bus to return to the
hotel can be arranged)
Chianti Day – Option 3 by FERRARI
(self driving and advised for small groups, best for 20 – 30 people, 2 pax per car)
Florence & Tuscany Ferrari Event
Sample programme, 22 people, 11 Ferraris
We offer a taste of the very finest in Italian living, combined with an unforgettable Ferrari
driving experience offering the opportunity to get to know each of the latest models whilst
enjoying the exhilaration of driving them personally on some of the most beautiful roads in
Italy.
FERRARI EVENT LOCATION: Castello Wine Estate in Chianti
12.00: Transfer from Florence to Castello
12.40: Arrival to the castle, where in the beautiful surroundings of the Castello with Ferraris
on display
13.00: Lunch in the restaurant of Castello
14.30: Full Ferrari briefing
Our English-speaking Tour Director, an expert Ferrari driver, will brief the group on how to
drive the different Ferrari models. He will present the full Ferrari range; explain the
difference between the various models and the engines and most importantly, give
guidance on how to handle the F1 paddle-gear shifting behind the steering wheel.
Before departure, our Tour Director, connected by mobile radio system, will hold a second
complete briefing with the guests once settled inside the Ferraris.
15.00: Departure by Ferrari for Chianti area.
The group will drive the Ferraris for a half day on the beautiful roads of the Chianti area.
Our Tour Director leads the convoy at the wheel of his car, guiding the Ferraris along the
most exciting hilly and curving roads, carefully selected.
A further three support cars (with mechanics) will follow the convoy to ensure safety and
to assist the group drivers if necessary.
The itinerary includes stops in some of the most beautiful locations in the whole of Tuscany,
among them Strada in Chianti, Radda, Castellina and San Casciano Val vi Pesa, all of
them located in the world-renowned Chianti area.
16.30: Halt en route at Radda in Chianti for a coffee and to allow the switch between
drivers and passengers.
After the stop return to Castello by Ferrari along the magnificent Mille Miglia route.
The Ferraris drive towards Greve in Chianti, along the famous Mille Miglia route offers a
breathtakingly picturesque panorama, the enjoyment of which is enhanced by the pure
pleasure of driving over an amazing succession of rolling hills and round never-ending
curves!
Halt en route for a coffee and to allow the switch between drivers and passengers.
18.00: Arrival at the Castello and the end of the day’s activities.
Guests will drive the Ferraris for up to 100 km during the day.
DINNER
Possibility to choose between a countryside location or a
restaurant in city centre
(TBA according to hotel chosen)
A typical welcome dinner in a typical restaurant to taste and enjoy Tuscan flavours at their
best. Possibility to enhance the dinner with some folk music entertainment (optional and
location permitting).
DAY 3
1. FLORENCE
DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF FLORENCE (WALKING TOUR)
A 3-hour walk through the centre of Florence searching for the most fascinating sides
andsome very special spots...
Guests will be taken through the most famous squares and streets of Florence butwill have
the chance to enter some very unusual locations which only locals know and touristsdo
not take notice...
The known:
Signoria square
Ponte Vecchio
Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo
Santa Croce
Uffizi
Accademia
The unexpected:
Antique chemist
…This famous pharmacy, founded in 1866, is located in the Santa Maria Novella Convent.
Many of the Officina’s preparations have made history and have marked an epoch: the
essences, as well as the famous and much requested perfumes, are still prepared here
following the formulas studied in 1500 for Caterina de’ Medici. It seems that this was the
essence that Caterina de’ Medici, Queen of France, took with her to Paris, where it
acquired the name of Eaude la Reine. Later, the Italian Giovanni Paolo Feminis, who
moved to Cologne in 1725 and began to make it there, changed its name to Acqua di
Colonia, as a tribute to the city where itwas produced. It boasts a collection of antique
pharmacy jars, 17C vases and beautiful 18Cand 19C furniture. It will be possible to visit the
little medieval chapel decorated with 14Cfrescoes which is normally closed to public.
Meet with the artisan perfumer
Do not be misled, it looks like a small door but it will take you into a world of scents and
fragrances still made with antique techniques. And it is all framed in an old palace living
room or you to relax and step out of the city chaos.
Ask also to take a look at the laboratory and the inner cloister. A real treat for few.
Breath in and enjoy!
Italian Pleasures: Chocolate & Wine in the oldest cellar in central Florence
In the heart of the historic centre of Florence, just a few steps away from the Duomo,
ENOTECA is situated in a medieval street. It's an elegant wine vault where clever structures
of wood and terracotta are used to display the most valuable wines. The entrance to the
wine tasting area is through vaults and ancient wooden beams where surrounded by
glass cabinets of grappas, whiskies and cognac made by the most famous distilleries
world-wide, you can sit down and chat while enjoying an excellent glass of wine in front of
a marvellous counter. Downstairs in the cellar is a large room of about 300 sq. m. where
the temperature and level of humidity are perfect for wine storage and where the clever
distribution of lights allows you to admire over 2500 different types of wine.
Here we can arrange a special wine tasting with a variety of bruschettas, cheese and
salami, or a tasting of chocolates with grappa, Barolo and other wines.
Lunch in restaurant in Florence city center
2. Fattoria rural experience
Fattoria estate is a completely organic farm. It covers an area of nearly 300 hectares,
mainly used for growing olives (20.000 olive trees on 110 hectares).
'Frantoio” and 'Moraiolo” olives are picked entirely by hand in the months of November
and December, then pressed in the olive mill on the farm a few hours after being picked,
to avoid using too ripe olives.
The premium product is Laudemio, an extra virgin olive oil with a high nutritional value,
indicated for all diets, a singular personality, and fresh and fruity bouquet.
TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
Safari tour
Tommaso, the son of the owner, guides you through the estate of Fattoria on board of a
Land Rover Defender 110.
The itinerary is designed to introduce to our visitors the nature and the animals that live in
their natural habitat: Exceptionally included in the 'Safari tour”, a visit to the charming
'Laghetto delle Colonne”, situated at the heart of the estate, whose name celebrates the
fact that the quarry at its centre is reputed to have provided the columns for the church
of San Lorenzo in Florence. Among the many illustrious visitors, was Queen Victoria who
sketched the lake of the columns while staying at the Temple Leader's villa.
During the tour it's possible to meet the animals of the farm, ducks, ostriches, goats,
Amiata donkeys and limousine cows.
Villa and olive mill tour
Tour includes gardens and halls of Villa, the elegant main house of Fattoria. You will see
beautiful corners of the Villa like: the majestic Sala degli Arazzi (Ball Room) with beautiful
French tapestries; Sala delle Bambole (Dolls' Room) and Sala da Pranzo (Dining Room)
where James Ivory filmed some scenes of 'A room with a view”.
Walking through the olive groves , you will easily reach Fattoria di Maiano, a completely
organic farm.
Here you will see the estate olive mill, operating in the months of November and
December. We will explain to you the whole olive oil making process. The tour ends with
our olive oil tasting
Available Language: English, Italian
Informal clothes e comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are advised
Weather: tours doesn't run with rain.
Gala Dinner
FLORENCE
Duomo Palace – The cathedral right at your fingertips
Recently, the residence was completely renovated without altering its features and
maintaining the fascination of its past history. Rooms are large, have high painted ceilings,
frescoed walls and are elegantly decorated.
The Palazzo was originally built by the Naldini's, an important family of Florentine
merchants and bankers. It, remained in the Naldini family until 1891, when the last
descendant, Cristina, married Marchese Eugenio Niccolini di Camugliano and brought
into this family as part of her dowry.
The present owners, Filippo and Ginevra Niccolini di Camugliano, personally supervised
the renovation works and oversee the residence in all details, in order to ensure that
guests be offered a top quality treatment, comparable to that of a luxury venue.
FLORENCE
Lungarno Palace – by the Arno River
Overlooking the Arno river in the
heart of Florence, Sala Poccetti in
Palazzo forms a highly exclusive
event and conference facility
together with the two adjacent
rooms, Sala Ritratti and Sala
Tende.
With sumptuous frescoes adorning
the walls and vaulted ceiling this is
the idealsetting for high profile
business meetings, receptions and
gala evenings. Both Sala Poccetti
and the two adjacent rooms can
be equipped with technological
systems.
Back office spaces are available.
Capacities:
- Poccetti room: 100 sq.m.; 80 people for dinner
- Tende room: 52 sq.m.; 40 people for dinner
- Ritratti room: 40 sq.m.; 30 people for dinner
SIENA
Countess Palace – right on Siena’s Palio square
Countess Cesarina Pannocchieschi d'Elci and her children still live in the palazzo
apartments.
Palazzo D'elci is situated in Via di Citta', the heart of city centre. Via di Citta' is lined with
buildings constructed in various periods, starting from the 13th century when numerous
wooden houses were replaced by stone and brick buildings.
Palazzo D'Elci hosts a 19th century staircase by Fantastici and two masterpieces, a
painting on wood of the Madonna and Child with St. Giovannino and St. Barbara and the
painting of the Prophet Eliah both the work of Daniele Ricciarelli da Volterra.
Palazzo D'Elci overlooks Piazza del Campo, one of the most wonderful Square of Italy
where every year the famous Palio takes place. Noble Italian families are used to enjoying
the Palio from the 8 windows of the Palazzo.
Guests are welcomed by the hostess will be able to admire the magnificent view of Piazza
del Campo from the palazzo windows.
During the lovely dinner, carefully supervised by Countess Cesarina Pannocchieschi d'Elci,
guests will discover the traditions and interesting facts of Siena.
Possibility of:
- Welcome by Countess Cesarina
- Aperitif in Countess apartment
- Served dinner
Optional Small Groups Activities – Florence and Siena
COOKING CLASS IN SIENA
Meet with the owner and the Cooking School that carries her name, founded in 1994. The
objective of the School is that to maintain the tradition of Sienese and Tuscan
cooking and the recipes that were passed down to us from our grandmothers.
Lella, passionate researcher of medieval recipes, is always careful to use local products.
She has collaborated and continues to work with local and national television networks, is
a member of the I.A.C.P. (International Association of Cooking Professionals of
Washington), isan A.I.C.I. teacher (Association of Teachers of Italian Cuisine) and is the
President of the "Lady Chefs" of the F.I.C. (Italian Federation of Cooks).
She was born in Siena and still lives in there. With her you will not only discover cooking, but
also the city, the Palio and the Contradas (neighborhoods) of Siena....and what it means
to be Sienese.
Discover FLORENCE by Segway
Segway Tour is a terrific experience for everyone who would like to visit Florence on the
coolest ride of the 21st century! The Segway Tour is the best solution if you have just a few
hours to visit the entire historical centre in less time than simply walking. See More and
Have More Fun!
The Florence Segway Experience Tour is the most appropriate to visit the entire historical
and charming centre of Florence in less time than simply walking.
MEETING POINTS: Piazza del Duomo (Duomo suqare) and Piazza della Signoria (Signoria
square) area.
DURATION: maximum 3 hours within 09:30 to 14:30 time period.
VEHICLES: max 20 segway available (max 10 per group for safety reasons)
SCHEDULE: from Sunday to Friday (given in English) – other languages available but
subject to confirmation
Horse and Carriage in FLORENCE
A unique chance to see the city from a different perspective.
The most romantic way to experience Florence..
a Horse and Carriage ride.
Enjoy this unique tour through the narrow streets
of the city center and along the romantic river
side, passing by the major sights such as the
Cathedral, Piazza Signoria, Santa Croce.
Important:
- 4 pax for each carriage
- 8 – 10 carriages max available (TBC)
- 40 - 50 minutes for each ride