Travel the Chianti Road, Stay in a Tuscan Villa

Staying at a villa and exploring medieval towns tucked into the Tuscan hills are among the special treats of a tempting vacation program from AHI Travel.

So is sampling the cuisine of a region famous for fine wines, high-grade olive oil and handcrafted cheeses. Basic-but-ambrosial dishes, such as soups thick with white beans and bruschetta—grilled bread with virgin olive oil—are standard fare in a region where dining is a major pastime.

“Chianti in a Tuscan Villa” is an 8-day, 7-night package newly added by Alumni Campus Abroad travel programs, offered by AHI Travel.

These programs immerse visitors in the culture of a region, giving them the opportunity to get to know its people. Accommodations typically are provided in a single hotel (in this case a deluxe villa)—so it is feasible to go ahead and unpack.

Barberino Val d'Elsa

One of the local highlights is a visit to Barberino Val d’Elsa and the elegant Castello di Monsanto winery. Surrounded by 178 vineyard-clad acres, you’ll enjoy a tasting of the region’s full-bodied varieties that have evolved from the familiar table wine in round, straw-bound bottles.

Educational focus includes presentations on “A Tuscan Timeline” and “Renaissance Art.” You’ll learn about modern Tuscany at “Meet the People,” an open panel exchange with friendly local residents. “Contemporary Italy” discusses Italy’s role in the European Union and the country’s political, economic and social status.

Included in this all-inclusive package is round-trip scheduled jet service between North America and Florence, Italy, round-trip motorcoach transfers between the Florence airport and villa, and seven nights’ accommodations at the deluxe Vila Borgo di’Cortefreda (based on double occupancy).

Sixteen Departure Dates from the US

Sixteen departure dates are available from April 13 through October 26. Cost, depending on season, begins at $3,359 per person for departure from New York, Newark, Boston and Washington, D.C. Costs, depending on season, for departures from other U.S. gateways begin at $3,389 from Atlanta and Chicago; $3,459 from Denver; $3,479 from Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston; $3,519 from Los Angeles and San Francisco; and $3,579 from Portland, OR, or Seattle.

For more information contact AHI Travel, 800-323-7373, or visit www.ahitravel.com.