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Exclusive ITALY Wine Tour Customized proposal by Vinoteca & Le Grand

“The Best of Italy: great wines, food, art”

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CHIANTI • FLORENCE • SIENA • SAN GIMIGNANO • MONTALCINO • MONTEPULCIANO • LUCCA •

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PISA • LUCCA • BOLGHERI • VOLTERRA • 5 TERRE • ALBA • BAROLO • BARBARESCO •

Daily Itinerary

October 1st – October 12th 2011

11 Days/10 nights

5 nights in Castellina in Chianti, 2 nights in Levanto (5 Terre), 3 nights in Alba

Day 0, Saturday October 1st 2011 - Depart from your home town to Italy

Day 1, Sunday October 2nd 2011 – FLORENCE: welcome to Italy

Arrival in Italy.• Private Transfer from the airport (Florence) to hotel in Castellina in Chianti, by private

minibus with driver

• Check in at Hotel in Castellina in Chianti

• Optional : after some time for settling down and relaxation, guided visit to the beautiful town of Siena: famous for its Duomo, the gorgeous cathedral with its coating of white-black marble, “art-filled” by works by the greatest Italian sculptors, Nicola Pisano to Gianlorenzo Bernini. You can enjoy a nice walk of the medieval downtown, going through a fascinating itinerary that alternates popular districts and rich noble palaces, fountains, towers, arches and artisan bottegas, up to the Piazza del Campo.

• Dinner in an estate where the typical “Maiale di Cinta Senese” (Tuscan Pig) is raised and excellent “embutidos” are produced.

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• Accommodation in Castellina in Chianti

Services included:

• Private Transfer from Florence Airport to hotel in Castellina in Chianti

• Dinner

• Accommodation in refined country hotel, in Castellina in Chianti (breakfast included)

Day 2, Monday October 3rd 2011 – CHIANTI

First day dedicated to the CHIANTI CLASSICO, with visits to 2 Chianti wineries and then some free time to explore one typical small village of this area (San Gimignano or Monteriggioni). In the morning visit and wine tasting at PEPPOLI ESTATE.

In the afternoon visit and tasting at TIGNANELLO ESTATE.Optional: after having enjoyed your visits and tastings to those 2 extraordinary estates, stroll through the streets of one of the following two villages and admire their beauties:

• San Gimignano. Built upon the foundations of an Etruscan village and overlooking Tuscany's lush Elsa Valley, San Gimignano is a wonderfully romantic hill town. The village earned the unlikely nickname of the "medieval Manhattan" for its striking skyline, which outlines thirteen medieval watchtowers dotted throughout the town center and lined along the stone defense wall. These towers, most of them built by wealthy families as a sign of their power, are one of the most impressive aspects of this beautiful Tuscan town.

• Monteriggioni: an amazing village on top of a hill surrounded by defense walls.

• Accommodation in Castellina in Chianti

Services included:

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• Private Transfer from hotel to Peppoli and Tignanello, and return

• Accommodation in refined country hotel, in Castellina in Chianti (breakfast included)

Day 3, Tuesday October 4th 2011 – FLORENCE

• Optional : in the morning, we suggest a very pleasant City Center Walking Tour. In approx. 2 hours you will visit all the major tourist attractions, under the experienced guidance of an entertaining and fun, professional English Speaking Guide. You will walk through the narrow streets of the main center and the Oltrarno reaching the most amazing monuments of Florence and unknown spots from where to admire the city: Santa Maria Novella, the artisans district, Palazzo Pitti, San Frediano, Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi square, Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, the medieval district, the Duomo, and Piazza della Repubblica. Along this pleasant stroll in Florence, you will stop at several locations for history explanations and fun facts about the city.

• Optional : after the walking tour, we will book the Uffizi entrance tickets for you (so to avoid long waiting lines) and leave you free to visit on your own or maybe rent audioguides onsite (if you would like a private guide, we can of course provide it).

• Afternoon at your own leisure to continue the exploration of Florence.

• Accommodation in Castellina in Chianti

Services Included:

• Accommodation in refined country hotel, in Castellina in Chianti (breakfast included)

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Day 4, Wednesday October 5th 2011 – The VAL d’ORCIA: MONTALCINO and MONTEPULCIANO wine regions

Another full day dedicated to a great Tuscan wine: the Brunello di Montalcino.

• This morning you will drive to Montalcino where you will visit PIAN DELLE VIGNE winery.

• In the afternoon visit and tasting at BANFI.

Optional: after having enjoyed your visits and tastings to those 2 extraordinary estates, carry on to Montepulciano village (1/2 hr) a splendid medieval hamlet located between the Valdichiana and the stunning Val d’ Orcia. The village is completely surrounded by wineries on all sides and has a magical almost fairy tale like quality. The wines here have a fascinating pedigreed history. The DOCG red wines made here are called Vino Nobile, ie Noble wines and indeed the wines have been famous in the aristocracy since the 15th century poet Poliziano brought these wines to the court of none other than Lorenzo dei Medici. The Montepulciano area is known to be a wine production area as far as the Roman Empire. Nevertheless the NOBILE di MONTEPUCIANO in the 20 th century has been surpassed in popularity and prestige by the “newly” developed BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO. You will learn and experience yourself the main differences between these two wines and you will appreciate the high quality of the Nobile as well.

• Accommodation in Castellina in Chianti

Services included:

• Private Transfer from hotel to Pian delle Vigne and Banfi, and return

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• Accommodation in refined country hotel, in Castellina in Chianti (breakfast included)

Day 5, Thursday October 6th 2011 - BOLGHERI wine region and the SUPER TUSCANS

• The entire day today will be dedicated to the Northern part of Maremma, around the little village of Bolgheri, that from almost total obscurity in a wine-sense became ultra-fashionable over the past 30 years with the rise of the “Sassicaia” and other SUPERTUSCANS phenomenon.

• In the morning, visit and tasting at GUADO AL TASSO ESTATE.

• Optional : in the afternoon, visit Volterra, jewel of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance art.

• Accommodation in Castellina in Chianti

Services included:

• Private Transfer from hotel to Guado al Tasso and return

• Accommodation in refined country hotel, in Castellina in Chianti (breakfast included)

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Day 6, Friday October 7th 2011 – LUCCA, PISA and LE 5 TERRE

• Check-out from hotel in Castellina in Chianti.

• Private transfer by minibus with English speaking driver to Le 5 Terre with stopover for visits (optional) in this beautiful out-of-ordinary area of Tuscany:

• Optional : visit Lucca: a walled city where you can enjoy a relaxing walk in the narrow streets with its nice shops. You can visit the beautiful Cathedral, the Amphitheatre Square, the Roman ruins. Visit the town's most famous church, the San Martino cathedral and the adjacent Piazza Napoleone. Passing the antique town center of Lucca you will reach the beautiful Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, to end at Piazza S. Frediano where you can admire its thirteenth-century mosaic.

• Optional : visit Pisa: one of the most ancient cities of Italy, with its three thousand years of history, pioneering science and trendsetting art make Pisa an mandatory stop on every Tuscany trip. Visit to the world famous Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) with its unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces: Leaning Tower (I am sure your kids would like to climb up to the top!), Baptistery, Cathedral and the Campo Santo cemetery. We will buy tickets for the Leaning Tower (booking is necessary). Optional private guided tour, with local professional English Speaking Guide.

• Check-in in your lovely hotel in Levanto - Le 5 Terre.

• Accommodation in Levanto - Le 5 Terre

Services included:

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• Private transfer by minibus from Castellina in Chianti to Le 5 Terre

• Accommodation in a beautiful hotel in Le 5 Terre (breakfast included)

Day 7, Saturday October 8th 2011 – LE 5 TERRE

Optional: full day excursion to discover the 5 Lands: 5 miles of rocky coast, covered in vineyards; 5 villages clinging on the cliffs.

The 5 Terre can only partly be visited by car, the majority of the villages can only be explored by foot or by boat/train. We will provide a Full Day private driver-guide.

• Starting from your hotel by minibus you will reach Riomaggiore, the first of the 5 lands. Visit to the picturesque marina with its tall, narrow, colourful houses

• Follow the “Trail of Love” (easy and spectacular walk), until Manarola, the smallest village of the five.

• After an aperitif with local wines, you can enjoy a very nice lunch in one of the many good local fish restaurants. Then a short boat trip to Vernazza, the most picturesque of the villages, with small houses, alleyways and lodges.

• By minibus to Corniglia, the only one of the 5 not directly on the sea, for a last glimpse at the breathtaking landscape.

• After another great day, you’ll be back to your hotel for a relaxing evening at your leisure

• Accommodation in Levanto - Le 5 Terre

Services included:

• Accommodation in a beautiful hotel in Le 5 Terre (breakfast included)

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Day 8, Sunday October 9th 2011 – ALBA and BAROLO WINE

• Check out from hotel in Le 5 Terre and transfer by minibus to Alba.

• Check-in in your beautiful old mansion either in downtown Alba or in the countryside surrounding this lovely town.

• Optional : in the afternoon transfer to the town of Barolo from where the world famous wine was originally named after, and visit to the recently opened WIMU (Wine Museum) located in the Castello di Barolo.

• Evening at your own leisure to recover from this long day of transfer.

• Accommodation around Alba

Services included:

• Private transfer by minibus from Le 5 Terre to Alba

• Accommodation in a lovely country hotel, perfectly located in the heart of the Langhe Roero wine region (breakfast included)

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Day 9, Monday October 10th 2011 – ALBA: BARBARESCO WINE

• Full day program to visit the famous Barbaresco wine region.

• In the morning, you will start with a visit and wines' tasting at GAJA.

• In the afternoon, we will dedicate the time to the further discovery of Barbaresco wine. The first option we propose is to visit Bruno Giacosa. His red-label Barbaresco Asili is nothing short of spectacular, with floral aromas, mellow tannins, sumptuous richness and a lingering finish. The other Barbaresco, Rabajà, is a little more rugged with powerful tannins and great cellar prospects. The extremely elegant Barbaresco Santo Stefano displays good acidity and ripe tannins. Another wine for connoisseurs is Barolo Falletto, surprisingly drinkable despite its power.

• Alternatively , you could visit La Spinetta. The Rivetti’s brothers’ fine winery has Barolo, Barbaresco and Asti DOCGs, as well as the Langhe and Monferrato DOCs on its list. Their scrupulous care ensures consistently high quality. Maturation of the three Barbaresco selections is almost identical, starting with 18 months in new barriques. The classic-style Vigneto Gallina gives berries and a weighty palate while the refined Vigneto Starderi has a nose of cherries and intense balsam, and a structured, elegant palate. Vigneto Valeirano is all fruit and spice with prominent alcohol and tannins.

• Back to the hotel in the evening.

• Accommodation around Alba

Services included:

• Private Transfer from hotel to Gaja, Bruno Giacosa or La Spinetta, and return

• 1 Barbaresco winery visit and wines tasting (Bruno Giacosa or La Spinetta)

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• Accommodation in a lovely country hotel, perfectly located in the heart of the Langhe Roero wine region (breakfast included)

Day 10, Tuesday October 11th 2011 – ALBA: TRUFFLE HUNTING & BAROLO WINE

Full day program to visit the famous Barolo wine region and experience truffle hunting.

• In the morning, you will have visit and tasting at Elio Altare. This winery was established in the late seventies with the purpose to give a different interpretation to the family's wine, favouring elegance, finesse, and balance. Mr. Elio Altare began a strict regimen in the vineyard and adopted new vinification techniques in the cantina in order to highlight the grape variety and the territory in which it was grown. Still today it is a family operation: they continue experimentation and research. Today the family works 10 hectares, of which five are rented. They have adopted techniques aimed at respecting nature. The principle objective is that of limiting the use of chemical substances, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. The wines are not subjected to filtering or fining, so that they keep all of the material and character extracted during maceration. Along with excellent Barolo, Elio Altare produces an impressive Langhe La Villa, which finds an exquisite balance of barbera fruit and the more complex elegance of nebbiolo.

• Alternatively , always in the morning, you may decide to visit and have tastings at Giacomo Conterno. The Conterno winery is not for trend-seekers or indeed admirers of tradition. The Barolo wines tell you that this is a vibrant operation and the aristocratic style is indicative of rigorous viticulture practices that transcend time. Barolo Monfortino Riserva is excellently made, it mingles rich aromas of morello cherry, blackcurrant and walnut, accompanied by fine scents of elederflower. This is a wine of character and personality. But do not expect Barolo Cascina Francia to play second fiddle: it has a generously spacious bouquet, combining austerity and fruit on the palate. Giacomo Conterno’s range is rounded off by an excellent Barbera.

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Optional: in the afternoon, you will focus an activity related to one superb food products of this land: white truffle.

Truffle Hunting: this is the most exciting experience for truffle enthusiasts. A hunter together with his dog will lead the guests into the woods to seek out the precious underground tuber. The hunt will be preceded by a meeting with an expert, who will provide all the information essential to understanding how, where and why truffles grow.

• Farewell dinner

• Accommodation around Alba

Services included:

• Private Transfer from hotel to Elio Altare or Giacomo Conterno, and return

• 1 Barolo winery visit and wines tasting (Elio Altare or Giacomo Conterno)

• Dinner

• Accommodation in a lovely country hotel, perfectly located in the heart of the Langhe Roero wine region (breakfast included)

Day 11, Wednesday October 12th 2011 - Depart from Milan – End of Tour

• Check out from Hotel in Alba• Private transfer from Hotel to Airport in MIlan

Services included:

• Private transfer from Hotel in Alba to Airport in Milan

END OF TOUR

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Accommodation

CHIANTI – 5 nights IN Sunday October 2nd, 2011 – OUT Friday October 7th, 2011

The Chianti area offers a great choice of lovely country-houses. We have chosen a typical country resorts that in our opinion reflect the spirit of this beautiful land:

ALBERGO IL COLOMBAIOwww.albergoilcolombaio.it5 TERRE – 2 nights IN Friday October 7th, 2011 – OUT Sunday October 9th , 2011

The geography of Le 5 Terre (tiny fishermen’s villages laying by the seaside and with steep cliffs hanging over them) and the humble spirit of their inhabitants have helped to preserve them from touristic exploitation, but it has also limited very much the possibility to develop top class hotels. There are a few very good hotels scattered in different villages along the coast, and we are glad to propose to you an excellent solution:

HOTEL LA GIADA DEL MESCOwww.lagiadadelmesco.it

ALBA – 3 nights IN Sunday October 9th, 2011 – OUT Wednesday October 12th, 2011

Alba is the little town at the centre of the wine region were Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo and Barbera are produced. It is also the “Italian capital” of white truffles and of many other delicacies. This is also the area where the “slow food” movement started from. We have carefully selected an accommodation in the surroundings of Alba which we believe truly represent the essence of this enchanted wine and food area:

VILLA TIBOLDIwww.villatiboldi.it

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“Tour Quotation”

TOUR PRICE : EURO 2,175.00 per person – minimum 16 paying travellers

This price includes all accommodations and services mentioned in the program.Price in double room basis (single supplement on request).

No gratuity.No tour escort.Optional tours and excursions are not included in the price and will be quoted separately on request (please note that a minimum number of travellers may apply).

Conditions:

Prices are inclusive of all services mentioned in the program under “services Included” (note: all the transportation and guide services are top quality private services).

Payment conditions: we require 20% non refundable deposit to secure your booking and the balance Prices are inclusive of all local taxes and administration fees and credit card fees.

NOT INCLUDED

INCLUDED

Travel Insurance

60 days before it card fees.

Air Flight

The program could change according to the meetings at the winiries or other suppliers services.In order to do the winery tour we have to complete the group of 16 people.

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Seguro Global Travel Protection: :

Precios Informativos Viajes Le Grand

Cobertura por 12 dias clase Gold, 89 USD por persona (Tarifa de grupo aplicada)

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