Scenic landscapes that beg for a movie set. Culinary and wine experiences that rival the world's top destinations. Photographic experiences for the amateur or professional.

Discovering a unique tour of Tuscany for travelers looking for more than the usual is QueensLander's Siena & Tuscan Hilltowns Tour. The trip features indepth and after hours experiences at Tuscan landmarks, delicious culinary experiences, regional wines of Chianti and Toscana and of course we stay in authentic Tuscan villas and hotels. It's the perfect expedition for that photographer, wine enthusiast or traveler simply seeking the different in life!

Siena • Volterra • Podere • Montereggioni • Panzoni • Montalcino • Montepulciano • Cortona • San Gimignano • Tuscany • Arrezo •
Farm Visits • Umbria

Flights from USA ~ Arrange your air to depart from the USA, Canada or Australia in order to arrive Italy the date following published tour date (example: May 16 Tour commences in Italy on May 17).


The Adventure Begins
Ciao, Italia! Welcome to Siena | Welcome & Orientation Walkabout
Upon arrival, you may have opted to have us pick you up from one of the airports for your transfer to Siena. Arrival transfers arranged by QueensLander vary depending on which airport you arrive. Inquire with reservations. Upon arrival you are met by our Tour Representative and then transferred to our villa hotel in Siena. Upon arrival you may freshen up (rooms ready for occupancy by 2pm) and then enjoy our orientation walkabout with our certified, professional Tour Captain. Return to the hotel to freshen up before our Included Tuscan Wine School Experience and Welcome Dinner tonight. At dinner you begin to discover the Delights of Tuscany.

Note: Some departures may use Villa Dievole for the first four nights - inquire with reservations for details.

The Tuscan Wine School ~ Wine, Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
We begin our tour with the opportunity to get to know Tuscan and Italian wines better. You will taste 5 Tuscan wines: from Chianti, Montepulciano and Montalcino, from San Gimignano to Bolgheri. We will also learn about wine making techniques, local grape varieties, DOCG plus learn a bit about local cold-press olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The perfect way to begin your time in Tuscany.

Included dinner tonight at La Taverna San Giuseppe
Light Walking, Leisurely Pace
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Continental Siena
D (Dinner)


SAN GIMIGNANO TUSCANY FARM | Volterra, San Gimignano, Podere La Marronaia Farm Visit: Olive Oil Tasting, White & Red Wines of the Region
This morning after breakfast, we visit the Tuscan towns of Volterra and San Gimignano. The quaint farm of Podere La Marronaia provides more "taste" with wine and olive oil tasting. We return to Siena for an optional dinner with the Tour Captain.

Light Walking, Leisurely Pace
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Continental Siena
B (Breakfast)


CASTELLANO TOUR MONTEREGGIONI
Authentic Tuscan Castle | Wine Experiences: Chianti Classico DOCG, Super Tuscan, Montereggioni, Panzoni

After a nice leisurely morning breakfast we depart for an authentic Tuscan Castle tour and wine tasting, with an included lunch. On the way we stop at Montereggioni ~ a charming hilltown and a walled medieval fortress that sits on a low-lying hill surrounded by the fabled countryside of Tuscany. Its walls and fourteen square towers still remain intact and are the perfect, off-the-beaten-path experience. We’ll then drive on to Panzano for an included dinner at the world famous Antica Macelleria Dario Cecchini, Tuscany’s Ultimate Steakhouse.

Included dinner tonight at Antica Macelleria Dario Cecchini
Note: Itineraries that include a stay at Villa Dievole on a Wednesday night will enjoy a very special dinner in the cellars.

Moderate Walking, Leisurely Pace
Accommodation: Villa Dievole
B (Breakfast)
D (Dinner)

A Dream in Tuscany ~ Craft Your Dream Day Experience
Programming every single day of an experience in Tuscany is a sin. We try not to sin. Enjoy today's many optional experiences or....not! It's your Tuscany.

Options to Consider for Your Day (inquire for pricing):
1) Hike from Radda in Chianti to Volpaia (3 hrs) with lunch in Volpaia before returning to hotel
2) Vespa's through the Tuscan Countryside ~ We advise caution, experienced drivers only.
3) Tuscany Via Horseback ~ We advise caution, experienced riders only.
4) Relax at the Pool or perhaps a Spa Visit is in Order
5) Culinary Experience in an Authentic Tuscan Kitchen
6) Wine Tasting Experience

Tonight, enjoy an Included Dinner al fresco on the terazza - terrace over-looking the Chianti Hills and the magical countryside of Tuscany. Ahhhh....Toscana mi Amore!

Included Dinner at Villa Dievole
Note: Itineraries that include a stay at Villa Dievole on a Wednesday night will enjoy a very special dinner in the cellars.
Accommodation: Villa Dievole
B (Breakfast)
D (Dinner)


MONTALCINO, MONTEPULCIANO, CORTONA

Today we enjoy the treasures that are Montalcino and Montepulciano and find out why Frances Mays enjoys Cortona so much! Wine tasting experience for the renown Brunello di Montalcino. It is one of the world's most evocative names for wine enthusiasts. Montalcino has been known for its red wines from as early as the 1400s. The Brunello is considered to be one of Italy's "Noble wines." Then a visit to Montepulciano. Montepulciano is the perfect medieval village between the Valdichiana and the impressive Val d’ Orcia regions. The town is enveloped by local vineyards and wineries which adds to its magical air. The DOCG red wines made here are called Noble wines (or Vino Nobile in Italian). These wines have been known by the aristocracy as a result of the 15th century poet Poliziano brought these wines to the court of Lorenzo dei Medici (yes, those Medicis!).

Legend has it that in the late 17th century English King William III actually sent his envoys to the area to buy wine after reading a poem called Bacchus in Tuscany dedicated to the wine of Montepulciano. Michaelangelos first sculpture while staying with the Medici was called Bacchus. The wineries of Montepulciano include prestigious names like Avignonesi, Poliziano, Salcheto and Tenuta Valdipiatta. After a fantastic day paying homage to the Brunellos and Nobiles, we continue on the short journey to Cortona. Upon arrival, check in freshen up and join the Tour Captain for a stroll along the streets of Cortona and take in the views of this quaint town.

Enjoy a Welcome Reception before an included dinner at Franco and Paola's Locanda al Pozzo Antico.

Included Dinner at Locanda al Pozzo Antico
Light to Moderate Walking, Hill, Leisurely Pace
Accommodation: Villa Marsili Cortona
B (Breakfast)
D (Dinner)

Free Day to Explore at Your Leisure
This day is designed for exploration of Cortona and surrounding sights at your leisure. The art of "doing nothing" reveals itself. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight in Cortona at a recommended restaurant.

Accommodation: Villa Marsili Cortona
B (Breakfast)


Tour Ends Today or Extend Your Journey...

After breakfast, check-out and consider our optional transfer to your departing airport:
1. Are you Ending your journey with us in Cortona?
Inquire for optional transfer to Florence, Pisa, Rome or other destinations.
B (Breakfast Included Today)

2. Are you Extending your journey with us to another exotic locale?
Inquire with Reservations for extensions such as...

The Florence 2 Night Extension with Guided Sightseeing of Her Treasures
or
The Enchanted Cinque Terre 3 Night Extension
~ The truly undiscovered Italian Cinque Terre (five lands) boasts territory that few make it to!