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Italian Food and Wine Tour

The Italian Wine & Culinary Odyssey

Join us for an unforgettable 7-day tour of Italy with Le Baccanti Tours. On this tour of Italy, you'll stay in a beautiful countryside winery, giving you the chance to unwind in the Tuscan hills, enjoy hand-picked local restaurants, boutique wineries, and curated tastings that showcase the very best of the region, along with time built in to explore Florence and the surrounding countryside independently.

    The Italian Wine & Culinary Odyssey

    7 Days • Transportation • Small Group • Florence & Tuscany • Hosted & Guided Tour

    Book now with a $250 deposit and discover Tuscany’s best food, wine & iconic sights on a small-group tour.

    Mint Julep Experiences has partnered with our trusted Italian experts tour operator Le Baccanti Tours for an unforgettable 7-day experience. Discover the very best of Tuscany and Florence on a relaxed, immersive journey filled with incredible food, world-class wine, and authentic Italian experiences.

    Starting at $4,999

The Experience

  • tour description

    March 13th, 2027 – March 20th, 2027

    Enjoy hand-picked local restaurants, boutique wineries, and curated tastings that showcase the very best of the region, along with time built in to explore Florence and the surrounding countryside independently.

    This journey is designed to feel relaxed yet rich in experience — combining iconic sights, hidden gems, and unforgettable culinary moments.

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  • Itinerary

    Day 1 Saturday March 13th 2027:

    • Meet your tour guide and the rest of the group in Florence
    • Transfer together to your countryside hotel in Tuscany
    • Settle into your accommodation surrounded by the Tuscan hills
    • Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Tuscan cuisine and local wines

    Day 2 Sunday March 14th:

    • Visit Montalcino, birthplace of Brunello wine
    • Winery tour with vineyard walk, cellar visit, and guided Brunello tasting with lunch
    • Free time to explore the medieval town of Montalcino
    • Visit the Abbey of Sant’Antimo in the Tuscan countryside
    • Overnight in the Tuscan countryside

    Day 3 Monday March 15th:

    • Drive through the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia countryside
    • Visit Montepulciano with free time to explore the historic town
    • Winery lunch with wine tasting among the vineyards
    • Visit Pienza and a traditional Pecorino cheese farm tasting
    • Return to Tuscany Countryside Hotel in the evening and overnight stay

    Day 4 Tuesday March 16th:

    • Truffle hunting experience with a local expert and trained truffle dog in the Tuscan countryside
    • Guided explanation of truffles and their traditional harvesting methods
    • Wine and extra virgin olive oil tasting in a historic wine cellar
    • Truffle-focused lunch before transfer to Florence and evening at leisure

    Day 5 Wednesday March 17th:

    • Guided visit of Florence Central Market with an English-speaking local guide
    • Discover fresh Tuscan produce, meats, cheeses, and artisan specialties
    • Private hands-on cooking class at MaMa Florence Cooking School with a professional chef
    • Enjoy a seated lunch of your own prepared dishes with regional wine, water, and coffee

    Day 6 Thursday March 18th :

    • Explore the Chianti Classico countryside with vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages
    • Visit a renowned Chianti winery with vineyard walk and cellar tour
    • Enjoy a Tuscan lunch with wine pairing at the estate
    • Visit a local olive oil mill with guided tasting experience
    • Learn about traditional production of Chianti wine and extra virgin olive oil

    Day 7 Friday March 19th:

    • Free morning in Florence to explore historic piazzas, art, or cafés
    • Guided aperitivo tour of hidden bars and local wine spots
    • Experience Italy’s aperitivo tradition with drinks and small plates
    • Reserved dinner at a traditional Florentine trattoria in the city center (dinner not included)
    • Evening at leisure enjoying Tuscan cuisine and regional wines

    Day 8 Saturday March 20th:

    • Final breakfast in Florence before departure
    • Reflect on your journey through Tuscany’s vineyards, truffle forests, and historic villages
    • Departure from Italy with lasting memories of food, wine, and culture ( Airport Transfer Not Included)
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  • Highlights

    • Seamless private transport in premium vehicles, connecting Florence, Tuscany, and all countryside experiences
    • Carefully selected boutique hotels in both the Tuscan countryside and Florence for comfort and authenticity
    • Immersive wine experiences including Brunello, Chianti Classico, and Montepulciano with winery visits and tastings
    • Authentic food experiences including truffle hunting, olive oil mills, Pecorino farms, and a hands-on cooking class in Florence
    • Visits to iconic towns and landscapes such as Val d’Orcia, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza, Chianti, and Florence
    • Winery lunches, traditional trattoria dining, and aperitivo experiences showcasing regional cuisine and culture
    • A balance of guided touring and free time to explore Italy at a relaxed pace
    • A curated journey designed to showcase the very best of Tuscany’s food, wine, landscapes, and traditions
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  • What's Included

    • 7 Day Guided Small Group Tour with Luxury Transportation & Tour Guide Throughout
    • 3 Nights at the 4* Castello Di Fonterutoli Tuscany Countryside Farmhouse
    • 4 Nights in Florence at the 4* Hotel Plaza Lucchesi or Horto Convento & Foresteria Della Calza
    • Breakfast Included Each Day
    • 5 Lunches with Wine
    • 1 Dinner With Wine
    • Visit Montalcino, the hilltop town famous for Brunello wine
    • Guided tour and tasting at a biodynamic winery with cellar visit and lunch
    • Visit the Abbey of Sant’Antimo in the Tuscan countryside
    • Winery visit in Montepulciano with wine tasting and traditional Tuscan lunch
    • Visit Pienza, the Renaissance hilltop town with panoramic views
    • Pecorino cheese farm visit with guided tasting
    • Truffle hunting experience with a local expert and trained truffle dog in the Tuscan countryside
    • Wine and extra virgin olive oil tasting in a historic wine cellar
    • Truffle-inspired lunch with seasonal Tuscan dishes and wine pairing
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  • What's not included

    • Farewell Florentine trattoria a-la-carte meal (Bistecca alla Fiorentina upgrade available for extra cost)
    • Personal expenses, gratuities, and unspecified beverages or meals
    • Departure transfer from Florence (not included but available on request)
    • Flights To/From Italy
    • Transfer to the meeting point in Florence
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  • What to bring

    • Waterproof jacket
    • Valid travel documents such as Passports and any required identification
    • Comfortable walking shoes for market visits, vineyard walks and truffle hunt
    • Weather-appropriate outerwear for countryside walks
    • Camera/smartphone
    • Chargers and power bank
    • EU power adaptor
    • Travel insurance
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  • Disclaimers

    • Participants: A minimum of 10 guests is required for the tour to proceed. If the minimum number is not met, we reserve the right to cancel the tour and issue a full refund within 90-days prior to departure. We are not responsible for any additional costs, such as non-refundable airline tickets, resulting from the cancellation.
    • This tour is best suited for adults aged 18 years and over.
    • There is some walking involved throughout the day, so guests should be prepared to walk to fully enjoy the experience.
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Looking for a custom itinerary

Craft your own Custom Tour

Work with one of our experience coordinators and tap into our local knowledge and expertise to craft the perfect day.

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Southern Hospitality with a Twist of Mint

what our
guests say

Look no further! Book with Mint Julep!

I did 2 tours the first with Cindy and Gary the driver. I loved the tour. First class experience. Cindy is a great guide and Gary is a top driver! You couldn’t ask for more in the tour. We were taken round some amazing distilleries and truly looked after by Mint Julep. The second was with the amazing driver guide Dan. Dan’s knowledge and enthusiasm is amazing! He really went the extra mile in looking after us.

Ralph R.

02/02/2025

Great Bourbon-Great Tour

From planning to packing for the return home - Mint Julep was AWESOME! 10 of us had the idea to hit the Bourbon trail, but didn't want to drive. We found Mint Julep and connected with Jeannie who is the best, most detailed travel planner around. She knows the best tours, tastings and horse farms, and worked out the times and activities perfectly. When we got to Louisville, we met our driver Kenny. He is knowledgeable about Bourbon, Kentucky and so much more. For 2 days we sipped, tasted, toured, petted horses, learned about distilling, rik houses and thoroughbreds. The vans are clean and comfortable. We were dropped at the front door, helped in and out, provided with water, helped with purchases and more.
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Go and enjoy this experience...and book with Mint Julep-you'll have a blast!

Joanne M.

05/09/2024

Birthday Bourbon Trip!

My friend took treated me to a day tour for my birthday. It was top shelf and then some!!! Rabbit Hole (Louisville), Bulleit (Shelbyville), Buffalo Trace and a delicious lunch at Limewater (both in Frankfort). Tom R was our guide and he was excellent. Highly recommend Tom & Mint Julep! Professional, knowledgeable and just plain fun. And a shout out to our driver Nelson without whom we’d never made it to these super Kentucky distilleries

Margaret H.

12/02/2025

Best Tour I’ve ever experienced!

First time on the Bourbon Trail, and I highly recommend going with Mint Julep Experiences to book your tour! Great day had by all, tour guide was very knowledgeable about the Louisville area and distilleries.

Becky R.

07/11/2024

Look no further! Book with Mint Julep!

I did 2 tours the first with Cindy and Gary the driver. I loved the tour. First class experience. Cindy is a great guide and Gary is a top driver! You couldn’t ask for more in the tour. We were taken round some amazing distilleries and truly looked after by Mint Julep. The second was with the amazing driver guide Dan. Dan’s knowledge and enthusiasm is amazing! He really went the extra mile in looking after us.

Ralph R.

02/02/2025

Great Bourbon-Great Tour

From planning to packing for the return home - Mint Julep was AWESOME! 10 of us had the idea to hit the Bourbon trail, but didn't want to drive. We found Mint Julep and connected with Jeannie who is the best, most detailed travel planner around. She knows the best tours, tastings and horse farms, and worked out the times and activities perfectly. When we got to Louisville, we met our driver Kenny. He is knowledgeable about Bourbon, Kentucky and so much more. For 2 days we sipped, tasted, toured, petted horses, learned about distilling, rik houses and thoroughbreds. The vans are clean and comfortable. We were dropped at the front door, helped in and out, provided with water, helped with purchases and more.
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Go and enjoy this experience...and book with Mint Julep-you'll have a blast!

Joanne M.

05/09/2024

Birthday Bourbon Trip!

My friend took treated me to a day tour for my birthday. It was top shelf and then some!!! Rabbit Hole (Louisville), Bulleit (Shelbyville), Buffalo Trace and a delicious lunch at Limewater (both in Frankfort). Tom R was our guide and he was excellent. Highly recommend Tom & Mint Julep! Professional, knowledgeable and just plain fun. And a shout out to our driver Nelson without whom we’d never made it to these super Kentucky distilleries

Margaret H.

12/02/2025

Best Tour I’ve ever experienced!

First time on the Bourbon Trail, and I highly recommend going with Mint Julep Experiences to book your tour! Great day had by all, tour guide was very knowledgeable about the Louisville area and distilleries.

Becky R.

07/11/2024

The most
common
questions

Didn't find what you were looking for? Feel free to reach out to our team

  • What are the tour dates and duration?

    This is a 7-day small-group tour. March 13–20, 2027

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  • Where does the tour start and end?

    The tour starts and concludes in Florence, Italy.

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  • How do I get to the tour start?

    We recommend flying into Florence, Pisa or Bologna. Airport transfers are not included, so guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the meeting point.

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  • How do I leave at the end of the tour?

    We recommend flying home from Florence, Pisa, or Bologna. Transfers from the tour finish are not included. But can be added on for a supplement

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  • Is this tour suitable for children?

    No. This tour is best suited for adults aged 18 years and over.

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  • How much walking is involved?

    There is moderate walking during vineyard visits, markets, and truffle hunts. Comfortable shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the experience

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  • What happens if the minimum number of guests is not met?

    A minimum of 10 guests is required for the tour to operate. If the minimum is not reached, the tour will not run, and full refunds for the tour cost will be issued. We are not responsible for personal expenses, including flights or accommodations, if the tour does not proceed.

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  • Can I request dietary restrictions or special needs?

    Yes, please inform us at the time of booking of any dietary requirements, allergies, or mobility concerns so we can accommodate where possible.

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  • How large are the tour groups?

    Between 10 & 16 Guests

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