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Overview

Best Tuscany's Western Coast Winery Vacations

Famous cypress trees of Bolgheri during your Tuscany wine tour.Tuscany is a land well known for its rolling hills and vineyards, and the western coast is home to some of our best wine tasting tours in Tuscany. The western part of the province may be lesser known, but it’s no less beautiful between its sprawling wine estates, hilltop towns, and miles of sandy coastline along the crystal-clear Tyrrhenian Sea.

This western coast, known also as the Etruscan coast, is most famous for its Super Tuscan wines, which you will experience on our Toscana wine tours during your fabulous adventure.

The wine production of western Tuscany began shortly after World War II when an Italian aristocrat decided to experiment with Bordeaux varieties and use French winemaking practices. With the land’s rich soil and the sunny maritime climate, the wines quickly took off, and by the 1970s they were renowned around the world and considered on par with – if not better than – French Bordeaux wines. For Italians and Europeans, this part of Tuscany is a necessary stop on any wine tasting tours on the western coast.

Nestled among these Bolgheri vineyards and near the Etruscan coast is the hamlet of Castagneto Carducci, just about 60 miles from Florence. Castagneto Carducci was named after the poet Giosué Carducci, and today the town continues to inspire artists and writers with the way the natural landscape seamlessly intertwines with the charming medieval town.

Stay five nights in the stunning region in a lovely boutique hotel while exploring Tuscany foods with a local chef and Tuscan wines on your Tuscany winery vacations.

This is “truly Tuscany,” and one of our favorite itineraries: a slice of authentic Tuscan life!


Latest Review

We gave this trip 5 stars
Craig & Marcia
Both of our experiences were unique and truly exceptional. Both Andrea and Deborah went out of their way to provide us with hands on cooking lessons, eating experiences and side trips that allowed us to immerse ourselves into the Tuscan region of Italy. Every cooking class was a new experience and both Andrea and Deborah's personalities made it so easy to feel comfortable and at ease while learning new skills. Our excursions and wine tastings were each different and informative... Exceptional lodging arrangements and great locations for two fabulous and unique experiences. Adrian did an exceptional job in fulfilling each and every step for our "Dream" vacation and cooking experience. We were celebrating our 50 Wedding Anniversary and we felt very special as the itinerary included awesome moments to commemorate this special event. Thank you again for a most amazing cooking experience and vacation!! (Note from TIK: These clients also participated in our Living the Real Tuscan Dream cooking vacation.)

Tuscany Winery Tour Details

As one of our top Tuscan wine trips, there is a big focus on Tuscan and Italian wines during your Tuscany food and wine vacations. But your foodie trip will also include:

  • a hands-on cooking class
  • wine tastings in Tuscany at several different local vineyards
  • a visit to Volterra including private tour
  • accommodations at a small villa hotel
  • transfers and transportation
  • meals as per the itinerary

Itinerary

A picnic of cheese and wine enjoyed during a culinary tour with TIKHere is what you can expect during our wine tours along the Tuscan’s western coast, but keep in mind we can always customize our Tuscany wine tastings as well. We can add extra nights, additional cooking classes and wine tastings, and more! Contact us to get started.

Day One

  • Arrive at Pisa airport and transfer to the medieval hamlet of Castagneto Carducci, home for our western Tuscany wine tours. Check in to your accommodations.
  • After check in you may wish to take a stroll into town.
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner at il Vecchio Frantoio restaurant, only a couple of steps from the Villa Luci or a 15 minute walk from the Relais dei Molini. A perfect start to your food and wine tour of Tuscany!
  • Overnight.

Petra Winery in western Tuscany


Day Two

  • Breakfast.
  • In the morning, meet your driving guide for the first of your private full-day wine tasting tours in Tuscany. First, stop at Podere Sapaio — a 40 hectare vineyard and olive grove where they produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot wines — for a guided winery visit and Tuscany wine tasting of Volpolo and Sapaio wines.
  • Next, it’s on to the colorful village of Bolgheri. Lunch at the Enoteca Tognoni.
  • In the afternoon, continue to the second of your wine tasting tours in Tuscany and visit Petra winery, a 300-hectare seaside estate designed by architect Mario Botta. After the Tuscan wine tasting, take a walk into the medieval village of Suvereto and its fascinating hamlet.
  • Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own. There are several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodations.
  • Overnight.

Day Three

  • Following breakfast, around 9:15AM, transfer to the Bolgheri countryside for a private cooking class with Chef Chicca. You will prepares an authentic Tuscan meal from fresh pasta through dessert, and then enjoy it for lunch.
  • In the afternoon, return to the hotel and have a free afternoon to relax or enjoy some time in town.
  • Dinner on your own in the village.
  • Overnight.

Argentiera Winery in Tuscany


Day Four

  • Breakfast.
  • In the morning, continue with your Tuscany wine tours, departing around 11:00 AM for 2 prestigious wineries of the area. First stop is the Terre del Marchesato wine estate, where you will have a guided tour and tasting and a light lunch.
  • In the afternoon, transfer to the Tenuta Argentiera winery where you will enjoy a guided visit, one of our favorite experiences on our Tuscany wine tours. After a drive among the wine rows, you’ll reach the top of the hill, which overlooks the estate’s vineyards as well as the Tyrrhenian Sea. The tour concludes with a stop in the wine cellars for a wine tasting.
  • Return to your accommodation.
  • Dinner on your own in town.
  • Overnight.

The charming streets of Volterra visited during some of our Tuscany wine tours.Day Five

  • Breakfast, then depart around 9:30 AM for a private excursion to Volterra. Meet your local guide for a 2-hour guided tour of this beautiful town. Volterra, located at 531 m above sea level, was one of the most important city-states of the ancient Etruscan civilization. It is also known for its white alabaster, which is still used today in many artisanal workshops. Volterra is one of the most intact medieval villages of Tuscany, characterized by its tower houses, its splendid palaces, and by the Duomo that houses a surprising number of Medieval and Renaissance art pieces.
  • Your tour will start at the medieval walls, from which you can look down on the pristine rural landscape that extends to the Mediterranean. Cross through the city gate called the “Porta all’Arco,” built 2350 years ago!, and you will feel you have stepped back in time. The small streets and beautiful panoramas will lead you to the Cathedral, which has the famous wooden “Deposition,” and works by Benozzo Gozzoli and Fra’ Bartolomeo, and to its adjacent octagonal Baptistry, the beautiful Piazza dei Priori, and the Roman theater.
  • Lunch on your own in Volterra, with suggestions by your guide.
  • Return to Castagneto Carducci, about an hour’s drive, around 2:30 PM. Time to relax for a bit before dinner.
  • Farewell dinner tonight at the famous “Da Ugo” to taste Ugo’s signature game dishes.
    Overnight.

Toasting during our Tuscany wine tours int he vineyards.

Day Six

  • Check out and private transfer to Pisa airport. We hope you enjoyed your food and wine tour of Tuscany!

Bolgheri Vineyards Trip Details

Included in the 5-Night Tuscany Wine Cellar Visit Trip

Accommodations

5 nights accommodation at boutique hotel

Food & Beverages

  • Daily breakfast
  • 3 lunches
  • 2 dinners
  • Local wine included with all included meals

Classes & Instructors

Your hands-on cooking class during your wine tasting tour Tuscany will be at a private home with chef Chicca. You class menu will feature traditional Tuscan dishes, and you will prepare a full meal from fresh pasta to dessert.

Excursions

  • Tuscany wine tours to Podere Sapaio, Tenuta Argentiera in Bolgheri, Petra winery, Terre del Marchesato, and Suvereto
  • Visits of Bolgheri and Suvereto
  • Excursion to Volterra

Transfer Details

  • Round-trip transfers from/to Pisa airport or train station. (Transfers from Florence are possible for an additional cost.)

Not Included

  • Overnight tourist tax
  • Meals not specified
  • Gratuities

Accommodation Information

Your accommodations will be in one of the lovely boutique hotels in the area. We generally use one of two properties, but if unavailable an alternative will be proposed.

The first is Villa le Luci, an ancient family villa in the western Tuscan countryside. After extensive restoration, it was turned into a charming boutique hotel of just 6 rooms. All rooms offer king-size beds with modern amenities, including air conditioning, hair dryers, and internet.

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Another option is to upgrade to the beautiful Relais dei Molini, a lovely hotel of just 3 rooms and 4 suites. The en suite rooms are decorated in traditional Tuscan style, each with its own unique decor, as well as all the expected amenities. There is a terrace with views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside, and the rooms include outdoor spaces.

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The Western Coast Wine Tasting Vacations Pricing & Dates

Find pricing and dates for our Tuscany wine tasting tours below, and contact us for availability or to customize your trip.



Tuscany Wine Tasting Tour Sample* Pricing:

5-Night Wine Tour Pricing

US$4180 per person based on double occupancy

    *Pricing can vary be season and specific dates: please inquire with dates for detailed pricing.

    30% deposit due to confirm booking.

    Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!

    Please inquire for single occupancy.

    Transfers from Pisa are included. Transfers from Florence possible for an additional cost.


    Tuscany Wine Tasting Tour Dates

    Our wine tours in Tuscany are available year round for a minimum of 2 people. Please note the Tuscan food and wine tour can be customized, including additional nights, classes, and wine tastings. 

    2024
    Available on request – please inquire with dates!

    Reviews

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    We Can Help Plan Your Best Winery Tour in Tuscany!

    Enjoying a wine tasting tour in Tuscany.
    If you are looking for an unforgettable way to explore Tuscany wineries, contact The International Kitchen. We can help plan the perfect itinerary that will indulge your taste buds with delectable treats from across Tuscany! Reach out Reach out today to see how much more enriching life becomes when traveling through this beautiful country called Italy! Contact Us
     

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