Day 1
Our trip begins at 9:15 a.m. at 5 star Westin Excelsior Hotel, Florence, our home for three nights. For three full days our private guide will immerse us in this city cherished for its priceless art and architecture from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Today our guided walk includes the Piazza San Marco and its restored 15th century Dominican monastery, whose museum and cells house famous masterpieces such as the Crucifixion, the Annunciation, and a fresco of The Last Supper. Then to the Piazza Duomo’s 13th century cathedral and cupola, with origins of its baptistry dating to Roman times. After lunch enjoy an unhurried visit to Michelangelo’s original 16th century statue of David. Dinner at La Tavola di Pier Capponi.

Day 2
Today our guide will take us to Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important museums in the world for its works by Botticelli, da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and more. We have also arranged a special, private visit of the historic Vasarian Corridor, an elevated path not open to the public between the Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery built in 1565. The corridor allowed the Medici family to join in local celebrations without mixing with the populace. After lunch we will spend time at the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence and since the 15th century lined with interesting shops. Fun and festive evening dinner party at Il Latini.

Day 3
Morning visit of the Palatine Gallery at Pitti Palace, a collection of masters’ paintings and sculptures owned largely by the Medici family and left to the people of Florence. Late morning we’ll explore gorgeous, 16th century Boboli gardens filled with grottos and sculptures. After lunch our guided, three hour walk takes us through Florence’s Old Quarter to Brancacci Chapel, one of the city’s greatest ancient treasures with Masaccio’s and Masolino’s 15th century frescoes of the life of St. Peter. Spectacular dinner party in Florence.

Day 4
Depart Florence mid morning for an exclusive luncheon and afternoon with Prince Duccio Corsini and his wife at Villa Le Corti, the family’s olive oil and wine estate. One of the region’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture, the towered villa in its spectacular hilltop setting has been in the Corsini family since 1427. A short drive leads to 5 star Hotel le Fontanelle, a beautifully restored 13th century farmhouse across the valley from Castello di Brolio. Dinner in our elegant surroundings, where we’ll spend the next two nights.

Day 5
Palio! A Tuscan country morning, then we’re off to Palio, Siena’s passionate historical event which embodies the ancient rivalries of the City’s 17 neighborhoods known as ‘contrades.’ For centuries, Palio has been a Festival of immense pageantry culminating with a bareback horse race around the Piazza Del Campo. We’ll take our reserved, well placed seats for the traditional flag and drum corp performances by all 17 contrada. A magnificent procession led by 24 members of the mounted police of Rome is followed by 22 members from each contrada in spectacular, medieval dress. The 10 horses running for the Palio enter the track, having just been blessed in church. Ridden bareback three times around the square, the first horse to cross the finish line with or without rider is pronounced the winner. After much emotional celebration a superb dinner awaits us at Mugalone’s.

Day 6
Depart le Fontanelle for private luncheon hosted by our good friend, the Countess Sandra Bianchi Bandinelli in her 16th century Villa di Geggiano. Her personable son, Andrea, shares the home’s rich past with us and it is he who makes the excellent wine we will enjoy at their elegant table. Check in for four nights at 5 star Grand Hotel Continental in downtown Siena, a lovingly restored 17th century palace just steps from the Piazza Del Campo. Late afternoon free time in town, then meet for a fun dinner party.

Day 7
Our first early morning balloon adventure takes us across Siena’s ancient rooftops, waving to the Sienese who lean from their windows to greet us with a cheerful “Buon Giorno!” From our balloons this medieval town is sensational and these city crossings are spectacular. After ballooning our guide will walk us through the Siena’s narrow, Gothic streets lined with palaces, and the great cathedral built in the 1200’s. Towers, alleys, and romantic hidden passages lead to open piazzas and elegant boutiques. Today we’ll be the private luncheon guests of our friend, Marissa Cardini, in her art-filled penthouse overlooking the ancient clay rooftops. Her daughter, Fiama, is a treasured source of insights into the Sienese culture. Late afternoon free time in town, then meet for our dinner party.

Day 8
Our early morning balloon adventure takes off just outside the 13th century ramparts of medieval San Gimignano, for spectacular views of this walled architectural jewel and the surrounding vineyard covered hills, appearing almost exactly as they did 700 years ago. After a walking tour of the town we’ll be the private luncheon guests of our close friends, Princess Irina Guicciardini-Strozzi and her husband, Prince Girolamo. The Prince and Princess represent two of Italy’s most historic family lines, and the Guicciardini family was recently discovered to be descended from Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, the Mona Lisa. We’ll dine at the family’s Villa Cusona, dating from 994 and the setting for the movie, “The Winds of War”, and whose vineyards have produced magnificent wines for more than 1,000 years. After an exceptional afternoon with our friends and a gracious tour of their estate, we’ll return to Siena and meet later for dinner.

Day 9
Early morning balloon adventure across Siena, through olive groves and hilltop fortresses to just-awakening locals in their gardens. Today’s private luncheon is hosted by our friends, Baron and Baroness Bettino and Constanza Ricasoli at their massive ancestral home, Castello di Brolio. The huge fortress and wine estate has been in the family since the 11th century, and the creation of Chianti Classico and Classico Reserva was the work of the Baron’s great grandfather at Brolio. Luncheon will be served in the ancient Knight’s Hall where in 1555 battle plans for the siege of Siena were drawn, and where battle armor is still kept. After a memorable visit we’ll return to our hotel and meet later for dinner.

Day 10
Romantic Tuscany is spread before us during our last early morning balloon adventure. We’ll tiptoe across the historic rooftops and through the old cobblestone streets for one last look at a place you’ll never again experience in quite the same way. After lunch transfer to Westin Excelsior Hotel, Florence, arriving about 2:30 p.m.