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June 1 to 8, 2024
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VEGAN TRAVEL CLUB LE MARCHE
​STARTING PRICE $3,695 PER PERSON

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To book this tour now,
click "Add to Cart".

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We require a deposit
of US$400 per guest. 

itinerary

Day 1- Saturday,  Arrive in Florence
Arrive in Florence, check into our hotel at your leisure. Meet Miyoko and your fellow travelers for cocktails and proceed to our welcome dinner. 
Accommodations: Borgo Pratomagno
Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 - Sunday, Cooking lesson with Miyoko
Free morning in the villa. In the afternoon Miyoko will gather the group to cook a wonderful meal together. Dinner on the terrace together.
Accommodations: Borgo Pratomagno
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 - Monday-  Siena
The grandeur that Siena had in the Middle Ages can still be admired here in all the streets, squares and churches. With the typical Italian atmosphere that the city has, you should not skip Siena when you visit Italy. The historical city center is on UNESCO’s World Heritage site. We will have a walking tour to learn more, then free time to explore on our own. We will meet for dinner together before going back to the villa.
Accommodations: Borgo Pratomagno
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 - Tuesday, Querciabella Winery
The name Querciabella means “beautiful oak”. We will be spending the afternoon at this vegan, organic and biodynamic winery in the heart of Chinati. Thanks to Miyoko and her friend the owner Sebastiano Cossia Castiglioni, an impassioned vegan and animal rights activist, we will enjoy a spectacular 5 star evening at the vineyard while supporting a local Tuscany sanctuary. Donations are welcome and all donations will be matched by the vineyard. https://querciabella.com/
Accommodations:Borgo Pratomagno
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 5 - Wednesday, Tuscany cooking lesson in the countryside.
This morning we will have a relaxing brunch at the villa. Next we will visit the village of Certaldo Alto, a short 15 minute walk to the top of the medieval village with beautiful views of the valley. Then our dear friend Guisseppina will show us the classic Tuscan “poor plates” dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro and much more. We will relax looking over the rolling hills cooking together with live Tuscan entertainment. 
Accommodations:Borgo Pratomagno
Meals: Brunch and Cooking Lesson Dinner

Day 6 - Thursday, Montepluciano and wine country 
This morning we are heading out early, see below for a super early option. Today we are going to get serious about winemaking and tasting. We will learn the proper way and traditions of making, drinking and pairing wines.
Accommodations: Borgo Pratomagno
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch 
** Optional hot air balloon at sunrise. An 4 hour event over the hills of Tuscany ending in a prosecco toast and vegan breakfast. This is an extra activity, limited space and non refundable.

Day 7 - Friday, Free day in Lucca
Charming wall historic center. Free time to explore, shop, rent a bike or just see the sites of the city. We will meet for late lunch early dinner together.
Accommodations: Borgo Pratomagno
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 - Saturday, Departure to next destination
Meals: Breakfast

This Tour includes:

• Welcome reception & cocktail proceeding into Dinner
• Daily buffet breakfast and 1 brunch 
• One lunch and six dinners; including wine tastings, cooking demos and cooking lessons.
• Seven night stay in a private Borgo of Villas just south of Florence
• Professional tour manager, Visitors' tax , Luggage handling,  Daily cleaning service. Towel change only by request charge of 15 euros, Complimentary Wi-Fi  
• Guided walking tours of towns Siena, Certaldo Alto, Montepulciano and surrounding area.
• 1st class motor coaches

tour does not include:

• Travel protection insurance, each guest is required to have travel insurance for this trip.
• International airfare to Italy.
• Dayroom or extra hotel nights necessitated by airline flight schedule changes
• Items of a personal nature, i.e. souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, emails, etc.​​

about our villa

Borgo Pratomagno dates back to the 1600's, when it was originally a convent. Today it has been painstakingly restored bringing this wonderful hamlet to life again. It is set in over 1,000 hectares of estate grounds and is an ideal property for a large group, family reunion or celebration. It is made up of several exquisite villas & apartments all set around a central square, which captures the original essence of this beautiful hamlet. The estate is set amongst olive groves and has a beautiful mountain backdrop.

Private parking
Large private grounds
Air con in bedrooms
Sat TV
Phone
Library with books and magazines
WI FI in library
Billiard room
Theatre - seats 160 for conferences, events , meetings
Enoteca - wine shop/bar
Restaurant
Self service bar
Changing rooms at pool
Shared pool 10 x 20 mt
Estate products for sale: olive oil, Vinsanto (dessert wine), Zolfini beans
Footpaths around estate and through chestnut and beech woods

Frequently asked questions
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How many hours a day will we be walking or on a bus?
Every day we will be walking a minimum of 3 hours. There will also be uphill streets and stairs. The bus rides vary in time for 20 minutes to 2 hours.

I am traveling alone, will I be the only one?
No, on average we have about half the group that are singles.

Is there a single supplement? And why?
Yes, there is. It's $550 for a private room. The reason we have a single supplement is because some hotels do not offer a single rate. So as a single person you are paying a full rate of the room instead of it being divided by two.

How can I avoid paying the single supplement?
We can match guests with same-sex roommates. We will connect you by email and you can see if you are compatible to share a room. 

Is my deposit of $400 refundable?
No, we have limited space and need a commitment from each guest. Please note that the deposit of $400 per guest
is NON-REFUNDABLE except in the case that the trip does not meet the minimum number of participants.
The trip's go-status will be confirmed no later than 90 days before departure. This trip is now a GO.

Notice of cancellation must be in writing to Tierno Tours LLC. In the event that a client needs to cancel his or her tour, the following cancellation penalties apply whether or not a person is rebooked on another tour:
Up to October 20, 2022 –$400 deposit may be used as credit to rebook another tour within two years/24 months of original booking. No cash refunds.
After October 20 , 2022 all funds are non refundable.
Within 89 days of departure – 100% of the booking is non refundable.

What deposits are due and when?
We require $400 per person 1st deposit and $800 per person 2nd deposit on October 20, 2022 and final payment is due February 20, 2023, for balance of the tour.

ready to book this tour?

To book this tour now, click "Add to Cart".

We require a deposit of US$400 per guest. 
​You can choose the number of guests at checkout.

Do I need Travel Insurance? Where can I purchase Insurance?
Each guest is required to have travel insurance for this trip. It is a base coverage. You may add more if necessary to you circumstances.

How do I book my flights?
As soon as the group is formed we will be sending out a confirmation email with all necessary information. You can contact our agent or if you are booking your own airfare, departure dates and airports will be listed in the confirmation email.

Is my flight included?
No, This is a land package only.
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If booking your own airfare:
Departure from USA or Canada no later than Friday, May 19, 2023.

​How do we pack?
We have a Zoom conference with the group before the trip to explain packing and general information; plus a packing list.

Is an upgrade possible?
Yes, in some of our accommodations upgrades are possible. Many times they are limited and we recommend that you contact us to reserve the room as soon as possible. You will be given a price and charged at the time of booking. All upgrades are non-refundable.

Where are we staying? 
Seven night stay in a private Borgo of Villas just south of Florence.
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How do I get from the airport to the Hotel?
There are many transfer companies. We will help you book your transfer as soon as you purchase your airfare. 

What airport should you fly into?
We are recommending flying into Florence airport. But it is possible to fly into Rome (FCO)
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How much is the cost of the Transfer?
A private transfer is about 150 Euro and the bus shuttle is 45 Euro per person with a minimum of 6 guests.