Day Trips and Excursions :: FROM THE CRADLE OF LEONARDO TO THE HEART OF THE RENAISSANCE

FROM THE CRADLE OF LEONARDO TO THE HEART OF THE RENAISSANCE
A Full-day Tour to Vinci and the Medici Villas

Depart from your hotel in the early morning with a private luxury vehicle, English-speaking driver and tour escort. Drive to Vinci, the picturesque hill-top village where Leonardo da Vinci was born. Visit the Museo Leonardiano - inside the impressive Castle of Conti Guidi, - with its intriguing collection of more than 50 models based on the genius's far-sighted designs. Then continue to Artimino, idyllically set above the valley of the Arno River, where you enjoy a pleasant walk through this medieval village encircled by magnificent walls and free time for lunch. You may wish to visit to the Etruscan Museum in the Medici Hunting Lodge of Villa La Ferdinanda (optional).
In the afternoon, enjoy an endless panorama of olive groves, vine-yards and woodland en route to the Capezzana Farm Estate. Visit the oil press, oil cellar and wine cellar then enjoy a tasting of the renowned local wines. These noble vintages were among the first to be recognized with DOC status – back in 1716 by Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany! After passing through Seano, the road continues down to Poggio a Caiano. Visit to the Villa Ambra commissioned by Lorenzo de' Medici, and built after a design by Giuliano da Sangallo. This magnificent structure witnessed the great intellectual discourses of Medici's Plato Group and the recitations of the poet Poliziano. It is decorated with frescoes by famous artists such as Pontormo, Filippino Lippi and Allori and was a favorite retreat of the first Italian king, Vittorio Emmanuele.

Activity type: Escorted Tour

Activity duration: Full day

Available from: CHIANTI VALLEY, FLORENCE and surroundings, LUCCA and surroundings, PISA