Itinerary

Day 1 A quintessential Tuscan experience from south to north Kick things off with a picnic of Tuscan treats at an organic farm that produces olive oil, butter, salami and prosciutto  From the flanks of Mount Amiata, warm up your legs on a rolling route through the countryside. 

Day 2 Before a dinner of local specialties, taste fine wines with a sommelier Get to know southern Tuscany en route to the Roman thermal baths in Bagno Vignoni  Wander around Montepulciano, chock-full of hidden squares, Renaissance palaces and ornate churches  Stop at an enoteca to experience the region's claim to fame, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano  In Pienza, sample delicious pecorino (sheep's milk) cheese.

Day 3 Relax at day's end in cozy historic hotels, all with swimming pools   Indulge in a picnic feast beneath the arches of Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey  Bike past exposed chalk hills known as biancane, often depicted in 14th- and 15th-century Florentine and Sienese paintings  A Tuscan kitchen whirs into action at a fun cooking demo.

Day 4 Trade the open undulating hills of southern Tuscany for the wooded, olive tree-lined roads of the north  Spin past sun-baked pastures dotted with sheep and crumbling stone farmhouses Author Dario Castagno joins us for an engaging Q&A session   Explore Siena on your own.

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