Tuscan Wine & Food Experience (including Rome)
ROBERTSON WINE TOURS for
Arrival into Rome AM 3rd or 4th JULY 2020
FOCUS
After plenty of Input by about your ongoing trip to France we are very pleased to present this incredible immersion into Rome & Tuscany through superb wines, foods and, of course, plentiful history.
The accommodations are at the top of their game: you really do have some seriously wonderful lodges on this adventure in Italy. We have chosen three levels of accommodations. Of course you can Mix and Match. The tour and its costs essentially stays the same, just depends how high you would like to go Lodging and how much time you will be in these incredible structures.
Your Rome arrival will be AM and naturally we will use that day. one night is really not enough but if your game we will do our best use the best part of the next day and then head into Tuscany. 2 NIGHTS (Do not try less)
The focus in Rome & Tuscany is expert guiding, but also allowing you enough time to explore yourselves independently. Your guides from Rome onwards Tim and Katharine as driver and we will be able to give you all the relevant information and guidance for when you are not accompanied. We need Fully licensed Roman guides while you are here.
Cooking wise, we are extremely pleased to be able to offer an exceptional and private experience in Florence or Montalcino if you think that could be fun but do not see that you have time, but we can discuss that.
In or around the Vineyards of Tuscany. 2 NIGHTS
Final Night in Florence 1 or 2 NIGHTS Naturally we suggest 2.
You are trying to do a lot already in the time you have, this is always first time visitors make, 100% understandable but a mistake. Its hot and if we want to show you the best of everything without setting a blistering pace.
Overview of the wineries we need to show. Montalcino and Chianti, North and South. So thats our two days out in wine...Super and of course having Tim you can get a 360 overview of any other regions that could whet your petite, be that Sicily or Piedmont for the Nebbiolo (Barolo etc).
We will get you into Florence with enough time to see some of her delights with our Expert guide. 2 nights in Florence is essential or not worth doing especially considering you have a AM flight to France.
We certainly hope that this ticks all your boxes and we will be able to move on this as soon as possible as we are holding all these services and just awaiting your confirmation.
July may be a year away but its our and Italy's top month for travel and if we get in quick and Non Refundable on the Hotels we can save a good 15%. We are already saving taxes by putting the Booing through Georgia as business to Business attracts less tax and in Italy thats a good thing believe us!
If you would like to discuss this or any specifics, we are at your disposal.
SincerelyTim Robertson
Owner
LODGES HOTELS AND VILLAS
Firstly we show the hotels that could be of interest in each of the Three Zones and their Levels sometimes we show you a few. Note we have prices but are not holding any room inventory until we know the structures you are interested in.,
ZONE
- ROME
- TUSCANY IN THE VINEYARDS (OR SIENA)
- FLORENCE
Table of contents
- HOTELS : VIP CHOICE
- Hotel: Grand Hotel de la Minerve, Rome
- Hotel: Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino, Tuscany (With Villa)
- Hotel: Villa Cora, Florence. Tuscany
- GUIDING: Tim Robertson and Katharine
- Tour Outline
Hotels:
Hotel: Grand Hotel de la Minerve, Rome
This incredible 16th-century palace in the very heart of the old part of Rome is one of the Grand Dames. Apart from the Absolutely perfect location, the atrium bar, the roof top garden and the terrace are all great spaces to relax, read a book or enjoy a glass of wine. You will see the Pantheon’s roof from your room if we choose the rooms we like. Rooms are stylish but not form over function, this is also not a chain and we love female GM who cares and is ever present.
This is the best place to go out and stroll around Old Rome, if you are short on time and want to be close to it all, you cannot get better.
Hotel: Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino, Tuscany (With Villa)
The estate of Castiglion del Bosco, recently becoming a Rosewood managed hotel (belonging to Massimo Ferragamo since 2003), is a meticulously converted medieval borgo, which has been transformed into an exclusive international resort. With 800 years of history and 4,000 incredible acres, this is the largest private property in Italy. The luxurious suites bear the trademark of Ferragamo, with outstanding high leather touches throughout. Room decorations tend towards traditional local shades such as ochre, burgundy and green. The estate has two restaurants, one more formal (Campo del Drago) and one more casual (La Canonica). Castiglion del Bosco has the de rigueur SPA and infinity pools with the views over heaven on earth. This place is a dream and guests tend to be from all over the world, well travelled and as Castiglion del Bosco and very discreet.
Please note they have several Villas that would fit you perfectly….But you need to think Appoximately 10,000 Euros a Night for 6 roomed Villas. J. Suites (for 2 double occupancy 1,600 Euros a night)
Loads of Extras as one would expect
- Breakfast overlooking rolling Tuscan hills
- Selection of complimentary daily newspaper
- Newspaper app for Android and Apple devices
- Wi-fi
- Nespresso machine, refreshed daily
- Tesla Destination Charging
- Sauna and steam bath (please book ahead to ensure private use)
- Fitness center
- Gorgeous infinity pool with loungers and umbrellas, and poolside service
- Children’s club
- Bocce
- Tennis courts
- Tesla Destination Charging
Hotel: Villa Cora, Florence. Tuscany
Villa Cora is a stunning five star mansion. Located up above the frenetic town of Florence, this is the best stay going. Set in beautiful gardens and sweeping driveways in this prestigious residential parkland between the Viale dei Colli Gardens and Boboli, it is a real delight. Shuttles or 20 minute walk and you are in front of the Pitti Palace. The management (Italian) totally gets it and we can safely say that Villa Cora is the best hotel in Florence. If Four Seasons is massive, this is intimate. It features 46 rooms/suites, a heated swimming pool and a restaurant that is very much on everybody’s lips. A more sophisticated yet understated stay in Florence.
GUIDING: Tim Robertson and Katharine
GUIDING
Tim
Tim was born in the UK and is of Scottish descent. Tim was introduced to fine wines in 1988 when he worked for Sakagura Wine & Liquor … part of Intercontinental Group in Hong Kong. He was responsible for selling their collection of Bordeaux Wines and other top quality new world wines, probably the best collection in Asia at that time. He never quite recovered from tasting the very best at early age of 18. However, he went on to complete his studies in Economics and Business. He was unable to find a suitably well-paid job in wine in London and so embarked on a career in finance, including, Fidelity Investments, Schroders and CSFB. He decided to leave finance in 1998 to refocus on finding a project involving his love: the wine. Tim inaugurated Robertson Wine Tours (RWT) in 2003. The business has grown organically over the years and despite efforts to get involved in exporting he has stuck to the tried and tested formula of offering his clients the best the wine countries have to offer. The client base of RWT is rightly demanding of the best, extremely well travelled and generally with knowledge or love of wine.
Katharine
Katharine is the greatest of fits for your tour as she comes from a Californian Family which was on the other side of the Cesar Chavez fight, invented Lettuce in a bag and hails from Berkley CA, she went native in Italy 30 years ago and drives for us and a whole lot more, her step brother currently owns Taylor Farms.
Tour Day by Day – Tuscan Wine & Food Experience (including Rome) For Georgia
DAY 01 –
Arrival IN / Sightseeing Rome: Cultural Experience / Grand Hotel de la Minerve
Arriving at Rome Airport (FCO) at AM
Reception & Departure from Rome Airport with Driver of Robertson Wine Tours
Private Transfer to Rome
Arrival & Check IN at Grand Hotel de la Minerve
Lunch Not Included a la Carte at Restaurant TBD in Rome
Reception & Departure from Grand Hotel de la Minerve with our Expert Local Guide TBD
Guided City Tour of Rome
Please Note: Focusing On Principal Attractions.
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Restaurant TBD in Rome
Sleep at Grand Hotel de la Minerve / Room Category: Junior Suite
DAY 02 – Sightseeing Rome: Cultural Experience
AM Sightseeing Rome
Departure from Grand Hotel de la Minerve with Expert Local Guide TBD
NOTE: We would suggest us buying you the early bird entrance tickets for the Vatican and sistine Chapel, which you can enter from 7.30am and you skip the lines. those tickets cost 50 euros + 2 euro booking fee but you miss the crazy queues and if you are really interested you can hoof it straight to the Sistine chapel and almost have it to yourself…
Lunch Not Included a la Carte at Restaurant TBD in Rome
Guided City Tour of Rome ideas
PM Walking Tour with Expert Local Guide TBD
Walk to Villa Farnisina (close) www.villafarnesina.it See this incredible Villa and frescoes
See a little of Trastevere and Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
Cross to the Jewish district.
Enjoy old Rome including
Campo de’ Fiori
Pantheon
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Last stop just meters from your Hotel Piazza Narvona
Returning to Grand Hotel de la Minerve
Welcome Wine Tasting Followed by Dinner at Restaurant TBD in Rome
Sleep at Grand Hotel de la Minerve / Room Category: Junior Suite
(B) (D)
DAY 03:
Rome to Val D’ Orcia and Montalcino: Wine & Food Experience / Hotel TBD
Check OUT from Grand Hotel de la Minerve
Reception & Departure from Grand Hotel de la Minerve with Tim and Katharine
Private Transfer to Montalcino
Visit & Wine Tasting at La Serena Winery
Lunch with Wines at Boccon del Vino Restaurant
Private Transfer to Capanna Winery
Visit & Wine Tasting at Capanna Winery
Private Transfer to to Hotel TBD
Arrival & Check IN at Castiglion de Bosco
Dinner Transfers and restaurants suggestions are included at all times in Tuscany.
Sleep at Castiglion de Bosco/ Junior Suite or Villa
(B) (L) (D)
DAY 04:
Montalcino / Siena / Pienza / Monticchiello : Wine & Food Experience / Hotel TBD
Depart from Castiglion de Bosco
Private Transfer to Casato Prime Donne Winery (Very close)
Visit & Wine Tasting at Casato Prime Donne Winery Transfer to Siena 20 minutes
Lunch with wine in Siena included at Compagnia dei Vinattieri a super little restaurant we have worked with for years
Sightseeing guided in Siena 3 hours
Transfer to Pienza
Pienza, dubbed the perfectly formed town surrounded by the clay hills and suggestive Cypress trees of the Val d’Orcia. Note Not Guided
Wine Tasting with tim concentrating on the wines of Bolgheri (Super Tuscans) in Monticchiello
Followed by dinner at Darias restaurant, she’s a legend and we will be very welcomed
Sleep at Castiglion de Bosco/ Junior Suite or Villa
(B)(L) (D)
DAY 05:
Sightseeing Chianti with Wine Experience and on to Florence
Check out of Castiglion de Bosco
Drive to and through Chianti
Visit & Wine Tasting at Castello Dei Rampolla
Visit & Wine Tasting at Fontodi
Transfer to Osteria di Fonterutoli Mazzei for lunch
Extensive lunch Fonterutolis top wines included
Transfer to Monteriggioni. 20 minutes
Sightseeing by yourselves in the Fortified Borgo of Monteriggioni
Private transfer to Florence
Check in at Hotel TBD
Suggested dinner to Florence and dinner at Enoteca Pitti Gola (Our go to restaurant in Florence, food is super, its not all about the wine)
Sleep Villa Cora / Imperial Suite
(B) (L)
DAY 06:
Sightseeing Florence Full Day: Cultural Experience, Including Uffizi and Academia or with Cooking Experience
A Full Day Guided Tour of Florence
This will be Internal Florence with our guide giving you an incredible insight to this world famous art gallery and make it come alive
Ufizzi and Academia strongly suggested
Lunch suggestion Cibreo (Must book)
If on the other hand Museums and galleries are not your thing we recommend an incredible cooking experience in the Morning with Lunch and wines included.
Dinner Take a look at this, Tuscany-city-guide-with-restaurants
Sleep Villa Cora / Imperial Suite
(B) (L with Cooking Experience)
DAY 07
Check out Florence / Departure OUT
Check OUT from Villa Cora
Departure from Villa Cora with Driver of Robertson Wine Tours
Private Transfer to Florence Airport
Arrival at Florence Airport
Flight Details TBD
(B)
END of SERVICES
TOUR PRICES
Price PER PERSON: € 2,800
(Note at this stage this is an Estimated Price, a good one but there are many details to be discussed)
HOTEL PRICES Per Night with Taxes and Breakfast
Grand Hotel de la Minerve
Deluxe Price Per Room Double Occupancy € 605,00
Castiglion de Bosco
Junior Suite Price Per Room Double Occupancy € 1,600
Villa Price Per Couple Double Occupancy € 3,333
Villa Cora
Suite Price Per Room Double Occupancy € 1,1360
Junior Suite Price Per Room Double Occupancy € 950
Superior Double Price Per Room Double Occupancy € 583
Tim Robertson
Owner