Women’s Tuscan Villa Escape

September 10 – 21, 2012

Porto Ercole, Italy

Imagine sitting on a terrace of an enchanting Italian country estate looking over the silvery green leaves of olive orchards that gently slope down to a small village filled with colorful, old buildings, that just happen to sit right on the edge of the beautiful blue Mediterranean. And, of course, you are sipping one of the great red or white wines produced in this region. And from here you will take day trips to the Tuscany that most Americans don’t see as well as spend 2 days in Florence. This tour guarantees that you will leave your heart in Italy and truly become Italian.

All of this will actually take place at Casa Moorehead, a country estate located on a hill overlooking Porto Ercole, a lovely beachside village in Tuscany. You will come home each evening to delicious meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients and served outside under the grape arbor. Relax on two wonderful terraces overlooking the Mediterranean with breath-taking views (moonlight on the Mediterranean is something to behold.) Books (in English), some written by the villa owner’s father, Alan Moorehead, a renown Australian author, are found throughout the house. The home contains 8 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, and on the 10 acres surrounding the estate are a swimming pool and hiking trails.

Day 1: We will meet you at the Rome Airport mid-day and then travel via van up the coast to our country estate where you will be greeted with a delicious antipasti party.
Day 2: Settle in at Casa Moorehead and then in the afternoon explore Porto Ercole.
Day 3: A day trip to Siena. This town is defined by its Gothic architecture, built in a namesake shade of reddish brown. Start your visit from the famous fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, where you will meet your local English speaking guide who will take you to all the hidden treasures of Siena. Shopping is great here, especially ceramics and pottery. Have lunch on the Piazza and watch the world go by.
Day 4: This morning we take a panoramic drive around the hilltops overlooking the Mediterranean. This drive rivals the Amalfi Coast in the south of Italy and no traffic!! We will be stopping for coffee at a lovely hotel on the edge of the cliff. And then we will have lunch in Porto Santa Stefano, Porto Ercole’s sister city. There will be plenty of time to wander along the beautiful boardwalk and enjoy some shopping.
Day 5: Today we train to Florence. Visit the famous museums – the Accademia where Michelangelo’s David is housed, and the Uffizi, Italy’s greatest art gallery. Take in the spectacular Duomo and its orange-tiled dome, Florence’s most famous symbol. We will take a guided evening stroll around Florence and then have dinner, before going back to our hotel in the heart of Florence.
Day 6: You will take a guided tour of the Uffizi and the Vasari Corridor and then there will be time left to explore on your own – great shopping for leather goods and clothes. Dinner that night will be at one of Rachel Ray’s favorite restaurants in Florence.
Day 7: There will be more time for shopping this morning, before returning to Porto Ercole in the afternoon.
Day 8: This is market day in Porto Ercole – a great time to shop for tablecloths, linens, food items, and a host of other things. You will truly feel like an Italian. There will be a hands-on cooking class in the afternoon at Casa Moorehead. We will be using all the great food purchases from the morning market! If you are not up for the class, then you can spend the afternoon at the local beach on the Mediterranean.
Day 9: Sovana, Sorano, and Pitigliano – 3 ancient Etruscan villages. You can hike the “hollow road” to Sorano. These trails are excavated in the tufa (yellow volcanic rock typical of this area) and are like tunnels winding down from the hills to the banks of the river or valley. You will feel like you have stepped back in time. Then there will be time for visits to Pitigliano and Sovana after the walk.
Day 10: Day trip to the island of Giglio. This ancient island has a remarkably preserved village at the top of its mountain. After the breath-taking bus ride to the top, you can explore the village and then continue on down the back side of the island to a beautiful beach for swimming or just relaxing.
Day 11: We will spend the morning in Orbetello and enjoy a boat ride around the harbor. We will end the day with a Grand Italian Feast prepared by a local chef.
Day 12: Depart for home. We will take you to the Rome Airport or help with other arrangements if you are staying on in Italy.