Boxwood brochure 2022

Programme
Day 1
Depart London Heathrow, arriving in Pisa Galileo Airport. Journey
through the Chianti region of Tuscany stopping at Badia a Coltibuono
to visit the formal garden and to taste their organic wines and enjoy a
light lunch. Then journeying on to Siena we receive a warm welcome
at The Grand Hotel Continental in the heart of the old city, with time
to settle in before dining together at the Ristorante Sapordivino, the
hotel’s acclaimed gourmet restaurant.
Day 2
Start the day visiting the gardens of Villa Vico Bello, owned by the
Chigi family since the 1500s, before travelling south to the Val d’Orcia,
a beautiful and miraculously intact valley in Southern Tuscany. In
the heart of this beautiful region, we discover the gardens of La Foce
where we are invited to lunch and on a special guided tour with the
owner, Benedetta Origo. When Antonio and Iris Origo bought the estate
of La Foce in 1923, they engaged the English architect Cecil Pinsent
to restructure the main buildings and create a garden to enhance the
Renaissance house and expand the spectacular view over the valley.
The perfect harmony between buildings, garden and nature ensures
that La Foce stand out as one of Pinsent’s best works. Return to Siena
for a free evening.
Day 3
We are privileged today to be accompanied by Antonella Piredda,
an official guide to Siena as well as an accredited cheese and olive oil
taster and wine aficionado. Antonella will accompany us on her tour
of Secret Siena that opens the doors to the city’s hidden or forgotten
treasures and masterpieces. This is followed by free time to find lunch,
continue exploring or enjoy the proximity of our luxurious hotel. Later,
in the afternoon we travel out of Siena to meet Count Bianchi Bandinelli
of Villa di Geggiano where we are invited to an early evening meal
together in the villa and the opportunity to view the beautiful 18th-
Century frescoes representing the twelve months of the year created
by Austrian artist, Ignazio Moder and have time to stroll around the
garden to enjoy the famous green theatre and walls decorated with
vases and monkey grotteschi. Return to the Grand Continental Hotel in
the evening.
Day 4
La Ferriera is a garden designed, created, and loved by Contessa Giuppi
Pietromarchi, who discovered the romantic villa more than fifty years
ago when looking for an Italian home for her wandering diplomatic
family. The family restored the house and Giuppi created the garden on
the site of a 15th-Century foundry, including many plants collected on
her extensive travels. We are invited to lunch with her, before visiting
Il Giardino dei Tarocchi, a fantastical sculpture garden designed by
Nikki de Saint-Phalle, inspired partly by the Parco Güel of Antonio
Gaudi. Return to Siena to dine in La Corte di Sapordivino at the hotel.
Day 5
Leaving Siena we drive to the most celebrated of the Antinori family
wineries: a contemporary, cathedral-like structure set within the vineclad
hillside and offering breath-taking views of the soft rolling Tuscan
hills scattered with olive groves and historic churches. A seasonal
lunch, accompanied by a selection of Antinori wines will be served in
the stunning rooftop restaurant. Return to Pisa Galileo Airport. Check
in for our flight to London Heathrow.
We are privileged to have Charles Quest-Ritson
& Kirsty Fergusson to host and lead this special
tour, both contributors to COUNTRY LIFE
Tour Dates
3 – 7 October 2022
5 days
Tour Prices
£4,250 per person
‘No flights’ price £4,070
Double room for sole use supplement £595
Deposit £450 per person
What’s Included
• Return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow
to Pisa Galileo
• Private coach transfers and excursions
• Four nights’ bed and breakfast in the five-star Hotel Grand
Continental, Siena
• Three evening meals plus four lunches with wine
• Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
• Services of the Tour Leader and Hosts
• Detailed programme and garden notes
• All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for coach drivers
and waiters
Your Accommodation
The Hotel Grand Continental, Siena
Within easy walking distance of Siena’s famous Piazza
del Campo and mediaeval cathedral, the Grand Hotel
Continental occupies a magnificent 17th century palazzo,
carefully restored to its original splendour. Discerning
visitors will find the same hospitality and comfort as their
19th century predecessors who favoured this hotel on
their Grand Tour of Italy.
Villa La Foce
To book call 01341 241717 or visit boxwoodtours.co.uk
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