A Tuscan Anniversary
Known for its beautiful countryside, top-notch wine and unique bread; Tuscany is the full Italian package presented with a sun-kissed bow! The mix of endless vineyards, rolling olive groves, legendary artwork, architecture, and history galore means there is always something new to discover! Finish your trip with one night in Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, before flying out the following day.
The Italian dolce vita is difficult to describe. It is something that truly needs to be experienced first-hand. It is found in the ambient sounds of Rome's cobblestone streets, in the rows of vines of Tuscany's tranquil vineyards, reflecting in the immaculate and azure Mediterranean waters off the Amalfi Coast, and in the daily interactions with Italy's jovial citizens. The unbridled romanticism of a holiday in Italy will leave you with memories lasting a lifetime.
November 2-7
- Tuscany | 5 nights | Castello di Casole, a Belmond Hotel
November 7-8
- Florence | 1 night | The Place Firenze
If you need any urgent assistance while you are travelling, or if you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations during your time in Italy you can contact the following who will be your local contacts during your trip:
- Local Name: Arno Travel
- Local Contact Number: +39 344 3443549
- Local Emergency Number: +39 344 3443549
When contacting Arno please mention your Booking Number: 2886
- A contact person will be provided : will be provided or via scenset app chat
- scenset Emergency Line: +1 415 941 0027
You can also reach out to us on the scenset app and we will be happy to help.
Important: If something needs immediate assistance, your local contact is the best person to call first as they are in the same time zone.
US passport holders are allowed to fly into Italy for Business or Tourism without visa requirements.
- Official entry requirements can be sourced here
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
Tipping is always appreciated, though not obligatory. For drivers, we generally suggest a tip depending on the duration of the transfer. For guides, we recommend a tip for half day experiences or a tip for full day experiences. At restaurants a service fee is included and an additional 10% gratuity is appreciated.
We have designed a great playlist for you to enjoy during your trip through Italy full of local talent to discover!
- Italian Escape is La Dolce Vita in all its glory - sit back, relax and enjoy contemporary Italian songs!
Once landed in Florence airport, meet your private driver at the arrivals gate, after baggage claim and customs clearance. He will be waiting for you with a sign reading your name.
- Pick up time: Early afternoon
- Meeting point: Arrivals Hall
- Drive Time: Approx 1hr
If you have any trouble locating your driver, please call Arno Travel at +39 344 344 3549.
Booked by scenset.
On your first afternoon in Tuscany take the time to settle into your hotel, take a tour of the premises and enjoy the wonderful grounds of this property.
At afternoon today you have Afternoon Tea confirmed for two people in Bar Visconti.
This is included in your scenset booking as a complimentary amenity, excluding gratuity.
Please speak with the Hotel Concierge upon arrival if you'd like to amend this booking.
Confirmed by scenset through
Castello di Casole Concierge
This evening enjoy dinner on-property at your leisure. You may decide to enjoy small bites in the bar, or room service.
Dining options on property are:
- Tosca: Lunch and Dinner
- Pool Grill: 12pm-3pm
- Bar (serving tapas menu): 6pm-12am
- Speak to the Concierge about arranging a Picnic Lunch in the Garden
No Reservation has been made
Why we love it for you: Castello di Casole is one of those magical places where time stands still. Spread across 4,200 acres, this 10th-century estate is the perfect place to experience the wonders of rural Italy. Here you are sure to experience the unparalleled hospitality of a Belmond hotel, interwind with authentic Tuscan culture and tradition
Castello di Casole
Premium Junior Suite
Premium Junior Suite are refined, romantic and sophisticated. They command stunning views of the interior courtyard, or gaze out across the surrounding countryside.
Inclusions:
- Daily Breakfast & scenset Perks
Scenset is a close partner with Castello di Casole. For this reason, our clients profit from additional perks during their stay:
- Daily Full American Breakfast
- Food & Beverage credit used in the F&B outlets or room service (one time, per stay)
- Deluxe Afternoon Tea for 2 people, once during the stay
- Early Check-in/ Late Check-out upon availability
- Upgrade upon availability at the time of check-in
During your first full day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax on-property. Enjoy the Spa, or relax by the pool.
You’ll find the tranquil spa at the heart of our hilltop estate. Housed in what was once the wine cellar, today it is a serene setting within one of the most dramatic spaces on the property. Barrel-vaulted ceilings and restored stone walls create a timeless atmosphere, while views across the lush valley capture your imagination.
In the evening, meet your driver in the Hotel Lobby for dinner.
Caffe Casolani
This is not a perfectly polished, high end fine dining option. This is an authentic osteria, on the top of the village that has been operating in various forms since the 1900's. It was innitially a social club, then a wine bar and restaurant and on occasional thursdays it also transforms itself in a jazz bar. Here you will be one with the locals. Service might not be the fastest in this location, but you are in for the real thing.
We recommend their pici pasta!
A car service has been booked for you, with car at disposal for 3 hours.
- Departure Time: Evening
- Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
- Drive Time: 15 minutes
- Car at Disposal: 3 hours
- Cancellation Policy: 3 days prior to avoid full charge
Car service to be added to hotel bill and paid at check-out.
Dinner to be paid directly at the restaurant.
Confirmed by scenset through
Castello di Casole Concierge
Spend an unforgettable day outdoors truffle hunting and wine tasting in the Val d'Orcia hills!
Begin the day on a working truffle farm to join a team of truffle hunters (canines included!) in order to learn the trade secrets behind successfully finding these delectable morsels hidden just beneath your feet. You will then have a delicious lunch and wine tasting, enjoying the fruits of your labor.
After lunch travel on to discover Siena, one of the most enchanting medieval cities in Italy. Meet your private dedicated English-speaking guide and set off on a memorable walking visit of this exquisite town.
Discover the major sights and landmarks including Piazza del Campo - where twice a year dashing horses compete in the Palio race - Palazzo Pubblico, and Torre del Mangia. Visit the magnificent Duomo, Siena's awe-inspiring Cathedral, to admire world-acclaimed masterpieces.
Meeting Time: Morning
Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
Duration: Approx 8hrs
Inclusions:
- Mercedes Car and private driver (8 hours at disposal)
- Truffle Hunt lead by an expert
- Lunch with truffle and wine tasting
- Private specialized English-speaking guide in Siena (2 hours)
- Cathedral tickets included
If you have any trouble locating your driver, please call Arno Travel at +39 344 344 3549.
Booked by scenset.
At morning, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and transfer you for your visit to Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco. This is a drive of approximately 1.25 hours.
- Please dress warm today as portions of your tour and tasting will be outdoors.
- Your driver will be your main point of contact throughout the day.
One of the most historic producers of Brunello di Montalcino, the winery at Castiglion del Bosco was a founding member of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino in 1967. The estate's 2.000 hectares are largely occupied by dense woods of holm oak, oak, and beech, in addition to meadows, organically farmed crops, and 62 hectares of vineyards planted exclusively with Sangiovese, the historical grape, autoctone variety.
Mid-morning: Cheese and Wine Pairing: Enjoy a guided tasting of six Castiglion del Bosco wines, including their Millecento Brunello Riserva and their very limited production of Occhio di Pernice Vin Santo San Michele 2014, paired with a selection of six Italian cheeses such as aged Tuscan Pecorino cheeses, blue cheese, and fresh cheese.
Tour Capanna Vineyard
This activity also includes a private tour of the Capanna vineyard and the wine cellars.
Surprise Romantic Lunch
When you finish your tour of Capanna Vineyards, you will remain there for a private lunch in a magical place, on the top hill of Castiglion del Bosco, 3 km from the village.
A waiter welcomes you at Villa Capanna, explaining your food and assisting with wine. After, you will be left in privacy and you can stay as long as you'd like.
Return to Castello di Casole
When you are finished with lunch, your driver will be waiting at Capanna Winery to escort you back to the Belmond Castello di Casole.
- Departure Time: morning
- Contact Number: will be provided
- Drive Time: Approx 1.25-1.5hrs
- Wine Tasting Experience: mid-morning
- Tasting & Tour Duration: one and half hours
- Lunch Time: midday
- Car at disposal: 8hrs
- Cancellation Policy: 24hrs Prior
***Cost of picnic lunch is included. Wine and water included in lunch - beer and soft drinks at an additional cost.***
**Confirmed by scenset through
Rosewood CDB Concierge**
*If you have any trouble locating your driver, please call a contact person at Castiglion del Bosco: +39 0577 1913 160.*
**Private Experience**
This morning, travel to an iconic Tuscan city, San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most splendid examples of a medieval walled town. It is nicknamed the 'medieval manhattan', otherwise called the 'town of the 100 towers', and it's a feast for the eyes.
Here, you will be welcomed in the charming premises of a private family kitchen, in a real Tuscan home! Lace up your apron and enjoy a hands-on culinary experience. Learn the tips and secrets of making crispy delicious bruschetta, fresh hand-rolled pasta or gnocchi, tasty pasta sauces and dessert, too.
Lunch is all'Italiano, and therefore is accompanied by delicious wines. After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure and a stroll through delightful San Gimignano. Walk through quaint cobblestone streets, discover the many tall towers, and browse the pretty shops lined by bottles of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, premium saffron, dainty hand-woven linens and precious hand-made Santa Fina pottery.
After your class, you will have time at leisure to explore the town.
Start time: Morning
Total Duration: 6 hours
Meeting location: Hotel Lobby
Inclusions:
- Mercedes Car and private driver (6 hours at disposal)
- Private Cooking Class in San Gimignano, inclusive of tasting of the family olive oil and a selection of 4 estate wines
- Free time at leisure in San Gimignano
If you have any trouble locating your driver, please call Arno Travel at +39 344 344 3549.
Booked by scenset.
Lunch is included on this day as part of the cooking class! You will get to enjoy the dishes that you've made!
After breakfast this morning, check out and meet your driver for transfer to Florence.
Today bid Tuscany farewell and head to Florence. You will meet your private driver in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Florence.
Departure Time: Late morning
Meeting location: Hotel Lobby
Drive Time: Approx 1.25-1.5hrs
If you have any trouble locating your driver, please call Arno Travel at +39 344 344 3549.
Booked by scenset.
Early check-in has been requested but cannot be guaranteed. If your room is not available, you can leave your luggage with the front desk.
This afternoon embark on a wondrous 'Food Quest' through the charming streets of Florence.
As a first introduction to local products stroll through one of Florence's fascinating markets, a buzzing haven of tantalizing products. Browse through the colorful stalls piled high with fresh produce, see the local cooks and housewives bargain for the best, get to know butchers' and cheese vendors' premium typical products.
Follow your guide down winding cobblestone streets for a tasting of piping hot espresso; and set off to discover the local temples of flavor: the best fornai (bakeries) and picturesque traditional bottegas (local delis). Explore the shops and lose yourself among aromas and sensational flavors.
Savor, fragrant savory schiacciata shiny with olive oil (Florentine schoolboys' favorite snack!), taste
mouth-watering traditional cured meats, luscious locally produced cheeses, truffle-based sauces, and of course premium wines!
End your day as a Tuscan gourmet relishing Florence's creamiest and most luscious gelato.
Start Time: Afternoon
Duration: 4 hours
Meeting location: Hotel Lobby
Inclusions:
- Private professional licensed English-speaking expert guide (4hrs)
- Tastings of specialty products
If you have any trouble locating your guide, please call Arno Travel at +39 344 344 3549.
Booked by scenset.
After your food tour, enjoy cocktails with a view at Loggia Roof Bar.
The Loggia, a splendid panoramic terrace, sits atop Hotel Palazzo Guadagni, overlooking Santo Spirito square. The romantic and relaxing atmosphere of the Loggia Roof Bar is ideal for an aperitivo admiring the sunset over the red roofs of Florence.
- Reservation Time: Evening
- Confirmation Number: will be provided
- Distance from Central Florence: 10-20min walk
- Address: Hotel Palazzo Guadagni, Piazza Santo Spirito, 9
- Phone: +39 055 2658376
- Link to change/cancel the booking
Table will be held for 15min from booking time and then will be released.
Confirmed by scenset via Loggia website.
If after the food tour you are still hungry, we recommend having a traditional "apericena".
This is one of my favorite things to do in Italy; you combine "aperitivo" and "cena" (dinner). There are certain bars that offer a fair amount of bites to eat with drinks, either free of charge, with a fee, or à la carte, depending on whether you are there for an aperitif. It's a way to experience the city like a local would!
Places where this is typically offered:
This restaurant has an informal, fashionable atmosphere.
At the St Regis hotel. Enjoy excellent dishes from the Maremma created by a talented chef.
A Trattoria run by the same family for 30 years with typical regional cuisine.
Offers traditional Tuscany dishes in a surrounding that reproduces the typical atmosphere of an ancient Florentine restaurant.
Famous for its cuisine, since 1869. The concept is to eat by sharing two long marble tables, sitting next to whoever happens.
A new concept in modern catering based exclusively on white art. A quick-casual restaurant where you can enjoy products from 00 flour combined with foods of exclusively regional scenset.
In many ways, visiting Florence today feels like a trip directly into the Renaissance. The energy that inspired the likes of great artists is still palpable, from the grandiose pink and green facade of the Duomo to an unembellished plate of Florentine steak with potatoes. It’s easy to get engrossed by the art and shopping in the historic center, but walk across the Ponte Vecchio to find Florence’s most authentic osterias and enotecas on the left bank of the river.
Why we love it for you: Nestled amidst the historic streets of Florence, The Place Firenze hotel radiates an unparalleled sense of sophistication and timeless beauty. This boutique gem captures the essence of Italian artistry, seamlessly blending traditional Florentine elegance with contemporary design elements. Its thoughtfully curated collection of rooms and suites exude a sense of refined luxury, adorned with fine furnishings, exquisite artwork, and breathtaking views of the city's iconic landmarks. The hotel's intimate atmosphere, coupled with personalized service and attention to detail, creates a haven of indulgence and serenity, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of this enchanting city.
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Scenset Inclusions:
- Breakfast Included
- In-room complimentary mini bar (soft-drinks)
- Access to Florence Fitness Gym (2 minutes walking from the hotel)
- Daily access to over 7.500 newspapers online from your tablet or mobile trough PressReader App
Today you will depart for the Florence airport and your flight home. Buon Viaggio!!
This morning a private driver will meet you outside of the hotel lobby to transport you to the airport in Florence.
Pick up time: In the morning
Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
If you have any trouble locating your driver, please call Arno Travel at +39 344 344 3549.
Booked by scenset.