Villa Laura
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This trip is offered exclusively to club members. To become a club member, click here.
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Fred & Nancy Cline invite club members "Under the Tuscan Sun" atVilla Laura |
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Italy. It’s one of the most romantic destinations on the planet, and home to some of the world’s most legendary art, culture and of course food and wine. Situated just minutes from the picturesque town of Cortona in Tuscany is the spectacular Villa Laura, best known for its role in the film, “Under the Tuscan Sun.” The property was purchased and restored to its full and luxurious glory in 2006 by Fred and Nancy Cline. Now they invite you to experience the charm and magic of Italian life surrounding this extraordinary estate. Click here to learn more about Cortona and the surrounding areas of Tuscany. |
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Viaggio |
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| FRIDAY Bon Viaggio! Depart for Rome on your overnight flight. |
SUNDAY Cortona. Enjoy your first breakfast under the Tuscan sun! Cortona is an enchanting hillside town best known for its medieval architecture and beautiful markets. You’ll start your day with a tour of Le Celle - the monastery that was once home to St Francis of Assisi. Then it’s on to the MAEC, The Etruscan Academy Museum, in the historical Palazzo Casali. Lunch will be served at one of Cortona’s top restaurants, La Loggetta, overlooking the piazza. You’ll have the afternoon to yourself for shopping and sightseeing before dinner at Pane e Vino. Owner and sommelier Arnaldo Rossi will guide you through a wine pairing dinner and delight your senses with the best tastes of Tuscany. |
MONDAY Assisi. Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis and home to the remarkable 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, a World Heritage Site. Highlights of the Basilica include sacred relics of St. Francis and frescoes depicting his life. Wander the winding medieval streets before lunch at a favorite local winery in the peaceful countryside. We’ll return to Villa Laura for a feast prepared by expert pizza maker, Chef Massimo, using the Villa’s wood-fired oven. |
| SATURDAY Benvenuto a Villa Laura! Your English-speaking host will greet you at the airport and whisk you north to Villa Laura where you’ll be welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and a breathtaking view of glorious Tuscany. Relax and unwind before your welcome dinner prepared by the Villa chef. |
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| TUESDAY Montepulciano. Tuscany has been called “the center of the Italian wine universe” and the wines of Montepulciano are sure to please! Start your day with a tour and wine tasting at the iconic Avignonesi Estate. Explore ancient cellars and olive mill, and learn how the Falvo brothers’ unique experimental “round vineyard” influences wine. Lunch will be served at the winery’s own trattoria, Le Capezzine, where locally farmed ingredients will be paired with Avignonesi wines. You’ll have plenty of free time to roam the town’s shops, palaces and enotecas before going back to Villa Laura for dinner. |
WEDNESDAY Siena. The heart of Siena is its large fan-shaped Piazza del Campo and is known for its famous horse-race, Il Palio. Your day begins at Fratelli Sanna, a family-run cheese farm just outside Siena. Here you’ll taste and learn how pecorino and ricotta are made from farm to table. Lunch will be served in the family dining room overlooking the stunning Crete Senesi. Travel to town, for a special guided tour. You’ll explore museums, shops, and climb the medieval bell tower (the second highest in Italy) for a breathtaking view. Dinner is at Villa Laura. |
THURSDAY Montalcino. When Giancarlo Cignozzi discovered Paradiso di Frassina in 1999, it was a dilapidated house surrounded by old, overgrown vines. Today it is a first class winery with a most delightful twist. The vineyards are surrounded by beautiful Mozart concertos, where the music lends its soothing balm to the young vines. You will be immersed in both Mozart and wine as you taste for yourself the quite incredible results of this biodynamic winery. Next, you’ll tour the grand Castello Banfi, another renowned family-owned Tuscan winery. Remarkable for its state-of-the-art production facility and 11th century hilltop castle, you’ll taste some of the region’s finest Brunello, Chiantii Classico and Pinot Grigio, and explore the magnificent Balsameria where wonderful balsamic vinegars are aged in traditional wooden barrels. Lunch will be at the winery’s restaurant, La Taverna, with its rustic wooden tables, vaulted ceilings, delicious Tuscan cuisine and dramatic views of Tuscany’s tallest peak, Monte Amiata. The evening is yours to enjoy at the Villa. Perhaps a Bocce tournament? Or a glass of wine in the rose garden? Or dinner in town with new friends? |
| FRIDAY Villa Laura. In the morning you are free to pack, relax, or take a last trip into Cortona. At 3:30 we head to Il Falconeire, a distinguished 17th century relais where you’ll have a cooking class taught by Michelin-rated Chef Richard Titi and relais owner Silvia Baracchi. After the lesson, enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner and wine pairing experience in the limonaia, or “lemon house.” |
SATURDAY Arrivederci! It’s back to Rome and the airport by bus right after breakfast. |
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| NOTES • Breakfast is offered daily at 8:30. • All scheduled tours, museum visits, transportation, meals, and wines served with dinner are included in the cost of registration. • Additional or unscheduled meals, excursions and taxis are extra. |
ABOUT VILLA LAURA The Villa accommodates 18 guests in nine rooms, each with its own en suite bathroom. Other amenities include air-conditioning, swimming pool, hot tub, pond, wood-burning pizza oven and Wi-Fi. Originally built in 1504, Villa Laura is two buildings— the main villa and adjacent farmhouse. Both are completely restored and decorated in tasteful blending of traditional style with modern comfort. The recently redone kitchens and bathrooms are custom built by local craftsmen using marble and original stone where possible. All of the beautiful old terra cotta floors have been lifted, cleaned, and re-laid. Traditional Tuscan Busatti fabrics can be seen throughout, along with porcelain painted antique wall lights and Baccarat crystal chandeliers. Beds are primarily four-posters made in nearby Spello by an artisan ironworker. All bedding is top of the line luxury. The walled city of Cortona and its shops and restaurants are five minutes away by car or 15 minutes on foot. |
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| DATES May 19th - 26th SOLD OUT May 26th - June 2nd SOLD OUT August 4th – 11th October 6th - 13th October 20th - 27th |
PRICING Deluxe suites - $3950 per person based on double occupancy Standard rooms - $3650 per person based on double occupancy Single supplement - $500 Deluxe suites are larger. Most suites and rooms feature both a bath tub and shower. Prices are per person for wine club members. Not a member? Join today and then book your trip! |
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BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY! Call Leslie or Mike at 415-523-9621 or Email Protravel International *Protravel International is facilitating our Villa Laura trips. Call or email for reservations and details. mike.stjovite@protravelinc.com or leslie.bryant@protravelinc.com |
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