Day 1
F
rom 1 to 3 in the afternoon we’ ll await you at our Florence hotel. Unpack what you need for one night, and make yourself comfortable.
After an introductory stroll around the holiday-lit streets of Florence’s historic center, we’ll relish our first dinner together (included) – the beginning of a week of delicious Tuscan and Umbrian cuisine.
Day 2
After breakfast (included) we’ll drive through winter-bare but still lovely Tuscan countryside, make an essential stop at the designer outlets (Prada, Gucci, and more) and then stop for lunch on our way to Orvieto.
A beautifully restored historic palazzo in Orvieto will be our home for the next three nights. Settle in and make yourself comfortable.
Orvieto’s historic Teatro Mancinelli is an elegant venue for jazz
After a jazz aperitif, we’ll enjoy dinner (included) at one of our favorite Orvieto restaurants, renowned for its outstanding young chef/owner.
Day 3
Breakfast (included), and a walking introduction to hill-top Orvieto,.
After a quick lunch we’ll drive to an old olive oil farm, which has been lovingly tended by several generations of the Bartolomei family. We’ll see how the oil has been produced over the years, taste this year’s bounty, and have the opportunity to buy a few litres to take home. We enjoy the Bartolomei’s piquant olive oil almost daily at home.
We’ll return to Orvieto in time to join in the jazzy parade which kicks off this years Umbria Jazz Winter, before dinner (included) and more jazz.
Day 4
The Greco museum comes alive with smooth jazz
After breakfast (included), we’ll enjoy a concert in the intimate Greco museum, then we’ll spiral down from our hill-top town, and explore the Umbrian countryside, including a town famous for its beautiful ce
ramics – Deruta. Pick up a souvenir, or order an entire set of dinnerware (they’ll gladly ship) to carry on the delights of Italy in your dining room at home.
Afternoon free time – stroll the streets, or rest up for the BIG event – the
Gran Cenone di Capodanno (included). The feasting and jazz will start at 9 and go on til???
Day 5 *
Orvieto’s cobbled streets are invitingly decorated for the holidays.
Wake up in time to enjoy breakfast (included), then pack up for our afternoon journey north before a Jazz lunch (included) at a selected Orvieto restaurant and one last concert.
We’ll say arrivederci to Orvieto, and drive north to the intimate hilltop town of Monte San Savino, where we’ll stay in an elegant town-house hotel in the historic center.
After unpacking and settling in, we’ll explore the town before dinner in a “Slow Food” restaurant in the nearby walled village of Lucignano.
Day 6
Today we’ll explore the glorious Tuscan countryside, a photo-op awaiting at every turn. We’ll stop at a wine estate in the picturesque Montepulciano region, renowned for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, at the hilltop Renaissance village of Pienza, famed for its Pecorino cheese, and enjoy a bountiful lunch (included) in the tiny hamlet of Montichiello.
More Tuscan beauty awaits in the afternoon, then we’ll return to Monte San Savino for a quiet evening.
Day 7
Breakfast (included) and pack your bags to head back to Florence, and a day to sample the unmatched riches of the city – either explore on your own, or we’ll introduce you to our favorite shops, hidden treasures, and museums.
Choose a spot for lunch on your own – it’s hard to go wrong in Florence, but we’re always glad to steer you to a favorite of ours.
One more delicious Tuscan dinner (included) – and time to remember together an unforgettable New Year’s week.
Day 8
Relax over breakfast (included) then ciao to new-found friends before leaving Florence on your journey homeward.
*Schedule subject to Umbria Winter Jazz program and will be finalized in November