Stay in the 13th century walled hill town of Gargonza, with medieval ramparts and a crenellated watchtower . . . enjoy a private tour with Count Roberto Guicciardini Corsi Salviati, the man whose family has had ownership since 1696, and who lovingly restored the crumbling, abandoned village into one of Tuscany's most unusual hotels . . . follow in the footsteps of St. Francis with a visit to the Celle Hermitage . . . explore nearby Cortona . . . enjoy a Medieval Tuscan Dinner . . . relax in a thermal pool and enjoy a full body massage . . . taste the locally produced Chianti Classico wine . . . savor a Farewell Dinner matching Tuscan specialties with locally produced wines.
Day 1: Afternoon arrival at Castello di Gargonza. Dinner in the hotel's restaurant, La Torre di Gargonza.
Day 2: Discovering Gargonza's Past
After breakfast, meet the Castello's owner for a morning tour of Gargonza, followed by a slide show detailing the restoration of the village. Lunch is at the hotel, with the afternoon free to relax by the pool or to explore Gargonza on your own. In the evening enjoy an authentic Medieval Tuscan Dinner, with dishes such as Grilled Pecorino cheese with fennel; Green Apple Salad with arugula, walnuts and lemon; Orange Duck Breast with roast onions; or Honey Crepes.
Day 3: Following St. Francis' Path
After breakfast, visit the nearby 13th century Celle Hermitage. Stroll its beautiful stone streets, admire its medieval houses, and learn the role St. Francis played in the building of the hermitage. Drive to nearby Cortona, the town made famous in the book Under the Tuscan Sun, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and an afternoon on you own to explore the scenic town. A typical Tuscan dinner is featured in the evening at the castle.
Day 4: Relaxation and Wine Tasting
Following breakfast, visit the San Giovanni Spa to relax in its thermal pool, followed by a full body massage. Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon visit a local winery for a tasting of Brunello di Montalcino wine. A Farewell Wine Tasting Dinner showcases locally produced wines, such as Marchesi de' Frescobaldi 2005, Rosso di Montalcino, Castiglion del Bosco and Sangiovese, 2004.
Day 5: Breakfast and departure.
