Tuscany, Land of Soul.
TAILOR-MADE TOURS AND EXPERIENCES IN TUSCANY ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO | 1
We love Tuscany and we want you to discover and experience our land in all its flavors, aromas and colors. Our private tours, activities, cooking classes and experiences are not just carefully designed - we try them out firsthand and craft them from the finest hand-picked ingredients. We like it slow, authentic and unforgettable. Being part of a well-experienced travel agency, we are able to take care of every single aspect and need of your stay in Tuscany, including private transfers.
Across Tuscany is a fully-licensed and authorised incoming tour operator based in Arezzo. 2 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO
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CONTENTS AREZZO 6 Piero della Francesca tour 8 Etruscan culture and wine tour 9 Arezzo and Anghiari tour 10 VALDARNO 12 Hiking and picnic in Valdarno 14 E-bike and picnic in Valdarno 15 CASENTINO 16 Hiking and picnic in Casentino 18 E-bike and picnic in Casentino 19 CORTONA 20 Hiking and picnic in Cortona 22 Etruscan culture and olive oil tour 23 Cortona wine tour 24 Cortona wine and cheese tour 25 Cheese making class at a farm in Cortona 26
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MONTEPULCIANO 28 Montepulciano wine tour 30 Montepulciano wine and pecorino cheese tour 31 PIENZA 32 Cheese making demonstration at a farm in Pienza 34 Bread making class at a farm in Pienza 35 MONTALCINO 36 Montalcino wine tour 38 Montalcino wine and truffle tour 39 CHIANTI 40 Chianti wine and olive oil tour 42 Cooking class at an ancient abbey in Chianti 43 Chianti wine and Siena tour 44 CONTACTS 47
The Tuscan countryside was built as a work of art Henri Desplanques
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AREZZO 6 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO
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PIERO DELLA FRANCESCA TOUR See ‘the greatest picture in the world’ by the Master of Perspective Discover the most celebrated works of Piero della Francesca and explore the land that inspired him. In Arezzo admire the fresco Mary Magdalene and The Legend of the True Cross, a masterpiece of Early Renaissance. Reach the quiet village of Monterchi and get enchanted by the genuine and regal beauty of the Madonna del Parto. Then, get to Sansepolcro to see the famous Polyptych of Mercy and the recently restored Resurrection. CODE: ACAR03 8 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO
ETRUSCAN CULTURE AND WINE TOUR A journey to the very beginning of winemaking Enjoy a tour in the footsteps of the mysterious Etruscans in Arezzo area. Learn about this ancient civilization and discover a fascinating collection including Etruscan tools, pottery, jewels and writings in the little Archaeological Museum. Then, reach the countryside and visit a family-run winery where the passionate owner Francesco dedicates himself to bringing to life the Etruscan wine. Learn about experimental archaeology and experience a unique Etruscan wine tasting. CODE: ACAR05 ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO | 9
AREZZO AND ANGHIARI TOUR Every stone tells a story, from the Etruscans to Medieval times and the Renaissance Discover the lovely historic center of Arezzo, rich in art but mostly free of crowds of tourists: the Gothic cathedral; the scenic Piazza Grande with the Loggia by Vasari; the Basilica of St. Francis, that houses the magnificent fresco the Legend of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca. Reach Anghiari, explore the small squares and narrow alleys, and visit a textile factory, which has made traditional fabrics since 1842 and still uses the original looms.
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MAKE YOUR TOUR UNFORGETTABLE! Exclusive visit to a restoration laboratory Don’t miss the chance to see firsthand how Pietro Lorenzetti’s Polyptych, a true 14th century masterpiece, is being brought back to its original beauty and splendor! (Price on request) CODE: ACAR04
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VALDARNO 12 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO
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HIKING AND PICNIC IN VALDARNO The landscape that inspired Leonardo Da Vinci Have a walk in Valdarno, starting from Ponte Buriano, a bridge made famous by Leonardo da Vinci‘s Mona Lisa. Follow the course of the river Arno, which becomes wider and forms the Penna reservoir. See rare waterfowls between the canebrakes and relish the charming atmosphere of the Nature Reserve. After the walk, enjoy a genuine picnic with local produce CODE: SNVAL01
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E-BIKE AND PICNIC IN VALDARNO Ride in a gentle Tuscan landscape Enjoy a bike tour in Valdarno following the Via Setteponti (‘Seven Bridges Road’), an ancient path whose origins date back to Etruscan and Roman times. Once known as Cassia Vetus, this road streches through vineyards, olive groves, medieval villages and parish churches. CODE: SNVAL02
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CASENTINO 16 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO
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HIKING AND PICNIC IN CASENTINO Ancient forests, waterfalls and Medieval hamlets await you Hike in one of largest forest areas in Italy preserving a rich natural heritage and the mystic monasteries of La Verna and Camaldoli. Have a walk through a mysterious fairy wood and get immersed in the silence and spirituality of old pilgrimage routes. After the walk, enjoy a genuine picnic with local produce. CODE: SNCAS01
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E-BIKE AND PICNIC IN CASENTINO The different kind of Tuscany that inspired Dante Discover the places that inspired Dante Alighieri during his long wanderings as an exile. Immerse yourself in the silence of a millenary forest. Cycle relaxed countryside roads and explore charming towns surrounded by a beautiful and harmonious landscape. After the bike ride, enjoy a genuine picnic with local produce. CODE: SNCAS05
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CORTONA 20 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO
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HIKING AND PICNIC IN CORTONA A spiritual walk far from the madding crowd Have a walk outside and around the walls of Cortona, following a spiritual road through creeks and olive groves. Reach the enchanting Le Celle Hermitage, where friars continue to live a blessed life in the manner instructed by Saint Francis. After the walk, enjoy a gourmet picnic prepared by Chef Anna with fresh, seasonal, organic and locally produced ingredients, paired with Italian wines. CODE: SNCORT02 22 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | CORTONA
ETRUSCAN CULTURE AND OLIVE OIL TOUR A precious legacy that shaped our land and culture Alongside with winemaking tradition, olive oil is the pre cious legacy left to us by the Etruscans, an advanced and mysterious civilization based in Central Italy. Together with our guide Stefania, walk through Etruscan archaeological sites in Valdichiana. Then, visit an olive grove and mill, learn about traditional and modern techniques for olive oil pressing, and taste olive oil through a genuine lunch with a local family that produces it. CODE: ACCO01 ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | CORTONA | 23
CORTONA WINE TOUR Sip a glass of wine under the Tuscan sun Overlooking the stunning panorama of Valdichiana, Cortona has a viticultural history that dates back to the Etruscans. Today its terroir is ideal for international grape varieties, such as Syrah. Learn about Cortona DOC wines by visiting two wineries and tasting their wines. After a light lunch, get to Cortona, visit the mystic Le Celle hermitage, admire the valley from the Basilica of St. Marguerite, or take a stroll in the medieval town and explore the small artisan shops. CODE: WFCORT01 24 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | CORTONA
CORTONA WINE AND CHEESE TOUR Authentic taste from the stable to the table Have a guided visit to a winery and enjoy a tasting of the finest Cortona DOC wines. Then, reach a family-run cheese farm where the owners don’t pasteurize their milk and produce a raw milk cheese. Discover how pecorino cheese is made and taste a variety of cheese like raviggiolo, ricotta, and pecorino. In the afternoon, explore the historic center of Cortona at your own pace. CODE: WFCORT02 ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | CORTONA | 25
CHEESE MAKING CLASS AT A FARM IN CORTONA Hands-on experience for real foodies Join a cheese making class in a genuine Tuscan farm located near Cortona, and discover the traditional method of production and aging of Pecorino cheese. Through a fun hands-on lesson, learn to make three different types of local cheeses. The owners of the farm don’t pasteurize their milk and therefore, their cheese is a raw milk cheese. It is a unique and different experience! After the lesson, enjoy a cheese themed lunch paired with wine. CODE: WFCORT08 26 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | CORTONA
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MONTEPULCIANO 28 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO
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MONTEPULCIANO WINE TOUR Discover the land where the King of wines was born A favorite bottle of Kings and Popes, Vino Nobile has been one of the most representative quality wines of Tuscany since wine has been documented. Visit two local wineries and learn everything about Sangiovese grape. Taste different local wines and enjoy a delicious light lunch. Then, walk up and down through the narrow medieval streets and alleys of Montepulciano, explore the old cellars located right in the historic center and admire a gorgeous panorama from the top of the town. CODE: WFMONT01 30 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | MONTEPULCIANO
MONTEPULCIANO WINE AND PECORINO CHEESE TOUR Fine wines and the best Tuscan cheese in the iconic Tuscan landscape of Val d’Orcia Produced in the stunning Val d’Orcia, Pecorino di Pienza was a favorite of Lorenzo il Magnifico. Visit an organic farm and see with your own eyes what it means to live a peasant life today in Tuscany. Get to know the animals, visit the dairy, learn about Pecorino and enjoy a cheese tasting. After the visit, get to Pienza and walk its picturesque streets. In the afternoon, reach Montepulciano and enjoy a wine tour and tasting. CODE: WFMONT02 ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | MONTEPULCIANO | 31
PIENZA 32 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO
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CHEESE MAKING DEMONSTRATION AT A FARM IN PIENZA Cheese lovers are going to love it Learn how a traditional Pecorino cheese is made together with the owner of a farm located near Pienza. Have a guided tour of the farm, the stables and the dairy. Then, join a cheese making demonstration of a first salt cheese: the cheesemaker will guide you along the whole process, from the stable, to the fermentation to the aging. After the demonstration, enjoy a delicious 4-course lunch accompanied by wine. CODE: WFPIEN02 34 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | PIENZA
BREAD MAKING CLASS AT A FARM IN PIENZA Bread and butter, hands on dough! Learn how a traditional Pecorino cheese is made together with the owner of a farm located near Pienza. Have a guided tour of the farm, the stables and the dairy. Then, join a cheese making demonstration of a first salt cheese: the cheesemaker will guide you along the whole process, from the stable, to the fermentation to the aging. After the demonstration, enjoy a delicious 4-course lunch accompanied by wine. CODE: WFPIEN04 ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | PIENZA | 35
MOLTALCINO 36 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO
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MONTALCINO WINE TOUR The wine lover’s paradise is in Val d’Orcia Montalcino has several types of soil and microclimates. Such a complex terroir accounts for the prestigious Brunello, a wine that improves as the years go by. Discover different expressions of Montalcino terroir by visiting two wineries. Enjoy a delicious light lunch, take a stroll in Montalcino and admire breathtaking views from the ancient fortress. Then, stopover at Sant’Antimo Abbey and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Val d’Orcia. CODE: WFMONTA01 38 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO WINE AND TRUFFLE TOUR Taste the diamond of the kitchen hidden among rolling hills and vineyards More than one variety of truffle grows in the Crete Senesi area. Being rare seasonal gems that carry all the flavors of the unspoilt land they come from, truffles are deemed very precious. Meet the truffle hunter, move on in the woods with his dog looking for truffles, and learn about the local varieties. After the hunt, enjoy a delicious truffle themed lunch. In the afternoon, have a wine tour and tasting in Montalcino. CODE: WFMONTA03 ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | MONTALCINO | 39
CHIANTI 40 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | AREZZO
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CHIANTI WINE AND OLIVE OIL TOUR Get to know what gives Tuscan cuisine its distinctive flavor Visit an agricultural establishment whose activities focus on wine and olive oil. Visit the cellar, learn about Chianti wines and discover the complexity of a production that seeks to match the olive tree to its land, oil olive to its grove. Then, enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting. After a light lunch, visit another winery, taste more wines, and stop over in a medieval village to browse the little shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs. CODE: WFCHIA02 42 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | CHIANTI
COOKING CLASS AT AN ANCIENT ABBEY IN CHIANTI A professional chef and authentic Tuscan recipes in an enchanting, spiritual location Experience a unique chance to learn classical Tuscan cuisine through a hands-on approach in an ancient abbey turned into a wine resort. Have a tour of the abbey and explore the old cellars. Then, prepare a 4-course meal with the famous chef Benedetta Vitali, using only seasonal ingredients. After the lesson, enjoy your lunch in the owner’s beautiful private dining room and taste a selection of superb wines. CODE: WFCHIA05 ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | CHIANTI | 43
CHIANTI WINE AND SIENA TOUR The heart of Chianti wine lies a step from one of the most beautiful Italian cities Learn about winemaking process through a private winery tour and taste Chianti Classico top wines. Enjoy a picnic on the top of a hill with a gorgeous view on the towers of the city of Siena. In the afternoon, reach Siena and explore its medieval center at your own pace. Stroll the picturesque alleyways, climb to the top of the Torre del Mangia, admire the beautiful Piazza del Campo with the distinctive shell shape, and don’t miss the extraordinary Cathedral. CODE: WFCHIA03 44 | ACROSS TUSCANY | TOURS AND EXPERIENCES 2019 | CHIANTI
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Visit our website www.acrosstuscany.com and find other tours, activities and special experiences such as
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USEFUL NUMBERS Emergency telephone number 112 Italian National Police 113 National Fire Corps 115 Guardia di Finanza (Financial Guard) 117 Emergency medical services 118 State Forestry Corps 1515 Telefono Azzurro (prevention of child abuse and neglect) 19696 Crisis Management Unit - Ministero degli Affari Esteri +39 06 36225 Viaggiare Informati CCISS (traffic information center) 1518 Roadside Assistance 803116 Italian Coast Guard 1530
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Tuscany, Land of Soul. +39 393 6058052
+39 0575 907808
info@acrosstuscany.com
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Tuscany, Land of Soul.
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