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Sip the Soul of Tuscany and  Emilia Romagna

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A 9-Day Journey through Brunello, Ferrari, and Prosecco.

The timeless wines of Tuscany and the unrivaled gastronomy of Emilia-Romagna.

A slow, small-group journey through Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino — vineyard by vineyard, estate by estate, with the people who make the wine.

Cooking in Tuscany
Castello del Trebbio, Chianti Classico
9
days, 8 nights
9
private estates & cellars
6
travelers per departure
1
private yacht afternoon
A 9-Day Journey

Brunello, Ferrari, and Prosecco.

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Day 1: Arrival Day in the Renaissance Florence

The journey commences in Florence, the heart of the Renaissance. Following a private transfer to your hotel from your arrival airport or train station, the afternoon offers an optional, exclusive cultural immersion: a private, guided tour of the architectural splendor of the Duomo and the artistic masterpieces housed within the Galleria Uffizi. The day culminates in a sophisticated Aperitivo held at the panoramic Piazzale Michelangelo, offering breathtaking sunset views over the city as you are welcomed to Tuscany.

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Day 2: Castles, Crafts & Heart of Chianti

Your Tuscan escape officially begins today as your private minivan whisks you into the rolling hills of Chianti Classico region. Experience noble heritage at Castello del Trebbio with a guided tour, wine tasting, and authentic Tuscan lunch. Witness the ancient craft of terracotta in Impruneta. The day concludes in Val D’Orcia with a private cellar experience, exquisite dinner, and local wines.

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Day 3: Montalcino, Brunello, and the Art of Tuscan Taste.

Begin your day like a true local with a rich espresso enjoyed at a charming village bar before setting off toward the rolling hills of Montalcino, the legendary hilltop town synonymous with one of Italy’s most prestigious wines: Brunello di Montalcino. Enjoy a guided tasting of Brunello at a traditional farm estate, followed by a rustic, elegant, locally-sourced lunch. The afternoon offers an enriching choice: a hands-on Tuscan Cooking Class or an authentic Truffle Hunting adventure.

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Day 4: Siena's Cultural Treasures & Wine Safari

Explore the medieval city of Siena, visiting the unique Contrade Museum and the Gothic Duomo. After free time in Piazza del Campo, set out for an unforgettable private Wine Safari at Tenuta Torciano. Traverse vineyards by open-air vehicle before indulging in a gourmet cellar dinner.

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Day 5: Sailing into the Tuscan Dream

Experience a day of pure indulgence aboard an elegant Private San Lorenzo Yacht (8 pp min or set min price) in the breathtaking Gulf of Baratti. Savor a lavish four-course seafood menu, a wine school experience, and an olive oil tasting guided by an expert crew. The day culminates back inland at Castello Bonaria hotel with a refined dinner and overnight stay.

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Day 6: Bolgheri's Charm & Night in a Castle

Visit Tenuta Fratini for a private tour and convivial lunch. Travel to the storybook village of Bolgheri, famed for its cypress-lined avenue and Super Tuscan wines. Enjoy the pool and SPA at the magnificent Castello Bonaria (or similar hotel) followed by for a multi-course dinner and an overnight stay in a historic, panoramic setting.

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Day 7: Leave Tuscany for a SIP of Emilia Romagna

The morning begins at Cantina Meraviglia for a tasting of innovative vintages. A celebratory Tuscan lunch overlooking the vineyards provides the perfect change of pace for Emilia Romagna heading towards Maranello, the legendary home of Ferrari for a guided visit of the Ferrari Museum. In just two hours, the Tuscan hills give way to the dynamic landscapes of Emilia-Romagna, where innovation and passion for speed reign supreme. Settle into your elegant hotel in Modena city centre, perfectly placed to explore the town’s refined charm and culinary heritage. (Optional instead of the Ferrari Museum we can set up a private tour visit to the Parmigiano Reggiano factory)

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Day 8: The Heart of Modena: Heritage, Flavors & Balsamic Traditions

Begin your morning in Sassuolo, a town renowned for its centuries-old ceramic craftsmanship. Visit one of its prestigious ateliers to witness the artistry that has made this region a global center for fine ceramics—where design, innovation, and tradition meet in perfect harmony. Late morning, continue to a celebrated Modenese winery, famed for producing some of Italy’s finest Lambrusco. Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the vineyards and cellars, and enjoy a guided tasting of select vintages that showcase the character and charm of this iconic sparkling red wine. The experience culminates in a gourmet lunch featuring local delicacies as prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano, and traditional Modenese specialties, perfectly paired with Lambrusco in all its expressions. In the afternoon, visit the historic Acetaia Malpighi, one of Modena’s oldest balsamic vinegar houses. Here, you’ll trace the centuries-old methods of aging and blending that transform simple grape must into the city’s legendary “black gold.” A tasting of aged balsamics offers the perfect close to a day devoted to the finest expressions of Modena’s craftsmanship and flavor. Overnight stay in Modena, where tradition and refinement merge in timeless Emilian style.

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Day 9: Morning in Bologna & Return to Florence

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning to explore Bologna at your own pace. Stroll through its charming historic center—home to the majestic Cathedral of Saint Peter and Basilica of San Petronio, and the lively Piazza Maggiore. Take time to browse artisan boutiques, have a Mortadella Tasting and sip a glass of wine in the downtown are. (As alternative to the visit of Bologna we can organize a visit to the Parmigiano Reggiano Factory on the final morning) In the early afternoon, depart for Florence, where your unforgettable Italian journey comes to a close; your heart enriched with the flavours, colours, and memories of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.

The Calix Experience: Luxury & Local Immersion

Our journey is defined by refined elegance and a commitment to deep, local
immersion. You won just see Tuscany; you’ll live it:

  • Small, Intimate Group: Travel in a close-knit, intimate group for a more personalized, comfortable, and attentive experience.

  • Exclusive Access: Enjoy guided visits, premium wine tastings, and rare experiences such as a private cellar night in Chianti.

  • Gourmet Focus: Every meal is gourmet and crafted to highlight each region’s culinary excellence, with dinners hosted in authentic local restaurants.

  • Seamless Travel: All travel between regions is fully arranged via private coach or minivan for a smooth and stress-free journey.

  • Bespoke Adventures: Indulge in a full day aboard a Private Yacht Adventure in the Gulf of Baratti—complete with a dedicated Captain, Chef, and Wine Expert—and explore vineyards on an unforgettable private Wine Safari.

  • Handpicked Accommodations: Relax in luxurious, hand-selected stays, including a historic castle and charming wine estates, offering exceptional comfort and ambience.

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Inclusions: Everything is Handled

Your journey includes all essential elements, allowing you to relax and focus entirely on the discovery: 

    • Luxury Stays: Enjoy handpicked premium accommodations, including castle stays and charming wine estates.

    • Private Transportation: Travel comfortably in a private minivan for the entire tour, with a professional driver provided (including meals and accommodations for the driver).

    • Expert Guidance: A dedicated Expert Tour Leader accompanies you throughout your journey for a seamless experience.

    • Gourmet Meals: Savor all gourmet meals mentioned in the itinerary, thoughtfully paired with exceptional local wines.

    • Activities: All guided visits, exclusive wine tastings, and listed experiences are included — even the Private Yacht Adventure.

     
     

Not Included

The following items are not included in the tour price:

Booking & Cancellation Policies

Policy Detail
Payment Policy A 30% deposit is due at the time of booking confirmation. The balance is due 60 days prior to the start of the tour.
Cancellation Up to 91 days before departure: 90% refund.
Cancellation 90 to 61 days before departure: 50% refund.
Cancellation 60 days or less before departure: No refund.

So, How Many Days Do You Actually Need in Italy?

A guy at work asked me this before his trip last spring and I honestly didn’t have a quick answer for him. Everyone says something different. Some people swear by a quick 6 day tour of Italy, others won’t shut up about spending 9 days and still feeling like they needed more. Turns out it really depends on whether you want to see everything or actually enjoy where you are. If you’re leaning toward slowing down a bit, Tuscany and Emilia Romagna together might be the answer nobody told you about.

The Case for Keeping It Short

Not everyone has two weeks lying around, and that’s fine. A 6 day tour of Italy can still work if you pick the right region instead of trying to hit every city on the map. Bouncing between Rome, Florence, and Venice in under a week usually just means a lot of train stations and not much actual Italy. Staying in one area – say, Tuscany – lets you wake up somewhere nice, actually eat lunch instead of rushing it, and still come home feeling like you saw something real.

Why 7 Days Hits a Nice Sweet Spot

If you ask around, a lot of people land on a 7 day tour of Italy as the sweet spot, and honestly I get why. It’s enough time to slow down without feeling like you’re wasting vacation days sitting in traffic. A Tuscany itinerary 7 days long usually gives you a few days in the countryside – vineyards, small towns, long lunches – plus enough room to wander somewhere like Siena or Lucca without feeling rushed the whole time.

What makes the best 7 day Italy itinerary work isn’t cramming in more stops. It’s picking a handful of places and actually enjoying them instead of just checking a box and moving on. Nobody comes home talking about how fast they moved through a museum.

When 9 Days Makes More Sense

If your schedule allows it, a 9 day Italy itinerary opens things up in a way that’s hard to explain until you’re actually there. Those extra two days mean you’re not forced to choose between Tuscany’s rolling hills and the food scene over in Emilia Romagna. You get both, without feeling like you’re speed-running the whole trip.

The best 9 day Italy itinerary usually splits time pretty evenly – a few days soaking up Tuscan countryside, then heading over to Emilia Romagna where the food honestly might steal the whole trip.

Emilia Romagna Deserves More Attention Than It Gets

People talk about Tuscany nonstop, but Emilia Romagna somehow flies under the radar even though it’s basically where a lot of Italy’s best food comes from. Parmesan, balsamic vinegar, fresh pasta made the old way – this is the region behind most of it. Emilia Romagna food tours tend to leave a bigger impression than people expect, mostly because you’re eating things made the way they’ve always been made, not a version dressed up for tourists.

And when it comes to where to stay, some of the best hotels Emilia Romagna has to offer aren’t flashy at all. They’re the kind of places tucked into old buildings, run by families, where breakfast takes way longer than it should because you keep chatting with whoever’s running the place.

Putting It All Together

Whether you go with 6, 7, or 9 days, the real trick is not overplanning it. Leave room for a lunch that runs long or a town you didn’t plan on stopping in. Pairing Tuscany with Emilia Romagna gives you rolling countryside and some of the best food in the whole country, without needing three weeks to see it.

A Few Questions People Usually Ask

Is 6 days enough to actually enjoy Italy, or does it feel rushed? 

It can work fine if you stick to one region instead of jumping around. Trying to see Rome, Florence, and Venice in 6 days usually feels rushed. Staying in Tuscany the whole time doesn’t.

What’s usually included in a 7 day Tuscany itinerary? 

Typically a mix of countryside days – vineyards, small towns – plus time in a bigger town like Florence or Siena. Nothing too packed, just enough to get a real feel for the place.

Why add Emilia Romagna if I’m already doing Tuscany? 

Mostly for the food. Emilia Romagna is where a lot of Italy’s classic dishes actually come from, and it’s a short hop from Tuscany, so it’s easy to pair the two without extra hassle.

Are the hotels in Emilia Romagna nice, even outside the bigger cities? 

Yeah, honestly some of the nicer stays are in smaller towns – older buildings, family-run, breakfast that turns into a whole conversation. Not flashy, just comfortable.

Is 9 days better than 7 for seeing both regions properly? 

If you can manage the extra time, yes. Nine days gives you breathing room to enjoy both Tuscany and Emilia Romagna without feeling like you’re rushing from one to the other.

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