|  | Tuscany 2009 - Let's Escape!
Escape with us to a beautiful villa within the walls of the ancient medieval village of Montisi in Southern Tuscany.
You know how beautiful it is. This is the Tuscany you've read about, dreamed about, and felt in your heart when you've heard its lyrical music. You know about the art, the architecture, the food, the wine....
After seven years of leading small group tours, we know this area of Tuscany, and we want to share it with you.
Montisi is a fortified medieval hill town in an area where settlements date from Etruscan times. It overlooks a valley filled with olive groves, vineyards and woodlands. The view to the south includes the village of Castelmuzio, 9th century Pieve di Santo Stefano and, in the distance, Mount Amiata.
Within two miles, the villages of Trequanda and Castelmuzio have additional restaurants and shops. Within a ten mile drive through the Tuscan countryside are Montepulciano and Montalcino, noted for their Vino Nobile and Brunello wines. Pienza, a jewel-like Renaissance village is just 5 miles away. Along the way is the beautiful Santa Anna monastery, where "The English Patient" was filmed.
Everywhere you look is inspiration for creativity and relaxation. We will provide the suggestions, the guidance, and the opportunities, and you will have the week of your choice. No stress. No schedule but the one you make for yourself.
In 2009 we will host three weeks in a lovely restored villa right in the middle of village life! This house has the feeling of a B&B with lots of gathering space in the kitchen and living areas, as well as outside in the garden and the pool area.
There are 8 bedrooms with private bathrooms. Though all the bedrooms are comfortable and spacious, they are a bit different from each other and are priced accordingly.
Included in the price: Art lessons with local artist Elizabeth Cochrane, a Winery & Cheese-Tasting Tour with our fabulous tour guide Pino Teresi, all breakfasts and lunches at the villa, three dinners, and all the local wine you can drink.
Optional Activities in 2009:
Cooking lesson with Alessandra Federici in her Cortona home! Alessandra owns a beautiful shop in Cortona, Il Girasole, specializing in reproduction Etruscan jewelry and regional artisan crafts. And she cooks! This is an optional activity for anyone wanting to play with Italian food. Alessandra's class is 110 euros and includes shopping the local markets for the ingredients of your meal, the cooking lessons, and enjoying the fruits of your labor (with some "fruit of the vine" poured in for good measure). This will be a fun day!
Ballooning in Tuscany Seeing Tuscany from the sky is a special treat you will never forget. Join Robert Etherington and his wife, Liz, for this optional activity. You can book your flight on their website www.ballooningintuscany.com.
Read more on the Escapes page, and check the Cost and Info page for dates in 2009.
Montisi mornings may entice you to walk to the tiny bakery for a loaf of fresh-baked bread, or you may want to have your morning coffee with the locals in the coffee bar. Church bells may awaken you at dawn, or it may be the laughter of children walking to the school down the street.... Perhaps the whoosh of Robert's balloon as it rises from the valley behind the house will lure you to the garden with your camera for an early morning "Buon Giorno!"
In addition to the coffee bar across the street, there are three restaurants within walking distance. Two are open for light lunch and all are open for dinner. Two small grocery/deli stores, an ATM, a florist, a small gift shop, six churches, and numerous artists and friendly locals round out the village scene. You will feel most welcome and our friends will become yours.
Let's escape together!
Gail Hecko
hecko@mindspring.com
770-992-4429
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