Our home away from home, Tenuta il Pratello! http://www.pratello.it/eng/the_resort.htm

Can you imagine anything better than an adventure in Tuscany next spring? To share my love and knowledge of gardening and travel, FORM & FUNCTION is collaborating with Adagio Travel to offer a garden and cultural tour of Tuscany April, 2013.

It’s a great time to plan a trip as the US dollar is stronger against the Euro than it has been in some time. So come along! See contact info below for more info.

APRIL GARDENS IN TUSCANY WITH ADAGIO TRAVEL

April 8- 16, 2013

Day 1 (Monday)  – Coddled Beginnings: Tenuta il Pratello

Private transfer after lunch from Florence or Pisa to Tenuta il Pratello. Nestled in the Pisan countryside, our elegant villa dates originally to 1650 and is known for its Tuscan-style garden. Time at leisure to wander the grounds, do some mountain-biking or a round of tennis, or just take in the beauty. The property maintains biking maps and has a billiard room as   well. Cocktails and dinner at the Tenuta’s restaurant.

Lodging for the next 6 nights: Tenuta il Pratello (http://www.pratello.it/eng/the_resort.htm)  

 Day 2 (Tuesday) – Jeweled Gardens and Tuscan Villages

After a rich breakfast buffet at leisure, we’ll visit the Tenuta’s garden with     a certified agronomist who is passionate about gardening! He’ll be with us later in the trip as we compare and visit other gardens.

Then we’ll hop over to the cute nearby village of Peccioli, where there’s    time to wander through the local market before a short tour of the town    and its archeological museum. Lunch on your own, then we’re off to the famous towns of San Gimignano (of the many towers) and Volterra    (famous for its alabaster). Dinner on your own in one of the many   wonderful restaurants in town.

 Day 3 (Wednesday) – Leaning Towers and Chocolate Showers

Today we’ll see an even more grandiose market in the town of Pisa. Our  local guide will take us through that market and point out the best   shopping, followed by a tour of the famous tower and the Campo dei Miracoli. Mid-afternoon departure for home, with a stop to visit and taste   at the area’s most famous artisanal chocolate-maker. Time to rest, hike or bike before dinner.

Day 4 (Thursday)– A Bird’s Eye View of Montalcino

Morning at leisure. We encourage a big, late breakfast today before an 11am walk through the olive groves to learn about the types that grow best here and why. We end the experience with a fragrant olive oil-tasting on the famous Tuscan bruschetta. Then half the group will board the Tenuta’s helicopter for a bird’s eye ride over the Tuscan countryside, landing at a charming family-run winery, one of the top producers of Brunello and   Rosso di Montalcino. We’ll meet the producers and taste the famous wine. Time to explore this enchanting town in the late afternoon before heading back home, when the other half of the group will enjoy the unique   helicopter experience. Land transfer provided for non-flyers. Dinner at Pratello.

Day 5  (Friday) – Gardens and Lovely Lucca

Many consider Lucca their favorite Tuscan city, and you’ll see why today. We’ll visit two private gardens on the way there, with our agronomist  leading the tours and available to answer all questions. By early afternoon we’ll be in Lucca, with time to discover and shop on our own; walk around the town walls (a favorite local pastime); grab a gelato. Dinner at Pratello tonight.

 Day 6 – (Saturday) – The Adventure Continues: Cooking and More

We’ll enjoy our last full day right “at home”, joining Chef for a 2-hour cooking lesson that will combine seasonal ingredients with fantasy to    create a delicious meal. After lunching together, there’s time to relax, take     a final moment to enjoy the Tenuta’s amenities, and pack your bags.

An option for the last night is a special wine dinner at a closeby winery, where we’ll deepen our knowledge of the wines produced right in this area.  A different wine will be paired with each scrumptious course! (This dinner   is not included in tour price, but will run about Euro 80 per person   including roundtrip transfer). Those who opt not to attend the dinner can dine at the Tenuta’s restaurant.

 Day 7 (Sunday) – Departure

Departure for Florence or Pisa airport after breakfast.

Interested, Questions?

Contact:

Vicki O’Neal, ASID, CID, VSLD at 804  677-8269

                     or

Claudia Harris, Adagio Travel, at 314-761-933

Adagio Travel

www.adagiotravel.com

“Catered Journeys for Curious Souls”