Showing posts with label Tuscany. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tuscany. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

NEW TOUR! Italian Perfetto

Italian Perfetto!

Our independent Italian Perfetto tour brings you the perfect blend of wonderful Rome, romantic Florence and the Tuscan countryside.

Tour Highlights:

  • Exciting New Itinerary
  • 9 Meals -Breakfast & Dinner
  • Explore Rome, Florence and the Tuscany region
  • Culinary delights at the Villa with a welcome dinner and a cooking class

Your Italian Perfetto tour includes:

  • Arrival transfer from Rome airport to Hotel in Rome
  • Seven nights accommodations - including 2-nights at a Tuscan villa
  • Italian buffet or continental buffet breakfast daily except for day of arrival
  • Welcome dinner at the Villa including drinks
  • Tour fo the Vatican and Colosseum
  • Private transfer from Rome hotel to Rome train station
  • First class train from Rome to Florence
  • Private transfer from Florence rail station to Florence hotel
  • Tour of Florence
  • Car at disposal fro full day tour excursion to Chianti region with full day English speaking guide
  • Visit to a Tuscan butcher fro a Salami tasting
  • Visit and wine tasting at Verazzano Castle
  • Pizza making with Mamma Paola at the Villa
  • Private transfer to Florence Airport or rail station from the Villa
  • Portfolio of travel documents

    Start planning your Italy Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Culinary Delights

Tour Highlights

  • A Celtic Exclusive
  • 8 Meals - Breakfast daily and 3 dinners
  • Wine tasting
  • Hands on Tuscan culinary classes
  • Great for groups and individuals
  • Tour Includes

Tour Includes

  • Arrival transfer from Florence Airport or Florence rail station to the Villa Casagrande
  • Five nights in a double standard room at Villa Casagrande in the Tuscany region (upgrade to superior room is also available)
  • Italian buffet breakfast, except day of arrival
  • Welcome dinner at the Villa, including 1/4 wine and 1/2 water
  • Cooking class at the Villa (from 4:00 - 7:00 pm), based on preparation of three recipes. Enjoying, at the end, your prepared feast
  • Hands on pizza making session at the Villa. Enjoying, at the end, your cooking efforts.
  • Full day car at disposal for Siena and San Gimignano tour
  • One wine tasting at farm in San Gimignano


    Start planning your Tuscany Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Hotel Spotlight: Villa Casagrande

Villa Casagrande

Via Castelgluinelli 84 : Figline Valdarno, Florence 50063 : ITALY

Situated in an Italian villa dating from the 14th century, Villa Casagrande is located in the medieval town of Figline Valdarno, 25 kilometres from Florence. The 60 guestrooms are decorated in a style. The hotel is situated in its own grounds complete with traditional Italian garden and guests have the benefit of an indoor swimming pool, massage treatment room, sauna, fitness equipment and beauty services. For business visitors there are banquet facilities and conference and meeting rooms. Learn more about this Tuscan Villa.

Travel to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Hotel Spotlight: Palazzo San Lorenzo

Palazzo San Lorenzo

Via Gracco del Secco : Colle Val D'Elsa, Siena 113 - 53034 : ITALY

From a building of the XVII century, the Hotel distinguishes for its refined and elegant atmosphere, able to mix tradition and modern style. A lot of details attract the visitor’s eye: the remarkable breakfast room in the inside court with glass ceiling, the restaurant “Sopra le mura" in the ancient Chapel of the palace and the Wine-bar with panoramic view on the nice historical centre of Colle di Val D’ELSA Learn more about this Tuscany Hotel.

Travel to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Treasures of Italy - Escorted Motorcoach Tour



Treasures of Italy - with Guaranteed Departures!

Enjoy the best of Italy during your unique journey highlighting the rich history and spectacular beauty of this majestic country. You will enjoy the best of traditional cities including Florence, Venice and Rome.
Tour Highlights:
  • 10 Meals: Breakfasts and Dinners
  • Great for Groups and Individuals
  • In Rome see the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica
  • In Siena visit Piazza del Campo and the Municipal Palace
  • In Assisi view the Churches of St. Francis and St. Claire
  • In Florence visit the Accademia - home of Michangel's "David"
  • In Padua see Donatello's masterpiece - the "Gattamelata"
  • In Venice vist the famous Square of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs
Your Treasures of Italy tour includes:
  • Six (6) nights accommodation at four star hotels (3 star superior in Venice) with downtown locations for six (6) nights
  • American or continental (no eggs) buffet breakfast daily, except for day of arrival.
  • Half-day tour of Rome: Monumental Rome.
  • Round-trip transfer with private car/minibus with driver and assistant.
  • Four (4) dinners.
  • Service charges and local taxes included (excluding tips to driver and guides.)
  • Professional headset system from day 04 to end of tour as needed for commentary.
  • Ground transportation by deluxe motorcoach from day four until the end of tour.
  • Scenic drives through the beautiful Tuscan countryside and medival towns via the Autostrade del Sole and through the Emilia Romagna region, land of world famous "prosciutto" and parmigiano choose and the Veneto region, world famous for it's Villa Palladio.
  • Multi-lingual tour escort beginning on day four.
  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary.
  • Local guides and entrance fees during the tour.
  • Porterage of one suitcase per person.
  • Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.
    Travel to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Thursday, November 29, 2012

NEW TOUR! Italian Flavors – Escorted – Featuring Rome, Tuscany & Cinque Terre



Italian Flavors - with Guaranteed Departures!

An exciting new tour, bringing you the eternal city of Rome, the Tuscan countryside, and unforgettable Cinque Terre. Along with Siena, Pisa, Lucca and three wine tastings, this tour is sure to bring you the flavors of Italy!
Tour Highlights:
  • 9 Meals; Breakfast and Dinner
  • Visit Rome, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, La Spezia, CInque Terre, Lucca and Montecarlo Di Lucca  
  • Wine Tastings at Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Montecarlo Di Lucca
  • Tuscan Farm Visit
  • Great for Groups and Individuals

Thursday, November 22, 2012

NEW TOUR! Tuscan Experience with Rome- Semi-Escorted Tour



Tuscan Experience with Rome!

Our new Tuscan Experience will continue to enchant you! Enjoy an independent night in Rome, the Eternal City! Followed by 5-nights at the Villa Casagrande, a wine-producing villa constructed in 1392. You will find ourselves strolling down quiet lanes bound by stone walls, cypress trees and cream-colored villas. A true Tuscan Experience!
Tour Highlights:
  • Daily touring from one location - no unpacking!
  • 8 meals; Breakfast & Dinners - with drinks included
  • See Florence and the Tuscany Region, Chianti, Sienna and San Gimignano
Your Tuscan Experience tour includes:
  • Private transfer on arrival from Rome airport to your Rome hotel.
  • One (1) night accommodation at Hotel Windrose or similar in Rome. (Upgrades to other hotels available).
  • Five (5) nights accommodations at Villa Casagrande in Chianti, Italy.
  • Private transfer from your Rome hotel to the Villa Casagrande.
  • Welcome dinner at the Villa with drinks included.
  • Italian buffet breakfast daily excluding the day of arrival.
  • Half-day English speaking guide for Florence visit (3-hours).
  • One farewell dinner at the Villa with wine and water included.
  • Full day tour excursion to Chianti region (8-hours).
  • Full day English speaking guide (6-hours) in Chianti.
  • Visit to a butcher in Chianti for Tuscan salami tasting.
  • Visit and wine tasting at Verrazzano Castle.
  • Optional Cooking Class
  • Roundtrip transfer by car or minibus for Siena and San Gimignano visit.
  • Half-day English speaking guide for Siena visit (3-hours)
  • Private transfer from Villa to Florence Airport (transfer from Villa to Rome can also be arranged for a supplement)
     
     

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Tuscan Countryside

Tuscan Countryside Villa Stay - An ideal spot for a restful and enjoyable holiday in the Tuscan Region!
NEW for 2013, we are excited to introduce this Tuscan Countryside Package featuring the Fattoria Degli Usignoli positioned between the Arno Valley and the Chianti Hills, just 17 miles from Florence. This villa over looks a beautiful landscape of vineyards and cypress-lined fields.
This is an excellent package for both individual and group travel and has become a popular base for touring the Tuscan Region while enjoying the warmth and charm of Fattoria Degli Usignoli!
The Fattoria Degli Usignoli features two swimming pools, two bars, tennis court, playgroud, billiard rooms, and bowling green. Horse riding and mountian bike hiring is available. This property is great for families!
Tour Highlights:
  • 3 Meals: Breakfast & One (1) Dinner
  • Great for Groups and Individuals
  • Wine tasting and appetizers
Your Tuscan Countryside Villa Stay Includes:

  • Roundtrip airport transfers (from/to Florence Apt)
  • 3 Nights Accommodation at the Fattoria Degli Usignoli 
  • Italian buffet breakfast, except day of arrival
  • One (1) welcome dinner 
Note: City Tax not included and must be paid directly to the hotel

Monday, November 12, 2012



Taste of Tuscany - A Celtic Exclusive!

Our Taste of Tuscany Villa package features an authentic Italian Villa for three nights in the historical center of Figline Valdarno, a small town strategically located between Florence, Arezzo, and Siena. 
This is an excellent program for both individual and group travel and has become a popular base for touring the Tuscan Region while enjoying the warmth and charm of Villa Casagrande!


Tour Highlights:

  • 3 Meals: Breakfast & Dinners
  • Great for Groups and Individuals
  • Wine Tasting and appetizers* (*Wine tasting held Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday only)
Your Taste of Tuscany Villa Stay Includes:
  • Roundtrip airport transfers (from/to Florence Apt)
  • 3 Nights Accommodation at the Villa Casagrande in Chianti, or similar Tuscan Villa
  • Italian buffet breakfast, except day of arrival
  • Special welcome dinne with drinks
  • *Wine Tasting focusing on regional wines with appetizers    
Note: City Tax not included and must be paid directly to the hotel
Travel to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Friday, June 3, 2011

Top 11 Places to Visit in Florence with Children

Imagine a family walk along the River Arno, your children discovering ancient history in the Etruscan tombs or opt for a horse and carriage ride through the magical city. Your family will delight in the treasures of Florence lying around every corner from endless shopping possibilities to sampling the gelato, you and your children will enjoy their Tuscany family vacation. Here are just a couple of recommendations for your next family vacation to Florence:


1. Uffizi Gallery – One of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world, the Uffizi is chock full of spectacular art. Be advised this art museum has long lines and a lot to take in. You will want to be prepared for your visit, book ahead to skip the lines and pick what you want to see ahead of time.

2. Accademia Gallery – Feast your eyes on the original David, Michelangelo’s most famous work.


3. Duomo, Campile, Bapistery - The Duomo, a Florence landmark with its red brick cupola will take you and your families breath away. Next door to the Duomo is the Campanile, the bell tower started by Giotto in the 14th century. Climb up the tower, the stairs go round and round, with cool slits to peer through as you ascend. The Baptistery is the oldest building in Florence. Don’t miss the glorious gilded bronze doors, the "Gates of Paradise" outside, and inside the incredible mosaics on the Batistery ceiling.


4. Boboli Gardens – Children will love to explore these formal 16th century Italian gardens. The Boboli Gardens are a part of the Pitti Palace complex and can be enjoyed with a tour of the main seat of the Medici family or by themselves. With classical accents such as grottos, nympheums, garden temples and more the Boboli Gardens are sure to delight.

5. Leonardo Di Vinci Museum – A hands-on exhibition dedicated to the universal genius Leonardo Di Vinci.



6. Museo Zoologico, Le Specola – The oldest scientific museum in Europe, it holds the largest collection of anatomical waxworks in the world. Today the museum spans 34 rooms and contains not only zoological subjects, such as a stuffed hippopotamus (a 17th-century Medici pet, which once lived in the Boboli Gardens), but also a collection of anatomical waxes, an art developed in Florence in the 17th century for the purpose of teaching medicine.



7. Galleria del Costume – With more than 6000 costumes dating from the 16th to 20th centuries, children and adults will be delighted to see what boys and girls wore in the old days.



8. Piazzale Michelangelo – Take a stroll up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for a wide open panorama of the city and a spot of ice cream.



9. Museo Galileo - The Museo Galileo is home to the only surviving instruments designed and built by Galileo himself.


10. Church of Santa Croce – Famous for it's lovely Giotto frescoes and for the famous people buried there, the Church of Santa Croce is worth a visit.


11. Roman Theater and Archeological Museum - The Roman amphitheater, built between 50 and 0 BC, could hold a big crowd of 2,500 people, and is still used for dramatic productions. Don't miss the ruins of the Roman baths and a Roman-Etruscan temple.


With so much to do in Florence, your family will want to spend more than 1 day exploring. Visit Florence on your Italy for Families vacation with Celtic Tours. This perfect family getaway is centrally located in the Tuscan region and is only a short drive to Florence. Learn more about this great family vacation package to Italy.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Tuscan Experience Sale plus


Save $200 Per Couple on Land on Tuscan Experience
departing May 12, 2011. Use code CS100

Plus, Get $300 Credit Per Couple on Land for Future Celtic Tour
8 Nights or Longer*


Travel to Ireland, Britain, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. . . Endless Possibilities


*Credit must be used towards new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other sales, promotions or discounted pricing. Credit is good towards Future tours 8 nights or longer to Ireland or Italy, from our brochure.

***These specials are for new bookings only and must be on deposit by March 16, 2011.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Sicilian Heritage


Enjoy a visit to the land of sun, Sicily! This stunning island offers a landscape of fascinating and dramatic beauty. Mt. Etna, rising in the center of a volcanic area of Sicily, is the highest active volcano in Europe. The isles of Stromboli and Vulcano are also active volcanoes. Features a visit to the famous village of Corleone, featured in the “Godfather” series! Along with breathtaking scenery, Sicily welcomes you with delicious cuisine as well as the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Your Sicilian Heritage Tour includes:

*Six nights accommodations at first class hotels with private bath/shower.
*Transportation by private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach throughout.
*Services of a professional English-speaking tour director.
*Daily Italian buffet breakfasts at the hotel except the day of the arrival.
*One (1) welcome dinner + One (1) farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Taormina (wine and water included for both of the dinners.)
*One (1) wine tasting at Marsala restaurant.
*Entrance fees to: Benedictine Abbey of Monreale; Doric Temple in Segesta; Valley of Temples in Agrigento; Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina; Archeological Park in Siracusa; Greek Theatre in Taormina.
*Visit to the famous village of Corleone.
*Porterage of one suitcase per person.
*Local taxes and tips (excluding tips to driver and guide).
*Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.

Learn more about this great Tour of Italy!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Limoncello

When life hands you lemons, fly to Italy and drink Limoncello!


Limoncello, a refreshing, intensely lemony cordial hails from southern Italy. It originated on the Isle of Capri in the 19th century, where innkeeper Vincenza Canale treated her patrons to her homemade liqueur. Word spread among travelers about her delightful liqueur and eventually the family began bottling it commercially.

For many Italians, sharing a glass of lemon liqueur with friends, new or old, is the essence of hospitality. When dinner is done, out comes a bottle of fragrant limoncello. Prepared from grain alcohol, infused with lemon peel and sweetened with sugar, it can be sipped as is or drizzled over poundcake, fruit salad or ice cream. One nip tingles the tongue and subsequent sips pack a surprising wallop.

What better way to enjoy this delightful beverage than in Italy! Celtic Tours is pleased to announce the Special Date Tour: Tuscan Experience: Learn more

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Wine Tasting in Chianti



Tuscany is known for its legendary cities, picturesque towns, and its world-renowned wines; all part of its stunning landscapes. Experience the heart of Tuscany with wine tasting tours in Chianti.

Chianti is a region in central Tuscany where the famed Chianti and Chianti Classico wines are produced. Chianti wine is a red wine, historically associated with a squat bottle, enclosed in a straw basket, called a fiasco. Chianti Classico wines are characterized in their youth by their predominantly floral and cinnamon spicy bouquet. As the wine ages, aromas of tobacco and leather can emerge. Chiantis tend to have medium-high acidity and medium tannins. The acidity in the wines make them very flexible with food and wine pairings.

The black rooster emblem that appears on the neck labels of many Chianti Classico is the symbol of the Consorzio Chianti Classico, a foundation of producers in the Chianti Classico region. The foundation was founded with the aim of promoting the wines of the region, improving quality and preventing wine fraud.

Wine tasting in Chianti is a little different than in the US. As most wineries are small, you should call ahead to make an appointment to do a tour. We recommend doing three or less tours in a day because wine tasting in Italy generally takes a couple of hours. You can also find wines to taste, buy and drink at an Enoteca. An enoteca is an establishment where you can sample wines from a wide variety of local wine estates. One of the largest in the Chianti Classico area is Le Cantine di Greve in Chianti, where you can sample over 140 wines, cheese, salame, grappa and olive oil. There is also a wine museum.

A wine tasting tour is Chianti is the perfect way to compliment your Tuscan stay. For more information on Celtic Tour’s Italy tours, please visit our website.

Tuscan Cuisine


Each region in Italy has its own unique cuisine, and Tuscany is a good starting point for exploring the best in Italian food. Tuscan cuisine is appreciated world-round for its fine natural and favorful ingredients. A look at the Tuscan countryside reveals some of the key ingredients in local cooking: olive groves with their silvery sheen, fairytale forests of chestnut trees, hillsides blanketed in grape vines, angelic sheep lolling among ruins, fragrant rosemary and sage bushes lining gardens. Tuscan cooking is simple and seasonal, without the heavy sauces found in other regions.

Traditionally, meals in Italy usually contain 3 or 4 courses. Meals are seen as a time to spend with family and friends, thus daily meals can be longer than in other cultures. Lunch, or Pranzo, is considered the most important meal of the day. During lunch hours (typically 12 noon to 2:00) schoolchildren are allowed to go home and most shops close for a pausa, which is characteristic of that easygoing Italian way of life that visitors find so alluring and desirable.

What better way to learn more about traditional Tuscan cuisine, then to take a cooking class at an historical Tuscan Villa, located in the heart of Chianti. Together with the Villa Casagrande’s Chef Paola Eoncini, you will prepare typical Tuscan dishes and other specialties as well as decadent sweets and Tuscan cakes. Learn more by visiting Celtic Tours website.

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