I know... I know....I know many of you are perplexed and disappointed that I no longer conduct tours personally but as you can see if you choose option 1 or 3 I will be part of the tour and be very happy to meet you and have lunch together after having bored you with dates, stories and legends and introduced you to the area I love so much. Franco will take care of the rest and I can assure you that you will be in excellent hands.

Dario Castagno

THE WONDERS OF CHIANTI + lunch with the author

Depart 8.30am from any hotel in Siena or Florence .

Transfer with private air conditioned mini-van to Chianti, where Franco will drive partly on unpaved roads to experience a little of everything this area has to offer.

First we venture into a remote cypress forest to explore a group of secret Etruscan tombs. Dated from 700BC, they were unknown until recently, when I helped dig them out.

Then we visit the tiny village of Vertine. With only 45 inhabitants, it is truly off the beaten path and unknown, and is one of the most characteristic examples of a Chianti hilltop village that has not changed over the centuries

Next we visit Borgo Scopeto where Dario will greet you and show you around the property while entertaining you with fascinating anecdotes regarding the history and the traditions of the region he loves so much. You will have the opportunity of learning the culture and the endless rivalries that for centuries have characterized this unique corner of Tuscany.
Dario is also a proud member of the Noble Contrada of the Caterpillar and will be honoured to illustrate the event by showing you some images of the Palio of Siena in one of the conference halls. The explanation of the traditions about local gastronomy and wine production will take place during lunch that will be served in the exclusive restaurant of the Borgo prepared by their world famous chef.

Then we visit a winery which is a one-man operation set atop a hill overlooking one of the most beautiful valleys in Chianti. The cellars are located underneath the owner's house, which dates back to the 15th century. Here we will taste some award winning wine.

Our next stop is the Brolio estate. An authentic castle which has been owned for more than 700 years by the Ricasoli family, it has served as the stronghold of the Florentines against the Sienese, and as the headquarters of the Nazis during World War II. From its hilltop garden you will have spectacular views across the valley, and we'll also visit the tiny chapel. If you have seen Bertolucci's film, “Stealing Beauty,” you will recognize the house at the foot of the castle, where the movie was made.

THE WONDERS OF CHIANTI

Depart 9.00am from any hotel in Siena or Florence.

Transfer with private air conditioned mini-van to Chianti, where Franco will drive partly on unpaved roads to experience a little of everything this area has to offer.

First we venture into a remote cypress forest to explore a group of secret Etruscan tombs. Dated from 700BC, they were unknown until recently

Then we visit a winery which is a one-man operation set atop a hill overlooking one of the most beautiful valleys in Chianti. The cellars are located underneath the owner's house, which dates back to the 15th century.
Here we will have an aperitif and we will take with us some wine that has been awarded as one of the best in Italy and that we will sample at lunch.

Next we visit the tiny village of Vertine. With only 45 inhabitants, it is truly off the beaten path and unknown, and is one of the most characteristic examples of a Chianti hilltop village that has not changed over the centuries

Lunch is served in Volpaia, a small medieval village inhabited by only 51 people. With the highest location in the area, it is no mystery why this was once a castle. In 1555, after the wars between Siena and Florence ended, it was transformed into a village. Lunch here is always a surprise, as there is no menu, but it is always great and never includes less than five courses.

Your next stop is the Brolio estate. An authentic castle which has been owned for more than 700 years by the Ricasoli family, it has served as the stronghold of the Florentines against the Sienese, and as the headquarters of the Nazis during World War II. From its hilltop garden you will have spectacular views across the valley, and we'll also visit the tiny chapel. If you have seen Bertolucci's film, “Stealing Beauty,” you will recognize the house at the foot of the castle, where the movie was made.

Next?you choose a winery? A ceramic stop? A village?

Meet the author at Borgo Scopeto

If you are driving through the magical atmosphere of the Chianti hills why not stop by and meet Dario the famous author at the Relais Borgo Scopeto? . He will be happy to greet you and show you around the 1000 year old property now a characteristic renovated typical Tuscan resort located in the heart of the Chianti area. Dario will be happy to host you and entertain you with fascinating anecdotes regarding the history and the traditions of the region he loves so much. You will have the opportunity of learning the culture of Chianti and discover the traditions and endless rivalries that for centuries have characterized this unique corner of Tuscany.
Dario is also a proud member of the Noble Contrada of the Caterpillar and will be honoured to illustrate the event by showing you some images of the Palio of Siena in one of the conference halls. The explanation of the traditions about local gastronomy and wine production will take place during a memorable lunch that will be served in the exclusive restaurant of the Borgo prepared by their world famous chef.

Arrival 11.00am
Departure 3.00pm