Castello Di Bolgheri and Exclusive Wine Tasting
Duration: 9 hours
Tour Code: LRN-016
This full-day Regent Choice tour is recommended for wine-lovers seeking an exclusive visit to the Castle of Bolgheri.
Depart the Port of Livorno for the scenic 1-hour drive by mini-bus through the Tuscan countryside. In the Maremma Region, you will see cypress trees, olive groves and vineyards. As you continue on through the gently rolling hills overlooking the sea pines and sand dunes of the Tirreno Sea, your guide will point out sites of interest and introduce you to the local history. Leaving the town center, you will see the ancient castles and watchtowers that dominate the dramatic rocky cliffs on the Mediterranean coastline.
Your first stop will be Castle of Bolgheri, whose origins date back to the 1200s. Since then, it has been the property of the Counts of Gherardesca family. In the second half of the 1700s, restoration work and improvements were made to the building, and the cellars were built. In 1895, the castle's facade was modified, with the construction of the tower and merlons that are seen today.
Bolgheri Castle is surrounded by picturesque vineyards, olive orchards and wooded areas and both sides of the estate are adjacent to the famous cypress road extolled in the poetry of Giosuè Carducci. During your visit, you will be served two wines produced by the winery (Castello di Bolgheri and Varvàra), along with some wholesome bread, extra virgin olive oil, prosciutto and savoury sheep cheese. Relax and enjoy the Castle's ambience as you swirl the wines in your glass, releasing their fine aromas and discovering the extraordinary personality of every drop. After your wine tasting, you will be treated to a guided tour of the estate and the cellars before having some free time to catch a glimpse of the local country lifestyle. You may also use this time to purchase some selected wines and souvenirs at the local shops before transfering to a typical Tuscan restaurant, nestled in a quiet and intimate setting near the San Guido Estate.
After lunch, a visit will be made to the Le Macchiole Estate in the heart of the Strada del Vino Costa degli Etruschi, the Etruscan Coast's wine route. Upon arrival, an estate guide will escort you to the noble vineyards and cellars where their award-winning wine is produced, then to the private dining room for a wine tasting.
Following your tour, you will re-board your mini-bus for the return drive to the Port of Livorno.
Please note: Due to the exclusive nature of this tour, there is limited availability. Only 16 guests will be able to participate in this unique Tuscan experience. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for this tour, which involves moderate walking at Castello di Bolgheri and at Le Macchiole Estate. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate in this exclusive tour.