Tuscany designed by Ferragamo including Il Palio
A 7-Day Escorted Journey in Tuscany
As Seen On Rue La La
The Palio bareback race is steeped in folklore and legends of bribery, bravado and rivalry - sometimes even life and death.
Twice annually, visitors and residents from the 17 contrada (neighborhoods) pack into the Piazza del Campo to witness the spectacle. Dating back to the early 1300’s, the race lasts only 90 seconds and is the culmination of months of preparations as well as a full day’s pageantry.
Coveted window views are nearly impossible to obtain, but AuthentEscapes travelers will be hosted at a comfortable distance from the fray.
Salvatore Ferragamo welcomes you to the Ferragamo Family's estate of Il Borro with a private reception to sample the wines produced on the grounds and dinner in the terrace of the villa.
Rue La La is an exclusive online destination offering Members access to coveted brands at private sale prices in limited-time Boutiques.
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Price: Please inquire for pricing details and room upgrades.
Price Details: See Refund Policy below to learn how you can cancel for any reason and protect your trip investment.
Inclusions: 3 nights' deluxe accommodation at the private Villa del Borro; 3 nights' deluxe accommodation at Castelo Monastero; Breakfasts daily, plus hotel service charges and taxes; Transfers, tours and meals as referenced in Itinerary; Exclusive viewing of the Palio horse race in Siena; Gratuities for guides; Escort of an AuthentEscapes travel coordinator throughout.
Exclusions: International air tickets, arrival/departure airport transfers, telephone calls, personal gratuities and items of personal nature, meals and optional tours as indicated on itinerary.
Disclaimer: Rate is based on a minimum number of travelers. Activities, special guests, properties and itinerary are subject to change. We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to protect against injury, illness and unforseen circumstances in the destination.
Tuscany designed by Ferragamo including Il Palio: Accommodations
Fare includes deluxe accommodation at the Villa del Borro and Castel Monastero. Please inquire for upgrades in room accommodation.
Villa Del Borro
With its 700 hectares, the Il Borro estate skirts the old Setteponti road, joining point of the principal Tuscan cities, Florence, Arezzo and Siena sitting in the basin of the Valdarno valley.
The territory is rich in art and culture, like the characteristic Buriano bridge that dates back to ancient Roman times and captured the attention of Leonardo Da Vinci - so much so that he used it as the background of the Mona Lisa.
Constructed in 1848, the Villa del Borro was the fashionable summer residence for royals until the Ferragamo family acquired the estate in 1993.
Comprising seven stories of stately elegance with family photos and memorabilia throughout, guests have the option of cozy or more spacious rooms as well as one Master Suite.
Castel Monestero
Since the eleventh century, Castel Monastero has shone forth amongst the most beautiful hills of the Chianti region.
Today, this small medieval village is dedicated to the art of Italian hospitality. Located in a strategic position, just 23 km from Siena and 90 km from Florence, our perfectly preserved hotel offers the pleasure of discovering and experiencing an authentic taste of Tuscany.
The buildings of this historic noble residence, divided into “contrade”, house 75 rooms and suites of various sizes, as well as an independent villa.
Each ambience, inspired by an elegant and rustic Tuscan style, is enhanced by a magnificent view of the village square (piazza di Castel Monastero) and of the surrounding fields and vineyards. Peace and relaxation are omnipresent.
True masterpieces of Italian painting and cuisine can be found a few kilometres from the hotel. Every day, a different, exciting itinerary is available, based on relaxation, culture and pleasure. You will be enchanted by the beauty of Siena and the energy of the Palio, as well as San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Pienza, Sovana, Pitigliano and Volterra.
Available Room Categories
Villa del Borro Rooms 8/9/10 | Deluxe Room at Castel Monastero
Villa del Borro Rooms 5/6/7 | Deluxe Room at Castel Monastero
Villa del Borro Rooms 2/3/4 | Pristige Room at Castel Monastero
Villa del Borro Room 1 | Pristige Room at Castel Monastero
Tuscany designed by Ferragamo including Il Palio: Itinerary
"Our experience in Italy was everything and much more than we ever thought it would be! We are probably boring our friends silly, but we can't stop talking about our adventures. You are gracious hosts and your attention to every detail made it a very special and memorable trip. Thank you for making Italy the 'trip of a lifetime'!"
-Suzi M. Palio with Salvatore Ferragamo, 2007
Day 1 - Wednesday June 29: Arrival
Morning drive through Tuscany to Il Borro
Remainder of the day at leisure
Welcome Cocktail Reception
Overnight Villa del Borro
Day 2 - Thursday June 30: Tuscany [B]
Private winery tour and tasting at Il Borro
Wine Dinner hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo
Overnight Villa del Borro
Day 3 - Friday July 1: Tuscany [B, D]
The day is at leisure to explore the array of activities at Il Borro
Recommended Activities
A Cooking Lesson at the Osteria del Borro, Hot Air Ballooning, Gliding, Mountain Biking, Fishing or Golf (Contact us in advance for reservations.)
Dinner is on your own and the evening is at leisure
Overnight Villa del Borro
Day 4 - Saturday July 2: Siena [B, L, D]
Depart Il Borro for scenic drive to Castel Monastero in Chianti
In the afternoon, drive to Siena to experience an event witnessed by few tourists –the famed Palio horserace.
Il Palio
We will view the race and its accompanying ceremonial rituals and parades from an exclusive apartment overlooking the Piazza del Campo. Enjoy wine, prosecco and a dinner buffet as the ten jockeys representing the city’s neighborhoods compete for the honor of finishing first. After the race and festivities conclude, we return to Castel Monastero and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Return and overnight Castel Monastero
Day 5 - Sunday July 3: Chianti
A Day of Wine Tasting in Tuscany
A dream for lovers of Italian cuisine and the richness of its wines, which you can discover in a series of itineraries taking in breathtaking scenery, Romanesque pieve churches, Renaissance cities and extraordinary wine cellars.
Tuscan wines, from Chianti to Brunello di Montalcino and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, are veritable works of art.
Overnight Castel Monastero
Day 6 - Monday July 4: Chianti
At leisure to explore the area on your own or rejuvenate in the spa.
The Spa of Castel Monastero
A thousand square metres where you can discover innovative and effective treatments to recover your ideal body weight as well as detoxify and re-balance, created for you by experts of Urban Retreats, Europe’s largest and most renown wellness salon which boasts among its centres the prestigious spa at Harrods.
Near the hotel, along roads of pure delight, can be found masterpieces of art and of the highest culinary tradition.
Every day, a discovery. Every day a different itinerary passing through unspoiled scenery. Every day, on your return, a massage and a candle-lit dinner. And together, over a romantic meal for two or with friends, you will recall the frescoes of Piero della Francesca and the perfect walls of Monteriggioni, the Renaissance utopia of Pienza and the gastronomic glory of Castellina in Chianti.
And again, to surprise you, there’ll be a sunset over Pitigliano and a stroll around the Etruscan necropolises of Sovana.
This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Wine Tasting at The Cantina
Ramsay & Castel Monastero
Gordan Ramsay and chef Allesandro Delfanti have have created some unique experiences such as Contrada overlooking a timeless courtyard, The Cantina for its wines and atmosphere, a healthy cuisine for the SPA and the Tuscan Retreat Cookery program.
Overnight Castel Monastero
Day 7 - Tuesday July 5: Departures [B]
Check out and return to USA or continue traveling on customized extensions to Rome, the Amalfi Coast or other favorite destinations in Italy
My husband and I had the most fabulous time. I have been fortunate to travel a lot over the years, and so I have great comparisons. We agree that it is doubtful that, in all of our future travels, we will ever be able to even come close to the experience that we had in Italy. We cannot thank you enough!!
–Jeanne C. Italy with Salvatore Ferragamo, 2009
Tuscany designed by Ferragamo including Il Palio: Trip Options
PRE OPTIONS
The Splendors of the Italian Renaissance
Three Day Pre Trip in Florence
Day 1: Florence
Airport arrival in Florence and transfer to hotel
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Day 2: Florence [B]
Walking Tour: The Artisans and Back Streets of Florence
Retrace Florence’s prosperity during the Middle Ages – the time of Dante and Giotto – and the Renaissance under the rule of the Medici family – a time that produced greats such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Visit Piazza della Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, with its open-air display of masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque sculpture. The backdrop is the medieval Palazzo Vecchio.
Continue onward to the Ponte Vecchio, or “old bridge” to browse the hand-made gold jewellery that is a “centuries-long” tradition in Florence.
Visit a family-run working Mosaic workshop en route to the Franciscan church of Santa Croce and its neighborhood to view a pantheon of monuments to Italian genius and fine examples of famous artists’ work.
Enjoy lunch at your leisure and then resume the tour to visit the ‘Scuola del Cuoio’ leather crafting workshop. Learn this refined art from Master Craftsmen at the most famous school in Florence.
Afternoon visit to the Ferragamo Museum and Store
Day 3: Florence [B]
Walking Tour: Highlights of The Renaissance on the Left Bank
Begin by wandering through the fresh food market at Piazza Santo Spirito and cross the Arno to the Church of Santa Trinita and then stroll the Via Tomabuoni, famous for its haute couture shopping. Continue to the Duomo square and onward to the Accademia: The Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1563, where Michelangelo’s David is on display.
Proceed onward to the village of Il Borro in Arezzo to join the main program.
Contact us for pricing and hotel options as well as private touring of Uffizi Gallery and more.
POST OPTIONS
The Splendors of the Italian Renaissance
Three Day Post Trip in Florence
Day 1: Florence
Transfer from Tuscany to Florence
Walking Tour: Highlights of The Renaissance on the Left Bank
Begin by wandering through the fresh food market at Piazza Santo Spirito and cross the Arno to the Church of Santa Trinita and then stroll the Via Tomabuoni, famous for its haute couture shopping. Continue to the Duomo square and onward to the Accademia: The Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1563, where Michelangelo’s David is on display.
The remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnight Grand Hotel
Day 2: Florence [B]
Walking Tour: The Artisans and Back Streets of Florence
Retrace Florence’s prosperity during the Middle Ages – the time of Dante and Giotto – and the Renaissance under the rule of the Medici family – a time that produced greats such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Visit Piazza della Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, with its open-air display of masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque sculpture. The backdrop is the medieval Palazzo Vecchio.
Continue onward to the Ponte Vecchio, or “old bridge” to browse the hand-made gold jewellery that is a “centuries-long” tradition in Florence.
Visit a family-run working Mosaic workshop en route to the Franciscan church of Santa Croce and its neighborhood to view a pantheon of monuments to Italian genius and fine examples of famous artists’ work.
Enjoy lunch at your leisure and then resume the tour to visit the ‘Scuola del Cuoio’ leather crafting workshop. Learn this refined art from Master Craftsmen at the most famous school in Florence.
Afternoon visit to the Ferragamo Museum and Store
Overnight Grand Hotel
Day 3: Florence [B]
After breakfast, enjoy time at leisure before departing for your international flight
Recommended Accommodation: The Grand Hotel, Florence
Situated in central Florence, the scenic Grand Hotel has been the preferred stop of seasoned travelers since the 18th Century. Steps a way from iconic landmarks, it offers an unrivaled immersion into the cradle of the Renaissance. Experience the myriad storied Florentine aesthetics in our 94 spacious guest rooms and 13 distinctive suites. Affixed with rich colors, custom frescos and sparkling crystal chandeliers, the antique décor pays homage to the city’s artistic heritage.
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