An Autumn of Wine & Truffles in Tuscany

An opportunity for well-heeled travellers to join a real-life truffle hunt; tour vineyards; taste exclusive vintages with paired menus; and even drive a Ferrari through the Chianti countryside is on offer during a weeklong “Autumn of Wine & Truffles” tour of Tuscany with The Leading Hotels of the World.

Scheduled from 17 - 23 October 2010, the seven day foodies dream will be available to just 12 Asia Pacific Leaders Club Members and follows the success of Villa d’Este’s epicurean programme which took place in 2009, and sold out in just 3-days.

This year the event will be hosted at the sublime Villa La Massa in Firenze, sister property to Villa d’Este hotel, member of The Leading Hotels of the World and 2009 winner of the Prix Villegiature for Best Hotel Service in Europe.

The tour will take in some of the region’s most celebrated chefs and vineyards including rare access to fine winemakers, cultural and lifestyle landmarks. Highlights include:

- time with an authentic trifolau and his trusted canine, learning about the many varieties of Tuscan truffles before embarking on a truffle hunt in the woods – followed by a rustic lunch savouring the treasured delicacies fresh from the ground;

- a tour of the Antinori estate of Badia a Passignano before a special wine tasting dinner savouring the ‘Super-Tuscans’ Guado al Tasso, Tignanello and Solaia;

- a Ferrari race through the Chianti countryside with experienced Ferrari pilots;

- a private tour of the Palazzo Pitti, a treasure trove of Renaissance artifacts and home to the amazing Galleria Palatina, and then to Setificio di Firenze which has manufactured silks for royals and discerning clients since the 18th century;

- a gala dinner at Castello di Nipozzano hosted by the owner, Marchese Leonardo Frescobaldi.

It is complimentary to become a Leaders Club Member, and the 2010 rewards programme includes a number of incentives and benefits to members, not least, a free one-night stay at any Leading Hotel for those who complete five stays at a minimum of two Leading Hotels by the end of 2010.

The “Autumn of Wine & Truffles” booking code is X9.

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