Romantic Tuscan Vacation, Birthplace of the Renaissance

On this seven-night vacation from Great Value Vacations, you can sample Tuscan wines and cheese, stand before Michelangelo’s David, and tilt your head in line with the Leaning Tower of Pisa during a weeklong stay at a 12th-century hillside castle. The package includes round-trip airfare from New York (JFK), villa accommodations in the middle of the Tuscan wine region, and a rental car for the duration of your trip.

Click here to see a full breakdown of the package.

Montegufoni Castle

Montegufoni Castle (“Castello Montegufoni” in Italian) is a relic from the 12th century, built just before the Italian Renaissance. Situated amid the rolling hills of Tuscany, the castle is just 13 miles outside of Florence. You’ll be staying on the castle grounds, in a villa equipped with en suite bathrooms and a kitchenette. From here you can walk into town to purchase the Chianti region’s namesake wine.

The castle has a prized room frescoed by Italian Futurist Gino Severini. The work, known as La Sala delle Maschere, or “the room of masks,” depicts characters from the Italian Commedia dell'Arte masked theater. The castle estate features an outdoor pool and a restaurant that serves authentic Tuscan food prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Day-Trip Ideas: Florence, Pisa, and San Gimignano

While you’re staying at Montegufoni Castle, hop into the included rental car and check out some of these nearby attractions.

• Florence: The birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Florence is just 13 miles away. Try climbing The Duomo—the Florence Cathedral—to see the city in all its splendor, or marvel at Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze.

• The Leaning Tower of Pisa: This world landmark is just an hour’s drive west of the castle. While in Pisa, you can study up on the 20 other historical churches, or explore the campus of the University of Pisa, which dates back to the 12th century.

• Montelupo Golf Club: About 8 miles away, this classic Tuscan course skirts the Arno River in the stunning green countryside.

• San Gimignano: A walled medieval hill town known as The Town of Fine Towers for its magnificently preserved Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The town is equally popular for its white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.